Sunday 12th March 2017

IBB: We Mooted the Idea of PDP Ruling for 60 Years Says party has a ‘military wing’ Laleye Dipo in Minna Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has revealed that he and some other stakeholders who formed the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP), mooted the idea that the party should rule for 60 years for the stability of the country.

Speaking yesterday at his Hilltop mansion in Minna, the Niger State capital, Babangida,

while receiving the Senator Ahmed Makarfi committee on "Strategy and Inter-party Affairs" led by Professor Jerry Gana, which handed him a copy of the panel’s report, also said that the PDP at formation had

a "military wing" that provided the support base for the party to take off.

"I termed us IRA (Irish Republican Army) military wing of PDP. I thank God we came up with the concept that

PDP should rule for 60 years," he said, insisting that as the only party whose impact is felt from top-down, the PDP has the capacity to be in power for that long.

He explained that "PDP can

rule for 60 years if they put their house in order. I am happy the house is being put in order. PDP is the only party that has been accepted from top to down. Its Continued on page 8

Convention: APC Leadership to Meet Buhari, N'Assembly Caucus ...Page 13 Sunday 12 March, 2017 Vol 22. No 7997

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PRESIDENT BUHARI (I)

15 Developments While You Were Away Mr. President, during your medical vacation in London, so much happened in the polity in the 51 days of your absence, but 15 are remarkably noteworthy events. Following your return to the country on Friday and as you prepare to resume work on Monday, the Editors of THISDAY on Sunday, Tokunbo Adedoja,Vincent Obia, Olawale Olaleye, Kunle Aderinokun and Abimbola Akosile believe it is only proper to apprise you of these developments ECONOMY: ON THE WAY BACK 1. Economic Recovery and Growth Plan was unveiled while you were away, waiting for you to launch. It now requires your ownership and leadership as all the signs are now looking favourable. While you were away, Nigeria became a toast of the world with 780 per cent

oversubscription of the $1billion Eurobond issued by the federal government, showing that the nation’s economy is still very attractive, despite the recession.

The bond, which has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as the first FXdenominated to be so floated on the bourse, has deepened the market that has rebounded and

is maintaining the upward streak. The fact that the Nigerian stock market gained momentum on your return last Friday is a sign that Nigerians are happy to have you back.

2. Naira gained over N75 on the dollar in the parallel market as the Central Bank of Nigeria Continued on page 8

Emefiele: Why We Can’t Allow Unfettered Float of the Naira Says Nigerians must embrace economic nationalism

Obinna Chima Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has explained that the reason the apex bank is opposed to the idea of unfettered float of the naira is because adopting such policy could hurt the nation’s currency.

Speaking yesterday at the Vanguard Newspaper Awards, where he was recognised as the "Personality of the Year," in Lagos, Emefiele noted the gap between the interbank and

See THISDAY Style Inside…

parallel market exchange rates, averring that a purchasing power parity analysis would confirm that the naira is not as weak as the rate in the parallel market suggests,.

He said the only logical explanation for the high rates in that market "is that a lot of illegal and criminal activities are being carried out there."

Given this scenario, he said the CBN would not sit idly by and allow such faceless and criminally minded people to destroy the currency under the guise of a free float as is being canvassed by some experts.

Continued on page 8

WHEN MICHAEL CAME CALLING L-R: Chief Barbara Etim James, Mr. Jean Yves Ollivier, HRH Prince Michael of Kent and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa at the Obong of Calabar Palace when Prince Michael was conferred with a chieftancy title in Calabar...last weekend

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T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

PAGE EIGHT EMEFIELE: WHY WE CAN’T ALLOW UNFETTERED FLOAT OF THE NAIRA "In fact, I have always had one simple question for this group of persons: name just one country in the whole world that practices a freely floating exchange rate regime? Just one. I have heard commentators suggest we should follow Egypt’s example and free the naira.

"What they do not tell you is that following their currency adjustments; inflation today in Egypt is over 30 percent. Is that what we want in Nigeria? As with most economic problems, we need to understand the kind

of inflation we have in Nigeria.

Is it demand-pull, where too much money is chasing few goods, or cost-push, where supply constraints lead to few goods in marketplace?”

Emefiele said: "In Nigeria, I believe we have cost- push inflation, exacerbated by supply shortages in food, fuels, and FX. And that is why the CBN is supporting farmers across the country through various schemes to increase food supply. We are also very responsive to the needs of fuel importers to ensure

15 DEVELOPMENTS WHILE YOU WERE AWAY (CBN) begins to fund school fees and PTAs, following increasing external reserves, resulting from your savings. Please continue to back the Central Bank as it moves towards convergence between the parallel market and the official market.

3. The Abuja airport was closed for civil works, bringing businesses in the federal capital to a near halt, such that you had to land in Kaduna and choppered to the Villa. Not many have that privilege as the Abuja airspace has been shutdown to helicopter flight as many have to travel often in poor road condition between Kaduna and Abuja and Minna and Abuja for up to 3 hours.

Meanwhile, the troubled aviation industry will get worse with up to three thousand flights in the lucrative industry canceled, while AMCON took over Arik, the nation’s dominant airline, and shut down over 70 per cent of its flights. How far AMCON will go with the takeover of Arik or the lasting impact of the decision to shut Abuja airport will be a subject for another memo.

J PROVED A PAIR OF GOVERNANCE: OSINBAJO SAFE HANDS 4. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo proved he was a pair of safe hands while you were away and continued to tour the Niger Delta states (which he began when you were still around).

With relative peace returning and crude oil production growing, these have also resulted in an increase in power generation from what it was many weeks back.

5 Following your letter of February 5, 2017, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo sent Justice Walter Onnoghen’s name to the Senate for confirmation as CJN. The Senate confirmed him and he had been sworn in. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo signed 7 bills, rejected 4, showing that there is no power vacuum: your transmission of power to Osinbajo actually worked, bringing down tension and ensuring continuity.

6. Your corruption war continues to bite with ex-governor James Ngilari of Adamawa State taken down and cool air-conditioned cash discovered in the home of a former NNPC GMD, Andrew Yakubu, who says it is the accumulated gift he received over the years. The jury is still out.

POLITICS: SHINE YOUR EYES! 7. Your death was grossly exaggerated, causing considerable tension and unease, especially in the North, where many feared they could lose power again, resulting in all manner of political meetings, alliances and counter-alliances, with several northern governors and ministers suddenly becoming Osinbajo’s best friends in the hope of the unexpected. Some were stopped as they tried to make trips to London to verify your state of health…

Your sudden return and reappearance in the corridors of power have turned many dreams to nightmares as politicians from Lagos to Kano, Adamawa to Sokoto and from Port Harcourt to Kaduna have returned to the drawing board, with many of them retracing their steps and telling you how much they love you.

8. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable and set the dates for 2019 elections, which means primaries will be held in third quarter of 2018, just over a year away. Mr. President, the race is on. Shine your eyes!

9. Your opponents continued to tear themselves apart. Your in-law, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, continues to hold the PDP to ransom, while

availability. And we continue to respond as much as possible to FX supply shortages in the market.

"In view of the fact that our current episode of inflationary pressure is coinciding with contracting economic growth, we have to recognise the dilemma it poses to policymaking. This is because no single macroeconomic policy can address rising inflation and slow growth simultaneously, because fighting inflation may require implementing policies that might, in the short term, be

inimical to economic growth."

Commenting on the exchange rate, the CBN governor noted that like every product, the exchange rate ought to be determined by the forces of demand and supply in a fair, competitive, and open market.

He however recalled that shortly before he assumed the position of Governor in June 2014, the monthly foreign exchange (FX) inflows into the CBN was about US$3.6 billion.

Emefiele explained: "For five straight years preceding June

nursing his own presidential ambition in 2019.

Last week, his supporters started attacking Governor Ibrahim Shettima for opening Borno State to Senator Bola Tinubu over IDPs camps and doctors’ court, inaugurated by the APC chieftain. This, they saw as green shoots of a presidential run. But, don’t worry, Mr. President, Tinubu has said as long as you are in the race, he will not run against you.

Meanwhile, another North-east veteran, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, feels if you are fourth time lucky, he too can, and he is consulting. However, as in the Biblical Tower of Babel, the political arena is confused and in disarray with more chiefs than followers across all the parties, including your darling APC. 10. Young Igbo Turks, Chukwuma Soludo, Udenta Udenta and Pat Utomi, visited Nnamdi Kanu in prison, signaling that the Igbo mainstream will not play the ostrich as new Ohaneze leader, John Nwodo, said the Igbos have been sidelined by marginalisation and are losing control of their children as the Igbo prepare for a presidential run in 2019.

11. In South-west state of Ondo, a smooth transition of power took place with the inauguration of ‘a Buhari boy’, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, as governor - a development that brought the number of states under the control of your party to 24.

SECURITY: THE CHALLENGE RAGES ON 12. Southern Kaduna continues to be a challenge and now deserving of your urgent attention. Meanwhile, the battle against Boko Haram continues while hunger and poverty continue to ravage the North-east, again, requiring your urgent attention. Meanwhile, three days before you returned, a violent ethnic clash occurred in Ile-Ife, Osun State between Yorubas and Hausas which led to loss of lives and destruction of properties. The violence was brought under control following deployment of security personnel and curfew imposed on the town.

INTERNATIONAL: TROUBLE IN YOUR BACKYARD 13. South Africans’ attacks against Nigerians and others continued in South Africa, while in Nigeria, protests were held against South African investment interests, including MTN and Shoprite.

14. In a breath of fresh air, your former Minister of Environment and a proud Nigerian, Amina Mohammed, was appointed United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and recently sworn in, making Nigeria stand tall again around the world. It is also worthy of note that while you were away, a host of African leaders, consisting of some incumbent heads of governments and former leaders converged on Abeokuta in Ogun state in honour of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who marked his 80th birthday.

PASSAGES… 15. On the eve of the 50th anniversary of state creation, which changed Nigeria from regionalism, laying the foundation for the current structure of the federation, one of the governors of the then 12 states, Gen. Adeyinka Robert Adebayo, died on the eve of his 89th birthday, just as another governor of that era, Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia, of the Mid-west State, passed on.

Indeed, an era of Nigerian politics passeth without a clear replacement, as many continue to clamour for devolution of power back to the TO BE CONTINUED... states and regions.

2014, crude price averaged over $110 per barrel and indeed in September 2008 specifically, Nigeria’s external reserves stood at US$62 billion after the country had spent US$12 billion in settling the Paris club debt.

"It is quite surprising and disingenuous that some of the people talking today about how we can manage our exchange rate were the same persons who frittered away these reserves such that when I assumed office, I met only US$37 billion in FX reserves.

To make matters worse, in the aftermath of the sharp drop in oil price, made worse by falling production volumes in Nigeria, the monthly FX inflows into the bank dropped precipitously to less than US$700 million per month. Yet, the demand for FX from the market has continued to be about US$4.8 billion monthly.

"Given this situation, the CBN dealt with the supply side of the problem by allowing commensurate depreciation of the currency several times.

Having done this, and bearing in mind the devastating effects of significant depreciations on inflation, purchasing power, government debt service, financial system stability, fuels and energy prices, unbiased and reasonable people would agree that we also needed to do something with the demand side of the problem.

"Why exactly should we spend scarce FX resources paying for things we can produce here in Nigeria? I believe that only entrenched interests, who do not have the interests of ordinary Nigerians at heart, would want us to do so."

Speaking on the rationale behind the continuous exclusion of 41 items from the FX market, Emefiele who said the policy was basically borne out of necessity to conserve FX, urged policymakers across the country to pay attention to global trends and ensure that they reflect upon their strategy and thinking. Furthermore, he pointed out that there was the new realities of nationalist and populist sentiments sweeping across the world.

"It is on record that variants of this policy have proven to be highly effective in other climes and even here in Nigeria. For example, throughout the early days of South Korea’s economic renaissance, the government intermittently used excessively stiff tariffs, quantitative restrictions and prohibitive inland taxes to effectively ban many items with potential for high imports, and simultaneously, offered generous and subsidized loans to firms for export promotion causes. In fact, at some point, about 93 percent of total imports into

South Korea were subject to one or more such restrictions.”

Giving further explanation, the CBN governor said: "And here at home, this policy have been used to achieve significant sufficiency in cement, a product whose importation could have been costing us over US$3.2 billion in FX Reserves annually.

In effect, therefore, this policy needs to be supported not just in response to the pressure on the naira but as an opportunity to change the economy’s structure, resuscitate local manufacturing, and expand job creation for our citizens.

"Take rice imports, for example: why should we keep allocating scarce FX to rice importers when vast amounts of paddy rice of comparable quality produced by poor hardworking local farmers across the rice belts of Nigeria are wasted, and farmers are falling deeper into poverty while we export their jobs and income to rice producing nations.

"I am not unaware of the short-term pains we are all going through right now. But I urge you all to use it as an opportunity for us all to look inwards, diversify our economy, produce locally, and create jobs for our unemployed youths. We are a resilient and hardworking people.

"We definitely cannot survive as a people by importing everything and anything. Even when we disagree about the way forward, we need to treat each other with respect and fairness, and realize that together we are greater.”

Emefiele said CBN was acting in the best interests of ordinary Nigerians, regardless of the noise from the few entrenched interests whom the bank’s policies may be hurting.

"Let me also reiterate the central bank’s willingness, determination, and capacity to continue to meet all legitimate transaction-based FX demands in the market. I obviously cannot be of help to people or businesses who are into speculative FX demand. My promise instead to this group, whether foreign or local, is that the CBN will make sure they lose money!"

Emefiele therefore stressed the need for Nigerians, especially policy makers, to develop a sense of national consciousness in carrying out their duties.

He pointed out that with events such as the Brexit, issues surrounding the election of Donald Trump as the US President, as well as recent development in France and some other developed economies, there was need for Nigeria to now begin to look inward so as to harness its resources for national development.

IBB: WE MOOTED THE IDEA OF PDP RULING FOR 60 YEARS presence is being felt and will continue to be felt throughout the country. You need to work on getting up back again and find a solution to your problems.

“PDP’s presence is felt not only in Abuja or Lagos, but down to the lowest level. If you go to the grassroots, the ordinary man will talk about PDP; that is the asset the party has and should use to spring back to reckoning. Already, it is accepted and known. All you have to do is work harder and try to convince the people back to your fold,” he said.

A former PDP National Chairman, Col. Ahmadu Ali was the first to make public the proposed intention of the party to rule for 60 years. Ali was also known as the proponent of garrison politics in PDP. On the PDP having a military wing, Babangida said the membership of that wing included himself, Lt-General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General Aliyu Mohammed among others. ÙØÞÓØßÏÎ ÙØ ÚËÑÏ ͯͮ

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SUNDAY COMMENT

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

PDP AND THE ROAD TO PEACE It is in the country’s interest for the Peoples Democratic Party to put its house in order

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efore the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, delivered its recent decision on the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the expectation of many of the party leaders and members was that the ruling would resolve the main problem.

That optimism has turned out to be totally misplaced. Both the Ali Modu Sherriff and Ahmed Makarfi factions which had earlier committed to use the Court of Appeal decision as a road map to the unification and repositioning of the dominant opposition party have since reneged on this commitment. And having resumed full blown hostilities, the Makarfi faction has approached the Supreme Court for a final determination of the issues at stake.

It is indeed unfortunate that the crisis within the PDP has robbed the nation of a viable opposition party that could serve as a check on the ruling All Progressives Party (APC), especially at a period many Nigerians have been left practically stranded by the policies of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. Yet without an organised political platform to mobilise the people to apply pressure on the implementation of viable alternative policy options, democracy risks a slide into authoritarianism, traces of which are already emerging in the country.

For instance, multiple court rulings ordering the release on bail of a couple of high profile detainees have been routinely ignored by the federal government. Meanwhile, some federal agencies have virtually become law on to themselves without a whimper from anyone or group, including the usually vociferous civil society organisations (CSOs). It is unlikely that a government that is aware of the impact of the opposition’s views of its policies on the public would behave this way.

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Without an organised political platform to mobilise the people to apply pressure on the implementation of viable alternative policy options, democracy risks a slide into authoritarianism, traces of which are already emerging in the country

S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR TOKUNBO ADEDOJA DEPUTY EDITOR VINCENT OBIA, OLAWALE OLALEYE 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 ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

herefore, it is in the nation’s interest to have a viable opposition platform and the PDP, given its history and strong organisational hierarchy, is in the best stead to play this role. This is why we believe that critical stakeholders in the polity must be interested in helping the party to resolve its debilitating internal crisis.

The problem of the PDP arose from the subversion of its constitution by its leaders whose dictatorial tendencies undermined internal democracy in the party. With the benefit of state power for 16 years, its leaders developed a disposition that misled them into trampling on the democratic rights of members while acting as if they were above the law. Unfortunately, this culture of impunity has remained in spite of the loss of power about two years ago. This is why the decision of the Court of Appeal, which practically returned the party to status quo ante belum could not be implemented with both sides of the divide pretending not to understand the judgment.

Simply put, the Court of Appeal, in recognising Sheriff as the national chairman, restored the structure of the party as at the August 2016 botched national convention. This in our view means that all the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party as at that date retain their positions. The challenge for many of the party leaders, however, is that Sheriff who was brought in by the governors before they realised their mistake has made it clear that he will dictate the terms of settlement.

Interestingly and understandably, the Sheriff faction that is favoured by the court of appeal is also not comfortable with the judgment, obviously because of the political implications for some of its officials who would have to step down. Yet what is not in doubt is that there is need for the PDP to quickly put its house in order for the task of taking up the mantle of providing a viable opposition to the ruling party.

While we hope that the Supreme Court will come to the rescue of the PDP by making a final declaration on the status of Sheriff, the road to permanent peace remains fidelity to the constitution of the party. That is where the PDP needs to mend its ways.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

WHO IS AFTER JOHNSON SULEIMAN?

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postle Johnson Suleiman has been in the news recently.

His travails started when he touched the proverbial tail of the poisonous snake. He remains one of the men of God who have openly condemned the pogrom in Southern Kaduna and the dastardly activities of the rampaging Fulani herdsmen nationwide. He made a statement in line with s.33 (2a) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended, which empowers every citizen to defend his life and property against any unlawful violence. I wonder if those killed in Southern Kaduna had hands to defend themselves.

Why should somebody fold his hands and wait for his assailant to unjustly take his life, even if his religion preaches peace? What did the chief security officer of Kaduna State who happens to be the governor do when the first citizen was

killed in Southern Kaduna? What did he do when the death toll rose to five, 10,100 and later approached 1000? Catholic Church gave a mind-boggling figure concerning the Kaduna killings. Recently, there were reports of how all the soldiers guarding a particular section of Southern Kaduna went to refresh when attackers invaded a village and you want people like me to still believe that there is no voice of Jacob and hand of Esau in that arrangement?

Meanwhile, immediately Apostle Suleiman spoke against the pogrom targeted against the Christian community both in Southern Kaduna and elsewhere, the first thing was the failed ‘abduction’ of the man of God in Ekiti State but thank God there was Governor Fayose who does not tolerate any nonsense.

Expectedly, Fayose came for his rescue. Thereafter Apostle Johnson

Suleiman was invited to the DSS Office Abuja and for followers of political happenings in our country under this administration, Suleiman was supposed to be held in custody till DSS secured a court order to permanently keep him like Nnamdi Kanu, Sambo Dasuki and Ibrahim Zakzaky, the minority Shia muslim cleric, but when they saw the religion tension building up ,Apostle Johnson Suleiman was released after some hours of interrogation at DSS headquarters.

In this administration, no charge against any opponent is complete without a treason charge. This is an administration that if your name does not contain Ibrahim, Mohammed, et cetera, forget any juicy appointment.

Will perceptive political and religious analysts be surprised with the recent allegation against Apostle Johnson Suleiman? Since

he could not be held permanently in custody over a statement he made against pogrom targeted against the Christian community, will his reputation be spared? The next strategy now is for a lady to come from the blues with a spurious allegation against Suleiman aimed at tarnishing the image of the man of God the same way we were told that Nnamdi Kanu was caught in the hotel with a lady.

Unfortunately for the organisers of that allegation, the wife of the man of God who was supposed to be the first person to raise an eyebrow has come out to defend her husband and still challenged the lady and her sponsors to release more ‘photoshopped’ pictures, assuring that such move would be counterproductive as she knows her husband of 19 years.

You can see that the organisers of the allegation have failed in their primary target. It is now

over to the Christian community and other perceptive minds to know where the sponsors of this allegation are coming from.

If the organisers of this allegation were professional, they would at least have waited for some time to pass before coming out with this spurious allegation. It is like releasing some Chibok girls the same week Nigerians were polarised over the DSS invasion of our judges’ residences and giving the glory to DSS hence those against the raid on our judges were overwhelmed by the euphoria associated with the release of the few Chibok girls; but what surprised me later was that any other release was ascribed to our soldiers and not the DSS. That might be a coincidence anyway, but my late father always told us that some coincidences might not be coincidental.

Dr Paul John, Port Harcourt

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SUNDAYNEWS

News Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă—ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă?

E-mail: Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă—ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă‹Ë›Ă‹Ă•Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă?̜ÞÒÓĂ?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͸΀͸ͺ͚͚͝Ϳ͞͝Π̙Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁĚš

Nigerians Mourn Generals Adebayo, Ogbemudia as Icons of History t Tinubu, Oyegun, others pay tributes Abimbola Akosile, Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË, Victor Ogunje Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÕÓÞÓ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Adibe Emeyonu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜

Nigerians from all walks of life have continued to mourn the passage of former Military Governor of Western Region, General (rtd) Robert Adeyinka Adebayo and former Governor of then Bendel State, BrigadierGeneral (rtd) Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, with the death of both national icons described as the creation of a big vacuum in the nation’s history.

General Adebayo died on Wednesdayattheageof89,while Brig-General Ogbemudia died

on Thursday night at the age of 84,withcallsforimmortalisation and state burials for the elder statesmen.

In a condolence message in Ado-Ekiti signed by Governor Ayodele Fayose, he said Ekiti peoplewouldneverforgetthelate Generalforhisloveforthemand for epitomising the great virtues of an Ekiti person. “General Adeyinka Adebayo was truly an Ekiti man. He was not a bigot and never allowed politicalconsiderationstobecloud hissenseoffairness,honesty,and boldness in the face of daunting obstacles. “Hewouldalwayscallaspadea spadeandwouldnotmindwhose

ox is gored. Despite the political differences between me and his son, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, he was forthright in commending oureffortsatdevelopingthestate, even though we are among the least financially buoyant. He would not allow sentiments to sway his sense of judgment and was a true father to all. “He will be sorely missed by Ekiti people and Nigerians in general, but we are consoled that he was fulfilled in life and lived up to old age. The good people of Ekiti State sympathise with his immediate family,� he said.

Fayosealsosaidhisadministration would uphold the legacies of the late General. He stated this

yesterday in Ikeja, Lagos, when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased.

InastatementbyhisChiefPress Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, Governor Fayose said the late General was a man of many parts who wielded power with humility. “One can imagine the enormous power he wielded as the governor of the old Western State comprising Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti and Ondo states.

He left many legacies and we will uphold them. Baba lived a life well spent and it is not that we are mourning him, but we are celebrating his life.�

The governor also called on the family to let the Ekiti State Government know the update

MAKING NIGERIA PROUD Nigerian graduands from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme in a group

photograph with Director, Maritime Safety and Security Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Danjuma Mika’il Dauda, (3rd from right); Coordinator of the African and Asian affairs of the Arab Academy in Egypt, Prof. Alsnosy Balbaa; the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services of NIMASA Mr. Gambo Ahmed (in white), with the Coordinator of NSDP scheme, Victor Egejuru and Mrs. Aisha Salisu of the NSDP in NIMASA during the seafarers’ graduation ceremony from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria, Egypt...recently

NIMASA Maritime Capacity Programme: 130 Nigerian Youths Graduate in Egypt Abimbola Akosile The Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), an initiative of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has once again graduated 130 cadets from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria, Egypt.

Thisfeathasfurtherincreased the pool of Seafarers in the sector as it brings to a total number of 1,045 graduates from the NSDP project, representing 42 per cent graduates of the over 2,500 NIMASA-sponsored beneficiaries.

Disclosing this at the graduation ceremony in Egypt, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside noted that NIMASA sponsored over 2,500 aspiring cadets to the best maritimeinstitutionsaroundthe worldincludingEgypt,Romania, ThePhilippines,UnitedKingdom as well as India.

Giving a breakdown, he said 226 graduated from the Arab AcademyinEgypt,76fromSouth Tyneside, Newcastle in England while 743 graduated from various partner Universities in The Philippines,accordingtoarelease issued by the Head, Corporate Communications of NIMASA, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi.

TheDirectorGeneralwhowas represented at the event by the Executive Director, Maritime LabourandCabotageServicesof theAgency,Mr.GamboAhmed congratulated the graduands whohadtheirdegreesinvarious maritimerelateddisciplinesranging from marine transport and logistics,nauticalengineeringand enjoinedthemtobringtobearthe knowledge acquired to improve on the fortunes of the Nigerian maritime industry.

The Director General further disclosed that the school has offered to partner NIMASA in providing sea time training for thegraduatingstudentsandother

NSDP graduands from other schools,whichhashithertobeen achallenge.This,henoted,would furthercomplementtheagency’s other efforts in getting sea time training for graduate cadets.

Dakuku added that NIMASA is also exploring other avenues to enrich the NSDP programme and reiterated that the impact of the programme would be felt worldover,asNigeriawouldsoon start exporting Seafarers like the Philippines and other reputable maritime nations. This, he said, will reduce unemployment in thecountryandattractthemuch needed foreign exchange.

The graduands were full of appreciation for the opportunity granted them to excel by NIMASAandpledgedtousethe knowledgeacquired toenhance the Nigerian maritime sector.

SpeakingwiththeCoordinator ofNSDPscheme,VictorEgejuru, Deputy Director, Maritime Labour in NIMASA, the youths thanked the government of

President Muhammadu Buhari and Management of NIMASA for the opportunity given them toprogressintheirchosencareer and in growing capacity in the maritime sector.

Inattendanceattheeventwere theDirector,MaritimeSafetyand Security Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Danjuma Mika’ilDauda;Mrs.AishaSalisu oftheNIMASANSDPTeam,and Coordinator of the African and Asian affairs of the Arab Academy, Prof. Alsnosy Balbaa, who tutored the NSDP students.

TheNSDPinitiativewasfloated

by NIMASA in 2008 to curb the dearth of trained and certified seafarers in the country which wasidentifiedasanimpediment to Nigeria’s robust participation intheglobalshippingbusiness.It is expected that the programme wouldbridgetheknowledgegap andenhancetheeconomicbenefit of the sector as well as place the countryintheleagueofadvanced maritime nations.

on the burial arrangements.

Sonofthedeceased,whoisalso the first civilian governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, in hisremarks,describedGovernor Fayose as “Omo Baba� (Daddy’s son), saying Fayose and his late father had a good rapport. “When I was welcoming you, I described you as ‘Omo Baba’ because in fairness to you, you had a great rapport with our late Dad. Anytime Baba was in Ekiti you were always there for him.

Hereallyappreciatedthosekind gestures. Like you rightly said, the burial of Baba is not going to be a political affair. Baba was apoliticalandIassureyouthatwe as a family are happy to give our Babatheduehedeserved.Wewill put up the committees and your nominees will be there,� he said.

Also, the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, country home of late Adebayo, ObaAdemolaAjakaiyedescribed hisdemiseasacolossallosstothe community.

Oba Ajakaiye extolled the virtues of the late patriarch of the Adebayo family, describing thelateAdebayoasa“patriot,nationalistandgreatNigerianwho was one of the oldest surviving Generals of the Nigerian army�. “He created Ekiti into four divisions in Ekiti, South, Central, North and West, with Ado as the capital. Because of this step, Ekiti was able to develop rapidly in all rounds rather than merely developingasadivision.Thisgave birth to further development. “He was a very disciplined man as a military man. Former president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) was his AidedeCamp.PresidentBuhari also worked with him, so did Danjuma�, the monarch added.

FormermemberoftheHouseof RepresentativesandnativeofIyin Ekiti, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, described General Adebayo as the pioneer of modern Ekiti.

BamidelesaidthelateGeneral wasinstrumentaltothedevelopmentofEkitiinallspheres,saying he shall be sorely missed by his people.

Also, amember of the seventh House of Representatives, Hon BamideleFaparusi,hassaidwith the death of General Adebayo, Nigeria has against lost one of its finest and patriotic statesmen, who see the country as a project that must thrive and survive.

Faparusi, in a condolence message to the deceased’s family, particularly his first son and former Governor of Ekiti State, OtunbaNiyiAdebayo,appealed to the Ekiti State government to name a historic monument after the late retired soldier.

The APC chieftain and governorship aspirant said the country won’t forget the enormous contributions of the elder statesman to the survival of the Nigerian nation, in view of his sterling and gallant dispositions during the civil war that shook thecountry’sfoundationforthree years. Another chieftain of the APC and senatorial aspirant in Ekiti State, Mr. Olusegun Osinkolu,alsocalledonEkitiState government to immortalise the

late military governor of the Old Western region.

Osinkolu, in a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday, said the state government must name a befitting monument in memory of the late elder statesman to immortalisehim“forhisenormous contributions in building Ekiti and Nigeria of our dream.�

The APC chieftain added that General Adebayo could be regarded as the architect of modernEkiti,takingcognisance ofhiscontributionsinprovisions of infrastructure across the state during his reign as the military governor of the Western Region.

Adebayo’s kinsmen have also expressedregretathisresidence, where condolences register had been opened in Irepodun/Ifeodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State that he died when the preparationsforhis89thbirthday was already in top gear, billed to hold Thursday.

However, when journalists visited Adebayo Estate in the town,sympathiserswerealready trooping in to condole with the family.

Meanwhile, the government of Edo State has announced opened a condolence register at theGovernmentHouseinBenin CityforlateDr.Ogbemudiawho passed on last Friday.

Edogovernmentinastatement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki (interim), said interested people in the state can send in their condolences on the passing on of the late Brigadier General (rtd).

Accordingtothestatement,the registerwouldbeopenfrom8am to 4pm for seven days starting fromMarch10attheGovernment HouseinBeninCityaswellasall the 18 local governments across the state. Besides, the statement said the condolence register will remain open on Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile,formerLagosState governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,hasdescribedlateGeneral Ogbemudiaasaveryprofessional and disciplined military officer.

He praised Ogbemudia’s record of infrastructural development as governor of old Mid-western region, saying it was still being appreciated and talked about till today.

Inhiscondolencemessageover the passing of the retired general issued by his media office weekend in Lagos, the APC National Leadersaid:“Ireceivedthenews of the death of former military governor of old Midwest Region and ex-governor of Bendel State - now Delta and Edo states - Gen. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia (CON), on Thursday March 9, at 11 pm, early Friday morning. “Though we never wish that our elders leave us even at an advanced age, General Ogbemudia lived to the age of 84. We are not to mourn his death, but celebrate his life and times. Gen. Ogbemudia was a very professional and disciplined military officer. He played a strategic leadership role in liberating the Midwest region from the hands of the Biafra troops.’

T H I S D AY SUNDAY MARCH 12, 2017

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

NEWS Herdsmen AttackBenueCommunity,Kill10 George Okoh in Makurdi

After over one month of relative calm, suspected herdsmen have attacked a community in Benue State, killing 10 persons in Mkgovur village in Buruku local government area.

