Friday 10h March 2017

Face off Looms, Senate Summons Customs Boss over Car Duty Payments Orders him to appear in uniform

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

A face-off may be brewing between the Senate and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), following the directive issued yesterday by the Senate

that the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hammeed Ali (rtd.) must appear unfailingly in full uniform to explain the decision by the Customs Service to stay the course

on the ultimatum given to car owners nationwide to pay duties on their vehicles between March 13 and April 12, 2019, or risk having their cars impounded.

The Senate directed that he

appears next Wednesday at plenary.

The directive that Col. Ali, a retired Nigerian Army officer, appears in the uniform of the NCS, is not unconnected to the fact that the comptroller-

general has never worn the uniform of the service since his appointment two years ago.

The NCS last week gave a one-month long grace period to car owners to visit payment points across the country

to verify the status of their vehicles and pay duties if this had not been done.

Despite a Senate resolution on Tuesday asking the Continued on page 8

Julius Berger Commences Rehabilitation Work on Abuja Airport Runway ...

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INEC Releases Timetable for 2019 Elections, Fixes Feb 16 for Presidential, NA Polls Charges 23 indicted staff to court

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable for the 2019 elections, indicating that it would hold the next

Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 16, 2019.

The commission also said that governorship and that of the state assembly polls will take place on March 2nd, 2019.

The announcement of the timetable for the 2019 general election, came exactly two years before the conduct of the elections.

While speaking to journalists yesterday on the outcome of

the commission’s management meeting, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Solomon Soyebi said, INEC released the timetable early in order to nurture the

nation’s democracy and the electoral process.

Soyebi said the commission was desirous of standardising the nation’s electoral process and ensuring certainty in the dates for elections so as to

allow proper planning by INEC and other election stakeholders.

He cited examples of the United States of America, Continued on page 9

Buhari Returns, Lands in Kaduna, Choppered to Presidential Villa

May address nation today Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari arrived the country today at about 4 a.m., 51 days after he left the country on a medical vacation.

Owing to the closure of the Abuja airport, presidency sources informed THISDAY that his plane was scheduled to land at the Kaduna airport in the wee hours of today, following which he was to be flown by helicopter to the President Villa, Abuja.

The sources also revealed that the president might address the nation today after his long absence, in order to quell any concerns over his capacity to govern.

The news of his return today was broken last night in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Femi Adesina.

Continued on page 8

ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE ADEBAYO RESIDENCE...

L-R: Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd.); daughter of the late Gen. Robert Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd.), Mrs. Nike Makinde; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.); former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd.); son of Gen. Adebayo and former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Niyi Adebayo; and former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, during the condolence visit of some of the late General’s contemporaries in the Nigerian Army to the family residence of the Adebayos in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos… yesterday

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

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FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017 • T H I S D AY

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NCC: CBN, 13 Banks to Meet Today on Etisalat’s N377bn Debt Telco says it’s still in negotiations with lenders Access Bank owed $131m by network operator

Emma Okonji, Obinna Chima in Lagos and Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the 13 Nigerian banks with exposure to Etisalat to the tune of N377 billion ($1.2 billion) would meet today to deliberate on how to restructure the telcos’ debts.

Mr. Tony Ojobo, the Director of Public Affairs of the commission, in a statement issued in Abuja, said CBN and the management of NCC, led by its Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, met yesterday to find an amicable resolution to the N377 billion owed by the telecom operator to the 13 banks.

According to the statement, the meeting which was held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja, was convened by the central bank at the instance of NCC, to further deliberate on how best to stave off the attempt by the banks to takeover Etisalat.

The statement read: “At the end of the meeting, the EVC said CBN agreed to invite

Etisalat’s management and the banks to a meeting tomorrow (Friday) towards finding an amicable resolution.”

According to Ojobo, NCC, as regulator of the telecommunications industry, moved quickly to intervene earlier in the week by reaching out to the CBN and convinced the latter of the negative impact such a takeover by the banks would have on the industry.

He said the commission was worried about the fate of the over 20 million Etisalat subscribers and the wrong signals this may send to potential investors in the telecom industry.

The Vice President for Regulatory Affairs at Etisalat, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko said on Wednesday that the company missed payments to the banks due to the economic downturn in the country, a currency devaluation and dollar shortages.

Etisalat also confirmed yesterday that the company was still negotiating with its creditors on new modalities to refinance the $1.2 billion loan it took in 2013 for network

upgrade and expansion.

The telecom company dismissed as untrue any plans by its creditors to takeover its management, explaining that discussions between it and its creditors were ongoing and a joint statement would be issued to the public as soon as discussions for new method of refinancing the loans are concluded.

Dikko who made the clarification, said: “I am in my office in Abuja and we do not have any presence of our creditors to takeover our telecoms business because we are indebted to them.

“Yes we are indebted, but we have commenced payment, and we only stopped the flow of repayment a few months ago as a result of the devaluation of the naira and scarcity of dollars.”

According to Dikko, Etisalat had invested over $2 billion in its Nigerian operations, which was obtained from its parent company, Mubadala, and its shareholders, but it needed additional money to expand its business and provide value added services to its

growing customer base, hence it consulted with a consortium of 13 local banks to raise the additional $1.2 billon as a loan.

“In refinancing the loan, Etisalat was meant to pay a certain percentage of the loan with interest on a quarterly basis, and it has been meeting that obligation until recently when it started defaulting due to devaluation of the naira, dollar scarcity, and the economic recession,” Dikko restated.

He said Etisalat was still in full control of its operations and has commenced fresh discussions with the banks to negotiate a new mode of refinancing the loan.

“The situation is not affecting our service delivery and we will continue to provide quality services to our customers,” Dikko said.

It also emerged yesterday that Etisalat owes N40 billion ($131 million) to one of the lenders, Access Bank Plc. The Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe said the loan talks were triggered 10-days ago when the company asked lenders to

“stand still” on the loan for it to review its operations.

He also said that Etisalat Nigeria’s parent Emirates Telecommunications Group had converted a loan to the Nigerian company into shares to free up cashflows and was being asked to inject more equity capital.

“Banks are saying we would need an equity injection or commitment to support the business. That is being discussed,” Reuters quoted Wigwe to have told an analysts’ conference call when asked about Access Bank’s loan book.

He said the bank was monitoring the level of non-performing loans on its books but the Etisalat loan was classified as “performing” and saw no need to make a provision.

Etisalat Nigeria accounted for around 3.7 per cent of the UAE-based group’s revenue in 2013.

With a subscriber base of 20.5 million, Etisalat has a mobile market share of 13.3 per cent in Nigeria, behind South Africa's MTN’s, privately held Globacom and Airtel, a

subsidiary of India’s Bharti Airtel, according to NCC. It signed a $1.2 billion medium-term facility with 13 Nigerian banks in 2013, which it used to refinance an existing $650 million loan and fund a modernisation of its network.

Wigwe said the discussion was “difficult” and the Emirates Telecommunications Group, which hitherto owned 40 per cent of Etisalat Nigeria, had questioned why it needed to import more capital into Nigeria at a time when the economy was facing its first recession in a quarter of a century.

Other lenders on the loan deal include: Zenith Bank, GTBank, First Bank, UBA, Fidelity Bank, Ecobank, FCMB, Stanbic IBTC Bank and Union Bank.

Etisalat is the fourth entrant into the Nigerian telecoms space, having rolled out its commercial service in 2008.

The telecom firm has in recent years gained the confidence of its subscribers, especially among the youths, because of its value added services and innovative products that are targeted at a younger generation of phone and data users.

6 to resume duty.

But on February 5, the presidency announced the extension of his vacation indefinitely, saying the president was waiting for the results of the medical tests and needed to be certified okay by his doctors before leaving London.

Since then, speculations have been rife over the president’s health.

Indeed, even before the presidency informed the public of the extension of Buhari’s vacation, there were rumours that he had died in the UK. All these proved to be untrue, after the presidency released proof of life photographs of the president and his visitors.

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BUHARI RETURNS, LANDS IN KADUNA, CHOPPERED TO PRESIDENTIAL VILLA Adesina recalled that the president left the shores of the country on January 19 for a vacation, during which he was scheduled to undergo routine medical check ups.

He said the scheduled vacation was however extended due to the advise by his doctors that he undergoes further medical tests.

According to him, the president expressed gratitude to the generality of Nigerians in all parts of the country and beyond who supported him in their prayers and good wishes while he was away.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to return to the country tomorrow, Friday March 10, 2017. The President left the country on January 19, 2017 for a vacation, during

which he had routine medical check ups.

“The holiday was extended based on doctors’ recommendation for further tests and rest.

“President Buhari expresses appreciation to teeming Nigerians from across the country and beyond, who had prayed fervently for him and also sent their good wishes,” the statement said.

Earlier yesterday, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Revd. Justin Welby had paid a visit to Buhari in Abuja House, London where the president had resided throughout his medical vacation.

The president, who announced Welby’s visit on his Facebook page, said he was pleased to receive

the archbishop, whom he described as his friend.

“Very pleased to welcome my friend, the Most Rev. Hon. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury,” the president had said.

Other than his doctors, Welby was possibly the first non-Nigerian citizen to visit the president in London since January 19 when he left the country.

Last month, the president was visited by numerous Nigerians including two leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande.

He had earlier been visited by the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Senator Daisy Danjuma.

He was also visited on February 23, by a National Assembly team led by Senate President Bukola Saraki. Also in the team was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan.

The visit was made days after both Saraki and Dogara had disclosed that they had telephone conversations with Buhari.

While Saraki said he called Buhari, Dogara said the president had called him and discussed issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians with him.

The president left the country on January 19, 2017, four days earlier than scheduled, stating that he would return on February

FACE OFF LOOMS, SENATE SUMMONS CUSTOMS BOSS OVER CAR DUTY PAYMENTS Customs Service to suspend the policy on duty payments by vehicles owners, the NCS revised its directive the next day by granting a 60 per cent rebate on all vehicles imported into the country before 2016, but retained the grace period of one month within which all car owners and dealers are expected to verify the status of their cars and pay duties on uncustomised vehicles.

The stance by NCS, however, miffed the Senators who expressed their anger at plenary yesterday.

Hon. Dino Melaye (Kogi West), raising a motion of urgent public importance, queried why a government agency would blatantly ignore a directive from the Senate.

Brandishing a copy of a newspaper with the headline “Customs Dares

Senate”, Melaye described it as “a very dark day for democracy”, when the Senate makes a resolution and an agency of government has the temerity, guts and strength to disregard the resolution.

He recalled that Ali had told the Committee on Customs, that even though the position of CGC (Comptroller-General of Customs) was a rank, he could not wear the NCS uniform, because uniformed men do not wear uniforms “twice”.

“I asked under which law he got that and educated him by reminding him that while he retired as a Colonel, General Hananniya retired as a General, and when he was appointed Corps Continued on page 9

THE ARCHBISHOP COMES VISITING...

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rev. Justin Welby, when the Archbishop and Head of the Church of England (Anglican Communion) visited the president at Abuja House, London… yesterday

% 5.0 5.0 4.9 4.8 4.3 % 5.0 4.8 4.7 4.0 3.1

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

NEWS

After 12-year Trial, Two Policemen Sentenced to Death over Apo Six Killings Three others acquitted Alex Enumah in Abuja After a trial that spanned 12 years, an Abuja High Court yesterday sentenced two policemen – Ezekiel Acheneje and Emmanuel Baba – to death for their complicity in the killing of two of six Igbo traders in Abuja on June 8, 2005.

Justice Ishaq Bello handed down the sentence in a judgment he delivered, after finding the two police officers culpable in the extra judicial killings of Augustina Arebon and Anthony Nwokike.

Acheneje and Baba were among the six policemen that face trial over the killing of the six traders 12 years ago.

Others are former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Danjuma Ibrahim, Othman Abdulsalam (at large), Nicholas Zakaria and Sadiq Salami.

Justice Bello, who is the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, while delivering judgment in the nine-count criminal charge brought against the six policemen by the federal government, said that the court had no option than to convict the two men on account of their own confessional statement that they shot the two traders upon instruction from superior officers.

Justice Bello in the judgment described the action of the two policemen as callous and barbaric, noting that by law, they were supposed to preserve the lives of innocent citizens.

The judge further described their actions as condemnable, adding that there was no evidence before him, that the two traders did anything to constitute a threat to the police at the time they were shot dead.

Justice Bello said that the

killing of the two traders was particularly painful because they were arrested by members of the public alive and handed over to police only for the same police to take the law into their hands by summarily executing the six traders.

Also, the judge dismissed the retraction of the confessional statement of the two convicts during the trial on the grounds that it was an afterthought that could not hold water.

Three other policemen – former DCP Danjuma Ibrahim, Othman Abdulsalam and Sadiq Salami – who were charged with conspiracy and culpable homicide were, however, discharged and acquitted by the court for want of evidence.

The court held that from the totality of the evidence placed before it, the charge of conspiracy could not be established against them because of the inability of the prosecution to convince the court that the men met and agreed to kill the six traders on June 7, 2005 while returning from a nightclub along Gimbiya Street in Abuja.

Regarding the first defendant, DCP Ibrahim, who was alleged to have seized an AK47 rifle and shot the traders in their Peugeot 406 car, the court said the allegation collapsed in the face of contradictions from two prosecution witnesses that Ibrahim never seized a gun or fired at the traders.

According to him, there was no dispute as to the fact that the DCP had a service pistol on him and he never fired any shot from the service pistol.

The judge went on to express displeasure over the manner the alleged killing was conducted, adding that if the fingerprint of the DCP had been taken, it could have been established whether he

The six Igbo traders killed by policemen handled the AK47 rifle used in killing the traders on the day of the incident.

He said: “There is nothing to show from the ballistic report that the first defendant handled the weapon from which the gun was fired.

“If the fingerprint of the first defendant had been found on the weapon, it would have gone a long way to prove his culpability.”

On the other four shot to death, the judge said the issue remained ambiguous and vague because the prosecution was unable to establish those responsible for their murder.

He stated that while one witness told the court that DCP

Ibrahim was responsible for the shooting of the four traders, another witness said it was the patrol teams invited to the scene that fired the vehicle of the traders when they allegedly refused to stop at a stop and search point mounted by the police to track down the suspected robbers that had allegedly robbed Crown Guest Inn at Gimbiya Street, Abuja.

Justice Bello added that in the face of the contradiction, it was particularly impossible to hold anyone responsible for the death of the traders.

Moreso when no name was mentioned among the patrol team invited to reinforce the ambush squad that was trailing

the suspected robbers.

The judge, however, noted that the six traders created suspicion when they reversed at the checkpoint, inciting the policemen.

According to him, “It’s not in doubt that the occupants failed to stop. The decision not to stop, may have created suspicion.”

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in 2005 arraigned the policemen on a nine-count charge of conspiracy and culpable homicide, contrary to Sections 97 and 221 (A) of the Penal Code.

They were alleged to have killed Ifeanyi Ozo, Chinedu

Meniru, Isaac Ekene, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony Nwokike and Tina Arebun, aged between 21 to 25 years, when they were returning from a night party in 2005.

Two victims, who were said to have survived among the six, were allegedly killed later.

One of the officers, Zakaria, denied that he had anything to do with the killings of the two remaining victims. He claimed that he was not allowed to use an AK47 rifle, but only a pistol.

The second defendant, Othman Abdulsalam, who remains at large, was not mentioned in the verdict of the court.

the commission has deferred its decision on 202 INEC staff indicted by the report of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for misconduct during the 2015 general election to enable it reconcile the EFCC report with that of DPP. He explained that the measure was taken because some of the staff are also among those being prosecuted by the

DPP. Soyebi who gave an update on the number of political associations whose applications for registration were still pending as 84, admitted that the Advanced Peoples Democratic Party (APDP) was one of them.

He said the promoters of the party were not yet known to the commission since their application was still being processed.

day,” he argued.

The senators also directed the Committee on Customs to set in motion the process of amending the Customs Act. Presiding, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said the activities of men of the NCS in recent times, had given cause for concern.

“The CJN (Chief Justice of Nigeria), when he appeared before us, identified as our major problem, impunity, so while we fight corruption we must also in equal measures

fight impunity.

“We cannot allow impunity to take root in this country.

Today we are talking about vehicles that were imported many years ago, but we forget that there are beds in our rooms that were also imported and prohibited. I believe that the earlier we deal with this matter the better for all of us,” he said.

It remains to be seen if Ali would honour the summons, as he has is the past shunned the summons of both chambers of the National Assembly.

INEC RELEASES TIMETABLE FOR 2019 ELECTIONS, FIXES FEB 16 FOR PRESIDENTIAL, NA POLLS Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Costa Rica, Switzerland, and even neighbouring Ghana, where dates for elections are known well in advance.

Soyebi disclosed that INEC decided to fix the dates for the national elections in Nigeria for the third Saturday in February of the election year while the state elections would be held two Saturdays later.

For the offshore or staggered

state governorship elections, the National Commissioner said such elections would hold on the Saturday closest to 100 days to the end of a governor’s tenure.

According to him, the Nigerian Constitution provides for elections to hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days to the end of the tenure of the incumbent.

He said the dates proposed

for the elections fall within 100 days to the end of tenure of the present government.

On the fate of the INEC staff indicted by probe panels, Soyebi said 23 electoral officers indicted by the report of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) that investigated the December 10, 2016 parliamentary rerun elections in Rivers State, had been charged to court.

He also disclosed that the

commission decided to apply the provisions of INEC’s terms and conditions of service by placing the affected staff on suspension.

“The penalty for this is interdiction. All the 23 electoral officers will be placed on half salary and will not report for duty, pending the determination of their respective cases in court,” he said.

However, Soyebi said that

FACE OFF LOOMS, SENATE SUMMONS CUSTOMS BOSS OVER CAR DUTY PAYMENTS Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), he wore the uniform of the commission daily.

“Then if that position (CGC) is a rank and you are not wearing that rank, it means you are not even proud of the Nigerian Customs Service,” Melaye said.

The senator added that since government exists to serve the people, any position taken in the interest of Nigerians must be respected and not disparaged.

“While the president, senators and high-ranking government officials may not be affected when Customs officials start checking cars, ordinary Nigerians would bear the brunt of the policy,” Melaye said.

“If the president or a senator is driving past, no Customs man would stop him to ask for his papers, they will standstill till his convoy passes.

“But we are doing this in the interest of the Nigerian people and they have now confronted the institution of

the Nigerian Senate,” Melaye added.

Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (Lagos West) also accused men of the NCS of operating like “gansters” in their manner of operations.

He cited Ogun State, where men of the NCS allegedly broke into the shops of rice merchants for selling imported rice and allegedly broke into safes.

Senator Kabir Marafa (Zamfara Central) further stressed that it was not the responsibility of Nigerians to ascertain if their custom

duty papers were fake or real.

“The timeframe given is not adequate and people need to be educated.

Customs needs to know that they are under the people of Nigeria and Nigeria is under democratic rule and we have a duty to protect the people of Nigeria.

“This kind of impunity cannot be allowed to continue. This is one issue that all Nigerians are unanimously against, it is condemnable and we cannot allow it to see the light of

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

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

PDP Crisis Festers as Factions Fail to Reach Compromise

Sheriff’s chairmanship Illegal, Makarfi insists Sheriff threatens Fayose, goes on with convention plans APC to fund Sheriff’s planned convention with N450m, Fayose alleges Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

He said the leadership of the caretaker committee has decided that it would have nothing to do with the proposed convention being The crisis rocking the Peoples planned by Sheriff.

“Our attention has also been Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a turn for the worse, as the warring drawn to a purported proposal by factions yesterday disagreed over Sheriff and his self-appointed NWC the application of a political solution members to organise congresses in Oyo, Kwara, Sokoto, Lagos and to end the dispute.

While the embattled National Anambra States, respectively. Let Chairman of the PDP, Senator the public note that this proposal Ali Modu Sheriff, said he has is illegal by an illegal leadership of adopted the recommendations of the party that is in gross violation the reconciliation committee headed of the Constitution of the PDP and

by Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. the Order of Courts,” he said.

Adeyeye said the position of Seriake Dickson, and would go ahead with a national convention, the caretaker committee enjoys the the National Caretaker Committee backing of party organs including, rejected the move, saying Sheriff the National Executive Committee (NEC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), remained an usurper of office.

Also, the Ekiti State Governor and the Forum of State Chairmen, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic the National Assembly Caucus, Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Mr. Governors Forum, the Former Ayodele Fayose, accused the All Ministers Forum, the National Progressives Congress (APC) of Secretariat Workforce and at least planning to sponsor the convention 90 per cent of the party members being planned by Sheriff with the and supporters nationwide.

He advised party leaders, other sum of N450 million.

The caretaker committee, which members and teeming supporters described the chairmanship of in the affected states to boycott any Sheriff as an illegality, urged him congress to be conducted by Sheriff to immediately vacate the national and “his cohorts”.

According to Adeyeye, all further secretariat of the party or be ready to face a flurry of legal actions that actions taken by “him (Sheriff) and would force him out of the place. his illegal team will be challenged Making the demand yesterday in court and cannot stand”.

While commenting on the status at a press conference in Abuja, the Spokesman of the factional of the report of the reconciliation leadership, the National Caretaker committee, Adeyeye said the Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, National Caretaker Committee said there would be no genuine and all the organs of the PDP reconciliation unless the illegality are open to reconciliation efforts represented by Sheriff is up-turned that would bring lasting peace to the party but will not accept by the Supreme Court.

continuous acts of illegality from Sheriff and his team.

“We believe that Dickson acted in good faith but that he was misled

by Sheriff. Party members should therefore note this obvious anomaly and ignore proposal from the said Reconciliation Committee,” he said.

On the status of the reconciliation, he said : “We cannot accept Sheriff to organise any convention, nobody can trust him to do that. A man who has been fraternizing with the ruling APC cannot be trusted to organise a convention for us, we would not allow that.”

He challenged Sheriff to show what he has done to oppose the policies and actions of the ruling APC, adding that there is no way PDP will allow a man who has been sympathetic with the government in power to lead an opposition party.

“We cannot allow Sheriff to be the driving force behind the convention of the party. Our teaming supporters should be on alert and way from his convention

or congresses,” he added.

On the status of the Dickson committee, Adeyeye said PDP has no standing committee on reconciliation but that some ad hoc committees were set up in April 2016 and inaugurated by Sheriff to carry specific assignment before the May 21 national convention.

Speaking on the illegality of the Sheriff leadership, Adeyeye said apart from the fact that Sheriff is still having a Federal High Court judgement in the FCT standing against him, he has gone ahead to act in breach of the Appeal Court ruling by operating an illegal NWC. Speaking on the way forward, Adeyeye said the caretaker commitee believes that there is no alternative to legal option except if Sheriff decides to quit office and allow genuine reconciliation to commence.

When asked what the caretaker committee intends to do if the Supreme Court rules in favour of Sheriff, Adeyeye said the committee

would take up the other judgement of the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Valentine Ashi which had earlier disqualified Sheriff from acting as PDP national chairman.

On his part, Sheriff has said he and his NWC has met and agreed to implement all the recommendations of the Dickson committee, including organising congresses in states where it has not been held and going on to hold a national convention in Abuja.

As part of his resolve to organise a convention, Sheriff told journalists during a press conference in Abuja yesterday that he would write to all the organs of the PDP to submit the list of their members for appointment into the convention planning committee.

Sheriff said he has welcomed the recommendations of the reconciliation committee as a major part of the political solution envisaged to help end the party crisis and further expressed optimism that it would win the

support of party organs.

He said he has directed the National Organising Secretary to commence immediate processes for the conduct of congresses in states, Oyo, Kwara, Sokoto, Lagos, Anambra and Sokoto, beginning with Anambra state.

A visibly angry Sheriff commenced the briefing by expressing his discountenance over negative comments made against him by Fayose.

Sheriff warned that he would no longer tolerate name-callings and insults from the Ektiti State governor, Fayose.

“Let me make clear to some of the party members, particularly, Governor Ayo Fayose. I will not condesend to his level. I must be very clear to him, party has rules, and we will look at the constitution, at the appropriate time to do the right thing.

“He has made it a point of duty, everyday that he will be insulting

Cont’d on pg 51

Again, CBN Pumps $170m into FX Market Obinna Chima In a bid to sustain the tempo of foreign exchange (FX) supply to the interbank FX market and ensure improved dollar liquidity, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday intervened with a total of $170 million.

A breakdown of this showed that the central bank sold the sum of $100,000,000 as wholesale interventions, just as it sold about $70,000,000 to meet requests for Business/Personal Travel Allowances.

The latest dollar injection by the CBN took the amount so far offered in the interbank forex market within the past few weeks to over $1.2 billion for both wholesale and retail interventions.

Disclosing this yesterday, the CBN Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, said the Bank remained resolute in ensuring that it supplies enough forex to genuine customers of Deposit Money Banks and increase liquidity in the market.

According to him, the uniqueness of the Wholesale Forwards was that banks are allowed to use their winnings from auctions to fund matured obligations to meet Letters of Credit remittances, extinguish bills for collection and other forex demands.

With this development,

importers who had hitherto been using bills for collection will now experience relief instead of having to patronize other more expensive sources.

It will be recalled that the CBN only on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 injected another sum of $100m into the interbank foreign exchange market in its resolve to ease the challenge of access to foreign exchange by genuine customers.

However, the naira closed at N462 to the dollar on the parallel market yesterday, weaker than the N460 to the dollar it was the previous day.

However, the effect on the parallel market was neutral as the naira maintained its previous day’s value of N460 to the dollar in Lagos.

A former economic adviser to the President and Minister, National Planning Commission, Professor Ode Ojowu had said: “It appears this time around, the CBN has decided to become smarter than the market manipulators, by putting on its cap of authority to look beneath the market forces.”

It will be recalled that the CBN, in February 2017, changed its forex rule supply to guarantee supply to both small and the big end-users.

The policy has restored stability and bolstered market confidence in the market.

WELCOME TO THE PALACE

L-R: Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and Governor of Sokoto, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during the acting president’s visit to the palace of the Sultan in Sokoto...yesterday

Dickson Holds Closed-door Meeting with Ibori on Niger Delta Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Citing the need to deploy his influence in the Niger Delta to curb the crisis in the region, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday visited Oghara, the country home of Chief James Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, to request his assistance in ensuring that peace returns to the oil-rich region.

Journalists were not allowed in during the meeting which was held behind closed doors, but it was learnt that the need to consolidate on the current fragile peace in the region, dominated the talks.

Ibori, who still commands a high level of respect in the Niger Delta, was said to have assured his guest of his readiness to cooperate

whenever his help is needed, to prevail on the restive youths on the need to embrace peace.

The ex-governor, a ‘resource control’ proponent, in his days as leader of the oil-rich state, is said to have been instrumental to the process of confidence building that culminated in ex-President Umar Yar’Adua’s Presidential Amnesty Programme which brought temporary reprieve in the exploitation of crude oil in the region.

Dickson, who was accompanied by some members of the Bayelsa State Executive Council, also reportedly engaged Ibori on the best way to take the youths off the streets and creeks of the Delta and get them meaningfully employed.

Confirming the meeting in a Government House statement,

the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso Markson, said the visit was meant to find solutions to some lingering issues in the Niger Delta.

“The meeting centred mostly on peace and security in the Niger Delta as well as possible roles the former Delta State governor, who still commands a lot of respect among his people, could play, especially in the area of rallying major stakeholders towards tackling some of the peace and security challenges in the region,” the government statement said.

It added: “The two leaders equally discussed likely windows of opportunities for criminally-minded youths in the region to be more meaningfully engaged as well as protect some of the critical national assets of the country within the

region.”

The government statement said the Bayelsa State Governor had earlier spoken with his Delta State counterpart, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was happy with the new move to secure peace in the Niger Delta.

“He (Okowa) expressed satisfaction with the disposition and resolve of the former Governor to support current measures at tackling the age long security challenges in the region”, Dickson’s spokesman said.

He noted that Dickson was accompanied by the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Serena Dokubo-Spiff, and some members of the State Executive Council, including the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, during the visit.

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FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Udoma: FG Working to Reduce High Interest Rate Insists 7% growth target in ERGP achievable James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, yesterday said the federal government is currently working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce the high interest rate across the board.

Before now, some targeted sectors of the economy including agriculture and manufacturing had been given preference in rates through CBN interventions which aimed to cushion the harsh impact of the current fiscal and economic crisis as well as boost the sectors amid the recession.

But speaking on Arise Television, a sister broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers on the newly released Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Federal Government, Udoma said government is also trying to improve the working relationship between the fiscal and monetary authorities.

He said government is committed to having an exchange rate regime that’s market determined and with fewer administrative controls partly as a way of restoring investor-confidence in the economy.

He said:”It’s a process. The Central Bank of Nigeria is working on it and we’ll want to get there as quickly as possible because that’s a major issue everybody has raised.

“We need to address the issue of supply of foreign exchange and

that’s what we are working on right now.”

He added:”We are trying to bring things closer. We are working with the CBN and fiscal authorities to bring interest rate down across the board.”

The minister, however, noted that the implementation of the new recovery plan will be taken seriously by government to ensure it doesn’t go down the drain like previous policies.

He said:”My ministry will coordinate but importantly, a delivery unit is going to be set up in presidency and it’ll come with a presidential fiat and that’ll monitor and ensure delivery and would have reports every three months.

“All MDAs would have to account: they have targets to meet and they must meet those targets.”

Udoma also said he believed the seven percent growth target contained in the ERGP though ambitious, was achievable despite a gloomy economic data in recent times.

According to him:”It’s not unrealistic, it’s ambitious but we can do it. Oil prices crashed and production crashed. Oil prices are moving up a bit, we are restoring production on the one hand.

“But more importantly, we want to diversify our sources of revenue.

We want to export other things other than crude oil. So, we are looking at the various things we can export: rice, cassava, soya beans...

we are looking at petrochemicals.

There’s just so much we can do in this country.”

On the high unemployment rate which had been a major concern to Nigerians, the minister said government intended to create at least 15 million new jobs which are targeted at youth empowerment in various areas within the next four years.

Specifically, he said there will be massive job opportunities in construction sector of the economy where significant activities will take place in roads, bridges and railways construction.

He added that government was setting up a social housing fund of N1 trillion which government stake will be N100 billion- with massive job opportunities expected as a result.

He said:”We’re putting a lot of investment into agriculture, rural roads and fertiliser and so on, that’ll create jobs.

“We are setting up special economic zones for manufacturing in different parts of the country.

“These zones will have uninterrupted power, water, security and these will create a lot of new jobs. Most of the new jobs will be created in the private sector by the private sector.”

Asked by the programme anchor if the new economic recovery blueprint can boost electricity, Udoma said:”We’ve come in to fix problems and that’s one problem we are determined fix.

The first, of course, is to address the issues of power generation -the feed stock.”

He said:”We’ve had shortages

in gas because of sabotage and all that but part of the vice president’s mission to Niger Delta is to address those issues.

To get gas supply back and that’s been a major constraint and so we are working on that.

“Then, it is important that there’s liquidity in the whole system itself: every part of the system: the gencos, discos and transmission, every aspect is profitable.

“So we are working on that and we’re putting government support behind it.

We’re strengthening the transmission, we’re putting more resources in transmission and government is even involved in generation.”

He said:”In the 2017 budget, there’s a provision for

some funding for Mambilla Hydroelectric.We are engaging with the private sector and putting government resources behind that. Apart from the issues I have raised, we also want to diversify our sources of power and so we are looking at solar, and right now, we are looking at some solar projects that will come on stream.

“We’re looking at wind as well.

We’re looking at using coal as well. We’re not going to rely on gas alone, we’re going to look at diversifying our sources.

It’s not a futuristic thing. These are things we are working on as I speak.”

He also said the growth plan was not predicated on oil price movement but a well crafted diversification strategy.

Security Agents Raid Senator Laah’s Residence in Kaduna John Shiklam in Kaduna Armed mobile policemen and operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) yesterday, raided the Kaduna residence of the senator representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone, Senator Danjuma La’ah.

La’ah, in a statement in Kaduna, said the security operatives, numbering about 100, arrived his house in buses, Pick-up Vans and a truck at about 5:00am and forced their way into the house.

He said his two nephews and the security guard living in the house were manhandled, adding that without tendering any search warrant from any court of law, they ransacked the house, destroying chairs, doors and other valuables.

He said his nephews were also whisked away to an unknown place and he has not been able to establish any contact with them.

According to the senator, the security operatives used knives to tear open furniture, broke louvers, doors, threw valuables on the ground, destroyed the ceiling of his bedroom and climbed into the roof.

He said: “In the course of their search, they took away a pump action gun with its official permit granted me since 2008.

“My two nephews, Friday Batan and Samson Tanko, who were in the house were manhandled by the armed security personnel and taken away to an unknown place.

“Also my wrist watches, jewelleries belonging to my wife were carted away.I am yet to ascertain the extent of missing valuables in the place....

“I cannot also establish if something very incriminating have

not been planted in my residence as part of the orchestrated plot to not only to rubbish my integrity but criminalise me with the aim of prosecuting me.”

According to him, “This is in furtherance to the several interrogation and psychological harassment that the SSS in Abuja has meted out to me ever since I called Governor Nasir el-Rufai to order this year over his clearly biased stand against Southern Kaduna natives in the ongoing genocide there.

“It is on record that some Christian clerics from Southern Kaduna have also been quizzed by the DSS over their condemnation of the killings of members of their congregation....

“I therefore wish to put it on notice, that not only are law abiding, harmless natives of Southern Kaduna being maimed, killed and their communities destroyed by Fulani herdsmen - some of who Governor Nasir el-Rufai has traced back to some African countries and paid large sums of money; he is making it a crime for anyone to mention the killings, including the call for lawful self defence in the face of his failure to stop the killings.”

Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Kaduna State police command, Aliyu Usman, on the issue was abortive as a result of poor telephone network which made it impossible to hear what he was saying.

However, he did not respond to a text message sent to him by our correspondent on the issue following the poor telephone connection.

TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY

L-R: General Counsel and Head of Regulation, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Tinuade Awe; Managing Director, Invivo Partners Limited, Ngozi Edozien; Publisher, Genevieve Magazine; Betty Irabor; CEO, NSE; Oscar N. Onyema; Prof. Bolanle Awe, OFR, Ogun State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Ronke Sokefun; Council Secretary, NSE; Mojisola Adeola; acting. Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, Pai Gamde, ringing the bell for gender equality at the NSE in Lagos...yesterday Dan Ukana

Host Communities Laud Shell’s N1bn GMoU Govt inaugurates trust board, warns youth against restiveness Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Host communities of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Residential Area (RA) in Port Harcourt have commended the company for its commitment to spend about N1 billion in the communities in the next five years under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) it signed with its host communities.

This came as the Rivers State Government declared that the GMoU would help to check restiveness in oil-bearing communities and warned youths in the state against disrupting the activities of companies operating in the state.

The communities made the commendation in Port Harcourt when the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy andCommunityAffairs,Dr.JohnBazia, inauguratedthenewCommunityTrust Board (CTB) to manage the N1 billion five- year GMoU between SPDC and its Residential Area (RA) Landlord Communities.

TheShellRALandlordcommunities comprise Rumuorianwo and Rumuejiminehu in Rumuokwurusi as wellasRumuibekweandMgbuesilaru

which are all in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state. They were led in the exercise by their traditional rulers.

Addressing journalists shortly after the inauguration of the CTB, Eze MorganAmadi, Eze Oha Okporo Okani-Eli Okwurusi kingdom, who signed for Mgbuesilaru Town, said he was delighted that SPDC was committing about N1 billion to the development of its RA host communities.

He also commending the state government for coordinating the GMoU and bringing it to conclusion with the inauguration of the CTBs. Amadi also said: “You know part of the anger of the Niger Delta people is to make sure that they are part of the resources of the oil industry. For Shell to agree to invest about N1 Billion in this five-year GMOU, it is a remarkable thing.”

He also advised members of the CTB to ensure that their communities get the benefits of the GMOU such as scholarship, roads, infrastructure, youth, women and general wellbeing of their people.

In his own comments, the Paramount ruler of Rumuibekwe, Eze Ray Elewa, said the GMOU is a way of trying to develop the

host communities.

Elewa said: “What we have done today is to bring development to our various communities and we are indeed grateful to SPDC and Rivers State Government for the successful outcome of today’s event.”

In his own presentation, Paramount Ruler of Rumuorianwo Community, Eze Simeon Wokoma, said: “What is happening here is that GMoU has been revived. We had GMoU in 2007 but after that there were grey areas that posed impediments to the process. But recently, putting our synergies together, SPDC agreed to revive GMoU. So we commend them for their compliance with the GMoU. “We also commend the Rivers State Government that has been coordinating the communities and the company to work together. Both the Rivers State Government and Shell are collaborating to ensure there is peace.

He commended SPDC for its commitment to development of the communities and called on other companies to follow suit.

In his address at the inauguration of the CTBs, Rivers State Commissioner for Chieftaincy

and Community Affairs, Dr John Bazia, explained that the GMOU is a process that would discourage communities from disturbing the activities of corporate organisations in their various communities pointing out that instead of barricading offices of companies operating in their land, all that the people “need to do now is to do a petition to this ministry to say that a company has refused to do this, then we will invite the company and the community and amicably resolve the problem.”

Bazia explained, “As a government, we have come with this noble idea because before now, they used to say that those of us in Niger Delta are restive but I know that even in family, people would disagree but what is important is that we can disagree to agree, hence the need for this GMOU. “The GMOU is one of the surest ways of driving development to all nooks and crannies of our state and I also believe that the corporate organisations that are here have taken so much from our people and there is need for them to give back to our people and this is the way to give back.”

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Julius Berger Commences Rehabilitation Work on Abuja Airport Runway

Kaduna airport witnesses record flights Passengers express mixed feelings over road transportation -

Dele Ogbodo in Abuja Following the closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja by 12 midnight on Wednesday, Julius Berger Nigeria Construction Company, has commenced rehabilitation work on the runway due to last for six weeks.

This is just as business activities picked up fully at the Kaduna Airport with about 16 flights landing and taking off as at 3: 00 p.m. yesterday.

Briefing Journalists during on the closure of the airport, the Minister of State for Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, revealed that the contractor undertaking the runway rehabilitation will be paid in excess of N5 billion.

THISDAY checks at the airfield of the international airport, yesterday, showed that demarcation of the runway has been completed, confirming that the facility has been closed to air traffic.

Speaking, the Airport Terminal Manager, Mrs. Hajara Musa, said the contractor commenced work at 1 a.m, immediately after the shut down yesterday.

While admitting the shortcoming on the arrangement for passenger movement to Kaduna by road, she appealed for understanding on the part of passengers stressing that things will become perfect before weekend.

On the shortcomings, she said: “We are just starting and gradually, there will be improvement. We have made arrangement for the signs that will direct intending passengers on where to get help.

According to her, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has made adequate arrangement with more than 10 buses to convey travelers to Kaduna from the airport daily, adding that 5 Chisco buses had already left with some passengers.

Johnson Erijo, an indigene of Delta State, who boarded one of the Chisco buses with registration number SMK 187 XN, from the airport, admitted that he was not

-

charged additional fee for the road transport to Kaduna.

He said: “No fee has been charged except the money I paid for the ticket. The arrangement for now is perfect though I don’t know what it will become of this arrangement later.

Also, corroborating Erijo, Mr. Shittu Akeem, a Lagos bound passenger said: “So far, I have not seen anything bad with this arrangement, no money is being charged for the transport from Abuja to Kaduna.

However, Prof.

Dolapo Lufadeju, expressed reservations over the arrangement, adding that subjecting passengers to unnecessary screening in Abuja and Kaduna is uncalled for but added that screening is good for safety of passengers.

“The screening of passengers is also okay by me as that is for our safety. The important thing is that there may be no need to do another screening in Kaduna since all of us have been screened in Abuja.

“I hope the journey from here to Kaduna goes well as I’m told that the buses are equipped with security personnel for safety of passengers.

“The journey looks stressful because this morning I thought of taking taxi cab to Ibadan from Abuja, which takes about 9 hours.

Now, I am at the airport at 9 a.m and my flight is 4 pm, so it comes to the same thing.”

The Chairman, Air Traffic Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), Abuja Chapter, Mr. Emmanuel Kerri, bemoaned the poor logistics and DTA for the over 84 staff of the union forced to relocate to Kaduna airport to carry out their work.

According to him, quite a large number of operational staff who left for Kaduna are yet to be paid their inconvenience allowance to settle down to work.

He said: “Some of our operational workers left on Saturday while some left on Tuesday and up till this

morning they are yet to get alert.

Their accommodation has not being sorted out. Government should put machinery in place to make their stay comfortable.”

Kerri, said 88 Aviation security and Fire Departments are in Kaduna, stressing that they have been calling the union leader to lodge complaints on the deplorable condition of living in Kaduna, because of temporary relocation.

“Some of them collected money from Cooperative to transport themselves to Kaduna and drop some money for their families which is a loan. The government should settle them so that they can concentrate on their jobs,” Kerri said.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna Airport Manager, Mrs. Amina Ozi Salami, told THISDAY in a telephone interview that although she was not in a position to say how many flights landed and took of from the airport, flight activities were unprecedented.

“I am at a meeting right now. I am not in charge of operations, so I am not in a position to provide the information you want. But there was unprecedented flights that landed and took off today. I will text you the phone number of the officer in charge of operations to give you all the details,” she said on telephone.

She however did not send the phone number of the officer concerned, neither did she respond to a text sent to her as reminder.

But a source at the airport disclosed that, as at 4:00pm, 16 domestic flights landed and took off from the airport.

The source who pleaded anonymity said further that more flights were being expected in the evening.

“Everything is going on smoothly now. The initial hitches that were experienced on Wednesday when we started have been corrected.

“More personnel have been deployed from Abuja and Lagos to Kaduna and I tell you that in the next few days everything will be perfect at the airport,” he said.

FG Introduces Harmonised Departure, Arrival Cards at Kaduna Airport

Chinedu Eze The federal government yesterday launched harmonised departure and arrival cards at the Kaduna International Airport, as it began the service of alternate airport to Abuja, which was shut down at midnight on Wednesday.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Abdulrahman Danbazau, accompanied by the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, explained that the harmonised departure/arrival cards for international passengers was done in line with international best practices and in pursuit of the federal government policy of ease of doing business.

To facilitate seamless access

for international investors, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is also introducing visa on arrival at the airport for those “who have serious business to do in the country.”

Danbazau said the departure/ arrival cards are also intended to keep records of movement of international passengers and the process of mandate for travellers for security reasons.

The international passengers are expected to fill the departure/arrival cards, which contain passenger profile, address and other personal details in one harmonised form.

“Pursuant to this, non-

Nigerians are expected to fill both the departure/arrival cards while Nigerians are expected to fill only departure cards. These cards are scanned and stored in a data bank that is to be shared with relevant stakeholders and in that regard, a unique identity and travel records of passengers are secured,” Danbazau said. On the visa on arrival initiative, he said: “Soon we shall start issuing visas on arrival at this airport for genuine expatriates and investors who come to do business in the country.”

He said the federal government has chosen the Kaduna International Airport “to formally introduce this unique security document to the travelling public.”

T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

COMMENT

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

UNRAVELLING THE ENIGMA

Tunji Olaopa pays tribute to Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, at age 80

F

or better or for worse, no one can doubt the significance of Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo to the Nigerian state and its future.

Having gathered friends and foes alike, OBJ has become a force to be reckoned with. One can say, without any fear of contradiction, that Baba OBJ remains the singular most important living political factor today with regard to the dynamics of the Nigerian state.

And, having entered into the sacred octogenarian circle, I do not expect any slowing down in terms of his acerbic capacity to speak bluntly about his assessment of the governance and leadership situation in his beloved country.

Let me use this opportunity to wish Baba a happy birthday. As a son, I take extreme delight in the enigmatic existence of a man who has steadfastly refused to fade away despite the many attempts to silence him. In the face of overwhelming oppositions, criticisms, provocations and disparagements, Obasanjo has remained undaunted and unrelenting. His continuing relevance, I long suspect, owes a lot to the force of his charismatic personality, his historical situatedness at a significant juncture in Nigeria’s history, his obsession with significant ideas about nation-building and diplomacy and finally his adroit understanding of realpolitik.

His 80th birthday celebration coincides with the formal opening of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL). And this was flagged off by a colloquium to precede the launch. I was invited to this colloquium, and was surprisingly invited to make a statement. I have known Chief Obasanjo for so many years and in so many capacities. Our relationship was not just formal; it was founded on a solid tradition of a father-son dynamics that encompasses so many trajectories, from personal to professional. Thus, as I made my way to the podium for the statement after about three minutes notice by Prof. Ayo Tella, the Master of Ceremony, I was assailed by a fundamental confusion: From what angle and within what perspective was I supposed to make my statement about this larger-than-life man who has practically become a real life Wizard? I thought I could always make a speech, but for once I could not decide which line to pick out of a large pool of nuanced reading of a man that is complexity personified until I found myself in the podium. How do I compact several years of relationship into a two-minute remark? Fortunately for me, the occasion for the formal launch of the Presidential Library provides another rich avenue to unpack the essence of an enigma. I therefore made some appropriate noises at the colloquium.

But here I am again.

Contrary to those who see and say all things bad and negative about OBJ, my engagement with him has always bothers on a significant mix of the personal and the critical within a historical timeline that coincided with my own professional development and coming of age in Nigeria. In my past assessment of his politics, I have used the adjective “Machiavellian” to describe his political personality. But the historical confusion surrounding that word actually serves my purpose and sets me apart from the chorus of the OBJ-bashers. In the history of political thought, Niccolò Machiavelli remains one of the most vilified, especially with regard to his understanding of politics and the significance of political action. Thus, this perception created a negative connotation given to the term “Machiavellian.” Thus, a Machiavellian politician would be someone who places instrumental desires before scruples; someone for whom the end justifies the means! And there is no one who signifies such a Machiavellian figure than Olusegun Obasanjo. But most of the literature on Machiavelli conveniently ignores the fact that Machiavelli agonised over the fate and political future of medieval Florence and its republican pedigree. It is through that nationalist but pragmatic template that I perceive Obasanjo as Machiavellian.

Fortunately for me, my contact and engagement with OBJ commenced within the ambit of my learning and research as a student of political science and political theory at the University of Ibadan in the 80s. I was at the point of giving contextual focus to my theoretical understanding of political theory when I was invited to an interview as a research assistant to Chief Obafemi Awolowo. That interview gave me an opportunity to explore a political counter-narrative of how Awolowo’s politics could have turned out better first for what I have since called the precarious future of the Yoruba and also for the future of Nigeria. This counter-narrative was situated within a philosophical analysis of Awolowo’s understanding of the role of federalism in Nigeria’s future and the debilitating outcomes of the Awolowo-Akintola conflict within the context of Yoruba politics. That interview was one of my bold moments in my career; being so boldly critical of your to-be employer

OBJ IS ESSENTIALLY A RIDDLE WRAPPED IN A MYSTERY INSIDE AN ENIGMA. AND THIS EXPLAINED WHY HE HAS GENERATED AN OBJ INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA AND ACROSS THE GLOBE; AN INDUSTRY OF HATERS, ADMIRERS, CRITICS AND EVEN SYCOPHANTS. AND ADDED TO THIS IS THE FACT THAT PROVIDENCE HAS SET HIM APART AS ONE SO BLESSED OF GOD

especially one that you revere, and I was convinced I had been clever by half. But Chief Awolowo apparently thought otherwise because I got the job!

When Awolowo finally transited, I had to decide to take the research further under the supervision of Prof. Peter Ekeh. Ekeh’s seminal thesis of the “two publics” had already become a distinctive analytical framework for assessing the African political sphere. And it seemed just right for me to work within that template to frame my research into the dynamics of Nigerian politics. Obasanjo was already becoming a public figure as military head of state who was instrumental to the commencement of civil rule in 1979. His model of national engagement therefore became a unique one to be counterpoised to Awolowo’s, in spite of Papa Awo’s unrivalled legacies in the South-West. For me, it was a case of the Machiavellian contra the Platonic. As a Machiavellian, Chief Obasanjo is aware of the stark necessity of realpolitik in disentangling the governance complexity and political intrigues that define Nigeria. Since its evolution, the Nigerian state has grown to a huge complex proportion that has swallowed many a visionary leaders. It swallowed Murtala Muhammed. And OBJ has been a good student of politics. Like Machiavelli, in terms of politics, modern Nigeria is as nightmarish as medieval Florence. Both generate intrigues, assassinations, embezzlement, alliances and dalliances, patriotism and disaffection, and all other kinds of political and non-political affairs that are favourable and unfavourable to the growth and progress of the state.

Such a political context demands not just any leadership but one with a realistic understanding of what needed to be done in terms of instrumental manoeuverings if vision is to be imposed on political chaos. It is this political realism that distinguishes Machiavelli from a host of other political theorists in history. In fact, it is his insistence that politics must be analysed from the perspective of what it is, and not what it ought to be, that became the first impulse for the birth of modern political science. Without this realism, Machiavelli would not have survived the political landmines that littered Florence. He was nearly consumed, and his vision of a strong republican heritage for Florence was nearly abolished.

From his military trainings to his first political appearance as second in command to Murtala Muhammed and then later as military head of state, OBJ has evolved until he returned as a democratically elected president in 1999. And from then, his stature and significance has grown into the colossal. I have used Winston Churchill’s description of Russia as the template for unpacking him—OBJ is essentially a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. And this explained why he has generated an OBJ industry in Nigeria and across the globe; an industry of haters, admirers, critics and even sycophants. And added to this is the fact that Providence has set him apart as one so blessed of God. You really just need to wonder how a person could survive the Nigerian military establishment (especially as a coup plotter), survive Abacha’s death trap, survive two significant moments as president, survive the ravages of age and still remain relevant as statesman. And it seems to me that Obasanjo’s statesmanship remains solidly national in a sense that Awolowo and Tinubu are not. Let me explain. The real issue for Nigeria’s integration project is that of how to translate ethnic animosity to civic patriotism. This implies that a truly national leader must be one that has the capacity to transcend ethnic politics and contribute to the solid establishment of the civic public in Nigeria.

Leadership in Nigeria since independence has always been tinged with an ethnic coloration. From Awolowo to Azikiwe to Ahmadu Bello, the regional and ethnic factor has remained an albatross around many a charismatic leader. The political clout of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is enormous with his aspiration towards national credibility. But Obasanjo trumps everyone else for the simple reason that he was able to breakthrough to the North twice. Of course, he did so without the support of the Yoruba, and with the suspicion that he was only a crony of the North. But his legacy goes beyond just being a national or even a global figure. In fact, the suspicion that attended his two-time presidency especially by his own people only goes to attest to his detribalised credentials. The whole of Nigeria is the locus of Obasanjo’s operation. Since he handed over power to Shehu Shagari in 1979, OBJ has been concerned about the Nigerian project, even if in a curious sense.

Dr Olaopa is Executive Vice-Chairman, Ibadan School of Government & Public Policy

FATHER OF THE MULTITUDE (2)

I

Taiwo Obe pays tribute to Adinoyi Onukaba Ojo, a respected journalist and administrator

n registering a company, you are required to have at least two subscribers to the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Who else would I have chosen for a company that has to do with communication but the man called Onukaba Adinoyi-Ojo? I called him in the US and informed him; I was not seeking his approval, really. It was just a “FYI Only” matter.

These are his recollections of that fateful afternoon: ‘Yes I was in New York as a doctoral candidate at New York University when you called to invite me to co-found the company. I was naturally very happy that you, me and other friends were thinking of creating an enterprise in which we could work for ourselves rather than spend our entire lives slaving for others. I was happy that you had decided to lead the effort that would see us take control of our future.

I was asked to purchase some PR and Advertising and Communication books and send home to the fledging company as part of my equity contribution. I got some of the books and that was it.’ (Onukaba had noted in one of his letters which he wrote in his usual

scraggy-lettering-camouflaged-as-cursive, thus: ‘I pray never to return to the spectre of poverty that drove me away from home. I wish you all the best for the decade there has to be some action’). That was not it, Mr Adinoyi-Ojo: the company had to have a name.

I can imagine that some readers actually ignored the beginning parts of this book to get here quickly: to find out The Revelation. Oh well, let’s hope that this would enter The Encyclopaedia of Meanings of Company Names. In my days as a library assistant (if you have not read Chapter II: The Discoveries, you won’t grasp this), I had too much money for a lad.

It was the era when commercial jazz was the music.

It was the era when cartridges and chrome dioxide cassettes were the fad. You were not trendy if you didn’t log those cassettes, BASF, SONY, etc. I collected all the works of Barry White, and I mean all the works; the music of Grover Washington, Jr, Eric Gale, Johnny Guitar Watson, Stanley Turrentine, George Benson and that Japanese alto saxophonist, Sadao Watanabe. It was a good time to be a lad, earning money that I didn’t need.

That afternoon, when I sat to christen this company that I had told Onukaba about, the uppermost thing on my mind was to come up with a name that won’t be returned by the Corporate Affairs Commission: an uncommon name; without a double.

So I juggled the two names of the two promoters, as if I was in a chemistry lab, and while doing the mixing, Sadao Watanabe kept fleeting by. And so was born TaijoWonukabe & Associates Limited. It was incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Decree 1990, on the 3rd day of September ...1-9-9-1 with Registration Number 166724. The authorised share capital was N1,000,000 at 1.00 per share. We increased the authorised shareholding to N20,000,000 on October 17, 2003.

We have had immeasurable fun with this name.

Perhaps, right now, you are even juggling the letters like tiles in a game of Scrabble; go ahead and have your fun.

Postscript: This morning, the one we called CBN (real name: Chido Nwakanma) called me to find out if I had heard about

Onukaba. When a message goes like that, be sure, it is some awful thing that has happened. What happened to Onukaba? He told me someone wrote that he’s dead…No. I called Onukaba’s number and it was a brother of his who picked it and confirmed that indeed, my friend and brother, had died. He was talking about what happened, but I barely heard the details. He was driving the car en route to Abuja.

Bla, bla, bla.

I cried like I didn’t even when the death of my own older brother was broken to me.

I cried...I who have always counselled people to remember the good times they shared with their loved ones who passed away.

What is there to cry for now?

OnuK is gone. To meet His creator. I am sure his soul will find peace, because he was (was?) a genuinely good man. He would have been 57 on March 9, 2017.

So, in remembering the good times we shared together, I have excerpted from a book that I have been writing almost forever. I now must finish the book. For Onukaba.

Obe is the Founder/Director of The Journalism Clinic

15

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

EDITORIAL DEATHS FROM LASSA FEVER The health authorities could do more to contain the viral disease

E

arly last year, Lassa fever ravaged many states across the nation. Since December 2016, the nation is again increasingly under the scourge. Dr. Chikwe Ihekwazu, Director General of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said recently that the outbreak was not yet an epidemic. But number of deaths is pointing in that direction.

At the last count, more than 40 deaths have been recorded in seven states including Ogun, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba, while new cases of infections have been discovered in others like Ondo and Edo. We hope the authority will act quickly to contain the spread.

Lassa fever has been a serious challenge for the country’s health authorities since it was first diagnosed in Lassa (the village for which it was named) in Borno State in 1969. While there have been efforts in the past to contain the scourge, it resurfaced in epidemic proportions late 2015 and spread through Bauchi to 17 other states including Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Oyo and Lagos.

THE SYMPTOMS ARE About 100 patients FEVER, GENERAL died of the disease.

WEAKNESS, AND “The Nigerian govMALAISE. AFTER A FEW ernment will continue DAYS, HEADACHE, SORE to enhance its surveilTHROAT, MUSCLE PAIN, lance and social health education, information CHEST PAIN, NAUSEA, and communication VOMITING, DIARRHEA, COUGH, AND ABDOMINAL activities to prevent the disease from PAIN MAY FOLLOW spreading further in Nigeria,” said Prof. Isaac Adewole at the time.

The resurgence of the deadly viral disease is a failure of the measures to contain it. From what happened at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, where the disease killed a nurse and her patient, even simple tests were not carried out to confirm the nature of the ailment before complications set in. The nurse was treated for malaria. “Because she was a nurse, they

Letters to the Editor

L

never thought of Lassa fever”, said Adewole. “Even if the patient is a bishop, it (the disease) can be Lassa fever. When we launched malaria programme, we said nobody should treat malaria without diagnosis.”

Lassa fever is a viral disease transmitted when a human comes into contact with an infected rat’s feces, urine, or the bodily fluids of an infected human. These rats are often found in human homes. Transmission through contaminated food is common, as the rats can leave excretions in food stores. The infection, in some cases, has no noticeable impact while it could be fatal in others. The Centre for Disease Control estimates that in 20 per cent of Lassa cases, patients suffer a “severe multisystem disease”. The symptoms of the fever, often with incubation period of six to 21 days, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) are gradual, “starting with fever, general weakness, and malaise.

After a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain may follow”.

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

F

ortunately, Nigeria has the capability to diagnose Lassa fever and the laboratories have confirmed all the cases reported so far. Lassa fever is treated with an antiviral drug called Ribavirin. However, because the symptoms of Lassa fever could be so varied and non-specific, experts say clinical diagnosis is often difficult, especially early in the course of the disease. For that reason, steps should be taken to direct all health facilities in the country to emphasise routine infection prevention and control measures. Family members and healthcare workers should be advised to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.

This is the time to internalise all the lessons learnt from the way and manner in which the Ebola scourge was handled in our country. While members of the public are advised to keep their environment clean, healthcare workers are enjoined to immediately contact the epidemiologist in the State Ministry of Health or call the Federal Ministry of Health on seeing any patient suspected to have the fever.

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

THE MANY BENEFITS OF THE NYSC SCHEME

ast year and early this year I read a lot of articles and negative comments about the NYSC scheme.

But not many people have shared the success stories they experienced during their service year.

NYSC was one of the platforms God used to help me understand what I was to do with my life and the scheme helped set my career path. I am a graduate of Covenant University. I studied Management Information System.

In my final year, just before my convocation, I asked God to please let me get posted where I would make the most of my year as I had heard rumours that it was going to be a waste of time. I graduated with a 3.2 CGPA and at the time, I was worried about not getting a good job because of my result. I desired a platform to give my best in whatever place of primary assignment. I did not even think about “working” my NYSC. I was posted to Anambra State. A lot of my friends advised I redeploy but I remembered what I asked God for and I was determined to serve and make the most of my service year.

My parents were also very supportive and proud about their baby girl becoming an independent woman.

After three weeks in camp, I was posted to Anambra Broadcasting Service for my primary assignment. I resumed work a week after camp. During my service year, I carried out a few community development projects. One, I trained

news and programmes department staff in Awka and Onitsha branch offices of Anambra Broadcasting Service on multimedia, mobile and social media journalism. Two, I enlightened secondary school press club students in my community of residence on media and information literacy. I sourced for sponsors to provide provisions and equipment to meet the needs of the children in a local orphanage home at Ifite, Anambra State. Three, I enlightened youths in Anambra State on the importance of peace through artistic expressions (dance, drama, music) conveying a message to vote and not fight in the 2015 elections. This event held in February 2015.

I still work for Anambra Broadcasting Service but I have now additional responsibilities and I am happy about that.

Initially I worked as the personal assistant to the managing director but as time went on I started learning presenting skills, marketing skills; I learnt how to use software’s to edit, shoot videos, conduct interviews, etc.

Meanwhile, on weekends, I took a short course in project management and after I got a certificate, I began assisting the organisation on projects. Now, I have an online programme ‘Everyday People’ that airs on the organisation’s YouTube channel (absradiotv). This programme showcases the lives of people, small business owners in the state and what they do to provide for themselves. I also have a radio show on Saturdays “rave of the moment”. I discuss trending issues with listeners who call into the show.

I observed I enjoy presenting so I started a YouTube channel

(Biola Jinadu) where I share my experiences and challenges.

Upon completion of my service, I received an award for outstanding performance from the NYSC Board Chairman, Anambra State Chapter.

Last month, I started my personal project, Students meet Graduate in Awka. It is a one day workshop to ensure that outgoing secondary school students (SS3) are prepared before they begin the next phase of their life as an undergraduate. My goal is to give the students a guide to life at the university. I visit schools and drop questionnaires for the SS3 students to fill, I carry out the analysis and based on the data I get, I speak to the students. I have been to two schools now, comprising of 214 SS3 students.

During my service year, I am not saying I did not have time when I felt depressed or missed my family. I just never allowed myself to be overwhelmed by those feelings. I took breaks to visit my family whenever I got homesick. Thankfully, Governor Willie Obiano had created measures to keep the state secure so I did not have to worry about safety as long as I was at the right place at the right time, doing the right thing.

Believe me, all of these accomplishments would not have happened if not for the NYSC scheme. Individually, we have to be prepared to serve mentally and physically. A person has to truly desire something before it can happen. It is the law of attraction.

Biola Jinadu, Awka, Anambra State

16

T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

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17

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

POLITICS

Group Politics Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.soniyi@thisdaylive.com 08033146139 SMS ONLY

PERSONALITY FOCUS

Enigmatic Obasanjo at 80

Last week, leaders across the globe stormed Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to mark the 80th birthday of a quintessentially iconic Nigerian, former President Olusegun Obasanjo in grand style. Sheriff Balogun writes

T

he venue, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) was filled to the brim as leaders across the world converged on Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital to identify with former President Olusegun Obasanjo who marked his 80 years birthday with pomp and pageantry.

The one week-long celebration witnessed story time gathering with Obasanjo, sporting activities, secondary school and inter-varsity debate, cultural feast, grand opening of the presidential library and inauguration of the library central mosque.

Among the dignitaries who graced the event include: the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osibajo; Liberian President, Ellen JohnsonSirleaf, Presidents Faure Gnassingbe (Togo), Ernest Koroma (Sierra Leone), Boni Yayi (Benin Republic), Laila Ndinga (Kenya), Joyce Banda (Malawi), William Mkapa (Tanzania) , Nicephore Soglo; Prince Michael of Kent, Kofi Anan, Prof. Akin Adesina, former president of Ghana, John Kuffour.

Others include: former presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Ernest Sonekan and Abdul Salam Abubakar, and Emeka Anyaoku, Namadi Sambo, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Olusegun Osoba, Kwakwaso.

Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun; Minister for Mines and Steel, Dr. Fayemi; Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote, Alimodu Sherif, Goodswill Akpabio, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, Alao Akala, Andrew Young, Nuhu Ribadu and several other notables graced the event.

The celebration commenced with a thanksgiving service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by the Deputy National Vice President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke. In his sermon, Oke described the former president as man of destiny whom God has raised for a specific purpose in Nigeria, saying all the past experiences of the former Head of State and president pointed to the direction that God has a hand in his life.

While responding to the Oke’s sermon, Obasanjo who was full of joy said God has done so much for him more than he deserved, noting that despite the fact that he was imprisoned on a trumped up charge of coup plotting by late General Sanni Abacha, he came out alive and later became a president in 1999.

He said: “If you don’t know anything about me at all, go to the village where I was born.

I was born by parents that were illiterate.

There was no road to the village then. One could not boast of even being known in the next village.”

A segment of the event, ‘Story Time With Baba’ was held at his village in Ibogun area of the state. It was organised by Centre For Human Security, arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

During the event, Obasanjo told rib cracking jokes to the pupils of his former school, Baptist Day School, Ibogun. He told the students different folk stories where he tasked parents and guidance on teaching children moral values that will serve as foundations for their lives.

While recounting his growing up time in the village, Obasanjo said his parents and other community leaders usually gather young children, including him, under the moonlight to give them riddles and tell them fables.

The former president, therefore, advised parents and community leaders to revive the culture of story telling among children to

Obasanji...rare to the core

enable them imbibe good moral standard.

According to him, we have grown up with those moral values and they served as foundations upon which we built our lives and conducted ourselves wherever we went.

Obasanjo said he had written 12 books containing several of such stories as part of efforts to sustain the culture and prepare the children for the future. He distributed copies of the books to pupils of the school and other schools in the state.

The celebration continued at the 2017 International Youth Variety Day and Public Presentation of Olusegun Obasanjo’s Books for Children in Abeokuta where Obasanjo disclosed his motive behind the establishment of the president library.

He said lack of care for the country’s archival materials and treasures informed the establishment of a presidential library, saying ”we have been careless with what we should not be careless with”.

According to the former president, the presidential library will serve as a centre for the presentation of the past, capturing the presence and inspiring our future.

He, therefore, said the development prompted the idea of having a library to keep the materials for restoration of the country’s history, saying “the situation I saw was that our national treasure was not guided carefully.”

At the grand opening of the presidential library and the library’s central mosque, the sterling qualities of Obasanjo were extolled as

Baba Olusegun Obasanjo is certainly one of those rare human beings. But we diminish his vision if we do not recognise his place as a world statesman

the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo described him as a precious gift to Nigeria.

While describing his strategic roles in the nation’s history, Osinbajo stated that “Obasanjo is therefore a gift in various ways being so intricately tied to the history of Nigeria.”

He noted that few years after independence, he played a crucial role in the civil war and later became military head of state during which he midwifed a transition programme that culminated in the election of the first executive president.

He said in retirement, Obasanjo embraced farming before he returned back to public service as elected president in two elections, and later handed over to another elected president.

He, therefore, said Obasanjo’s enduring legacy would be his belief in one strong, detribalised Nigeria, and in an Africa united in vision and thoughts.

Osinbajo who described the former president as an authentic African icon, said Obasanjo’s pan-Africanist vision could be gleaned from the large presence of Africa’s serving and former heads of governments at the event.

“But we diminish his vision if we do not recognise his place as a world – statesman even that is evident from the representatives of the world that are present here today”, he added.

He noted that at every turn, “the former president recorded his views and perspectives especially in various books, articles, seminars and now in this amazing monument to add credible life of service to our continent and to our world.”

According to him, very few human beings have a chance of making history and fewer still have a good fortune of making history, writing it as you go along and living longer to even establish a library and write history in your own words.

He added: “Baba Olusegun Obasanjo is certainly one of those rare human beings.

“But we diminish his vision if we do not recognise his place as a world statesman, even that is evident from the representatives of the

world that are present here today”, he added.

The acting president said: “History is the most compassionate teacher. At some point in time we were told in an adage that experience is the best teacher but now we know it is only half of a wise saying.

The full statement of that adage is that experience is the best teacher for a fool, a wise man doesn’t need the pain of experience, history is a kinder and a more compassionate teacher.”

However, in her remarks, the Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson said, “the lessons herein are more than academic or events from the past, when history and technology meet as eloquently displayed in Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, history becomes alive as a dynamic reality and development of human kind for our people”.

She said further, “our children will read events of history, will live, interact, feel and challenge the interpretation of past events.”

Describing the library as a project to be emulated by others, the Liberian President advised African children, adults, scholars everywhere and friends of Africa worldwide to visit the presidential library to feel the exhibits from the life and times of a great son of Nigeria and Africa.

Obasanjo, in his comment at the event said the library was the fulfillment of the vision and mission he had in 1988 to collect vital materials on the civil war.

The former president, who described the library as a centre of knowledge, said the it would also sustain culture and encourage tourism.

Meanwhile, the week-long birthday celebration that started with a thanksgiving service ended with a thanksgiving as the former Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Mbang on Sunday urged leaders across the country to emulate former president Obasanjo’s leadership qualities, saying his good deeds would outlived him.

Mbang, in his sermon, titled, ‘The Quality of Our Gratitude to God’ said Obasanjo created majority of government institutions which according to him are performing well, citing Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He stressed that no government after Obasanjo had added anything to what Baba had created.

The cleric who lamented that the country would have been more better than its current status, said “if other administrations that succeeded Obasanjo had followed his agricultural plan, the country will not be where it is today.”

He also disclosed that Obasanjo is the best president Nigeria has ever had, insisting that no president has been able to match his achievements.

“This man within three months of getting to office built a chapel in the Aso Villa. I remember that at that time when Obasanjo came into the Villa, there were 12 mosques in the Villa and there was no single church but Obasanjo built a chapel for Christians to worship.”

While describing Obasanjo as a God fearing man who has neither been ashamed nor feel too big to serve God at all time, said Baba Obasanjo served as a good example of a leader others should copy.

Obasanjo in his brief response, commended the guests, the OOPL Board of Trustees, Clerics, Children as well as his family members, saying “thank you all and I pray God will honour us all”.

18

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

POLITICS

POLITICS&ISSUES

Frenzy over Ebonyi LG Polls Benjamin Nworie writes that there are a plethora of contentious issues across the major political parties in Ebonyi State ahead of the local government elections slated for April 22

S

ince the creation of Ebonyi State in 1996 and eventual enthronement of democratic rule in 1999, the state has consistently conducted local government elections to elect chairmen and councillors to the thirteen council areas of the state.

This continued unabated till late 2014 when a Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki nullified the 2013 local government election conducted under the administration of the former governor, Mr. Martin Elechi. The reason for the nullification was the use of option A4.

In a suit filed by the petitioner, Sunday Ekpa, the court nullified the election and ordered for a fresh election using open secret ballot.

However, because of the political intrigues during the buildup to the 2015 general elections, Elechi appointed 13 caretaker chairmen and liaison officers pending the conduct of the council election. His plan to conduct the election did not eventually material owing to the political re-alignment that caused infraction between him and his former deputy and now successor, Governor David Umahi.

Elechi felt that it was better to separate the sheep from the wolf by dropping pro-Umahi’s chairmen and replaced them with his loyalists that would execute his interest in the governorship race. Elechi did not abide by the Federal High Court ruling by conducting fresh election.

On assumption of office, Umahi continued with the pattern. He appointed chairmen and councilors, citing huge financial implication of conducting election amidst the economic recession. But when the chips were down with the strong backing of the National Assembly over the conduct of council election, the state House of Assembly quickly passed a bill christened Ebonyi State Electoral and Related Matters Law—001 of 2017 that adopted the open secret ballot system.

After the governor’s assent to the law, the Chairman, Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, (EBSIEC), Mr. Jossy Eze released the time table and guidelines, which fixed the election for April 22, 2017.

Since the release of time table, the tempo of political activities have increased in the state, heightening tensions in all the political parties that have indicated interest to participate in the election.

But the general believe among members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members is that the All Progressives Congress (APC) members are confused and unfocused.

And that as such, its participation in the election may be a mere political exercise.

This is because the party is still entangled in leadership crisis, worsened by the failure of the leader of the party in the state, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu to intervene and resolve the matter.

The crisis is between the state chairman of APC, Hon. Ben Nwobashi and his deputy, Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze. Nwobashi insisted that Eze remains his deputy while Eze maintained that Nwobashi was removed as the chairman of the party. Nwobashi said he would participate in the council election while Eze said he would not. Other political parties have also indicated interest to participate in the election.

The ruling PDP is also enmeshed in controversies across the council areas on the choices of candidates. Nocturnal meetings, lobbying and scheming have also dominated the political landscape of the state.

But whether the election goes on as planned or not, it is feared in some quarters that it would bring about another round of litigation from the aggrieved deposed chairmen and councillors, most of whom have parted ways with PDP. They are contending that the court did not invalidate their nomination for the chairmanship but nullified the process that led to their emergence as chairmen of the

A source told THISDAY that some political forces are planning to battle against the scheduled election. It was noted that aggrieved chairmen and councillors would sue PDP and EBSIEC if fresh elections were conducted with their uncompleted nomination. The deposed chairmen spent barley one and half years in office before they were sacked.

They are insisting that they have about two years to stay in office and that if another election would be conducted, they still have a valid nomination from PDP to contest the election

Umahi...here comes a litmus test

local government areas.

A source told THISDAY that some political forces are planning to battle against the scheduled election. It was noted that aggrieved chairmen and councillors would sue PDP and EBSIEC if fresh elections were conducted with their uncompleted nomination. The deposed chairmen spent barley one and half years in office before they were sacked. They are insisting that they have about two years to stay in office and that if another election would be conducted, they still have a valid nomination from PDP to contest the election.

He warned that any attempt to fix new candidates apart from the deposed chairmen, who already enjoy the nomination of their party and later won the election, though on a faulty process, would boomerang.

Pundits have adduced that it may be suicidal for the PDP to reconsider them for nomination. How this will work still baffles onlookers because some of the deposed chairmen are already scheming to return to PDP to enable them contest the election.

However, a notable PDP source maintained that the party has the right to conduct primaries as many times as possible provided it will meet up with the deadline given by the electoral body. He hinted that PDP is legally backed to conduct fresh primaries.

The source said “when election is cancelled, the electoral body will release time table and guidelines for the election. Political parties, according to the guidelines will hold fresh primaries that will be monitored by the

electoral body. It is a decision of the party to choose who flies its ticket. Nobody can dictate for the party or coerce it to accept what it does not want. That is why there is room for substitution of candidates”.

A factor threatening the peaceful PDP has remained the ongoing harmonisation for consensus candidates. On daily basis, acrimonies and dissenting voices keep rising from the people on the outcome of the harmonisation process. It was gathered that the zoning arrangement and harmonisation initiatives have pitted stakeholders against each other and these have given rise to declaration of intention by aspirants.

The stakeholders meetings of the PDP organised to harmonise and present consensus candidates ahead of the local government elections in Ebonyi State slated to hold on April 22, 2017 have thrown the party into political rivalry, bickering and crises among party faithful.

As the party continues to implement the zoning arrangement in the 13 local government areas and the 171 wards in the state the stakeholders are divided over the zoning arrangement as adopted in the meetings.

Umahi, at the State Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Abakaliki, while signing into law, the newly amended State Electoral act, directed the state’s party chairman, Onyekachi Nwebonyi; the zonal vice chairman, South-east; Deacon Austin Umahi and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Francis Nwifuru, to meet the stakeholders and ensure the implementation

of the zoning arrangement to avoid bickering and internal political wrangling.

There have been tension in Ikwo, Ishielu, Afikpo South, Abakaliki, Izzi, Ebonyi, Ohaukwu and Ivo local government areas of the state .THISDAY gathered that the meeting of party leadership with stakeholders of Ishileu LGA ended in a deadlock as stakeholders could not agree on the zoning arrangement.

However, opinions emerged that the incumbent caretaker Chairman, Hon. Sunday Eze has performed creditably to be elected substantive council chairman.

Feelers also has it that stakeholders were in support of his emergence. A source disclosed that the Senate Committee Chairman on Sports and Senator representing Ebonyi Central, Senator Obinna Ogba is behind Eze’s candidature.

But whether PDP or any other party harmonise or not, the EBSIEC boss noted that no political party would hold the commission to ransom in the conduct of the election as slated, stressing that no disagreement in any political party would make the commission shift the election.

He stressed that the commission would maintain absolute neutrality without being influenced by anybody.

“If in the past, the commission has faulted, we are going to address all issues. Elections will be free and fair. We will offer level playing ground to all the political parties. No political party will hold the commission to ransom and nobody will influence us. Every vote counts. At the end of the elections, all the votes will be collated and announced.

Justice must be clearly seen to be done. Our duty is to sensitise and not to mobilise for any political party”, he assured.

However, no matter the intrigues and internal wrangling among the stakeholders of PDP, the party remains the choice of the people and may possibly sweep all the positions up for grabs because of the love and confidence, the people reposed on the Umahi-led PDP government.

Umahi has gradually taken PDP to unimaginable height as a party committed to the development of the state and upliftment of the welfare of the people.

But how fast the governor nips the divergent voices trailing the PDP harmonisation process in the bud, will definitely shape the 2019 general elections in the state.

19

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

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A T

NIBOR 18.5083% 16.6507%

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

17.7268% 20.3556%

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

D E C E M B E R ,

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15.4261% 15.7513% 16.1576%

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

1 6 , 19.2703% 20.6120% 22.3006%

2 0 1 6 EXCHANGE RATE N314.77//1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes NCAA Inspectors Qualify as Instructors

GREENWICH FUND LISTING

L – R: Managing Director, Greenwich Asset Management Limited, Dayo Obisan; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar N. Onyema; and Group Managing Director, Greenwich Trust Limited, Kayode Falowo, at the listing of Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund at the NSE in Lagos….recently.

SOAN Members Contribute $5.8m to CVFF, to Engage NIMASA on Disbursement Eromosele Abiodun Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) plans to engage the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to discuss how the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF) will be disbursed.

SOAN President and Chairman/CEO of Starzs Investment Company Limited, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun, who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos stated that SOAN members alone have contributed $5.8 million (N1.78 billion) to the

ECONOMY fund.

The N50 billion Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund, which is being managed by NIMASA was set aside to help Nigerians acquire ships.

The SOAN president said the association intends to engage the authorities on the CVFF because there is a need to fast-track it.

Ogbeifun said: “Let me use my company STARZ as an example. It has contributed over $1.2 million to it. The C&I Leasing Plc has contributed $1.88

million into the CVFF; Slock Limited has contributed about a million dollar or more; and so is Sea-Buck Limited which has contributed over $1.3 million into it.

“So, we have all contributed positively and if we have genuine transactions that need supports, we have a right to go to request for it. I believe that the new administration and Government that is here today is responsible and desirous of breaking the jinx that’s been dogging the CVFF; and the only way to do it, is to test

the waters.”

He added that some members of SOAN who have genuine transactions have written to NIMASA, applying for CVFF, “and we are waiting to see how they are going to react to our requests and we intend to collectively engage ourselves on this. Look at our cases, get whoever you need to get to do the transactions, raise analyses and all of that; and ensure somebody says something. We will not take Continued on page 20

57 Insurance Firms Yet to Secure NAICOM’s Approval for 2016 Financial Statements Ebere Nwoji Only two out of existing 59 insurance firms and two reinsurance companies have secured approval for their 2016 financial statements by the insurance industry regulatory body, the National insurance Commission( NAICOM).

THISDAY checks also revealed that five firms are still battling to secure the commission’s approval for their 2015 financial statements.

NAICOM, in a statement on this titled “Status of 2016 Financial Statements of insurance companies as at March 8th, 2017

INSURANCE gave the Names of the successful firms for 2016 accounts as FBN General Insurance, and Wapic Life Insurance.

The duo successfully had their account approved out of 12 insurance firms that had submitted their 2016 accounts.

The other ten who had submitted theirs are at various stages of examination by the commission.

Custodian Life is at review stage, the same thing with Custodian and Allied. Wapic General Insurance is on Review

in Process stage, the same with Ensure InsuranceI, Continental Reinsurance is also on Review in process, same with Law Union and Rock. FBNInsurance is also on Review in process with Consolidated Hall Mark Insurance.

Also Zenith General Insurance, and Zenith Life Assurance are at the same stage of Review in process. The commission is silent on the status of the remaining 48 insurance and one reinsurance firms as such it is not certain whether they have submitted their 2016 financial statements or not For the 2015 financial statements, the following six

insurance firms are yet to secure approval for their accounts, Great Nigeria Insurance Plc, NICON Insurance Ltd,Universal Insurance these have their accounts queried .

African Alliance Insurance was referred to Financial Reporting Council, while Investment and Allied Insurance Plc has its response to query still under review. Goldlink Insurance account is still under review.

Recently, the Managing Director of Universal Insurance Ben Ujoatuonu, told THISDAY that his company, had since last Continued on page 20

Nine Inspectors of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have qualified and duly certified as International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Instructors.

According to the agency, all the officers attained this qualification after the successful completion of the ICAO Trainer Plus Training Instructors Course (TIC). The training took place at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, a certified Trainer Plus Centre from February 13-17, 2017. NCAA said the certification programme was in line with the agency’s Director General’s Four – Point Agenda to continuously develop its internal capacity, as it would accelerate the Authority’s human capital development that would continue to strengthen the robust regulation of the Industry.

The ICAO certification has conferred on the instructors the competency to conduct training courses and develop training strategies for course delivery. In addition, they are qualified to deliver Standardised Training Package (STPs) based on TRAINAIR methodology as well as conventional courses.

“The Training Instructors Course (TIC) is an ICAO Standardised Training Package (STP) under theTRAINAIR PLUS Programme (TPP) of the ICAO Global Aviation Training (GAT) office in cooperation with the Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organisation (JAA TO).

The TIC is segmented into two parts and is offered to aviation professionals at Trainer Plus Centres. Part One is an online course that lasts for about 30 hours while Part Two is a forty - hour face to face classroom delivery course. However, the successful completion of the Part One is a prerequisite to participating in the Part Two face to face classroom training,” said the agency in a statement signed by its spokesman, Sam Adurogboye.

FAAN Inaugurates Anti-Corruption Unit

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has inaugurated its Anti-corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).

The eleven man committee, which was sworn in recently at an event in Lagos was charged to ensure the domestication of the key tenets of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which are transparency, accountability and good ethical practices at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

The Authority’s director of Commercial and Business Development, Alhaji Sadiku Abdulkadir Rafindadi, who represented the Managing Director, Sule Dunoma, at the event enjoined the newly inaugurated committee to act as compliance and ethics officers with the responsibility of educating and enlightening management and staff on the need for adherence to rules and regulations and upholding of good ethical practices in FAAN. He noted that management is very passionate about the virtues of accountability and transparency, which informed its seamless collaboration with the ICPC in the recently concluded Critical Risk Assessment exercise to eradicate low level corruption at the nation’s airports. Speaking further, he stated that in our quest to consolidate on our relationship with the ICPC, the Authority has painstakingly nominated some of her outstanding personnel being inaugurated today to work in collaboration with the ICPC to achieve the objectives for which the ACTU was established by the Federal Government.

Passenger Demand Growth Rises

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced globalpassengertrafficresultsforJanuary2017showedthatrevenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rose 9.6 percent compared to January 2016.IATA said this was the strongest increase in more than five years. According to the international body, results were positively affected by traffic associated with the Lunar New Year celebrations, which occurred in January this year, compared to February in 2016.

IATA estimated the holiday-related travel contributed up to onehalf a percentage point in extra demand growth. January capacity rose 8.0%, and load factor climbed 1.2 percentage points to 80.2 percent. “2017 is off to a very strong start, with demand at levels not seen since 2011. This is supported by the upturn in the global economic cycle and a return to a more normal environment after the terrorism and political ‘shock’ events seen in early 2016,” said IATA’s Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac.

The down-turn in the economy and the structures of the new financial administration of the economy is such that the banks or the financial institution right now, are a little bit handicapped; let alone been able to even go into new projects Chairman CEO of Starzs Investment Company Limited

Mr Greg Ogbeifun

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BUSINESSWORLD SOAN MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE $5.8M TO CVFF, TO ENGAGE NIMASA ON DISBURSEMENT it lying low.”

He said SOAN members are not going on a confrontation. “You see, the people in government responsible for that fund right now, need ideas on how to appropriately disburse it without risking the funds; and then, wait to see visible achievements by that disbursement. So it is going to be a case of engagement.

So I don’t want you to go out there and report it wrongly.”

He added: “We are going to engage collaboratively to see how can do it. But you must understand that if you don’t have a request, then they will be no reason to worry yourself on how to disburse it. But now that we have made some requests, we believe they are going to look at it and I am sure that at some point, the appropriate authorities will invite us to collect it; and say ‘let’s see how we can make it happen.

57 INSURANCE FIRMS YET TO SECURE NAICOM’S APPROVAL FOR 2016 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS year, submitted its financial reports for 2015 to NAICOM but was directed by the regulator, to give all its assets titles in its name.

He informed that this has been done and that the company has met other requirements of the regulator including preparation of 2016 annual report which he said will be submitted very soon.

The Insurance Act 2003 mandates insurance companies to file their annual accounts, six months after the financial year.

The law for filing of annual returns and accounts states that “all insurance and re-insurance companies shall submit to the Commission three copies each of duly audited financial statements and annual returns in prescribed forms.

“In respect of operation of the company for 2010, returns shall be filed on, or before 30th June, 2011. Failure to file annual returns as prescribed

by Section 26 of the Insurance Act, 2003 constitutes a ground for cancellation of operating licence.”

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

NEWS

Economist Proffers Solutions to Quicken Exit from Recession James Emejo in Abuja

Economist/Chairman, Adel & Argus Global Services Limited, Anthony Aziegbemi has urged the federal government to lead by example by patronising Made-in-Nigeria products as a way stimulating the economy and aiding a quick exit out of the current recession.