THISDAY gathered that the crisis, which erupted last Friday has forced many in Buruku and neighbouring Gboko local government area to flee their homes for fear of being killed.

According to an eyewitness, “It all started on Friday when the herdsmen forcefully entered our village to graze on farmland but were resisted by our youths. They left only to mobilise and storm our village in their numbers shooting sporadically and chasing everyone from their houses.”

“As we speak about 10

people have been killed while many are still unaccounted for this is just as our entire community and neighbouring villages have all been deserted,” the eye witness added.

When contacted, the Benue state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Garus Gololo, said the invaders were not indigenous Fulani, adding, “they came from Taraba and went to Mkgovur village on Friday but were resisted by the villagers.”

Gololo, who could not ascertain the number of casualties said, “It is our agreement now that any Fulani man not known to any host community should not be allowed to stay in any community in Benue, so when the herders entered Mkgovur village they were resisted, I think that was what provoked

them to invade the village this (yesterday) morning.”

Also, when contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Moses Yamu, who confirmed the attack said, “Last Friday a report was received from the Ardo of Fulani in Buruku that some youths in the area attacked and inflicted machete cuts on two cows while grazing thereby scattering the rest into the bushes in Benewura at Binev council ward.

“The Police Area Commander alongside the Divisional Police Officer in the area visited the scene and appealed to the parties to desist from any crisis.

Same day the Vigilante Commander in the area brought to the Police station one Tyowon Terkuma of Tse-Iwa Mbalagh in Tombo ward, who was reported

to have been injured by herdsmen, whose cattle were trying to enter his farm.

“He was rushed to the hospital where he was treated and discharged the same day.

Unfortunately at the noon of Saturday, we had reports that Tiv youths from neighbouring Tongur in Katsina/Ala allegedly attacked a Fulani camp and scattered their cow at Dogo Tombo in Buruku.

“The DPO led men to the area where three persons with machete were rushed to the General Hospital in Gboko for treatment but one of the injured died on the way”, the police spokesman added.

Yamu said more Police personnel have been deployed to the area to restore calm and also prevent an escalation of the crisis.

IGP Orders Probe of Hausa-Yoruba Clash in Ile-Ife Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abubakar Idris has ordered probe of the communal clash which occurred recently between Yoruba and Hausa in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The IGP has appointed the Commissioner in charge of Military Police at the force headquarters Abuja, Hammed

Bello to head the probe panel instituted by the police.

The probe panel, according to police source, is to look into both immediate and remote causes of the clash in the ancient town of Ile Ife and its finding will be submitted to the police authorities for appropriate action so as to prevent future occurrence of the incident.

Bello has consequently

arrived Osun State on a factfinding mission on the incident.

The acting commissioner of Police in the state, Abubakar Koji conducted the panel team round the scene of the incident The team is expected to visit leaders of both Yoruba and Hausa communities in Ile Ife is well pay visit on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in his palace as well as other

stakeholders in the city.

The Command Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Folasade Odoro confirmed the arrival of Bello in the state. She said the visit was aimed at ensuring that the incident does not repeat itself and work out how peace shall reign between Yoruba and Hausas in the town in particular, the state and Nigeria in general.

KadunaAirport:NEMADeploys RescueHelicopter,3MICU AmbulancesforEmergencyOperations Kasim Sumaina in Abuja To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it has joined other stakeholders by deploying a rescue helicopter, three Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulances and three Rapid Intervention Vehicles to support emergency situations in Kaduna State, following the closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

NEMA disclosed that the helicopter is to be used for medical patrol while the three MICU ambulances with the Rapid Intervention Vehicles are stationed along Jere and

Katari Towns, Kaduna-Abuja road and Kaduna International Airport.

This was contained in a statement by the agency’s Head of Media and Public relations, Sani Datti and made available to the press weekend in Abuja.

According to the release, “the MICU ambulances are used to administer first aid treatment and stabilisation for trauma victims on their way to the hospital as it serves as a mobile hospital with the capacity to carry one critical and one less critical victim. The Rapid Intervention Vehicles are used for Search and Rescue, fight fire rapidly and extrication of victims trapped in accident vehicles or collapsed structures.”

Olam Wins 2016 Merit Award Olam Nigeria recently added another feather to her cap after winning the National Productivity Order of Merit award (NPOM) for the year 2016. The event, which took place at the Nicon Luxury Hotel Abuja, was chaired by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo GCON. Shaibu Mohammed, national sales manager rice representing Olam received the award on behalf of the company. The award which was in recognition of Olam’s tenacity, ingenuity and impact in bridging the gap in Nigeria’ rice production in the year 2016 originates from the stable of the National Productivity Centre. The event is held annually as National Productivity Day to celebrate lofty achievements and innovations of individuals and organisations in the public and private sector. Also present at the event was Minister of Employment Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, and other notable dignitaries.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍšÍşËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

NEWS Convention: APC Leadership to Meet Buhari, N/Assembly Caucus Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The ruling All Progressives Congress has stepped up preparation for its national convention scheduled for April 29 following the return of President Muhammadu Buhari to the country last Friday. APC had mulled over plans to hold its National Executive Committee meeting and state congresses preparatory to the convention in April, but the actual implementation of the idea was kept in abeyance pending the return of Buhari, whose presence at the event was considered significant.

THISDAY gathered at the weekend that the APC National Working Committee had scheduled separate meetings with Buhari and members of the National Assembly caucus of the party to discuss modalities for the convention. It would be the APC’s first national convention since it beat the Peoples Democratic Party to win the presidency in 2015.

A reliable source in the presidency told THISDAY that the APC leadership had made moves to have a meeting with the president, who is still recuperating since returning from his medical vacation. Buhari had gone to London for a 10-day

NFPAWA Partners Lagos to Tackle Building Collapse A group, NFPAWA has entered into strategic partnership with Lagos State Safety Commission, (LSSC) as it holds a conference this May to tackle the myriad challenges confronting the construction industry.

The conference billed to hold at the Oriental Hotels, Lagos is themed ‘Sustainable Macro Economic Development: The Safety Perspectives’ and it seeks to draw attention to core safety and professionalism issues in the construction sector to enhance growth and sustainability in the economy; from design through construction and maintenance Speaking at a recent press conference, the group’s Chairman, Femi Young explained that the whole essence of the gathering was to put an end to high incidence of accidental building collapse which had almost become a trend in the society.

Young blamed the menace of building collapse on a whole lot of factors which can be captured in unprofessionalism, corruption and violation of safety rules and standards.

While he acknowledged that there were laws guiding construction activities in the country, the snag lies in proper enforcement of the law as he said government needs not leave any stone unturned in this area to put an end to the scourge.

He said, “for instance, take a look at the case of Lekki Gardens, yet we have the Lagos state Building Control Agency (LABSCA) and new town development. It’s either something was wrong with the law and its enforcement agent or there are no compliance from the builder. On Lekki Gardens, if LABSCA gave the approval, then its qualifications are questionable.�

medical leave starting January 19, which was later extended.

The source said the party would have visited the president in London to consult him on the possibility of going ahead with plans for the national convention, but the leaders later rescinded the idea, as some of them thought it could be misconstrued to mean that Buhari was being undermined.

According to the source, the president, being a critical stakeholder in the affairs of the party, the leadership believes it is necessary to give him the opportunity to be at the NEC meeting and, subsequently, the national convention. “The party leadership will be meeting with the National Assembly members next week to consult with them and it will also

have to consult with Mr. President. We do not want people to start misinterpreting our actions to mean that we do not want to carry the president along,� the source said.

By the constitution of APC, a mid-term convention is only used to adopt and rectify decisions taken during the NEC meeting as well as issues relating to constitutional amendments.

It is not meant to elect national officers of the party.

The leadership of APC has said that it would push a motion to restructure the Board of Trustees, to convert it to “Elders Forum� and prune it down to about half its current size. The move has elicited mixed reactions from party stakeholders, some of who see it as an attempt to edge out some leaders of the

party and whittle down the influence of others.

THISDAY learnt that the matter could not be conclusively resolved at a recent meeting of the NWC, hence the decision to consult more widely.

According to a top party source, who was at the NWC meeting, lack of consensus by the committee forced the meeting to defer definite action on most of the issues until further consultations with stakeholders of the party are done.

It was learnt that the party’s leadership considered the meeting with Buhari very critical to the choice of dates and agenda for the NEC meeting.

Earlier in the month, the national chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other members of the NWC had met

with the party’s governors to harmonise their thoughts on how to refocus the party and achieve the goals set for the midterm convention. The meeting also discussed the situations in some of the state chapters. It was agreed that an effective conflict resolution mechanism will be put in place to stem the tide of internal dissension and resolve existing issues.

Worried by the spectre of internal squabbles, and as part of preparation for the non-elective national convention expected to hold not later than April, the NWC decided to set up committees to resolve all outstanding issues. This was to enable the party go to the convention as a united front.

The source stated, “The committees will be made up of

senior members of the party and some members of the National Executive Committee. They will have the mandate to investigate all issues with a view to finding a lasting solution and reconciling members in the affected states. “In the interim, the party has directed that where actions have been taken and disciplinary measures applied, state chapters should be strictly guided by the relevant provisions of the party’s constitution on disciplinary procedures. “Therefore, where those actions have been taken in breach of the processes and procedures that are laid down in the party’s constitution, such actions should be reversed and the status quo maintained pending the intervention of the peace and reconciliation committees.�r

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ÍŻÍ°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ Ëž THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

OPINION The Rage of Natives Bisi Olawunmi arguesthatrationality,notemotion,shouldguideNigeria’sreactiontoSouthAfricans’xenophobia

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n the past few days, South Africans’ resurgent violent attacks on foreigners, particularly Nigerians, have been major news item in the Nigerian media and threatening Nigeria-South Africa relations. Nigerian youths, who have been largely docile on the many pains inflicted on the Nigerian people by a capricious elite, suddenly got their adrenalin worked up enough to demonstrate in Abuja against South African business interests in the country, targeting its most visible asset – MTN, the telecom giant.

Xenophobic attack is an extreme, violent manifestation of nativity angst about foreigners when institutions of state fail to proactively address fears of indigenes. Xenophobia is generally not spontaneous, but rather a product of simmering resentment. So, what are the lingering resentments of South Africans which find expression in repeated violence against foreigners? Perhaps, we need to start with definition of terms to put matters in contextual balance. To citizens of host countries, calling non citizens ‘foreigners’ is a generic, cosmetic flavouring of a stark reality – the reality that such non citizens who are generally engaged in informal trade and small businesses are simply economic refugees or economic irritants. Who can be expected to be accommodating of irritants ? Such perception shapes relationships. The issue is: What will make someone leave what normally should be his/her natural comfort zone – the native homeland - in search of greener pastures if not for economic deprivations and unfulfilled aspirations at home?

In the recurring episodes of xenophobic attacks by South Africans against foreigners, and particularly those from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, DR Congo, Pakistan, two charges have endured – economic ascendancy of and drug trade/prostitution by the foreigners.

While many of the commentaries in the media by Nigerians on the xenophobic attacks have a nationalist fervor against so-called ingrate South Africans ignoring Nigeria’s sacrifices in liberating them from the shackles the racist Apartheid regime, two critical areas have been largely ignored or glossed over. One is the failure of public governance in both Nigeria and South Africa that has left masses of their people marooned in poverty. For instance, given the economic endowments of Nigeria, Nigerians should not be economic refugees in other lands but for the mindless looting of its public treasury by an unconscionable elite, that has led to stunted economic growth thereby forcing thousands of its citizens to flee the land in search of

economic refuge abroad. For the South African government, making scapegoats of foreigners by its citizens for their economic woes is convenient as it diverts attention from its failure to deliver on the good life promise of Black majority rule. The other xenophobic trigger is the seeming lack of humility by prospering foreigners seen as putting on airs and being denigrating in relating with their hosts. A mix of aggressive, rich foreigners and pauperised indigenes is a recipe for violent eruptions by the natives. Xenophobia, the South African brand, is also a repudiation of globalisation that preaches tolerance of migration/mobility of labour, capital and innovation to any part of the world to generate maximum returns. The natives are demanding localisation – South Africa for South Africans - and telling the strutting foreigners to let charity begin in their home countries ! That is the crux of the matter. The victory of Donald Trump as American president in the November 8, 2016 general election is seen as Xenophobia by Ballot! Isn’t it ironical that such virulent anti-foreigner sentiment should be exhibited in a country of immigrants and a leading proponent of globalisation? It indicates times are changing, with an undercurrent to reverse globalisation and the return of nationalist sentiments.

Another sticking point is the association of foreigners with escalating crime in South Africa. Foreigners have been accused of importing violent crime, drugs and prostitution into South Africa, with many fingers pointing at Nigerians. This perhaps explains why South African President, Jacob Zuma, described the violent attacks as anti-crime

What will make someone leave what normally should be his/her natural comfort zone – the native homeland - in search of greener pastures if not for economic deprivations and unfulďŹ lled aspirations at home?

protests and not anti-foreigners’ xenophobia. If crime surge seems to accompany immigrants’ influx, can South Africans be honestly blamed if they linked the two developments? There could also be the sense of entitlement among Nigerians in South Africa given the huge sacrifices Nigeria made in the struggle to dismantle the racist Apartheid regime. Even an intellectual, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, a professor of International Relations, could not resist the notion of Nigerians deserving special treatment by South Africans. In his Sunday, February 26, 2017 column in THISDAY newspaper he had declared : “South Africans can be hostile to foreigners but Nigerians ought to be an exception‌South Africans, no matter their grievances , cannot have any legitimate animosity vis-Ă -vis Nigeria and its people who did what was humanly , financially, educationally, materially, diplomatically and culturally possible to support the liberation of black South Africans from the shackles of domination of segregationist white South Africansâ€?. The danger here is that such attitude could unwittingly induce arrogance among Nigerians in South Africa which can be offensive to the sensitivities of indigenes. When such perceived arrogant foreigners are linked with crimes, it creates a volatile situation. Prof. Akinterinwa pointed out that even where allegations of drug peddling and prostitution are levelled against Nigerians, it is for the police to tackle. That was the point made by the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mngulu, that police ineptitude in handling the allegations led the people to engage in self help.

The reality of Nigeria-South Africa economic relations is that Nigeria cannot flex the muscle of reciprocity – reprisal against South African companies here will create job losses for Nigerians and as such counter-productive. Rationality, not emotion, should guide Nigeria’s reaction to South Africans’ xenophobia. We need to educate our people on proper conduct in foreign lands and have our embassies document allegations against and convictions of Nigerians in the Diaspora to empirically establish the justification or otherwise of their criminal tag. That Nigerians abroad don’t want to return home, in spite of the attacks they suffer, is the shame of a nation. ––Dr. Olawunmi, Senior Lecturer, Bowen University, Iwo is former Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria.

China and The African Expectation China will speed up the industrialisation process in Africa, writes Zhou Pingjian

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eginning in every March, China’s mainstream media buzz around one word: Lianghui, or the “two sessions� if we translate it into English. The two sessions refers to the annual sessions of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee. As China’s most important annual political events, the two sessions are an important window for foreign friends to observe China and its politics.

What are NPC and CPPCC? The system of people’s congresses is the fundamental political system of China. The constitution of China prescribes that all power of the state belongs to the people. The National People’s Congress and local people’s congresses at all levels are the organs through which the people exercise state power. According to the constitution, the NPC exercises more than a dozen functions and powers, including formulating and revising the constitution and supervising its implementation; enacting and revising basic laws and other laws of the state; electing the president and vice-president of China, president of the Supreme People’s Court and procurator-general of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate; examining and approving the plan for national economic and social development, the state budget and the report on its implementation, etc.

The CPPCC National Committee is China’s top political advisory body. It is composed of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), other political parties, mass organisations, different ethnic groups and representative public personages from all walks of life, representatives of compatriots of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao as well as of returned overseas Chinese and other specially invited people. The system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC is a basic political system in China. China is a country of many ethnic groups and many political parties. Before the state adopts important measures or makes decisions on issues having a bearing on the national economy and the people’s livelihood, full consultation among representative figures from different quarters is conducted in order to strengthen the unity and cooperation, so that the policies, regulations and laws taken by the state are adequate and wellprepared, in conformity with the demands and wishes of the great majority of the people and in due respect to the rational ideas of the minority.

What takes place during the two sessions?

More than 5,000 NPC deputies and members of CPPCC National Committee attend the sessions. Foremost, the central government will reveal its annual work report, which includes the

conclusion of the government’s work in the past year, the outlook of the government’s work for the current year, an evaluation of diplomatic relations as well as information on the defence budget and other major policies. The NPC and CPPCC members divide into groups to discuss the report after it has been delivered in the conferences. NPC deputies can submit motions, which are legally binding once adopted, while members of the CPPCC National Committee can only put forward no-binding proposals.

The government’s work report will chart the course of China’s diplomacy generally this year. NPC deputies and members of CPPCC National Committee will also deliberate on China’s diplomacy, during which process they will contribute their insights and wisdom to China’s diplomacy. There are two high-profile press conferences during the two sessions, when the Premier and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will meet the media.

They will review China’s foreign relations in the past one year and elaborate the main diplomatic tasks this year, from which we will get the main message of the outlook of China-Africa relations.

This year’s two sessions will be the first national assembly following a major political meeting in October last year, the 6th Plenum of the 18th CPC Central Committee in October last year at which Xi Jinping was endorsed as “the core�of the Central Committee of the CPC. The 19th CPC National Congress to be held in the second half of this year will elect new party leadership and draw a blueprint for the future socialist construction.

The two sessions will be eyed as a platform for preparation for the Congress. Meanwhile, China achieved a good start last year in its full implementation of its 13th Five-Year Plan on National Economic and Social Development (2016-2020). Under this context, this year’s two sessions are in the spotlight globally.

What Africa can expect from this year’s two sessions?

Firstly, more confidence in China’s economy. China registered 6.7% GDP growth rate in 2016 against a sluggish global economy, lower than the previous several years, but tops all other major economies. IMF’s World Economic Outlook shows that China contributed 39% of global economic growth last year. Rapid growth in China has been a sustained, powerful engine for global economic stability and expansion. China created more than 13 million urban jobs, lifted more than 12 million rural residents out of poverty and attracted more than $130 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2016.

Today’s China has become world’s second largest economy, second largest source of FDI, largest goods trading country, largest tourist market and largest trading partner of more than 120 countries and regions. Thanks to years of rapid development,

China has laid a solid material foundation, and its economy is hugely resilient and has enormous potential and ample room for growth.

More notably, China has made remarkable progress in supplyside structural reform, upgrading its economy to higher end of the value chain. Service sector accounts for 51.6% of its GDP, and technology-intensive industries are expanding quickly. “Made in China� is being transformed into “Created in China�.

Secondly, more opportunities for Africa. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang emphasised in the government’s work report on March 5, “China will oppose protectionism in all forms and guide economic globalisation toward more inclusiveness, mutual benefit, justice and equity. China will elevate its cooperation with developing countries and provide constructive plans to resolve global and regional hotspot issues.�

For 2016 alone, China made $170.1 billion outbound direct investment (ODI) and Chinese tourists made over 120 million overseas visits. Africa is among the main destinations of China’s investment and tourists.

Since China is advancing its supply-side structural reform, there is a growing need for China to relocate its overcapacity externally, while Africa is resolving its undercapacity assiduously. This is an unprecedented opportunity for China and Africa to synergise their development strategies and make Africa’s long-cherished industrialisation dream come true.

In May this year, China will host in Beijing the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which aims to discuss ways to boost cooperation, build cooperation platforms and share cooperation outcomes. The forum will emphasise on openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, on connectivity and interconnected development and on innovative development to tap potential driving forces and contribute to the well-being of people around the world. China’s development achievements cannot be made without its passion to embrace globalisation. China’s opening door will not close. We will open our arms to the people of other countries and welcome them aboard the express train of China’s development.

Thirdly, more hard work for China-Africa cooperation. Since the Johannesburg Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2015, the outcomes have been implemented in a swift and all-round way. Nearly half of the $ 60 billion funding support that China pledged to Africa has been disbursed or arranged. The Abuja-Kaduna Railway has been completed and ground has been broken for the Lagos-Ibadan’s. –––Dr. Pingjian is Ambassador of China to Nigeria (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

LETTERS A Nation of Prodigal Leadership

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igeria’s leadership, at every crossroads of our political history, has been largely underwhelming in the task of nationbuilding and provision of sophisticated infrastructure. Ours is a tragic nation, bogged down by the prodigality of our leaders.

The best that leadership offers here is tokenism in terms of commitment to real development, adequate security of lives and property, and genuine welfare of the people.

Those who are saddled with the responsibility of leading us to El-Dorado are habitually corrupt and have consistently and unconscionably mismanaged our commonwealth.

They are either building monuments to madness in or outside Nigeria, or stashing money stolen from our public treasury in foreign banks. They are propelled by the need to assure their sadistic ego, which thrives on the vain assumption that, by cornering our patrimony, they would have secured the economic future of the next three to four generations of their children.

How callous!

We came to this sorry pass because of the retrogressive mode that leadership has assumed, ad infinitum, since independence in 1960. And, to be sure, the tragedy of our nation is the persistent fail-

Buhari

ure of leadership that has been egregiously foisted on us by a successive cohort of military-political elite for the preservation of their enlightened self-interests.

It is emblematic that Nigeria has suffered mindless mismanagement in the hands of consecutive leaderships; whereas, leadership, as exemplified by the state, is a critical element in development administration. But Nigeria has not been lucky to have the right kind of leaders that could galvanise sustainable economic growth and sophisticated infrastructure development for the overall national good.

That our country has been muddling through for all of 56 years, unable

to utilise her huge petrodollars and tap her diverse natural resources for development of a strong and robust economy is heartbreaking commentary about the rudderless leadership that has sorely afflicted us. And the fact that we have not been able to reverse the trend, as a people, is reason we have been in a vicious cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.

Rather than stand up, as a collective, to save our nation, we engage in a divisive game of appropriating opportunities to either join the cabalistic leadership or seek refuge in the corridors of power where those with the intellectual capacities and integrity capital to reengi-

neer governance and bring about accountable and transparent leadership are sufficiently compromised and come out of power, eventually diminished, with their tails in between their legs. This is sad.

The shame of our nation is our collective shame. Corruption has since become Nigeria’s moniker. This is unfortunate. We are loathed globally. And, sadly, we perpetrate it against ourselves. As if bewitched, we competitively rape our commonwealth for personal aggrandisement.

We adulate criminals who should be punished for betraying the public trust. We are, no doubt, beside ourselves to accord recognition to plunderers of the public till. There is no way we could have made progress with this kind of conservative and crude mindset.

Little wonder, the aggregate flowing cash at the disposal of corrupt public office holders, both former and serving, as being contemplated, could even be more than that of the country. If this is the reality, it cannot be anything else other than sheer lunacy. And, this verily explains why, over the years, sophisticated infrastructure has not been built. Our nation is still struggling to solve the basic questions of provision of good roads, wellequipped health centres,

PEACE CORPS AND ITS TRADUCERS

I

t is indeed becoming increasingly glaring that the enemies of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) are getting more desperate and bolder with the passage of each day, deploying everything in their arsenal to ensure that its survival is atrophied. In this demonic quest, no amount of lie is considered too ‘expensive’ to peddle against the corps, so much so that even some respected media houses have lent their support to these purveyors of ‘heresy’ against the corps.

Reading through some of these cheap lies that are being recycled about PCN, it is obvious even to a drooling imbecile that they are simply voices of Jacob, but the hands obviously belong to Esau (read enemies of the corps).

Some of these publications (nay editorials) in question are simply a rehash of the baseless allegations levelled against the corps by the police, which had earlier been appropriately responded to in the national dailies.

The truth is that most of the purveyors of this recycled falsehood against the corps are either not properly briefed on the core mandates of the corps or they simply decided to pander to the inordinate wishes of the enemies of the corps for reasons best known

to them.

For purpose of clarity, the core mandates of the corps include: to develop, empower and provide gainful employment to the youths in other to facilitate peace, volunteerism, community services, neighborhood watch, nation-building and other related matters.

For anybody or organisation to give kudos to the police for violating the sanctity of the corps in such an unholy manner speaks volumes about the despicable level we have sunk as a nation.

Just like the invasion of homes of some judicial officers in the middle of the night by operatives of the DSS last year received nationwide condemnation; similarly, the recent reckless intrusion into the premises of the Peace Corps of Nigeria by some security agencies and the mass arrest of officers of the corps in the wake of the invasion, stands condemnable in the court of public opinion. What makes the entire issue really worrisome is that in spite of the transparent nature of the corps, some arm-chair critics have found a pastime in constantly making reference to the hitherto opposition of the police and the Department of State Services to the hearing of the Peace Corps Bill in the National Assembly, which col-

lapsed like a pack of cards in the face of superior arguments in support of the corps.

The point must be stressed and even orchestrated that those canvassing for the proscription of the corps have failed miserably. According to late Moshood Abiola, “you don’t abort a pregnancy that has already been delivered.’’ In the same vein, any attempt to halt the inexorable movement of the corps at this time that both chambers of the National Assembly have passed the bill to give it a statutory backing will hit the brick wall.

To underscore the fact that the police invasion of the corporate headquarters of the corps was premeditated, it is necessary at this juncture to remind Nigerians of the several judicial victories the corps had won against the police. Even the allegation that the corps is acting like a paramilitary organisation is simply false, because its officers do not bear arms and neither do they have the power to arrest, investigate or prosecute.

In it 18 years plus of existence, the corps has never claimed to be or acted like a paramilitary organisation. So, why is this allegation being continuously recycled?

To prove that its existence is legal and does not constitute a security threat to the nation, a

Federal High Court of Nigeria in 2010 made a categorical pronouncement on the legal status of the corps in the matter of Incorporated Trustees of Peace Corps of Nigeria and four Others v Inspector-General of Police and three Others in Suit NO:FHC/ABJ/CS/231/2010. It is interesting to note also that suit, which was decided in favour of the corps and has not been appealed till date, has the National Security Adviser as a party to it.

Similarly, in another matter of Incorporated Trustees of the Peace Corps of Nigeria and 6 others v the State Security Service (SSS) and 2 others in suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/481/2012, judgment was delivered on April 22, 2013 by a court of competent jurisdiction in favour of the corps.

In another suit NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/613/07, the Federal High Court of Nigeria expressly stated that the Peace Corps of Nigeria cannot be constantly harassed. In the same vein, an official letter dated April 25, 2008 and titled Police Investigation Report. re: Request for Police Clearance/ or extract of Investigation Report, exonerated the corps from criminal activities and that it does not constitute any security threat to the nation.

Rogers Edor OChela, Abuja

constant power supply, pipe borne water, social security benefits, et al.

Remarkably, budgetary allocations are provided and released for the same projects on yearly basis for as long as the budget ritual continues and such projects are never completed. The present administration’s acclaimed zero budgeting system, which was considered a solution to this problem, has become a mere rhetoric. The perfidy of yore and the more recent past before the Muhammadu Buhari administration continue to taunt us. The bulk of the money had found its way into the pockets of public office holders and complicit local and foreign contractors. Our leaders are our enemies.

Is leadership failure in Nigeria a product of mismatch of the ethnic mindsets that have coalesced into a national psyche which has been contorted by corruption, fuelled by the desire of one region to help itself to the wealth of the nation more than the other regions? It is depressing that this is the sordid narrative of a 56-year old resource-rich nation, whose development has been stunted by corruption, rent-seeking and dependency that is being told here.

Compare Nigeria with the United Arab Emirate (UAE), for instance, and the reality of our leadership irresponsibility will unravel in much bolder relief. Dubai, the most populous city in UAE, where Nigerian leaders and public office holders go to lavish their stolen wealth, was developed to the opulent grandeur it is today in 17 years beginning around the mid ‘90s.

The city was built from the global increases in oil prices during the Persian Gulf War and the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, which allowed it to focus on rapid development of key infrastructure.

What of the Malaysians who, through the Dutch expedition in the 19th century, got palm seedlings

and planting materials from Nigeria? Malaysia is today ranked number two palm oil producing nation in the world behind Indonesia. And where is Nigeria ranked? Number five! Even the production of crude oil in which Nigeria is ranked as the seventh volume producer among OPEC nations and 15th globally, the nation has not been able to achieve real and concrete development from the foreign exchange earned from our crude production sale since oil was discovered in 1956 in commercial quantities at Oloibiri in present day Bayelsa State before it was exported in February 1958.

The truth is that, if we have had visionary, accountable and transparent leaders who abhor corruption with all its variants or dimensions; leaders who pursue development for the general good, our nation would have been firmly put on the path of sustainable economic growth and sophisticated infrastructure development. Nobody would care who occupies Aso Rock Presidential Villa or the various Government Houses in the states if there is good governance with all its attendant positives.

It is not too late to compel visionary and accountable leadership in Nigeria. This generation owes this to posterity.

This is citizens’ obligation.

The Muhammadu Buhari/ Yemi Osinbajo administration has committed itself to accountability and transparency. It has confronted an aspect of the behemoth that has bogged the nation down from the outset-corruption. The administration should fight the war transparently and correctly to win the prize and set us on the path of manifest redemption; otherwise, our little hope that corruption would be extirpated and our nation would regain international respect, would have become a mirage.

––Sufuyan Ojeifo, ojwonderngr@yahoo.com

READERS AND NATIONAL LIBRARY, BENIN

Y

oung boys and girls at the National Library, Iyaro, Benin City, are experiencing challenges with studying. One, there is hardly any space for them to study, and therefore most of them huddle under the trees on the premises to study.

Second and most important is that the few who manage to get a space inside the library study with tears and sweat. Yes, there are fans but power only comes on after 3pm or

4pm when these helpless kids are done ‘studying’ and headed home.

I do not see how these children will be able to appreciate the importance of the provision of power supply when they take over the mantle of leadership if they have been groomed under this very harrowing condition.

Let those in charge, Federal Ministry of Education, BEDC, kindly look into this.

Bob Etemiku, ANEEJ, Abuja

16

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻÍ°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

INTERNATIONAL Protection of Nigerians in International Relations and Nigeria’s Recidivist Foreign Policy Faux Pas

O

ne major bane of Nigeria’s foreign policy as at today is the ambiguity of the place of the Nigerian in the continuum of national interests. It is about the non-articulation that has come to characterise foreign policy making and implementation, increasing gap in communication between the people and government on matters of foreign policy direction, and more importantly, rivalry between and among policy makers.

Nigeria’s policy makers have a completely misguided conception of what constitutes a national interest and what it should actually be pursuing as foreign policy objectives. As far back as 2004, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, a very serious minded scholar and diplomatist, drew attention to some relevant challenges with which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was faced.

First, as he put it, ‘a solid and enduring national consensus on foreign policy will continue to elude Nigeria, largely because of the asymmetry between the pursuit of essentially conservative economic and political policies at home and the articulation of radical rhetoric for policies abroad.’ Secondly, he said ‘while the Ministry of External Affairs often fought for and earned primacy in the formulation of foreign policy, it never became the point of political or institutional coordination of all external relations. One major casualty has been the de-linking of foreign of foreign policy (essentially a political activity) from international trade and general economic relations.’ Thirdly, he said ‘the Ministry of External Affairs has become a huge bureaucracy... [T]he ministry’s policy objectives are imprecise: they include the safe-guarding of the security, independence, and territorial integrity of Nigeria; the promotion of African unity and intra-African cooperation; and contributions toward the enhancement of world peace and security. These broad objectives are to be translated into specific national interests and a programme of actions aimed at a constantly changing external environment that is not under our control’ (vide Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, “ Diplomatic Practice and Foreign Policy Theory: My Experience as Foreign Minister and Permanent Representative of Nigeria,� in Bola A. Akinterinwa, ed. Nigeria’s New Foreign Policy Thrust: Essays in Honour of Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji, CON (Ibadan: Vantage Publishers, 2004), p.22 et s).

What is significant to note from the foregoing is that the Foreign Ministry wants to be given primacy in the formulation of foreign policy as noted in the second point above, that foreign policy objectives are imprecise (third point) and that national consensus on foreign policy cannot but be farfetched. He could not have been more correct, if we look at the manifestations of the management of a mere advisory on whether Nigerians can travel to the United States in light of President Donald Trump’s executive orders. In fact, the observations of Professor Gambari directly raise the issue of national interest: why are foreign policy objectives imprecise? Why has it been difficult for the Foreign Ministry to become the institutional coordinator of all external relations? Why should national consensus on foreign policy continue to elude us? In fact, why the discordant policy tunes on travelling or not travelling to the United States? Is it an issue of ego between Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama and Senior Special Assistant Abike Dabiri-Erewa? Could it be a rivalry between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency? Whatever is the case, who really can be said to be protecting the national interest? And which national interest are we talking about here?

Section 19 of Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitutions delineated five foreign policy objectives of Nigeria: promotion and protection of the national interest; promotion of African integration and unity; promotion of international cooperation for purposes of global peace and security; respect for international law; and promotion of a just world economic order. These five foreign policy objectives have more of international dimensions than domestic. They are more altruistic than nationalistic? It is good here to ask why should the respect for international law be a foreign policy objective to be pursued?

Besides, in which of the citizen of Nigeria expressly covered in the five objectives?

Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi has posited that ‘because a nation’s foreign policy draws its authority and mandate from its domestic priorities, the Federal Government’s vision 20:2020 has prescribed more foreign policy objectives: promotion of better image for Nigeria; promoting better ties with the Great Powers; seeking acquisition and transfer of technology and investments; seeking assistance for Nigeria in her quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, sustaining Nigeria’s position as the foremost black nation state in the world, etc (see Martin I. Uhomoibhi, “An Overview of Nigeria’s Foreign Relations: APractitioner’s Perspective,�

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

power of the people. The ultimate objective of the requirement of a government is to ensure respect for good governance internationally contracted obligations for the country.

As regards the other two factors, they are only relevant to the extent that there are not only people to implement agreements and manage territorial questions but also people to engage in political governance.

Thus, in discussing the national interest of any country, and particularly in Nigeria, the most important national interest to first protect and secure must be the Nigerian, his person, his well-being and integrity and survival, as well as his commitment to patriotic living of the Nigerian.

To give priority of defence to economic rationalisations to the detriment of the survival of the citizen necessarily raises another fundamental question: if there is physical security, food in abundance, blossoming economy and there are no people to take advantage of them, of what use then are food in abundance and the blossoming economy?

Without doubt, this question also raises the issue of how Nigeria’s foreign policy is managed to the detriment of protection of the Nigerian in terms of respect, dignity and survival, safety and security.

Nigeria’s foreign policy, we contend here, does not have any known strategy of protecting Nigerians outside of Nigeria when their survival is under threat and when they have actually been threatened, brutalised, and in some cases killed. The best that Nigeria’s foreign policy has done is to react rhetorically in defence of preservation of economic and other interest without seeking to underscore the primacy of the citizen.

In this regard, should the citizen of Nigeria be first sacrificed in order to maintain cordiality of an existing bilateral relationship?

Should it be the contrary, that is, ensure the preservation of the citizen first, before dealing with his economic, political and other interests?

It will be useful to examine the South African xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and the unnecessary arrogance of exercise of authority over the interpretation of US President Donald Trump’s executive orders on travel ban.

Xenophobia, US Travel Ban and Foreign Policy Faux Pas Dabiri-Erewa

in Emeka Anyaoku, ed., Review of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: Issues and Perspectives (Lagos: NIIA, 2012), pp. 3-4. Again, the place of the Nigerian is still ill-defined. In the 2020:20, this explains in part why there is a difference in the position of the Foreign Minister and the Special Assistant to the President on Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.

The Foreign Minister is essentially dealing with institutions while the Senior Special Assistant is dealing more with the people of Nigeria outside of the country. Even if we admit that Diaspora is also a component of foreign policy, there is no disputing the fact that it is basically a Nigerian affair. In the context of international relations, Diaspora affairs fall squarely under Private International Law. Consequently, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has not exceeded any power limitation.

In this regard, policy makers are most often misguided as to what constitutes Nigeria’s national interest. Even when national interest is considered as the pursuit of political, economic, cultural, military, etc objectives, the epicentral interest around which the sub-interests are pursued is and should always be the citizen, whether it is a citizen by ius sanguinis or ius soli, Nigerian by marriage or by naturalisation, by conferment or by proclamation, etc.

Explained differently, when analysts talk about core and peripheral interests, when people talk about the protection of national integrity or territorial integrity, self-preservation or legitimate self-defence, it is the Nigerian, the citizen of Nigeria, the individual Nigerian that is at the centre. Consequently, the protection of the national environment, the quest for territorial integrity cannot but be because of the citizen and his self-preservation. In other words, selfpreservation, national security, economic growth and development are, at best, meaningless without the people.

For instance, in international law, it is admitted that a state is constituted when there is a union of population, territory, and government.

Even though the three factors are all important, there is no disputing the fact that population is the most significant. Territory is required because the exercise of authority or power must take place over a well-defined land with international borders. The requirement of a government, and for that matter, an effective government, that will not only be able to enter into international relations but also effective enough to maintain peace and security, as well as ensure respect for all internationally contracted obligations either within the context of the Monist or Dualist Schools of Thought, is an extension of the

In the political governance of Nigeria, anyone who attempts to be patriotic and defend Nigeria and Nigerians are always run down under the pretext of protocolar rules, due diligence or due process that, at best, are questionable in design, politicised and corruption-inducing in implementation, and anti-Nigeria in outcome.This is precisely what has happened at the level of the controversy surrounding the travel ban on Nigerians travelling to the United States

That South Africa has been playing host to xenophobic, and particularly to Africa-phobic, attacks is a truism, to say the least.

What cannot be considered truism is the protection of the Nigerian as a victim of the attacks. The Government of Nigeria has always preferred to sacrifice the Nigerian at the altar of diplomatic negotiations and reconciliation without putting any mechanism in place to prevent a future occurrence and without insistence on payment of compensation to the victims or their relations. This is an expression of a major foreign policy faux pas or a wrong step. It is wrong a step because the xenophobic attacks are not only for once. They recur.

In fact, the way Ambassador Dapo Fafowora, a diplomatist per excellence, sees the last attacks are quite interesting: ‘This new wave of xenophobic attacks was perhaps the worst in the long history of attacks on African immigrants by Black South Africans. And because of rising tensions, it is not likely to end soon.’ (The Nation of Thursday March 9, 2017, back page).

Ambassador Fafowora argued that African immigrants constitute only four per cent of the total work force in South Africa and that the ‘investigative commission by the South African government into the economic activities of black immigrants in South Africa reported that they contribute a lot more to the South African economy than they draw in terms of provision of social service.’ If this is so and if, as further submitted by the ambassador, ‘throughout the long struggle against racism and the apartheid system in South Africa, the black South Africans inflicted more fatalities on themselves than they did on the whites,’ what strategy has Government considered to prevent future attacks on Nigerians in South Africa? If the black South Africans can kill themselves more than they did to the whites, why should anyone expect that they cannot do the same to the same extent to other black people? The truth is that no one wants to apply the rule of reciprocity. Ambassador Fafowora argued against a tit-for-tat reaction even when he also submits that future xenophobic attacks cannot be quickly ruled out.

While the xenophobic dust is yet to settle down, South Africa deported 97 Nigerians, two of whom were females, on Monday, February 27, 2017. Some of the deportees, who arrived in a chartered aircraft number GBB710 from Johannesburg, in Lagos, reportedly have committed various offences ranging from drug peddling, immigration offences to criminal charges. Most Nigerians condemn the commission of offences and crimes whether at home or abroad. Any Nigerian who misbehaves anywhere should be allowed to face the music in his or her host country. Consequently, there is no problem with the deportation of Nigerians. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be in full picture of the handling of the offences and must ensure that there is no denial of justice, that there is fairness, and that the name of the whole people of Nigeria is not allowed to be tainted through the single act of an individual.

Most unfortunately, it is the Government of Nigeria that often allows international disregard for the people of Nigeria. When people are deported, their offences ought to be made known to the general public in order to make them serve as a future deterrent. Nigerians may not even be guilty of the alleged offences, meaning that there should be a further enquiry into the offences to determine whether or not there should be a protest against mistreatment of the Nigerian.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

17

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

BUSINESS QUICK TAKES

Naira

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has pumped in fresh $170 million into the foreign exchange market, as foreign reserves hit 2017 high. The bank offered the sum of $100,000,000 as wholesale interventions, while it gave another $70,000,000 to meet requests for business and personal travel allowances.

CBN’sActingDirector,CorporateCommunications, Isaac Okorafor, said the bankremainedresoluteinensuringthat enough forex is supplied to genuine customers of Deposit Money Banks, and to increase liquidity in the market.

Okorafor said the uniqueness of the wholesale forwards was that banks wereallowedtousetheirwinningsfrom auctions to fund mature obligations, to meet letters of credit remittances, extinguishbillsforcollectionandother forex demands.

Thenation’sforeignreserveshit2017 high of $30 billion on Wednesday.

OnTuesday, the CBN injected another sum of $100m into the interbank foreign exchange market in its resolve to easethechallengeofaccesstoforeign exchange by genuine customers.

Thursday’sinjectionmakestheamount so far offered in the interbank forex market within the past few weeks to over $1.2 billion, for both wholesale and retail interventions.

Arrival Cards

Trading floor of the Nigeria Stock Exchange

FGN Savings Bond to Debut Tomorrow Kunle Aderinokun The Federal Government through the Debt Management Office (DMO) will tomorrow record another milestone in the capital market with the debut of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Savings Bond. The offer, available exclusively on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, will be opened for five days effective Monday, March 13, 2017 and will be issued monthly thereafter. To ensure a successful take-off, DMO has accredited 87 stockbroking firms of the Nigerian Stock Exchange to market and distribute the Savings Bond.

The retail product will be issued monthly in tenors of two and three years, with quarterly payment of interest to investors.

The minimum subscription amount is N5, 000.00 with additions in multiples of N1,000.00, subject to a maximum of N50,000,000.00. The bond is backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government. With a T+3 transaction settlement cycle, the bond, amongst several objectives was purposed to deepen the national savings culture, provide opportunity to all citizens irrespective of income level to contribute to National Development, enable all citizens participate in and benefit from the favorable returns available in the capital market and more importantly diversify funding sources for the government. A brokerage account is, however, required to participate in this bond programme.

The debut of this savings bond puts Nigeria in the league of sovereigns like Sweden, Thailand, Slovenia, Indonesia, United States, and United Kingdom with savings bond. Already, capital market operators are excited about the

ECONOMY product and believe it would give fillip to the capital market particularly that has witnessed many retail investors depart since the downturn. Prior to now, the bond market is predominantly available to high networth investors to the detriment of low income investors. With the entry level for the savings bond, even students can afford to play in the space.

In an exclusive chat with THISDAY, Executive Director, Capital Market, NSE, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, said, “NSE Retail Bond Market was launched in 2012 with the aim of providing retail investors access to high quality debt instruments, as well as afford them portfolio diversification opportunities in an efficient and reliable way. The Launch of the Federal Government National Savings Bonds is consistent with the NSE’s commitment to grow domestic investor participation in the Nigerian Capital Market, and it is our pleasure to have worked with the DMO and the dealing member community to deliver yet another innovative product that will foster financial inclusion in Nigeria.

After the offer closes, the bond will be listed on the NSE and can be traded on our Retail Bonds Market. DMO Accredited Distribution Agents and the Government Broker will provide liquidity by continuously making 2-way quotes throughout the trading session” With an estimated population in excess of 150million, if the targeted audience successfully offtake this product, we shall be seeing yet another paradigm shift where ordinarily Nigerians irrespective of their income levels can pool resources to boost government’s effort to mobilise

domestic capital required to fund priority sectors of the economy and ultimately serve as a catalyst for economic growth.

Tomorrow’s savings bond offer is coming on the back of recent innovative capital market instruments deployed by the federal government. Last week, it listed the first FX denominated bonds, Eurobond, on local bourses NSE and FMDQ to the delight of many capital market watchers. The bond, which was issued under Nigeria’s newly established Global Medium Term Note programme, The debut of this savings bond puts Nigeria in the league of sovereigns like Sweden, Thailand, Slovenia, Indonesia, United States, and United Kingdom with savings bond

is the third in the series after the ones in 2011 and 2013. The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 7.875 per cent and will mature on February 16, 2032, with a bullet repayment of the principal. The Eurobond is part of FGN’s funding strategy for its 2016 capital expenditure plan and will be utilised to fund key infrastructure projects, in line with its economic plan. With the minimum denomination to participate set at US$200,000 and increment of US$1000, only the medium to high income level investors could subscribe to the bond offer.

Speaking at the listing on NSE, the bourse’s Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, Mr. Ade Bajomo, commended the DMO for listing the Eurobond on the nation’s bourse. He

noted that the domestic listing would diversify its investors’ base by giving Nigerian institutional investors access to the bond.

Bajomo further remarked that,“The listing of the dollar-denominated bond on the exchange will boost price discovery and liquidity in the local market as well as help attract reliable long-term foreign currency denominated funds into the financial market. It will also set the foundation for raising and listing more foreign denominated securities in Nigeria which will open up additional capital raising options for issuers and portfolio diversification opportunities to investors”.

Going by the earlier commitment of the former Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina J. Mohammed, players in the capital market will yet have another product, the sovereign green bond join the list for discerning investors to put their funds in projects that supports sustainable projects to enhance living, protect our climate and environment.

Last month, this aspiration received a boost from participants when the federal government met with investors and capital markets operators in Lagos for the first-ever Green Bonds Conference themed “Green Bonds: Investing in Nigeria’s Sustainable Development” and organised by the Federal Ministry Environment in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Finance and Debt Management Office. The event was headlined by the Acting PresidentYemi Osinbajo.

Proceeds from the green bonds will fund identified projects in energy, agriculture, transport (FCT) and environment with international investors and business leaders expected to lead at the event.

Thefederalgovernment has launched harmoniseddepartureandarrivalcards attheKadunaInternationalAirport,as itoperatesserviceofalternateairport to Abuja, which was shut down in the midnight of 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 introduction of departure/arrival cards is 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,whichcontainpassengerprofile, address and other personal details in one harmonised form.

Importation

The Federal Government has said it would henceforth arrest, prosecute and fine illegal importers of frozen foodsintothecountrythroughtheland borders and seal cold rooms where it is sold. Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of state for Agriculture and Rural Development, announced this whilespeakingwithnewsmeninAbuja.

Lokpobiri said the government would alsosetupataskforcetosealandprosecuteoperatorsofcoldroom,whodeal onthoseillegallyimportedproduce.The minister said the ministry was working in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Navy and theNigerianMarinePolicetoactualise the plan. He said the offenders would pay a fine of $250,000 or attract five yearsimprisonmentorbothinaddition totheforfeitureanddestructionofthe produce as stipulated by the law.

He listed some of the fishes usually being imported to include tilapia, red pacus, river bream, pangassius, horse mackerel, sardine and croaker, among others.

18

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Assessing the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan The long-awaited Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), expected to chart the way to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, has been released. Kunle Aderinokun writes that the blueprint has been hailed by stakeholders and analysts who call for proper implemention of the plan

A

week after February, when it planned to roll out its economic reform programme, the federal government last Tuesday released the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). Before the launch , there were indications that the government has been running the economy without a blueprint as the fiscal policies had not been working in alignment with monetary policies. This was evidenced in the manner with which the Central Bank of Nigeria churned out policies and the ministry of finance criticises them or even openly ask for reprieve on issues of monetary policy that it was expected to have a superior knowledge and understanding about. And the economy became worse for it. When it became obvious that such frequent disagreement was taking the economy nowhere and the economy was slipping into recession, stakeholders and analysts in the economy repeatedly made calls for harmonisation between the fiscal and monetary authorities.

Even Nigeria’s development partners indicated that they could not support or help in realising her aspiration without an economic programme.

Heeding the clarion call, the federal government took its time to prepare an economic programme. Called the ERGP 2017-2020, the programme was launched last week. The government has said the objectives of the plan were reinforced by a robust macroeconomic framework that showed internal consistency between the real, fiscal, monetary and external sectors. In their assessment, economic analysts, who spoke to THISDAY, generally hailed the ERGP for being a well-thoughtout and well-written blueprint, capable of thrusting the economy to recovery and growth. The political will to implement the plan, however, remains a concern.

Vision The government stated that the ERGP was envisioned to promote a sustained inclusive growth.“There is an urgent need as a nation to drive a structural economic transformation with an emphasis on improving both public and private sector efficiency. This is aimed at increasing national productivity and achieving sustainable diversification of production, to significantly grow the economy and achieve maximum welfare for the citizens, beginning with food and energy security,”the document revealed.

Objectives Providing a summary of selected macroeconomic indicators for 2016-2020, the government projected to grow the real GDP by 4.62 per cent on average over the plan period of 2017 – 2020, from an estimated contraction of 1.54 per cent in 2016. It estimated that the Real GDP growth improve significantly to 2.19 per cent in 2017, reaching 7 per cent at the end of the Plan period.

According to the plan,“This growth will be driven by a fiscal stimulus helped by an expected increase in oil prices, an increase in non-oil federal receipts, an increase in oil production, and resolution of payment arrears especially joint venture cash calls.”

Besides, the government highlighted in the blueprint that increased growth in the non-oil sector especially agriculture, manufacturing, services and light industries would be central in overall GDP growth.

It envisaged:“The slight dip in growth in 2019 is projected to result from the general election in that year with a quick recovery the following year. The strong growth during the Plan period will be driven by agriculture and industry, and in the later parts of the Plan period by the services sector as well. Industry in particular will benefit from the strong recovery and expansion of crude oil and natural gas production, as challenges in the oil-producing areas are overcome and investment in the sector increases.

“The average price of crude oil is expected to be USD42.50-52.00, while crude oil output is forecast to rise from about 1.8 mbpd in 2016 to 2.2 mbpd in 2017 and 2.5 mbpd by 2020. Electricity, gas and construction are also expected to fuel growth. The government plans substantial infrastructure investment over the Plan period.

Strong recovery and growth in the manufacturing sector is also anticipated, particularly in agroprocessing, and food and beverage manufacturing.”

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma The ERGP also noted that,“On-going strategies to improve the ease of doing business will boost other manufacturing sector activities, including light manufacturing. From the estimated negative growth of 7.84 per cent in 2017, its growth is expected to rebound in subsequent years with annual average growth of 8.48 per cent over 2018 to 2020.”

“Lastly, services will continue to grow at the rate of 2.5 per cent on average during the plan period,”it added.

While the plan envisaged that, the government would drive fiscal stimulus through a package of spending to stimulate private consumption and investments by businesses, it pointed out that,”This will also include dedicating at least 30 per cent of federal budget spending to capital expenditure.”“Implementing this stimulus will require enhancing the revenue base, including restoring oil production and accelerating non-oil revenue generation; consolidating and optimising expenditure; improving debt management; and improving policy coordination,” it stated.

Outlook According to ERGP, the expectation is that, by 2020, Nigeria would have made significant progress towards achieving structural economic change and having a more diversified and inclusive economy. As such, the plan has been designed to deliver on key outcomes.

As part of the deliverables, for stable macroeconomic environment, the blueprint has projected inflation rate to trend downwards from the current level of almost 19 per cent to single digits by 2020. Besides, the exchange rate is also projected to stabilise as the monetary, fiscal and trade policies are fully aligned. This outcome will be achieved through policies that seek to remove uncertainty in the exchange rate and restore investors’ confidence in the market.

Similarly, with a view to restoring growth, there are plans to grow the Real GDP by 4.6 per cent on average over the targeted period, from an estimated contraction of 1.54 per cent recorded in 2016. Real GDP growth is projected to improve significantly to 2.19 per cent in 2017, reaching 7 per cent at the end of the Plan period in 2020. According to the plan, “The strong recovery and expansion of crude oil and natural gas production will result as challenges in the oil-producing areas are overcome and investment in the sector increases. Crude oil output is forecast to rise from about 1.8 mbpd in 2016 to 2.2 mbpd in 2017 and 2.5 mbpd by 2020. Relentless focus on electricity and gas will also drive growth and expansion in all other sectors.”

As the nation is determined to transform agriculture

and ensure food security, the ERGP has been designed to make the sector continue to be a stable driver of GDP growth, with an average growth rate of 6.9 per cent over the Plan period. “Investment in agriculture will drive food security by achieving self-sufficiency in tomato paste (in 2017), rice (in 2018) and wheat (in 2020). Thus, by 2020, Nigeria is projected to become a net exporter of key agricultural products, such as rice, cashew nuts, groundnuts, cassava and vegetable oil.”

As for power and petroleum products sufficiency, the ERGP aims to achieve 10 GW of operational capacity by 2020 and to improve the energy mix, including through greater use of renewable energy.The country is projected to become a net exporter of refined petroleum products by 2020.

More importantly, there are also plans for improved foreign exchange Inflows. Accordingly, the reduction in the importation of petroleum products resulting from improvement in local refining capacity following the implementation of the ERGP is projected to reduce demand for foreign exchange. The economic diversification focus of the plan is also projected to translate into enhanced inflows of foreign exchange from the non-oil sector. On the whole, Nigeria is expected to witness stability in exchange rate and the entire macroeconomic environment.

Analysts Speak The ERGP has elicited reactions from stakeholders and economic policy analysts. One of them is a foremost economist and Director-General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM) ,Akpan Ekpo.

According to Ekpo, “My take on the NERGP is as follows: The NERGP is not only timely but also addresses two important issues: ensuring that the economy exits the current recession as well as putting the economy on a positive growth path up to 2020. Because the recession affects both the demand and supply side of the economy the expenditures on capital projects such as power, road, rail etc. and the social investment programmes are necessary to get the economy out of the recession.

This demonstrates the visible hand of government in reversing the recessionary and/or minimizing the adverse effects of the recession.”

He added:“Another important matter is that the 2017 budget is embedded in the NERGP. If the economic recovery aspect registers 85 per cent implementation success rate then the economy would exit the recession with marginal positive growth rate.Technically this would be a positive development compared with four quarters

consecutive negative growth rates in 2016.”

He, however, cautioned that,“The exit of the recession does not eliminate the high and rising rate of unemployment, high lending rates and the dominance of the primary sector in the economy. This is where the second component of the plan remains relevant.” It stresses growth and predicts 7 per cent growth rate in 2020 based on certain assumptions, for example sustained revenue from and external borrowing.

The former CBN director noted that, the NERGP reemphasises the role of government in the economy of the country.“While the economy must be public sector led, there is role for the private sector. From the plan it is clear both government and the private sector can stimulate growth. Hence, government is going beyond just providing the enabling environment but putting in place measures to exit the recession and policies as well as strategies to restore growth. One hopes that the private sector would grab the opportunities provided by the plan.”

“It must be noted that the plan stresses growth but growth even if it is inclusive is not development. Growth, which is a necessary condition for development cannot fast-track development through the trickle-down effect.

There is no doubt that the NERGP contains elements which can put the economy on the path and/or process of structural transformation if properly and timely implemented,”he concluded.

In his own analysis, Executive Director, Corporate Finance, BGL Capital Ltd, Femi Ademola, also said the ERGP is a well-written document.“The structure, the content and the depth of analysis are very good.

It is a very good initiative of the government given the changing dynamics of the economic and governance environment which renders most of the earlier economic blueprint rather impracticable. A good thing about this plan is that it is very actionable giving the political will and determination of the government.”

Ademola explained that,“The principle of the plan is also very important as it focuses on implementation and touches the important areas of concern to the citizens such focus on tackling constraints to growth rather than whine about the problems; allow markets to function in addition to unleashing the private sector to drive the economy.”

“It is also heart-warming that the government recognises that importance of building a globally competitive economy hence the focus on improving the business environment and investing in infrastructure. I am very pleased the that plan recognises that the macroeconomic stability and growth plan of the government would require the cohesion between fiscal and monetary policies and the need for low inflation and market reflective exchange rate. These all agree with the current analyst views of the economy,”he added.

Ademola however, pointed that, “In my opinion, I think the growth plan is rather too ambitious within the timeline of the plan.”

“This is because the growth expectation will depend on the implementation of most of the plans especially with regards to investing in infrastructure and improving business environment.

This implies that the time lag effect may postpone the benefits of this plan to a later time than envisaged by the plan. In addition, the large economic base of the country signifies that rate of growth may not be as high as the past and hence the expectation of 7 per cent may be overly optimistic. The high level of informal economy would however help the economic growth rate if the plan motivates them to become formal and accounted for in the national production.”

Also, in hailing the ERGP, Chief Executive Officer, The CFG Advisory Ltd, Adetilewa Adebajo, noted that,“The ERGP is a well put together document which properly articulates the contemporary realities of the Nigerian Economy.”

According to him,“The solution the document proffers are also very practical and realistic.”

Adebajo, however, pointed out that,“As the document itself admits without the necessary political will, coordination and monitoring, implementation could well be the Achilles heel of the document. In summary it is a simple common sense road map to economic recovery and growth.”

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

19

BUSINESS/AVIATION

As Businesses Count Losses at Abuja Airport, in Kaduna, Trade is Booming Following the closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, last Tuesday, for rehabilitation, diverted flight operations have since commenced at the Kaduna Airport. The development has been influencing business activities, flight operations and passenger services. Chinedu Eze, John Shiklam and Dele Ogbodo report

I

nfrastructure challenges, limited parking spaces both for aircraft and for cars and unfinished work at the passenger terminal were what characterised the first day Kaduna operated as alternative international airport to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Nevertheless, the Kaduna airport came alive, bustling with activities as diverted flight operations from Abuja commenced there last Wednesday.

The first day witnessed departure and arrival hall filled by more government officials than passengers, just as the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, and other concerned top government officials celebrated the landing of Ethiopia Airlines Dreamliner.

The Ethiopian airlines aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed at the airport at about 11:35am and was welcomed with the ceremonial water shower, flagging off flight operations that are expected to last for six weeks.

Azman Air, a domestic carrier, also landed at about 11:45am with passengers from Lagos, opening a floodgate of activities at the airport.

Sirika and top functionaries in the aviation ministry were on ground to welcome passengers Aviation workers, representatives of businesses, security personnel had mobilised to the airport while security and other paramilitary outfits controlling traffic had been deployed to strategic locations from Kaduna metropolis to the airport.

By 10:00am, the remodelled terminal, which according to Sirika, is about 95 per cent completed, was a beehive of activities.

The Captain of the Ethiopian Air flight, which landed with 270 passengers and crew, while exchanging views with the minister, described the runway as “perfect”, adding that the instrument landing system (ILS) is“great.”

Although Nigerian airlines and international carriers agreed that for safety reasons the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja ought to be closed so that rehabilitation work could be done on the runway, but one week to March 8, 2017, when the airport would be shut down, airlines had not completed plans to move their Abuja operations to Kaduna, the alternative airport.

But in the last two days to the historic date, domestic carriers jostled to surpass one another with physical movement to the airport. Amid infrastructural limitations, they had to adjust and become ingenious in improvising to adapt to the realities of an upgraded airport.

The federal government had impressed it on both domestic and foreign airlines that they should continue their operation to Abuja by using the alternative airport and had dismissed the fears of foreign airlines about insecurity on the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

Witnessing events as they unfold at the Kaduna airport, the aviation minister told journalists that, ‘doubting Thomases’ had been proved wrong, expressing the hope that those who had declined to fly to Kaduna will reconsider their stand.

He restated the determination of the federal government to ensure that the six-week temporary closure of the Abuja airport is not extended.

“By the grace of God, six weeks will be six weeks and I assure you that at the end of the six weeks, the airport in Abuja would be reopened.”

Some passengers who spoke to THISDAY said they were impressed with the arrangements put in place to facilitate easy movement of passengers going to Abuja. Miss Hannah Gerry, from Northern Ireland, who came in with the flight, said it was great to land in Kaduna.

“The airport is looking great, I am going to Abuja and I am getting picked up, so it is quiet convenient,” she said Another passenger, Engr. Pius Ogoma, a businessman who flew in from Addis Ababa, said he had no problem flying to Kaduna. He added that his initial fear was traveling by road to Abuja, saying that such fears had been allayed as a result of adequate security on the Abuja Kaduna road

A view of Kaduna International Airport, Kaduna

and the provision of shuttle bus services to Abuja.

Over 20 buses comprising luxury and 14-seater buses had been provided following an arrangement between Chisco Transport Company and Federal Airport Authority (FAAN). Each of the buses plying the road is accompanied by armed police escort.

Coordinating Chairman of Movement Committee from Abuja to Kaduna, Captain Mohammed Joji, disclosed that provisions had been made to receive about 14,300 passengers daily, the same number of passenger traffic at the Abuja Airport.

Making reference to statistics from the Abuja airport, Joji said, “Looking at total movement with eight foreign airlines and eight domestic airlines, we should have about 207 flights coming to Kaduna in the long run because these are the numbers that go to Abuja and we hope they will come to Kaduna eventually.

“So we have made provision for 14,300 passengers and 207 flights minimum. For the six weeks period, it is 605,000 passengers and in fact, the exact figure for daily passengers is 14,520.”

He said all efforts were being made to address any hitches being faced by passengers and flight operators.

“What we are doing now is our best. It is the beginning, it is not going to be 100 per cent perfect.

There must be some hitches here and there. These hitches are minor issues within the ambit of our grip, which could be addressed within a given time.

Reacting to the slow pace of screening by security personnel at the terminal, Joji said too much delay at security checks will by extension, delay the flights.

“It will cause logjam in facilitation and the flight will be delayed. So we are asking them to be more proactive; they should bring experienced people nationwide to train those that will be operating from here. This is a virgin airport, as far as we are concerned, everything is fine, but some hitches has to be here and there and people must tolerate that and bear with us,”he said.

Positive Impact However, the flight diversion has impacted positively

on business in Kaduna, especially hoteliers, taxi drivers and restaurant operators.

Emmanuel Sylvester Ameh, a taxi driver operating at the airport, told THISDAY in an interview that the diversion to Kaduna was an intervention from God. According to him, for a long time, he has not been able to meet the basic needs of his family because of lack of patronage but now things are beginning to pick up.

“Before now, I will wait for six days before I get a passenger because there were very few flights coming to Kaduna and when they come, only one or two passengers will take a taxi”he said.

Ameh, who noted that, on the first day of the flight diversion, over 20 passengers patronised taxi operators, enthused that,“this is a divine intervention from God and it is a beginning of good things to come in the next six weeks.”

THISDAY investigation revealed that hotels in the city are recording unprecedented boom with some of them already fully booked for three weeks.

For instance, Business Manager of Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Mr. Faisal Abdullahi, told THISDAY in an interview that, the hotel had been witnessing influx of people since the beginning of diverted flight operations to Kaduna.

“Although we have been enjoying patronage even before now, we are witnessing a stream of guests trooping in.

At the moment, our hotel has been fully booked for the next three weeks by embassies, airlines, the NNPC, NLNG, Total, Oando, etc.,”he said.