He said a larger chunk of government’s spending ought to be within the country, adding this was needed at this challenging period.

He lamented that there had been no significant stimulus package by government to address the present situation compared to other countries including China, which had increased spending in strategic investments in rural infrastructure health and education among others.

He said though the several interventions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in various sectors were commendable, they are not enough to liberate the country from its current predicament.

He said global economies have used fiscal policy to stimulate demand in the face of collapsing global demand-an essential ingredient still lacking in the Nigerian circumstance.

Specifically, he said the current CBN interventions in the foreign exchange market, which appeared to be yielding positive results, were merely artificial and won’t bring a lasting solution to the problem.

He said the real value of the local currency should be left to the forces of demand and supply.

Among other things, he said government must show commitment in its diversification

efforts.

Speaking in Abuja while leading discussion on “Rethinking the Current Recession: The Way Out” which was put together by ValueFronteira Limited, he said some of government’s economic policies needed to be driven by passion to enhance the buy-in of all Nigerians.

He further questioned the decision of monetary authorities to raise the monetary policy rate at a period of recession, stressing that it is worrisome for people to refuse to spend because of uncertainty.

Aziegbemi said transparency was the key in the various

interventions by the apex bank, adding that beneficiaries of such interventions should be publicised for probity and accountability as well as a way to plug leakages.

According to him, hastening exit from the current recession would require that investors be quickly attracted back into the economy while government redeems its outstanding contractual obligation to contractors.

He further advised that attention must be paid to agriculture and agribusiness while also encouraging export of manufactured products.

He also called for better

management of the fight against corruption, tax rate reduction and tax base expansion, enhancement of sources of foreign exchange as well as the localisation of refining of petroleum products.

He also called for proper coordination between monetary and fiscal policy.

He gave support to current campaign to give amnesty to treasury looters as the country needed such monies to spend its way out the recession.

He said: “This recession is quite temporary. But the lessons that come with it will remain huge. Unless we pay attention

to the underlying entrenched and short term causes of the recession, we shall expect yet another one soon.

“It might also be a depression. We still have a golden opportunity now that the prices of oil appear to have slightly improved. The opportunity for diversification is huge.

The opportunity to leverage the numerous natural endowments of minerals, forestry, livestock’s, agriculture to finance and develop other industries as well as the technology required to join the rest of the developed world is also huge.”

CONGRATULATIONS

L-R: Senior Manger Customer Service Lagos and South West, MTN Nigeria, Sonny Onyegbula; Winner of N2million, Abdulhamid Maigadi; Senior Manager Development National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. N.E. Durugbo; and Media Planning Manager, MTN Nigeria Mr. Shabi Abubakar at the MTN Nigeria Yafun Yafun prize presentation held at the Syrian club, Ikoyi, Lagos …recently

NCDMB to Flag-off Egina Project in Q4, Applauds LADOL Compliance to Local Content Eromosele Abiodun The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Kesiye Wabote has applauded the pace of work at the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics base (LADOL), stressing that he will be on hand to inaugurate the Egina FPSO in the fourth quarter of this year.

Wabote stated this in Lagos when he led a team of his officials and other top industry

service providers and international oil companies (IOCs) on a facility tour of the base at the Apapa Ports Complex, Lagos.

LADOL is currently playing host to the fabrication of a $3.8 billion oil and gas logistics service facility commonly known as the Floating Production Storage and Offloading –FPSO rig, otherwise called the Egina project.

The project which has been applauded as first -of- its- kind in the sub-Saharan Africa is being handled by the Korea-based

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) on behalf of Total Oil Exploration, with LADOL serving as its local content partner.

He said the indigenous oil and gas logistics service provider is a testimony of the success story of local content laws in Nigeria.

On the pace of work at LADOL, he said: “So far so good I have seen remarkable progress.

I was here in December last year and I saw some of these things been fabricated. Today I am here again, I can see a

discipline work force. My only fear now is what will happen to the thousands of Nigerians working here if we do not have projects coming on stream. As you recall I have been going round to visit some of the IOCs in the last few weeks to ask them the projects they have on stream and their challenges.

“We are also looking at how the Nigerian content can help accelerate those projects so that we can keep Nigerians employed. Luckily for us, this

is the first integration on FPSO that is happening in Nigeria and I believe that nobody can tell is now that we cannot do it. Now we have fabricated six module, the next project should go beyond that, we cannot as a country go backwards it is only forward that we can go. So I tell project promoters, the IOCs and indigenous companies that we must have a benchmark in the future FPSO that we have in the country using Egina as a benchmark of what is acceptable in the country.

Senior Correspondent

Intels Denies Sponsoring OGFZA Act Amendment, CEO Sack

Correspondents

Eromosele Abiodun

Goddy Egene

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Capital Market)

Intels Nigeria Limited has described allegations that it was sponsoring the proposed Bill to amend the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) Act as “ridiculous, preposterous and laughable.”

In a statement issued through its Media Consultant, Mr. Bolaji Akinola, Intels said those behind the allegation are “disgruntled elements”

who are not interested in the advancement of the oil and gas sector.

“It is an insult on our distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly for anyone or group to insinuate that they are being tele-guided by a company to do their job. Nigeria is endowed with highly intelligent and patriotic lawmakers who have engaged themselves studiously to enact laws that will advance

good governance and the nation’s economic well being. It is therefore totally wrong for anyone to suggest that they are doing the bidding of a corporate entity. It is a great insult,” the company said.

According to the company, the news going round that its Chief Executive Officer has been sacked is fake and malicious.

Intels said since public hearings are part of the process of lawmaking, those who are

not happy with the proposed amendment should send their positions to the legislature.

“The desperation and guerilla tactics these few people have resorted to over the proposed OGFZA Bill amendment are uncalled for. They are at liberty to simply send their positions in support or against the amendment to the distinguished lawmakers rather than trying to disparage the lawmaking process or trying to discredit

an innocent organization that is fully occupied with making its contributions to the nation’s economic advancement,” it said.

“As a law abiding corporate citizen of this country, we have submitted ourselves to regulation and will continue to cooperate fully with authorized government agencies.

The question to ask is: why are those crying wolf where there is none, afraid of being regulated?” Intels said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Grimaldi Introduces Electronic Payment Options for Port Users Stories by Eromosele Abiodun Grimaldi Agency Nigeria Limited has introduced multiple payment options for port users.

Deputy Managing Director of Grimaldi Agency Nigeria, Nitin Senan, who disclosed this in a statement, said the shipping agency’s customers could now obtain and pay provisional invoices at any quick teller enabled ATM machines and select banking platforms.

Specifically, he stated: “Grimaldi remains at the forefront of innovative solutions for the Nigerian shipping industry. We had introduced e-bill payment solution a year ago successfully. Now, we are pleased to advise that customers can pay our provisional invoices at any Quickteller enabled ATM machine as well.”

He said the new electronic payment options will enhance prompt service as it will enable the company’s customers take delivery of their cargoes at the port till 2.00pm the next day.

According to him, “In addition to timely delivery, no payment confirmation is required under the new payment options while delivery orders will be issued within few minutes of surrendering original Bill of Lading.

“Other benefits include less physical presence at our office as only one visit to the marketing hall is required to obtain delivery order. There is also no manual processing fee.

These \put together means reduced transaction time and cost for our roll-on-roll-off (RORO) customers.” He said port users can benefit from the new e-payment system by simply printing their invoice

and visiting any bank branch requesting payment through E-bills or PayDirect.

“The bank will process the payment and print transaction receipt showing details of invoice paid. Customers should then visit our releasing hall, submit Original Bill of Lading (OBL) and collect their Delivery Order.”

“Our customers can also print the invoice showing transaction ID and Grimaldi vendor Code on top right corner at any Quickteller enabled ATM machine, sign in, select Quickteller payment option and pay their bills according to instructions on the next screen.

After completing payment on the ATM machines, customers can then visit our releasing hall, submit Original Bill of Lading (OBL) and collect their Delivery Order,” he added.

ICC Commends Westblue for Improved Trade Facilitation The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Office in Ghana has commended Westblue Consulting Limited - technical consultant of the Ghana Single Window Project, for its salutary role in simplifying the country’s cross-border trade, thereby enhancing the competiveness of the Ghanaian economy globally.

Speaking on the heels of the recent entry into force of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), ICC Ghana Secretary General, Mr. Emmanuel Doni-Kwame said he appreciated the support from Westblue Consulting and other institutions such as AGI, World Trade Centre Accra, GUTA, Shipowners Association of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, FAGE, Ghana Employers Association, Ghana Journalists Association,

Ghana Shippers Authority as well as the encouragement of the Ministry of Trade and the Parliament of Ghana towards the ratification of the TFA by Ghana in January this year.

Chief Executive Officer of West Blue Consulting and a member of ICC Ghana, Ms. Valentina Mintah, said the Ghana National Single Window, a trade facilitation programme, plays a key role in the execution of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, with up to 15 Sub Articles covered by the programme.

“With the entry into force of the TFA, we are confident of achieving a further reduction in time and cost of doing business in Ghana, whilst providing a level playing field for all trade participants”, she said.

Mintah added, “The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the first multilateral trade agreement to enter into force

in over two decades—aims to make trade easier and simpler by cutting red-tape at borders.

This landmark global trade agreement could boost global trade flows by over $1trillion.

“ICC has estimated that the agreement could support the creation of some 20 million jobs worldwide— the vast majority in developing countries. The TFA now becomes an official part of the multilateral trading system which covers more than 96 per cent of global GDP. “The Chamber is actively supporting the implementation of the TFA through the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation—a major public-private partnership supported by a number of donor governments and international businesses. The Alliance is currently rolling out trade facilitation projects in some developing countries based on TFA standards.”

MWUN Leadership Aspirant Blames FG’s Policies for Workers’ Woes One of the aspirants for the position of President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) in the forthcoming election, Comrade Dahiru Abubakar has blamed the massive lay off of workers in the maritime industry on the bad policies of the federal government.

Abubakar, who stated this in his declaration speech, claimed that the future of the union is being threatened, adding that only a credible leadership will remedy the situation.

He added that the threat to the union’s existence is a mixture of internal and external forces, stressing that the massive layoffs due to bad government policies is also affecting MWUN finances.

“But we have not moved. This is the time to secure our future.

On the other hand is our internal leadership of exclusivity, which has created divisions within the union, thereby burying the basis

of unionism which is solidarity, we now painfully discus ‘I’ and not ‘we’ as the basis for statutory leadership delivery. Painfully, comrades are reminded of their ethnic blocks in service delivery, negotiations on behalf of the workers are not just treated as sacred but are skewed against them, more often than not.

Our constitution is constantly under attack and breach. Simply put, the soul of MWUN has departed, workers have lost the power and the future very bleak,” he said.

The essence of leadership, he stated, is service delivery, “I therefore hereby offer myself for the leadership of MWUN as the President General in the forthcoming National Delegate Conference (NDC) in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State. Here I am send me. With all humility, I declare that I am your messenger.”

If given the mandate to lead MWUN, he said his vision of

service delivery will be anchored on a tripod of providing welfare and protection of members of the union, support government policies and to facilitate trade at the nation’s ports and waterways.

Following insinuations about plans by the outgoing leadership of MWUN to foist a candidate on the union, members from several chapels of the union had at a rally passed a vote of confidence on the leadership.

The workers, who turned out in their numbers, urged disgruntled members to close ranks and work with the leadership to move the union forward.

Speaking at the rally, President of the Dockworkers Branch of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, said: “With joy in our hearts, we the entire members of the union wish to commend our President General, Tony Nted for the good work you have done during your tenure.

RISK MANAGEMENT WATCH Robert Mbonu

Risk Appetite – “Man Know Thyself”

K

now thyself” was the first and greatest commandment of the Greeks. “All men have the capacity of knowing themselves and acting with moderation” (Heraclitus 540BC). This tells us that the desire and willingness to take risks lies within man, and is the reason why certain actions are taken.

Risk appetite is a vitally important concept in the practice of risk management. It is a key factor that determines the willingness to undertake an activity that involves risk. How far are you willing to go in pursuit of your objectives?

We generally tend to associate risk with uncertainty. It is the effect of uncertainty on our objectives that makes the study of risk important. If risk management is about achieving the most favourable outcome, and reducing uncertainty, then risk appetite is about identifying the optimum level of risk that will achieve the most favorable outcome.

For organizations (includes councils, ministries, departments and agencies), the risk appetite is the total value of corporate resources that the board is willing to put at risk in pursuit of its objectives. Agreeing the risk appetite will ensure that the organization does not put too much (or too little) value at risk. On an individual level, lifestyle decisions are usually taken bearing risk appetite in mind.

When establishing the risk appetite for a particular decision, we also have to take into account what the threat or opportunity might be of not taking the decision and the context for the risk. Is the risk worse if we fail to make the decision?

Then you need to decide how much risk you CAN accept versus how much risk you are WILLING to accept. The risk you CAN accept is your risk capacity. You don’t want to go there, that’s at the highest end of what you can bear. What you are WILLING to accept is your tolerance or appetite.

Risk appetite is officially defined in many public documents as “the types and amount of risk an organisation is willing to take in pursuit of its objectives” and MUST be owned by the Board of Directors albeit with a great deal of input from lower echelons of the organisation.

For example, consider a large Bank. There will be a statement where there will be zero tolerance for fraud risks. That is neither a realistic assessment of their risk appetite, or indeed their capacity for fraud risks. Their capacity with regards fraud could be quite high in reality, and even a multimillion Naira fraud is unlikely to cause huge financial distress to the organisation.

Yet they still have a stated appetite towards fraud of zero. The reason why they articulate it thus is that they can then set in place appropriate rewards and sanctions for behaviours that are

Sometimes we pretend not to know when we know. Therefore, knowledge of oneself is the only real knowledge, for as one understands oneself, only then can one truly understand another

outside the risk tolerance statement.

Capacity is a hard fact. It’s about how much capital (and other assets) an organisation needs to sustain a certain level of threat and opportunity. Appetite is about willingness to take risk. Thus risk appetite is about a deliberate discussion about the ability to be able to take threats and opportunities in order to achieve strategic objectives, taking into account the organisation’s capacity and its tolerance levels.

Setting the risk appetite is an important process. It starts with a good analysis of the value drivers and goals for the organisation, which is critical. Stakeholders perceptions of risk and needs for value creation and value protection too are really important for helping to shape the risk appetite. Risk appetite should be shaped around the key risks that affect the value drivers.

Agree the language. One set of words and their meanings is really important – there has to be a clear understanding of the meaning of risk appetite. The language then needs to be communicated throughout the organisation.

As the organisation matures in its approach towards risk and risk management, the approach to risk appetite can become more involved and complex. The rule is to keep risk appetite as simple as the organisation can cope with.

For the more mature organisation, there should be a reckoning of all the risk tolerances and how the aggregate of these might affect risk capacity. In turn this would be compared to the capital in the business, and in the case of extreme sensitivity to risk, the risks should be exposed to stress and scenario testing to ensure that the capital remains adequate.

A policy, statement, operating model and reporting dashboard for risk appetite should be established as well as reporting and monitoring processes.

Communication about the risk appetite sets the boundaries for permitted risk behaviours in the organisation and allows safe innovation to take place within those boundaries. The permissions for managed risk taking need to be accompanied by clear and fair policies for rewards and sanctions. External communication might also take place in, for example, the annual report and accounts.

Risk appetite changes over time and triggers for those changes should be built into the structure of the process.

The most important thing is that the risk appetite enables the organisation to take managed risk in a safe manner, and if the risk appetite is changed because of continual breaches, this might not be a safe way of operating.

Throughout my risk management career, a lack of understanding of risk appetite by individuals, and its clear communication in organisations has contributed majorly to mistakes and failures.

Sometimes we pretend not to know when we know. Therefore, knowledge of oneself is the only real knowledge, for as one understands oneself, only then can one truly understand another.

•Mbonu, FERP, CIRM(UK), HCIB, MsRM (Stern), studied Engineering, is an experienced Banker and Enterprise Risk Management professional. Earned a post graduate degree in Risk Management from New York University Stern School of Business, and is a member of the Institute of Risk Management -UK. Can be reached on 09092092046 (SMS Only); email: rm4riskmgt@gmail.com

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

AIR WATCH

NCAA Workers Oppose Employment of Unqualified Directors Chinedu Eze Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association (ATSSAN) backed by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), National Association of Airline Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and staff of the Nigerian Civil aviation Authority (NCAA) have protested against the recently appointed directors for the agency, saying some of them do not possess the prerequisite qualification to hold the offices they were assigned.

Members of the unions and NCAA workers who gathered at the agency’s headquarters

in Lagos have threatened to shut down the airports for one week over what they described as imposition of untested and unqualified personnel as directors in NCAA unless government rescinded those appointments.

They condemned a situation in which the federal government would recruit outsiders, who would be shown the ropes to fill all technical positions in the agency.

Addressing the unionists and NCAA staff, the general secretary of NUATE, Mr. Olayinka Abioye alleged that the new director of finance and accounts, Ms. Bilikisu Adamu

Sani is an educationist by training while the director of airworthiness standards, Mr. Ita Awak is a politician.

“We have done a critical assessment of the newly appointed directors in NCAA and found that out of the five only three are qualified to hold the positions. I’m aware that the newly appointed director of airworthiness standards has been a politician through and through. Airworthiness directorate should not be joked with for it is a sensitive directorate, except you want aircraft to be falling from the skies.

Air Peace Pledges on-time Departure as Kaduna Operations Begin Air Peace has said it has made arrangements to take travellers to their destinations on schedule as flight operations into and out of the Kaduna International Airport have commenced.

The airline gave the assurance in the wake of the disruption of some of its flights in the last few weeks, which it attributed to circumstances beyond its control.

A statement issued by the Corporate Communications Manager of Air Peace, Mr. Chris Iwarah said a complicated mix of poor weather, VIP movements and other unforeseen occurrences made it difficult to guarantee on-time performance.

The airline, however, assured that it had taken steps to minimise the impact of the development on air travellers and appealed for the understanding of the travelling public, saying it was pained at the strain its loyal customers had been made to go through.

“In the last few weeks, inclement weather, VIP movements, poor airport facilities and

other unexpected occurrences have combined to disrupt our flight operations. The situation has resulted in delays and sometimes cancellations that have negatively impacted the travel plans of our esteemed customers. “We deeply feel the pains of our loyal customers and passionately appeal for their understanding. We are fully conscious of the fact that we rode on the strength of our on-time performance, excellent safety record and customerfocused service to distinguish ourselves as Nigeria’s airline of choice in less than two and a half years of operation. We are not about to deviate from these sound business practices that have given us a good name and earned us the loyalty of a vast majority of the flying public.

The airline assured its customers that it is working round the clock to fix the challenge the disruptions have thrown up and fully stabilise its flight operations.

Air Peace said now that it

is starting operations into and out of Kaduna, “we cannot afford delays in taking our valued customers to their different destinations. We quite understand the difficult nature of the operations into and out of Kaduna and have made arrangements to ensure our customers are not stranded for any reason. “Besides getting our aircraft ready and available for the huge operations into and out of Kaduna, we have positioned our staff in the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Kaduna International Airport to guide and assist our customers with their travel arrangements throughout the six-week shutdown of the runway of the Abuja facility for repairs. We are also acquiring new aircraft to beef up our fleet as well as recruiting more flight and cabin crew to better serve members of the flying public.

Our customers are the reason we are in business and we cannot afford to fail them,” the spokesman also said.

Air Force Threatens to Demolish Illegal Structures on Its Land in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Nigeria Air Force has threatened to use apply stringent measures against people encroaching its over 200 hectares of land located along Ilorin International Airport, Ilorin, Kwara state capital Already, about 1000 illegal structures have been erected on the land and this development has been given the leadership of the air force a source of concern.

The Flag Officer Mobility Command of the Nigeria Air Force in-charge of Kwara, Niger, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers states, Air Vice Marshall Stephen Kpeletu Onu made this disclosure in Ilorin, Kwara state capital on Tuesday after the inspection tour of all the facilities at Air Force Mobility Command, Ilorin.

The visit took him to communication groups, Air Force primary school, medical center and air force barracks to assess the living conditions of men

of the air force in the Mobility command in Ilorin.

According to him, ‘The position of the air force has never been antagonistic position against the people that had encroached the land because the land was duly acquired by the Nigeria Air Force”.

He said that, it was disturbing that, over the time the people had chosen that it is their state and started encroaching into it and we have been trying to use least available force to us to tell the people not to encroach the land.

‘However, we still using all the measures that are available to us to try to reduce people going to that place and whoever still in that place, it is still doing it illegally and it is not good if we start to use more stringent measures to get the people out of it and it is the major concern of the leadership of the air force to do something urgently about it now”.

On the multi million naira

Hangar project at Ilorin International Airport, AVM Onuh said that, the leadership of the air force is more committed to its urgent completion in order to be of more benefit to the air force and the people of the state.

He said that, , “As a matter of fact, you will see that it is a gigantic project and it is also a capital intensive and you would also know that there are lots of issues that are struggling for meager resources and the leadership of the air force is doing its best to put the Hangar into functionality without further delay”.

AVM Onuh added that, ‘There is no doubt that, if the Hangar project is completed it would add values to the economic development of the country and that of the home state in particular because it would create employment opportunities for the people and also serves a maintenance platform for the repairing of aircrafts in the country.’.

A Second Runway for Abuja Airport

A

viation industry analysts have opined that the shutdown of Abuja airport for the rehabilitation of the runway and the movement to Kaduna airport, which is the alternative airport, would have cost government, airlines and other business organisations involved in the movement over N1 billion. These include cost of logistics for moving personnel and equipment to Kaduna; the deployment of security operatives and the provision of extra navigational aids; airside facilities and others.

This huge cost, the analysts noted, would have been saved if the government did the right thing by building a second runway five years after the Abuja airport started operation, as recommended. But on the other hand, many rightly observed that the shutdown has helped to rehabilitate Kaduna airport, which was abandoned and neglected for years to the extent that the passenger terminal was left as carcass of uncompleted building.

This closure has reinforced the need to have second runway at the Abuja airport.

The former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Sule Ozenua said that Abuja does not have the complete paraphernalia of an international airport without a second runway.

“The unfortunate thing about Abuja closure is that we want to say Abuja is an international airport. As far as I am concerned and as the world knows, there is no international airport that will be operating with only one runway.

And when you go back to the inception of Sirika Abuja airport construction, you will find out that the master plan of Abuja airport consists is actually justified, but when compared to the of two runways and one would have expected existing runways in the Nigeria and elsewhere that less than five years after Abuja came into that may not meet the envisioned standard and operation, the second runway should have accompanying facilities of the planned runway, it been in operation. But since 1984, nothing would be assumed that the cost was outrageous.

It was a bigger project as it was designed has been done to ensure the construction of the second runway in Abuja. It is as if we to land heavier aircraft like Airbus A380 with expanded taxiways and other facilities. all went to sleep,” Ozenua said.

The former Minister of Aviation who presided He noted that over the years, the management of airport authority (FAAN) had tried over the planned second runway, Babatunde to draw attention to the need to have second Omotoba, told THISDAY in an interview about runway at the Abuja Airport, noting there is two years ago: “The issue of that runway has massive wear and tear when only one runway become very clear to the whole country that a is used, 24/7, even if it was constructed for second runway is needed in Abuja because of 20 years, so the usage has caused massive what happened. We have two in Kano and Lagos deterioration and the hold-up weight has and of course Abuja being the FCT and with our efforts at developing it as operational hub for reached the critical limit.

“Now, with the disrepair, this is where we West Africa, it sure needed a second runway.

“The second runaway was conceived and have reached that critical limit. I am sure that both the regulatory agency and others must designed to handle Airbus A380-800F with have realised the danger at the Abuja airport Category three Airfield Lighting (AFL). The length operating the runway at this critical level. of the planned runway was 4.5 kilometers with So the only solution we are now faced with a width span of 75 meters and its strip, which because of all the years of negligence is that should be free from any obstacle on both side they have to close the airport,” Ozenua said. should be 150 meters on the two sides. The basic In 2009 and 2010, there was massive length of the runway is about 3.4 kilometers and debate on the plan to build a second runway because of the altitude of Abuja, about 1000 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, feet above Lagos; that will add about 267 meters Abuja. Then the contention over the planned to the runway and because of the temperature second runway was the cost and it was the too we used 35.6 degree centigrade to design House of Representatives that finally scuttled the runway, when you have high temperature the project. In retrospect, if that second runway it takes aircraft longer distance to stop, that was built then, there would not have been added about 753 meters to the runway.

That was how the designers arrived at 4.5 need to close the airport now for the repair kilometers. The current runway that we have was of the only existing runway.

Many industry observers said that the built in 1982 and that is 31 years old now (as House of Representatives did not serve at 2014). It was designed to last for 20 years, the country well by scuttling the second it has exceeded its useful life and so we saw the need for a second runway. The second and the runway project.

Informed source involved in the project old one will have about 1.5 kilometer distance then told THISDAY that the cost of the between them, for the 1.5 km, 1.5 by 1.4 km.”

Now that there is urgent need to have the runway was put at N63.5 billion, which many Nigerians believed was outrageous. But inside second runway, government must have to decide source said that when one calculates what how to fund the already designed runway or would have gone with the runway, the cost invite investors to fund the project.

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AVIATION

How the Recession is Affecting Passenger Traffic

For air transport operators, the year 2016 was their worst in recent memory, as the depletion of air travelers impacted negatively on airlines, Chinedu Eze writes Discovery Air, which suspended operation in 2015, had planned to bounce back last year.

The airline made several efforts to access credit facility from local and international financiers but the rate with which the naira was losing value made it difficult for the airline to succeed in getting the funds to recommence operation.

Aero Contractors, which maintained good operation over the years was forced to suspend schedule operation in September 2016 only to resume in December. Also in 2016, three airlines that had obtained Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to start operation suspended the plan because of the volatility of the naira and the high cost of aviation fuel. Aero explained that it was forced to suspend operation due to high cost of aviation and depreciating naira.

Aviation and Other Economic Sectors The economic performance of companies outside the aviation sector in 2016 showed that it was the worst year for many sectors of the economy. For the first time, MTN declared losses; the same with Nestlé, which recorded major decline last year.

In the telecommunication sector industry analysts said 2016 was not a year to cheer because most of the telcos operated at a loss.

There was massive drop in voice calls due to low purchasing power of Nigerians, but there was increased demand for data but not to be compared the previous years.

“The downturn of the economy in 2016 affected the telecom companies because some of them operated at a loss in the area of voice calls and there was drop in revenue. Recession occasioned by the low value of the naira affected them because most of the equipment they needed were purchased overseas with dollars so they have to spend huge resources to acquire the equipment but they could not transfer these additional funds to their customer by increasing charges in order not to lose them. Most of the companies made very little marginal gains last year. The penalty paid by MTN also affected their marginal gains last year,” a telecommunication industry analyst told THISDAY. Industry experts say this was what also happened in the aviation sector. When the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stopped its forex access window to oil marketers, they went to the parallel market to buy dollars to import aviation fuel, forcing the price of the product to skyrocket. This drastically affected the airlines, which could not pass the huge increase to their passengers through airfare hike. The matter was exacerbated by the fact that 75 percent of Nigerian airlines’ operational cost is done in foreign exchange; from aircraft maintenance to purchase of spares, insurance, training and even the payment of expatriate personnel. Now, they have to quadruple their earnings in order to meet the dollar demand but unfortunately there was low passenger traffic due to the economic recession. This drastically affected the operations of the airlines.

According to reports, there was marginal decline in the performance of companies in 2016 due to the recession. Companies that obtained foreign loans when the naira got depreciated had to earmark more than four times the amount in naira they used to service these debts.

“For example, if they were to pay $100 million in 2014 when dollar was about N170, by last year it rose between N350 to N500; they generated more naira to service these debts in foreign currency in 2016. That left them recording huge losses at the end of the day. They were paying more naira to service their foreign loans and because of recession most businesses were not getting high turnover and patronage,” the economic analyst said.

Failing Airlines Because of the aviation industry high dependence on the dollar, it was hard hit and that may explain why only four airlines out of the existing eight on schedule service are effectively operating. Some have left their aircraft due for service on the tarmac because they do not have the funds to take them out for maintenance, some don’t have the funds to buy spares and

some don’t even have funds to continue to purchase aviation fuel on pay as you go basis, which is the new policy of the oil marketing companies. The marketers insist that as they source dollars in the parallel market to import the product they could not afford to be owed by the airlines. However, according to industry observers, it is only in Nigeria that airlines are requested to pay before they purchase fuel. In other parts of the world, it takes days and weeks to process and reconcile accounts between the marketers and the airlines.

“If the airlines use their operational funds to purchase fuel, they may not be able to pay for the other urgent services. The tradition is that you buy fuel, airlift passengers and then pay the marketers,” an industry operator explained.

Inside sources said that if the prevailing situation continues it is highly likely that out of the eight operating airlines on schedule service, four may stop operation by the end of this year and the other four may continue till next year or two years and they would fold up.

“Don’t forget that initially there were 150 registered airlines in Nigeria. Now they are eight and out of that eight, four are already very sick and without government’s intervention if aviation fuel continues to sell at over N220 per litre, you can be sure that the four sick airlines cannot survive this year and the rest will hardly survive next two years. Those planning to come and join the market may not come because the industry has become highly volatile and precarious,” the source observed.

Forex Scarcity The President of Sabre West Africa and Aviation Round Table (ART) told THISDAY in an interview that in addition to many other factors, non-availability of foreign exchange dealt death blow to the airlines in 2016.

He noted that whereas tickets are sold majorly in naira, bank loans with huge foreign exchange

content posed a big challenge on debt repayment due to huge fall of the naira against the dollar.

“Tariffs are far below economic rate due to stiff competition. One hour on Jet in 1994 which was $100 equivalent (23 years ago) is today less than $ 50 despite astronomical increases in all costs. It is the same with fuel costs.

“Multiple taxes remain unaddressed. Airlines have become revenue collectors for government agencies. Policy remains inconsistent as the announcement of government midwifing national carrier is sending fear on the airlines spines. Also multiple entry points into Nigeria gateways continually to erode domestic travel.

One can go on and on,” Olowo said.

He recommended that government through policy instrument should midwife consolidation of the airlines into two or three strong schedule airlines as it was done in the banking and telecom industry, using 5/20 rule. Olowo said there should be a policy that an airline that has operated for five years should have 20 aircraft, adding that there should be collaboration between the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE).

Olowo lamented that Nigeria is heading towards a stalemate in the aviation industry if there is no urgent intervention, stressing that the situation in the industry can threaten air safety if such urgent action were not taken.

He explained that there is a correlation between commercial airlines’ performance and safety “because where the economics is not right or strong enough, maintenance will be pushed to the very limit and or beyond, which will impact on safety.”

Unfavourable Government Policies The Managing Director of Afrijet Airlines, Alhaji Mohammed Tukur said government must review some of its policies that are inimical to running profitable airline business in Nigeria.

Tukur called on government to revisit the multiple taxation of the airlines, especially the issue of VAT, which only airlines in the transport industry pay, advising that the National Assembly should legislate over these charges, he noted that it is only when it has been legislated on that it would become law; otherwise, aviation agencies and the Federal Inland Revenue Service would continue to implement the policy of government beyond the pronouncement of a Minister of Permanent Secretary.

Tukur also suggested that government should give new airlines on start up tax holiday, at least in the first three months of thier operation.

He noted that it is a shame that Nigeria with its huge oil resources is not producing aviation fuel and other refined oil products locally, remarking that as far as Nigeria is importing aviation fuel, the prices would not be low enough that its prices would not dig hole in the coffers of the airlines.

“It will be difficult for Nigerian airlines to make profit at the present cost of aviation fuel. In fact, as long as Nigeria is importing the product, its cost will continue to be determined by the naira value in relation to the dollar and this is the product we can produce locally because we have the resources.

“We expect government to give new airlines tax holiday, even if it is for three months. This will help such airline to reposition itself financially before it will start paying those charges. But unfortunately, when you start operating today, you start paying those charges today. Government has not done anything whatsoever to encourage airline business in Nigeria. Just imagine that all these airlines are down today, it will just paralyse the economy,” Tukur said.

While government in the last one year has been dreaming on how to establish a national carrier, the schedule airline operation is being threatened by exigencies, which only government can solve.

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MARItIME

Gains of Ratifying the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Eromosele Abiodun writes on the need for Nigeria to commit to the World Trade Organisation trade facilitation agreement, as the country stands to benefit immensely The gradual growth in trade volumes in recent years, have significantly changed the operating environment for the international trading community. The development has also highlighted the negative impact of inefficient border procedures on governments, businesses and ultimately on the customer and the economy as a whole. Porous borders help to fuel smuggling, fraud and national security problems, which drain the public coffers, while businesses pay the price of slow and unpredictable goods delivery, costly customs procedures, and even lost business opportunities. And all these costs, experts believe, ultimately make goods more expensive for the consumer.

These “hidden” costs of trade are so high – as much as 15 per cent of the value of the goods traded in some cases.

For many countries, the welfare benefits from more efficient customs procedures could be as high as those from reducing tariffs.

This, experts believe, is a problem for all trading nations. Analysts believe the only way to make the whole process of trading simpler and smoother is trade facilitation, which is a key element of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) for multilateral trade negotiations at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

A report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), revealed that trade facilitation is particularly important for developing countries.

OECD believes that developing countries stand to gain the most from more efficient trade procedures. OECD, however, stated that achieving it may be more challenging for these economies than for the developed world.

“But even modest reductions in the cost of trade transactions would have a positive impact on trade for both the developed and the developing world,” it added.

Trade facilitation, it stated, covers all the steps that can be taken to smooth and facilitate the flow of trade.

“The term has been used widely to cover all sorts of non-tariff barriers, including product testing and impediments to labour mobility, but in the WTO it is defined as “the simplification and harmonisation of international trade procedures” covering the “activities, practices and formalities involved in collecting, presenting, communicating and processing data required for the movement of goods in international trade.

“The Doha round talks on trade facilitation cover freedom of transit, fees and formalities related to importing and exporting and transparency of trade regulations – which essentially relates to border procedures such as customs and port procedures, and transport formalities.”

Progressive Reduction of Tariffs The OECD report observed that international trade has grown rapidly in recent years, thanks to the progressive reduction of tariffs and quotas through successive rounds of multilateral trade liberalisation.

More trade, it added, means more goods crossing borders and having to comply with Customs formalities.

According to the report, “This has often put strain on national administrations trying to cope with the increased traffic without extra resources.

At the same time, businesses have become more aware of the costs involved in taking goods across borders, such as waiting time. Changing business practices have also put the spotlight on speed of delivery. In an environment of “justin-time” production, where car manufacturers, for example, rely on the uninterrupted reception of the necessary components, business cannot afford to have imported or exported goods tied up for long periods at the border because of unnecessary or over-complicated trade procedures and requirements.

“There is also the question of costs inherent

in the increased complexity of trade. Globalisation and international competition encourage international corporations to use a variety of locations for the manufacture and sourcing of components and final products. Preferential trade agreements have added a proliferation of complex rules of origin to the mix. Inefficient border procedures are also likely to lead to poor export competitiveness and make the country involved less attractive to investment.

But taking action to improve the efficiency of border procedures has been shown to produce results. Countries that have carried out reforms in this area have achieved a substantial increase in Customs revenue, despite the reduction in duties brought by trade liberalisation.”

Essentially, the report said everyone stands to gain from making the process of trade easier.

Governments, it added, gain because efficient border procedures make them able to process more goods and improve control of fraud, thus increasing government revenue.

“Businesses gain because if they can deliver goods more quickly to their customers they are more competitive. And consumers gain because they are not paying the costs of lengthy border delays. If a truck waits at the border for a week, ultimately the customer is paying for its being off the road and unproductive during that time. Studies indicate that even modest reductions in trade transaction costs, such as lengthy border procedures, translate into significantly increased trade.

“This is true for both rich and poor countries, but developing countries would show higher relative trade gains because of the relative inefficiency of their current systems and because agro food and small and medium enterprise (SME) trade, which are most severely affected by inefficient procedures are central for the economy

of these countries. Taking into account how trade facilitation measures to reduce transaction costs affect different sectors of the economy and different types of traders, OECD research shows that developing countries stand to gain two thirds of total world welfare benefits from trade facilitation. But if trade facilitation were to be undertaken by OECD countries alone, developing countries would stand to lose,” the report stated.

Clearance Times for Exports The report added that in many developing countries, clearance times for exports and imports considerably affect the competitiveness of national industry.

For instance, it said Indian companies suffer an estimated 37 per cent cost disadvantage in shipping clothing from Mumbai to the United States compared with Shanghai purely as a result of delays and inefficiencies in Indian ports.

Fiji, it added, holds its own against low-cost competitors because of its ability to provide quick deliveries of high-quality garments.

It said: “Improved border procedures also have a knock-on effect on other areas of the economy. Countries that are competitive in trade terms find it easier to attract foreign direct investment, for example. Trade facilitation also brings more efficient and reliable tax collection, a particularly important consideration for developing country governments that depend on trade taxes to finance their public administrations. Cote d’Ivoire, Lesotho and Madagascar, for example, all rely on trade taxes for more than a third of government revenue. Indeed, the prospect of increased revenue is one of the main incentives to reform. Revenue loss from inefficient border procedures has been estimated at more than 5 per cent of GDP in some cases.

“If the benefits are so evident, why are some countries reticent to commit to trade facilitation in multilateral negotiations? One reason is that for developing countries in particular, improving an inefficient customs system may place multiple demands on limited resources. Another is that governments will have to fund some of the reforms before they see any benefit in terms of increased revenue and trade, although initial benefits can then be used to pursue further reform. A particular cause for concern is the fact that it is difficult to say how much effective trade facilitation would cost, or how much reform governments would have to undertake before they started reaping the benefit.”

Governments, it added, generally do not undertake trade facilitation by itself; “it is mostly part of a wider reform effort, often driven by elements such as the transition to a market economy or accession to a regional grouping or trade agreement. As a result there is often no specific allocation of funding to trade facilitation per se, making it all the more difficult to assess specific costs. However, although customs reforms will be more complex in countries with the least efficient systems, even modest improvements will bring considerable relative gains.

“Costs incurred in introducing trade facilitation measures basically involve introducing new regulations; institutional changes; training; equipment; and infrastructure. Regulatory costs arise because trade facilitation measures may require new legislation or amendments to existing laws, requiring time and staff specialized in regulatory work. But reforms that do not require legislative changes mostly seem to be handled at the operational level and thus entail little additional cost.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

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BUSINESSWORLD some trade facilitation measures require setting up new units, such as a risk management team or a central enquiry point, which may require additional staff.

This, it added, involves cost even if existing staff are redeployed, mainly because of training requirements.

The OECD said training is probably the most important element of trade facilitation since the whole process is primarily about changing border agencies’ ways of doing business.

“Countries may choose to recruit new expert staff, train existing staff or import trained staff through exchanges with other ministries and agencies. Recruiting new expert staff is the most costly option. Most countries that have undertaken reforms have chosen to train existing staff on the job. Although the financial costs are lower, this will be a lengthy process as staff needs to simultaneously perform their normal duties. Equipment and infrastructure are often the most costly elements although their role in trade facilitation should not be overstated.

“Most equipment and infrastructure should be viewed as implementation tools that should be carefully combined and sequenced with regulatory, institutional or human resource changes.

Information and communication technology may help improve efficiency and effectiveness, for example, but will not produce trade facilitation unless burdensome red tape is simplified before the system is automated. At the same time, insufficient equipment and infrastructure make some facilitation measures such as pre-arrival processing or risk management more difficult to implement. Evidence available to date suggests that these costs are more than offset by staff savings at the border and by enhanced control and revenue collection,” the report said.

Benefits and Costs OECD said most developing countries that have taken the plunge have seen the benefits exceed the costs, in many cases by a very wide margin.

“By the time it was mid-way through a five-year customs modernisation programme, Angola had increased revenue by 150 per cent and reduced customs procedures to 24 hours.

Making the nuts and bolts of trading procedure easier to navigate requires transparency in the regulations and procedures, and consistency, predictability and non-discrimination in their application. Traders also need to be able to provide feedback on where the system works well and where it poses them problems.

“Transparency of relevant domestic regulations, procedures and practices is widely recognised as essential for ensuring that regulatory objectives are achieved efficiently while at the same time enhancing the benefits expected from trade and investment liberalisation. Businesses need to be able to fully understand the conditions and constraints for entering and operating in a market.

Openness about the way the system works also improves public confidence in the government’s performance and that of the regulatory system.

Among transparency measures, internet publication, setting up enquiry points or issuing advance rulings will entail some inception and training costs but these are mostly counterbalanced by cost savings in other areas,” it revealed.

The report stated that the notion of openness is a two-way street adding that governments generally maintain formal consultative arrangements with stakeholders such as importers’ associations, government agencies, and the trading community.

It stated that, “Surveyed countries said that this required no extra cost since the involvement of stakeholders was already central to the operation of customs. Consistency and predictability in the application of rules and procedures is also important. Traders need to know what to expect in their everyday dealings with Customs and other border agencies and how to act if a problem arises. The introduction of appeal procedures in the countries that do not already have them in place will entail some institutional costs and these are usually absorbed in the countries’ court systems.

“Simplifying border procedures is at the heart of trade facilitation. One method that helps reduce waiting time at the border is to allow traders and transporters to file the documentation for a shipment before it actually arrives at the border.

This requires a certain degree of automation on the Customs side as the most efficient way to do this is online. Nonetheless, even the limited use of advance filing of documents has generated important savings in the number of staff engaged

MARITIME

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun

in processing documents and reduced border crossing times.

“Another useful tool is risk assessment, a technique to assess and manage the risk that an individual shipment violates border controls.

This allows Customs administrations to devote minimal attention to “low risk” travellers and shipments, allowing the re-deployment of Customs resources on intensified controls for travellers and shipments judged to represent a higher, or unknown, risk. Such systems also do away with unnecessary burdens on traders by downscaling physical inspection and reducing bottlenecks at border crossings.”