Also, the Business Manager of Hotel 17, Franklyn Anukwu, said the hotel had been fully booked for the next two weeks. He said the hotel was striving to cope with the large number of guests.

Optimism/Pessimism Joji, a charter operator and former Managing Director of Nigeria Airways Limited, whose operation is based in Kaduna, expressed disappointment with foreign airlines, many of which gave incessant kidnapping on the Abuja-Kaduna highway as the reasons why they would not move to Kaduna.

Joji told THISDAY recently in Kaduna that all the facilities necessary for seamless flight operation has been provided in Kaduna and dismissed the kidnap fears, saying that kidnapping happens everywhere in Nigeria.

THISDAY spoke to some domestic carriers who seemed enthusiastic about the move to Kaduna to ensure that Abuja runway was rehabilitated.

The Chief Executive Officer of Medview Airline PLC, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, told THISDAY at the Kaduna airport on Thursday that government had taken a critical decision to move flight operations to Kaduna from Abuja in order to comprehensively repair the Abuja airport runway.

“We commend the federal government and the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika for the work they have done in this airport within a short time. It is our responsibility to support government because with our support the set objective will be realised. This is why we have come here and we are operating fully here and we were doing in Abuja,”he said.

But while domestic carriers have positive disposition towards the temporary move, which would last only six weeks, majority of international airlines have cancelled their flights to Abuja until the reopening of the airport, so they would not operate to Kaduna airport.

Reports had indicated that British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France and South African Airways declined government’s suggestion to divert their flights to Kaduna, but some of the airlines are now reconsidering their refusal to operate to Kaduna airport. For instance, following an inspection of the refurbished Kaduna airport, airlines like Lufthansa have expressed its willingness to operate to Kaduna.

Kaduna’s attractiveness, the airlines had indicated, dimmed on February 23, when two German archaeologists were kidnapped and released days later in a village near the Federal Capital Territory.

Spokesman of the international airlines, Kingsley Nwokoma, had told THISDAY that there were certain reasons why the foreign carriers would not operate to Kaduna airport.

20

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

BUSINESS/TELECOMS

N377bn Indebtedness: Succour for Etisalat Concerted efforts were made by telecoms industry regulator, Nigerian Communication Commission, and the Central Bank of Nigeria last week to save telecoms giant, Etisalat from its creditors’ sledgehammer, writes Emma Okonji

T

elecommunications, which is a key component of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), is currently driving economies globally, owing to its huge potentials.

But one of the telecoms operators in Nigeria, Etisalat precisely, last week, came under serious threat by its creditors who were moved to take over the operations of the company for defaulting in the refinancing of its loan obtained from 13 local banks. The move was however halted by a joint action of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who intervened in the matter.

The move to halt the intended takeover plan was attributed to the importance of telecommunications in developing the Nigerian economy.

In Nigeria, government has come to realise the importance of ICT and agriculture in growing her economy, following the sharp fall in the prices of crude oil at the global market.

The need for government to begin to tilt towards ICT and agriculture was motivated by the strong desire to diversify the Nigerian economy, following the dwindling situation of oil, which had hitherto remained the mainstay of the Nigerian economy.

Citing current statistics in telecoms contribution to GDP, as released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in June last year, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said telecoms contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), moved from $18 billion in private sector investments, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2009, to $30 billion in 2014, to $32 billion in July 2015, and currently to N1.58 trillion as at June 2016, which represents an increase of 1.0 per cent, relative to the first quarter in 2016.

Danbatta quoted the National Bureau of Statistics, as saying “This is the largest contribution to GDP made from the telecoms sector in the rebased period, which emphasises that growth in telecommunications has remained robust when compared to total GDP.” In spite of telecoms’ increased contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, one thing that is obvious, is that telecommunications business is capital intensive and needs a lot of capital investments. In order to remain in business and get the right capital for investment, telecoms operators across boards have resorted to obtaining loans from financial institutions, both local and foreign.

In a bid to meet up with its financial obligation for network upgrade and expansion, Etisalat, in 2013, approached a consortium of 13 local banks and obtained a loan of $1.2 billion to invest into its telecoms business, under a stipulated agreement of refinancing the loan with interest on a quarterly basis. But unfortunately for Etisalat, the devaluation of naira, coupled with the scarcity of dollars, made it extremely difficult to continue repayment of the loan, which it had already started, since part of the repayment was done in dollar, based on the agreement reached when the loan deal was concluded.

Worried about the indebtedness of the telecoms company to the 13 banks, the creditors threatened to take over the management of Etisalat Nigeria, until they recoup their money.

Succour however came the way of Etisalat on Friday, when the CBN and the NCC meet with Etisalat and its creditors, and asked the creditors to stall action on the planned takeover.

The Issue Last week, there was a trending news about the planned takeover of Etisalat’s business in Nigeria by its creditors that were made up of 13 local banks. The reason for the planned takeover was attributed to the inability of Etisalat to continue repayment of the $1.2 billion loan it took from the banks in 2013 for network upgrade and expansion.

Having accepted its indebtedness to the banks, Etisalat, however, said that the company was still negotiating with its creditors on new modalities to refinance the $1.2 billion loan.

Vice President, Regulatory Affairs at Etisalat, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko, assured Etisalat’s subscribers that the issue would be resolved, despite pressure from the creditors to take over the operations of the telecoms company.

According to him, “yes we are indebted, but we have commenced payment, and we only stopped the flow of repayment few months ago as a result of devaluation of the naira and scarcity of dollar.”

According to Dikko, Etisalat had invested over $2 billion in the telecoms business, 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 customers, hence it approached a consortium of 13 local banks to raise additional $1.2 billon as loan. In refinancing the loan, Etisalat was meant to pay certain percentage of the loan with interest on a quarterly basis, and it has been meeting up with that obligation until recently when it started defaulting, due to devaluation of naira, dollar scarcity, coupled with the economic recession, Dikko said.

He, however, said Etisalat was still in full control of its operations and has commenced fresh discussion 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.

Some of the banks involved in the loan include: GT Bank, Zenith Bank,

Danbatta

Emefiele

First Bank, UBA, Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, EcoBank, FCMB, Stanbic IBTC Bank, and Union Bank.

plans to repay the loan.

President of National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, who commended the recent move by NCC and the CBN to address the issue, said it was a timely intervention, while pleading with the banks to be calm and allow NCC, which is the telecoms regulator and the CBN, which is the regulator of banks and all financial institutions, to handle the matter.

Speaking on the implications of possible takeover, Ogunbanjo said that could spell doom for Etisalat, because the banks do not have the technical expertise to run a telecoms company, even for one month. He cited cases of some telecoms companies that have gone under as a result of their inability to raise the required huge capital investment for network expansion.

The telecoms companies were doing well and their subscriber growth was on the increase, and they needed money for network expansion and upgrade, but found none, a situation that led to their collapse, even after the idea of merger and acquisition were embraced, Ogunbanjo said.

Also worried about the situation, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has requested for priority allocation of foreign exchange to telecommunications industry by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, who issued a statement yesterday on behalf of its members, drew the attention of Danbatta to the challenges of its members in purchasing Foreign Exchange (FX) from interbank market to fulfil obligations to equipment suppliers and foreign vendors.“This situation is adversely impacting our members’ network operations and we would appreciate the Commission’s urgent assistance. The prevailing scarcity of FX has occasioned a situation where the banks are unable to obtain FX for an upward period of six months despite the submission of pre-requisite documentation for such transactions,”Adebayo said.

ALTON respectfully seeks the indulgence of the EVC to provide background information resulting to the subsisting regime of exempting telecommunications industry from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervention window.

Some subscribers, who spoke on the issue, however, expressed shock that a telecoms giants like Etisalat could be trapped in the bed of indebtedness, despite its over 20 million subscribers from where the company is generating huge sums of money from voice and data services.

NCCCBN Worried about the ugly consequences, especially the wrong signals that the Etisalat’s indebtedness of N377 billion to 13 local banks may send to potential investors in the telecoms industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator, moved to address the situation.

NCC, last Thursday, brokered a meeting in Abuja between it and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in order to find a lasting solution to the situation of indebtedness by Etisalat.

The meeting was attended by the ExecutiveVice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and his team, where a decision was reached to intervene in the loan issue between Etisalat Nigeria and a consortium of commercial banks.

The meeting, which held at the Central Bank headquarters in Abuja, was convened by the financial regulator at the instance of NCC, to further deliberate on how best to stave off the attempt by the banks to take over Etisalat. At the end of the meeting, CBN invited Etisalat’s management and the banks to a meeting on Friday, towards finding an amicable resolution.

Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, who confirmed the meeting, said NCC was worried about the fate of the over 20 million Etisalat subscribers and the wrong signals this may send to potential investors in the telecoms industry, hence it brokered the meeting.

Regulators Stops Takeover Bid As a follow-up to the meeting held on Thursday, the CBN and the NCC, on Friday, held another meeting, where it invited the management of Etisalat and its creditors for further deliberations. At that meeting, CBN ordered the 13 banks to stop the planned takeover move and rescheduled another meeting for March 16.

The halt on the planned takeover was the outcome of the meeting held in Lagos, between the CBN, the NCC, the telecoms company and its creditors. According to a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, the Friday’s meeting succeeded in halting the attempt by Etisalat’s creditors at bringing it under any form of takeover.

Receivership was completely taken off the table in a meeting that was very productive and constructive.

The meeting, which held at the CBN office in Lagos, had the consortium of banks being owed and Etisalat in attendance. The banks and the mobile network operator agreed to concrete actions that will bring all parties closest to a resolution. According to the statement, CBN and NCC were able to secure for Etisalat the necessary oxygen to enable it continue to meet urgent operational expenses.

Industry Position ICT stakeholders, who are equally worried about the fate of Etisalat, have called on the banks to exercise some patience, since the telecoms company has accepted its indebtedness and it is already making fresh

Bright Outlook Despite Loan Troubles in Nigeria Etisalat Group, the pride of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saw profit and revenue rise in 2016, as its Group CEO Saleh Al Abdooli, hailed the company’s ability to mitigate the pressures arising from the global economic slowdown.

In its annual earnings statement, the company revealed consolidated revenue hit AED52.4 billion ($14.3 billion) in 2016, up from AED51.7 billion in 2015. In the UAE, its home market, revenue increased 5 per cent to AED30.3 billion.

Profit in 2016 was boosted by a federal royalty payment and amounted to AED8.4 billion compared with AED8.27 billion in 2015. Notably, Etisalat’s subscriber base dropped to 162 million in 2016 from 167 million at the end of 2015.

21

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

BUSINESS/TRANSPORT

Vehicle Duty: New Twist on Customs’ Directive Although the Senate has halted the Customs’ directive that vehicle owners should go for verification to ascertain their duty payment status, stakeholders appear divided on the matter.

Francis Ugwoke writes

F

Mr. Ephraim Haruna, revealed that one of the automobile associations requested the Service to create a platform where importers who have smuggled vehicles can still pay duties. He said that this was the reason for the one-month grace period to enable owners of such vehicles to pay duties. He was quoted as saying, “many car owners who have not paid duty have been calling our zonal office and some had been calling on phone that they want to come and pay duty on their vehicles.”

or the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), this may not be the best of times. It has been one controversy after another.

And all has had to do with a clash of interest between the Customs Service in its anti-smuggling operation, revenue generation drive and Nigerians.

Nigerians, this time, enjoy the support of members of the National Assembly. First, it was the issue of ban on importation of vehicles into the country through the land borders, a policy that shocked, not just the importers and all other dealers involved in the business, but also other Nigerians.

The policy, which is another way of checking smuggling through the borders and improving traffic at the seaports, has also thrown thousands of Nigerians out of business and employment.

It has also pushed up the prices of vehicles by close to 100 per cent. The implication is that a car of about N1 million before December last year is now going for about N2 million. It is this same policy that has continued to haunt everyone. The Customs had last week issued a new directive that is believed to have a link with the vehicles trapped at the border stations as a result of the ban placed on the importation of vehicles through the border stations. In a statement credited to the Comptroller-General of the Customs, Col Hameed Ali (rtd), owners of all vehicles whose duties have not been paid were given a one-month grace period to do so.

The Customs’ Directive In a statement issued by the Customs Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Attah, the Service called on all vehicles owners whose duties have not been paid to go and pay between March 13 and April 12. The owners of the vehicles were threatened that failure will attract seizure of the vehicles and prosecution of the owners after the expiration of the deadline. Owners of vehicles were required to approach Zonal offices to verify the status of their vehicles.

The statement from Attah read: “The CGC therefore calls on all persons in possession of such vehicles to take advantage of the grace period to pay appropriate duties on them, as there will be an aggressive anti-smuggling operation to seize, as well as prosecute owners of such smuggled vehicles after the deadline of Wednesday 12th April, 2017.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all private car owners who are not sure of the authenticity of their vehicles’ customs documents can also approach the zonal offices to verify their status with a view to complying with the provision of the law.”

Since then, many Nigerian car owners have been thrown into confusion because there was a communication gap on the part of the Customs in giving further explanation on the directive other than the statement it issued. It was gathered later that the directive was mainly for the benefit of owners of vehicles that were trapped at the land borders after the expiration of the December 31 deadline on clearance of such vehicles. Customs brokers had claimed that there were no less than 300,000 of such vehicles, a claim that has been dismissed by Customs.

Order from the Senate On Tuesday, the Senate issued an order directing the Customs Service to halt its earlier directive to vehicle owners to go for verification of their vehicles status in terms of duty payment or face the wrath of the law. The Deputy Majority Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, said the order was ridiculous since there was no clear guideline on the category of vehicles

Hameed Alli involved. According to him, such order will create confusion and discomfort for innocent Nigerians. Na’ Allah observed that there was no law in the first place to back the order of the Customs CG. He said: “Mr. President, the basis for being here as parliamentarians is to define the rule of engagement between us and those who elected us into this very, very coveted office, to the effect that we would all swear to uphold, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law. We already have an existing law called the Nigerian Customs Service.

“Mr. President, by that law, we are all aware that the area of operation specifically designated for this service is principally our borders and we are aware of the fact that this is the situation and unable to find the specific provision of the law that the comptroller of customs relied upon to issue this circular.

“I think we have a compelling need to protect the Nigerian public against this arbitrariness. I ask if I buy a car eight years back for example, duly registered and I live in Sokoto, and then, you require me to come to Kaduna to know whether my customs duty is authentic or not.

What you are requiring from me is even outside the provision of the law.

“It is the responsibility of the Nigerian customs to verify this document and if they now shift it back to the citizens to determine whether what they have is authentic or not, I think it’s sufficiently ridiculous to call the attention of this Senate to say no to this kind of arbitrariness.”

Na’Allah was supported by many Senators, including the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who pointed a number of excesses of the Customs Service, such as the seizure of bags of rice belonging to Sango-Otta, Ogun State market women. Ekweremadu made it clear that the Customs has no power to punish Nigerians over offences that were committed in the past.

Ekweremadu was quoted as saying, “today, we have been inundated again with another development where owners of cars bought many years ago are being asked to come back and show customs papers or pay appropriate customs duties. Let me also say that we share the concerns of the customs boss on raising revenue to run our country but unfortunately it cannot be at the expense of common sense and illegality.”

Where Customs Erred There are two issues on the customs directive.

The order was to take care of some smugglers, whose vehicles have no evidence of duties paid. The second was to allow importers whose vehicles were trapped in the borders after the deadline on their clearance ended December 31. Sources close to some senior officials of the Customs have had to explain this. Observers said it was a cover-up when the Service issued a directive generalising it to cover all Nigerians, who may have bought cars and issued with fake customs documents. The real motive of the Customs was confirmed last week when the Customs Public Relations Officer, Zone A,

Stakeholders’ Views Stakeholders are divided on the customs directive for obvious reasons. Innocent car owners and customs agents are against the order because of the confusion it will create.

To them, it means that after the one-month grace period, a road-block will be mounted by the Customs to check all vehicles on the road whether they paid duties or not. But this position is different from auto dealers, who have vehicles smuggled into the country without evidence of duty payment.

There are also customs agents, whose clients have vehicles trapped in the border stations and who want to pay duties and bring these vehicles into the country. President of National Council of Managing Directors of Customs Agents, NCMDCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, who condemned the order from the customs wondered how the customs boss wants people, who bought cars some years back to now go and verify whether the duties they paid were correct or not.

Amiwero said,“Such order will create confusion.

Besides, the CG has no power to issue such directive on grace period. It is the minister who should do so. There is no law that gives the CG such powers”.

Amiwero argued that since such vehicles have entered free period, their owners ought to be left alone, adding that it was like Customs going to the market to seize goods as they have no such power. Maritime lawyer, Mr. Kasa Opara, also criticised the customs order, describing it as an act of illegality. Opara said such directive is never covered by law. According to him, such policy will create a state of panic among many car owners.

Opara, however, said it would be understood if the customs leadership makes it clear that the grace period is for those whose vehicles were trapped in the border stations.

Speaking on the same issue, the President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent, ANLCA, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, was however reported as saying that the deadline for the payment of duties should be open-ended to check smuggling.

He said the deadline should be extended so that owners of vehicles which passed through customs and not properly cleared would pay the required duties. But another freight forwarder, Chief Tony Ojemba, described such idea as both indicting the customs for corruption, inefficiency and encouraging smuggling activities.

Ojemba opined that while it was good to give owners of trapped vehicles time to pay duties and bring the vehicles in, introducing an open-ended period for this will further encourage more smuggling.

He said either government cancels the ban placed on importation of vehicles through the land borders or allow those trapped to come in under a specific period and tighten the borders.

Ojemba said auto association, who said their members have vehicles in the country without payment of duties should explain how the vehicles came in. He said members of such association may have smuggled the vehicles through the connivance of some customs officers and now want to perfect the documentation.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

BUSINESS/ENERGY

NOG Returns, Discussions Focus on Persistent Industry Challenges Making its return after a one-year deferment, the annual Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition was held recently in Abuja, but with discussions focused on protracted challenges obstructing productivity in Nigeria’s oil industry. Chineme Okafor writes

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hen the exhibition floors and conference hall of the annual Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition closed at about 1.30pm penultimate Thursday in Abuja, it looked like extended lower prices of crude oil in the global market and Nigeria’s unending operational difficulties may have mutually turned the tide on the conference, cutting down annual attendance and perhaps enthusiasm for making fresh hydrocarbon related deals.

Even though what has been described as the largest gathering of hydrocarbon industry players within Africa had about 250 exhibitors sprawled across extra spaces, attendance at the NOG was observed by THISDAY to have looked quite low when compared to previous editions.

Although, no official record of the attendance figures were provided by its organisers as at the close of the conference and exhibition, the one-year postponement of the NOG had to an extent impacted its well-known reputation as a very busy conference.

From THISDAY’s observations, 34 high profile speakers made it to the 2017 NOG while 28 firms sponsored its hosting, yet pundits, who spoke on the side-lines of the conference suggested that the poor oil prices, and 2016 conference deferment may have delivered a one-two punch on the overall showing of the conference.

Expectations and Deliveries Without taking anything away from the content of the NOG, THISDAY also observed that expectations on the conference’s deliveries were as usual intact and qualitative.

From a special keynote address on the global oil and gas market outlook and forecast by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which its Secretary General, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, delivered to the ministerial address delivered by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, on reforming and repositioning Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, the sessions at the NOG were generally decent but concentrated on industry issues that have affected growth of the industry in Nigeria.

There were sessions on new legislation and policy that could be developed to transform the industry, and in which questions on what policies are needed to enhance the Nigerian oil and gas industry’s competitive edge?; what changes in legislation and policy do industry players want to see and what impact will this have?; how will investment be attracted into industry activities within a lower oil price environment?; how does the government plan to support the growth of indigenous operators and service providers?; as well as what changes are required in Nigerian Content law to deepen the level of local participation in the national oil and gas industry? were asked.

Moderated by Chidi Momah, Secretary to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the session had Senator Donald Omotayo Alasoadura, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Mordecai Ladan, Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources; Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board; Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, and Taofik Adegbite, Chief Executive Officer of Marine Platforms in attendance.

It was at this session that Alasoadura disclosed that the Senate was on the verge of passing the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), in addition to two other laws that could help the industry reposition.

Gas, which has recently begun to gain some prominence in Nigeria was also prominently featured at a standalone session moderated by veteran industry player and former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, who is

Gas flaring... FG is putting in place policy to harness opportunities in gas

currently the chairman of Brass LNG. The session was tagged‘Nigeria’s Gas Sector - The Catalyst for Economic and Industrial Growth?’ and it had Saidu Mohammed, Chief Operating Officer – Gas and Power of the NNPC; Dr. Timothy Okon, Special Adviser on Fiscal Strategy in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Tony Attah, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Ltd, and Dada Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Oil Ltd; deliberating on issues that included the kind of legislative framework necessary to unleash the potential of the country’s gas sector, policies that could be attractive to investors in gas, review of the implementation of the country’s gas revolution plan, as well as ways to overcome the barriers for gas infrastructure development and funding.

The session also had constructive conversations on the kind of plans that could be in place to further secure gas pipelines and decrease the impact of militancy, development of a gas regulatory framework for deep-water projects and downstream and gas utilisation.

There was also a session on harnessing the business opportunities in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, in which Anibor Kragha, who is the Chief Operating Officer, Refineries of NNPC disclosed approval by President Muhammadu Buhari for NNPC to adopt a new business model to the revamp of the country’s moribund refineries in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt.

Kragha explained that within the new business model, the NNPC would allow investors with refining capacity and funding strength team up with local partners with strong downstream business capacities to invest in the upgrade of the refineries, which they would also operate for agreed periods to recover their investments.

The downstream session addressed issues relating to plans to increase the Nigeria’s refining capacity, policy options that could encourage private sector participation in the downstream sector, steps that needed to be taken to increase the supply chain

efficiency of the refineries, possible roadmap to creating profitable Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) markets in Nigeria, as well as the role modular refineries could play in closing the output gaps in the downstream sector.

It was moderated by Alex Ogedegbe, a former Managing Director of Port Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries, and had Henry Ikem Obih, Chief Operating Officer of Downstream for NNPC, as well as Dayo Adesina, President of Nigerian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (NLGPA) in attendance.

Sessions on energising the upstream sector through increased collaboration and combating crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism through stakeholder collaboration were also held within the strategic sessions of the conference.

Reform Delivering his ministerial remarks, Kachikwu stated that events in the global oil and gas industry in 2016 tested the resolve and resilience of producing countries especially OPEC members, with spending on exploration and production dropping by about 25 per cent on account of the low oil prices.

He also acknowledged the operational difficulties in Nigeria, and pledged the government’s commitment to restructure the industry for the benefit of all players.

He said: “In 2016, the Nigeria upstream sector of the oil and gas industry was challenged by the menace of upstream assets vandalism. Our crude oil export pipeline system namely, Trans-Forcados to the west, the Obangbiri – TemiDaba - Brass in central Niger Delta, the Nembe creek trunk line and the Trans-Niger pipeline, which evacuates crude produced onshore to export terminals were subject to severe vandalism.

“Similarly, the Bonny - Port Harcourt crude oil pipeline and the Escravos-Warri-Kaduna crude oil supply pipelines were not spared.”

“Despite these, Nigeria however, still remains a leading producer in Africa with potential to boost production to the neighborhood of 3 million barrels of oil per day by 2020, once the required investments flow in and the planned deep-water projects are fully realised to achieve an incremental reserve of at least 1 billion barrels and half a million barrels in incremental production capacity per day,”he added.

Speaking on the reform measures, the government planned to adopt in this regard, the minister said:“We developed and launched a practical and well-reasoned petroleum industry roadmap tagged the ‘7-Big Wins’ for the new Nigerian petroleum industry.”

According to him:“The‘7-Big Wins’is not like any other roadmap, as we have never been in short supply of roadmaps.This roadmap is different because it reflects the vision of the country’s leadership and the explicit support and commitment of the industry and all stakeholders to its implementation.

“The roadmap is different as it has very specific time-focused targets and like the many bold steps we have taken in this sector since the inception of the present administration, we are by this roadmap focusing and committing to take unprecedented steps and making dramatic policy shifts in this sector to grow, deepen and open up the business and opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”

Kachikwu added that the roadmap would focus on emplacing new policies, legislations and regulations, enabling the business environment and attracting investments, unleashing a gas revolution to spur multiplier effects including wealth creation, environmental protection and job creation as well as improving domestic capacity for local petroleum products production and attaining self-sufficiency by 2018.

He equally said the plan would seek to sustain engagements with oil producing communities to attain zero militancy in the Niger Delta region by the end of 2017, and enshrine transparency and efficiency in the industry.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

BUSINESS/MEDIA

BBNaija: Revving up Entertainment Beyond the ultimate prize of N25million and a brand new SUV, Raheem Akingbolu reckons that the Big Brother Naija reality show may create a new vista for the Nigerian entertainment industry

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oing by the current happenings in the Big Brother Naija House, where about eight housemates are now slugging it out for the ultimate prize of N25million and a brand new SUV, it appears Nigeria may be in the process of unearthing yet another set of talent.

From the enviable fitness skills of Bassey, to the creative skills of ThinTallTony, Debbie Rise, and Efe; to talented entertainers, singers, and models such as TBoss and Bisola, entertainment should expect great stuff from these housemates in years to come. The BBN house currently serves one of the best reality dramas that have got fans to head online to air their views and also make their votes count, despite pressing socio-economic challenges.

Hosted far away in South Africa, there are strong indications that the Nigerian entertainment space has opened up its doors to a wider viewing public, thereby showcasing some of the country’s budding talents, who now have greater chances of success even beyond the ultimate prize of N25 million. Without doubt, the show has continued to generate a high rate of discourse among the youth, who are constantly airing their views on the character of the housemates. So far, the show has reportedly gained optimal visibility both in the mainstream and online media, drawing more than four million viewers.

The voting pattern has been influenced by the roles of the housemates in the house, their character and how good they are playing the game. For example, the theme of love, which was actively played out by characters such as TBoss, Miyonse, Marvis, Efe, among others, earned Miyonse the nickname, ‘lover boy’. While majority of the comments were criticism of Miyonse for allowing TBoss manipulate him, a few others commended him for being man enough to beat older male contenders and win TBoss’ affection.

Their love however turned sour when Gifty openly made advances towards Miyonse, a move, which infuriated TBoss, and eventually led to her decision to nominate Miyonse for eviction.

The voting public, who were already averse to Miyonse’s unresponsiveness, did not waste time in sending him home. During his interview with Ebuka, Miyonse said that his rivals in the house nominated him for eviction out of envy.

It, however, came as a rude shock when the host told him he was nominated by his lover, TBoss.

It will be interesting to know the dimension their relationship will take after the show.

It was a different story for Soma, who from social media commentaries did not play a major role in the drama in the house, although he became more involved almost immediately he was up for eviction. For the up and coming songstress, CoCoIce, she was an embattled housemate who was not totally accepted by other housemates despite her sustained efforts to save herself from

Particiapants in the show

eviction.

However, despite the eviction of the trio of Soma, Miyonse, and CocoIce, it is interesting to know that their fame and fortunes have continued to grow by the day. On Valentine’s Day, Mr. Nigeria, Emmanuel Ikubuese, among many other celebrities, paid a surprise visit to the housemates and shared his experience on how he tried to get into the house, but was unsuccessful, a move which informed his decision to go for Mr. Nigeria competition, which he won in 2014.

He advised the housemates to look beyond the ultimate prize and utilise the platform to launch their careers, noting that they are stars and Africa is watching them.

Being evicted from the house is definitely not the end of the road for Soma, Miyonse, and CocoIce. Since their eviction and arrival in Nigeria, the housemates have had ‘meet and greet’ sessions. The duo of Soma and Miyonse met with the management of Payporte, Indomie Noodles and Nigerian Breweries, all sponsors

of the Big Brother Naija show. The first female housemate to leave the house, CocoIce, since her arrival in Nigeria has granted several radio interviews and is currently being sought after by the media.

Ironically, the first male evictee from the house became the first housemate to land a major deal as a fashion ambassador for leading online store, PayPorte, the headline sponsor of the BBN show.

Soma joins the likes of Tayo Faniran who was also a Big Brother Africa housemate, now the brand ambassador of PayPorte. It appears this is the winning season for Soma as the model cum singer may have won the heart of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice award winner, Funke Akindele, a fan of BBN. Reports available online also show that Soma may have earned a role in the comedy series, ‘Jenifa’s Diary’. It appears the dividends of fame have already started paying off for Somadina Anyama.

The housemates’ fame has continued to grow

as more brands are showing interest in identifying with them. The latest is the collaboration between Bold Magazine and DStv Nigeria to feature all the contestants on a weekly basis. The first of the series featured lover boy and chef, Miyonse, who revealed that being in the house has helped unearth his latent skills and much potential.

“I was a very shy person before I entered the big brother house, but I became a different person immediately I left the house,” said Miyonse. On his plans for the year, he said, “There will be a Miyonse storm! And it is coming this way. I am coming up with a couple of cooking shows. I am coming up with something unique, something unique to the Big Brother brand, something people would want to associate with. I am also interested in endorsement in the food and beverage industry.”

On the heels of Miyonse, Soma and CocoIce are Gifty, Uriel and the wo fake housemates, Ese and Jon, who were all evicted. They all have the prospects of transiting to celebrity status.

Feedbacks from MTN’s ‘Prestige’ Customers

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wo months after MTN rolled out the drum to celebrate its loyal customers through what it tagged MTN Prestige: Circle of Distinction, some beneficiaries of the scheme were said to have started reaping the benefits of the exclusive club. The scheme, which was designed to reward customers’ loyalty, enlisted them into an elite group of subscribers.

According to the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, the reward programme was introduced to appreciate customers for their support for the brand by enlisting them into an elite group of subscribers.

“It is a reward programme designed to welcome deserving customers into a circle of distinction, in appreciation of those that have stayed loyal to the brand since it started operation 16 years ago”, he said.

This new reward programme, he said, takes customer reward to a new level of appreciation,

by introducing some measures of luxury and style to conventional practice.

That explains why this class of customer reward is classified MTN Prestige, he added.

This is celebration of many customers, who have stayed with the brand for more than 10 years. “MTN prestige is our loyalty programme that is designed to recognise and reward group of customers, who have shown great loyalty to the MTN network over time”, the multinational company said. The reward is based on cumulative spend on MTN network over time.

The reward scheme has three categories, which include Gold, Silver and Bronze. Under Gold, customers consistently enjoy MTN products and services to quality for the third tier level where a range of benefits will make the customer being proud of the distinct circle.

The silver category steps up the customers on MTN voice and data, qualifying the customer in to second tier level of benefits while the customers under Bronze category must have

stayed with the brand for a minimum of 10 years. Irrespective of the first tier of membership.

Some of the benefits include making available exotic cars for customer’s driving pleasure. “As MTN prestige customer, we also take the liberty of negotiating specific of negotiating specific concessions, just in case the customer is inclined to make a purchase” Also membership of the MTN Prestige scheme entitles customers to relax at airport waiting lounge. “MTN Prestige also redefines customer service.

We provide you with a dedicated relationship manager, who is experienced in ensuring utmost customer satisfaction” Speaking at the unveiling of the scheme in Lagos, which witnessed the presence of other top business stakeholders, the Chairman of the company, Pascal Dozie, said the plan was designed because MTN appreciates its customers. “We at MTN appreciate our customers’ loyalty and that is why we are giving them

more value”. He said that customers are central to MTN success story.

Chief Executive Office MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman, also explained that the scheme was a loyalty programme to appreciate customers, who have shown loyalty to MTN brand.

Meanwhile, Iweanoge had earlier explained that the programme was designed to welcome some deserving customers into Circle Distinction.

“What it means is that we are recongnising and rewarding customers who are loyal to MTN. In the past we have done things in bits to recongnise them but we thought that it is important to have a platform where once a customer qualifies, the customer qualifies, the customer would begin to get those benefits.

Those who have been with MTN for 10 years deserve to be rewarded to that loyalty. Also, if a customer’s spends a certain amount on our network on the monthly basis, the customer would also be recognised. The benefits involved airtime, free handset, data and others.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

GlaxoSmithKline Plc: Substantial foreign exchange loss impacts profitability

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SK recently released result for third quarter ended, September 2016 records notable decline in top-line earnings while profitability was negative.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc (GSK) is an affiliate of GlaxoSmithKline worldwide commenced operation on the 1st July 1972, under the name Beecham Limited and was subsequently quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1977 and is currently one of the 30 most capitalised stocks on the exchange.

The Company has constantly advance innovations in products development and branding such as: the recently developed smaller pack sizes of inhaler devices for Asthma patients- Ventolin Rotacaps.

Ventolin Rotacaps uses a re-engineered version of the established GSK inhaler technology that is five times less expensive to produce. The new inhaler has been made available in four markets –The Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya and Nigeria.

DECLINE IN REVENUE AS HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION SHRINKS

GSK has continued to face stiff competition from cheap imported healthcare and consumer goods from China and India besides local competition.

This is in addition to reduction in sales witnessed in the North Eastern part of the country earlier in the year.

Third quarter 2016 financial results of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc recently released shows a 10.85% decline in revenue to N20.54 billion from N23.04 billion in September 2015. The decline in top-line earnings triggered by the cautionary spending by households due to the domestic economic headwinds prevalent in the country has unarguably resulted in reduced general consumption.

Hence, the GSK consumer healthcare goods - which deals with oral care, over the counter (OTC) medicine and nutritional healthcare – and pharmaceuticals – which deals in antibacterial, vaccines and prescription drugs - records sharp drop in sales by 12.41% and 7.55% respectively.

Cost of sales also declined by 4.20% to N14.72 billion from N15.37 billion. Due to the lower decline in cost in comparison to revenue, gross profit weakened considerably by 24.18% to N5.82 billion from N7.67 billion recorded in the same period of 2015.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE LOSSES GREATLY ERODES PROFITABILITY

Operating profit recorded a loss of N6.29 billion in September 2016, indicating a substantial decline of 993.64% when compared with September 2015 figure of N704m. Forming a huge part of operating income is recovery of accrued licence fee of N1.22 billion payable to Glaxo

WE HOLD STRONG OPINION THAT GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIGERIA PLC HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DELIVER HIGH LEVEL OF PRODUCT INNOVATIONS, OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND CREATE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEEPEN ITS MARKET WHICH WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY BOOST PERFORMANCE BEYOND CURRENT RESULTS. HOWEVER, THE COMPANY’S MANAGEMENT MUST REVIEW AND ACTION SOUND STRATEGIC PLAN TOWARDS IMPROVING REVENUE AND EFFECTIVELY MANAGE ITS EXPENSES TO POSITIVELY IMPACT FURTHER EARNINGS AND SHAREHOLDERS RETURN

Group Limited which was considered unnecessary. GSK’s profitability is largely eroded by an unanticipated loss recorded in other gains and losses to the tune of N6.47 billion from N653m in September 2016. Other gains and losses declined extensively on the back of unrealised foreign exchange losses totalling N5.85 billion.

The Company’s total expenses figure revealed that administrative expenses, and selling and distribution expenses rose by 4.36% and 10.47% to N2.14 billion and N4.73 billion, from third quarter 2015 record of N2.05 billion and N4.29 billion respectively. The rise in selling and distribution expenses was incurred due to increased promotional activities by the Company’s management in a bid to further deepen the GSK brand and increase its market share in the highly competitive market in which it operates.

Despite income from business disposal, profitability remains negative

Pre-tax loss stood at N6.29 billion indicating a decline of 997.09% from N701m in the corresponding period 2015.

The company boast of reduction finance costs to N0.31m for the third quarter ended, September 2016 from N2.68m in the preceding period of 2015 indicating a massive decline of 88.56%.

Net income was boosted by an unexpected income of N2.33 billion received from the disposal of its drink business through the sale of the Company’s two flagship brands; Lucozade and Ribena to Suntory Beverage & Food Nigeria Ltd. Nevertheless, a huge loss was still recorded as net income decline of 762.75% to N4.05 billion loss from N486m billion recorded in September 2015.

KEY FINANCIAL METRICS REFLECTS PERFORMANCE FIGURES

Total assets rose by 22.25% to N38.30 billion as at third quarter ended, 30th September 2016 from N31.33 billion as at December 2015. The growth was driven primarily by the substantial increase in cash and bank balances, trade and other receivables which grew by 543.06% and 19.95% respectively. Total liabilities also increased substantially by 62.65% to N29.51 billion from N18.14 billion as at third quarter ended, 30th September 2016. The growth in total liabilities was due to a massive rise of 71.36% in current liabities, despite a record loss of 7.16% in long-term liabilities. Shareholders equity decreased on the back of retained earnings by a notable figure of 33.34% in the period under review to N8.79 billion from N13.19 billion recorded in December 2015.

Profitability ratio however dropped significantly. Return on average asset (ROAA) and return on average equity (ROAE) reflects bottom-line earnings as each stood at a negative 11.62% and 36.83% respectively as at third quarter ended, 30th September 2016.

GSK’s quick ratio currently stands at 1.13 compared to 0.58 and 0.62 in September 2015 and December 2015 respectively.

Furthermore, price to sales (P/S) positions at 0.64 while price book value (P/BV) at 2.05.

WE PLACE A HOLD RECOMMENDATION

The performance of GSK for third quarter of 2016 has not been impressive due to unprecedented foreign exchange losses, and reduction in both Company’s revenue and profitability. GSK still enjoys significant patronage across its product brands and Nigerian economy is an attractive market for consumable goods, largely supported by the growing population size of about 180.1 million people, which provides vast consumer demand.

Valuation Metrics 10-Mar-17 Recommendation

HOLD

Target Price (N)

12.55

Current Price (N)

14.50

Market Cap (N'm)

17.84

Outstanding Shares (m)

1,196

EPS (N)

-2.98

P/S

0.63x Source: BGL Research

Third Quarter Results – September 2016 Turnover (N'm)

20,540

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

(6,288)

Profit After Tax (N'm)

(4,046)

Pre-tax Margin (%)

(30.61) Source: BGL Research

Audited Full year December 2015 Turnover (N'm)

30,634

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

1,157

Profit After Tax (N'm)

965

Pre-tax Margin (%)

3.78 Source: BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Setfirst Limited

27.31%

SmithKline Beecham Ltd

19.11%

Stanbic Nominees Ltd

10.08%

Public Float

44.67% Source: Company Data, BGL Research

We hold strong opinion that GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc has an opportunity to deliver high level of product innovations, operational excellence and create an opportunity to deepen its market which would significantly boost performance beyond current results. However, the Company’s management must review and action sound strategic plan towards improving revenue and effectively manage its expenses to positively impact further earnings and shareholders return.

Considering the foregoing with respect to intense of and other macro-economic factors, we have valued the GSK’s share using a combined valuation methods of book value, and adjusted price to sales (P/S) which resulted in a 6-month target price of N12.55 per share. Since this represents a downside potential of 13.45% on the current stock price, we place hold recommendation on the Company’s shares.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

GuarantyTrust Bank Plc: Remarkable third quarter performance points ahead

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uaranty Trust Bank Plc (GT Bank) is an internationally focused commercial bank providing a range of banking products and services to corporate, commercial, and retail customers in Nigeria, West Africa, and Europe. The company focuses on acquiring and managing strategic businesses that create long term shareholders’ returns and socioeconomic impact.

The Bank’s management recently released third quarter result for the period ended September 30th 2016, the performance metrics shows substantial positive growth in revenue and profitability compared to the corresponding period of 2015 despite a protracted economic recession caused a number of tough macroeconomic factors which includes: unstable foreign exchange terrain, unexpected increase in prices, decline in income and expenses, and easy adjustment and absorption to changing banking regulation,.

TOP-LINE EARNINGS ROSE SIGNIFICANT AMID ECONOMIC SITUATIONS. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc posted a significant rise of 43.56% in gross earnings to N329.28 billion in September 2016 from N229.38 billion in the corresponding period of 2015 largely driven by other income which grew by a remarkable 1250.32%, and interest income which grew by a 5.17% to N181.91 billion compared to N172.96 billion recorded over the same period of 2015.

Interest expense on the other hand grew by dropped by 6.95% to N49.16 billion in September 2016 from N52.83 billion recorded in September 2015. The high and constant interest rate environment throughout the period and an unchanging Banks’ Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) resulted in increase in competition for deposits amongst banks but GT Bank was able to manage its interest expense.

Expectedly the bank’s net interest income grew notably by 10.50% to N132.75 billion in September 2016 from N120.13 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

OTHER INCOME AND FEES EARNED LEADS TO SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN NON-INTEREST INCOME The Bank reported non-interest income of N147.37 billion for the third quarter ended, September 2016 from N56.4 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2015; reflecting a substantial growth of 161.25%. This was an impressive

WHILE THIS POLICY AIMED AT CONTROLLING MONETARY LIQUIDITY IN THE ECONOMY FORESHADOWS HUGE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE BANKS’ OPERATIONS, THE BANK’S MANAGEMENT IS CAPABLE OF INCREASING PERFORMANCE THAT WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN EARNINGS, INCOME GENERATION CAPACITY AND GROWTH IN LIQUIDITY BASE

performance as fee and commission rose by 27.11% on the back of substantive increase in income generated from e-business products and services which suitably replace the phased out Commission on Turnover (COT) by the CBN; a hitherto significant source of income to banks.

Also, growth in non-interest income was despite decrease in net gains on financial instruments classified as held for trading which decreased by 69.23% to N3.01 billion from N9.79 billion over the period reviewed.

IMPRESSIVE GROWTH IN PROFITABILITY ON THE BACK OF EFFICIENTLY MANAGED OPERATING EXPENSES The Bank’s well venerated operational efficiency is a tradition that GT Bank strongly upholds. The Bank has been able to consistently sustain its effective cost management strategies and hence profitability.

Despite running a leaner branch network compared to its peers, the Bank conveniently generates more competitive profit year after year.

This renowned efficiency is also sustained in the period under review

as the Bank grew operating expenses by a modest 8.24% to N79.93 billion from N73.8 billion recorded in 2015, while operating income rose by a considerable 478.74% to N96.96 billion from N16.75 billion over the period.

The combination of efficiently managed operating expenses and substantial growth in gross earnings steered profitability higher. Thus, pre-tax profit grew significantly by 52.98% to N140.84 billion in September 2016 from N92.06 billion in in the corresponding period, September 2015, while net income grew substantially by 59.56% to N119.93 billion from N75.16 billion over the same period.

IMPROVEMENT IN ASSET QUALITY AND KEY FINANCIAL METRICS GT Bank maintained its leading position in terms of margin and cost efficiency. Pre-tax profit margin declined slightly to 42.77% from 41.93% over period while net income margin also followed suit with an increase to 36.42% from 34.23% during the same period. In addition, the Bank’s cost to income ratio also declined marginally to 36.20% in September 2016 from 44.51% in September 2015. At 37.62%, the Bank’s liquidity ratio remains above the minimum regulatory requirements of 30% while capital adequacy ratio remains strong at 18.10%, well above the regulatory requirement of 15%.

In relation to assets quality, nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio rose to 4.13% in September 2016.

Furthermore, the Bank shareholder’s fund improved by 19.01% to N492.20 billion in September 2016 from N413.56 billion in December 2015.

The Bank’s return on assets and shareholders’ equity rose remarkably.

Return on average asset (ROA) grew to 4.27% in September 2016 from 3.06% in December 2015 while return on equity (ROE) grew to 26.48% from 18.76% over the period under review.

HOLD RECOMMENDATION DESPITE BRIGHT OUTLOOK The CBN’s monetary tightening policies have resulted in limited income generation and high cost of funds within the Nigerian financial system. The CBN has maintained the CRR at a high level with a view to maintaining price stability and support the stability of the Naira exchange rate.

Despite the regulatory headwinds prevalent which saw inflation soar to 17.70% as at September 2016 from 9.4% a year ago, MPR at 14% and the CRR on all public sector deposits at 22.5%, GT Bank delivered another

Valuation Metrics 10-Mar-17 Rating

BUY

Target Price (N)

27.81

Current Price (N)

24.50

Market Cap (N'm)

691,338

Outstanding Shares (m)

29,431

Rolling EPS (N)

4.90

Rolling PE Ratio

5.03

Forward EPS

5.77

Forward PE

4.07 Source: NSE Data, BGL Research

Unaudited Q3 Results 2016 Gross Earnings (N'm)

229,372

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

92,062

Profit After Tax (N'm)

75,160

Pre-tax Margin (%)

40.14

Source: Company Report Q3 2016, BGL Research

FYE December 2015 Audited Results Gross Earnings (N'm)

301,900

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

120,695

Profit After Tax (N'm)

99,437

Pre-tax Margin (%)

31.98 Source: Annual Report 2015, BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Citibank Nigeria (GDR)

10.54%

Stanbic Nominees

25.90%

Public Float

63.56%

Outstanding Shares (m)

29,431.17

Source: Annual Report 2015, BGL Research

impressive performance. While this policy aimed at controlling monetary liquidity in the economy foreshadows huge negative impact on the banks’ operations, the Bank’s management is capable of increasing performance that will further strengthen earnings, income generation capacity and growth in liquidity base.

We maintain our projection of N339.48 billion for gross earnings and net income of N111.29 billion for the financial year ending December 2016, leading to a forward EPS of N5.77.

Using an industry price to earnings multiple (PE) of 5.03x, we arrive at a six-month average target price of N27.81. Since this represents an upside potential of 13.51% on the current stock price of N24.65, we therefore recommend a BUY.

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TRAVEL

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

Basking in Nature’s Splendour at Lansdown Aburi Resort A unique resort that brings you close to nature, with facilities that won’t make you miss the city life, is less than an hour’s drive from Accra, Ghana. Demola Ojo writes from the hills of Aburi…

T

here are so many reasons why the Lansdown Aburi Resort in Ghana is the ideal destination for your next getaway.

Nestled in the hills more than 1,500 feet above sea level, Lansdown is secluded, serene and scenic; as close to nature as you can get but with access to luxury that would make leading 5-star hotels green with envy. As green as the forest I’m staring at as I write from the patio of one of the villas at the resort, the Jacuzzi to my left staying warm for when I need a relaxing, inspirational dip.

It is rare to be up in the mountains, so far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet still only 45 minutes away from the centre of Accra by road, and another 45 to West Africa’s commercial capital (Lagos) by air.

The commute up here was in itself, memorable. There was a welcome team from Lansdown waiting at the airport, and complimentary transfer to the resort with a Cadillac Escalade that ate up the road with ease and handled the track up the hills effortlessly.

The route passes through the centre of Accra, goes past the University of Legon and heads for the hills, with a red toll booth signaling the winding ascent to the town famous for hiking, cycling, mountain climbing and its botanical garden.

Lansdown is at one of the highest points of Aburi, a large expanse set aside from the rest of the town, a secret only the discerning and well-connected discover, exclusive yet affordable. The affordable part is hard to believe at first sight. There is a mansion available to top executives on request, eight villas, each of them with three spacious rooms and a living area, and a few single rooms.

The villas are spaced out, separated from each other by lush vegetation and the terrain. The resort is built around the topography, the landscaping ingenious. The construction complements and enhances the surroundings: stone for the villas, walkways, steps and embankments; wood for the clubhouse and most of the furniture.

The expansive living rooms are tastefully furnished, the regal feel heightened by white walls and white leather sofas.

The Lansdown has a few recreational facilities for guests to enjoy. Top on the list has to be the infinity pool with breathtaking views of the forested hills. There’s a tennis court and loads of board games; scrabble, monopoly and my favourite, chess.

Still on the subject of enjoyment, it would be a travesty not to mention the quality and variety of food at this resort. Everything from traditional Ghanaian food (Waakye and Shito I’m certainly in love with now), Nigerian cuisine and dishes from other West African countries, Lebanese, Chinese, Italian, American, French… The menu is diverse, and tailored to individual guests’ tastes, made from scratch and can be had anywhere from the clubhouse to the poolside, candle-lit dinners by the stream or room service.

I could go on and on about how mindblowing Lansdown is but that would be less time for me to swim, or see Barcelona make history with a 6-1 comeback win over PSG (apologies if you don’t watch football), or see a movie beamed on the wall by a projector while lounging in the Jacuzzi, or hike.

Lansdown resort

Many would give an arm and a leg to be here right now. Those who love adventure and the outdoors will certainly have a field day with hiking trails that snake through the undulating hills, crisscrossing streams under the canopy of trees where brightlycoloured birds tweet all day long.

Couples who need quality time together with no one in sight would also appreciate the privacy. To propose perhaps. Or for a honeymoon. Or maybe for the wedding itself.

Lansdown should be great for family retreats too, with the alone time encouraging bonding. It’s certainly an ideal venue for corporate organisations as the resort staff assist in organising team-building activities. The conferencing facilities help in this regard too, with a modern conference room accommodating between 25 and 40, depending on the seating configuration.

To be candid, conferencing is the furthest thing from my mind. I could make do with a phone call which initially seemed farfetched when we commenced our ascent into the hills. Or better still, take advantage of the superfast internet and video call.

And there’s more to come as Lansdown keeps evolving. With so much space, it is no surprise that another hilltop structure is under construction for conferencing purposes. It would be accessible by cable car. A golf course is in the works too.

A sauna and a spa. And a couple more projects.

I’m back to staring at the forest which starts a few feet from the patio, glad I only have a few more sentences to go. Now I notice the shrubs close to me. Red flowers, yellow flowers, purple… swaying gently, dancing under the light rain shower.

My friend describes Lansdown as a little piece of heaven. If only I didn’t have to come back to earth.

Infinity pool

Villa living room

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍšÍşËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

MARKET NEWS

SEC, Operators Meet on Risk-Based Supervision Framework Goddy Egene The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will next week meet with capital market operators to deliberate on the newly introduced Risk-Based Supervision (RBS) to the market.

The stakeholders meeting will hold in Lagos on March 13, 14 Â and 15. According to SEC, the meeting will be attended by the chief executive officers, chief operating officers and chief compliance officers of stockbroking firms, fund/

portfolio managers, issuing houses, trustees, corporate investment advisers and rating agencies.

The apex regulator noted that the meeting is sequel to the migration to RBS framework, and the need to harmonise its quarterly reporting templates with that of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

SEC recently approved the commencement of RBS with the aim of establishing a more robust regulatory framework for the Nigerian capital market.

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

The RBS model is a proactive approach that places a strong emphasis on the early identification and mitigation of emerging risks. It entails continuous identification, assessment and control of risks in an organisation. The effectiveness of the RBS model is dependent on the level of knowledge a supervisor has on the institution.

SEC explained that the overall objective of the RBS is to ensure the safety and soundness of Capital

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 9-Mar-2017, unless otherwise stated.

Market Operators (CMOs) by adopting a proactive risk based supervisory process that centers on risk profiling of a CMO and implementing appropriate supervisory methods that are commensurate with risks identified in the business operations of a CMO. This serves to ensure that regulatory resources are optimally allocated according to the risk profile of a CMO. It said: “The regulatory environment in the Nigerian financial market has

traditionally been focused on a supervisory process that is compliance based or what can otherwise be described as a ‘Rules Based’ supervisory regime. This regulatory approach tends to excessively focus on monitoring and ensuring compliance with laid down rules and regulations. “In recognition of the obvious limitations of a rules based supervisory regime, a global trend towards a risk based supervisory model that focuses on identifying,

monitoring and mitigating risk, signifies a major paradigm shift in the approach to regulating financial markets.�

Sec noted that adopting RBS not only ensures that regulated entities are well positioned to accommodate the risks that they bear, but more importantly absorb risks that may crystallize from adverse events. This ensures that potential spillover effects are isolated with limited externalities on the financial system.

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 128.12 128.54 0.85% Nigeria International Debt Fund 220.15 220.77 2.26% 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 0.70 0.71 -0.18% 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 17.53% 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 12.14 12.51 -1.67% ARM Discovery Fund 286.66 295.31 -0.18% ARM Ethical Fund 21.93 22.59 -1.83% 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 106.23 106.97 1.09% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 17.55% 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 1,123.34 1,124.49 3.02% FBN Heritage Fund 110.42 111.15 -1.05% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.95% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $106.96 $107.63 2.78% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $106.66 $107.33 3.20% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 111.87 113.32 -0.72% 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 2.75% 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 2,179.52 2,204.65 -1.35% Coral Income Fund 2,179.25 2,179.25 3.56% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.26% 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 16.86% Vantage Balanced Fund 1.70 1.71 0.78% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.51%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@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 1.01 1.03 2.06% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,022.43 1,022.43 1.95% 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 9.56 9.65 -1.02% 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 1,829.12 1,838.82 -0.13% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 154.41 154.41 0.29% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.75 0.76 -1.95% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 191.27 191.27 2.34% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 127.36 129.04 -1.89% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.51% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,302.82 7,392.37 -3.67% 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 9.74 9.91 1.17% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.05 11.15 1.27% Zenith Income Fund 17.23 17.23 4.29%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 125.18

1.01% 0.98%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

7.86 71.09

7.96 72.42

-10.42% -6.19%

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 GrifďŹ n 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

2.42 5.29 11.44 12.57 124.79

2.46 5.37 11.54 12.77 126.79

-11.79% -24.61% -4.59% -21.06% -3.89%

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.

28

T H I S D AY SUNDAY MARCH 12, 2017

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

12.03.2017

THE POMPS AND FLOPS OF

2017 AMVCA

30

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍŻÍ°, Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

COVER

L-R: Managing Director Multichoice Nigeria, John Ugbe; AMVCA Best Actress Winner, Rita Dominic; Regional Director M-Net Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu; AMVCA Lifetime Recognition Award Winner, Chief Chika Okpala; and CEO of M-Net, Yolisa Phahle

Toni Tones (R) and a guest

THE POMPS AND FLOPS OF 2017 AMVCA Each year, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) pushes the envelope.

For its fifth edition which held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, the organisers threw in everything to deliver a spectacular show. Although it is still far from being called the apotheosis of Nollywood, AMVCA has certainly laid footprints in the sands of time for others to follow. From the red carpet to attention to time, this year, again, recorded more trumps than flops. Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha report

L

egs, Legs, Legs Everywhere: It is no news that fashion is a huge part of awards shows and the AMVCA was not left out. This year, the celebrities stormed the red carpet with bold statements.

Most of the female celebrities went for the high thigh slit, exposing their legs in different shades-sexy, hairy, long, short, bow, etc. The legs had an eyeful on the red carpet. Somkele Idhalama who won the Trailblazer award was the ‘Queen of High Slits’. Her beautiful designed dress gave her such a regal and confident look. Other celebrities who also rocked the high slit trend include Uche Jumbo and Funke Akindele.

Andrea Iyamah and Rita Dominic were outstanding in their dresses, as well.

It was just as important not just to appear, but to be seen to appear well at the AMVCA. Perhaps, this was as good as being a winner or nominee. Many of the stars dressed deliberately to have all eyes focused on them.

The male celebrities have since upped their game. Gentlemen like IK Ogbonna, Ozzy Agu and Richard Mofe Damijo turned more than a few heads in breathtaking outfit.

The Hosts: The show took off on a pleasant note with a soulful performance

from Timi Dakolo. This performance was given a lovely character by Bolanle AustenPeters choreographers dressed in different attires to depict the diverse cultures of the continent, IK Osakioduwa and South African, Minnie Dlamini returned as hosts of the show and wasted no time in pulling their stunts for the night. They did a skit on stage which at first appeared to be unrehearsed until the sexy Ghanaian actor Mawuli Gavor waltzed to the stage shirtless, eliciting screams. IK and Minnie had great synergy on stage with their mimicry and theatrics.

Minnie seized the opportunity to campaign against xenophobia while IK dished out witty lines as well as sampled his acting skills.

Acceptance Speeches One of the most spectacular moments of awards shows are the acceptance speeches made by the winners. This year, it ranged from the effusive like the ear-splitting Rastafarian scream of Perekeme Odon who won the Best Make-up Category with Hakeem for the movie ‘Oloibiri’; to the hyper like Samuel Ajibola (Best Actor in Comedy series) who couldn’t hide the ‘Spiff’ character he is known for in ‘The Johnsons’. Sometimes it was dramatic like

David Jones, the winner of the Best Actor in a Drama, who kept gamboling and sniffing on the stage; or like Funke Akindele who mumbled incoherently as she received her second award for the night for her comedy series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’. There were also the emotional like Pat Egwurumbe’s daughter who screamed ‘Mummy’ on stage as her mother collected the award for the Best Costume Designer for the movie ‘76. Chief Chika Okpala’s (Zebrudaya) acceptance speech when he was given the Lifetime Recognition Award also took the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. He revealed that it was the first time he was given a car while acknowledging those who played a vital role in the comedy drama that brought him to spotlight in the 80s, ‘New Masquerade’, namely Nkem Owoh. There were also the inspirational ones like Somkele Idhalama, the AMVCA Trailblazer of the Year. She referred to God as the ultimate scriptwriter of her life who still allows her to influence it even if He knows the final destination.

And of course Rita Dominic, who won the Best Actress in a Drama Movie/TV Series.

She advised that History should be taught in schools as the movie ‘76 opened her eyes to the happenings of the past. There were also the humbling and grateful speeches

like that of Sambasa Nzeribe, the winner of the Best Actor in a Drama Movie/TV series.

He appreciated the big contenders in that category: Olu Jacobs, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ramsey Nouah for allowing him to win by prostrating on the floor. He also expressed his gratitude to individuals and institutions who contributed to his education as well as his career.

Loud Silence from Amstel Malta Amstel Malta, that brand that had become synonymous with the AMVCA was missing this year. Is the love story over between the two brands? Other sponsors like MTN, GAC Motors, Konga and Top Tea were proudly represented.

Balancing the Old and the New Many audience members, as well as, the winner of the Best Supporting Actress in a Drama, Movie or TV Series, Ebele OkaroOnyiuke were shocked at her winning. The dynamic Thespian was the least expected to win the category which boasted of more young bloods. Could it be the organiser’s way of balancing the Best Actor in a Drama, Movie or TV Series, which has over the years been handed to young actors like Tope Tedela, pushing the likes of Ramsey Nouah to

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MARCH 12, 2017 ˾ T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

COVER

Funke Akindele

the back seat?

More Surprises Did anyone give Imeh Umoh Bishop in a category featuring the likes of Mike Ezuronye, Bovi Ugboma and Ayo Makun?

Well, the Akwa Ibom State born comedian surprised everyone and, perhaps, himself when he came tops as Best Actor in a Comedy. Funke Akindele had herself to beat in the Best Actress in a Comedy category.

Although, she won with ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, she was nominated in the same category for her role in ‘A Trip to Jamaica’. Sambasa Nzeribe was clearly overwhelmed when he was announced Best Actor in a Drama.

All About BAP: From the beginning of the show, Bolanle Austen-Peters’ presence was very visible. Her choreographers performed with Timi Dakolo but what impressed the audience more when they performed a minibroadway show of the Afrobeat Legend, Fela Kuti. Although there were few glitches in the performance, they still entertained the crowd.

The Voice-Over Blunders The voice-over artiste who reeled out the names of the nominees did a terrible onslaught on the pronunciation of indigenous names. This left a bad taste on the viewers as well as the audience. The organisers could have at least used a Nigerian or a more fluent orator who could pronounce African names correctly.

AMVCA Oscar Moment No one anticipated this but going by the recent trend in award shows, it was inescapable. Fortunately, the wrong winner was not announced, rather the wrong nominees. Instead of displaying the nominees for the Best Director category, the huge screen on stage reeled out nominees for Best Actor in a Drama, Movie or TV Series.

The Voice Nigeria Contestants Were Brilliant The AMVCA threw the spotlight on the contestants of The Voice Nigeria. Chike, DNA and A’rese had their golden moments at the awards. A’rese was all angelic as she performed a graveyard song as tribute to

departed souls in the movie industry. Chike on his part brought on all the swagger he is known for. His performance was enhanced by the flashy motorcycle on stage. For the upcoming twin artistes DNA, their moment in the spotlight was marred by nervousness.

The audience cheered them on nonetheless.

Other performers of the night include South African songstress Lira, Waje and Simi.

The Tribute Flop When paying tribute at award shows, the appropriate medium to depict the memory of the departed souls is a picture, be it a collage or individually displayed. But at the AMVCAs, the screen rolled out names which were not written in bold fonts instead of pictures. This caused a distortion as most members of the audience struggled to read the names displayed on the huge screen.

‘76 is the Number At the beginning of the show ‘Oloibiri’ seemed to be clinching all the awards. Not a few feared that ‘76 which had the most nominations this year may just end the night without an award. But the historical romance ended up winning five awards (the biggest win of the night) including three out of the ‘Big 4’. It took home awards for Best Actress in a Drama, Movie or TV Series, Best Director, Best Overall Movie, Best Costume Designer and Best Art Director.

Best Comedy Act Winner Samuel Ajibola Introduces ‘Dele Issues’ AMVCA 2017 best comedy act winner (M-NET Recognition Award), Samuel Ajibola, popularly known for his role as Spiff in the TV series ‘The Johnsons’ has announced the release of his upcoming comedy web series titled ‘Dele Issues’ (Daily Issues). The episodes will be released twice every month; the second and last Friday of every month.

The series revolves around the main character, Dele, his daily awkward encounters – causing him to make some decisions, which are sometimes rather ridiculous. The series is laced with satire to make it effortlessly hilarious.

Somkele Idhalama

Lira , South African singer

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AMVCA IMAGES

Adesuwa Etomi

Sambisa Nzeribe.

Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva

Nkem Owoh

(L-R)John Ugbe,Yolisa Phahle and Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu

Beverly Naya

Imeh Bishop Umoh and wife

Richard Mofe-Damijo

John Ugbe

Bovi

Chioma Akpotha

Anita Fabiola

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AMVCA IMAGES

Uti Nwachukwu

Blossom Chukwujekwu and wife

Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke and Tina Mba

Rita Dominic

Ayo Adesanya

Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett

Bolanle Olukanni and Toni Tones (R)

Chigul

Meg Otanwa

Daniel K Daniel

Ese Eriata

Helen Paul

Lillian Esoro

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Annangs Stage ‘Biggest’ Reception for Udom Emmanuel Nseobong Okon-Ekong

I

n the polity of Nigeria, Ikot Ekpene, one of the leading cities in Akwa Ibom State has some claims to fame. It has the distinction of being the ďŹ rst experimental local government administration in West Africa. The people of Ikot Ekpene are famous for skill in wood sculpture. Their artistry reaches a height of excellence in creating marvelous works from raďŹƒa. And that is how it got the sobriquet, RaďŹƒa City! Ikot Ekpene is perhaps best known as the headquarters of the Annang ethnic group. a dynamic socio-political group in Akwa Ibom. In recent years, the ideals of this group have been promoted by the Ati Annang Foundation, an elite socio-cultural organization for Annang sons and daughters with chapters all over the world.