This, the report stated, is one of the most costly trade facilitation measures as it requires investment in infrastructure and specialist training.

Reducing Number of Cargoes “But it also produces significant benefits, not just in reducing the number of cargoes that need to be inspected, but also in speeding up the processing of advance documentation. For governments, there is also the issue of co-operation between Customs authorities and other border agencies, such as sanitary, agriculture, or police authorities. In many countries although there is no formal framework to ensure inspections by different authorities are carried out at the same time, it does happen in practice, “it said.

OECD said the key advantages of achieving a WTO undertaking on trade facilitation would be renewed political impetus to make border controls more efficient and strengthened international coherence in tackling the issue.

It added that the need to enhance efficiency in order to face an increasingly complex international trading environment has been an important driving force behind national Customs reforms around the world in recent years.

“However, it has frequently not gone far enough to do away with deeply entrenched outdated institutional settings and cumbersome procedures. To be successful, a trade facilitation agenda needs wide political support and the sustained commitment of those involved in formulating and implementing trade policy.

Trade facilitation rules in the framework of the WTO could offer this missing impetus at the multilateral level, providing an external discipline to ensure continuing domestic political commitment and shield from temptations to backtrack.

“Coherence is also essential. Trade facilitation efforts, national or international, need to be consistent between different policy areas. A coherent multilateral setting would provide a solid background for designing well targeted technical assistance and capacity building projects, overcoming regional divides, ensuring that the projects’ different components are mutually supportive and better targeting aspects of cooperation between border agencies of concerned countries. It should be borne in mind that possible commitments on trade facilitation are principally about working together towards the common goal of domestic and global efficiency and enhanced governance, rather than about countries making concessions as is the case with many WTO negotiations, “it stated.

Col Hamid Ali, (RTD.)

OECED added that the focus would be on benchmarking, capacity building and peer pressure to provide momentum, “diluting the prospect of litigation under the dispute settlement mechanism. To act as a driving force, such a multilateral effort needs to be challenging, but at the same time realistic. No external discipline or pressure can deliver tangible outcomes if the commitments go beyond the existing capacity of a particular country to meet them.

“Multilateral disciplines on trade facilitation will ensure a broad level of predictability in border controls in all participating countries, simplifying trade for all participants. The prospect of this benefit should bolster the willingness of donor agencies and the private sector to provide technical assistance aimed at underwriting the implementation of related commitments.”

What Nigeria Stands to Gain Meanwhile, it is a stated fact that Nigerian businesses and others around the world stand to gain about $1 trillion annually if Nigeria ratifies the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

The TFA will enter into force once two-thirds of the WTO membership has formally accepted the agreement.

Nigeria is yet to ratify the TFA despite promises made by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the WTO, Ademola Adejumo.

Adejumo last year promised that the agreement would be ratified when he led a delegation from the World Bank on a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hassan Bello.

On the contrary, Nigeria’s West African rival, Ghana has ratified the agreement and recently submitted its instrument of acceptance to the WTO. In addition to Ghana, the following WTO members have also accepted the TFA: Hong Kong China, Singapore, the United States, Mauritius, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, Botswana, Trinidad and Tobago, the Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Niger, Belize, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, China, Liechtenstein, Lao PDR, New Zealand, Togo, Thailand, the European Union (on behalf of its 28 member states), the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Pakistan, Panama.

Others are: Guyana, Côte d’Ivoire, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Kenya, Myanmar, Norway, Viet Nam, Brunei Darussalam, Ukraine, Zambia, Lesotho, Georgia, Seychelles, Jamaica, Mali, Cambodia, Paraguay, Turkey, Brazil, Macao China, the United Arab Emirates, Samoa, India, the Russian Federation, Montenegro, Albania, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Madagascar, the Republic of Moldova, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Senegal, Uruguay, Bahrain, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Iceland, Chile, Swaziland, Dominica, Mongolia, Gabon, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Canada.

Concluded at the WTO’s 2013 Bali Ministerial Conference, the TFA contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance

of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues.

It further contains provisions for technical assistance and capacity building in this area.

Specifically, if ratified and implemented, the WTO’s TFA could save Nigerian businesses at least N2.4 trillion annually in transaction cost.

The amount is 15 per cent of the country’s average total trade value of N16.4 trillion annually which could be saved if trade facilitation processes, such as automation and Single Window platforms are effectively implemented.

Speaking on the development, Managing director of Trade Development and Facilitation Consulting (TDAF) at the World Trade Centre II, Geneva, Switzerland, Tom Butterly, stressed that for developing countries such as Nigeria and Ghana, trade transaction cost can be more than 15 per cent, indicating a bigger need for West African countries to embrace the single window reform and ratify the TFA. Butterly said many countries are now focusing on implementing deep trade facilitation reforms, with the single window becoming a game changer.

According to him, “A facility that allows partners involved in trade and transport of goods to lodge and obtain standardised information, the single window is a major indication of a country’s readiness for trade facilitation and it provides for single entry point by the shipper with the information being shared among government agencies involved in trade and other private sector players, such as banks and insurance.

“For a typical West African country, such as Nigeria, or Ghana, there are about 200 pieces of information to be provided by an importer/ exporter at offices of about 14 government agencies, banks and insurance and some of these may require a return visit where mistakes occur.”

Butterly noted that the single window reduces time of doing business by 50 per cent and can bring down cost of doing business by 25 per cent.

He said: “The single window reform is now helping to create a fundamental change of the mindset. Countries even in Africa that have embraced and implementing the single window have been able to reduce cost of doing business significantly and are doing so well.

They include Coasta Rica and Rwanda and Ghana is also able to save about $200 million in 2015.

“Ghana is also forecast to move up from current global position of 171 to 121 out of 189 countries and sub-Saharan Africa rank of 36 to 16 out of 47 countries in ‘World Bank Trading Across Borders’ (ease of doing business) survey by 2020. By 2020, about 100 economies and some regions would have implemented the Single Window reform, enjoying the benefits of pre-clearance formalities down from four days to 0.5 days and Customs clearance from 18 to nine days. The Single Window reduces export time from 22 to 11 days. But most importantly, Single Window is about people more than technology,” Butterly said.

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

WEEKEND WEEKLY PULLOUT

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

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‘THERE IS ABILITY IN DISABILITY’ ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

28/COVER

10.03.2017

‘There is Ability in Disability’ Physically impaired Olubunmi Dada lost both eyes to a dreaded childhood disease at the age of three. A graduate of Theatre Arts, Dada the computer guru, gospel artiste and philanthropist, believes so much in the saying that there is ability in disability and has maximised every opportunity that has come her way. She talks about these and many more in this interview with Mary Ekah to the senior secondary, I was advised to do Arts because of my challenge. Another thing I do now is an annual music concert, which I do for charity. It is called, ‘Come Worship the King’. We bring together renowned gospel artistes during which, we worship God and also extend a helping hand to the physically challenged people as well as children and widows. This has been done over the years with my monthly salaries and huge supports from good-minded people, friends and family. We want to do more like extending it to giving scholarships to the less-privileged children and so we need more supports and with God on our side, we would get there. Another edition, which is the third, is happening this year. This is a concert I spend close to a million every year. I don’t have a choice but to do it every year because it is something God has committed into my hands and God has been supporting us.

How did your musical career start?

I started singing while I was in the primary school. Even in my secondary school, I was also a member of the choir and when I got into the higher institution, I still joined another choir group. In fact, I was one of those writing songs for the group. After I graduated, I went into music fully, starting from ministrations in churches, concerts and seminars. From there I released my first album titled, ‘Alive’ in 2012 but it didn’t really do well because there was no support but that didn’t stop me. I wasn’t discouraged but moved on.

What did you study at the university?

I studied Theatre Arts because I love music and writing. I specialize in script writing, although in my first year at the university, I did virtually all aspect of Arts but at a point I focused on script writing. Meanwhile, I had both primary and secondary school education in Lagos and Kwara State respectively; afterwards, I proceeded to Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, where I studied Theater Arts. I also proceeded to gain a proficiency in computer studies, where I had both my basics and professional knowledge in computer appreciation with a well-known British Computer Institute (Niger Wives Computer Institutes for the blinds), Victoria Island, Lagos. I also bagged a degree in English from the National Open University of Nigeria.

Can you tell me a bit about growing up?

I am from Ogun State. Growing up was interesting even as a physically challenged child.

I had this impairment right from the age of three as a result of Measles. So I went through my primary school with this impairment. I went to Parsley School for the Blind where I was taught to be independent, so that I don’t have to depend on people to do things. We were also encouraged to go to normal schools afterwards so that we can have a taste of life. Like I said, growing up was very interesting because I grew up with the whites. I attended Parsley School for the Blind and the white missionary owned the school. And so we were treated like princes and princesses and were encouraged to go to normal secondary schools where we would mix up with other children and then learn about real life situation. And so when I finished from the Parsley School for the blind, I went to a regular secondary school. That was another life of learning process entirely.

There you came in contact with people who were different from you, their attitudes and all of that. It’s been learning and learning all the way.

Dada

At what point did you decide to take music as a profession?

I decided to take music as profession right from the onset but just that it wasn’t really pronounced and even the support I get now is not really like I desire but with God, we would get there. And for upcoming artistes like me, the challenges we face mostly are issues of promoters, no marketers, nobody to support you, you raise your money yourself, pay your studio fee unlike when people get to sponsor your job and then you enter into agreement with them on how to share the profits. But now, you are left to do it all on your own and most of the distributors don’t even want to collect our jobs because they believe we are not popular enough. So after the recoding, you still have to distribute your work yourself. Like what I do is that I take my albums to churches, concerts and seminars during my ministrations. I also take advantage of the social media.

What particular challenge have you encountered as a physically impaired person?

First is discrimination, but then I would say that the Lagos State government is trying so much to curb that. You know before I used to go out on my own, at times I even jump the bus. But at such times, someone would come slot into your palm N5 (five naira) - someone I am sure I can even help. I don’t blame them because it is the orientation they have got and because of that, I stopped using public buses and resorted to hiring a car each time I want to go out. But despite all, I have proved to people that I am able and that in every disability, there is ability. In fact right now, I work as a computer administrator, aside doing my music, I work with a private firm in Lagos.

Despite your challenge, you forged ahead and today you are doing extraordinary things. What has been the driving force?

In everything in life, we need to give credence to God; so I would say God has been the number one driving force for me, then my parents. My parents have been extremely supportive. They believe in education a lot so they encouraged me a lot to get educated, my father, especially did so much to see that I had good education.

My younger ones have been very supportive because I am the first child. My brother is my manager presently. And I will also say that the motivation is from the inside of me because the decision to go forward is an inner decision.

But let me say God first, and then your inner decision that keeps pushing you to do more.

What inspires your songs?

The Holy Spirit gives me inspiration. I get inspired mostly at night and I write most times in the night. While other times, situations around me inspire me. Basically the Holy Spirit inspires me because for you to write a song that would really touch people, it has to have a spiritual backing, which even I cannot explain.

How many albums have you produced so far?

I have two albums for now. My first album titled ‘Alive’ was released in 2012. It was coproduced by two renowned producers, Cobhams Azuquo and Tolucci. I released another album years after, titled, ‘The King’s Praise’ in 2016, produced by the duo of Wole Oni and Tolu Obanro (Tyanx). Meanwhile ‘The King’s Praise’, features some popular gospel musicians like Mike Abdul, Kenny Kore, Babatunmise and Jeduthun based in USA. Like I said, earlier, I didn’t really get good distributorship for my first album, ‘Alive’ and in fact I still have copies at home right now that I still take to churches myself for sale. But for my second album, ‘The King’s Praise’, I think with the digital distribution using the social media platforms, it would be better. But I must tell you that in terms of the physical distribution, it is not encouraging at all.

And for now we have not had any distributor

nor marketer because the few ones we have come in contact with have given us terms and conditions that we find difficult to work with.

Imagine a marketer telling me to pay certain huge sum upfront before he could market my works. I have already done the mass production for you and every other thing and yet you still want me to bring a huge sum before you can market my works and by the time he finishes selling them, we would still share the profit.

How soon do we expect another album from you?

That may not be so soon because currently we are working on shooting two videos from my current album. And I’m the type that, if I must do anything, it must be the best. I was trained to always go for the best because if you don’t get it right, people will say, she failed because she is blind. So whatever, I do, I want to try as hard as I can to get it right and that means more time and dedication need to be given to everything I do. The same thing applies to my videos. The videos from my estimation may gulp more than N2 million. I want world-class videos, videos that can win awards.

If you weren’t doing music, what else would you have done?

I would have been in the sciences if I didn’t have any challenge because all through my junior class in the secondary school, I was extremely good in sciences but when I was about going

You have a very beautiful skin. How do you care for it?

I like to be natural. I don’t use any special cream. I use a normal cream mixed with ori (Shea butter) and Adin Agbon (coconut oil) and this is working perfectly for me. My sister buys them for me and then I have a makeup artist who works on me for special occasions. And I have some friends who are very good in the choice of dresses they make for me; my brother too knows much about cloth and fashion, so he does most of the combinations for my attires.

Are you in a relationship?

I am not in a relationship right now. I have had a couple of relationships in the past but it just didn’t work and you know with this impairment of mine, I really need to be careful, so that I don’t fall into the wrong hands. And I must also follow the leading of God in that aspect, because someone might come just to take advantage of me.

You are beautiful and you also have a beautiful voice. How do you feel when someone makes a remark about your beauty and voice?

The Bible says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, so when someone makes such remark, I feel like a queen and I also feel like I am what God has designed me to be.

Are there things in your life you would have loved to do differently?

I believe all things works together for good and if I wasn’t a Christian, I would have said, there is a regret, but I would not say so because God has a reason for everything that happens in one’s life. Someone would think that without this impairment life would have been better but it may not be. So I won’t say I regret anything in life even though I have my challenges.

29/TRIBUTE

10.03.2017

My Encounter with Obasanjo Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo My companion was one of the old generation of reporters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and his approach to news gathering and the amount of risk that should be invested in it, had been shaped and fixed by years of routine, unimaginative practice.

We had gone to the international terminal to assist a departing relation through the notoriously "firm" barriers erected by security wolves. A man in an overflowing agbada ambled through the normally thick night crowd in the departure hall. Heads turned and eyes widened in recognition. We stood on our toes, craning our necks to see who it was. The hall clock nearest to us had died at 5.50pm, three hours and ten minutes ago.

On March 20, 1984.

"Ah, it's General Olusegun Obasanjo," my friend said. And hissed. The former Head of State was returning from Frankfurt, in the then West Germany, in one of his fairly regular diplomatic shuttles around the globe since voluntarily relinquishing power to an elected civilian administration in October 1979. "Let us go and chat him up," I managed to say with naive excitement. My friend promptly rebuked me for harbouring such dangerous thoughts. "Don't you dare. That man hates journalists. He will embarrass you today."

My enthusiasm was dampened. And I watched helplessly as the General walked past us. Then, something in me said I should defy my friend's warning, and dare the consequences. "Wo (look), don't waste your time. Don't play with that man. Just let him go with his wahala (trouble)", my friend said in a tone deep with cynicism and loathing. "I shall try." I did not wait again for his response. I dashed after the subject.

Barely one year old in journalism, I moved with supreme confidence, youthful exuberance, and the aggressiveness of my generation of journalists. In The Guardian tradition, it’ ll still be news even if the former Head of State rebuffed my interview attempt. It was my first physical encounter with him and I wanted it on record that I once pestered him.

I introduced myself and my newspaper. He sized me up, then smiled and drew me closer to him, one arm stretched across my shoulders, almost cuddling me like his child. With my leather shoes, reasonably well-embroidered guinea brocade dashiki and sokoto, and a shiny black briefcase, I looked more like a young businessman than a typical Nigerian reporter. As I later found out, this seemingly dapper appearance contributed to the unusual cordiality of our encounter. For between the soldier and Nigerian journalists, there is no love lost.

"Yes, what can I do for you?"

"Let's chat on some national issues," I began, what I now recognise was not a particularly brilliant conversation. He gave me a velvet punch.

"That should tell you that I don't talk to the press."

His arm, hard and heavy, was still spread out on my shoulders. His eyes, tiny and twinkling, absorbed everything on our route. His face, dark and coarse, managed a smile.

"Perhaps I could get an appointment to come to the farm for a chat."

"No, I don't chat. Have you ever seen a farmer chatting?"

"Yes, sometimes to diffuse tension."

"What tension? That must be a very lazy farmer."

"No sir. It is a necessary interlude to the boring monotony of work."

By now, we were outside the departure hall, approaching his car and aides frenetically getting things ready for the 20-minute journey to Ota. He removed his arm from my shoulders, dismissed me, and turned to his aides. As soon as he left at 9.15 EM.., I sat down and recreated our encounter. It was published under the headline "Obasanjo Parries Interview Attempt" in The Guardian of 23 March 1984.

Dele Giwa, who had earlier on similarly pestered the General for an interview, got it, and became one of his close friends, met me in The Guardian newsroom one day 'and said something about the General being impressed with both my appearance during that chance "encounter and the entertaining story that came out of it. Giwa then advised me to keep in touch with the Ota-based chicken

Late Ojo

farmer "for he seems to like you very much".

I did not keep in touch until July 1984 when Nigeria found herself in a serious diplomatic row with Britain over the botched kidnap attempt in London of the former Minister of Transport, Umaru Dikko, who had been accused at home of corruptly enriching himself as a minister in the civilian regime of Shehu Shagari. A Nigeria Airways plane had been indicted in the highly embarrassing episode and seized at Stanstead Airport by the British authorities. Nigeria had responded by detaining a British Caledonian Airways plane on a regular London-bound flight from Lagos. The diplomatic face-off between Lagos and London was the hottest story at the time and reporters virtually camped at the airport to witness the behind-the-scene diplomatic contacts and deals that came after the public outbursts and denunciation.

The then External Affairs Minister, Ibrahim Gambari, flew in with General Obasanjo, apparently arriving from separate engagements abroad. Gambari pleaded for time to consult with his boss, the then Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, before speaking to the press. We then turned to General Obasanjo who, predictably, had no comments. With two veritable news sources dry, colleagues froze in frustration. I ran after the former Head of State and introduced my self.

"Ah, are you? How are you?"

He held my hand and led me into the cozy presidential lounge and granted me an exclusive interview on the Dikko affair. At yet another chance meeting at the airport two days to Nigeria's 24th independence anniversary celebration, I got a food-for-thought from the General for a nation counting 24 years of freedom from British colonialism. Less than a month later, we met again and talked. In no time, he became familiar with my name and face. Because I was often around when

he was going out or coming in, he began to credit me with an omnipresence and efficiency that I owed solely to chance. He thought I was such a damn good reporter that I had all his travel schedules in my head.

To my colleagues, I had naturally become "Obasanjo's boy". Even if tinged with certain amount of sarcasm and envy, the nickname had some truth. Familiarity imposes some measure of responsibility. For example, I wrote only on those things he cleared for publication. Whenever he said "and this not for your paper", I kept faithfully to the agreed boundaries, most of the time. Gradually, I began to gain his confidence. Then, something happened on 13 October 1984, which I thought had ruined our budding relationship.

In Yakoyo, near Ile-Ife, I was covering a thanksgiving service and reception for the former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade, who had just returned from a medical treatment in West Germany after a near-tragic encounter with armed bandits in January. Mrs. Stella Obasanjo stood in for her husband at the occasion and I succeeded in persuading her to grant me an interview for The Guardian of 17 October 1984. Certain aspects of the interview obviously did not go down well with the General's estranged first wife, Oluremi. She protested publicly and the lid blew off a sour affair, spilling into the streets. Scandal-loving news media picked up the story, trying to undo one another for the sleaziest coverage possible. It was only the threat of legal action from the General that would in the end force a section of the Nigerian media to exercise some restraint in its handling of the General's troubled private life.

I held myself responsible for everything and avoided him as much as I could. My editor, Lade Bonuola, and his deputy, Femi Kusa, counselled me constantly on the need to continue to have the General as a powerful

source, they said his friendship was good for the paper and for my career as a reporter, that he was somebody I would find useful in future, and that I should save the friendship by writing him a letter explaining my role in what came to be known in the media as "The General's Wives Palaver." None of these persuaded me to venture near the man for a very long time. I finally summoned up courage early in 1986—more than a year after the rumpus— and went to his farm in Ota. He was incredibly warm. I met him discussing with former Ogun State Deputy Governor Sesan Soluade. He promptly introduced me, adding, humorously, that I was "the young man who will not leave my wives alone".

When we were alone, I wanted to explain what happened but he cut in, saying I should forget it for I was only doing my job. It was simply incredible. Relieved of the guilt I thought was mine, I reminded him over lunch of his promise to take me along to one of the world forums in which he had become very active since retiring in 1979. He reeled out a long list of them, before deciding that the fourth session of the Inter Action Council of former Heads of States and Government in Hakone and Tokyo, Japan, in April 1986, would be the best for me to cover.

We left Lagos on 5 April 1986 for Brussels, Belgium, where he was billed to chair a working session at a leadership conference organised by the Washington-based Center for International and Strategic Studies. Here and in Japan I was to see his increasing relevance in world affairs, and meet his colleagues in the global efforts to save the world from environmental pollution and destruction, hunger and starvation, the debt squeeze, human rights violations, the threat to democratic values worldwide, East-West tensions, and a host of other problems. He introduced me to his colleagues, talked them into giving me interviews, and even suggested issues I could raise with them.

In Brussels, Tokyo and, two years later, in Moscow, I met the real man. Mentally alert (the letters he wrote in my presence and the contributions he made to debates at the conferences were so surprisingly deep and illuminating), earthy and humorous (he advised me to remember to readjust my taste to the harsh realities of a journalist's life in Nigeria when he saw me ensconced in chauffeured limousines and sampling choice cuisines and wines), and pathologically stingy (he woke me up at 1a.m. in a five-star Tokyo hotel presidential suite to collect the coins left from an errand I had done for him; and he bugged me almost to the point of irritation not to forget to tell my newspaper to refund the over N 3,000 he spent on my ticket).

Well, it's been some 10 years since that initial encounter. I have gone from being a reporter-friend to an adopted son, a confidant, and a trusted adviser. Personally, it's been a privilege knowing him. I have learnt a lot from him. Through him, I have heard rare access to eminent people and interesting places in different parts of the world. He has shielded me from the full wrath of oversensitive Nigerian security agents over stories I wrote that they had found very offensive.

He arranged an institutional support for me to obtain a masters degree in Journalism and a doctorate in Performance Studies at New York University.

Quick upstairs brutally frank, crude and practical, Obasanjo is a study in ambivalence and ambiguity. He has run his life on certain definite principles: diligence, temperance, fairness, justice, and parsimony. He is at times thoughtful and methodical, and at times, stubbornly unconcerned with the finer points of legality and propriety of behaviour, a man who sometimes raised expediency to a virtue. He is earthy and humble, but acutely sensitive about slights. He worked very hard for everything that has come his way. But it is also true that he owes a lot to providence, though he likes to: de-emphasise it.

When he assumed power on 14 February 1976, he was still relatively unknown to the millions of Nigerians whose collective destiny he had been entrusted with- His leadership of the Third Marine Commando during the civil war, his command of the Army Engineering Corps, and the few months he had spent as Minister of Works and Housing had been CONTINUE ON PAGE 38

30/ NEWS

10.03.2017

WWASC to Empower Abia Women, Youths to Become Entrepreneurs Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia World Wide Association of Small Churches (WWASC) has initiated a programme in Abia State that would enable women and youths to acquire entrepreneurship skills to enhance their economic status.

To this end, a delegation of WWASC led by the president, Rev Bernadette Legan, was in Abia to explore ways of using small churches in the state to transform many lives.

Rev Legan, who is a pastor at the Union United Methodist Church, New York, said that there was need for families to be empowered to become entrepreneurs and for women to start growing their own businesses.

“We are here to see how we can create economic development in Nigeria,” she said, adding, “We can couple business with churches.”

The WWASC president explained that churches should not only cater for the spiritual well-being of members but also their economic affairs hence the need to empower women, youths and girls to have financial independence.

“We want to help the small churches to crystallise their vision. When you begin to transform the business of church with entrepreneurship you begin to transform lives,” Legan said.

She lamented that a large population of black people in developing countries like Nigeria were still struggling to rise above poverty level, saying that “it is time for the black race to wake up and do the right thing” to improve their lives.

Legan, who was flanked by other members of her team, Bishop Ebony Kirkland and

Peter Uzoho

R-L: Comrade David Kalu, Elder Pastor Bernadette Logan, Chaplain Nicole Langlaise, Bishop Ebony Kirkland, Prof. Nkechi Madonna Adaleine Agwu (background), Very Rev. Emmanuel Oluebube Chinenye Madu, HRH Eze Patrick Ude, and Eze Emmanuel Ihedigbo Uche, at the foundation laying ceremony of J.U. Agwu International Conference and Media Centre at Item…recently

Chaplain Nicole Langlaise, said that Nigeria was ripe to benefit from the entrepreneurship training programme as their zeal for both religion and entrepreneurship “is a perfect mix” for the successful implementation of the programme.

Aside from using the platform of small churches in Abia to empower people Legan also said that they would partner schools in the state to train people on entrepreneurship.

Professor Nkechi Agwu, who facilitated the entrepreneurship training programme, said that the partnership with WWASC would be beneficial to the communities, local governments and Abia State in general.

The professor of mathematics said that entrepreneurship training could begin in childhood as the children could be taught to become entrepreneurs and take anything in their environment and make a living from it.

The team visited rural communities in Ikwuano Local Government to find out their area of needs that needed the intervention of WWASC and were told that education was the priority Legan and her team were also at Item in Bende Local Government where she laid the foundation stone for J. U. Agwu International Conference and Media Centre in commemoration of Prof. Agwu’s late father. The centre is designed to provide media and cultural resources and training for journalists.

The World Wide Association of Small Churches is a worldwide-based fellowship of independent churches designed to equip, unite, educate, and provide accountability to churches and ministries that have a desire to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ.

International Women’s Day: Nestle Continues to Empower Women Nestle is committed to enhancing gender balance in its workfoce and to empowering women across its value chain. This commitment was highlighted by the Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria, Mr. Mauricio Alarcon in his keynote speech during the International Women’s Day talk at the company’s headquarters.

The company’s efforts to drive gender balance and women empowerment ties in this year’s UN International Women’s Day theme ‘Women in Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030’, which focuses on rallying support to change the world of work into a more gender inclusive environment.

In 2016, Nestlé launched the Diversity and Inclusion Framework which encompasses all aspects of diversity. Gender balance remains the main focus of the company, but is complemented by other areas such as striving to create a cross-generational and multicultural environment.

This year as part of its framework, Nestlé Central and West Africa Region (CWAR) is driving the theme ‘Leading Togetherwomen and men which brings women and men together to discuss how Nestlé can accelerate its diversity and inclusion journey across all countries in the region which includes Nigeria.

Women empowerment conferences and workshops were organised across the region. In Nigeria, the team hosted a talk with three panellists: Funmi Victor-Okigbo (FVO), Chioma Omeruah (Chigurl) and Adefunke Adeyemi who inspired women to be intentional about their lives, get organised,

An international bible college, Wordfaith Theological Seminary, has opened in Lagos for the training of men and women who have divine call to shepherd the flock of God. The seminary located at #1A,Tunkarimu Lane, Opposite 29 Tunkarimu Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, operates in affiliation

Stakeholders in opposition Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reconciled their differences and agreed to work together for the unity of the party.

In a statement signed by the party’s acting State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Leonard Obibi, said the various leaders of the party resolved to set aside their differences and work together assiduously for the harmony and progress of the party.

The meeting for peaceful coexistence and the unification of APC Delta State chapter which held at Onicha-Ugbo on Saturday March 4, 2017, was hosted by Minister of Petroleum Resources (State), Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu and co-chaired by Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, the 2015 gubernatorial candidate of the party.

Present at the peace talks were the following leaders of the party: Sir Olisaemeka Akamukali (member, Board of Trustees), Chief Adolo Okotie-Eboh, Chief Great Ogboru (represented by Evang. Ossai Abeh) and Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei.

Others were Chief (Engr.) Hyacinth Enuha (represented

by Barr. Dennis Nwanokwai) and Dr. Alex Ideh, both of late Senator F. S. Okpozo's Elders and Leaders group.

In attendance also were Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Ayiri Emami and the full complement of the State Working Committee (SWC) led by the State Chairman of the party, Prophet Jones Ode Erue.

Prior to the said meeting, a peace parley also held in Abuja where the leaders including Prof. Pat Utomi, Chief Great Ogboru and Chief Hyacinth Enuha were present in person.

The meetings, according to Obibi, deliberated on terminating all current disputes within the party in order to introduce a new lease of life that would propel the party into a more united and stronger political family. The entire leadership resolved among other things as follows: All interest groups or individuals are to within 90 days withdraw all legal cases from court effective the date of this meeting; To request the National Working Committee (NWC) to take necessary steps, after the withdrawal of all court cases, to conduct a repeat congress for the election of an all-encompassing State Exco which tenure will expire at the same time as the current Exco in April 2018. It was also unanimously agreed that there shall be no interim Caretaker Committee for the party, and that the repeat congress shall be open to all party members, both old and new, to ensure comprehensive and all-inclusive participation; The Delta State APC family has undertaken to start working together in unison and will continue to make whatever sacrifice is necessary for sustaining the peace and progress of our party.

Loral International Schools Celebrate Valentine with the Less Privileged Peace Obi L-R: Chioma Omerua (Chigurl), Mauricio Alarcon, MD Nestlé Nigeria and Funmi Victor-Okigbo of No Surprises Events, at the Nestlé Nigeria IWD 2017 talk

learn to understand themselves, own their career aspirations and blend every area of their lives to create the life they desire.

The discussion built on Alarcon’s call on the women to be involved in creating gender balanced environment in Nestlé Nigeria.

Over the years, Nestlé has put measures in place to address the most critical concerns of women in the workplace. To drive this in a more structured way, the Nestlé CWAR Parental Polity which is based on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Maternity Protection Convention and the global Nestlé Maternity Protection Policy was launched across the

region in 2015.

The policy includes 14 weeks paid maternity leave with the right to extend maternity leave by up to six months, flexible working arrangements and a conducive work environment to breastfeed. Nestlé CWAR currently has four breastfeeding rooms available at its sites, including Nigeria for nursing mothers.

The work on driving gender balance and women empowerment goes beyond the direct employees. In collaboration with the Fair Labour Association (FLA), gender awareness trainings have been organised to open up more opportunities for women.

Wordfaith Theological Seminary Opens in Lagos Peter Uzoho

Delta APC Members Reconcile Differences, Agree on Party Unity

with Rhema College of Theology, Nigeria.

The new bible school which is structured to satisfy the hunger in biblical knowledge and maturity in the things of God without limitation by any church policy or doctrine, is also aimed at providing higher education within the context of Christian values and work of the ministry.

Speaking at the opening ceremony recently, the Founder of the school and

Pastor, Revival Group Christian Mission, Ajegunle branch, Rev. Dr. Linus Uwa, stated that lectures in the college would be "based on the pure word of God and academic standards, with practical applications and spiritual development."

Uwa said that enrolment into the college was effective on payment of N2,000 for registration form, adding that classes hold from 3pm to 6pm every Saturday.

In commemoration of this year's Valentine Day, the students of Loral International Schools, Festac campus on February 14 suspended their studies for a few hours to share the day's love with some less-privileged people in the society.

The yearly event tagged R-L: Ms. A representative of ‘Give a Helping Hand’, is the primary section of Loral one the school's welfare International Schools, Festac Town, programmes through Ndudim Lisa, presenting gift items which it affects the society. to Special Education Teacher, Mrs. And to inculcate the art Schulz Aiyeola, Beth Torrey Home of philanthropy in Loral for mentally challenged children, students, the manage- Amuwo Odofin, Lagos ment said it designed the programme to include active participation of their students from the early stage of their lives. And to assess the level of students' understanding of the need for them to develop a heart of love and imbibe the art of giving, sharing and caring for the less-privileged in the society, the students were assigned to coordinate the 2017 edition.

Speaking with THISDAY, the Head Girl, primary section, Miss. Anita Abuah said that Loral students have come to realise how important it is for them to sometime step out of the comfort of their homes and even school to share with those who have not been as fortunate as they are.

"So, to me, Valentine signifies giving and I really love the idea of giving a helping hand to children like me who are out with less opportunities. In fact, I have learnt to give that I am usually not at ease when I am unable to give to the needy around me."

31/LIVING

10.03.2017

Nigeria's Orange Culture Gets Fets’ Backing at London Fashion Week Nigeria’s leading mobile payments companies, Funds and Electronic Transfer Solutions Limited (fets) has made good its pledge to encourage and support local entrepreneurs in their quest to become global brands. The company recently sponsored one of Nigeria’s rising fashion brands, Orange Culture to the 2017 edition of the Fashion Scout, the international showcase for fashion pioneers, and the United Kingdom's largest independent showcase for emerging and established design talent during the London Fashion Week, which held from February 17 to 21.

With the sponsorship, Orange Culture will be the first African menswear brand ever to be invited by Fashion Scout. Orange Culture will have the opportunity to showcase its collection to the most respected fashion players including buyers from Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

Alongside the brightest British talent, Fashion Scout provides unrivalled platforms for industry selected international designers and collective showcases including those from China, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia. Having built an acclaimed reputation as a leading international fashion showcase, Fashion Scout is frequented by top media and buyers including Anna Wintour, Hilary Alexander, Sara Maino, Suzy Menkes,

Orange Culture designs in display

Lucinda Chambers and Sarah Mower, as well as globally recognized fashion personalities such as

Kate Moss, David Gandy and Henry Holland.

The Fashion Scout has been responsible for the

launch of a whole generation of talented designers Including Peter Pilotto, Felder Felder, David Koma, William Tempest, Eudon Choi, Pam Hogg, Fyodor Golan, Craig Lawrence, Baartmans and Siegel, Agi& Sam, and most recently Phoebe English, Xiao Li, GyoYuniKimchoe and Roberts Wood.

Speaking on the development, Managing Director of fets, Mrs. Omotade Odunowo said the company was proud to be associated with the Orange Culture brand, describing it as a future global brand that will do Nigerians proud in years to come. According to her, the sponsorship was just one of the strategies it has used to encourage local entrepreneurs. “At fets, we are continually looking for ways to encourage and empower Nigerian entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams of taking their businesses to the next level. This is what we hope to achieve with this sponsorship arrangement with Orange Culture; taking it beyond the shores of this country to become a truly global brand in the near future,” she said. Chief Executive Officer of Orange Culture, Adebayo Oke-Lawal, expressed gratitude to fets for supporting his company’s dreams of showcasing its designs at the Fashion Scout London Fashion Week AW17, describing it as one of the best things that has happened to the company.

Celebrating Heroes of Faith Mary Ekah To celebrate and immortalise Christian faith heroes who have impacted and influenced lives greatly in Nigeria and beyond in the present generation, Heavenly Insights Media, a group of selfless and vibrant Christians engaged in nourishing spiritual renewal and highlighting Christian role models, is putting together an event to this effect. Tagged, ‘God in is in Nigeria!

- Celebrating Heroes of Faith’ and billed for May 25 in Nigeria, the event amongst other things will be showcasing these ‘heroes’ as worthy ambassadors of Christ to be emulated as role models. These great men/women are successful, rich, powerful, influential and philanthropic in nature, changing lives and giving life a meaning and hope to reach millions all over the world. They perform miracles, demonstrating the power of God, confirming

the words of Jesus Christ.

These Christian giants, the coordinator of

Dreamville Showers Love on the Less Privileged

the project, Rufus Oba, said have contributed immensely to the growth of lives and development of the country in more ways than we could ever have imagined.

“They are effectively and fervently praying always for the peace of this country, they are building schools, giving out scholarships, feeding and housing the destitute, less-privileged, motherless babies, paying hospitals bills for accident victims etc., for all that they are doing for this country nobody thought about celebrating them up until about now. We want to give honour to whom honour is due and they truly deserve it,” he noted.

Speaking further, Oba said, “We are already talking with a lot of these chosen ones who have given their consent and are also praying for the epoch making event. There has never before been a large gathering of these heavy weights in one function in the history of Christianity or

any other religion in this country or anywhere else. This event will be held on the May 25, 2017 in yet to be decided state or place but we are in touch with the Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Lagos states authorities for final confirmation.”

Activities lined up will include some of Nigeria’s best gospel artistes, comedians amongst others while dignitaries will be drawn from all walks of life. There are also various materials in form of T-Shirts, calendars, and exercise books for sale and to be given out to people free, using these material as evangelism tool to reach souls across the world. The organisers are also working on the book about these 50 great men/women, their lives, impact, influence, and how they started church and so on. “It’s time to speak up and to reach out to every home, office in Nigeria and beyond to make known to the world how God is using these great men and women,” Oba added.

HOW Foundation Presents Prizes to Outstanding Students

HOW Chief Executive Officer, Ms Antonia Ally, presenting a gift to one of the students A beneficiary displaying a gift pack from DreamVille's Showlove event

Valentine is usually marked by the privileged ones with their loved ones. Nobody extends any care for many out there without food or shelter on this day remarkable meant for sharing joy.

But a none profit outfit: Dreamville went out in search of those not cared for at Valentine season, those located along Ikeja areas of Lagos who were given various gift items. Dreamville Nigeria is a brand and personnel management team. Its core mission is to make real all the positive things that have been said about Nigeria. To make it a country that brings out the best in every individual - a society where all human beings have equal access to socio-economic and human rights. The ultimate target is to use Nigeria as

a springboard to project this message globally’ to achieve this discuss, it recruit, retain and empower competent individuals to drive this dream wherever they find themselves in any part of the world, Nigeria and beyond. This could be achieved through music, art and culture.

As part of this mission, the 'Dreamville Nigeria Team' finds February 14 as an opportunity to take the #SHOWLOVE message to the streets by expressing love to people, mostly in need.

And this is regardless of tribe, race or religion.

The group clamour for individual change and collective effort toward social responsibility and economic empowerment, believing that the world can be a better place if we all express love daily.

There are many ways to encourage excellence in intelligent students and since The HOW Foundation, a non-profit organisation, with key focus on malaria, prostrate cancer, youth leadership and mentorship, believes education is a key to help raise tomorrow’s leaders, they chose to reward some students with gifts.

“Sometime at the end of 2016, a call was made for students who had made excellent grades in their results, to send in their results so that they may receive a prize and on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, we did just that.

Two brilliant students of St Gregory's College, Ojeaga Aidenomoehi and Gbegaje Danrome, were proud recipients of brand new laptops as a result of their excellence. They could barely contain their excitement and their parents were beaming with joy as well,” CEO of The HOW

Foundation, Ms. Antonia Ally said.

Apart from the parents and guardians of the two students, Ally presented the prizes with the support of motivational speaker, Mr. Joshua Ajitena at the prize giving ceremony. "There is nothing like working hard towards a goal, whatever it is we want to give the children something to look forward to, motivation and reward go hand in hand, we motivate the children to be the best and we reward the best, we believe it's the best way to keep kids encouraged." The HOW Foundation is developing a strategic system where children with outstanding and consistent grades from public schools in Nigeria would be given an opportunity to apply for How Foundation scholarships to top Nigerian and international universities.

32 / ERAVE

10.03.2017

eraveonline@gmail.com

FG Appoints King Sunny Ade as Change Begins With Me Ambassador The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has announced the appointment of veteran Juju artiste, King Sunny Ade as an Ambassador of the Federal Government’s re-orientation programme ‘Change Begins With Me’. The appointment was consummated this week when the minister received the music maestro who paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

While pronouncing the appointment, Mohammed termed Sunny Ade as an icon and a leader, who has reigned in the music industry for over 50 years without blemish. “We are looking for people like you that the younger ones can look up to. It’s not just that you have been around for 50 years but you have been around for 50 years without any single stain on your part and that is very hard. Most people like you would have had one issue or the other that today their integrity would

King Sunny Ade

be at stake. Your integrity is as strong if not stronger than when you started. So it would be a pleasure if you can accept to be our Ambassador of the ‘Change Begins With Me. I want the younger ones to look at you and see that you can actually get

to the top without cutting corners. That is exactly what you have done. You have never cut corners and you have gotten to the top.”

While he hailed King Sunny Ade for upholding the Juju music genre to an enviable height in the last 50 year with great energy and deftness, the minister affirmed that he is paying more attention to the growth in the entertainment industry because of its enormous potential in creating work and producing wealth. He also said protecting the intellectual property of the nation’s creative persons is an issue he and his team are working on seriously.

While accepting the offer to serve as an Ambassador of the ‘Change Begins With Me’ campaign, the respected Juju icon in his response promised to partner the ministry to move the nation forward.

“This is what I love to do and it has been in me. We are ready to do that officially throughout the whole world.”

Movie Stars Shine at AMVCA 2017, Plus Full Winners List The Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on Saturday March 4th, 2017 at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. The event which honoured outstanding actors and movie makers in Africa was full of colour, fanfare and ceremony.

It was indeed a night dedicated to give accolades to people that have stood out in the past year in the movie industry.

Some of the winners of the night include Fuke Akindele-Bello, Rita Dominic, Imeh Bishop Umeh, Sambasa Nzeribe, among others

• • • •

The full list of winners….