Its recent assembly at the prestigious Regina Pacis Auditorium, Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene, however, took a new turn as the event revolved around the First Family of Akwa Ibom State. Incidentally, Governor Udom Emmanuel is an in-law to the Annangs, as his wife, Martha hails from Oruk Anam, one of the local government Areas that make up the Annang nation.

Approaching the venue, Cardinal Ekanem Road, it was easy to conclude from the type and number of cars that there is a gathering of eminent persons in the neighbourhood.

The array of cultural displays, drummers and dancers created an unmistakable festive mood. The people danced with frenzy, which reached a feverish climax when Governor Udom arrived into warm embrace of the leadership of Ati Annang Foundation including its Grand Patron and wife, His Excellency, Godswill Akpabio, the Senate Monitory Leader and Her Excellency, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio. .

If there were doubts about the relationship between Udom and Akpabio, the Ati Annang meeting put it to rest, as there were no noticeable signs of disaection between them. It was a copious show of warmth, laughter and backslapping all the way between the two. Governor Udom adjudged the mammoth crowd as “one of the biggest receptionâ€? since he became governor. He appealed to those litigating against government for compensation on Ikot Ekpene- Uyo Road to back down. He thanked Ati Annang for the support. Mrs. Martha Emmanuel expressed similar sentiments. She was exceedingly happy with the honour to her husband and herself. The First lady viewed the robust reception as a strong indication of support for her husband. She assured the people that the nooks and crannies of Annang land would be touched positively by the Udom administration. Mrs Emmanuel concluded that it was not possible for the governor to forget the Annangs as that would mean he has forgotten her.

The razzmatazz of inducting the governor as a new member and patron of Ati Annang Foundation was made more glorious with presentation of scholarships to 200

Olori Wuraola

Cultural Dancers at the reception

university students. The scholarships are worth N50,000 each. Also, back-to-school-kits were presented to 500 pupils.

One of the highlights of the event was a sterling performance by the Uko Akpan Cultural Troupe. The grand old man of Akwa Ibom cultural dance who is also a natural ruler has been performing since 1947 and is still very active in the traditional dance and music circuit.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in performing arts by the University of Uyo at its last convocation.

The International President of Ati Annang Foundation, Rt. Honourable Udo Kyrian, House Leader of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly thanked the governor and his wife for accepting membership of the socio-cultural organization.

He said that the spirit embedded in the Annang person drives him in the direction of excellence, progress and deďŹ nes his sense of justice, equity, harmonious existence and good conscience.

The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio stated that the reception/ investiture should assure Governor Udom that he has no enemy in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. He enjoined him not to listen to gossips as only the will of God will be done in his life.

The former governor submitted that he stands as the father of the Udom administration. He implored those who hate him, his wife and children to hate them no more.

He said that he was happy that he is alive with his wife to join the celebration and reassured the governor that they are with him.

2BABA, DAREY, ADEKUNLE GOLD, DAZZLE AT OLORI WURAOLA The Give-Back-concert organised

by Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife recently in support of orphanages in the country may have come and gone, but its impact on the lives of orphans will continue to reverberate for long.

The Olori Wuraola Orphan Aid Project is an initiative under the House of Oduduwa Foundation. The concert attracted multiple award winning stars like Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia, Darey, Adekunle Gold, Waje, Cobhams, Sound Sultan, Kenny Blaq, Funbi and Lamboghini.

Expectedly, there was no single dull

Gov. Udom Emmanuel receives a traditional symbol of strenght and industry

Gov. Udom Emmanuel and wife receive an Ikot Ekpene made RaďŹƒa craft

moment all through the event as the super stars thrilled the audience with world-class performance that left the huge crowd inside the Eko Convention Center Lagos, asking for more.

Olori Wuraola, the queen and wife of the Ooni of Ife, who has been tagged as Mother Theresa of our time, left no one in doubt of her ability to add glitz, glamour and razzmatazz to an event that was organised to show love to the less-privileged.

She has successfully demonstrated her deep love for the poor by practically living her life to conform with her philosophy that is deeply-rooted in the aphorism that wealth is nothing if it cannot be used for the advancement of

society and mankind.

Her effort to draw the people’s attention to the plights of the less-privileged, especially in the southwest zone of the country, with the good response to her call by dignitaries that include the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi; His imperial majesty Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, billionaire businesswoman, Hajia Bola Shagaya; Sen. Ita Giwa; Nike Osinowo; Erelu Dosunmu, Sisi Abah Folawiyo among several others. Nollywood stars were also in attendance to lend their support to the cause.

Speaking on her dream for orphanages, Olori Wuraola said: “I want to assist in the renovation of local orphanages She also expressed the need to

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ENTERTAINMENT xceptional. In the words of Her Excellency, “I am impressed with what Abiola and his team are doing and will encourage every young person to take advantage of these opportunities to grow your skills in order to become unstoppable.

contribute individually to help the orphans achieve a good future “We cannot do it alone, none of us can” More than 20 orphanages are expected to benefit from the proceeds of the concert, which she promised would be used to renovate such orphanages.

ABIOLA SALAMI OPENS CHAMP CITY, LAUNCHES XCEPTIONAL WOMAN PACK In a bid to continually inspire and develop competence amongst women and youths, Abiola Salami, founder at iamaCHAMP Group, a total capacity development firm, recently unveiled the Xceptional Woman Pack, a multimedia inspirational toolkit for women.

The launch was held at the newly opened ChampCity facility located in the upscale Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Over the years, Salami has been consistent in pushing young women to go beyond their limit. He shuns ideas or norms that limit women to the confines of the kitchen or bedroom.

“Women, in my opinion form the most untapped resources in the world.

Many women hardly spend time to discover who they are or conscious of how powerful they are. The power of a woman lies within and not without and it is important they discover the power within so that they can be of great benefit to the world.”

The Xceptional Woman Pack is an inspirational toolkit for every woman and comprises the globally acclaimed Who Says Its A Man’s World, a 21-Day Mind Makeover handbook for Women, daily Inspiration for Xceptional Women Audio Program, The revolutionary audio program Woman, Get Out Of Your Way and The Xceptional Woman Journal.

While Salami seemingly portray a bias for women, he insisted that his work is not limited to women but also young persons. This is evident in his goal to reach 1 Billion Champions by 2026. Through his iamaCHAMP Group campaign, he is steadily reaching the set mark. In 2016, he engaged over 2.3 million champions across 30 countries. This year, his milestone is to reach 10 million champions.

It is against this backdrop that he unveiled the new ChampCity.

“ChampCity is envisioned to be the world’s destination for inspiration, inspirational content & inspirational experiences. ChampCity started in a non-ventilated one room apartment.

That was where the books - Get MAD, Who Says It’s A Man’s World and Daily Inspiration for Xceptional Women were written. That was where the revolutionary audio program – Woman, Get Out Of Your Way was created. That was where we designed and implemented 4 editions of the impactful GAME Conference. That was where The American Government discovered me and sent me on a global leadership program; that was where we created and implemented the Xceptional Women Network and all her programs. I am not saying this to impress you, I am just saying this to impress upon you that we have an unrelenting commitment to serving champions across the globe.”

The upgraded ChampCity includes a 35-Seater Training Facility for hosting training programs for the workforce of organisations, women and youth; a 10-Seater Virtual Office for young entrepreneurs and SMEs who cannot afford the huge cost of renting an office and an audio-visual production studio and a VIP coaching suite for top executives.

The high profile event was anchored by veteran broadcaster, Onimisi ‘OJ’ Adaba, and had in attendance captains

Dele Odufuye, Co-founder_ Michael Ajereh (Don Jazzy), Co-founder, Director and Adetayo Adedigba, Flobyt Sweden

Inside Don Jazzy’s Flobyte Free WiFi Launch The Founder and CEO, MAVINS Records, Michael Collins Ojereh otherwise known as Don Jazzy certainly knows how to put his money where his mouth is.

Recently, he partnered with technology firms to unravel a free WiFi package by Flobyte for public spaces including hotels, restaurants, parks and eateries. Before this intervention, he had generously shared recharge cards on his social media accounts to enable his numerous fans access his works as well as those of the MAVINS artists.

In a brief ceremony held in Lagos, Don Jazzy, a man of little words, revealed how the partnership evolved and the benefit for the creative industry at large and start-ups too.

“Basically, it is different people coming together to solve a problem.

I have always wanted to play in the technological space. This is the first one that I have made public. There are other ones where I am a private partner. For this one, I am a co-founder,” he began.

For the content producer, it is not enough to sit back and make music. What is more satisfying is to see the music sell, the ratings swell and an increase in the number of views.

“It will be nice to see your viewers access your work online. Like you said, I sell music online. Even if it is not for 24 hours, but the little time that you are outside your house, you can access it. If you look at our analytics on how

of industries, corporate power houses and top public officials including Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairperson Access Bank Plc, Her Excellency, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, 1st Lady of Lagos State, Chief Alex Duduyemi, the Aro of Ife, Mr. Innocent Ike, Executive Director, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Funmi AjoseAdeogun, Japhet Omojuwa, social commentator and social media expert,

our music is being consumed, you will see that people that buy or stream are from the United States, United Kingdom and other African countries. If we have good WiFi here, we know the figures will increase because our core fan base is here in Nigeria,” he said.

As much as it is desirable for him and his partners to widen the frontiers of the free WiFi network, accessing government-owed facilities is still a bottleneck.

“There is a lot of politics in getting into government facilities. But by God’s grace we are taking it as far as we can.

Flobyt WiFi network will help more fans to access artists’ music. Beyond that, if you have a major event, we can come there and activate the wifi and use the platform to even promote our works.”

Don Jazzy promised that the recharge card give-aways will continue inspite of this new WiFi benefit. Although he is no longer a telecommunications company brand ambassador, his new vision with the Flobyte free WiFi initiative is bigger than any endorsement package he can hope for in Nigeria.

For Dele Odufuye, the CEO, Tsaboin, it is a partnership that will garner new online audiences for content producers.

He explained how small business owners stand to benefit from the initiative using power point presentation. The internet router is essentially a plu-and-play device that is user-friendly.

Chineze Amanfo, Public Relations expert amongst others as they came to witness the first of its kind ChampCity facility being opened to the public for the first time.

Her Excellency, Mrs Bolanle Ambode who was represented by Mrs. Jumoke Bank-Olemoh, charged women and youths to develop their innate capacity as we all have what it takes to become

L-R: Mr. Olumide Ojo, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, Reminisce, Ms. Jumoke Okikiolu and Mr. Hungbae Kim during the launch of Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime+ Limited Edition at Reminisce’s The Street Concert

REMINISCE SHINES AT GALAXY GRAND PRIME STREET CONCERT Hip-hop artiste and Samsung brand ambassador, Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, popularly known as Reminisce, recently held the maiden edition of his brainchild, “The Street Concert.” The concert which held on the 25th of February at the Ikeja City Mall was in appreciation of his teeming fans that have stood by him since he caught the attention of Nigerian music lovers since 2008, when he featured on 9ice’s “Bachelor’s Life”.

At the concert, Reminisce, along with Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, Director and Business Leader, Information Mobile and Technology, Samsung Electronics West Africa, and some executives of the company unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime+, Limited Edition Pack. The device features a sturdy case design with a non-slip rear grip pattern, giving the smartphone a firm grip at all times. It also comes in a selection of stylish colours to suit customers various tastes.

The Galaxy Grand Prime+ runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with the OS refined to make it more user-friendly allowing users set app permissions, adjust settings, and more with ease. It also uses the latest version of TouchWiz, Samsung’s touchscreen interface.

Reminisce, speaking on the new product offering, said that the Galaxy Prime+ comes with really cool and exciting features that perfectly combines practicality and style. ‘‘It takes super bright selfies even in the dark thanks to the 5 MP front camera and the front LED flash. With the Smart Switch feature, people can easily transfer from existing devices to the Galaxy Grand Prime+. The smartphone is definitely packed with awesome features making it a must have for the Grand Life,” he added.

Featuring a 5-inch 540 x 960 quad high definition resolution display, the 8 mega-pixel on the back captures clear and sharp shots, in addition to the 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

Videos are captured at 720p and played back smoothly, with focus adjusting as the scene changes. Users can easily trigger the front-facing camera with their palm or voice command. With the Multiple modes feature, consumers can also set up a wide selfie for a larger group, or create an animated GIF. According to Revmatas, Samsung stands for quality, innovation, change, self-expression and excellence in performance. These same qualities are epitomised by Reminisce, whose depth of work as an artiste has made him much loved and respected among his fans and peers. It is no surprise that Samsung decided to introduce the Grand Prime+ at his concert. We are indeed very pleased to have him as the face of the smartphone”, Revmatas concluded.

The concert featured friends and close collaborators of Reminisce, which include Olamide, Ckay, Mz Kiss, BaseOne, Wale Turner, Falz, ReakadoBanks, Mayorkun, Ycee, HarrySong, Dremo, Niniola, Orezi and a host of others.

The Galaxy Prime+ comes with two SIM capabilities and available in black, gold, silver, and pink gold colours.

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

The Flailing Arms of Beauty and the Beast Live Drama Vanessa Obioha When Disney announced last spring it was going to do a live drama of its epic animation, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, it was received with great gusto. Not a few had great expectations of the animation which was a favourite back in the day. So, Disney went to work, gathered a cast that includes Emma Watson and Luke Evans.

All seemed to be going on well with the new adaptation until the trailers showed some changes that didn’t augur well with fans. One of them was the Mrs Potts character. She was the enchanted housekeeper that was turned to a kettle pot. Fans were not happy that her spout nose was missing. Replacing it was a foot stomp. In his defense, the director Bill Condon said he did his best to retain the features of the original character but to no avail.

However, the recent discourse on the film is the addition of a gay character. Usually, remakes don’t follow the traditional storyline.

They tend to give the story a contemporary cinematic theme that can relate to the present generation while giving fans of the original story a sweet trip to memory lane. The danger of such remakes therefore lie in the way those

Emma Watson in Beauty and the Beast movie

precious memories are relived.

The original plot of the animation follows the tale of a young bookish girl, Belle who was sent off to a castle engulfed in spells. An arrogant Prince was cursed and transformed to a beast, while his servants turned to household items.

The only way to reverse the curse is for the Prince to find true love.

In the new adaptation, the introduction of a gay character seemed to upset more than a few people. It is a known fact that diversity has been a core mission of the Walt Disney company. At a time when the call for diversity is echoed in every nook and cranny of Hollywood, Disney’s timing to introduce a gay character may somehow be perfect. Yet, the world is not giving it a thunderous applause.

The character in question is LeFou, the manservant to Gaston, the brutish hunter who wants the Belle to be his wife. Both characters have an exclusive gay moment which displayed LeFou’s effeminate mannerisms. While views are divided, a Christian owned- cinema in Alabama cancelled its screenings of the 3D Musical while Russia will only allow 16+ to watch the movie. With all these uproar, will Disney win or lose in this gamble?

ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA HIRES LA LA LAND MUSIC DIRECTOR Marius De Vries is on high demand. His services was recently employed by the English National Opera. The Opera seeks to create more contemporary projects, away from its traditional plots in order to attract more audience in rarefied places. It considers De Vries as the right creative consultant to achieve that. De Vries comes with a truckload of experience which includes his musical directing of award-winning ‘La La Land’, writing and producing songs for artistes like David Bowie, Annie Lennox and Madonna.

Basically, De Vries’ work is to combine electronic and popular music with opera. He will be working closely with the organisation’s new artistic director, Daniel Kramer. De Vries’ appointment came days after the opera house settled a pay dispute with its managers.

SAVE THE DATE! GOLDEN GLOBES AND SAG 2018 With this year’s awards season slowly ebbing away, NBC Universal has announced the date for the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards. The awards will hold on January 7, 2018 and NBCUniversal will broadcast it live. Also the Screen Actors Guild Awards is scheduled for January 21, 2018.

HAMILTON’S NOBLE CAUSE ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY As the world marked International Women’s Day, the cast of award-winning musical ‘Hamilton’ celebrated theirs by donating their salaries to a non-profit organisation ‘Dress for Success’. The organisation provides professional attire for low-income women to help support their job search and interview process. The Broadway hit musical which seeks to include women in its sequel gave a thrilling performance at the event.

LA LA LAND CONCERT PREMIERES IN HOLLYWOOD BOWL Los Angeles will be the first port of call as Oscar-winning movie La La Land kick-starts its concert in May. At the Hollywood Bowl on May 26 and 27, the world premiere of La La Land in Concert: A Live-to-Film Celebration will kick off. . The event will feature a 100-piece symphony orchestra, choir and jazz ensemble accompanying the film’s original vocal recordings with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. There will also be a preshow photo opportunities and fireworks display. The train will move on to other cities such as Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis and Denver. The concert will also feature in countries such as the U.K, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Turkey and Switzerland.

Lefou in Beauty and the Beast movie

Lin Manuel-Miranda and a cast member on stage

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LAGOS THEATRE FESTIVAL 2017: A NEW DAWN FOR CONTEMPORARY PLAYS Performers on stage

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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ARTS & REVIEW\\LAGOS THEATRE FESTIVAL

LAGOS THEATRE FESTIVAL 2017 DAWN FOR CONTEMPORARY PLA

A retinue of unconventional theatre performances, emerging playwrights and new audience heralded Nige which ended in Lagos last weekend, writes Yinka Olatunbosun

Founder, Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters

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f you don’t mind deep-thinking, then the new crop of playwrights at the just concluded British Council’s Lagos theatre Festival might have left you sated. Those who came in search of entertainment in form of slapstick comedy also had their fill in some of the venues but more importantly, the annual tradition of theatre in Lagos has been kept alive with the rare spirit of showmanship that was observed at the week-long theatre festival called the Lagos Theatre Festival.

The last evening of the festival with the theme, “Rhythm of the Spirit” was particularly interesting at Freedom Park, Lagos. And the reasons are many. For one, many arrived to see the last shows on the information possibly gathered from some early birds at the festival. No one likes to waste time at a venue when there is a better artistic offering elsewhere. Thankfully, the information table makes it easy.

The programme schedule contained synopsis of the performances spread across 16 venues. And regrettably, some pick up these schedules and still ask a nearby reporter for what the schedules contain.

Occasionally, some of them find it offensive when they are nicely directed to look at their handheld schedules for the answers to their questions. Truthfully, a lot of new theatre goers need to be educated that in live performances, attention is key. There’s no room for

Obi Asika, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva fast-forwarding or rewinding. If you like the show, stay. If you don’t, don’t distract others with needless enquiries.

Away from those few annoying moments, it was refreshing to see new theatre grow into a city culture. Most of the highly-rated plays had their venues besieged. “One Chance” and “The Wedding Blues” were good examples of this. In terms of organisation, the 2017 edition was well-managed technically and most of the shows commenced in the nick of time. The simultaneous performance structure makes it tempting to be at the venue every day of the week. One might be interested in “Strelizia” but a friend may suggest that “Sour Carrots” may be better, in spite of the title. Just when you are sitting to watch your favourite pick, the reverberating laughter from the venue nearby draws your attention. Too late to switch lanes, you settle in for the one-hour performance.

Many who sat at the amphitheatre to witness Ijakadi did so for the love of theatre. It was essentially a dance performance that de-emphasised words.

Of course, there was a narrator but she didn’t hold much attention as much

as the self-torturing three male dancers who interpreted the play through rhythm and movements. The play title “Ijakadi” is a Yoruba word for wrestle.

The sort of wrestle that the dancers demonstrated wasn’t neo-typical- quite figurative. It turns reality around, spinning human battles around interwoven limbs and choreographed moves.

After the tormentous dance, three dancers approached some members of the audience who declined their offer of handshakes. Hence, the theme of stigmatisation in the play evolved. The plot of this dance piece centres on five different victims of an illness that is stimagtised. They struggle for internal change and reintegration into the community. Hence, the dance by A1productions is an emotional journey through their world accompanied by strings.

“A Slice of Good Things” was more of a slice of your typical Nollywood movie, quarrelsome and leaving the viewer with an unpleasant aftertaste.

It centred on three friends namely, Tunde, Ele and Emen whose friendship is threatened by internal conflicts. As much as the actors put up a superlative performance, their noise was beyond

desirable though the playwright attempted to present a typical Lagos noise. As regards associating Lagos with noise, it really depends on the side of the city that one lives or works. In fact the concept of noise is quite strange in some well-heeled areas. Lagos need not be defined by noise.

As for “One Chance”, its satirical angle matched with a rap intro made it attractive to lots of young people. This Tunji Sotimirin’s play production added some theatrical spectacle to the festival in its use of detailed props such as refrigerator, pots, bowls, plates and other items that could possibly create the illusion of a roadside food seller’s joint. The play began with Nigga Boy and Omo onile.

Nigga Boy is a young aspiring hip hop artiste whose mother is the food seller, Iya Eko, who is not supportive of her son’s ambition to be a musician. On the other side are two other characters namely, the miracle-preacher and Baba 1960. Their relevance in the play developed long the story line.

Nigga Boy planned his own kidnapping in order to force his mother pay a sum of N90000. Meanwhile, Omo onile had his eyes on the money too. Eventu-

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7: A NEW AYS

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ally, the preacher stumbled upon the money and quietly made away with it.

While the agonised mother wanted to set her son free from kidnapper’s den, the banker who had collected some amount of money from her earlier that day couldn’t refund the sum that had been deposited at the bank already.

The dramatic irony in the drama underscores the Nigerian social reality where the one who labours for the money is not necessarily the one who enjoys the fruitage of such labour. The play addresses other subject matters such as unemployment, religious hypocrisy and corruption. One chance is ultimately a tale of survival, guile and war over space.

Though the festival promotes the use of unconventional spaces for performances, it was gratifying to see a large turn out of people at the venues which sometimes had few seats or few stage lanterns. Perhaps, for subsequent editions, British Council may organise more seats for the audience and perhaps transportation for journalists who wish to cover most of the performances at the multiple locations for ease of mobility.

The Inverted Pyramid; Adapted from a novel by Emeka Dike

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ARTS & REVIEW\\EXHIBITION

BLENDING PERSPECTIVES Yinka Olatunbosun

T

emple Muse, the home of creative expressions, had its doors thrown open for the first time this year to welcome art collectors into a wealth of new offerings made possible by two multiethnic contemporary artists.

In its tradition, the show is a product of an enduring collaboration with SMO Contemporary Arts and has the title, “Expansion of Time”.

The title might have been inspired by this line: we are always late but arrive when expected. It is a peculiar situation in Lagos when space and time are submerged in daily mannerisms and experiences of which the artists had been a keen observer.

A preview of the show led the viewer to a very animated creative space, parading 33 paintings and one mixed media installation by Wura Natasha-Ogunji and Raoul Olawale Da Silva. Both are artists in diaspora who returned to their home country some years ago to explore their roots in their artistry.

For Ogunji who lives in the United States and Nigeria, it is quite natural for her works to reflect the themes of identity, feminism and some introspections. Having a knack for minimalism in this duo exhibition, Ogunji predominantly features her handstitched drawings made on architectural tracepaper, which is a very delicate technique by the way.

A good number of her works show the Ife head, a global cultural phenomenon which the African art takes credit for. Ogunji explained her intention for revoking our cultural symbols in her thread drawings.

“I often use this image to reaffirm the idea that history is always present and that we can also be our own monuments, markers and remembrances. With Catch Your Breath and Feel the Sun, I begin to think about what is necessary to survive in the world, to find beauty, power, joy-not as a kind of spiritual redemptn and escape but as a lived and felt philosophy of life that perhaps shifts the word beyond the tragic to activate the impossible,” she remarked in her artist statement.

Ogunji whose works include performance art and videos is a recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship and has received grants from The Pollock-Kraser Foundation; The Dallas Museum of Art and the Idea Fund.

She revealed also that the vacuum in the drawings provides the reader with a space to reflect on each piece and its message.

Her counterpart, Olawale Da Silva inadvertently created a metaphorical body of works in his collection which is strongly inspired by surfing, skateboarding and environmental activism. His defiance of the passage of time is exhibited in his memorabilia. Wornout, those skateboards were once very pivotal in his youthful lifestyle of snow and skate boarding. Though the boards might have seen better days, they are a reservoir of his memories and dreams.

They are brought to life with drip paintings as the vehicle to fly across space just as Ogunji’s two-dimensional characters. In addition, skateboards are always evolving and never grows old.

Da Silva revealed that he works in a

Love More Wura-Natasha Ogunji

chaotic manner, sometimes working on five paintings simultaneously to sustain the flow of creative energy that runs through his untitled works which may also appear in series. Though his first languages include Swiss and German, his visual language is lucid in terms of recurring themes.

“My works are the result of interchanging factors such as intuitive and impulsive approaches, set against reflective and exploration. This form of encountering through the creative act engages improvisational awareness and reflexive sensibility,” he

Untitled by Raoul Olawale Da Silva declared in his artist statement.

Da Silva’s influences in the art can be traced to the National Museum summer classes with a contemporary such as Alex Nwokolo; a four year intensive apprenticeship in furniture design and cabinet making in Switzerland which was followed by four years at University of Applied Arts in Luceme, Switzerland. His series which he created using oil, crayon and coffee came by accident. Having observed that colour pattern made by a dripping coffee mug on a breakfast table mat, he followed his nose in

experimenting with coffee in his paintings.

The exhibition’s curator, Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago described the show as one that tells the artists’ stories as they come to terms with cultural anomalies and political incongruity. In his remark, the CEO, Temple Muse, Avinash Wadhwani praised the unique perspective of the artists, referring to their artistic effort as “avant-garde”.

The show which runs till April 28 is sponsored by UBS, the Swiss International bank and Most Hennessey.

Jidenna Returns to Roots in Bambi Yinka Olatunbosun

W

hen Nigerian-American musician, Jidenna released his first studio album titled, “The Chief” last month, the track “Bambi” commanded a listening ear and generated instantaneous reactions from the online audience. One couldn’t ignore the comment by a YouTube viewer that this generation does not deserve Jidenna. That may be true for his 2015 hit track, “Classic man” only earned a nomination for Best Rap/Sung collaboration at the 58th Grammy Awards.

You may be one of those who never think that anything good can come out of our new crop of artists. By the time you listen to Jidenna’s Bambi, you will have a different view of new music.

To begin with, anyone who appreciates good music doesn’t need the visuals. So let’s concentrate on the artistry that Jidenna invested in the song and not the video. The classic man returns with an afro-trap sound that is reminiscent of the call and response tradition in many postcolonial music in Africa. Largely influenced by hip-hop and high-life, Jidenna infuses African pride in his artistic effort.

The 31-year old artist who was signed on by Janelle Monae’s Wondaland Records

has been described as a dandy because of his aristocratic fashion sense. That may be derogatory in the light of the intellectuality that his music projects about him. Undeniably, Jidenna’s Harlem renaissance-inspired look is a quiet memorial of black history and heritage while consciously elevating the battered image of the African American male to that of a man of pedigree.

Born of a professor father who hailed from Enugu, Jidenna places value on his African roots which is celebrated through his lyrics and song titles. For instance in Bambi, Jidenna makes reference to his polygamous background as he sings this apologetic ballad for his former lover who is tying the nuptial knots. He said his

grandfather had seven wives which is quite typical in traditional African society. Heart-broken and drunk, he recounts his good times with Bambi and regrettably admits his mistakes during their relationship. In the video of the song, he crashes the wedding and Bambi is whisked away by her husband, much to Jidenna’s chagrin.

Like many African folktales, this folksong teaches a moral lesson on love and infidelity in relationships using trap music as the conveyor belt to reach out to the present generations of music fans. Bambi has great cross-over appeal and may be just another critics’ pick after Beyonce’s Lemonade.

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CICERO

Editor Olawale Olaleye Email wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819

IN THE ARENA

Before IOCs Relocate to Operational Base Merely ordering the oil majors to relocate their head offices to the areas in which they operate in the Niger Delta is not sufficient, it must be accompanied by a commitment to address lingering issues that make the areas unattractive in the first place, writes Olawale Olaleye

T

he political correctness of the order

by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the country should relocate their head offices to states, where they produce from is not debatable. But there comes with the success or failure of this initiative many other issues.

Osinbajo, who spoke in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a town hall meeting to mark the end of the Niger Delta crisis, was reported to have directed the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, to engage the oil companies on the way forward over repeated calls by the locals for the relocation of the head offices of IOCs as most of them currently have their headquarters in Lagos and Abuja respectively.

Although the issue of security has always come up as a near-permanent feature on why the oil companies might have refused to have their head offices in the Niger Delta and other oil producing states, it is also becoming less an issue in the face of other allied matters defining the relationship between the oil companies and their host communities.

This is why the latest presidential order on relocation is largely considered a breather because it is the first time that such an order would be handed by the presidency since the return to civil rule in 1999. While the oil companies operate in the oil producing states with the attendant negative health and environmental implications, they maintain their head offices in Abuja and Lagos, mostly for reasons of security.

Therefore, politically speaking, such an order might be the much needed tonic to compel government to do that which is right in the oil zone. The idea of relocating the head offices of the oil companies to their host states is believed to have both psychological and physical connection to the growth and development of the region, because by practice, companies are expected to have their headquarters, where they produce from.

With this development, however, it is still a win-win situation for both the oil majors and the host communities.

First, there will be a connection between the companies and the communities where they operate in terms of empathy, relationship, responsibility and environmental concerns and protection. Since the discovery of oil in Nigeria, the major cause of crises between the oil companies and the host communities had been environmental degradation.

The fact is that it is easy for an oil company, whose head office is not in the locality where it operates to take the locals for granted, which is what the oil producing areas have always complained about. The communities, as a result, live at the mercy of the companies, such that, while the IOCs smile to the banks, the locals live in the danger posed by oil exploration.

But flip the scenario and what you get is the oil companies sharing the pains and anguish of the people, a situation that compels them to act differently as well as have and nurture good relationship.

Quite frankly, it may seem to many that the very fabric of an

intervention of this nature is being damaged by alluding to the fact that most of the oil companies often get away with the devastation and neglect of their host communities through the connivance of the locals, but what it does more is throw light on the age-long complications this association had evolved over the years.

More often than not, such familiar acts of sabotage like illegal refining and illegal oil bunkering, which further degrade the environment and complicate the health of the people, are made possible with the conspiracy of prominent locals, many of whom are believed to have and still benefit from the sleaze.

A majority of them are today emergency billionaires at the expense of collective interest and struggle.

Particularly instructive is the issue of tax, which is a key consideration in the call for relocation of head offices of IOCs. It is rudimentary knowledge that the Nigerian laws provide that company tax is payable only where a company has its head office. While the production and revenues of the oil corporations are generated from the oil producing states, the corporations are by law required to pay their taxes where their head offices are domicile. A corollary to this is that members of staff of the oil majors are also paid from the head offices, where their personal income taxes also go. Where does this leave the

oil communities? The answer is better imagined.

But as good as the relocation idea sounds, there is need for genuine synergy involving states and local government in the area of provision of infrastructure and security. The issue of security is particularly crucial as no investor would put his money in an unsafe environment.

This is why the ‘rent-seeking’ habit of the locals, especially the youths and the community leaders, who often instigate them, needs to be addressed and tailored to suit the habit that is expected to come with the relocation of major companies.

The issue of security therefore also lies in the hands of the people, some of who have the penchant for compelling the oil companies to stoop to their whims, whether or not their demands are tenable. And when this is ignored, they instigate violence and make the locality unconducive for operations, thus forcing the oil companies to stay away at collective detriment.

Unarguably, the relocation order is a good development, particularly the instruction to Kachikwu to interface with the oil majors. It is also imperative for government to talk to the locals so that they can see the oil majors as development partners and not some expatriates that have come to steal their commonwealth and degrade the environment.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

PDP and the State of Play

T

Jonathan

here is no debating the fact that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is having a lot of difficulties coping with its new status as the main opposition party. Since its devastating defeat in 2015, the PDP has continued to wobble from one internal crisis to another, sometimes pointing fingers at perceived external influences.

Politics is, of course, about conflicts and resolutions, but had anyone predicted that the inclement weather that had since hit the PDP would be somewhat intractable, even founding

fathers of the troubled party would have hedged a good bet. But as it appears today, the PDP has a long road to travel if it must find its feet within the new political equation, especially as 2019 inches closer.

While Senator Ali Modu leadership is currently basking in the euphoria of its victory in the Court of Appeal, the decision by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee to approach the Supreme Court for the determination of the leadership tussle in the party appears to have foreclosed a possible political solution to the lingering crisis.

To say that the role so far played by the courts in all of this is less than noble is alluding to the obvious. With the courts in different states, including the federal capital territory, giving conflicting and incongruous rulings on the PDP matter, the Supreme Court certainly has a responsibility to give a sound judgment that would put paid to the seeming embarrassment the PDP crisis is causing opposition politics in the country.

The PDP crisis is yet another major test case for the judiciary and the Supreme Court must save the day.

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Abiodun

Adebutu

Mustapha

Paseda

2019: Torchbearers in Ogun East Governorship Quest As the geopolitical contest for the governorship of Ogun State builds up ahead of 2019, Femi Ogbonnikan looks at some of the leading aspirants from Ogun East Senatorial district

T

he stage appears set for the governorship contest in Ogun State, as the various senatorial districts intensify their bids to succeed Governor Ibikunle Amosun in 2019. Though, the agitation for the governorship seat has been more forceful in Yewa/Aworiland, Ogun West senatorial district, the people of Ogun East senatorial district (Ijebu/Remo) have also mounted a campaign to produce the next governor of the Gateway State.

Two sons of Ogun East have governed the state. Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, from Ijebu Ode, was governor from 1979 to 1983, in the Second Republic, on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria, Otunba Gbenga Daniel from Sagamu, Remo governed on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party between 2003 and 2011. No one from Ogun West has governed the state since its creation on February 4, 1976. But the preponderance of opinion in Ogun East senatorial district is that such geopolitical consideration does not count in the politics of the state. Some in the zone have, thus, signified their intention to occupy the Okemosan Government House, in Abeokuta, in 2019. They believe what matters is the competence of the candidates and not where they come from.

Ogun State has produced many iconic figures in the country. They include Chief Alexander Akintola Sapara-Williams (the first Nigerian lawyer), Hon Justice Olumuyiwa Jibowu (the first Nigerian judge to sit on the Supreme Court Bench), Sir Adetokunbo Ademola (the first indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria), Chief Obafemi Awolowo (the first Nigerian lawyer to head a regional government), Chief Simeon Adebo (the pioneer Federal Government Permanent Secretary), Professor Wole Soyinka (Black Africa’s first Nobel Laureate), Professor Anthony Asiwaju (a renowned historian), and Professor Afolabi Olabimtan. Many in Ogun East feel that state deserves nothing less than merit as a prerequisite for governorship – not calculations based on the district that has never produced a governor. They say this is what would make Ogun maintain its leadership position in the country.

No fewer than six aspirants of Ogun East origin have joined the fray to vie for the number one position in the state. Ogun East

district is made up of nine local government areas, namely, Ikenne, Remo North, Ijebu North, Ijebu North-East, Ijebu Ode, Ogun Waterside, Sagamu, Odogbolu, and Ijebu East. The aspirants include Senator Lekan Mustapha, Otunba Rotimi Paseda, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamowora, Asiwaju Olajide Awosedo, Hon Ladi Adebutu, and Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Senator Lekan Mustapha Senator Ramoni Olalekan Mustapha was born on February 25, 1960. He hails from Ijebu-Igbo, in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, and has a National Diploma in Public Health from the Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese. Mustapha was council chairman for Ijebu North local government between 1996 and 1997. He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives for Ijebu North/Ijebu North-East/ Ogun Waterside on the platform of the PDP between 2003 and 2007. Afterwards, he was elected senator for Ogun East district on the platform of the PDP between 2007 and 2011. In 2011, he ran for re-election into the upper chamber of the National Assembly on the Labour Party platform, but lost to Alhaji Adegbenga Kaka (a former Ogun State deputy governor) of the then ACN, also from the same town, Ijebu Igbo.

Mustapha is nursing the ambition of becoming the governor of Ogun State in 2019, but the platform he intends to use is not clear yet. This may not be unconnected with the seemingly irreconcilable differences and cracks within the leadership of the PDP.

Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora hails from Ijebu Ife. He is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress. He was born on February 16, 1953. Mamora obtained a BSc degree in Health Sciences, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Ife (now, Obafemi Awolowo University) and became a health practitioner. He was medical director of a medical centre between 1987 and 1998 and a company adviser from 1988 to 1992.

Mamora was elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 1999 and he served as Speaker between 1999 and 2003. While a Speaker, he was chairman of the Conference of Speakers (2000-2001). On account of his

exemplary leadership role, the national leadership of the then ACN fielded him to vie for the Lagos East senatorial seat and he was elected as a member of the upper chamber of the National Assembly, where he spent two consecutive terms, between 2003 and 2011. While in the Senate, he was appointed chairman of the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee.

He has come back home to Ijebu Ife to prepare for the Ogun State governorship contest in 2019 on the APC platform.

Hon Ladi Adebutu Hon Oladipupo Adebutu is a successful businessman and the scion of Sir Kensington Adebutu dynasty of Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. He is a staunch member of the PDP in the state.

He is currently a member of the House of Representatives for Remo Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Rural Development. He is a Dublin, Republic of Ireland -trained Analytical Chemist.

Adebutu is the Chief Executive of JB Farms, one of the largest pig farms in the country.

He is also an Executive Director of Premier Lotto. Ladi, as he is fondly called, is jostling for the number one position in the Gateway State on the platform of PDP.

Asiwaju Olajide Awosedo Asiwaju Olajide Awosedo is a chieftain of the APC in Ogun State and a native of OkunOwa, in Odogbolu Local Government Area.

A former banker and now a real estate guru, Awosedo is the chairman of Goshen Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos. In 2011, the 65-year-old politician was the Ogun State governorship candidate of the Labour Party. He is a close friend of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Prince Dapo Abiodun Prince Dapo Abiodun is a prominent leader of the APC. He is a native of Iperu Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. He is an accomplished business mogul in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, with his company, Heyden Oil & Gas Limited, and a big-time player in the energy sector, with his firm, First Power, the first indigenous power generating plant in Nigeria. Abiodun was the Ogun East senatorial candidate of the APC in the 2015 general election. DA, as he is fondly called,

who was born on May 29, 1960, studied at the University of Ife (now, Obafemi Awolowo University) where he obtained a degree in English Language before he proceeded to the United States of America where he obtained another first degree in Accounting.

DA, a bosom friend of Amosun, is aspiring to govern the Gateway State, come 2019.

Otunba Olatunde Rotimi Paseda Otunba Olatunde Rotimi Paseda was the Ogun State governorship candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria in 2015. He hails from Ijebu Omu, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. The 52-year-old politician needs little introduction because his entry into the political space of the Gateway State has been quite seismic, sending jitters down the spines of the opposing forces. Those who know him say he is an inborn leader with characteristics that only leaders with plus factor possess. His humble life is a tapestry of success and accomplishment in various fields of human endeavour.

Paseda’s services are profound in various communities in the state, and these stand him out in the league of those who are aspiring to lead Ogun State in 2019. There is no denying the fact that Ogun State is blessed with many great minds, and Paseda ranks quite high among them. Regarded as one of the very few with leadership qualities similar to those of Pa Obafemi Awolowo, ORP, as he is fondly called, is at home with his people. He delights in giving back to the society that produced him. He is popular, yet unassuming. The determination to succeed against all odds encourages him to forge ahead. Paseda believes if he could succeed out there in the UK, then, he has a lot to contribute towards the development of his home state of Ogun and Nigeria at large.

But the contention among political pundits and observers is that Amosun wields considerably huge powers in determining his successor on account of the incumbency factor and the seemingly irreconcilable differences within the PDP leadership. The PDP national leadership crisis has split the party in the state into three or four factions, and it has weakened the capacity of the opposition party to put up a serious fight at the polls during the next general election. Within the governor’s APC, too, he possesses enormous power to neutralise opposition to his choices due to his closeness to President Muhammadu Buhari.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

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CICERO/REPORT

A Governor’s Journey to the Gaol The sentencing, last week, of a former governor of Adamawa State, James Ngilari, to five years in prison over corruption charges is a big score for the anti-graft war of President Muhammadu Buhari, writes Daji Sani

T

he news of the judgment of a Yola High Court, which sent a former governor of Adamawa State, James Ngilari to five years in prison appears the biggest news of last week, even though it is still trending. That aside, the development was also a major achievement by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in recent time. Not necessarily something to cheer about from the compassionate angle, it is certainly a huge lesson in leadership, albeit for those who know it and can read between the lines.

Ngilari was deputy to impeached Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State. He was sworn in on October 8, 2014, by then acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ambrose Mammadi, first, in fulfillment of constitutional provisions and two, following the verdict of a federal high court in Abuja, which sacked then acting governor of the state, Alhaji Ahmadu Umar Fintiri from office.

Fintiri, a former speaker of the state House of Assembly, took over after the impeachment of Nyako and the controversial “resignation” of Ngilari, who was alleged to have done so under duress to the State House of Assembly for the fear of being impeached together with Nyako.

But Ngilari had complained that his resignation letter, constitutionally required to have gone to the ousted governor, was instead received and acted upon by the then speaker of the state house of assembly, Fintiri.

Thus, Ngillari was forced to resign from office illegally by the assembly to pave the way for Fintiri, who was then speaker and believed to be nursing a governorship ambition, became the acting governor.

The initial script by then presidency under former president Goodluck Jonathan who became disenchanted with the Nyako government was to impeach only Nyako from office and leave Ngilari to emerge the new governor of the state.

But Fintiri, who had been having a running battle with Ngilari over the political structure of Madagali, where they both come from included Ngilari in the impeachment plan to pave the way for his ambition of becoming the governor of the state and to have full control of Madagali local politics.

Fintiri was believed to have forced Ngillari to send in his letter of resignation to the assembly and was read on floor of the assembly. But Ngillari decided to fight back by instituting a law suit against the assembly over his controversial resignation. An Abuja Federal High Court consequently granted Ngilari’s request that Fintiri be removed and Ngilari sworn in immediately as governor.

Justice Ademola held that Ngilari did not resign from office as deputy governor in line with Section 306 (1) (2) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. The judge also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop the state governorship bye-election slated for Saturday, October 11, and granted all the reliefs sought by Ngilari.

In his address after taking the oath of office, Ngilari said he would run an open, transparent and all-inclusive government, adding: “In this regard, I invite other arms of government, in particular the legislature and judiciary, not forgetting the civil service, to join hands with me to achieve these noble goals. As a party man and a team player, I pledge my unalloyed support and loyalty to our great party and Mr. President,” Ngilari said.

He described his emergence as an act of “God who gives power to whomever He chooses. We acknowledge the divine power of God in all that happened. The holy books of both religions subscribe to the fact that power belongs to God and He gives it in trust to whosoever he wills,” Ngilari said.

Trouble however started to gather dust for Ngilari, when he began to award contracts without following due process. The Director-General of the state Public Procurement Bureau, Alhaji Umar Abba reportedly alerted him of contravening public procurement laws in the awards of contracts. But the governor felt the DG was not cooperating with his government and instead, sacked the DG and replaced him with Mr. Solomon Titus.

Unfortunately for him, the assembly under Fintiri couldn’t confirm the appointment of Titus because a clear reason was not given for the sacking of Abba.

A close source to the bureau told THISDAY that Abba only advised the governor that the contracts he was awarding were not captured in the budget and what the governor needed to do was seek Viament from the assembly to enable him give out the contracts.

The source also said Abba queried the way the contracts were issued as the contracts were not advertised for biding and the governor just give out contracts to contractors he preferred without adhering to the procurement laws he and his principal signed into existence in 2013.

Ngilari, a constitutional lawyer, wasn’t expected to make such a blunder, but he stepped on mines because of the political rift between him and Fintiri. Ngilari knew it would be sheer waste of his executive time if he sent any request to the assembly since it was the same assembly that pressured him to resign as the deputy governor. Therefore, the same assembly ordinarily wouldn’t have accepted anything from the Ngilari government.

Ngilari arriving the court during his trial

Although he would later penetrate the assembly in order to have Fintiri impeached, the plan did not however fly because 8 out of the 25 members couldn’t get the job done. But the assembly was divided into two factions as a result of this, with eight members headed by Honourable Jerry Kundisi as the speaker supported by the governor while the 17 others were headed by Fintiri. The governor took a step further to recognise Kundisi as speaker.

Stakeholders believed Ngilari did not do his homework well because as governor, he has the machinery of state at his disposal to have removed the speaker successfully or rather, he could have worked with the sacked DG to get the certificate of no objections from the public procurement bureau for the awards of the contracts he already awarded than going into a battle with the DG. Yet, there were those who believed that Ngilari’s hands were tight having Fintiri as acting governor of the state for close to three months before he was sacked. And as speaker, he tightened noose on the politics of the state against Ngilari. The people feel that Fintiri was on top of the game and had used the assembly under his leadership to achieve his desire.

Even more unfortunately for Ngilari, his moves to remove the speaker to enable him put things in the right perspective couldn’t have saved the day because already, the bitter DG for public procurement bureau had blown the whistles to his political enemies.

Thus, following a resolution of the assembly under Fintiri, the legislature urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate allegations of corruption during the six months reign of Ngilari and Umar was ready to testify against the administration, moreso that the assembly had described his sack as illegal.

He told journalists in a telephone conversation that he has been vindicated by the resolution, which pointed out that his sack was solely because he decided to blow the whistle on the abuse of due process in the award of contracts by the Ngilari administration.

He explained how he queried contracts that did not follow due process such as the purchase of 50 Hilux vans at the cost of N400 million and two bullet proof SUVs at the cost of N180 million.

Other contracts included the printing of calendar and diaries, revitalization of the state television, printing of account books for local governments and development areas, procurement of official vehicles for commissioners and installation of street lights in some streets of Yola, the capital city.

Some of the ministries and parastatals that were queried for awarding contracts without obtaining the necessary clearance of “certificate of no objection” from the bureau included the Government House, Ministry for Local Government Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Adamawa state Urban Planning Development Authority, Ministry for Housing and Ministry of Information.

The assembly’s resolution which called on the EFCC to probe Ngilari’s administration was however placed under a motion of “matter of urgent public importance” and moved by the House Deputy Speaker, Laori Kwamoti. The resolution also called on the state government to reinstate the sacked director general.

The assembly during its plenary presided by Fintiri recommended the honouring of the sacked DG with national awards for doing his job, which led to his sack via a letter from the secretary to the government. It also noted that Umar’s sack did not follow due process as the law establishing the Bureau states that the DG could only be sacked through board members’ recommendation to the

Executive with the approval of the assembly.

After his six months of leadership in the state, Ngilari, on September 22, 2016, was arraigned by the EFCC for one hundred and sixty-seven million naira contract scam. The former governor was subsequently remanded in the EFCC custody following the ruling of Justice Nathan Musa of the Yola High Court.

The anti-graft agency charged Ngilari with violation of procurement laws in the award of contract of one hundred and sixty-seven million naira to one El-Yadi Motors Limited for supply of twentyfive units of operational vehicles (Toyota Corolla). The EFCC also instituted a nineteen count-charge against the former governor. Also charged were his former secretary to the government, SSG, Ibrahim Andrew Welye as well as his former Commissioner of Finance and Budget, Sanda Jonathan Lamurde.

They were accused of conspiracy, lack of no objection certificate, no competitive bidding and others in procurement process. But the three pleaded not guilty and their lawyers applied for bail, which the prosecution opposed and the court ruled that they should be remanded in custody pending the adjournment for ruling on bail application.

The drama however came to a close last Monday, when Ngilari was sentenced to five years in prison without the option of fine by a Yola high court. While delivering his judgment, Musa, said the prosecution had proved its case against the former governor beyond reasonable doubt, saying Ngilari violated the Public Procurement Act of the state by awarding contract for the procurement of 25 vehicles for his commissioners at the cost of N167 million without following due process.

He said Ngilari’s action amounted to executive lawlessness, adding that the five years was the least he could give Ngilari. He the judgment would serve as lesson to other governors, who like to shun due process in the award of contracts, adding that the former governor sat in the comfort of his office and awarded contracts to those only known by him without adhering to the public Procurement Act of the state.

Ngilari’s counsel, Mr. Samuel Toni (SAN), had pleaded for leniency “in view of his (Ngilari’s) invaluable contribution when he was the governor of the state during the trying moment of insurgency.” But the Judge said Ngilari would serve the sentence in a prison of his choice in the country “but for, now he should start with Yola prison.”

He expressed hope that the conviction and sentence of Ngilari, would serve as a deterrent to serving governors, who do not care to follow due process in the discharge of their duties. The judge, however, discharged and acquitted Welye and Lamurde, saying that the prosecutor could not prove the charges against them.

Speaking shortly before he was taken away from the court to Yola prison, Ngilari said he would appeal the sentence and believed that he would get justice at the Appeal Court. But the state Commissioner for Information and strategy, Honourable Ahmed Sajoh said it was sad news in the state, where a former governor had to go to prison because he was not properly advised by his aides. He said the judgment in a legal point of view has made history sequel to the fact that for the first time in the state, a former governor is sentenced to prison for five years over corrupt practices.

He however added that the judgment was a warning to others that they could be called to answer for their stewardship when the need arises.

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Nnadozie

Nnadozie: High Youth Unemployment, aTime-Bomb Professor Emmanuel Nnadozie is an educator, economist, professor of economics and author. His scholarly works are in the area of economics and development in Africa.This includes African Economic Development. He has also contributed toresearchjournalssuchasthe“JournalofAfricanFinanceandEconomicDevelopment�,JournalofCollegeStudentDevelopment. He has been a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford and a visiting professor at the University of Carolina - Charlotte. He is currently Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) based in Zimbabwe, Harare - with a mandate to bring sustainable human and social capacity to Africa. He spoke with Iyobosa Uwugiaren and Sumaina Kasimonsocial,economicandpoliticalchallengesaffectingNigeriaandAfricaasawhole.

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he African Capacity Building Foundation was established in 1991, to bring sustainable human and social capacity to Africa. Could you share with us what you have done in the last few years in line with your mandate?

Yes, in the last 26 years, we have accomplished a lot of things. First of all, we have strengthened the institutions that are important for economic policies management - that is policy design, policy implementation and monitoring of economic policies. For example, we have created over 50 Think tanks for the continent and these Think tanks as you know are doing research and analysis, and providing evidence based mechanisms for the policy makers in the country where they exist. As a matter of fact, next April, we are going to be having the African ThinkTank Summit in Abidjan, because ACBF is the coordinator of African Think-Tank Network. We have really done well in creating those institutions and we have also trained thousands of mid-level policy makers who are working in the different ministries of finance and Central Banks, and thanks for the capacity development that they received from us; many African countries are in the position to weather economic crises and managed their economy better than they were doing before. I know some ministers who benefited from our capacity building programmes. We have also supported parliaments and example of what we do is the Nigerian National Assembly, where we

have a project at the National Institute of Legislative Studies, and we have similar projects in Southern African and elsewhere.

Also, we have supported the regional organizations for the African Union, the regional Economic Communities of West African, as well as NEPAD and the African Peer Review Mechanisms - both institutionally in building the capacity that they need to be able to promote regional integration and trade in the continent. So, we have achieved a lot in that area - supporting ECOWAS, supporting SADEC, supporting EAC, and many others. We have also supported non-state actors. For example, we have supported women empowerment through women organizations; we have supported the media through media organizations to strengthen their capacity to be able to perform their very important role in the society - in information and providing mechanism for accountability and monitoring what is happening in the society. So, I can go on and on in this capacity thing. We have invested over $700 million US Dollars in about 45 African countries where we have been operating at various levels.

Tell us what the knowledge and learning activities of the foundation is all about?

We are actually worthy to be considered as a broker of knowledge in the area of capacity, development and even more; and what we do is that we produce several types of knowledge products and the principal one being what we call the African Capacity Report and that is the report that deals with what we

focus on each year in aspect of capacity. Last year for example, the report that we had was the capacity for accelerating regional integration in Africa. What sorts of capacity you need to help and to help those capacities and if not how do we create them and how do we make sure that they are there to be able to push Africa integration forward. Now, the new one that we would be launching next month, the African Capacity Report, 2017, will be focusing on the capacity for science and technology and innovation in the continent because, everybody knows now that the neglect of science, technology, engineering, mathematics in African countries is preventing them from being able to really make progress in their structural transformation programmes through industrialization and through value additions; because, you need some critical skills that are seriously lacking. Our estimate is that up to 4.3 million engineers are needed in Africa and we want to achieve the first 10 years plan of the Agenda 2063. And if you look at different areas in what we called the critical skills in science, technology and engineering, mathematics, the numbers are quite staggering. So, this report sorts of does these analyses and serious recommendations, and those case studies - of where things are working and where things are not working, so that they can be shared by those who are practitioners and those who are policy makers. But, within these reports, we also have the African Capacity Index; which measures the capacity that each African country has; whether they have a very high capacity, medium capacity or they have low capacity. So, each year we measure that. But, then, we

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CICERO/INTERVIEW t //"%0;*& )*() :065) 6/&.1-0:.&/5 " 5*.& #0.# t Continued from Pg. 68 conclusion that this is the greatest threat because, the population growth rate is too high and everybody puts their heads in the sand as if this is not an issue. They politicise it or they bring religion into it. It’s very simple. Just look at a family, somebody who has no job will have about 10 kids. Now, you asked yourself what do you derive by bringing children into the world so they can suffer? And you say, God gave me the children. So they can suffer?

No! We need to be realistic. Nobody says you shouldn’t have children but you should have the number of kids that you can raise appropriately without them suffering unnecessarily or without them being abandoned and not properly prepared for life. Then of course, when you have this kind of growth, that is the number of people coming into the workforce is far higher than the amount of opportunities that are created every year. Of course you will have massive unemployment and what happened when you have massive unemployment; you have restless youths; you have the kind of people you don’t want to employ; employ them and they cause havoc in the society. And so, if we don’t manage youth’s population, instead of having demographic dividends, we would have a time bomb, and that can blow away everybody and destroy the society entirely. So, paying attention to the issues, I mentioned job creation, structural transformation and industrialization, where the jobs are going to come from; strengthening the private sector because that is where the things will come from, SMEs and the big corporations, and ensuring that we provide the sort of education, especially vocational education that will enable people to become employable or self-employable. That is to say that if they don’t get a job, they are skilled and can still do something and earn a living. The rate of growth is too fast for our good.

produce other kinds of knowledge products on some reports and how the lesson we can learn from countries that are doing well; what make Rwanda to be one of the cleanest cities in the world and the most orderly city in the world, whereas their seas are the opposite. So, those kinds of comparisons highlight what should be done and what shouldn’t be done and many more‌ what have we learned over these 26 years in building capacities so that others can benefit from them?

Coming back home to Nigeria, I know Nigeria is one of your partners in this project. And looking at the socio-political and economic challenges that we’ve had in the last few years, would you say that Nigeria has capacity challenges, dearth of human resources?

Absolutely. Nigeria doesn’t really suffer from sorts of capacity challenges that some countries that are emerging from conflicts or that are starting from low base are suffering.

The problem Nigeria has is managing its human capital effectively and utilizing them fully. So, you find a country where you have top notch engineers, medical practitioners and scientists everywhere in the world but, except in Nigeria. And so, this becomes an issue of capacity retention and capacity utilizations. It is no longer a capacity building issue and that becomes a problem for the country and part of it is that, we are not managing our diversity properly; we allowed our personal interest, sectional interest and egocentric interest to override the objective that one needs to be able to fully tap into this intellectual capital and financial capital of the Nigerians in Diaspora or even trying to bring them back. But, that is as far as the human capacity is concerned. On the other hand, the institutional capacity is quite weak in the country. So, it’s either you need to create new ones so that they can function or strengthen the ones that are there so that they can play their role. This is why we thought that an institution such as the parliament, the National Assembly could benefit from our support and they were willing to request our support and that is how the National Institute for Legislative Studies was created by the ACBF and supported over these years and it’s playing a critical role on the capacity of the legislators to be able to engage effectively in the governance of the country by doing their oversight role and perform their representative duties effectively. The greatest challenge Nigeria has as far as capacity is concerned, is in the area we called the ‘soft capacity’. The word soft should not make anybody think that they are not important. In fact, they are most important and they are composite capacity, number one being leadership. Leadership capacity is also very weak in Nigeria at various levels, not just the president, whether it’s at the government level, state level or local government level or even in the non-state department. So, when you look at it, where are the countries that have done very well in Africa? What is the defining issue there? You rarely see a visionary leader who is accountable to his people, who is always acting in the interest of his country and not in the interest of their family or the interest of his ethnic groups. They bring unifying forces and they also manage through an exemplary behaviour, setting the right time at the top. So, leadership is a critical one. So, there is also an issue that related to our mind-set. The way Nigerians view things these days, or the way they think that things should be done; you will realize that we need a change of mind-set. I don’t need to explain to you what I mean here.

I think you can understand. In fact, I lived in

Nnadozie Ethiopia for quite some time, Ethiopians don’t joke of being Ethiopian. They believe in Ethiopia; they think it is bigger than anything else you can think about. Nigerians just talk about Nigeria; they don’t really believe in Nigeria.

You see what I mean. I go everywhere in the world and if I told them that I am a Nigerian, you know what the next question is: which tribe are you from? I have never seen any other country where people introduce themselves, not satisfied with his her country. So, I get in trouble because, I asked them if they are not satisfied with me being a Nigerian? They will tell you: Oh no! I just want to know: are you Igbo, are you Hausa or are you Yoruba? I say, I’m Nigerian and maybe they think I’m trying to be smart but, actually, the perpetrators of this are Nigerians because, they don’t stop at introducing themselves as Nigerians. They will go ahead and say, I am not from this side but from this side. So, we need to change our mind-set; our believing in ourselves, thinking of sacrificing for the country or being nationalistic and being patriotic. And so, those kinds of things are far more important than anything else. Otherwise, when you see public resources, you don’t see it as belonging to everyone and you just think that you can grab it and feel it’s for nobody.

Will you say corruption has also helped in weakening Nigeria’s institution capacity building?

Of course, everybody knows that the pernicious impact of corruption is weakening institutions; weakening the state apparatus

Sometimes, it’s a chicken and the egg situation - is it corruption that is weakening the institutions or the institutions that are making corruption to be rampant? You see what I mean. Those are two things that one need to know; you can never ďŹ ght corruption without strengthening your institutions especially those that are at the frontline of ďŹ ghting corruption in the country

and ultimately lead to state failure. So, there is no question about that. That is really what corruption does because, if you have law enforcement and security agencies and they become corrupt, obviously, they will never be able to dispense justice the way they should be and criminals will be allowed to do whatever they want. And you don’t see anybody enforcing the rules the way it is. Sometimes, it’s a chicken and the egg situation - is it corruption that is weakening the institutions or the institutions that are making corruption to be rampant? You see what I mean. Those are two things that one need to know; you can never fight corruption without strengthening your institutions especially those that are at the frontline of fighting corruption in the country.

Do you think Nigeria is on the right path in fighting corruption at present?

The most important thing about corruption is to put it at the centre of your challenges, and I think that is very important. The president has made that a priority and that is a very big step because, once you do that, you begin to let everybody know that this is something that is damaging the country and that it’s unacceptable. So, that is a very big step. Then what follows is where the issue is, the details of how you actually begin to address the problems.

As I have said, there are some basic principles to successfully fighting corruption. The tone at the top is extremely important. The example at the top is extremely important. You cannot say I am fighting corruption with zero tolerance but, people still are doing hanky-panky games or people around you are doing that or some other people at leadership levels are doing it.

And number two is that, you cannot be selective, you cannot be favouring anybody. People must see it as a passion in fighting corruption.

Otherwise, mobilizing them and making them believe is going to be impossible.

In one of your vocational papers, you talked about the challenge of African youth development; let’s situate it in Nigeria here. What do you think is the challenge?

You know, I was asked this morning by somebody what I considered to be Nigeria biggest challenge, and I said it was youth unemployment. That is deliberate, because I have analysed the challenges of development for over 30 years and I have come to the

Would you say that the act of terrorism we have today in the Northeast, the crisis we have in Niger Delta and the seemingly growing kidnapping activities in Southeast and Southwest, are as a result of youth unemployment?

Of course, it’s at the centre of it. If people are employed, why would they be doing things that are harmful? For them, that’s a job. Boko Haram is paying their people. If they don’t have any money, they pay them to go and carry a gun and help them. I mean, a lot of time, the leadership feel that they don’t know what it is not having a job. I spent just a few months after my graduation without a job. Just a few months and I knew that if this continues for one year, there is no way I won’t be something else in the society. I mean will be destructive. So, what am I trying to say is some people have no stake in anything and they are willing to do whatever it is to survive or to live. So, it is one of the major contributors, and it’s not the only one. When you have people like that, they are more easily manipulated or indoctrinated. They engage in risky behaviour. So, that is why I am saying that this is something that must be addressed in a very, very urgent and very strong manner.

Let’s look at the economic recession enveloping Nigeria today. How did we get there and how can we get out of it?

Well, recession can be caused by a number of things. When you looked at the economy, there is always a demand side and the supply side. And so, you could have what it’s called a supplied shock or the demand shock. The demand shock could come from maybe probably something happening that is beyond your control or people are no longer feeling confident of themselves and they stopped spending money or buying things. Therefore, the things that have been produced by the producers are not being bought. So, suddenly, they have to lay people off because, they are not selling their things. And people laid off are on high income and that create some kind of economy downturn or a supply side, which is the one happening to Nigeria.

In the sense that Nigeria supplies oil and there was shock in the price of oil and therefore, these caused the income that Nigeria would receive, and for that to go down it means therefore the ability of government to really do government spending and investment and pay salaries becomes weakened. And therefore, this has a ripple effect on the rest of the economy and suddenly you find yourself in recession.

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Olagbegi-Apampa: Akeredolu’ll Rebuild Ondo Infrastructure Princess Nubi Joy Olagbegi-Apampa is the daughter of Oba Olateru Olagbegi II, the Olowo of Owo and former minister without portfolio in the First Republic. From her New Jersey home in the US, Princess Olagbegi-Apampa reflects on the problems of Ondo State and how it has fared under its leaders asserting with the new governor Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State will experience growth and good governance. She spoke with Nduka Nwosu

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revenue for the building of more infrastructures.

hat are your expectations of Rotimi Akeredolu as the Governor of Ondo State?

Rotimi Akeredolu is God’s answer to the prayer of the people of Ondo State. He has the intellectual capacity, exposure and discipline to take us to the Promised Land. Akeredolu is not the type of governor who would send workers home empty-handed to meet their families.

Thank God he has set up a panel as I had earlier predicted, with a promise he would not receive a salary until workers are paid their outstanding salaries. A few years ago when he visited here in New Jersey, we discussed the fate of the Ondo worker and his family. He was agitated and today he is transforming that agitation to action.