• Best Makeup Artist – Hakeem Ajibola for Perekem Odom for Oloibiri • Best Costume Designer – Pat Egwurube for 76 • Best Sound Editor – Guy Steer for Vaya • Best Picture Editor – Nnodim Chigozie and Paula Peterson for Oloibiri • Best Lighting Designer – Elliot Sewape for 93 Days • Best Cinematographer – Lance Gewer for Happiness is a Four Letter Word • Best Short Film or Online Video – Ogo Okpue for Cat Face • Best Documentary – Uga Carlini for Alison • Special Recognition Award for Mnet Original Productions • Best Actress In a Comedy – Deborah Anungwa for Hustle • Best Actor in a Comedy – Samual ‘Spiff’

• • • • Funke Akindle at AMVCA

Ajibola for The Johnsons • Best Actress in a Drama – Meg Otanwa for Hush • Best Actor in a Drama – David Jones David for Hotel Majestic • Best Comedy Series – The Johnsons • Best Drama Series – Tinsel • Best Indigenous Language (Swahili) – Dauda Otieno Anguka for Zilizala • Best Indigenous Language (Hausa) – Tijani Shehu Yahaya for Yaki da Zuciya • Best Indigenous Language (Yoruba) –

• • • • • • • • •

Abiodun Jimoh and Jumoke Odetola for Somewhere In the Dark Best Indigenous Language (Igbo) – Crey Ahanonu for Amonye-be-Onye Best Soundtrack/Original score – Michael Ogunlade for The Encounter Best TV Show – Funke Akindele-Bello for Jenifa’s Diary Best Writer – Craig Freimond, Tshabalira Lebakeng, Anthony Mafela, David Majoka, Madoda Ntuli, Robbie Thorpe and Harriet Perlman for Vaya Best Supporting Actress – Ebele Okaro Onyuike for Four One Love Best Supporting Actor – Rotimi Salami for Just Not Married Best Actress in a Comedy – Funke Akindele-Bello for Jenifa’s Diary Best Actor in a Comedy – Imeh Bishop Umeh for The Boss Is Mine Best Actress in a Drama – Rita Dominic Best Actor in a Drama – Sambasa Nzeribe Trailblazer Award – Somkele Idhalama AMVCA Industry Merit Award – Chika Okpala Best Movie (East Africa) – Kati Kati Best Movie (West Africa) – Oloibiri Best Movie (Southern Africa) – All About Love Best Director – Izu Ojukwu for 76 Best Movie – 76 by Adonija Owiriwa and Izu Ojukwu

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www.eraveng.com

IYO

Weeks after the release of her monster hit, featuring Tanzania star, Diamond Platumz, talented songstress, Iyo is out with another monster hit titled Hello Bae. With the production imprint of Suka Sounds, the new single is an eloquent manifestation of artistic consistency.

Without any doubt, it will sure appeal to the enthusiasm of every music lover. Though not a fast tempo song, the compelling ballad will still put heat on the feats of many as the music grows on them.

RUNTOWN

Runtown who is currently Nigeria’s musician with the hottest song on the music charts at the moment is expecting a child with his American girlfriend, Selena Leath. Selena made the announcement on her Instagram page this week by sharing an album of photos with her baby bump in bloom. In previous posts, she had celebrated her beau Runtown and also referred to him as her spouse. Runtown who is currently Nigeria’s musician with the hottest song on the music charts at the moment is expecting a child with his American girlfriend, Selena Leath. Selena made the announcement on her Instagram page this week by sharing an album of photos with her baby bump in bloom. In previous posts, she had celebrated her beau Runtown and also referred to him as her spouse.

So Wrong So Wright Enters New Season Genesis Studios, a household name in the Nigerian media and entertainment industry that specialises in TV/Film content production and media solutions has unveiled the new season's plans for one of their TV dramas, ‘So Wrong So Wright’.

The revamp series in its second phase (So Wrong So Wright 2.0) now adds a new flavour to it as it now takes the format of a sitcom with each story ending per episode and also wholly reflects the rich values of family life and experience.

The series which was birthed by Genesis Studios and produced by

Olatubosun Olaegbe, has successfully been through 11 seasons. Showing on AIT network nationwide and 12 other top rated terrestrial channels, the series has remarkably featured several talented artistes, including: Sola Fosudo, Age Anthony, Chiebolam Oragwa, Henry Arnold, Tomi Ojo, Tobi Ajayi, Bukky Ajayi, Segun Arinze and more.

The widely acclaimed TV drama series which hit the screens in August 2009, with a story based on a middle class family and how they deal with the challenges as individuals and as a family unit has won several awards which include: Best TV Drama, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best

Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Editing Team and the Most Outstanding Soap Opera.

So Wrong So Wright 2.0 chronicles the everyday life of Ekiyor Wright and his family of five as they deal with the challenges and culture shock of relocating to Nigeria from the U.S. after many years away. The Wrights are a family of five who have been living in the U.S. for almost two decades, but have only just returned to Nigeria after the father of the house was promoted to a top position in the multinational firm he works with.

WIZKID AND DRAKE Drake emerged one of the biggest winners at the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Inglewood, California.

He won four awards, including ‘Hip Hop Artiste of the Year’, ‘Best Collaboration’ and ‘R&B Song of the Year’.

‘One Dance’ featuring Nigerian star, Wizkid was also named Hip Hop Song of the Year. You would recall One Dance was the most streamed song on Spotify in 2016 with over one billion streams.

33/TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

10.03.2017

Female Lufthansa Pilots are Taking Off Six crews consisting of only women set off from the Lufthansa Group hubs to Berlin for International Women's Day On 8 March, on International Women's Day, six crews from Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels consisting only of women made their morning flights from the Lufthansa Group hubs to Berlin. The jets set off from Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Vienna, Zurich and Brussels were flown by two female pilots.

"We specifically look out for potential female employees on our application channels and we provide an employee-friendly working environment that means that family and work can be reconciled; this allows us to attract more young women to supposedly typically male professions such as the pilot's job," says Dr. Bettina Volkens, Chief Officer Corporate Human Resources and Legal Affairs at Deutsche Lufthansa AG. The first two women began their scheduled service with Lufthansa in 1988. The year 2010 saw a world premiere in the airfreight industry: a Lufthansa Cargo aircraft took off with an all-female crew. These days, women in the cockpit are no longer an exception. Around six per cent of pilots at the Lufthansa Group are female and the percentage has been continuously increasing over the past years. Around 80 per cent of the cabin staff are female. Lufthansa received a blessing from the Society for the German Language for the new German word

Female Lufthansa pilots

"Kapitänin" (female form of "Kapitän" = captain) specifically to refer to the growing number of female pilots.

Women play a central role not just on the

plane. Be it on the apron or in the logistics centre, more and more women are opting for more technical jobs at the Lufthansa Group – such as Christina Schultheis. She has been a ground

operations agent at Lufthansa since 2012, where she has been working in a 2-shift system since completing her training as an aviation service expert. She has about two hours to service a long-haul flight, which includes cleaning the cabin, refuelling, loading freight and luggage and boarding the passengers. Around one quarter of ground operation agents are women. "Here you can make a difference: It is my responsibility that every flight leaves safely, efficiently and on time," says Schultheis.

"We are the link between passengers, crew, tower, cleaning, catering and cargo – we talk to everyone. I particularly like the diversity and responsibility that comes with this job. I love doing it. I never want to leave."

In addition to the supposedly male domains, increasing the percentage of women in management is another goal of the Lufthansa Group. "We are well on our way to achieving this through the introduction of a transparent job posting process and the use of recruitment diversity criteria," says Volkens.

In 2011, Lufthansa and other major German companies set themselves voluntary targets to increase the number of women in management.

By 2020 the aim is to have 30 per cent more women compared with 2010.

Akwaaba Travel Market to partner Lagos State Tourism Ministry to grow MICE in Lagos canvasses the formation of a Lagos convention bureau to boost tourism business in the state Akwaaba Travel Market team paid a courtesy call to the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as it recognises the tourism efforts of the state. The visit was led by Mr. Ikechi Uko, organiser of Akwaaba Travel Market, Accra Weizo and Port Harcourt Bantaba and the team was received by Mr. Ashimi Jamiu Adewale, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry with his officers among whom are Mrs. Adamma Oni, Mrs. Titi Salau, Yetunde Simpson and Mr. Ganiu Lawal. Both parties shared possible positive ways to bring Lagos tourism efforts to the front burner, touched on areas that holds mutual partnership benefits and the channels that could be adopted in driving further growth in the tourism sector of the state. Speaking during the event, Uko observed that Lagos has all the indices to excel in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions). "Lagos can host any event of international standard as it has centres of about 5,000sq metres, airport, hotels and nightlife," he stated. He offered to work with Lagos achieve to achieve its goals.

On his part, Ashimi explained that the "The Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has mandated fast track of products," as the state

Akwaaba Team with officials of Lagos Tourism Ministry

is looking towards developing all the tourism attractions and sites and also to use culture to attract more visitors and tourists to the state.

He was happy to receive the letter of award as the Most Active Tourism State. “Culture is a product," Uko explained. "Tourism is the

consumption of the product. Tourism people are the ones who create the business from the culture. Culture creates the product. Tourism markets the product. tourism's job is to create the business. “Culture people will do it for the sake of culture; but tourism people are

the ones who will now transform culture into business. Lagos is Africa's entertainment capital," Uko asserted. He went on to canvass the formation of a Lagos State Convention and Visitors Bureau to boost the creation of a tourism framework that will drive the marketing of the state as a destination for MICE and other tourism activities. He buttressed his points by making reference to the Dubai and South African examples as they have gone ahead and have even established offices in Nigeria, and organise regular roadshows and visits to Lagos.

"We need a bureau to activate tourism business for Lagos," Uko concluded. The Permanent Secretary appreciated the visit and expressed his delight in partnering with Akwaaba. He promised that Lagos will host international visitors to Akwaaba 2017 on a tour of Lagos. And that Lagos will utilise the ideas and goodwill offered. He promised to brief the governor of the award. The Akwaaba team included Mr. Uko, Rita Ikechi-Uko, Dein Gbabo and Renn Offor. From the outcome of the meeting, going by the excitement and satisfaction that beamed on the faces of the parties, it was obvious that tourism efforts would begin to achieve needed dividents in the years to come the ideas.

Ethiopian Signs Codeshare Agreement with Air Namibia Africa’s largest airline group, Ethiopian Airlines, has concluded a codeshare agreement with Air Namibia on February 21, 2017. The codeshare agreement covers Ethiopian thrice weekly services to Windhoek and the services of both airlines beyond their respective hubs.

The agreement will allow both airlines to expand their global network through the services of each airline and also facilitate the provision of competitive and convenient travel choices to their respective customers.

Mr. Girma Shiferaw, Acting Vice President, Strategic Planning and Alliances said, “We are glad to partner with Air Namibia. It is my sincere belief that such strategic collaboration among African airlines is one of the necessities to see African aviation thrive and grow faster in line with the economic development of the continent. Now, customers of Air Namibia will enjoy seamless connection on Ethiopian ever expanding global network across five continents with a minimum layover in Addis Ababa; conversely, our passengers will be

Officials of Ethiopian Airlines and Air Namibia, at the signing of codeshare agreement

able to access destinations beyond Windhoek on Air Namibia flights.”

Acting Managing Director, Advocate Ellaine

Priscilla Samson said, “We are very pleased with the signing of the codeshare agreement with Ethiopia Airlines, an airline which achieved

amazing accomplishments in the global arena.

This will be an opportunity for the liberalization of intra-Africa air transport in furtherance of the Yamoussoukro Decision as two African carriers. In addition, this will assist Air Namibia to expand its network via the global reach and stature of Ethiopia Airlines. Hence the teaming of our two airlines is the consummate endeavor of our continent moving towards a fuller liberalisation in the aviation sector."

The codeshare agreement will allow Ethiopian and Air Namibia to place their codes on each other’s flights. ET will place its code on SW flights from Windhoek to Gaborone, Luanda, Victoria Falls, and Cape town, while SW will place it’s code on ET flights between Addis Ababa and Windhoek, Beijing, Lagos, Los Angeles, and São Paulo. Ethiopian Airlines operates the youngest fleet in the continent with an average age of less than five years. The airline currently serves more than 90 global destinations across five continents with over 240 daily departures.

34/XTRA

10.03.2017

Grand Honour for GreenLife Chairman’s Late Father Immortalisation of his father, Pa Denis Chukwuka, brings to the fore the deep relationship between him and his only son, Dr. Obiorah Chukwuka who has grown to become a pride not only to his father but his community at large. Kasie Abone who witnessed the 25th memorial service of Pa Chukwuka held at Nnokwa recently, reports It was a gathering of reverend gentlemen of the Catholic fate. The venue was St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in the sleepy town of Nnokwa in Idemmili South Local Government Area of Anambra State and the date was January 5, 2017. Except on a closer observation one would mistake the event to be an ordination ceremony or conference of Reverend Fathers given the array of reverend gentlemen serving in Gods’ vineyard who trooped out in their numbers to attend the service. The priests were led to the service by their spiritual head, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke. But it was neither of the two events. The solemn ceremony was indeed the 25th memorial service of late Pa Denis Chukwuka, alias Eziafakaego (good name is better than money) father of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GreenLife Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Obiorah Chukwuka.

Besides the memorial service, the day was particularly significant in that it served dual functions of dedication of Eziafakego Resorts and Hotel built in memory of his father. While the hotel was the third in his hospitality business chain the project brought to three such initiatives including a filling station built to honour his late father, a man whose pious life bear a shining light in the lives of not a few at his home town, Nnokwa. As an only son and the last one at that, his relationship with his father was described as very deep, special and personal hence such show of love and efforts to immortalise him. And in doing so, he spared no cost.

Who else could have drawn such stellar crowd of reverend gentlemen at that period of the year when the calendar was crowded with a lot of activities? Besides being a moment of rest when Ndi Igbo put aside businesses and travel home to visit with friends and families, the period also serves for occasions and events of different colour, purpose and magnitude.

Weddings, traditional marriages, memorials, burials, house warming, cultural festivals, dedications among many other entertainments and fun events make the occasion memorable.

With the level of successes he has attained in business and corporate life and his humble disposition that gives people easy access to him, it was not surprising that even friends and well-wishers came out in large numbers to share that special day with his family.

Preaching the sermon at the memorial church service held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nnokwa, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Valerian Okeke extolled the Christian life which Late Chukwuka lived and died for. Speaking on Late Chukwuma’s alias, Eziafakaego, Okeke who led 45 other Reverend Fathers said imbibing the virtue of good name is better than all the silver and gold money could buy. “While he laboured in Gods vine yard as teacher and catechist, little did Late David Chukwuka knew that his only son whose birth was by divine arrangement would one day honour him in this magnitude today. Chukwuka served his people meritoriously in the church and community.

He lived a life of integrity, humility, service and patience, virtues of a true Christian that he was.”

Paying glowing tribute to late Chukwuka, Nnokwa Traditional Prime Minister, Chief Richard Chinemelu Okelue described late Chukwuka as a very hardworking person when he was alive. He was the pioneer Secretary of Nnokwa Progressive Union (NPU) and served for many years. He was a Secretary of Ubili community for many years. He was the Catechist of this particular church (St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nnokwa) and that time we looked up to him. He gave himself the alias “Eziafakaego”, that good name is far better than money. And that was why we called him ‘Eziafakaego1’ and his son has taken up “Eziafakaego 2.”

His 94-year-old wife, Madam Regina Chukwuka, describing her relationship with her late husband said the day he died was the worst for her. Over the years she had been able to cope with the absence of her

Chukwuka, his wife, Oby, mother and two sisters, at the memorial church service of his father, Pa Denis Chukwuka

Dr. Obiorah Chukwuka, his wife, Oby (middle), flanked by Reverend Fathers at the 25th memorial service of late Pa Denis Chukwuka

L-R Chukwuka, wife, Oby, with Archbishop Valerian Okeke

husband by the love dotted on her by her loving children.

Speaking about the posthumous honour being given his father, Dr. Chukwuka said, “Actually my father died on the 2nd January, 1992. So, today we are remembering him. The legacy he

left is by his name. His name is Eziafakaego which means integrity redefined. He left that legacy that we can loose anything in life but we can’t lose our good name. Once we protect our names to the highest level the blessings of God will always follow. So, we always want

to let people know how important that legacy in his name is. I also built a hotel in his name.

We want to let people know that you don’t have to struggle so much for money if you have Eziafa (good name), money is yours.”

Dr. Chukwuka was an only son and the last child. His birth was by divine intervention.

Having hard six girls including a set of twins, his father was not moved by suggestions to bring in another wife but still held on to his Christian faith. Chukwuka had this to say about his special position in the family and relationship with his late father.

“Yes, we were seven. Six were before me including a set of twins and I was born out of prayer. They had stopped giving birth but my father had very strong faith in God that God would give him a successor. People were persuading him to marry another wife but he refused. And thank God at last God answered his prayer and I was born.”

On being an only son and the last child and the relationship with his father he said “He had no other son and I had no other father.

So, we were very close to each other. When he thought about a son he only thought about me. So, we were so close to each other.”

On her own part, his only daughter in-law, Mrs. Oby Chuwuka described her father in-law as a very kind man who lived a life worthy of emulation. “He was a nice man. He was somebody you cannot forget easily because the legacy he left behind will linger forever.

It’s good that while you are still living you do something that you will be remembered for.

If the life he lived wasn’t such that he could be remembered, we won’t be here today but because he was a nice man we are all here celebrating him.”

Though he was newly married into the family not long before his demise, Mrs. Chukwuka said they were still able to bond together. I knew him as a Catechist. When I came in I didn’t stay with him for a long time because the tradition of the church was that you don’t live with your husband until after the wedding.

So, I visited when my husband was around and went back to my father’s house. Apart from the fact that I knew him as a catechist he was an epitome of a Christian life. He was very honest. He always called me and gave me gifts. If he was eating, he would always give me a portion of meat. He treated me like his last child.”

Earlier while dedicating Eziafakaego Hotel and Resorts built in memory of the late Chukwuka, Archbishop Okeke extolled Dr. Chukwuka for honouring his father in such magnitude. He called on other diaspora successful businessmen to think home by emulating Dr. Chukwuka’s shining examples in bringing some of his businesses home. He also called on parents to lay good foundation for their children so that in times like such children would honour them just like Dr. Chukwuka did.

Speaking in the same vain Chief Okelue averred that Dr. Obiorah Chukwuka was one of the true sons of Nnokwa. “He is not thinking about himself alone but is thinking about everybody’s empowerment especially by citing projects both here at Nnokwa and in Lagos that help to reduce graduate unemployment by giving our youths jobs. He is an honest man too, he doesn’t tolerate lies and he doesn’t tolerate fraudulent behaviours.

Even Nnokwa gave him chieftaincy title; he accepted it in principle. He is one of the illustrious sons of Nnokwa who was selected for the honour of chieftaincy titles.

He accepted it in principle.”

After the church service and hotel dedication, guests moved to his spacious country home where they were lavishly entertained with sumptuous meals and choice drinks.

The well-organised, well attended events which also attracted friends and well-wishers, captains of industry from far and wide had his amiable wife, Mrs. Oby Chukwuka ably in charge to ensure guests were well taken care of. Souvenirs and GreenLife products were generously handed out.

35/ENTREPRENEUR

10.03.2017

Olapade: How I Sustain My Business Celebrated humour merchant, Biodun Olapade, popularly known as MC Abbey, took to the stage recently to discuss something more than comedy, establishing a completely different dimension to his business of making people happy. He opted to talk about relationship during a concert tagged, ‘One Night Stand with MC Abbey: Love, Relationship and Sex’, during which he spoke with Mary Ekah on why he chose to take such a serious conversation to the comedy stage, how he has sustained his marriage of 10 years without much rancour, reason for celebrities’ marriage crises and many more they have alternatives. I feel that as long as it is not abuse, there is no need for that. I will always tell people that they should make God the foundation of their marriages. So if it is not God, you would have problems but if it is God that joined you together, then you know that you can still cry back to Him. Marriage is an institution that established by God, so He alone knows how to make it work.

One Night Stand with MC Abey: Love, Relationship and Sex, What is it all about?

Practically, it is a platform for me to reach out to couples and matured singles to deal with issues that are around these topics because I know that there are lots of relationships that are having issues around these topics which many do not feel comfortable talking about. Some need a platform to express them, while some are just confused and some homes are broken because of this. There are a whole lot issues that happen when it comes to relationships and since I am happily married and my job practically is to see couples happy and also to see relationships work, I felt that I could use this platform to reach out to them and deal with those issues that revolve around love, sex and relationship. And of course, the comical side of me will come out because I am going to crack all my jokes around these issues. We want to go all out, say it as it is and deal with the issues properly.

Marriage, love, sex and relationship are really serious issues. Do you think this is the right platform to deal with them?

Well, people want to say serious things on a lighter note. Sometimes, serious things are not always conducive to be said on a serious atmosphere and that is why some times, if you have serious issues, they would tell you to go for vacation, picnic, travel, go for retreat and deal with the issues because you need that kind of atmosphere to deal with serious issues. So using this as platform to do that, I think and I know that it would go a long way to solve those issues because while I’m comical, I would also be making sense to some people having serious issues in their relationships and marriages. So I think it is a beautiful platform to deal with that.

And again whatever gift you have is a platform you can use to spread any good message.

How long have you been married?

My marriage will be 10 this year.

Olapade

Taking a look at the entertainment industry, there are lots of broken marriages, so is it that you are trying to speak to your colleagues?

Yes, I am trying to speak to my colleagues and also speak to the ones that are not yet in that struggle and practically to bring some correctness to all these. If you ask yourself, what is the bedrock of your union, you world find that a lot of my colleagues have the wrong foundation to their marriages, they have wrong reasons why that are married – they have wrong perception of what marriage should be and they got into it with the wrong perception and to them if they get in there and it is not working, they can go through the back door. You know like they have always said, ‘For better for stay, for worse for go’. Of course, there would be issues in marriages, it is a vicissitude - ups and downs but some people are not prepared to build the down side of it, so when it happens, they feel

You sound so spiritual, is it MC Abbey taking to the podium and leaving comedy?

No, I can’t leave comedy! I am sounding spiritual here because I am a spiritual being, so it is part of me. I have always been on the podium preaching the gospel one way or the other. So it is not really strange to me. But that is not really the focus, but I can’t separate that from me. But I am not leaving comedy nor leaving the podium, they are both in me. I am a multitalented person. The comical aspect is in me but if I start to preach to you now, you would be shocked. I can really preach. I have pioneered a lot of fellowships many years back in my university days; I have pastored churches, so it is not strange to me to be spiritual but a lot of people do not know that aspect of me.

So when I start going deep into scriptures and godly foundation, people are like wow how can a comedian know so much about the scriptures.

They don’t just know that it is not on the surface but that I am a deep person.

Ten years into your marriage, what would you say have been the challenges for you and what is responsible for celebrity marriage crash?

Personally, my challenge has been the fact that I have to balance my work and home responsibilities, and I thank God for a wonderful wife that I have, who understands me perfectly well. Now, the onus falls on me to put a balance between my wife and my kids. I have to be a husband to my wife and then a father to my children, and also at the same time, my fans are demanding for my attention too, I have to

reach out to my fans, I have to push the brand, I have to smile for everybody even for those that I do not like. I just have to keep smiling just to satisfy my fans and sometimes it comes on the platform of sacrifice. But the wise thing to do is to know where to draw the line, which by God’s grace I have been able to manage that. I don’t allow anything to affect spending quality time with my family as often as possible. In every month, I have a particular time designated for my wife and I, then another time designated for my wife, children and I. And nothing, no matter the amount they want to pay me, will take that time away from me. And that is a principle I have built over time, which has continued to sustain my marriage.

What is your advice to married colleagues in the entrainment industry?

I want to say to them that first of all, you must understand the bedrock of your marriage.

If it is God, then go back to God and let Him fix it for you. And then you have to understand you must not be passive in your marriage.

You cannot fold your hands and allow things to happen, you have to be involved. It is like an empty basket and what you put into the basket is what you would take out, so if you don’t invest in your marriage, you cannot get the best from it – consciously invest time, love, joy, happiness and many other good things in your marriage and for the men, respect the woman in your life. Don’t treat her like a piece of furniture. And for the women too, respect and honour your husband and learn to be submissive to the man in your life. And if there are things you cannot sort out between the two of you, go on your knees and pray to God about them and if you find yourself on that crossroad and you are frustrated, talk to a counselor about it. Just do everything within your power to ensure that your marriage works because marriage or a relationship cannot work until you make it work. And you have to make it work!

WNM Partners Buzon for Perfect Level Raised Floors Mary Ekah With the ever-growing demand to make cities more relaxed and greener, architects are looking for solutions to create beautiful buildings and environments. Also, architects are looking for ways in which buildings would be designed and equipped with spaces where people can meet and relax in a more natural environment and one way to achieve green spaces is often with raised floors or balconies, terraces, water features and fountains on rooftops and other places of interest.

With this in mind, Buzon Pedestal International, Germany, manufacturers of the award-winning Buzon screw-jack pedestal system and a highly successful provider of solutions in the field of rooftop gardens in collaboration with WMN, a integrated business solutions provided, is opening up new design and structural possibilities in roof gardens in Nigeria particularly and around the world. Founded since 1987, Buzon’s presence in Nigeria, is offering the possibilities to create even larger terrace areas without any design disrupting features such as valleys, or ridges, grating, drainage system or access panels.

Speaking during a presentation in Lagos to intimate stakeholders on the new innovation in Nigeria, the Chief Executive Officer, WNM, Mr. Akin Akinola said, “Today we are taking the opportunity of having one of our partners,

Akinola and Buzon during the presentation on Buszon Screw-jack in Lagos

Buzon Pedestal International from Germany, the original manufacturer of screw-jack Pedestals for construction of raised floors, water features and terraces. They are in the country to organise awareness section for the unique products, which are simply called Pedestals. These products are used in the construction industry for landscaping and sort of beautification of outer territories, walkways and living areas. The most important and the biggest buildings in the world have used this same product. It is a requirement in

a lot of rooftops and open territory areas of construction and they have in the last 30 years been perfecting the design and the technology of which they have created this product and that is what we are trying to introduce into the Nigerian Market space.”

Throwing more light on the why the event was held, Akinola noted, “As we do as a business, when we find something of interest and we are able to bring it into the country, the next thing is create awareness for it and that is the essence of today’s event. And we have invited stakeholders from the relevant space, hoping that at the end of today, we would get result as we have gotten in the past by way of the architects becoming more interested in the use of Buzon Pedestals.”

Sales, Export and Marketing Manager, Buzon, 49-year-old Laurent Buzon explained further that the occasion was to explain to architects why, how and when to use Buzon screw-jack pedestals system. “We have been around for 30 years now and we have sold our products to over 40 countries of the world and I am pleased to be here with our new partner in Nigeria, to explain to the architects the many advantages they can derive from using our screw-jack pedestals. These include cost effective, good drainage systems especially during raining season, and our products are also suitable for different landscape areas,” he said.

He stressed further that the benefit of using Buzon products cannot be overemphasised as it would increase the value of the buildings, create very nice landscape area, save energy, give more drainage and accessibility for people to go for maintenance on the job site.

“And already I have seen the new planned project for Eko Atlantic, and when I saw all of those pictures from the architects who want to design this new city, I could see that a lot of structure will be done along the sea where they would need a lot of good decking that would require good and quality products like Buzon screw-jack pedestals.”

“When access is required for maintenance or repair, it is simply a matter of taking up a paver or two from the floor so that work can be carried out below. The sections are then dropped back into place with minimal disruption. Similarly, any pavers that become dirty or damaged can easily be swapped out. Indeed the whole surface can be changed it required," Buzon noted.

He said that the installation of raised floor system overcomes obstruction of any form where the areas are utilised for pedestrian or vehicle traffic and other substrates, adding, "Raised floors generally utilise pedestals supporting concrete, granite r ceramic pavers or wooden tiles, timber decking and industrial grating so services are easily accommodated underneath.”

36/COLLAGE

Mr. Etuk Akanimoh and former Miss Christiana Samali during their traditional marriage ceremony in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos...recently

10.03.2017

L- R; Public Secterary , Yoruba Leaders, Mr Remi Kayode Adebule and Chief Idowu Sofola ( SAN), during the condolence visit to the family of late Major General Adeyinka Adebayo former Military Governor of Western Region who died in Lagos ..recently

L-R: Speaker/ CEO Wassy Creations, Otunba Wasiu Taiwo; Speaker/ Founder/ CEO ReelFruit, Affiang Williams; Executive Director, Micro Enterprises Directorate, Bank of Industry, Toyin Adeniji; Speaker/ Founder/CEO SecureID Ltd., Kofo Akinkugbe; Speaker/ CEO/ PathCare Laboratories, Pamela Ajayi,and Divisional Head, Large Enterprises,BoI, Mr .Joseph Babatunde,during the Bank of Industry 2017 International Women's Day celebration, Themed: ''Be Bold for Change'' held in Lagos...recently

L-R: Ms. Tem Alade Ajayi, Alhaja Amina Ajimati, Celebrant,Yinka Faith Benson; Alhaja Memuna Abiola and Alhaja Sheri, Quadri at the Faith's birthday party in Lagos... recently

L-R: Mr. Yannick Mukoro, Mrs. Obukhome Ibru - Mukoro, Hon. Eme Mukoro and Xavier Mukoro during Ibru Mukoro's 50th Birthday thanksgiving in Lagos.... recently.

L-R: Member, Deloitte Women Initiative (DWI), Mrs. Juliet Vorster; Parnter, Akintola Williams Deloitte, Mrs. Ijeoma 0nwu; Guest Speaker, Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi; Chief Exeecutive Officer, Deloitte West Africa, Mr. Fatai Folarin; Executive Director, Finance, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Mrs. Yemi Owolabi;Guest Speaker, Pastor (Mrs) Bolarinwa Akinlabu; and Chairperson, DWI, Mrs. Bosede Odeloye, at the 2017 international women day celebration organised by DWI in Lagos.... recently PHOTO; ETOP UKUTT

37/THISLIFE

10.03.2017

Chukwu

Chukwu: A Professional Enigma From his days in academia to public service, current deputy governor of Abia State, Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, has always found ways to distinguish himself for excellence, writes Solomon Elusoji Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu (FCA) was born at Etitiama Nkporo in the present Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. He attended Ndi Elu Primary School and Nkporo Secondary School both in Nkporo for his primary and secondary education between 1970 and 1982.

In 1983, he proceeded to the Federal College of Education, Akoka, Lagos to study Accounting Education where he became an outstanding student in his department. In his final year at F.C.E, he sat for and passed the A-Level G.C.E Examination in flying colours.

On graduation from the College in 1986 and armed with an impressive A-level GCE result, he gained admission for a degree course in Accounting at the University of Lagos.

In 1989, as an undergraduate at University of Lagos studying Accounting, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant, having satisfied the requisite conditions and scaled through the final hurdles. In 1991, Chukwu graduated with a B.sc (Hons) Degree in Accounting.

Thereafter in 1997, he obtained his MSc. Degree also in Accounting from the same University of Lagos.

In 1990 he was elected an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ACA) and in 1998 an Associate of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI) and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) in 2000. Chukwu had his professional training with Eze George & Co. (Chartered Accountants) in Lagos between 1997 and 2000 where he rose to become a Partner.

Between 1988 and 1989 he served as Accountant, SMACS Computers, Lagos and General Manager, CONTECH Ventures Ltd. Lagos from 1989 to 1996. He became Principal Partner of Chukwu Ude Oko Chukwu and Co. (Chartered Accountants), Lagos, from 2001-2003 In the year 2001, Chukwu joined active

politics and two years after in 2003, he contested for and won the House of Assembly seat to represent Ohafia North State Constituency in the Abia House of Assembly.

He was re-elected in 2007 by the good people of Ohafia North State Constituency because of his quality representation and concrete delivery of democracy dividends to them.

As a member of the House of Assembly between 2003-2011, he presided over the affairs of many House Committees, which among other included: House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, House Committee on House Services, House Committee on Anticorruption, House Committee on Public Accounts, House Committee on Public Utilities, House Committee on Environment.

He was also a member of so many other House Standing Committees including Boundary and Security Matters Committee, Appropriation Committee, Education Committee, Agriculture Committee, as well as Chairman of many Ad-hoc Committees on various matters.

Socially, Chukwu identifies with many groups in his quest to be close to his people and share with them their problems. At the FCE, besides other post held at the Departmental level, he was the Clerk of House in the Students Union Government during the 1984/1985 Session. He was the first President of Alpha Club Exclusive of Nigeria and Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), FCE (Tech) Akoka, Lagos.

He was also the first National Chairman of his Iyierimba Age Grade of Etitiama Nkporo, first National Chairman of Nkporo Youths Association and Pioneer President of Nkporo Youth Vanguard.

In the religious realm, Chukwu is a Godfearing and devout Roman Catholic Christian.

He belongs to the Knighthood of St. Mulumba.

He has been conferred with several chieftaincy titles and awards by communities, churches

and other organisations. He is a philanthropist par excellence.

For 12 years, Chukwu represented the people of Ohafia North State Constituency creditably in the Abia State House of Assembly. Out of these number of years he presided over the affairs of the 5th Abia State House of Assembly as the Honourable Speaker for four years with an enriched working experience in both the public and private sectors, Chukwu also served as the National Vice Chairman Conference of Speakers (South East Zone) from 2012-2014.

He was equally the Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Honourable House by virtue of his position as the Speaker from June 2011 to May 28, 2015. In 2013 Chukwu attended Said Business School, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and has also attended so many national and international seminars and conferences.

Within this period of stewardship Chukwu recorded outstanding achievements in the Abia legislature which has been described as the most peaceful, vibrant, and united and result oriented legislature in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His relationship with the people of his constituency in particular and Abia State in general speaks volume of his genuine and unparalleled concerns, love and magnanimity for all and sundry. His contributions to the development and progress of the people of his constituency included but not limited to the following: the annual grading of roads in his constituency; the attraction of road projects, namely, AbiribaEtitiama Nkporo road and Abiriba – Ndi Ebe Abam Road, the construction of which are on-going; the building of an Ultra Modern Civil Hall for the people of Amaelu Etitiama Nkporo; the building and equipment of an Ultra Modern Skills Acquisition Centre at Abiriba for training of youths in various skills and trade; the attraction of the construction

and reconstruction/renovation of Class Room Blocks and ICT centres in various schools in Ohafia North State Constituency; and the securing of employment opportunities of various cadres for the people of the constituency.

His other contributions are: facilitating the recruitment of interested persons into the Nigerian military, police and paramilitary outfits and agencies as well as tertiary institution admissions for prospective candidates of his constituency; the completion of a story building hall project for the people of Elughu Nkporo in Ndi Etiti Electoral Ward; the empowerment of the people of Abia State especially youths, and women with various empowerment materials, including vehicles, motorcycles, garri processing machines, computers with accessories, sewing and weaving machines, grinding machines, vulcanising machines, small and giant power generating sets, barbing kits with accessories, hair dressing kits with accessories and many others.

He also provides financial assistance to the needy and other tremendous contributions to the overall welfare and development of the people of Ohafia North State Constituency in particular and God’s Own State in general and sponsors free medical outreach/ eye care for the people of Ohafia North State Constituency and environs through the Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu Health Foundation.

Given his pedigree, outstanding political antecedents and administrative sagacity, Chukwu was nominated by the Peoples Democratic Party Abia State as the running mate to Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, the PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2015 general elections.

Chukwu, a widely travelled person, is happily married to Lady Nnenna Vivien Ude Oko Chukwu and their marriage is blessed with children.

38/OPINION

10.03.2017

ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS

I

Email: adeola.akinremi@thisdaylive.com

Tel 08116759785(sms only)

Senator Solomon Adeola in an Age of Disruptive Politics

love the ex-British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. I follow him religiously. I do same for the people I love their candour, whether in business, religion or politics.

In an Op-ed Blair penned for the New York Times last Friday, he counselled politicians on emotional response in politics.

“Outrage is easy; strategy is hard. Outrage provides necessary motivation. But only strategy can deliver victory,” he wrote.

Fair point. Blair surely speaks to the rise of alt-right populism in America and Europe that threatens the existing orders in party politics, and the fight-back plan.

For us in Nigeria, politics is being reshaped in Ogun State. The traditional way of interacting and engaging with voters is changing. In politics, disruption is the new normal. It goes with strategy. The Senator from Lagos West is the centre of that disruption.

To set you up, disruption as we learned in classroom means unruly behaviour, but in business it’s innovation.

Actually, when you think of disruption, you think of technology. In Nigeria, think of the banking industry, how Fola Adeola and Tayo Aderinokun disrupted their industry that changed the face of banking industry, and the way we bank in the country. Tony Elumelu, who parented Standard Trust Bank (STB) that later acquired United Bank of Africa, is another example. It was STB that first opened savings account for students with no initial deposit.

The bank attracted large base of customers, mostly young people. I remember how NYSC members flooded the STB located on Oba Akran Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos, to open account, back in the days.

The other example is Mike Adenuga. When Globacom, founded by Adenuga got its license, MTN and Econet Wireless (now Airtel) were already in business in the Telco industry. But when Adenuga launched Globacom in August 2003, he disrupted the business with per seconds billing, making it easy for everyone who cares to connect. It changed the Telco industry.

Bill Gates with Windows 95, Mark Zuckerberg with facebook, and Ray Tomlison, who invented email, all have something in common: disruption.

In politics, we’re seeing disruption taking

Senator Adeola

root. Senator Adeola appears to be an expert in disruptive politics with record achievement.

When he ran for office in Lagos West as a Senator he eliminated the rock of politics in that district. For instance, Enock Ajiboso, a one-time local government chairman and commissioner in Lagos, who is well-known for his grassroots politics in Lagos West failed in the face of Adeola’s disruptive politics. The former Lagos State deputy governor, Orelope Adefulire, who could boast of inheritance in politics of Lagos West, was compressed by Yayi. His arch-rival, Segun Adewale, a.k.a Aeroland, highly famous in Lagos West for his door-to-door politics was also flattened in the election by Yayi.

Interestingly, political establishments in Ogun State, where Yayi is now in superior ground game, building political infrastructure

to become the next governor, are not looking at the prism of Yayi’s politics; they are stuck with old idea of regions and endorsements of establishment.

And though, Yayi is favoured by regional political consideration and may be blessed by establishment endorsement, the small-statured politician with deft passes in politics is playing a game too strong to compete in, leaving nothing to chances.

Yayi is moving away from the traditional ways of connecting and interacting with voters. An early bird in political campaign with unusual money in his wallet, Townhall meetings, field organisers approach, conclave with influencers and mixed media have been used by Yayi to get to where he’s.

But Yayi is doing something else in addition, grievances of the old and the young in Ogun

State that the economic gains of the last decades have not been shared widely enough for the prosperity of the people of the state are being fed into his message indirectly, while putting patriotism in the front.

In a video recorded during one of his conclaves with influencers, he said: “We didn’t say they (current government) have not done something, but it can be better.”

Then, he responded to those challenging his right to contest in Ogun State this way: “If a child makes success of his trade abroad, it will be beneficial to a whole community, if he returns home.”

It may be hard to stop Yayi for many reasons, if you look at his antecedents and politics.

His early start strategy naturally keeps some lily-liver contenders out of the race. It also helps him get feedback early from those supporting and opposing him, which turns out to be his formula for victory as he improves on strategy.

He ran for Senate in a district with the largest population in Lagos that is almost the size of Ogun State, if not equal in terms of inhabitants.

But this is what I fear. The old rivalry between Yewa North and South that stopped Chief Tunji Otegbeye from becoming the Ogun State governor at an auspicious time; the fragmented Yewa politics that frustrated Chief Jonathan Odebiyi from channeling development to Yewaland; the regret that Senator Afolabi Olabimtan carried into the grave, the struggle of Hon.Abiodun Akinlade and the pain of disunity suffered by Gboyega Isiaka and Tunji Olurin remains at the heart of Yewa politics.

And this, the Ijebu people are coming and the Yewa disunity is always an advantage for any candidate from other region.

Of course, the cosmopolitan city of Lagos cannot be equated with a rural state like Ogun, where perception and perspectives play major role in voters’ mind.

But Yayi’s breakthrough in Ogun State will mean a smashed ceiling for old politics and recapture of opportunities for young people to run for office in a state, where the will of the political establishments have made it difficult for most aspirants to climb political ladder. It’s still a game.

MY ENCOUNTER WITH OBASANJO exemplary. But most Nigerians were not so sure of his ability to lead the nation out of what was largely a self-inflicted social and economic malaise. The situation, for Obasanjo, was further compounded by an uncomely presence that many people often mistake for dullness and boorishness.

Some distrusted him outright. But his friends and colleagues within his immediate constituency—the Nigerian Army—knew that his gracelessness was deceptive; they knew that he was the "ideas man" behind the tough-talking, fire-spitting General Murtala Muhammed. Though lacking the fiery temperament of his predecessor, his competence was never in doubt among these people. He also suffered greatly at the hands of public expectation. Because he was taking over from an immensely popular leader who had also been canonised by death, Obasanjo's actions, style and even his gait would frequently be compared to those of his predecessor by a populace that would refuse to see them as two different personalities.

Disciplined by a childhood of deprivation, he would bring into governance a responsible financial management and a frugality that his colleagues considered crippling. In a nation where public service is synonymous

with greed, theft and corruption, his ethical crusade and his call for moderation in every aspect of our national life would be mocked by a cynical populace.

Obasanjo is a cautious reformer. The brutal termination of his predecessor's aggressive strides seemed to have imbued in Obasanjo a crippling sense of moderation and caution.

He is a man who believes in the system, and leadership to him means tinkering with the existing structures to evolve a more dynamic one in which hard work is encouraged and rewarded, and indolence, waste, and indiscipline are discouraged with enforceable sanctions.

He believes that it is the responsibility of the government, any government, to use the collective resources of the state to the benefit of every citizen; to help the disadvantaged to their feet; and to create an atmosphere in which each person could find fulfillments in life. His era, according to one political scientist, would be essentially a monitoring exercise for the fundamental policies had been initiated in the six action-packed months he shared with Muhammed. "... Highly talented, shy, fearless, swift in action and deep," was how Obafemi Awolowo, western Nigeria's apotheosised leader, described the new man.

Because of the way things have turned out

for him, he is often too quick to recommend his life to others while overlooking the unfair advantage that the military gave to people like him. He says he is intolerant of "thoughtlessness and uninformed criticisms," but in general, Obasanjo has often responded aggressively to attacks on his actions. Asked several times if with the benefit of hindsight he would have acted differently on some of the issues and policies taken by his administration between 1976 and 1979, Obasanjo said confidently that he had no regrets. But this feeling of infallibility, this belief that I-can-do-no-wrong is a major character defect in Obasanjo. Surely, time—the acid test of all policies and actions—has shown that some of the policy decisions of the Obasanjo administration could have been better thought out. For example, the first World Bank loan was unnecessary. With that loan, an access to easy funds was suddenly thrown open to be abused and perverted by the succeeding administration. Today, Nigeria is suffocating under the crushing weight of a foreign debt estimated at U.S. $35 billion.

Obasanjo has a sound memory—for good or for bad—and he can be mean and ruthless when he thinks he is being taken for a fool. No matter how hard he tries to tout the altruistic motives in his actions, Obasanjo still leaves

the impression that he is a man struggling seriously to be ennobled by history and to be appreciated and complimented by his fellow men. Some of those who have lived and worked with him have accused him of using and dumping them when they were no longer vital to his overall scheme. While this is not entirely untrue, it does not diminish at all the towering figure the General represents and his historical accomplishments. His 60th birthday is an occasion for me to renew the feelings of my respect and gratitude. I have recently completed a biography of General Obasanjo, entitled In the Eyes of Time, which I hope will soon be published and which will shed more light on his multifaceted personality than was possible in this short contribution. *Dr. Ojo, who died on Sunday in tragic circumstances, contributed this essay to a book of tributes to General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1995 under the title of ‘The Cautious Reformer’. The book itself entitled ‘Leadership in Africa’ was edited byHans’s d’Orville. It is being reproduced here for the journalistic lessons embodied in the essay and a tribute to Dr. Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo as one of the best and brightest of Nigerian journalism Attachments area

39

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

God as the Only Creator – 2 Spahic Omer/IslamiCity Humans as creators As seen above, creating ex nihilo (from absolute nothingness) is both the right and power of God alone. Such a style of creation cannot be ascribed to humankind. Humans were and will remain forever short of enjoying a power of bringing into being anything without making use of the available raw materials and elements created for them in nature. Indeed, everything that humans invent, conceive, concoct and create, is only possible thanks to the unbounded bounties and munificence from God, which humans only discover, manipulate, process, use, and reuse in different ways most convenient and efficient for them and their terrestrial goals. Consequently, humankind’s civilized and cultural ‘creations’ are a relative thing. They are not really ‘creations’ but only the temporary possessions of humankind in their temporary custody. As such, humans neither create nor possess anything. The Qur’an declares this emphatic truth time and again, such as in the following verses: “To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. Whether you show what is within yourselves or conceal it, Allah will bring you to account for it… ” (al-Baqarah, 2:284).

“Do you not know that Allah’s is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and that besides Allah you have no guardian or helper?” (al-Baqarah, 2:107). “… His verily is all creation and commandment.

Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!” (al-A’raf, 7:54) Everything around humans has been loaned to them so that they can carry out their duty of vicegerency in a responsible and unhindered manner. Their duty is no more than that. Even humans’ lives are not their own. Their lives belong to their Creator and Master, and, if needed, they must sacrifice their lives for their Master and His cause: “Indeed Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties (in exchange) for paradise… ” (al-Tawbah, 9:111).

God explicitly reveals that he is the Creator and thus the Owner of everything including people, their selves and whatever they are able to make or create. People’s creations and all possessions are in fact God’s: “And Allah has created you and what you make.” (al-Saffat, 37:96). The Prophet (pbuh) also said in a tradition: “Indeed, it is God Who creates every other creator and his creation.” This tradition is recorded by al-Bukhari in his “Sahih”, a compilation of authentic traditions of the Prophet (pbuh), in a section entitled “Allah’s words: ‘Allah has created you and what you make’ and ‘Verily, all things have We created in proportion and measure.‘” No sooner do humans come to this world than they set out displaying their inherent readiness to take from this world: to breathe, to eat and drink, to wear apparel, albeit without possessing anything, save their own self, to give away in return. Humans therefore, are born as insolvent consumers, as it were. Not only do they own nothing, but also they remain forever short of enjoying the power of bringing into being anything without making use of what is already there created for them in nature. Creating things, conditions and environments from nothingness is the right and authority of God alone and signifies authentic splendor, dominion and power to which God alone is entitled.

The upshots of humankind’s myriad civilizational pursuits on earth therefore are never really their own possession and, as such, by no means could be solely utilized for returning the debt of creation and existence to God. Hence, people are given the title of servants or slaves and God alone is the Lord or Master. There can never be any alterations whatsoever in titles: the servant will remain forever the servant, and the Lord will remain forever the only Lord, irrespective of any human intervention that may transpire on any plane of existence. It goes without saying, therefore, that being prudent, modest and grateful when dealing with God’s gifts, as well as when dealing with one’s own accomplishments, are of the virtues most appreciated

in humans. It likewise follows that the legitimacy of human ‘creations’ is based only on the strengthening of people’s legitimate relationships with their Lord and with the rest of His creation.

Moreover, God created humans as the most beautiful creatures on earth, in the best of moulds, and gave them the power of reasoning and insight. (al-Tin, 95:4) He created humans as His vicegerents on earth, never to be forsaken by God’s words of guidance, lest they lose their way, rebel against the will and plan of their Lord, and gradually become puffed up with egotism, self-exaltation and innumerable superstitions pertaining to their own existence and existence taken as a whole. (al-Baqarah, 30-39) When these exceptional qualities of humans are paired with their submission to the Creator, Lord and Cherisher of the worlds, they confidently set out proving their worth, elevating their status over that of the angels in the process. Conversely, no sooner do they start mishandling and abusing the same qualities and gifts, than they start drifting away from the plane of truth, debasing themselves to a status lower than that of animals.

On that note, in addition, the Prophet (pbuh) declared that God created Adam, the father of humankind, in His own image. (Sahih Muslim) In other words, God bestowed Adam with life, knowledge, and the power of hearing, seeing and understanding, but Adam’s features are different from those of God. God has life, knowledge and power of understanding, which has been bestowed upon Adam as well, but there is no comparison between the Creator and the created thing. This truth by extension applies to the whole of mankind, the children of Adam.

Hence, God’s names and attributes, including those pertaining to creation, manifest themselves in human beings. People make, build and shape many beautiful and useful objects and things, manifesting thereby certain divine attributes in themselves and in those creative and consequential actions of theirs.

However, most people over and over again get carried

away and misjudge. The artist says that he ‘creates’ beauty. The engineer ‘invents’ a flying machine. An architect ‘designs’ and ‘creates’ a building. They think that it is they themselves who do this. They even forget the other people who might claim that they ‘created’ the paint and the brush, building materials and the whole of building technology and engineering, and the sciences of geometry, physics and mathematics, without whose ‘creation’ their ‘creation’ could not have been possible. They forget about the sources that produced the materials for that ‘creation’. They disregard their vulnerability and complete reliance on other human and physical factors. They sometimes even close the eyes to their humanness. Who created the mind, the eyes and the hands that put all that they deal with together? That which people make depends on many conditions, materials and assistants. Whereas God’s creative act does not depend on any model, material, time, tool, aide or anything else. When He creates, He says Kun ‘Be!’ and a whole universe becomes. (Tosun Bayrak, The Name and the Named) It is thus often asked if it is permissible to say that humans are ‘creators’ on account of them creating things, ideas and objects. The answer is that it is permissible if by creation it is meant working on something, crafting it, giving it shape, processing it, assembling it, using and reusing it, or some other meaning that is suitable for human beings to ascribe to themselves and their creative and meaningful functioning as God’s vicegerents on earth, reflecting their actual existential state with all its strength as well as limitations. Ascribing the terms ‘creation’ and ‘creators’ to human beings should thus always be conditional and metaphorical, not authentic or unqualified. A hint at this restricted authorization is presented via God’s description of His Holy Self as “the best of the creators” (ahsan al-khaliqin). This description appears twice in the Qur’an. Unquestionably, a creation should never claim, or aspire, to be a bona fide creator. Such is an aberrant view and goes against the pure and natural order of things.

40

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

CITYSTRINGS

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

A New Lab for Edo School Adibe Emenyonu reports on the inauguration of a science laboratory complex donated to Emaudo Secondary School in Ekpoma, Edo State, which was built by Chevron and its technical partner

Director of Schools, Dr. Airen Okhaku (3rd right), inaugurating the science laboratory complex donated to Emaudo Secondary School in Ekpoma, Edo State, which was built by Chevron and its technical partner... recently

The science laboratory complex donated to Emaudo Secondary School in Ekpoma, Edo State

T

he importance of a laboratory complex with up to date facilities is very crucial especially for any secondary school not too close to urban cities. This is because it provides an enabling environment for students to learn, perform experiments, practice and study science subjects effectively for those who are inclined.

Not only that, laboratory instruction is considered essential because it provides the training in observation, supply detailed information, and arouse students’ interest as they assume firsthand experience.

It also provides an experimental foundation for the theoretical concepts introduced during class teachings so that students can have the opportunity to verify some ideas for themselves.

It is against this premise therefore that one of the leading oil companies in Nigeria, Chevron and her technical partners, the Agbami family decided to build and equip a science laboratory in Emaudo, a community in Ekpoma.

“This science laboratory complex donation is one of the programmes in our investment plan aimed at improving the teaching and learning of science subjects in our schools.

This will further help in developing interest in science and technology among students,” said Richard Kennedy, Director, Star Deep Waters Petroleum Ltd., a member of the Agbami family.

Kennedy who was represented by Tony Emegere, Warri Area Manager, Star Deep Waters Petroleum, noted that the Agbami co-venturers recognised the importance of education as catalyst for unlocking the potential of the youths and developing their capacity for societal relevance.

According to him, “We are also committed to partnering with the government and other stakeholders in supporting efforts towards promoting quality education in Edo State and other states around.”

Continuing, he said “this particular project, therefore, is a product of our efforts to help generate improved access to education for all Nigerians through the donation of science laboratory complexes, electronic libraries and scholarships.”

He explained that the Agbami family which is a joint venture of Chevron, NNPC, Famfa Oil, Stat Oil and Petrobras commenced activities in 2004, and has since then made its mark in the educational sector.

He said the laboratory would help the students of the school focus and develop

One of the science laboratory classes

more interest in science and technology as well as help them to be more proactive.

“We are particularly encouraged by the results of our social investment in education through the Agbami Scholarship Programme.

All together about 13, 965 students in various universities in the country have benefited from the programme out of which 64 have graduated with First Class honours or its equivalent. Only recently, 32 beneficiaries of the programme graduated from the University of Lagos with First Class honours,” he added.

Inaugurating the project, Governor Godwin

This science laboratory complex donation is one of the programmes in our investment plan aimed at improving the teaching and learning of science subjects in our schools. This will further help in developing interest in science and technology among students

Obaseki who was represented by the Director of Schools, Dr. Airen Okhaku said, “It is delightful to know that such kind gesture was inspired by a son of the soil who was former Commissioner of Education. This project will not only enhance the performance of our students, it will have a ripple effect in the entire local government area and it is going to have a ripple effect on the performance of the students of Edo State in general.

“We want to appreciate your gesture and we want to urge other organisations around the world to emulate you and support education.

This project will be kept, it will be secure and you will get the result.

“We are appealing to the community to take the project as their property and protect it from hoodlums. I am appealing to the school management to take it as a matter of priority to secure this state-of-the-art laboratory so that the goal or objective to which it was built will be achieved.”

She however assured that with the science laboratory complex, Emaudo Secondary School will benefit from the reconstruction of schools in the state.

Earlier, the Enogie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness, Zaiki Anthony Ehizogie Abumere II who was represented by Chief Benjamin Ovbiowele, the Obaseki of Ekpoma declared that “This project is a motivation to the students as they will not only be theoretically educated, but will also be practically educated

and begin to think like Isaac Newton and other great scientists.

“So by the grace of God, we will continue to give more and more to the society. I am sending a clarion call to organisations to take a cue and do something for our community.

We are not Oliver twist, but we are asking for more.

On the security of the place, he said, “We have been able to set up a vigilante group and they work day and night but we are looking forward to seeing an organisation give us a perimetre fence that will secure this place more.”

On his part, the Principal Emaudo Senior Secondary School, Mr. Peter Abhulimen, who lauded the project said “the presence of this sophisticated laboratory building will help provide an enabling environment for students to learn. It will serve as a place for experimentation, observation or practice in the field of study.

“It will provide training in observation, supply detailed information and arouse student’s interest. It is important that students have an opportunity to verify some ideas for themselves because whatever is learnt in practice can never be forgotten in a hurry,” he said.

There were cultural dance performances by students of the school as well as the Onabhogie Cultural Dance Troupe, Iruekpen to spice the inauguration ceremony.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

CITYSTRINGS

Failings of the Child Rights Law After a random conservation with some child hawkers on the busy streets of Abuja, Chineme Okafor writes on the failings of the Child Rights Act

“I

have to sell every day after school and sometimes on weekends. If I don’t sell, there won’t be money to pay my school fees or buy food for our home,” Esther told THISDAY in a conversation that started from the bargaining for a bunch of ripe banana.

Thirteen years old, and still in junior secondary grade three, she said she linked up with her mother to sell banana and bottles of groundnut on the busy streets of Maitama and Wuse 2 areas of Abuja every day after school.

Her sales from banana and groundnut contribute to her school fees and help the family through its monthly expenditures, indicating she already started to shoulder the family’s demands at such young age.

Not alone in this chore, Esther told the paper that two of her siblings are also involved and like a lot of other school age children in Abuja, they have to alternate between schools and the streets to keep their families running and themselves in schools.

Every day that they have to hawk on Abuja’s streets, they also have to be smart and alert, any slip could land them in the buses of Abuja’s environmental protection taskforce charged with the job of ridding the city of street hawkers, and sometimes beggars.

According to Esther, that was always an experience none of them look forward to.

She said a capture by the taskforce meant spending all the monies earned for the day on securing a release for themselves and their goods.

She admitted to the paper that it was not a pleasant condition to grow up, but that she had limited choices.

“We don’t have plenty of choices,” she said, with an innocent smile which seemed to suggest she was resigned to just getting on with life despite the hard path she has to take.

Just before leaving this reporter to look for a new customer, haven spent more time than she would have wanted, she stated with some form of conviction: “At least, I still go to school, and my brothers and sisters go to school too. My mother wants us to go to school and when we get through the university, we will have good jobs and we will not sell on the streets again.”

Moving on and perhaps by chance, this reporter met 15-year-old Ese, during a hot pursuit by an enforcement officer of the environmental taskforce at the Mpape Junction on IBB Way in Maitama. Through a deliberate crash in on the pursuit and the resultant argument with the officer over who was guilty of the accident, Ese was able to escape the pursuit but was subsequently found for a conversation.

Her story which was not very different with that of Esther, showed that these children have embraced the hard path to growing up, and oblivious of the protection guaranteed them by the Child Rights Acts 2003 – a national law that was passed by the Nigerian parliament.

Based on this, the paper studied a recent poll conducted by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) through its ‘Ureport’- a peoplebased assessment of societal issues across the country, on the application of the Child Rights Act 2003 in Nigeria, and discovered that 78 per cent of 140,915 respondents who were sampled across Nigeria do not know about the Child Rights Act, while only 22 per cent knew of its existence and content.

The poll equally reported that while all Southern states in Nigeria now have a Child Rights Law to protect the rights of all children, and some states in the North yet to have one, their applications have not been optimal, indicating that a good number of Nigerian children do not have their rights to certain things like basic education guaranteed squarely by the society, while

Child hawker on one of Abuja’s streets

some others face life-threatening abuses with no protection from the law.

Furthermore, the UNICEF’s Ureport indicated that 27 and 53 per cent of the knowledgeable respondents in the polls favoured protection from violent abuse of children and right to comprehensive education as the two most important aspects of the Child Rights Act, but these two are rarely guaranteed.

With regards to out-of-school children, the numbers are quite overwhelming in some states of Nigeria, while violence against children in the forms of rape, domestic cruelty, and trafficking has also risen.

There are reports of violent abuse of children in practically every corner of Nigeria, and the Child Rights Law has overtime failed woefully to nip this on the board.

In 2016, THISDAY followed up the stories of two young girls - Blessing and Aisha, who were serially abused by trusted relatives and caregivers. The stories of these two

The Child Rights Act was passed into law by Nigeria’s National Assembly in 2003. Thirteen years after its passage into law at the National level, only 23 states have passed a Child Rights Law to implement its provisions in their respective states. The most discerning implication of this failure to act is the absence of a legislative framework for child protection in the affected states

Precious Ajuebor

confirmed fears expressed by experts that the failings of the Child Rights Law were aided by persons and institutions like the Police, traditional institutions and parents who fail to uphold the content of the law by either reporting or prosecuting people who abuse children.

As was reported then, 17-year-Blessing from Nigeria’s Plateau State said in a documentary which a non-governmental organisation, the Media Information and Narrative Development (MIND) produced for UNICEF that she was sexually abused by her father but her mother in support of her husband denied her justice.

“I was nine years old when my father started sleeping with me. He called me to come, I went and answered him. Then, he now said I should lie down. I didn’t know what he was doing. He said I should remove my clothes, and I removed the clothes, then he slept with me,” Blessing said then.

Similarly, 11-year-old Aisha from northern Gombe State who was abused in her local primary school by a caregiver also said in the documentary: “I think I was about five or four years old when he did it to me behind the house. He removed my skirt, he laid with me. I screamed but nobody was in the place. Even in school, they said he had done it to another girl behind our classes.

He is the one that sweeps our class.”

To understand the implications of such ineffectual law on the stable development of Nigerian children, THISDAY approached an expert team on child justice in the UNICEF Abuja office who stated that the implications were far-reaching.

“The Child Rights Act was passed into law by Nigeria’s National Assembly in 2003.

Thirteen years after its passage into law at the National level, only 23 states have passed a Child Rights Law to implement its provisions in their respective states. The most discerning implication of this failure to act is the absence of a legislative framework for child protection in the affected states,” the team stated in a note they sent to the paper.

They further stated in the note that northern states like Benue, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Kogi have since passed a Child Rights Law, while Kaduna, Katsina,

Yobe and Zamfara states have advanced steps to pass one in their states.

They equally explained that the Child Rights Bill of Kaduna State was before the State House of Assembly, while that of Yobe State has been validated with the UNICEF providing supports for their domestications.

However, the team said that: “The major contending issues are the definition of the age of the child as between 18 years as provided in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Child’s Rights Act, age of puberty and age for consent to sexual relations. Other issues are age of marriage, adoption and fostering. These issues cut across northern and southern states.

“The children in states that have a Child’s Rights Law have the benefit of a legal framework for protection of their rights that is compliant with international, regional and national norms and best practice - the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Welfare and Protection of Children and the Child’s Rights Act,” they added.

Children resident in Adamawa, Bauchi, Bornu, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states, they noted, do not have any legal protection against abuses on their lives because these states do not have a Child Rights law yet.

Although, the Enugu State House of Assembly in August 2016, passed the Child Rights Bill into law, it was still awaiting a signature into law by the governor of the state. Jigawa on the other hand previously passed a Child Rights law but then annulled it.

According to the UNICEF experts, through sustained advocacy, stakeholders and the federal government can change the ugly narrative on abuse of children in the country with the application of the Child Right law.

They thus stressed that: “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has severally at the launch and commemoration of the launch of the ‘END Violence Against Children’ campaign in September 2015 and in October 2016 committed to ending violence against children. A key tool to attain implementation of the presidential commitment is the passage of Child Rights laws in the states.”

42

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Court Orders AMCON to Take over Guest House Obinna Chima Hon. Justice Babs O. Kuewumi of the Federal High Court Lagos Division has granted an injunction against Mustasons Guest House Limited on Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos on the application of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

The court order, according to a statement, also restrained Alhaji Mustapha Aliyu Wushishi, the promoter of Mustasons Guest House Limited from the assets and properties of the guest house and another property situated at Plot 1111B, Amichi Close, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Alhaji Wushishi and Mustasons Guest House Limited have been in court with AMCON over huge indebtedness of nearly half a billion naira. Justice Kuewumi, the presiding judge while granting the order on the application of Mr. Idowu Ibrahim, counsel to AMCON, restrained Mustasons Guest House Limited and Wushishi, their directors,

staff, management, employers, agents, officers, privies or any other person or group of persons whatsoever under the respondents’ authority or any other authority (however derived or sourced) from tampering with, selling, leasing, removing from the jurisdiction of the court or dealing in whatsoever manner with the respondents’ assets/ properties situate at Mustasons Guest House Plot 91, Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island Lagos and Plot 1111B, Amichi Close, Victoria Island respectively owned by the respondents.

“The court therefore granted AMCON (claimant/applicant) the powers to take possession of the assets/properties of Mustasons Guest House Limited and Alhaji Wushishi as listed in the order paper. Justice Kuewumi also ordered the freezing of all the identifiable and/or traceable accounts of the respondents either current, savings, fixed deposit, domiciliary, howsoever tagged with various banks and financial institutions

both in Nigeria and abroad and a consequential order, mandating all the banks and financial institutions to furnish AMCON (through its solicitors) details of the respondent’s accounts domiciled with them within seven days of the service of the court order,” the statement added. Confirming that AMCON had taken over the assets and property since March 7, 2017, Head, Corporate Communications, AMCON, Jude Nwauzor, said: “The debt is long overdue and before we got to this stage we had patiently tried to resolve the matter without going to court; but as you can see all efforts by the Corporation to get the obligor to repay the indebtedness have proved abortive. Therefore having exhausted all avenues of peaceful resolution, there was no other option available to us than to commence enforcement action against Mustasons Guest House Limited and its promoter as provided under Section 49-52 of the AMCON Act.”

Broad street

MARKET INDICATORS

Fidelity Bank Pledges Support for Entertainers, Musicians Fidelity Bank Plc has expressed its willingness to support upcoming musicians and others in the entertainment industry so as to enable them effective utilise their talents.

Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, said this when he anchored the Fidelity SME Forum monitored on Inspiration FM, Lagos, which featured Nigerian musician, Mr. Micheal Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, as guest, on Tuesday.

Okonkwo said the bank decided to commence the series on operators in the music and entertainment industry because it was being futuristic.

According to Okonkwo, people

do a lot of things, create a lot of value, but they don’t see business in it.

“If you think back, great musicians came out of this country and they didn’t make money. If you think back, great footballers came out of this country and they didn’t make money. Today, football is a big business, entertainment is big business as well. “What we are basically doing here is to look at man’s endeavor from the business perspectives. We have discovered gaps where we would like to help them put proper structure into what they do,” he said.

While commenting on the gaps the bank found in the industry, the bank CEO said:

“If you look at valuation of the talents they have, how do I translate Korode Bello’s worth to money? If another record label wants to take him from me today, how much do they need to pay? You have to put in place proper accounting into this business. So our Fidelity Managed SME unit is there to build capacity for entertainers and give more young people opportunity to become the Dangotes of tommorow.”

Earlier, Ajereh, who is the founder of Mavin Records urged upcoming and aspiring musicians to always follow their dream, be focused and to be determined. He also pointed out that education would also be vital.

Sterling Bank Launches ‘One Woman’ Product Sterling Bank Plc has launched a new proposition known as, ‘One Woman,’ to commemorate the International Women’s Day in Nigeria, with the theme ‘Be Bold for Change.’

The product was launched by the Chief Executive Officer of DO.II Designs Limited, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo and the wife of the Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, at a ceremony in Lagos.

Speaking at the event,

Ighodalo said the significant number of women in Nigeria’s population made it imperative to deliberately focus on the needs of women to ensure sustainable economic development and growth.

According to her, the business case for targeting women was simple; they are the more excluded gender; 21.4 million females, representing 42.7 percent of the total female population are financially

excluded; 15 million of these women are not earning income frequently.

Mrs. Ighodalo who is also the wife of the Chairman of the Bank, Mr. Asue Ighodalo said, “This provides a huge opportunity for structural changes within the economic and financial system if we pay attention,” remarking that, “to enable us to make an impact, we must reach as many women as possible.”

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to Open in Nigeria Targets 20 shops in five years

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation on Wednesday announced a development agreement with Quality Foods Africa. The agreement will bring 20 Krispy Kreme shops to Nigeria over a period of five years.

“We are thrilled to be expanding into Nigeria, and we are fortunate to be working with an exceptional group,” the Vice President of International at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Michael McGill said.

“The joy of a Krispy Kreme doughnut and coffee is beloved all over the world, and we cannot wait to introduce that

joy to the people of Nigeria over the next several years.”

According to Business Week, Quality Foods Africa (QFA) is an African quick service restaurant business focused on providing a dining experience in accordance with top global standards and service quality to Africa’s rapidly growing consumer markets.

“We are delighted to be able to bring the Krispy Kreme brand to Nigeria,” the CEO of QFA, Edmond Sassine said.

“Nigeria is a huge market and we are truly excited about bringing the world’s best doughnuts to one of Africa’s biggest economies.”

This development agreement will make Nigeria the 31st nation with a Krispy Kreme presence worldwide.

Nigeria is the second African nation to open Krispy Kreme shops. Krispy Kreme made its African debut in South Africa in 2015. Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation is a global retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature original glazed doughnut.

Headquartered in WinstonSalem, North Carolina, U.S.A., the company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and coffee since it was founded in 1937.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

OCTOBER 2016 Broad Money (M2)

22,275,512.54

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,023,616.69

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,521,797.77

---- Demand Deposits

8,501,818.92

-- Quasi Money

12,251,895.85

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)

23,069,635.07

--Other Assets Net

-12,120,415.62

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 Month

December 2016

Inter-Bank Call Rate

10.39

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.96

Savings Deposit Rate

4.18

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.53

3 Months Deposit Rate

8.80

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.23

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.76

Prime Lending rate

17.09

Maximum Lending Rate

28.55 • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WED, 8 MARCH 2017 The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $52.69 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $53.54 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

43

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

9-Mar-17

8-Mar-17

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

01 Dangote Cement Plc

159.75

152.15

5.00%

2,722,221,057,948.75

9.20

17.36

4.79

5.01%

3.64

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

130.36

139.80

-6.75%

1,033,637,591,759.68

4.03

32.31

3.43

2.76%

6.31

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

24.61

25.95

-5.16%

724,301,320,702.64

4.90

5.02

1.80

7.19%

1.47

725.55

691.00

5.00%

575,111,743,638.60

8.81

82.34

3.33

4.00%

18.22

14.65

14.59

0.41%

459,958,633,964.90

3.91

3.75

0.97

12.29%

0.66

380.00

380.00

0.00%

210,257,918,940.00 -44.58

-8.52

2.71

4.19%

0.53

6.70

6.46

3.72%

193,817,409,927.70

2.59

2.59

0.55

8.21%

0.44

08 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

10.30

10.10

1.98%

189,000,377,514.50

0.68

15.23

0.32

6.02%

0.30

09 Presco Plc

47.00

47.00

0.00%

186,612,421,115.00

0.03

1,607.40

2.62

2.77%

4.46

10 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

18.29

17.75

3.04%

182,900,000,000.00

2.04

8.98

1.30

0.55%

1.55

11 United Bank for Africa Plc

5.01

5.04

-0.60%

181,760,426,873.22

1.75

2.87

0.54

11.98%

0.42

12 Lafarge Africa Plc

37.05

37.05

0.00%

168,759,112,060.50

-9.39

-3.95

0.79

8.10%

0.83

13 Unilever Nigeria Plc

29.40

29.40

0.00%

111,228,909,750.00

0.69

42.48

1.68

0.17%

11.86

14 FBN Holdings Plc

2.98

2.96

0.68%

106,967,972,520.16

0.21

14.36

0.20

5.03%

0.17

15 Mobil Oil Nig Plc

285.00

285.00

0.00%

102,769,649,670.00

19.32

14.75

1.13

2.53%

5.55

16 Guinness Nig Plc

68.00

66.94

1.58%

102,400,396,784.00

-3.06

-22.24

0.99

4.71%

2.60

17 Total Nigeria Plc

284.00

284.00

0.00%

96,424,201,708.00

38.02

7.47

0.36

4.93%

4.23

6.00

6.00

0.00%

72,000,000,000.00

1.03

5.85

0.50

8.33%

1.16

50.50

52.16

-3.18%

65,775,295,701.50

3.31

15.27

0.43

6.83%

1.52

5.00

4.96

0.81%

60,173,094,470.00

-3.15

-1.59

0.24

15.00%

0.38

21 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

86.00

86.00

0.00%

55,090,771,218.00

-0.05 -1,882.87

0.59

2.56%

2.48

22 International Breweries Plc

15.70

15.70

0.00%

51,719,713,696.00

0.02

696.79

1.94

1.59%

4.71

23 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

38.66

38.66

0.00%

51,031,200,000.00

-2.95

-13.12

0.44

3.88%

2.69

24 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

17.45

17.20

1.45%

45,792,938,913.15

-1.19

-14.63

0.11

11.46%

0.46

25 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

47.00

47.00

0.00%

44,833,770,000.00

4.82

9.74

6.82

0.21%

2.78

0.72

0.75

-4.00%

27,879,118,146.00

-0.47

-1.54

0.53

0.00%

0.38

13.20

13.00

1.54%

25,355,409,908.40

3.37

3.91

0.33

7.58%

0.34

28 Fidelity Bank Plc

0.83

0.83

0.00%

24,038,946,124.36

0.39

2.14

0.16

19.28%

0.13

29 FCMB Group Plc

1.20

1.20

0.00%

23,763,252,937.20

0.61

1.96

0.15

8.33%

0.13

30 Sterling Bank Plc

0.74

0.74

0.00%

21,304,909,413.24

0.29

2.57

0.20

12.16%

0.26

28.12

28.12

0.00%

19,684,000,000.00

2.28

12.31

2.95

4.09%

11.50

32 Wema Bank Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

19,287,233,040.50

0.06

8.39

0.38

0.00%

0.41

33 Diamond Bank Plc

0.83

0.80

3.75%

19,223,122,843.44

-0.29

-2.83

0.09

0.00%

0.08

34 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.23

3.23

0.00%

18,998,421,349.85

0.76

4.23

0.52

4.33%

0.66

35 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

7.00

7.00

0.00%

18,546,068,646.00

0.85

8.24

0.99

7.86%

2.51

14.10

14.10

0.00%

16,861,858,480.80

-2.98

-4.73

0.60

2.13%

1.92

37 Mansard Insurance Plc

1.52

1.52

0.00%

15,960,000,000.00

0.28

5.46

0.80

3.29%

0.76

38 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

7.80

7.80

0.00%

14,649,975,912.00

0.50

15.62

0.52

16.67%

1.43

13.99

13.99

0.00%

13,990,000,000.00

5.69

2.46

0.98

0.71%

0.38

40 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.06

1.06

0.00%

10,995,108,970.72

0.42

2.52

0.50

11.32%

0.59

41 Unity Bank Plc

0.67

0.67

0.00%

7,831,856,421.14

-0.10

-6.54

0.12

0.00%

0.09

42 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

0.96

0.92

4.35%

7,612,989,751.68

-0.40

-2.37

0.16

16.67%

0.23

43 Skye Bank Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,940,150,705.00

-2.93

-0.17

0.04

60.00%

0.07

44 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.18

2.78

0.85

6.00%

0.41

45 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

0.03

17.71

3.72

0.00%

1.94

46 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

4.30

4.30

0.00%

5,403,714,393.80

0.22

19.64

0.49

2.33%

0.50

47 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.60

0.60

0.00%

4,158,122,688.00

0.22

2.69

0.14

8.33%

0.41

48 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

2.19

2.30

-4.78%

3,557,039,062.50

0.15

14.49

0.44

9.13%

0.59

49 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

1.79

1.79

0.00%

3,076,562,491.05

0.30

5.98

0.73

39.11%

0.09

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

0.93

0.93

0.00%

1,395,000,000.00

0.24

3.95

0.21

5.38%

0.22

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc 05 Zenith Bank Plc 06 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd 07 Access Bank Plc

18 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc 19 Forte Oil Plc. 20 Oando Plc

26 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc 27 U A C N Plc

31 Cap Plc

36 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

TOTAL

8,137,415,025,489.98

TOTAL MARKET CAP

8,710,984,510,537.79

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

93.42%

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 8-Mar-17

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

24,986.02 8.65

25,170.36 8.71

0.74 0.74

103.73 8.08

104.51 8.14

0.75 0.75

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Close 9-Mar-17

Change %

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open 8-Mar-17

Nestle Nigeria Plc Dangote Cement Plc Honeywell Flour Mill Plc Diamond Bank Plc Access Bank Plc

691.00 152.15 0.92 0.80 6.46

Close Change 9-Mar-17 % 725.55 159.75 0.96 0.83 6.70

5.00 5.00 4.35 3.75 3.72

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open 8-Mar-17

Nigerian Breweries Plc Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc Forte Oil Plc.

Close Change 9-Mar-17 %

139.80 25.95 2.30

130.36 24.61 2.19

-6.75 -5.16 -4.78

0.75

0.72

-4.00

52.16

50.50

-3.18

Market reverses previous day loss with 0.73% gain Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Thursday, March 9th, 2017 ended on a positive note as the stock market closed green. This was further highlighted by positive performance from the NSE Subsectors: Insurance (Save Banking, Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas).

However, trading activities decreased in volume as 215.91m shares worth of N2.19 billion in 3,279 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from as 218.72m shares worth of N3.90 billion in 3,191 deals which exchanged hands on Wednesday. Topping in volume terms are: Zenith Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms. Today, Brent crude oil price continues its bearish fall to settle at US$52.56 per barrel.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with 0.74% (+184.34) decrease to close at 25,170.36 from 24,986.02 the previous trading day. Market capitalization appreciated in tandem to N8.71 trillion from N8.65 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index closes with an increase of 0.75% to 104.51 from 103.73 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N8.14 trillion from N8.08 trillion of the previous trading day.

Market breath closed positive today as 16 stocks gained on the bourse while 9 stocks also declined, leaving 17 stocks unchanged. Topping the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list is Nestle Nigeria Plc as it emerged as the day’s toast of investors with a gain of 5.00% to close at N725.55 per share. It was followed by Dangote Cement Plc with a gain of 5.00% to close at N159.75 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Honeywell Flour Mill Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc; while on the decliners’ list, Nigerian Breweries Plc lead with a loss of 6.75% to close at N130.36 per share. It was closely followed by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc with a loss of 5.16% to close at N24.61 per share. Others on the decliners list include: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc and Forte Oil Plc..

REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

44

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Nigerian Breweries, GTBank, Nahco, Forte Oil Lose at Stock Market Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie The shares of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc declined at the stock market yesterday, shedding 4.8 per cent despite posting improved profit for the 2016 financial year the previous day.

GTBank Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc ended as the top price losers. Nigerian Breweries led the price losers chart, shedding

5percent, while Nahco, and Forte Oil lost 4.7percent and 3.1percent respectively.

In all, nine stocks depreciated compared with 16 stocks that appreciated.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.74 per cent following gains

by Dangote Cement Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc that led others with 5.0 per cent apiece.

However, dumping of shares

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

of GTBank by investors who remained indifference to the 2016 financial results made the stock to close lower at N24.61 per share, along with Nigerian Breweries Plc, which led other price losers with 5.0 per cent to be at N130.36 per share.

GTBank had on Wednesday reported gross earnings of N414.62 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, showing an increase of 37 per

N I G E R I A N QUANTITY TRADED

STO C K

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Daily Summary as of 22/02/2016 Printed 22/02/2016 14:36:10.010

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

cent from N301.85 billion in 2015. Profit before tax stood at N165.14billion, representing a growth of 37 per cent over N120.69billion recorded in 2015, while profit after tax rose from N99.436 billion in 2015 to N132 billion.

The bank grew its loan book grew by 16 per cent from N1.373trillion in 2015 to N1.590 trillion in 2016, just as total deposits grew by 29 per cent to N2.111trillion

6 6 12

30.00 34.00

12,629 11,640 24,269

374,530.15 421,345.20 795,875.35

19 19 31

1.25

1,078,511 1,078,511 1,102,780

1,358,964.30 1,358,964.30 2,154,839.65

5 68 13 86 86

0.77 1.13 20.47

33,500 6,740,423 65,995 6,839,918 6,839,918

25,070.00 7,635,453.96 1,344,425.15 9,004,949.11 9,004,949.11

13 13

41.50

31,970 31,970

1,409,214.78 1,409,214.78

5 5 18

5.20

28,901 28,901 60,871

154,716.48 154,716.48 1,563,931.26

6 24 7 98 135

2.85 118.85 20.00 99.00

190,900 53,000 15,200 429,541 688,641

528,079.00 6,201,924.95 293,757.00 42,728,789.84 49,752,550.79

9 9

168.50

166,476 166,476

28,285,937.95 28,285,937.95

54 38 6 12 1 29 140

5.61 19.00 1.37 6.86 6.65 1.27

2,120,306 314,421 40,000 119,863 433 3,285,739,119 3,288,334,142

11,610,520.13 5,953,792.96 55,716.00 842,442.48 2,736.56 4,074,348,894.07 4,092,814,102.20

11 54 65

17.86 700.00

18,825 98,360 117,185

329,518.50 68,567,962.00 68,897,480.50

11 11

4.46

99,050 99,050

420,455.00 420,455.00

13 21 34 394

21.90 28.00

36,887 133,117 170,004 3,289,575,498

820,034.75 3,737,067.92 4,557,102.67 4,244,727,629.11

82 51 21 25 200 41 16 147 11 15 67 676

4.10 1.49 15.60 1.21 16.70 1.07 1.76 2.95 5.30 0.63 0.98

3,962,506 2,163,396 278,470 790,900 4,847,312 1,969,858 1,204,932 8,586,418 39,752 501,617 5,920,564 30,265,725

16,210,255.82 3,314,106.88 4,136,459.40 958,864.34 80,963,793.44 2,115,552.11 2,087,767.85 25,302,954.71 205,645.40 316,018.71 5,813,502.17 141,424,920.83

14 8 2 3 7 10 1 1 46

0.80 0.90 0.50 0.50 2.06 0.76 0.50 0.50

200,107 276,500 5,004,000 1,000,000 351,540 327,285 37,708,135 10 44,867,577

160,838.67 251,350.00 2,502,000.00 500,000.00 720,728.80 245,325.31 18,854,067.50 5.00 23,234,315.28

1 1

1.08

4,760 4,760

4,950.40 4,950.40

31 7 105 7 20 170 893

2.46 4.00 0.85 14.15 1.31

1,149,464 27,041 31,257,120 38,035 708,255 33,179,915 108,317,977

2,830,722.84 104,002.06 26,613,309.20 537,985.34 931,556.31 31,017,575.75 195,681,762.26

27

2.69

614,065

1,572,223.05

from N1.637trillion in 2015.

Based on the results, the bank has proposed final dividend of 175 kobo, bringing the total dividend to 200 kobo per share.

The bank has already paid an interim dividend of 25 kobo.

Commenting on the performance, the Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said: “The bank’s

financial performance in 2016, does not only reflect the resilience of our franchise, it demonstrates the fundamental strength of our businesses to deliver sustainable long-term growth.

We successfully navigated the heightened economic uncertainty and regulatory headwinds which dominated the year to deliver a solid performance across all financial and non-financial indices.

E XC H A N G E

MAIN BOARD GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES Totals EQTY Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals ASeM Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32 4 6 69 69

25.33 0.94 0.69

551,998 16,020 597,000 1,779,083 1,779,083

13,903,164.18 15,299.40 412,110.00 15,902,796.63 15,902,796.63

1 1 1

1.69

500 500 500

805.00 805.00 805.00

16 9 4 6 10 31 76

24.00 9.30 35.78 8.62 3.36 80.50

110,727 40,229 26,700 142,300 299,900 14,373,223 14,993,079

2,707,053.97 362,501.29 992,680.00 1,227,076.00 966,480.00 1,157,057,077.16 1,163,312,868.42

6 6

1.51

134,500 134,500

204,240.00 204,240.00

5 5 87

50.00

24,529 24,529 15,152,108

1,165,135.50 1,165,135.50 1,164,682,243.92

2 2

0.50

24,262 24,262

12,131.00 12,131.00

90 90

3.47

3,827,573 3,827,573

13,288,632.05 13,288,632.05

21 7 8 21 7 64

18.34 1.84 342.00 150.00 145.00

81,125 100,300 20,300 16,295 13,699 231,719

1,505,034.50 182,832.00 6,595,470.00 2,396,080.60 1,959,692.96 12,639,110.06

33 33 189

318.00

389,934 389,934 4,473,488

124,037,602.56 124,037,602.56 149,977,475.67

1 1

0.50

941 941

470.50 470.50

5 5

3.80

32,870 32,870

127,756.40 127,756.40

13 13

0.89

624,500 624,500

538,430.00 538,430.00

1 22 23

2.29 4.00

4,588 251,094 255,682

10,001.84 1,001,583.80 1,011,585.64

1 1 43 1,811

1.68

10,000 10,000 923,993 3,428,226,216

16,000.00 16,000.00 1,694,242.54 5,785,390,675.15

2 2 2 2

1.21

270,464 270,464 270,464 270,464

327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44

306 306

11.45

13,929,679 13,929,679

159,605,439.23 159,605,439.23

278 278 584

3.74

10,438,552 10,438,552 24,368,231

39,515,087.18 39,515,087.18 199,120,526.41

35 35 35 619 2,432

139.83

38,770 38,770 38,770 24,407,001 3,452,903,681

5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 204,425,192.41 5,990,143,129.00

2 2 2 2 2 10 10 10

2,330.00 2.33 6.02 11.09 18.07

3,000 20 20 20 15 3,075 3,075 3,075

6,986,000.00 46.70 120.20 221.80 270.65 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals ETF Board Totals ETP Activity Totals

45

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Intensifies Investor Education in South-South/East Zone Goddy Egene

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), apex regulator of the Nigerian capital market, has constituted a 10- man Investor Education Faculty (IEF) that is tasked with formulating and executing strategies which will expand financial inclusion as well as raise the profile of capital market awareness and participation in the two geopolitical zones.

The IEF recently kicked off its work with an inaugural meeting held at the SEC’s Port Harcourt

Zonal Office, which exercises the commission’s dual mandate of regulatory oversight and market development in the 11 states that make up the South – East and South – South geopolitical zones.

The faculty is multidisciplinary, comprising people with diverse competencies in finance, SEC personnel, a representative of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and members drawn from capital market operator institutions such as FBN Quest Limited, United Capital Plc, Investment One Financial Services Limited,

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

Cowry Securities Limited, Vicmem Investment Services Limited and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited.

This pooling of resource persons with cross – cutting competencies is under the leadership of Head of the SEC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Office, Mr. Obi Adindu. According to Adindu, the faculty is tasked specifically with furthering financial inclusion by bringing more people and entities in the two geopolitical zones in contact with financial and capital market

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 8-Mar-2017, unless otherwise stated.

information; raising the profile / percentage contribution of the two geopolitical zones in the volume and value of formal financial / capital market transactions; enhancing the performance of MSMEs by enabling them with necessary financial information; and building stronger immediate and futuristic equity for the financial markets in the market segment.

“The faculty is additionally tasked to generate simple, easy – to – digest expositions on such themes as personal

financial planning; the financial life cycle; investing in the Nigerian capital market through collective investment schemes and opportunities in the Nigerian capital market. The faculty will disseminate the same resource materials to target audiences in the geopolitical zones during various interactive forums to be created for the purpose,” Adindu said.

He explained that already, the inaugural meeting of the faculty has delineated specific segments out of the South – East and South – South population universe in

order to target specialised financial and capital market information at particular audiences.

Some of the identified population segments include labour unions / occupational groups, organised private sector – chambers of commerce, industry and agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprises, informal sector – comprising artisans, market and trade associations, military and paramilitary organisations, town unions and even students of secondary and tertiary institutions among others.

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 128.28 128.70 0.97% Nigeria International Debt Fund 220.08 220.69 2.22% 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 -0.88% 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 17.50% 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 12.16 12.53 -1.50% ARM Discovery Fund 286.79 295.44 -0.13% ARM Ethical Fund 21.99 22.65 -1.59% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.76% 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 105.87 106.62 0.75% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 17.49% 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 2.21 2.27 1.82% Paramount Equity Fund 9.35 9.58 -0.16% Women's Investment Fund 86.62 88.84 2.39% 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 17.52% 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 1,122.79 1,123.94 2.97% FBN Heritage Fund 110.15 110.88 -1.29% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.47% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $107.13 $107.71 2.90% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $106.83 $107.41 3.32% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 111.73 113.21 -0.83% 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 0.94 0.96 1.06% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.64 2.64 2.71% 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 2,165.40 2,190.17 -2.00% Coral Income Fund 2,176.13 2,176.13 3.42% 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 15.95% 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 16.90% Vantage Balanced Fund 1.70 1.71 0.81% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.61%

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 1.02 1.51% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,022.34 1,022.34 1.94% 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 9.66 -0.92% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.89% 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 2.17% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.42 10.45 0.11% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.95% 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 110.68 111.58 8.71% 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 1.27 1.27 1.89% 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 1,826.39 1,836.09 -0.28% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 154.24 154.24 0.18% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.74 0.75 -3.25% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 191.19 191.19 2.30% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 126.08 127.74 -2.88% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.53% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,281.09 7,370.37 -3.96% 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 1.14 8.39% United Capital Bond Fund 1.27 1.27 15.86% United Capital Equity Fund 0.64 0.65 -0.95% 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 9.75 9.93 1.34% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.09 11.20 1.67% Zenith Income Fund 17.22 17.22 4.24%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 125.18

1.01% 0.98%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

7.67 70.93

7.77 72.27

-12.57% -6.39%

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

2.43 5.13 11.44 13.06 124.62

2.47 5.21 11.54 13.26 126.62

-11.43% -26.87% -4.59% -18.01% -4.02%

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.

46

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Falana Writes Zuma, Asks Him to Identify, Arrest Persons Behind Xenophobic Attacks Gboyega Akinsanmi A human rights activist, Mr.

Femi Falana, yesterday asked the President of South Africa, Mr. Jacob Zuma, to identify suspected

Osinbajo, Guinea Bissau Prime Minister Meet in Kaduna John Shiklam in Kaduna Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday met with the Prime Minster of Guinea Bissau, Gen. Umoru Sissco Embalo, in Kaduna State.

Osinbajo arrived at the Kaduna airport from Abuja by helicopter following the closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The meeting between the two leaders held at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna.

In an interview with journalists after the meeting, the acting president restated Nigeria’s commitment to resolving the political crisis in Gunea Bissau.

“We will continue to engage until this issue is resolved, we think that ECOWAS will be able to resolve it very soon as an active stakeholder. “ And we hope that in a very short time, we will resolve the issue with other parties involved,” Osinbanjo said.

He added that Nigeria is

collaborating in every possible way to ensure stability in that country.

According to him, “Guinea Bissau and Nigeria have been partners and friends for a very long time and we are very actively involved.

“We collaborate with Guinea Bissau on economic issues, security and even political issues as you can see. And that is why this consultation has taken place.”

Also fielding questions from journalists, Embalo explained that he was in Nigeria to visit the president as well as seek advice from Nigeria.

“You know that our relationship with Nigeria did not start today, it was during our struggle and liberation. Nigeria is always supporting us and that is why I am here to explain to the acting president about the political situation in Guinea Bissau,” he said.

The acting president left for Sokoto to mangurate the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises clinic in the state.

perpetrators of criminal acts and xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa and bring them to justice promptly.

Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), also asked the South African president to use his good office to promote and ensure access to justice and the right to effective remedy and reparations to victims.

He made the demands in a letter he addressed to Zuma yesterday, lamenting that xenophobic violence and other criminal acts, which he said had been recurring in his country since 2008.

Falana also lamented that the criminal acts continued to occur in South Africa claiming lives, displacing tens of thousands of people and leaving countless victims injured and robbing them of their property.

Although some arrests had reportedly been made, the human rights activist noted that many perpetrators “are yet to be

brought to justice while the victims continue to be denied access to justice and their internationally recognized right to an effective remedy and reparations.”

He, thus, said the authorities had failed “to bring perpetrators to justice and protect the victims of the xenophobic attacks that have resulted in a vicious cycle of attacks and impunity. The xenophobic attacks and violence are not only human rights violations, but also criminal acts.”

He added that the persistent failure to proactively address the problems “is a serious affront to the rule of law, and directly breaches South African Government’s international human rights obligations including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly Article 12 on the right to movement.

“We contend that free movement is crucial for the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Freedom of movement and residence are

two sides of the same coin.

“Article 12 of African Charter guarantees freedom of movement in the broadest sense, and also expressly prohibits mass expulsion, a recurring problem in South Africa under your watch.

“We also argue that the exercise of sovereign power by a state to expel non-nationals who are legally admitted into its territory must follow due process, and be manifestly legal and comply with international standards.”

He, therefore, cited Article 12 of African Charter, which he said, imposed an obligation on the Government of South Africa “to secure the rights protected in the Charter to all persons including Nigerians and other Africans within the country’s jurisdiction.

The senior advocate noted that such obligation “is breached when victims are denied the opportunity to be heard regarding the decision to expel them, either prior to or after their expulsion.”

He urged the Government of South Africa “to move swiftly to address the debilitating situation by identifying and arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice promptly.”

Falana also urged the South African authorities “to publicly commit to providing access to justice and effective remedy to victims. Effectively prosecuting the perpetrators and providing reparations to victims would serve as a deterrent to future attacks.

The human rights activist demanded that the South African authorities should put measures in place to proactively protect non-nationals including Nigerians living in South Africa.

He, thus, warned that if the xenophobic attacks continued unabated, he would be compelled to drag the Government of South Africa “to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights for appropriate legal redress.”

Akeredolu Freezes LG Accounts, Stops Salaries of Political Appointees James Sowole in Akure

Despite the promise by the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, not to do anything unlawful concerning the administration of local governments, THISDAY learnt yesterday that the accounts of the 18 councils in the state had been frozen.

Equally, the state government had stopped the salaries of all political appointees in the third tier of government in the state as their names were allegedly removed from the payment voucher of the state government.

The 18 chairmen and the councellors of the councils except a single ward, were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during the local government election held in April 2016.

THISDAY gathered that the state government had sent circular to all the 18 council areas to inform them of the decision to freeze the accounts.

Political appointees, whose salaries had been stopped are

Secretaries to the Local Government (SLG), Personal Assistants, Special Advisers, Chiefs of Staff among others.

With the freezing of the accounts, local government area chairmen would not have access to the accounts of their respective councils until further notice.

“The government has frozen the councils’ accounts since last week and all the council chairmen are aware already.

“The implication of this is that the chairmen have been rendered powerless financially because they will not be able to take or spend any money from the council’s purse henceforth,” a source said.

When contacted, the chairman of the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr. Bayo Alarapon, who confirmed the situation, said the association had not yet decided on the next action on the matter.

The ALGON chairman, who is the chairman of the Akure South Local Government, said chairmen had not really gone into the matter.

NBCC to Tackle Challenges in Agric Financing The diversification drive of the federal government is set to be given a boost as the NigerianBelgian Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) will host its first breakfast meeting for the year with the theme: ‘The challenges of funding for agriculture in Nigeria.’

“Development in the agriculture sector is a major key to improving Nigeria’s economic situation,” Tunde Okoya, President of the Chamber, said in a press conference.

Okoya noted further that the lack of adequate funding, high bank interest rates and difficult access to credit were still challenges to be surmounted.

Speaking further at the event, Ms. Arum Sukmawanto, a member of the Chamber, confirmed that the Chamber was committed to strengthening the growing bilateral relationship between Belgium and Nigeria via opportunities of credible trade linkages.

PARLIAMENTARY COLLABORATION

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (2nd left) , in a handshake with the Vice President of the German Bundestag Mr. Johannes Singhammer, withthemisChairman,SenateCommitteeonPower,SteelandMetallurgy,SenatorEnyinnayaAbaribe(left),andDeputySenateLeader,SenatorBalaIbn Na’Allah,duringtheongoingvisitofaSenatedelegationledbytheSenatePresidenttotheGermanBundestag(Parliament)inBerlin,Germany...yesterday

Peace Corps Sues Police, DSS, AGF, Demands N2bn for Unlawful Arrest Tobi Soniyi The Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) and some of its members have filed a suit against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector –General of Police (IG) and the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS) for violation of their rights.

They want a Federal High Court in Abuja to award them N2 billion as compensation for unlawful arrest and detention of their National Commandant, Dickson Akoh, and 49 others, following a raid of the organisation’s new headquarters last week by a combined team of the police and DSS. The plaintiffs’ lawyer, a former Attorney –General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Chief, Kanu Agabi SAN, said the N2 billion

would be compensation for the embarrassment caused the PCN and its incorporated trustees by the arrest and detention of its personnel.

He said the plaintiffs were arrested in a commando style by the security operatives.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare as illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional the arrest of Akoh and other officers of the corps as well as the sealing up of its head office in Abuja and offices in the 36 states of the federation.

Plaintiffs further asked the court to declare that under the 1999 constitution as amended, they have not committed any offence to warrant their arrest, detention and sealing up of their offices across the country as done by the defendants.

The defendants in the court

action are Police, IG, National Security Adviser (NSA), DSS, DG-DSS and the AGF who are 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6threspondents respectively.

The plaintiffs also asked the court to declare that the sealing up of their office headquarters in Abuja is illegal, unlawful, malicious and unconstitutional having not committed any offence to warrant the unlawful invasion and seizure of properties.

They asked the court to declare that they are entitled to fundamental rights to acquire and own properties, lawful assembly, freedom of movement, personal liberty and dignity of their human persons as guaranteed under sections 34, 35, 40, 41, and 43 of the 1999 constitution.

The plaintiffs, therefore, applied for an order compelling the respondents to unseal the

headquarters of the PCN and its offices nationwide.

They also asked the court to order the respondents to release properties seized during their unlawful invasion of the applicants’ office.

Also the applicants prayed the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents, their privies or agents from further sealing the applicants’ offices and disrupting their activities, including its meetings and orientation of its members.

They further asked the court for an order restraining the respondents perpetually from further harassing, intimidating, arresting and or detaining the applicants in the course of doing their legitimate and lawful duties.

The case has been assigned to Justice Gabriel Kolawole.

47

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017 • T H I S D AY

TRIBUTES FOR ADEBAYO... TRIBUTES FOR ADEBAYO... TRIBUTES FOR ADEBAYO...

Gowon, Shonekan, Tinubu, Others Pay Tributes to Adebayo Shola Oyeyipo and Segun James Former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), and former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, yesterday joined other notable Nigerians to console the late General Adeyinka Adebayo’s family over his demise.

From early morning till late evening of yesterday, the residence of late former governor of old Western Region, Adebayo, who died last Wednesday morning, turned a Mecca of sort as scores of notable politicians thronged the Ladipo Bateye home of the deceased Yoruba leader to condole with the family of elder statesman.

Speaking after signing the condolence register, Gowon said: “One really cannot say how sad we are. We are sad. One of us is gone. Our oldest colleague is gone. He has passed the baton to us-the younger ones. We will always remember him. He helped to ensure that this country continued as a nation. “He has left a family I believe that will leave up to his ideals. Until we come, adieu brother Adebayo. I hope and pray he will prepare a place for us when we come.” Shonekan, who said the late elder statesman was “a peaceful man,” also expressed deep regrets over his death.

“He served the nation very well. I think he deserves a befitting burial worthy of someone who served his nation greatly,” Shonekan said.

Other prominent Nigerians who visited the Adebayo’s family at their GRA, Ikeja home were former military Vice President during the General Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida government, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe; former Ekiti State Governor and Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. Three of the four remaining Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (Lagos), Chief Bisi Akande (Osun) and Aremo Olusegun Osoba (Ogun State) were also there to console the family.

Others were Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Professor Jide Osuntokun, wife of late former Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Olufunke Agagu; retired AIG Tunde Alapini, Chairman Elizade, Chief Michael Ade Ojo; Senator representing Lagos Central senatorial district, Senator Remi Tinubu; business mogul, Chief Sam Adedoyin, and Rasak Okoya, former Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Demola Seriki; and the founder of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Fredrick Fasheun. Extolling the virtues of the late Adebayo, Ukiwe said: “He (Adebayo) was very marvelous. He helped to turn this country around at a critical time. He was a trail blazer.”

On his part, Tinubu, who urged the Yoruba nation and the entire country to emulate the legacy of late Adebayo during his condolence visit to his home, said the deceased provided the platform where Nigeria’s unity was hatched after the June 12, 1993, presidential election was arbitrarily annulled. According to him, “He is our father and one of the founding Yoruba fathers. He was a great nationalist who fought for the unity of the country. He fought for the unity of the country at a critical time, and he paid the price during the service to the country.

“He was extremely courageous and was called upon to lead the entire Western states. All that he did was to work hard for the unity of the country. He did a wonderful job and left a legacy. When the country had problem during the annulled June 12, 1993, election, he rallied the people to ensure that Yoruba did not break and Nigeria did not break too as a result of that. “He made a great point that no matter what, the rule of law was observed. He was committed to bringing us up, not just his immediate family alone. I remember several meetings we had and the advice he gave us. He left a wonderful legacy!

“We must consolidate on the peace, which was not about him alone, but the future generation. The peace is a must for us because without peace, we cannot have a nation. We thank God that we are still here to build upon his legacy.”

Former Delta State Governor, Uduaghan, described him as a bridge builder. “Baba has a lot of legacies. He puts people together and mentored them during his tenure as a military governor. He also had the opportunity of producing a governor son. He was a peaceful man and all of us must pursue peace in the country because even as a military man, he ensured peace in Nigeria.” In his remark, former Ogun State Governor, Daniel, noted that “he was our dear father because of the special roles he played.

I can never forget his contributions to what I have become. He was a builder. He was one of the last titans. It is a pity that he could not extend his lifetime beyond destiny. He will be greatly missed by the Yoruba people and Nigerians at large.”

On her part, Senator Remi Tinubu said the late general was a great Nigerian who loved peace and fought for peace in his lifetime.

She said: “He was peace loving. Adieu daddy! He had been a daddy to me for a long time. He will be greatly missed. I was still very young when he was a governor. Looking back, I think he had left a good legacy in the sense that he was alive to see his son become a governor. We pray that God will grant him peace.

“When his case is brought to the floor of the National Assembly, they will look for what to do to keep his legacies. Right now, I am not in the position to say much about that except they table it on the floor of the assembly, and it would be decided how to honour him.”

Adebayo Lived a Fulfilled, Worthy Life, Ambode Tells Widow Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday said the late former military Governor of defunct Western Region, General Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd), lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.

Ambode, who spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the family

CONSOLING ADEBAYO’S FAMILY

L-R: Minister of Solid Mineral Resource, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; former Governor of Ekiti State and Son of the deceased, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, and former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, during a condolence visit to the family of late Adeyinka Adebayo in Lagos ...yesterday Etop Ukutt and widow of the late nationalist, Mrs. Dupe Adebayo, at their Lagos residence, said though Pa Adebayo passed away on the eve of his 89th birthday, his life and times would continue to be celebrated by Nigerians.

He said the late general was totally committed to unifying the Yoruba nation, urging leaders in the region to strive to sustain his legacies.

The governor said though his death had brought top leaders of the Yoruba nation together to his residence, it was more than a coincidence, but a greater call for those he left behind to protect the unity of the region.

“On behalf of the people of the state, I bring my deepest condolences to the family of a great leader of the Western Region, of a nationalist, of a part finder, of a God-fearing man, a trail blazer that set this new set of Yoruba leaders in the right part; that we are able to come here not by coincidence, but the mere fact that he would ordinarily have been marking his 89th birthday today,” he stated.

Adebayo, A Great Leader, Remarkable Patriot, Says Ibori Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, joined other Nigerians in mourning the passing of Adebayo at 89. He described the late former governor of the Western Region as a great patriot who sacrificed greatly so that Nigeria could remain one united nation in its trying days after the counter-coup of July 1966.

In a statement signed by Ibori’s Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, the former governor said the late Adebayo did not for once seek personal gain whatsoever, as one of the most senior officers that would have been in contention for leadership in the aftermath of the counter-coup in mid1966, “but set his mind and heart to the search for peace and unity for Nigeria. Furthermore, his record as Western Region governor remains a shining example for others to emulate.

While wishing the soul of General Adebayo a sweet repose, Ibori sent his condolences to Niyi Adebayo, who was his close colleague as Ekiti State Governor from 1999 to 2003. He said Niyi Adebayo has since remained “a friend and brother”. He also sent his condolences to Niyi’s elder sister, Mrs. Nike Makinde, as well as his brother Sola.

Most of all, Ibori prayed the Almighty God to give his widow, Mrs. Adeyinka Adebayo, the grace to bear this irreparable loss.

Kalu Extols Adebayo’s Virtues Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, expressed sadness over the demise of the former Military Governor of the Old Western Region and former President, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), General Adeyinka Adebayo. Describing the late statesman as a man with impeccable qualities, Kalu noted that his demise has created a big vacuum in Yoruba land.

According to the former governor, the late nationalist lived a fulfilled life and left behind a good legacy for his children to uphold. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “It is with a heavy heart and pain that I received the news of the passing of Adebayo. “Having served the country in different capacities, his wealth of wisdom and counsel on national issues will be greatly missed. “General Adebayo was well known for his boldness, fairness and honesty. He has left behind a remarkable footprint in the annals of Nigeria.” Kalu, while urging the deceased’s family especially his friend and former colleague, Niyi Adebayo, to take solace in the fact that their late patriarch contributed to nation building; prayed God to grant the late Army General eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the great loss. He commiserated with the Yoruba

nation, particularly the government and people of Ekiti State, over the tragic loss.

Adebayo’s Demise: Oni, Oluyede, Aluko Mourn Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Former Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, described late Adebayo’s passing as the end of era in the annals of Nigeria and the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Nigerian Army in particular.

He stated that “Papa Adebayo was the oldest military officer in Nigeria and the last of the first nine officers appointed when British Imperial Government began the process of Africanisation and Nigerianisation of the officers cadre. He was indeed a man of history with a chain of firsts in his military career. Until his death, as the last man standing, he was the last to wear the Red Cap after the military coup of July 29, 1966.”

In a statement issued yesterday, Oni said: “Papa was a foremost elder statesman, a nationalist who gave all to the service of the country and the Yoruba race with exceptional humility. He condescended to serve as military governor of the old Western Region after the July 1966 coup under a junior officer as Head of State, for the love of his people, the unity and stability of the country.” Also, an All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant, Dr. Wole Oluyede, described the late military governor as a distinguished nationalist and patriotic Nigerian whose vacuum will be difficult to fill.

In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti, Oluyede commiserated with the government of Ekiti State, saying: “It is no gain –saying the fact that General Adebayo lived well. Throughout his 89 years on earth, he lived for humanity and this vividly reflected in his distinguished strength of character and integrity as a family man, community leader, administrator and statesman.” Similarly, Senator representing Ekiti South senatorial district between 1999 and 2003, Senator Gbenga Aluko, has commiserated with the family of the former military Governor of the old Western Region.

Reacting to the passing of the late chairman of the Yoruba Council, Aluko said: “I have lost a father, mentor and a source of inspiration while growing up with my family. When General Adebayo was the military governor of the old Western Region, my father was a teacher at the University of Ife, and Adebayo made Ife as the first port of call anytime he was visiting Ekiti in those days.

Ekiti APC, Alabi Saddened The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ekiti State chapter, expressed sadness over the passing away of former Military Governor of Western Region, Adebayo, who it described as a nationalist and elder statesman, saying the nation has lost a disciplined leader whose counsel will be missed as Nigeria braces to tackle the economic challenges plaguing the nation. In a statement in Ado-Ekiti by the state party Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, APC said the death of the late military General and Chairman of the Yoruba Council of Elders is a great loss to Nigeria, the Yoruba race and his native Ekiti State.

Meanwhile, a governorship aspirant, Mr. Kola Alabi, has commiserated with the family of Adebayo who it has pleased God to call home after a meritorious life of service to God and humanity. He said: “Baba was a fine gentleman, loving grandfather, father, gallant soldier, elder statesman and a great leader whose legacy will continue to light the path to progress of the Yoruba race. The vacuum created by this colossal loss will definitely be difficult to fill.”

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W’Bank to Raise $1.6bn to Fight Hunger in Nigeria, Others Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The World Bank Group is working towards raising $1.6 billion to put in place social protection systems with a view this ending food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa and Yemen.

The bank’s President , Jim Yong-Kim said about 20 million people in Nigeria, South Sudan,

Somalia and Yemen were on the “tipping point” of famine.

A statement issued yesterday by the Head of Communications, World Bank Nigeria, Mrs. Olufunke Olufon, quoted Kim as saying: “We at the World Bank Group stand in solidarity with the people now threatened by famine.

“We are mobilising an immediate

Mohammed, Adesina to Grace Mo Ibrahim Foundation Anniversary Ugo Aliogo The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed and the President of the Africa Development Bank (ADB) Akinwunmi Adesina will be among guests to speak at the Mo Ibrahim 10th Anniversary Governance coming up at the weekend in Marrakech, Morocco.

The Foundation which will hold its flagship event, under the auspices of the king of Morocco, Mohammed VI will aim at bringing together a powerful coalition of organisations and individuals from Africa and the world, for an informed dialogue that aims to strengthen governance and leadership in Africa.

This year’s event coincides with the foundation’s celebration of 10 years of placing governance at the center of Africa’s development discourse, while concentrating on the event to build on insights from the 2016 Ibrahim Index of African Governance: A Decade of African Governance and look at the next decade to set out a path forward for the continent.

Progressive leaders across

politics, business, media and civil society from all over the continent will gather to discuss the challenges of leadership and governance in Africa in the 21st century, and will address the opportunities of the next decade for the African continent.

The event will begin on April 6,with a media briefing which will last from 10:00-11:30 (GMT) while on April 7, there will be a leadership ceremony with the theme; A conversation on leadership (19:00-21:00 GMT).

On April 8, there will be Ibrahim Forum which will centre on: Africa at a tipping Point (09:30-18:00GMT).

During the Forum, participants will have opportunity to interact with the foundation and other speakers by submitting questions through the live webcast on the foundation’s website, Twitter and Facebook page.

While on April 9, there will be a live football match between a Moroccan team and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s TP Mazembe. There will also be a live music concert which will feature Angélique Kidjo, Youssou N’Dour, Hindi Zahra, Hoba Spirit, Hamid El Kasri and Van.

House C’ttee Demands Buhari’s Letter Granting Tenure Extension to Education Perm Sec Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education has insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive extending the tenure of the Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, must be submitted to it.

This is as Shu’ara, for the second time in one week, shunned the summons of the committee, which had directed her to appear with the letter. Shu’ara, by her own admission at an earlier meeting on February 22, 2017, is 61 years old. She had claimed to be in possession of the presidential directive, extending her tenure in civil service by one year. Since the meeting, she has however refused to honour the summons of the committee or submit the presidential directive.

In an interesting development, the Minister of Education, Mr. Adamu Adamu, appeared at the hearing yesterday, as representative of Shu’ara, but the committee did not entertain the development, on grounds of being a breach in protocol.

The Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, who signed the memo dated Febuary 24, 2016 conveying the extension to Shu’ara, attempted to explain the circumstances.

While the said presidential directive extended her tenure for one year, which lapsed on February 24, 2017, Shu’ara continues

to occupy the position.

Oyo-Ita cited Section 171 (1) of the Constitution, which vests powers to appoint certain officials in the President, and the Public Service rules which states that the powers to appoint or remove a Permanent Secretary, belongs to the President, and at his prerogative.

“It means if the President is satisfied with the service of an officer either by performance, it is his prerogative. When a PS is going to retire, he or she is not just going to abandon his post, I have to convey to the President that so so person, has put in notice of retirement, then the President approves the removal, which in this case is retirement,” Oyo-Ita said.

She was however unable to produce the memo, which she relied on, to write an extension letter for Shu’ara, claiming that she was not requested to bring it.

The committee however countered her noting that the invitation letter to her had directed her to bring along all relevant documents to the subject matter.

The Chairman, Hon. Zakari Mohammed (Kwara APC) said the powers of the President to appoint or remove a Permanent Secretary is not in contention.

“I am sure the President would not give you a verbal directive to extend the tenure,...something triggered that letter you wrote to her extending her tenure, so it is that letter we are asking for, from you and Dr. Shu’ara,” he said.

response for Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. Our first priority is to work with partners to make sure that families have access to food and water.

“We are working toward a financial package of more than 1.6 billion dollars to build social protection systems, strengthen community resilience, and maintain service delivery to the most vulnerable.’’

Kim disclosed that he was

also working with the bank’s board of directors to secure the approval of new operations amounting to $770 million, which is funded substantially through the International Development Association (IDA) Crisis Response Window.

“The World Bank Group will help respond to the immediate needs of the current famine, but we must recognise that famine will have lasting impacts on people’s health, ability to learn, and earn

a living.

“So, we will also continue to work with communities to reclaim their livelihoods and build resilience to future shocks. We are coordinating closely with the UN and other partners in all areas of our response.

“We know that resolution to this acute crisis will not be possible without all humanitarian and development actors working together.

“We call on the international

community to respond robustly and quickly to the UN global appeal for resources for the famine.’’

South Sudan officially assumed the status of a famine-prone nation with approximately 100,000 people impacted.

The United Nations also stated that Yemen, Northeast Nigeria, and other countries also face the risk

By UN estimates, about 20 million people in Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia and Yemen are affected by famine.

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Amnesty International Warned against Derailing Nigerian Military’s Efforts to End Terrorism Sunday Okobi Concerned Professionals Congress (CPC) has warned the Amnesty International (AI) against alleged tacit derailment of the efforts of the Nigerian military to end terrorism in the country, as it threatened to take the international agency to International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague if it doesn’t desist from such act.

The group also demanded that the International organisation should come out clean and convince the world that it is not an espionage mission to push Nigeria under at all cost.

CPC, at a press conference in Lagos recently, expressed dismay that with the AI recent report, “it ran out of ink to document such gruesome accounts by both minors while probing and publicising alleged cases of mass murder and gross human rights violations across the globe. But it found sufficient ink to accuse with gory details allegations of murders against Nigerian soldiers combating armed dissident groups like the Boko Haram in the country.”

While addressing journalists at the conference held at Ikeja, the Chief Media Strategist of the civil advocacy group, Emeka Nwapa, who hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for fulfilling his constitutional obligations as required by Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution (amended) by handing over properly to his vice, also accused AI of bias.

He highlighted numerous media reports of how the Boko Haram terrorists have been destroying communities, families and properties in the Northeast zone, lamenting that in its report, the international agency failed to reflect those reports, thereby accusing AI of lopsidedness in its report.

According to him, “It leaves a bad taste in the mouth to hear that an organisation like the AI that seeks credibility always comes up with such questionable reports that gleefully confers legitimacy on brazen murderers of innocent, defenceless and law-abiding citizens of Nigeria such as the Boko Haram terrorists and other similar violently-armed groups in a country governed by law.

“We demand that Amnesty International should come out clean by convincing the free world that it is not the espionage and strategy wing of some interests that have sworn to push our nation under at all cost. We join our counterparts in Global Amnesty Watch (GAW), Africa Arise for Change Network, Coalition of Civil Society Groups (COCSG), etc in putting pressure on AI and its mischievous collaborators to desist from undermining the image and integrity of our military and other security forces that have continued to rescue defenceless Nigerians from the barbaric and dastardly activities of Boko Haram and similar groups.”

Nwapa added that through its “salacious and questionable reports, the Amnesty International has unabashedly supported and boosted the relentless activities of these heavily-armed non-state actors against the sovereignty of the Nigerian state. This is treasonable, despicable and unacceptable. We demand an end to this otherwise we shall be forced to put pressure on our federal government to

initiate moves for the possible investigation and prosecution of AI at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague before the full materialisation of a grand conspiracy against the Nigerian nation.”

He noted that CPC is working in concert with other people-oriented groups in the country to resist any move to undermine the image of Nigerian military in order to bring about the disintegration of the country. “It shall not happen!

“We particularly commend the excellent professional conduct of the Nigerian military and other security agencies for keeping to its rules of engagement anchored on best global practices in deterring criminal acts of destruction of our national oil and gas installations, preventing militancy as well as stopping crude oil theft, sea robbery and general criminality in the region.

“We salute the sacrifices and selflessness of all our servicemen who lost their lives in the quest to make us safe and secure. May their souls rest in peace. Amen.

Sugar Council CEO Appointed for Second Term The Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (GCON), has approved the reappointment of Dr. Latif Demola Busari as the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Abuja for a second term.

A letter of appointment signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation

(SGF), Mr. Babachir David Lawal, confirmed that the appointment takes effect from Wednesday, February 22, 2017 and it is for a period of four years. Busari hails from Ilorin, Kwara State and holds a PhD in Agronomy from the University of Ibadan.

He spent decades on research of sugarcane as a crop and policy formulation of the sugar sector.

A onetime Chief Research Officer and Head, Sugarcane Research Programme of NCRI, Badegi, former Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Sciences of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and former Director, Policy, Planning Research and Statistics of the National Sugar Development Council, Busari, was first appointed as

Executive Secretary of the NSDC in 2012 for a four year term.

He is a member/fellow of several professional bodies in agriculture and management. He is widely travelled and has authored several technical reports and publications including his definitive book on the sugar industry in Nigeria titled, “The Nigerian Sugar Industry: Bitter-Sweet Lessons.

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Cracks Appear in PDP House Caucus over Leadership Crisis in Party Damilola Oyedele in Abuja Cracks have appeared in the caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives, as while the leadership of the caucus maintains it support for the Sen. Ahmed Makarfi faction of the party, a few have expressed support for the Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction.

Two members, Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma (Edo) and Hon. Oni Olamide (Ekiti) addressed a press conference yesterday, where they endorsed Sheriff as the Chairman of the party.

Agbonayinma has long been a vocal supporter of Sheriff. Oni position, negates that of Governor Ayodele Fayose, who is staunch supporter of the Markarfi leadership.

Agbonayinma also commended the intitiave of Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, for the move to resolve the crises.

“We must not fail to appreciate the move of our National Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff for his courage and magnanimity in bringing all party members together as one family,” he said.

The Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor however described Agbonayinma and Oni as black

sheep, who are taking a different position from the entire caucus.

He added while the caucus was not aware of the reconciliation meeting by Dickson, it remains open to a political solution to the impasse.

“This is a matter before the Supreme Court. It is about the truth, not about who wins the case, but we want the interpretation of the Supreme Court, we believe in the judiciary,” Ogor said.

He added that the caucus alongside the PDP Senators would meet with PDP Governors, over the crises.

Airport Road: Works Ministry Denies Frustrating Lagos State Says presidential lodge not under its control Gboyega Akinsanmi The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing yesterday denied frustrating the Lagos State Government from reconstructing the road linking the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) to Oshodi.

The ministry, also, denied blocking the handover of Presidential Lodge, Marina to the state government, noting that the complex was not under its management, but that of the Presidency. The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola denied the allegations yesterday in a statement his Special Adviser on Commissions, Mr. Hakeem Bello signed.

At a news conference he addressed on Wednesday, the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode had alleged that the federal ministry and Department of State

Security (DSS) had refused to hand over Presidential Lodge, Marina to the state contrary to President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive.

Ambode had equally alleged that the ministry under Fashola’s supervision had been frustrating the state government to reconstruct the road linking Murtala Mohammed International Airport to Oshodi.

But in a statement issued yesterday, the minister said the allegations of lack of cooperation from the ministry and frustration of the state’s development initiatives “are simply not true and the facts do not bear them out.”

The statement noted that as far as the Airport road was concerned, the correct position “is that the Lagos State Government presented a request for four roads that it would wish to take over.

“This is consistent with the position being canvassed by the Minister for States who are

interested to apply to take over roads that are within their states.

The ministry has presented the Memorandum conveying the request of the Lagos State Government to the Federal Executive Council as was done with a similar request by the Kaduna State Government in 2016.”

The state government explained that due to the fact that two of the roads also “connect Ogun State, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) could not reach an immediate decision on them because it requested the input of the other state government affected.

“The Kaduna State Government requested the federal government to transfer two roads within Kaduna metropolis to the state in November 2015. Due process was followed and the request of the state government was approved in August 2016, a period of ten months.

IPOB Kicks against Pro-Buhari Rally, Warns of Dire Consequences Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The planned solidarity rally for President Muhammadu Buhari billed for Awka, Anambra State has continued to cause controversy with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday urging Governor Willie Obiano and members of the Anambra APC to scrap it.

IPOB expressed its disgust at the rally in a statement issued by the head media and publicity, Emma Powerful, warning that there would be “incalculable consequences” if the organizers of the rally went ahead with it as people were bound to react.

“It smacks of crass insensitivity that certain Igbo speaking people in desperate need of money to feed their children at these austere times, would go as far as planning to shamelessly hold a rally in support of this Buhari administration that has killed and abducted over 1,000 Biafran men and women,” IPOB said.

In a related development, the President General of the Ndigbo apex organisation, the Ohanaeze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, picked holes in the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General TY. Buratai’s inquiry into the alleged killing of members of

IPOB and the MASSOB by troops of the Nigeria Army.

The group said that given the human rights abuses committed by the Buhari administration which were confirmed by reports by Amnesty International, INTERSOCIETY, Human Rights Watch, and Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), anybody organising a solidarity rally for Buhari is looking for trouble.

IPOBfurthercitedthe“militarisation of Igbo speaking parts of Biafraland (and) the illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu the leader of IPOB as enough reasons why nobody should contemplate a solidarity rally for the president in the South-east zone.

“We would like to warn those behind this show of shame to retrace their steps or face the consequences of their greedy actions,” the statement said, adding that “it was in the same Anambra State that Buhari ordered his Nigerian Army led by Brigadier General Tukur Buratai to massacre hundreds of defenceless IPOB rally goers at Nkpor and Onitsha Head-bridge with scores missing, presumed dead.”

The Biafra restoration group noted that a solidarity rally for

Buhari was at variance with the mood in the South-east zone that has remained marginalised and deprived under the present administration.

“Whoever came up with this idea of holding a rally in Anambra State in support of Buhari who has not hidden his hatred and genocidal intent towards Biafrans in general and Igbos in particular, must have his brain examined.

“That a few persons, perhaps out of financial desperation considering the extreme hunger in the land, dreamt of rallying to support an unrepentant mass murderer like Buhari, shows the level of moral decay at the heart of leadership in Anambra State and Igboland in general,” IPOB said.

IPOB sternly warned that “any person or group of persons stupid enough to come out to rally for Buhari on the 10th of March 2017, should be prepared “to take whatever they see”, adding, “we have discovered the shocking fact that certain immoral Buhari agents in Anambra State supposedly announced the availability of the sum of 300,000,000.00) to be shared amongst those foolish enough to attend the proposed rally.

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CRIME&PUNISHMENT

IG Deploys Special Intervention Force to Restore Peace in Ife Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, yesterday

deployed the Special Intervention Force (SIF) to Ile-Ife, Osun State to quell the tribal clashes that have engulfed the ancient town since

Police Arrest 20 in Connection with Murder of DPO Laleye Dipo in Minna Not less than 20 suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kpakungu area of Minna, the Niger State capital.

Two people believed to have actively participated in the crime who are on the run are still being hunted by the police.

Aaron Sunday, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was axed to death last Friday when he led an operation to the Barikin-Sale area of Minna, the state capital.

While the operation was going on according to reports, one of the thugs came from behind and axed Sunday in the head leading to his death before he could reach the hospital to receive medical attention.

The remains of the 47-yearold policeman and father of six children were released by the police authority and taken to his home town, Kagoro in Kaura Local Government of Kaduna

State last Wednesday for burial.

The deceased, according to a senior police officer, would have been confirmed the substantive DPO for the station last Monday.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, has in the meantime paraded the suspects before journalists, saying they would be charged to court soon.

Elkana said the suspects were picked up from different areas of Minna and were hoodlums believed to be moving about with weapons, attacking each other and other innocent people in the neighborhood.

The police spokesman said:”Some of the suspects were invited by their friends to that particular ceremony just to disrupt the occasion.

“We are still looking for about three or two fleeing members of the gang,”Elkana said, adding that some of those arrested “have confessed to the role they played which led to the killing of the officer.”

last Wednesday.

In a statement made available to journalist the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP, Jimoh Moshood, who quoted the IG, said Police are concerned with the unfortunate ethno clashes, disturbance of public peace and mayhem that occurred in the town and its environs.

The clashes, Idris said, had resulted in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of properties worth millions of naira, adding that there is need to put an end to the crisis immediately.

The statement read: “The IG has deployed Police Special Intervention Force, comprising five units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF specially trained Anti Riot Policemen.

“Five Cells of Counter Terrorism Unit, Conventional Policemen,

Special Anti Robbery Squad, Intelligence Response Team, Technical Intelligence Unit, SIB, detachment of EOD, Police K9 (Sniffer Dogs Section), with their headquarters in Ile-Ife.” He said the the Commissioner of Police in charge of PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja, would lead the Force, adding that their operations will cover the entire Ile-Ife and environs, and other flash/trouble spots in Osun State.

He said: “The Police Special Intervention Forces are already on ground working in synergy with the Osun State Police Command to ensure that total peace and normalcy are restored and sustained in Ile-Ife and environs.

“To achieve success in the operations, the Force will be

proactive and strict in the enforcement of its mandates, Police standard operations procedures and rule of engagement.”

According to him, the Force will ensure the full enforcement of the curfew imposed on Ile-Ife and environs by the Osun State Government.

The personnel of the police special Intervention force, Idris said, would carry out 24 hours surveillance and patrol, stop and search; continuous raids of identified criminal hideouts and black spots, with a view to arrest promptly trouble makers.

“The Force will arrest their sponsors and nip in the bud any further attempt to cause violence and other criminalities in the general area.

“The deployment of the personnel will equally cover communities, towns, villages, vulnerable points, government and private infrastructures and facilities in Ile-Ife and environs, he said.

According to him, the joint investigative team made up of personnel of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, FSARS, SIP and Osun State Police Command CIID headed by an experienced Commissioner of Police under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General of Police (FCIID) are already in Ile-Ife and have succeeded in arresting the arrow-head and principal suspect including some of his thugs that caused the death of most of the innocent victims.

Court Remands Two Brothers over Deaths of Five Herdsmen Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja Two brothers have been remanded at Federal Prisons, Dekina, by a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly killing five fellow Fulani herdsmen.

When the two accused brothers namely Adamu Yahaya, and Mumuni Yahaya appeared before the court yesterday in Lokoja, the prosecuting police officer, Sgt Tuesday Ganagana, who read the First Information Report (FIR), said the two accused brothers were arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

The alleged offence, he said, contravened sections 97(1) and 221(a) of the Penal Code law.

He said the case was reported by one Babangida Usman, Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (NACBA) Ikende, in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State on February 15.

Ganagana told court that at about 2 pm on he said day, the herdsmen were holding a meeting with the Ardo of Fulani in Ikende to discuss the ‘’incessant kidnapping of Fulanis in the area.

He further alleged that while the meeting was going on, the accused and others now at large, armed with offensive weapons, including guns and cutlasses, violently invaded the meeting venue.

The prosecutor said the accused allegedly attacked and inflicted machete cut injuries on Ahmadu Yusuf, 30; Abubakar Mallam, 30; Abubakar Ahmadu, 18; Isah Ahmadu, 27 and Ruwa Alhaji, 20.

Ganagana said the injuries led to the death of the five Fulanis, adding that investigation into case was still on as he asked the court to adjourn for mention but opposed admission of the accused to bail.

However, Mr. Levi Animoku of Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court I, gave the remand order in his ruling on arraignment of the brothers.

Animoku held that the offence alleged against the accused brothers, who are also herdsmen, was culpable homicide punishable with death and carried death penalty upon conviction.

He said Section 341(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) precluded the court from granting bail in the circumstance, presumption of innocence notwithstanding.

The Chief Magistrate ordered that the accused be remanded at Federal Prisons, Dekina, and urged the prison authorities to ensure they were treated of their head injuries.

Animoku directed that the case be transferred to Chief Magistrate Court, Dekina, and adjourned the matter to March 16 for mention.

DISPLACED BY TERROR

Official registration of about 22,463 returnees from Niger Republic to Damsak Town in Mobar Local Govt. Area in Borno State by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Borno State Emergency Management (BOSEMA) in collaboration with Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)...yesterday

Court Adjourns Hearing on NNPC GMD’s Fundamental Rights Suit to March 14 Alex Enumah in Abuja The suit by the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, challenging his continued detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over allegations of corruption has been adjourned to March 14 for continuation of hearing.

Yakubu is presently under the custody of the EFCC over the sum of $9, 772,800 and another £74,000 found in his Kaduna residence.

He is also said to be under investigation in connection with several cases of corruption brought against him while he held sway as the NNPC boss.

However, the former GMD had approached the Abuja division of the Federal High Court for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.

In suit number FHC/ABJ/ CS/126/2017 filed on February 20, 2017, by his counsel, Ahmed Raji SAN, the applicant is

seeking an order of court directing his immediate release by the EFCC or admitting him to bail on liberal terms to enable him travel overseas for a medical treatment.

The applicant is also seeking an order restraining the respondents both jointly and/or severally, from further detaining him unlawfully, whether for reasons of suspicion or on account of any purported investigation with respect to the allegations wherewith he was detained by the EFCC in breach of his rights to personal liberty, dignity of human person, freedom of movement, private and family life, as enshrined under sections 34(1), (4) and (5), 37 and 41 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to the EFCC, Johnson Ojogbane, urged the court to discountenance the suit on grounds that the court lacked “territorial jurisdiction” to entertain the case.

Ojogbane in opposing the

application said the proper place for the plaintiff to have instituted the suit is the place the alleged breached of human rights took place.

According to Ojogbane, “The Applicant’s said the action took place in Kano State, outside the jurisdiction of this court. And the proper place to institute fundamental rights action is the place where the alleged breached was said to have taken place, which is Kano.”

Earlier, Ahmed Raji SAN, counsel to the applicant, Yakubu, said his client had been detained since February 8 and until today, he has not been released.

He asked the court to take into cognizance that Yakubu was abroad receiving treatment when he was invited home by the EFCC for questioning and has been detained ever since.

Raji argued that the fact that his client is been investigated by the EFCC should not be an excuse for his detention.

He also urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection raised by the EFCC as according

to him, the commission was not being truthful with the where about of Yakubu, which he claimed is in custody at the EFCC’s Headquarters in Abuja.

“I visited him at EFCC’s office here in Abuja and I had consultation with him, so I urged the court to throw away their objection,” Raji said.

But the trial Judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, adjourned the matter to March 14 to attend to other matters.

The EFCC arrested Yakubu, following the recovery of $9.8 million and £74,000 cash from him.

He is said to be in custody at an EFCC facility in Kano.

The recovered cash was said to have been hidden by the suspect in a fire-proof safe at his house in the slums of Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna metropolis.

Yakubu was subsequently arrested and taken to Kano for interrogation. He admitted the ownership of the money which he said was a gift from friends and well wishers

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FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

N217 bn Lost to Gas Flaring in 2016, Senate Moves to Amend Gas Legislation House wants Kogi, Enugu and Anambra declared oil producing states Damilola Oyedele in Abuja Nigeria lost over N217 billion to gas flaring in 2016 as companies in the sector flared a total of 244.84 billion standard cubic feet (scf) of natural gas.

According to Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (Akwa Ibom, North East) who cited the figures from data he quoted from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the volume is sufficient to feed three LNG trains or generate to 3.5 GW of electricity, which is Nigeria’s average power generation.

Leading the debate on the proposed amendment to the 38

year old Associated Gas Re-Injection Act, Akpan, who is the sponsor, argued that it is necessary to ensure that gas flaring sanctions are in tune with contemporary economic challenges.

The current penalty of N10 only, per 1,000 Standard Cubic Feet (scf), was outdated, and has not deterred operators in the gas industry from gas flaring, he said.

The bill also seeks the achievement of National Flaresout Target with January 1, 2030 deadline.

The lawmaker added that the outdated penalty, has compounded the consequences of flaring,

C’River Elders Laud Ayade on Best Governor Award The Cross River State Elders Forum and some prominent indigenes of the state, including Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, have reacted with excitement to the nomination of the state governor, Professor Ben

Ayade as Governor of the Year by Vanguard Newspaper.

They said the governor was most deserving of the award which will be conferred on him on Saturday.

Chairman of the elders forum, Col.Pam Ogar (Rtd) said the award was a fitting recognition of the hard work and unsurpassable achievements recorded by the governor.

According to him, “The governor’s achievements in the last 22 months as governor of Cross River State are unmatched.

“Receiving a governor of the year award from a reputable newspaper like vanguard has again shown that what he is doing in this part of the country is being seen and appreciated by all.”

While urging the governor to see the award as an impetus to do much more to advance the lot of the people, he offered prayers for the governor.

“As the umbrella of body elders from Cross River, we can only pray for the governor and urge him to do more for the people of the State.

“We wish him greater achievement for the state and greater opportunity for the people of Cross River. Our prayer is for him to continue to make the dream of the founding fathers of the state come true while praying for his good health.We will continue to support him. “ On her part, Ita-Giwa views the award as “a clear indication of the governor’s faithfulness and commitment to better the lot of Cross Riverians. Ayade has shown he is ready to make the state a better place. So l am not surprised with the award and recognition for all his achievements.

She said the state under Ayade’s watch was “fast becoming an industrial hub, our people have enjoyed massive employment from the governor in his demonstration to ensure all Cross Riverians have opportunity to feed themselves .

This award is obviously an award for all Cross Riverians.”

Describing the governor as a man of the people, the former Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo said: “You are aware he recently celebrated his birthday with my people, the poor people of Bakassi, where he is constructing 5000 units of housing units for the internally displaced persons.

including environmental challenges, and the limited availability of gas for domestic use, with tremendous negative effects on human health, economy, tax revenue, trade opportunities, and the atmosphere..

“The latest report from the NNPC also shows that in 2016, 22.32 billion scf of gas was flared in January, 20.38 billion scf in February, 20.11 billion scf in March, 18.7 billion scf in April; 15.8 billion scf in May, and 14.8 billion scf in June. Similarly, in the second half of the year, the country recorded the highest volume of gas flared in November at 24.54 billion scf, up from 22.60 billion scf in October; 21.5 billion scf in September; 21.14 billion scf in August, 21.79 billion scf in July and a total of 21.15 billion scf in December,” he said.

Akpan added that the euphoria of oil discovery and commencement of production in 1958 made the government turn a blind eye to stipulating proper regulations to guide the industry. “ The Bill equally makes it mandatory for operators to submit gas utilisation plan within 90 days of the commencement of the Act

for effective monitoring…taken into cognizance the experiences of other countries like the United States of America which emphasises creation of infrastructure for gas utilisation as condition for grant of license…also makes specific provisions for the installation of requisite gas flare meters equipped with facilities that enable real time, online data retrieval for independent reporting and monitoring by the industry regulator,” he said.

Akpan added that with the exit of Joint Venture Cash Call regime by government, attendant low oil price, the consideration and passaged of Petroleum Industry Governance & Fiscal Bill, low construction cost in the oil and gas industry, it is the time for investment in gas infrastructure.

The bill, Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Punishment) Bill, 2016, passed through second reading following a vote by the Senators.

In another development, the House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to declare Kogi, Anambra and Enugu States as oil producing States since exploration/ mining activities have begun in the

Basin since 2012.

The House also resolved to set up an Ad-Hoc Committee to determine the commercial viability of the oil and gas deposits in the Anambra Basin in order to optimize the commercial mining in the Basin where hydrocarbon activities began in 2012, for the benefits of the three states and to increase oil revenue for the country and resolve all outstanding boundary issues between the three States.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Emmanuel Egwu, Hon. Tony Nwoye and Hon. Patrick Asadu who noted that the government is fully aware of already explored and determined huge oil and gas deposits in commercial quantities in Anambra Basin, which cuts across Ibaji Area, Idah-1 , Alade-l, Atu-l , Inni-1 in Kogi State; Eziagulu Otu, Enugwu Otu, Nzam, Ezi-Anam, Anaku, Omor in Anambra State and Igga, Ojo, Uzo Uwani Areas in Enugu State.

Asadu, in his argument, said the failure to optimally harness, deposits in the Anambra Basin

which would generate social and economic activities in the Basin has caused disaffection and crisis across the bordering States.

“Cognizant that Oriental Resources Plc has, since 2012, been prospecting on OPL 915 and OPL 916, derivable from the three adjoining States of Kogi, Enugu and Anambra but these have not been commercially mined as it is still awaiting Oil Mining License (OML) from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) years after former President Goodluck Jonathan flagged off the operations of Oriental Petroleum Resources;” “Believes that the declaration of Kogi, Anambra and Enugu States as oil producing States will not in any way jeopardize the on-going field tracing and provisional boundary demarcation between the States by the National Boundary Commission but will rather aid in determining the percentage of derivation accruable to the three (3) States, equally to be noted is that hydrocarbon has been found in the Basin but not yet optimally utilized,” the lawmaker added.

JOURNALISM EXCELLENCE

L-R: Health Reporter, THISDAY Newspapers, Martins Ifijeh; Health Reporter, Scroll In, India, Priyanka Vora; and Education Reporter, Nation Television, Kenya, Sharon Barang’a, all winners of the Early Children Development Reporting Global Contest, during the presentation of the awards by the International Centre For Journalists (ICFJ) in Washington DC... yesterday

PDP CRISIS FESTERS AS FACTIONS FAIL TO REACH COMPROMISE Sheriff. I want to tell him that enough is enough. Belonging to political party is by choice. Yes, you may have a right, but your right should not trample on another person’s right. Political party is a voluntary association,” he said.

The former Borno State governor said he had chosen not condescend to the same level with the governor, but will take action at the appropriate time in line with the constitution of the party.

Meanwhile, Fayose has reiterated his support for the decision of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee to appeal the Court of Appeal, Port-Harcourt’s judgment on the leadership of the party.

“There cannot be any meaningful reconciliation with an impossible character like Sheriff

who is obviously working for political interests different from that of the PDP.” The governor alleged he was aware that well over $1 million had been provided by the APC to fund the convention being planned by the Sheriff group, while adequate security would also be provided by the security agencies that are now more like part of the APC. This is being done so as to sustain the party’s plot to turn Nigeria to a one party state.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, the governor, who said he was reacting in his capacity as the governor of Ekiti State to the submission of report of the Governor Seriake Dickson-led reconciliation committee to

Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, noted: “All constitutionally recognised organs of the party, including staff of the national secretariat are with the Markafi-led Caretaker Committee and since political party is about membership, Sheriff will continue to carry with himself the burden of lack of legitimacy.”

The governor, who said he had nothing against Dickson, added: “I respect Governor Dickson, he is my brother and he is entitled to his own personal opinion, just as I am entitled to mine. But I must state categorically that no genuine lover of the PDP will take part in a convention sponsored by the APC.” Fayose, who said implementation of the Dickson Committee report was beyond Sheriff, noted: “Assuming but not conceding that the report is acceptable, can Sheriff

even implement it? Where will he find seven serving governors, seven former ministers, etc?”

He reiterated that no meaningful reconciliation can be done with Sheriff, adding: “With APC calling for support for Sheriff, it should be clear to all genuine lovers of the PDP who is behind the crisis in the party.”

He said: “I am speaking for myself and the entire people of Ekiti State that I represent; we won’t be part of any PDP convention sponsored by the APC and I must state categorically that Sheriff is being sponsored 100 per cent by the APC. “We therefore remain undaunted in our support for the Markafi committee and its decision to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the Appeal Court judgement.”

52

T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

CONSTITUTION AND ELECTORAL REFORM COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT The Presidential Committee on Constitution and Electoral Reform will hold a public hearing for the North West, North Central and North East Zones in KADUNA, JOS and GOMBE respectively as follows:

KADUNA Date: Wednesday, 8th March 2017 Venue: Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hall, Muritala Mohammed Square, Kaduna State.

Time: 9am prompt

JOS Date: Friday, 10th March 2017 Venue: Eliel Centre, Gold & Base Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State.

Time: 9am prompt

GOMBE Date: Monday, 13th March 2017 Venue: Gombe International Hotel, Gombe State.

Time: 9am prompt Memoranda are expected from State Governments, State Assembly Members, Youth groups, women groups, political parties, professional bodies, Civil Society Organisations and academicians from the North West Zone, North Central Zone and North East Zone.

For more information contact the Committee Secretariat on: 08095502583/ 08069725453/ 08036111164 or email – cercsecretariat@gmail.com Signed Sen. Ken Nnamani, GCON Chairman

Dr. Mamman Lawan Secretary

53

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAYSPORTS

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

No Movement for Eagles in March FIFA Ranking Super Eagles have maintained their seventh position in Africa and 41st in the World according to the latest FIFA ranking released yesterday.

Nigeria failed to play any game between the last ranking and the one under review but that did not affect the team’s position.

African champion Cameroon, who Nigeria faces next in the FIFA World Cup qualifier in August is third in Africa and 32nd in the World.

The other teams in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying group Algeria and Zambia are in 50th and 90th position respectively in the world ranking.

Meanwhile, Eagles gaffer has Austria Vienna striker Olanrewaju Kayode has been called up for the Super Eagles friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso later this month.

It will be Kayode’s first runout with the Eagles as he will replace Victor Osimhen who has been ruled out of the test games due to injury.

The 18-year-old Wolfsburg striker underwent surgery for a troublesome knee complaint 10 days ago and was effectively ruled out of the friendlies and Kayode was called up to take his place.

Kayode has played for the U-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets and the Flying Eagles

but will suit up for the Eagles for the first time.

The 23-year-old scored 13 goals in 37 games last season in all competitions

and is already on 15 goals in all competitions this season with six assists to his name.

Kayode, who is known for his pace and all action style,

was on target last weekend in a 3-0 win over SV Reid in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Egypt Senegal Cameroon Burkina Faso Tunisia

AFRICA TOP 10

Congo DR Nigeria Ghana Ivory Coast Morocco

L-R Back Row: Members, Board of Directors, Special Olympics Nigeria, Mr. Misan Eresanara; Mrs. Nike Ibirogba; Mrs. Funmito Agusto; Chairman, Mr. Victor Osibodu; National Director, Ms. Naomi Saliu-Lawal; Dr. Dolapo Ogunbanwo; and Mr. Foluso Philips during yesterday’s send-forth ceremony for the athletes… in Lagos

SNE PCO J UN I OR T E NNI S

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Favour Moses Justifies MOU Award, Qualifies for S’finals

Turmoil in Zamalek’s Camp over Zambian Player

Favour Moses from the NNPC Kaduna justified the ‘most outstanding player’ award she bagged at the CBN Open Junior Championships two weeks ago by eliminating, Omolade Aderemi, the No.3 seed in the Girls 16 event 8-5 to qualify for the semifinals.

Moses who won the award despite losing in the quarterfinals had made very convincing progress through the earlier rounds of this championship, capping it up with a semifinal berth. She now has the uphill task of beating second seed Angel Mcleod who eliminated Jumai Mohammed 8-1 to qualify for the finals.

“I am very happy I won this match because after I won the award at the CBN tournament I worked harder not to disappoint

Favour Moses

myself. Also, because Mr Musa (Ahmadu-Kida) told me he was going to start sponsoring me and helping me become a great player.

So I have to train hard to justify everything.” the soft spoken and shy Moses said.

The other semifinal will be between top seed Marylove Edwards and Toyin Asogba.

Edwards beat Peace Bagbenro 8-0 while Asogba defeated Omolayo Bamidele 8-6.

In the boys 18, Ezekiel Ekong did credit to the ITA Junior Circuit program when he eliminated Adekya Kaftkarren, the lone foreign entry from India, 8-2. Ekong will meet No.1 seed Michael Osewa who also beat Benjamin Otube 8-2 in the quarterfinals.

Zamalek will be without their Zambian striker, Emmanuel Mayuka when they face Nigeria’s champion, Enugu Rangers in Sunday’s CAF Champions League tie in Cairo.

According to www. sportsvillagesquare.com, the Zambian who joined

the Egyptian side in January last year after moving from Europe had been having uneasy time in Egypt and his where about became a source of worry for Zamalek.

At first, it was speculated the Mayuka was unhappy for not getting starting

line-up status in Zamalek despite having played for European sides like Southampton, Sochaux and Metz.

This is apart from featuring for some other foreign clubs like Maccabi Tel Aviv and Swiss club, BSC. He was close to

signing for Portuguese side, Porto before joining Maccabi.

When he joined Zamalek last year, it was to be for three and a half year spell.

As the mystery over the player continues, chairman of the club, Murtaza Mansour, is due to address a press conference in Cairo yesterday.

Special Olympics Nigeria Set for 2017 World Winter Games in Austria Femi Solaja Nigeria’s delegation of 31-man team to this year’s Special Olympics World Winter Games scheduled to take place between March 14 and 25 in Austria is scheduled to depart Lagos on Monday, March 13, 2017.

At a Special send-forth organised in honour of the team in Lagos yesterday, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Nigeria, Mr. Victor Gbolade Osibodu, thanked everyone who contributed to make the trip possible for the special athletes.

While charging the athletes to give their best, Osibodu said; “There is always an ability in a world of disability. We are grateful to the Lagos State Government for permitting us to train at Teslim Balogun Stadium.”

He also thanked Edo State Government for sponsoring an athlete and is also committed to developing an environment that allows more athletes from the state to train and participate in Special Olympic activities.

He extended appreciation to other corporate sponsors for all their support National Director, Special Olympics Nigeria, Naomi Saliu-Lawal, who is also head of the country’s delegation to the Games commended the athletes for their remarkable discipline and display of tremendous skills during the past three months training for the Games.

She said that she was surprised at how fast the athletes were pick up fast in two indoor sports (Floor ball and Floor Hockey) they were introduced to.

Floor ball and Floor

Hockey are new to the Nigeria programme and so Special Olympics partners in South Africa were invited to train the coaches and athletes in readiness for the games.

“It was an awesome sight to see how fast these athletes have learnt these new sports and to think that these are sports new to Nigeria,” the director noted.

She also extended appreciation of Special Olympic Nigeria to sponsors who have made sure that the athletes have this opportunity to represent the country.

“We appreciate our sponsors like Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG), Biswal Limited, Union Bank PLC, Orintory Energy Limited, IrokoTv and several individuals who have chosen to be

anonymous. Thank you very much from all of us at Special Olympics Nigeria,” she added.

Present at the event to lend support and encourage the athletes were popular actresses Kate Henshaw and Linda Ejiofor. They commended the athletes and parents for their effort as well as pledge support for Special Olympics Nigeria and its activities.

Special Olympics Nigeria (SO Nigeria) is an affiliate of Special Olympics international and our goal is to provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities yearround sports training and opportunities for athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. SO Nigeria caters for 22,000 athletes in four of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria.

54

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAYSPORTS

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Barca’s Comeback against PSG Incredible, Says Infantino Barcelona’s extraordinary fight back to beat Paris SaintGermain in the Champions League demonstrated football’s unique capacity for surprise, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said yesterday.

“Whenever you have the feeling you have seen everything, something else comes along that you’ve never seen before,” Infantino told reporters in London following a FIFA executive football summit.

“It’s just amazing and incredible.”

Trailing 4-0 from the first leg of their last 16 tie, Barcelona pulled off a 6-1 win in Wednesday’s second leg at Camp Nou to complete the biggest comeback in the competition’s history.

Barcelona’s fifth goal came in contentious circumstances, with Neymar netting a stoppage-time penalty after Luis Suarez went to ground despite minimal contact from PSG defender Marquinhos.

FIFA is currently trialing the use of Video Assistant Referees (VARs), who are allowed to alert referees to mistakes concerning goals, penalties, red cards or cases of mistaken identity.

Infantino would not comment on the decision to award Barcelona the penalty, but said the incident emphasised the need for care to be taken when making

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrating the comeback against PSG with the club’s fans at Camp Nou on Wednesday night changes to the game.

“We were speaking at dinner with the chairman and the CEO of the English and Scottish associations,”

BOA L AWY E R S L E AG U E

Olaniwun Ajayi Consolidates with another Victory to Lead Group A Ugo Aliogu After opening the 2017 season of the BOA Lawyers Football Tournament with the biggest win with a 5-0 crushing of Bloomfield, the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi continued their good fortunes in the competition defeating Olajide Oyewole 4-0 on Match-day two.

They lead Group A on same six points from two games as BA Law/ Probitas who similarly hammered Bloomfield 6-0. Ajayi is at the top of the group on superior goals difference of plus nine as against Probitas’ plus 7.

BA Law/ Probitas’ Rufai Dipo bagged the second hattrick of the new season as he scored three of his team’s six-nil defeat of Bloomfield at the Astroturf 2000 venue of the lawyers league in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Other high scoring teams of the weekend include Pinhero who defeated Tayo Oyetibo/B. Osipitan 5-1 while Aluko & Oyebode also smiled away with three maximum points courtesy of the 2-0 defeat of Streamsower/Foundation in Group D. Banwo & Ighodalo who lost 1-0 to Streamsower/

Foundation in their opening game recorded first win of the season with 1-0 over Punuka to earn first maximum points.

Olisa Agbakoba Legal, Fides & Fiducia played goalless same as the same barren result from the clash between Templars and Falana & Falana. ACAS defeated ADVOCAAT 1-0.

The competition continues this weekend with more matches.

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 20 selected 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.

he said.

“We were saying we have to be really careful if we want to touch the rules, because football is such an incredible

game.

“VAR will be there in future, hopefully, to correct clear mistakes of the referee.

In this case, I don’t know if

it was a clear mistake or not.

“But in future, when there are clear mistakes, this will be corrected by the video assistant referee so we can

make sure decisive matches are not decided by mistakes made in good faith by the referee,” stressed the world football chief.

PSG Coach Emery Stunned with Ref’s Performance Paris Saint Germain coach Unai Emery, has attributed German referee Deniz Aytekin’s poor show as one of the reasons why his team slumped to 6-1 crushing defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday at the Camp Nou. Despite taking a 4-0 first leg lead into their Camp Nou last-16 return, and grabbing a crucial away goal from Edinson Cavani on the hour mark, PSG shipped three goals in seven minutes at the end of the game as Barcelona completed the greatest comeback in the history of the tournament.

Just when Barca looked down and out, trailing 5-3 on aggregate, Brazilian star Neymar restored hope when

he curled home a sensational free-kick high into the top corner.

And as the match entered stoppage time, Barca were awarded a second controversial penalty by the referee when Luis Suarez tumbled under a challenge form Marquinhos.

The Brazilian then showed a cool head in the fifth minute of injury time when he cut inside before chipping into the box for substitute Sergi Roberto to extend his right leg just enough to beat Trapp and leave PSG floored.

“The truth is we have let a huge opportunity get away and we are aware of that. In the first-half it was more our fault than them playing well,” said

Arsenal Chairman Speaks on Wenger Arsenal Chairman Sir Chips Keswick has issued an official statement saying a decision on Arsene Wenger’s future “will be made by us mutually and communicated at the right time in the right way.”

Wenger is out of contract in the summer and his position is under heavy scrutiny, with fans having marched in protest ahead of the second leg of Arsenal’s 10-2 aggregate Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

“We are fully aware of the

attention currently focused on the club and understand the debate,” the Arsenal chairman said. “We respect that fans are entitled to their different individual opinions but we will always run this great football club with its best long-term interests at heart.

“Arsene has a contract until the end of the season. Any decisions will be made by us mutually and communicated at the right time in the right way,” concludes the statement from Arsenal chairman.

Spanish coach Emery whose side trailed 2-0 at the break.

“In the second-half it changed. The penalty (first penalty converted by Lionel Messi for 3-0) got them off to a great start, but I was already calmer because I could see the team was responding better, were better positioned on the pitch and could do damage.

“We had chances to make it 3-2 and then the refereeing decisions, I don’t know if they were right or not, but for sure they damaged us. Then in the last two minutes we lost everything we had recovered in the second-half.

“Barcelona are capable of this in their stadium. In the last few minutes they played

all or nothing and they have beaten us.”

PSG’s Qatari president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was stunned by the turnaround.

“It’s a nightmare for everyone. Three goals in seven minutes is very difficult.

Everybody is upset but now is not the time to talk about it,” he said.

French sports daily newspaper L’Equipe was in no doubt about the implications of the defeat.

“Inqualifiable” (“Unspeakable”) was its front page headline for Thursday with its reporter claiming the entire “PSG project” was threatened by the “humiliation”.

Ogbu Commends S’East Govs over Boxing Revival South eastern states governors have been commended for sponsoring their boxers to Lagos for the just concluded National Men and Women Boxing Championship.

Osondu Ogbu, (a.k.a. Old School) who is representing the South East on the board of the Nigeria Boxing Federation made the commendation in Lagos yesterday while reviewing the weeklong championship held at the Brai-Ayonote Boxing Gym, National Stadium Surulere, Lagos.

According to him, “this is the first time the South East made

good representation at the National Boxing Championship with Abia, Enugu and Imo state presenting 10 boxers each courtesy of their state governors,” he noted.

The NBF Board Member reasoned that with such supports the Eastern region will soon take over boxing in Nigeria.

Ogbu also commended the various commissioners for sports in the eastern states for facilitating the movement of their boxers to Lagos where they were also fed and accommodated for the entire period of the championship.

55

T H I S D AY •FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAYSPORTS

Greatest UEFA Champions League Comebacks

FC Barcelona Wednesday night produced the biggest comeback in UEFA Champions League history to beat Paris Saint-Germain 6-5 aggregate to book a quarter final ticket.

UEFA.com here takes a look at some other memorable turnarounds that have made the prime club competition in Europe what it is today.

Chelsea 3-1 Barcelona Barcelona 5-1 Chelsea (aet) 1999/2000 quarter-finals Barcelona has long had form for memorable UEFA Champions League comebacks. Pre-Roman Abramovich, Chelsea was not the European force it is now, and its first-leg triumph over Louis van Gaal’s Barcelona marked an improbable success for Gianluca Vialli’s men. They even came within seven minutes of winning the tie overall when Tore André Flo struck his third of the tie in Catalonia to bring the second-leg score back to 2-1, only for Dani García to notch Barça’s third.

Rivaldo’s penalty and a Patrick Kluivert goal finished off the Blues in extra time.

“It was the greatest night of my life,” said Barcelona’s Gabri García while teammate Luís Figo concluded: “We played a perfect game. We had a big setback but managed to turn things around.” A disappointed Vialli offered a mournful summary: “We did what we didn’t want to do: defend badly.”

AC Milan 4-1 Deportivo La Coruña Deportivo La Coruña 4-0 AC Milan 2003/04 quarter-finals The previous record, before Barcelona’s exploits against Paris Saint-Germain. Walter Pandiani put Deportivo in front at San Siro but that was long forgotten by full time, with Kaká scoring twice as Milan shredded their opponents. Ahead of the return fixture at the Riazor, Depor coach Javier Irureta was hanging onto little more than a dream. “This is of course a very complex, difficult and challenging task,” he said. “But in football, miracles often happen, things you might not rationally expect.

Real Madrid 4-2 Monaco Monaco 3-1 Real Madrid 2003/04 quarter-finals Whatever fairy dust had taken unfancied Monaco to the quarter-finals seemed to have blown away when the final whistle sounded at the Santiago Bernabéu on 24 March 2004. A four-goal post interval salvo from Madrid had sent the principality team into a tailspin, though Fernando Morientes’s 83rd-minute strike for the visitors proved a lifeline. Coach Didier Deschamps was not about to admit defeat either, saying: “If I thought that, I’d be better off staying home.”

A further goal down with seconds to go until half-time in the rematch, Deschamps might have been tempted to think again, but Ludovic Giuly levelled. Then Morientes – on loan from Madrid – headed a second and Giuly made it 3-1. The eventual awaygoals victory might still have evaporated had Raúl González not fired a late chance over the bar. Morientes, meanwhile, was not sure whether to celebrate. “I’m very happy about Monaco’s win,” he said, “but I have friends in Madrid who must be having a difficult time.”

Napoli 3-1 Chelsea Chelsea 4-1 Napoli (aet) 2011/12 round of 16 A change of manager provoked a startling fightback by Chelsea. André Villas-Boas’s last European game with the London outfit ended in defeat in Naples; Juan

Deportivo La Coruna’s Juan CarlosValeron right celebrating with Sanchez Victor the great come back against AC Milan in 2004 Mata had given his team the initiative, but Ezequiel Lavezzi struck twice either side of an Edinson Cavani effort to leave the English club spiralling towards the exit.

“There’s a big possibility that, with this away goal, we can turn the tie around,” Villas-Boas ventured afterwards.

The Portuguese, however, had been replaced by Roberto Di Matteo by the second leg, when goals from Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard helped move the contest into extra time.

Branislav Ivanovi finally completed the Lazarus act after 105 minutes. “I’ve had some great nights but this will probably go down in club history,” said Di Matteo, little knowing an even greater triumph in adversity would follow.

AC Milan 2-0 Barcelona Barcelona 4-0 AC Milan 2012/13 round of 16 No side had ever recovered from a twogoal first-leg loss without the benefit of an away goal yet Barcelona made light of such unfavourable statistics amid a cacophony of enthusiastic support at the Camp Nou. Lionel Messi’s sublime first-half double wiped out Milan’s lead and David Villa’s goal early in the second period put the Blaugrana in control of the tie.

The home side still required some luck – at 1-0, M’Baye Niang hit the post – and they were not safe until Jordi Alba raced through to net a clinching fourth in stoppage time. Vanquished coach Massimiliano Allegri conceded Barça had played “extraordinarily well”, while Lionel Messi told UEFA.com: “This is the Barça we and our fans want every game.”

Olympiacos 2-0 Manchester United Manchester United 3-0 Olympiacos 2013/14 round of 16 The spirit of Sir Alex Ferguson lives on at Old Trafford! The great Scot’s departure

the previous summer signalled the end of an era for the red half of Manchester but the old never-say-die attitude was alive and well here. Alejandro Domínguez’s nimble flick and a fine Joel Campbell strike left Olympiacos within touching distance of a UEFA Champions League quarter-final place for the first time in 15 years but those dreams were left in tatters.

Robin van Persie did the damage. The Dutchman opened the scoring from the penalty spot, added a second on the cusp of half-time and then completed the turnaround with a free-kick soon after the restart – his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick. The result was dripping in history: it was 30 years to the week since United had last overcome such a deficit in Europe – against FC Barcelona in the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Chelsea Chelsea 2-0 Paris Saint-Germain Chelsea again! This time it was a José Mourinho-led team forced to play catch-up after a second-half David Luiz own goal followed by Javier Pastore’s 93rd-minute coup de grace consigned them to a 3-1 setback in the French capital.

As it transpired, though, Eden Hazard’s earlier strike, from the penalty spot, would prove pivotal to the Londoners’ revival.

Six days later André Schürrle came off the bench to make a 32nd-minute breakthrough in favour of the hosts. It was Schürrle’s fellow substitute Demba Ba who sparked wild celebrations three minutes from full time by scooping home a direct Chelsea side’s second to send them through on away goals. “We risked everything tonight,” said Mourinho. “If, for some reason, we hadn’t scored that second goal, we would still have been proud of the boys.”

Porto 3-1 Bayern München Bayern München 6-1 Porto

2014/15 quarter-finals Porto had not reached the semi-finals since lifting the trophy in 2003/04 but two Ricardo Quaresma goals in the first ten minutes of the first leg looked to have set them on their way to ending that run. Thiago Alcántara halved the Bayern deficit before the half-hour, but Jackson Martínez’s second-half strike gave the Portuguese side a two-goal cushion to take to Germany.

Bayern were level on aggregate before a quarter of the second leg in Munich had elapsed, Thiago and Jérôme Boateng heading them into a two-goal cushion on the night. Robert Lewandowski added two more either side of Thomas Müller’s deflected effort and, though Jackson Martínez replied for Porto, Bayern cruised through with Xabi Alonso adding a late sixth.

Wolfsburg 2-0 Real Madrid Real Madrid 3-0 Wolfsburg 2015/16 quarter-finals Wolfsburg had never reached the last eight before but, against the side with more quarter-final appearances than any other, first-half goals from Ricardo Rodriguez and Maximilian Arnold had them well placed to reach the last four. Both coaches, however, knew that nothing was settled; “ That’s the great thing: you can have a bad night but the return is still to come,” said Zinédine Zidane.

Wolfsburg’s Dieter Hecking meanwhile, warned: “We know what’s to come in Madrid”, but his side were unable to prevent it, as two Cristiano Ronaldo goals in the space of 86 seconds had Madrid level by the 17th minute. The Portuguese star completed his hat-trick, and another memorable European Cup night for his team, with a 77th minute free-kick, saying after: “Goals are in my DNA. It was a perfect, magical night.”

‘Nothing Impossible’ for Impressed Messi Five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi paid tribute on Thursday to Barcelona’s sensational Champions League comeback from a 4-0 first leg thrashing to beat Paris Saint

Germain 6-1.

Messi scored Barca’s third goal from the penalty spot as the Spanish champions struck three times in the final two minutes plus stoppage time

to qualify for the quarterfinals.

“When there’s effort, attitude and desire, NOTHING is impossible,” Messi posted on his official Facebook page.

“Impressive stuff from the

team and our fans.”

In a rare sign of exuberance, Messi jumped into the crowd amid delirious scenes when Sergi Roberto grabbed Barca’s sixth and decisive goal in the

95th minute.

And the Argentine was penned in at the Camp Nou as he tried to leave hours after the game.

His partner Antonella

Roccuzzo posted a video of the pair attempting to leave the stadium only to be held up by fans banging on the windows to chants of “Messi, Messi, Messi.”

Friday, March 10, 2017

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MISSILE FG to AI “The agitation for a sovereign State of Biafra is unacceptable and detrimental to the peace, unity, stability and development of the Nigerian state” – Foreign Affairs ministry reacting to Amnesty International’s report accusing the federal government of human rights violations.

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

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akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

Osinbajo At 60

am not at all sure if a persistent subconscious inability to come to terms with the knowledge that I am over fifty years of age is peculiar to me. Why is it that the fact of this advancing years prey on my mind all the time? It is made all the more perplexing by the fact that the biological age progression; the life and death cycle; is the most basic natural occurrence-to which we should therefore be most readily adjusted. Does this disturbance fall under the rubric of the notorious imprecisely defined mid-life crisis or perhaps it is a remorseful nagging sense of underachievement, is it the fear of the inevitable end of all mortals?

This obsessive attachment to youthfulness was reignited at the 80th birthday celebrations of President Olusegun Obasanjo at Abeokuta a week ago. It was the reason I readily spotted that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo was the youngest amidst the cast of luminaries at the high table. Come speech making time, it was his turn to bestow a eulogy on the celebrant. I had really not have the occasion to witness Osinbajo speak at a public function before or maybe I never bothered to pay heed. Maybe I now paid special attention on account of his new status as acting President who has attracted considerable curiosity on account of the unique circumstances that had thrust him into public glare.

The truth is that he gave a world class performance and commensurately roused a standing ovation especially from the below 60 years demographic segment of the audience.

In addition to his quite impressive resume (he became a law professor at thirty two years) and on the job performance rating, you could not help but ponder that here is another indication of the possibility that this nation is capable of attaining-if only we would let it. Where I got it wrong was my projection of Osinbajo as somewhat belonging to the younger generation-by any standard, it is wrong headed to ever think of a 60 year old man as youth. And this misperception can only be down to my phobia of getting old.

Nonetheless, it is true that there is a distinct generational character and perspective to the problem of political leadership succession and recruitment in Nigeria-that has impacted negatively on governance. We have had a retarded and warped growth and development of political leadership succession; and it is the reason we will continue to experience the novelty of late political bloomers like Osinbajo-until the generational vacuum in political leadership is sufficiently bridged.

To put this warped generational character in context, all we need do is take a good look at the political career of the birthday celebrant. Forty one years ago in 1976, Obasanjo became the military President of Nigeria at the age of 39. He came back in 1999 as elected civilian President at the age of sixty two and served in that capacity for

Osinbajo eight years. Similarly, incumbent President Mohammadu Buhari was appointed military President of Nigeria on December 31st 1983.

He returned thirty two years later as elected President in May 2015 at the age of 72.

Without any familiarity with Nigeria, any average political interpreter can immediately discern something peculiar about the political development of Nigeria in this information.

And it was on account of my own familiarity with Nigerian politics that I once offered the following observation on the problem of political leadership succession in Nigeria: ‘A compelling character of President Ibrahim Babangida’s protracted transition to civil democratic rule programme from 1985 to 1990 was the recognition of the need to cultivate a civilian political leadership recruitment and reproduction-hence the official propagation and prioritisation of a ‘new breed’ inheritor class. The Babangida ‘new breed’ novelty anticipated the Progressive Action Movement, PAM, by several years. PAM was the brainchild of a few of us which subsequently blossomed to include Pastor Tunde Bakare, HRM Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Mohammed Adoke,, Dangiwa Umar, Olisa Agbakoba, Segun Awolowo, Toyin Fagbayi, Babafemi Ojudu, Femi Fanikayode, Opeyemi Agbaje, Makin Soyinka, Nike Ransome-Kuti and a number of other public notables. PAM was conceptualised as a response to the failure of the political system to fulfil the role of continuous and regular leadership recruitment into the civilian political classto assume political succession from one generation to another’.

‘There was an emergent generational gap and vacuum-to whose remedy we addressed ourselves. We intended ourselves as a kind of political nursery for preparing and producing a successor class at the shortest possible time. As it were, the major indication of

this systemic failure was the recycling of political leaders rather than a renewal with successor generations. Conventionally the role of leadership recruitment into the political system is that of the political parties. The poverty of the performance of this role is self-explanatory in the non-existence of political parties for the better part of the period spanning 1960 to 1999’.

‘The political party system and the legislative institution are the most conspicuous casualties of military intervention in the governance of Nigeria-as elsewhere. The more protracted the rule of military dictatorship, the more impoverished the political system and the attendant roles of the party system especially leadership recruitment. Unlike the political system, and to underscore the point, is the stark contrast to the Nigerian economic sector which has witnessed progressive and periodic renewal and turnover of the public and private economic sector leaders. Many major contemporary economic leaders were either not born or were toddlers when people like Adeyemi Lawson, Michael Omolayole, Grema Mohammed, Mai Deribe, Gamaliel Onosode and numerous others held sway’.

In a manner of speaking, the chicken seems to have, once again, come home to roost in the present political juncture of Nigeria.

The circumstances of an adjudged below par performance and the unfortunate health crisis that has kept Buhari away from his duty post-as backdrop to the impressive holding forte of his deputy, Osinbajo), speaks directly to the crisis of political leadership succession in Nigeria. Before going any further, I hasten to empathise and sincerely wish President Buhari quick recovery. As well known, Buhari is not my cup of tea but once he was legitimately elected the President of Nigeria, it is in the enlightened interest of all of us to wish for his success in that office, inclusive of his good health. It is a platitude to say that his success as President is the success of Nigeria-‘since we have no other country to call our own’.

Nigeria is indeed in a sorry state and this reality daily dawn on us with the subtlety of a cascading ton of bricks-be it (for instance) in the form of desperate economic situation of sundry individuals who have fallen off the cliff of the economy or in the ever tendentiously volatile political degeneration. Yet things could have been worse, much worse and so we still have cause to thank God for little mercies.

There is nothing unusual in a 74 year old falling sick and indisposed, what is wrong is the wilful refusal to acknowledge this truth and utilise the logic to act in the best interest of Nigeria in the first place.

There is no better illustration of the rigorous physical demands of office on any incumbent Nigerian President than the characterisation provided by Obasanjo the other day-to the effect that the Presidency of Nigeria is a 25 hours, seven days a week job.

Equally wrong is Nigeria being hidebound to the poverty of choice inherent in the recycling of political leaders who are congenitally wedded to the inglorious Nigerian past-of fragmentary and reactionary power politics; of the civil war division of Nigeria into the proprietorial conqueror class and the conquered rebellious tribe; the belief that the highest possible accomplishment of political leadership is the fanatical commitment to the preservation of Nigeria in the distorted form it was bequeathed by the outcome of the civil war; of criminalising any advocacy of a structural-functional review of a terminally ill political status-quo.

What can really prove exasperating about Nigeria is that a potentially successful governance of the country is no rocket science and this simplicity is what the regency of Osinbajo has brought to the fore. It is the elementary fact that the missing link and most crucial ingredient of society management is the goodwill of the citizens-more so in a cleavage and conflict ridden polity like Nigeria. It was Dangiwa Umar who recently proffered the insight that rather than plunging Nigeria back into debt peonage of the magnitude of a thirty billion dollars loan, a debt free alternative and ready reprieve of Nigeria’s economic crisis reside in winning the goodwill of the Niger Delta region; that fostering a goodwill induced atmosphere of peace in the Niger Delta portends the multiplier effect of securing the much desired boost in oil production, hence a substantial uptick in Nigeria’s revenue stream.

At any rate, with or without economic utility, all parts of Nigeria should be cuddled by anyone accorded the lofty privilege of presiding over our affairs-regardless of their partisanship. This prescribed charm offensive is even more compelling against the background of the propagation of the discriminatory doctrine of according preferential treatment to supporters. Not sparing a moment to pay solidarity visit to the alienated Niger Delta region and threatening to meet out the Boko-Haram treatment to the insurgents in the oil rich region is certainly not the way to go. Whether it is his own initiative or he is undertaking the public relations outreach at the behest of his principal, Osinbajo has done right by Nigeria. There is no better way to mark his 60th birthday than this recognition and it is meet and proper to wish him a happy one.

STOP PRESS: And then the duality principle struck again. As we celebrate one, it has equally become our lot to mourn another.

The tragic news is that the most promising life of Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo came to an abrupt and cruel end days ago. There is no good way for a 57 year old to die but the manner of his death was particularly vile and irksome. The consolation is that he lives on in the legacy of his remarkable intellectual and professional attainment. What a waste! Fare thee well my good friend.

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