This is an act of statesmanship. It is inhuman to allow a worker go home with an empty hand for the family. This is obviously the dawn of a new day for Ondo people Many of the governors who have been privileged to be in power have had the American exposure at various times. They see democracy at work here and its high level of efficiency in running an orderly society where every department of human endeavor is all inclusive. They come back home and leave these things behind. Akeredolu is urbane and cultured. He does not belong to the school of embezzlement and will definitely get it right. Akeredolu’s governorship will open a new chapter for the people of Ondo State.

In New Jersey where you live, the law is sacrosanct and works for every level of society right up to the governor who gets sanctioned where there is a breach. Why is our case different?

In New Jersey and elsewhere in the US, nobody is above the law. Any case of corruption attracts a maximum penalty no matter who is involved.

Until our countrymen and women learn to respect the law, we will have a long trek to get democracy and its tenets on track. I know that both President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice Professor Yemi Osinbajo are trying but as the saying goes, a tree cannot make a forest. Governance calls for contribution, not avarice or squandermania. We need to borrow from the US to strengthen our institutions and let people know that once they run afoul of the law they will be dealt with. The law at all times must be above everyone.

Until people know that they will be made culpable once there is a contravention, corruption will continue to hold the country down.

Are you optimistic that things will change for the better someday?

I am convinced we are headed for a brighter future. We need to come together and reason together. Here in NJ taxes are paid religiously because it attracts sanction once there is a default. Governor Akeredolu should evolve an efficient system of taxation at all levels.

Tax revenue expectedly should translate to efficient provision of public infrastructure, institutions and services. The tax code must be efficiently operated and everyone should be encouraged to pay taxes including corporate organisations. Without taxation these things would not work. Public utilities and infrastructure in general are sustained through taxation.

I had suggested to him the need to operate an employment insurance system, which back here is a fall back provision for those who have either ceased to work or have temporarily lost their jobs.

A worker can fall back on his employment benefits pending when he gets another job.

How do you re-order and convince a reluctant tax paying society both at the individual and corporate levels on the need to pay taxes?

You don’t blame the attitude of the average Nigerian who believes his salary is poor and needs

Are the auxiliary nurses same as paramedical personnel who work on the major expressways to help accident victims?

Yes and we can add fire fighters stationed in major towns such as the state capital which should have revitalised firefighting stations and brigades expanded in such places as Oshogbo, Akure, Okitipupa, Ijebu Quarters, Owo which deserves as much as four fire-fighting stations, Okioda, in Akoko and the other towns of Ondo State. We are not praying for fire outbreaks but we must be prepared to nip in the bud such incidents while providing jobs through these new outlets.

Do you have tourism outlets that can partner with the state government or act as examples of what the state can do to boost its tourism potentials?

We have the Six Flags Great Adventure where one of the attractions is a bus ride or a coaster ride known as the Safari off Road adventure, a kind of cruise to the wild games; the cruise enables you to view 1200 wild animals. In Ondo State we have such equivalents or nature’s glory that can be developed as great tourist attraction centres. There is the Ikogosi Springs whose warm water is famed for its healing powers and could be transformed into great tourism centres of global significance.

Olagbegi-Apampa

no taxation, who is suspect tax revenue does not benefit citizens through infrastructure provision and maintenance, and who thinks the collective revenue of the people gets appropriated by the managers or custodians of public funds. So as long as there is this belief that government cannot deliver on promise it becomes difficult for government to provide needed infrastructure to the people. However, we cannot escape the fact that no government survives without appropriate taxation whose revenue goes to serve the provision and maintenance of public utilities. The Lagos State Government remains a reference point back home while in the US, taxation helps to sustain the huge public expenditure needed to build and maintain public infrastructure. Ondo people must support Akeredolu who is eager to rebuild the state through the provision of new infrastructure, renovation and maintenance of existing ones.

What would you consider to be the problem of Ondo State?

Lack of jobs remains the most important issues of public discourse for the people of Ondo State. The governor already knows that because while he was here, the need to create new jobs was elaborately discussed. He knows he has to learn how to create new jobs. My organisation here, is an academy of training and employment. We create jobs through a training programme and then we go the extra mile to get jobs for people. Here we have nursing homes which are not very common in Nigeria. The elderly people need nurses to take care of them, not necessarily by confining them in old peoples’ homes but by providing them with nurses in their homes. The same nurses will take them to adult day care centres where they will have access to both medical and recreational facilities as well as socialise with fellow elderly people. This type of awareness will provide jobs for hundreds of people.

Additionally, there is need to think of a turnpike or huge expressways built through a public private partnership (PPP) arrangement, a large corporation with staff strength of different categories. This will provide jobs for hundreds and reduce crime that grows through joblessness, while the toll from revenue will maintain the roads and create additional

What can the present generation of leaders learn from your father and others who fought for Nigeria’s independence?

My father Sir Olateru Olagbegi the Second was a founding member of the Action Group and was privileged to have the party launched in his palace.

He was later appointed a minister without portfolio in Chief Ladoke Akintola’s cabinet. Oba Olagbegi was the President of the Yoruba Council of Obas with the Ooni of Ife as its vice. He and Oba Adesoji Aderemi who was the governor of Western Region until 1967 were the only Yoruba Obas knighted by the Queen of England Elizabeth the Second. They were both active delegates to the London Constitutional conference that led to the independence of the country.

Corruption for this specie of leaders was anathema; it was not the order of the day. Their good name mattered so much to them and our present crop of leaders need to go back to these founding fathers of Nigeria’s independence to find out what made them unique, why they were so committed to the fatherland and shunned material acquisition in preference to their good name and image.

Don’t you think part of the reason corruption thrives in the polity relates to the burden of expectation and dependency from those privileged to hold public office by their relations and cronies?

The crop of leaders I just spoke about, our founding fathers, had similar expectations and the dependency syndrome was an all familiar issue they coped with without putting their hands into government treasuries. Today, government treasury transfers to the bedrooms of those privileged to be the custodians of the commonwealth. That is why I am happy that a new dawn has taken shape in Ondo with the governorship mantle coming to Chief Akeredolu. There is hope in the land.

We here in New Jersey-my husband Chief Bola Apampa of Oyo State and I, my sister Grace Dupe Olagbegi-Gbadamosi and her family as well as the Ondo community in NJ wish the governor a tenure that will help re-write the people’s expectations on a positive note.

What is the present status of your Dream Heritage Foundation?

It is on course and currently accommodates as well women who have suffered from cancer related problems needing our assistance by way of treatment or rehabilitation either in Nigeria or the US.

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The Curtain Falls on the ‘Peoples’General’ Olawale Olaleye, in this report, pays tribute to General Adeyinka Adebayo, former military governor of the Western Region, who died last Wednesday

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or a man of his status and name recognition, General Adeyinka Robert Adebayo comes across differently to different people. But there is always a consensus: that he was a man of profound leadership acumen. From his days in the military, where he served in different capacities to his involvement in the politics and development of the Yoruba race as well as his roles in nation-building, the late General Adebayo refused to compromise integrity. And till he breathed his last four days ago, he was one officer of the Nigerian Army, who wore his uniform and title with honour, respect and decency.

It is therefore assumed to be correct to infer that General Adebayo died a fulfilled man. As a former governor, he saw his son, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, rule Ekiti State in his lifetime. His family produced a first lady, who would later become the mother of a governor, many years after. Another son of his, Adesola Adebayo was the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Ekiti State under Dr. Kayode Fayemi from 2010 to 2014. Also, Adedayo Adebayo, another son of his, played rugby for Bath and for the England National team, winning six international caps between 1996 and 1999.

There is also Leke Adebayo, an actor, writer and producer in London, who has appeared in and scripted various productions. These feats aren’t cheap to come-by. Apart from grace, which is significant, such opportunity also comes with unblemished reputation long carved as a family.

Born on March 9, 1928, Adebayo was himself the son of a Public Works employee from Iyin Ekiti. He was educated at All Saints School, Iyin-Ekiti, and later attended Eko Boys High School and Christ’s School Ado Ekiti. He joined the West African Frontier Force in 1948 as a regiment signaler and later completed the Officer Cadet Training Course in Teshie, Ghana from 1950 to 1952.

After passing the War Office Examination for Commonwealth cadets in 1952 as well as the West African qualifying examination in 1953, he was commissioned as an officer in the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF) as the 23rd West African military officer with number WA23 and 7th Nigerian military officer with number N7 after completing the War Office Cadet Training in Eaton Hall, England. He moved on to attend the Staff College course in Camberley (Surrey) in 1960 and the prestigious Imperial Defence College, London in the late 1965, where he was the only African officer.

With a stellar career in the military, General Adebayo became an officer in 1953 and soon as Platoon Commander from 1954 to 1955. He was regimental signal officer from 1955 to 1957 and between 1957 and 1958, became an aide-de-camp to the last British Governor-general of Nigeria, Sir James Robertson.

From his days in the military, where he served in different capacities to his involvement in the politics and development of the Yoruba race as well as his roles in nation-building, the late General Adebayo refused to compromise integrity. And till he breathed his last four days ago, he was one officer of the Nigerian Army, who wore his uniform and title with honour, respect and decency

Adebayo

After this experience, he became Company and Detachment Commander, Ikoyi, from 1958 to 1960; First Nigerian general staff officer, Grade 2 (Intelligence) at the United Nations Headquarters in 1961; First national general staff officer, Grade 2 Nigerian Army Headquarters from 1961 to 1962; First Nigerian to be appointed general staff officer Grade 1, from 1962 to 1963 and Commander, Nigerian contingent in the Congo in 1963.

Moving on, he served as staff officer in the United Nations peacekeeping force during the Congo crisis between 1961 and 1963; Chief of staff, Nigerian Army Headquarters, from February 1964 to November 1965. He was the first indigenous chief of staff of the Nigerian Army.

He was Chairman, Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Defence Planning Committee from 1963 to 1965; Head of Nigerian delegation to the OAU Summit in Ethiopia, November 1966; military governor, Western Nigeria, 1966 to 1971; Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, 1971 to 1972; he held ceremonial military duties from 1972 to1975 and retired from the Nigerian Army with the rank of major-general in July of 1975.

As one of the founders and vice chairman of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) between 1979 and 1983, Adebayo played critical roles, often times from the background as one of the bulwarks of the region in the stability of the Yoruba leadership. As at 2011, he was the chairman of the Yoruba Council of Elders. As a military governor of the Western region, he promoted agricultural extension services, in particular the establishment of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.

Another positive acclaim that went down with his name was his role in the Biafran crisis. He was

recorded as having advised against the use of force in resolving the Biafran crisis. In one of his thoughtful quotes during the war, he said, “I need not tell you what horror, what devastation and what extreme human suffering will attend the use of force. When it is all over and the smoke and dust have lifted, and the dead are buried, we shall find, as other people have found, that it has all been futile, entirely futile, in solving the problems we set out to solve.”

It was for this reason he was believed to have ordered all the bridges into the West demolished in order to prevent the Biafran rebels from reaching Lagos, the capital of Nigeria via his state.

The rebels went as far as Ore in present day Ondo State, about 100 kilometres from Lagos. But immediately after the war, he was appointed by then head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, as the chairman of the committee on the reconciliation and integration of the Igbos back into the Nigerian fold.

Something also stood him out in his days as governor. It was during the infamous farmers’ “Agbekoya” revolt over taxation. The revolt was potentially harmful to his leadership and had created tension in the entire region, but with an uncommon maturity and management capacity, he resolved the protest peacefully.

It was no surprising therefore the torrents of praises that have since poured in since the news of his demise. From the high and mighty of the society including the not-so-important, institutions and political parties, Adebayo is definitely transiting to another realm with a life worthy of emulation. He no doubt played his part and left the stage for the living to continue with the struggle of nation-building and national development with critical roles assigned the region. Adieu, the peoples’ general!

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Obasanjo at 80: Unraveling the Enigma Tunji Olaopa

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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 eightieth 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 MC, 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 regards 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 agonized 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

Obasanjo 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 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, inspite 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 maneuverings 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 detribalized 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.

I put Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s continuing relevance down to his understanding of realpolitik . This is an approach rooted in principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations. This, in his own case, is at once nurtured by the constant relevance of the force of ideas and conceptual frameworks and dynamics in political affairs, and especially in the attempt at pushing Nigeria forward. This is why it is only OBJ that could have thought of instituting a presidential library out of the long line of presidents that have gone before or come after him.

The concept of the presidential library is an essentially American one. It came into existence when the United States Congress passed the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955 that created a system of privately owned but federally maintained libraries that are repositories of national documents, records, and any other historical documents of the US presidents since Herbert Hoover. The presidential libraries are therefore part of the national archive system to preserve national memory. If there is one definite thing that is wrong with Nigeria, especially as the world moves steadily into the information and knowledge society, it is our disdain for data as the first condition for development planning.

Nigeria’s national archives are a complete mess.

As a sign of our national shame, there is not yet a library or archive dedicated to the memory of the Nigerian Civil War. We often play the ostrich as if the war did not happen.

A presidential library in Nigeria possesses the real potential of reversing the information and data deficiency that already defines Nigeria’s underdevelopment. The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) allows us a glimpse into OBJ’s mind as a national figure as well as his actions and commission while in office. And this is significant because the presidential library also coincides with the inauguration of democratic governance in Nigeria. But much more than all this, I see in the idea of the library, the imperative for establishing an inter-generational relationship that draws the younger generations of Nigerians into a constant dialogue with the older generations on where Nigeria is coming from, where we are now and where we are headed, as well as the utility of generational capital in recalibrating Nigeria’s future. Launching the OOPL to coincide with OBJ’s 80th birthday celebration only goes to show a man that will never cease to rethink his legacy in terms of the future of Nigeria. From his Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) to the OOPL, Obasanjo has always been concerned about sowing the seed of greatness that will affect Nigeria’s greatness.

With the idea of the presidential library, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, the beloved octogenarian, once again turns Nigeria’s face to the future. And with Lyndon B. Johnson, the former American president, we can say: “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” That is the purpose OBJ meant the OOPL to serve: the recovery of Nigeria’s future.

––Dr Olaopa is Executive ViceChairman, Ibadan School of Government & Public Policy (tolaopa@isgpp.com. ng;;tolaopa2003@gmail.com)

MARCH 12, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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LIFEAFTERPOWER Olusegun Osoba

I Still Live on My Name as a Reporter

Osoba...My life in and out of office is the same

Photos: Kola Olasupo

A class reporter, former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has never ceased to be one. About the only journalist, who had managed three major national dailies at different times in his career – Herald, Sketch and Daily Times – Osoba would rather the credibility that comes with his name as a reporter of note than the fame that precedes him as Osoba-the-politician. Although he holds strongly on both grounds, something in him would choose to be back in this world as a journalist if given the opportunity of another life, even though the one he currently lives is not ending anytime soon. The appointment for this interview was more or less forced on him as a reporter, who would always accord his colleagues their respect, no matter the circumstance. A majority of the people who know him can tell, even from a distance, that the former governor had refrained from speaking for a while now, and deliberately. Constantly leveraging a good grasp of his profession, Osoba recognises the fact that too much media exposure could be counterproductive.

This, interestingly, has remained his guiding principle. He was reluctant to grant this interview for obvious political reasons and if he had his way, he would have avoided it completely. But he caved in to pressure because he could not say no to his colleagues. Initially meant to hold last Wednesday evening, and certain that he would have cleared other engagements by noon, the sudden demise of General Adeyinka Adebayo, a former governor of the old Western Region, completely altered his schedule. He had to juggle his itinerary to re-accommodate this appointment for late evening of the same day, having gone to pay a condolence visit to the scion of the Adebayo family, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, also a former governor of Ekiti State.

It was going to be a long interview as the ‘pre-session interaction’ had suggested. And as a reporter that he gladly calls himself, Osoba first did a briefing of his life after power off-the-record, by laying a template that would later guide the THISDAY team on relevant questions. As he went on to interact with the duo of Olawale Olaleye and Anayo Okolie, his hypodermic needle model was at its finest throughout the period of the interview as Osoba opened up on how and why his life in and out of office has remained one without crisis. A man of distinctive style and great taste for quality, he also spoke extensively about family, politics and governance then and now as well as his general approach to life. Excerpts:

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ourteen years after office, how has life been treating you?

Beautifully well because my philosophy to life is that whatever I cannot personally afford and whatever I cannot personally sustain, I’ll never get used to it. Second, before I became governor, I had the opportunity of seeing it all in terms of exposure, contact, hobnobbing with the high and mighty as a reporter. I didn’t see anything, therefore, special to me in my life as governor. I made sure I did not live any flamboyant life, which after living office I would not be able to sustain. I lived a life that was not different from what I am living today.

As governor, I was staying in this same house in Lagos, I never for one day slept at the governor’s lodge in Victoria Island. In Abeokuta, I built one of the best Government Houses that took advantage of the topography of the land. I completed it within two and half years before I left office, and I didn’t sleep there for one day. I lived throughout in my personal house. I have other things to say about my life time as a governor which rubbed on with my personal life.

We were just coming to that. What was life like as a governor?

First of all, I went to the office of governor conscious that it was a tenured position. I therefore did not take even a messenger with me into the office of the governor. I made use of civil servants. What they call Chief of Staff was what I called Permanent Secretary Government House. My secretary was a civil servant, who served me in 1992, and because he was still in service, he continued to serve me when I came back in 1999. Retired head of service, Adeyemi, who had just retired from service, was my principal private secretary.

I made use of civil servants. I made sure I built my own house.

You will not believe it, I made my own bed. My bed was what I counted as the most comfortable thing in my life. I buy my bed sheets myself. I buy what they call hotel collections and I buy them anytime I go to the US. They were the best and the cheapest in the US. I buy usually fitted bed sheets, so making my bed was no problem till today. I just throw my sheet on the bed, put it in and it’s fitted. My duvet was very easy for me to do, because my training in school as a scout was to be self-sufficient.

I lived a very modest life as governor. I never chartered a plane, what I used mostly at that time was Albarka Airline. I never for one day travelled with anybody abroad. When I go abroad, I carry my bags myself. Segun Babatope is a living witness. We travelled together in the year 2000 for a major international conference and he was shocked to see me load my luggage and that of my wife on a trolley from a cab, took it to the check-in counter and checked myself in. He was so uncomfortable that he asked me why I didn’t bring people that will handle the bags, but I told him that the day I cease to be governor, will I be able to afford an extra ticket for someone just to carry my bags? So that is my philosophy.

Let’s do some sort of comparative analysis between yourself and the governors that we have now. Recently, a former governor, Mr. Peter Obi spoke on the kind of waste that goes on in government quarters and tried to stand himself out as one governor who led a decent life. Coming from your background, would you like to draw some kind of comparison between the kind of governors Nigeria had in people like you and the kind of governors being paraded today?

Peter Obi will tell you that I had cause to tell him publicly when we travelled together and I saw him carrying a stroller and I said: “Peter, you must keep it up to be yourself�. I made him understand that I had a lifestyle and that I did better than him. Take for example, my security vote was only N250,000 a month. For modern day governors, we talk of billions, and I did better security work. Security vote is supposed to be out-of-pocket expenses; it is not supposed to be pocketed. I didn’t get used to having free money.

In my time, I was more conscious of ensuring that I ran a government the way I was used to running a private company, therefore, my style of dealing with corruption and wastages was that no file stayed overnight on my table. I created efficiency, so God help you if I sent a file to you and don’t immediately treat it; and when a file is on your table that had come from a director, a Perm Sec or a commissioner, I will query the dates on the movement of the files to know at what point the movement of the file was delayed. Through that, I create reasonable efficiency.

Two, I did not approve any payment that the money was not available. Once I approved payment, a contractor could take it to the bank as collateral, God help that civil servant, who would defer my approval. There was no need for you to be nice to anyone to collect a payment from Ogun State government, because the money was there waiting. As you present and it is approved, payment is made immediately.

Civil servants in my time were paid salaries not later than 25th of the month not 30th. We were paying them days before the end of

Osoba the month. In my time, at every festival, I made sure they were paid their salaries far ahead of time, to make sure that they had something in their pockets to spend for the period.

For example, at Christmas, salaries were paid latest December 20th. Therefore, the civil servants themselves knew that they were reasonably comfortable. The idea of having so many aides in my time did not exist as you now have. There was no special assistant for this and that. My life style was such that I didn’t need to adjust after leaving office.

For example, there was a day I drove to Hilton hotel then in Abuja, and both Fola Adeola and Baba Isale of Egba, Chief Shonekan were at the entrance of the hotel. They saw me coming out of a Honda Accord and they were wondered and said: “Why? Is this car not too small for you?� I told them that the distance between the governor’s lodge and wherever I wanted to go to in Abuja was not more than two to three miles, so I didn’t need any big car or convoy.

For example, he (Obi) was saying that he downsized the staff in the lodge, I didn’t have any staff. I used to take the cook serving the presidential lodge to Abuja. The lady would have gone ahead, bought all the things that I needed in Abuja and would cook whatever I wanted to eat. I can tell you, ask Aliko Dangote and Adams Oshiomhole, they dined with me then. This was my own way of managing wastages. So, I wonder of what efficiency is the need for creating many aides?

Soon, it will be 15 years since you left office and your name is still as relevant. What is the secret?

My name is relevant because I am living on the name as a reporter and not as a governor. I did not bother myself about friends that I made as governor; I place more emphasis on those friends that I have had over the years, who remain close to me. Take for example, as governor, Sam Amuka remained my friend. He had been before I became governor and he is still my friend and brother till today.

The thing is, I emphasised more on those friends I had as a reporter and today I am still leaning on that name. I am not leaning on the people I met while I was governor; I am still living my life as a journalist, all those around me are those that I have known for years. When my daughter got married, the whole country was there.

Those who were there were people I had known in my professional career.

I thank God that at the age of 77, God still makes me relevant.

Many of my peers have been forgotten. How many people have been governors in this country? People will not even recognise meeting them on the way, but I thank God because I am still enjoying that image in and out of Nigeria. When I get anywhere in UK and

My name is relevant because I am living on the name as a reporter and not as a governor. I did not bother myself about friends that I made as governor; I place more emphasis on those friends that I have had over the years, who remain close to me.Take for example, as governor, Sam Amuka remained my friend. He had been before I became governor and he is still my friend and brother till today

Nigerians meet me at different desk, they immediately recognise me, they say “ah baba Daily Times�.

There was a day I was with my ophthalmologist and some people just saw me and the English man could not believe when he saw them prostrating. But the culture of Yoruba permits that. He said “Are you such a big man that people are prostrating?� And I said no, these are people that I knew me as a journalist. I thank God that the reputation that I made as a reporter, as a journalist and as a newspaper manager is still living with me till today.

Evidently you are a family man. One will want to know how you were able to juggle between the responsibility of your office and demands of your home.

Unfortunately, I mismanaged that area. In my early life, I concentrated too much on my career. I therefore didn’t have enough time as I would have loved to devote to my family. As governor, neither my wife nor my children lived with me in Abeokuta, reason being that I didn’t want to expose them to the ordeals or expensive life style of the children of a governor. It’s not me as governor that will spoil them; people who are looking for favours will be giving them things that will be out of this world – expensive shoes and the likes.

Even my wife, during my first term as governor, devoted her time to preparing herself for her master’s degree at UNILAG and for a professional certificate examination in education. She said she would prefer to be a better family than go for better life, thus she went on to do her post graduate in education. She’s always had passion for education. She was starting a school.

I thank God that I still have the energy. I am now devoting more time for my grandchildren, the time I didn’t give my children. My mismanagement of family because of the pressure of newspaper life, the 24hour life I lived as governor; I am now more relaxed and I enjoy the company of my family as I give them more time.

Have you any regrets?

None at all! I praise God. My children made the best of everything; went to the best universities in the world; two of them went to London school of Economics to do their master’s. My first daughter did her master’s degree at Warwick University, one of the best universities in the UK while my last son went to Birmingham University. What I made sure is that the foundation of their education was grounded in Nigeria. The first two children, I made sure they had their university education in Nigeria.

I went to University of Lagos for my diploma course, so all my children went to the University of Lagos. After their first degrees, they could go and do their master’s in any other place abroad.

They have done very well. It’s not easy to get into London school of Economics. I therefore do not have any regrets. My only regret is that I did not devote enough time to them because of my personal philosophy of efficiency, doing the best in anything I want to do. I devoted everything totally to my professional career.

Out of interest is one reason, and when I was serving as governor, it was a 24-hour thing to do. Overnight I will treat files. For example, when I became governor I found out that almost 5000 certificates of occupancy were awaiting the governor’s signature and when I called the officers in the land department and told them that I wanted to clear the 5000 certificates of occupancy, I didn’t know that they were laughing at me. They taunted me and sent the first ten files and they got it back within one hour, then they increased it to about 50 and they got it back the following day. They increased it to hundred, one my way that day to Abuja, I signed all the C/O between Abeokuta and the Lagos airport.

They eventually got tired of taunting me, and within the first

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Osoba 1month I cleared the 5000. Why? Because I believed that even with the C/O in your hands you can go to the bank, get a loan and develop a property. That also affected my influence in deciding to allocate land to the people I trusted would deliver, and I am happy today that I have examples of people that I allocated land to and eventually delivered.

Can we have examples of such people?

Take for example, The Punch Newspapers. If you go to Punch in Magboro today, I allocated it to them. At a time when Punch was hostile and antagonistic, and I put it in the file when it got to me. I said “I’m approving this land in spite of the hostility of Punch to this government”.

It was leaked to the management of Punch, so the chairman and management requested an appointment. When they came I told them that the way they were treating my government with all kinds of scandals that never existed, that I even took them to court.

They eventually had to apologise in the paper.

I settled out of court and I gave them the land.

Today, I can boldly say that the Punch newspaper is now a source of pride to me. When you look at the Journalist Village in Arepo, it was my idea.

I am happy so many of my colleagues are now building their own houses in that estate.

I am happy Ibese Cement Factory had been on the drawing board for over 30 to 40years, and when President Obasanjo spoke to me to assist in giving land to Aliko Dangote, it was in Barbados on a State tour and I said I had approved it. I later found out that I had actually approved the land for over a year but the civil servants didn’t transmit my approval to Dangote. I had no regret that I gave so much land to Aliko Dangote because the factory in Ogun State is one of the largest in Africa.

Aliko delivered.

Only last weekend, President Obasanjo acknowledged that I gave him 22 hectres of land.

He paid but he admitted that it was with generous concession. I did it not because of him, but because I wanted development in Abeokuta. Abeokuta has the reputation for being first in virtually all professions including journalism. The first newspaper was produced in Abeokuta and I am proud to be an Egba man, who kept that reputation of being the only journalist, who managed three major newspapers successfully – The Herald, The Sketch and Daily Times.

Obasanjo built the first Presidential library in Africa, in Abeokuta. For once, in spite of my disagreement with him and in spite of our differences which are many, he stated it publicly that I contributed in making that library a reality. I am a part of that story and I am proud. My philosophy was to bring in industrialists even if they wanted land free of charge, I was ready.

Why? Because the colonialists, who came into Africa and developed Ikoyi, which is still a showcase estate in the whole of Nigeria would develop all the government residential areas in Ibadan for example; Onireke, Iyaganku and Agodi, didn’t take them away to the UK. So, my belief is, any industrialist, who invests in Ogun State will still leave those developments on our land. Aliko

can’t take Ibese to Kano; the Aboderin family can’t take Punch to Ibadan. So, that is my philosophy.

Speaking about the Obasanjo invite, a lot of people were really surprised that you there, what happened?

Well, he wrote me a personal letter, and the title of that letter was “Appreciation”. So, I felt that if President Obasanjo could use the word appreciation, then, I should honour the invitation.

He himself never expected me, but he said he had written it in his speech that ‘I don’t think Chief Oshoba is here’. For what motivated me: one, he wrote me personally to invite me. Two, I can’t help in conceiving and delivering a baby and the baby now made first class in the university, even if along the line I have not been in touch with the baby, I should be happy that what I was a part of came to life in my own life time.

There is no debating the fact that you made your name as a journalist, it also cannot be disputed that Olusegun Osoba, the politician is a household name and this is why a lot of people still feel the real story of how you lost the election of 2003 has not been told. What really happened?

The full story of that 2003 election is in my book that I have completed and I am launching it this year by the grace of God. I didn’t lose any election at all. The evidence is there in my book. Waziri Adio was the first to even raise the alarm, where the Presidential candidate scored 1.3 million votes and the totality of all the votes for all the gubernatorial candidates was 600,000, and what was allocated to me and Daniel had been published in the Tribune and other newspapers as opinion survey.

So, the votes tallied line by line, figure by figure with what was published in the paper by the Daniel group. So, they now went ahead to write the figure that they had done as survey.

The presidential poll topped in a massive way what they had written for the presidential election originally, so at the end of the day, nobody could account for over 600,000 votes.

Waziri Adio raised it: what happened to 600,000 votes? When they asked President Obasanjo, he said, “Even one blind woman said just put my finger on Obasanjo’s vote”. Two ballot papers were given to every voter, 600,000 were not voided for the governors, neither were they returned as unused, how come the presidential election made a totality of 1.3million votes while that of the governors was just 600,000? The details of it are in my book. I didn’t lose any election.

So, why didn’t you challenge the result?

Many reasons! Sam Amuka and I had an argument some days ago about that election. I said, look Sam, the governors of South-west who didn’t lose election resolved that the mood of the nation then was to give Obasanjo a second term, because people had faith that he was going to perform magic. We decided not to challenge. It was Lam Adeshina, who said “nemesis will catch up” and that if we had blocked Obasanjo from getting second term and returned as governor, the

story would have been different. People would say if Obsanjo had gone for a second term Nigeria would have been Eldorado. He had the second term and attempts were made to have the third term. History will judge whether the second term was the magical term that people thought.

I have no regret, I left office, I’m happy and I am still able to keep my reputation. In my days as a reporter, I was one of those who fought against brown enveloping. So, when the language of politics changes into garrison command, do or die, we did not want to be part of it, so all of us decided not to challenge the results of the election. We wanted to serve, so if they didn’t want us to serve, so be it.

Today, I am still proud of those things that I did.

I focused on rural electrification, road network, qualitative education, infrastructure development including regular water supply. In my time, there was no major town or city that did not have regular water supply. There was no local government that I didn’t do electrification. I was the one who introduced payment of WAEC fees.

Rather than students carrying desks, I built desks for all the government primary and secondary schools in Ogun State. I created regular payment of salaries in the state. I did a programme that cleared 9 months and 6 months salaries owed teachers and civil servants respectively in the state when I became governor.

So, legacy was more important to me than coming back for a second term. If one term was what God had designed, so be it. We all decided not to challenge it and live history to judge. We, the Yoruba governors, if we had been a stumbling block to the emergence of Obasanjo, and Nigeria is in this state today we would have been the ones to be blamed. It might have been said that if the godfather, Obasanjo had returned, maybe Nigeria will not be where she is. History will judge what happened.

Does this explain why you stood seriously against Obasanjo in his bid to get a third term?

Yes. I will confess to you, we were all in the gallery the day third term was killed. We sacrificed ourselves for a second term, and I must tell you that the way governors were treated after we left – we were a serious voice at the council of state meeting.

I don’t want to bring judgment upon his second term, let Nigerians do that. I have had course to argue with you when you said he brought GSM and I called my valcanizer, who asked you whether it is GSM that would provide power for him to work with. We felt that we sacrificed ourselves for second term. We didn’t want what we suffered for, which is the entrenchment of democratic laws to be destroyed. It was not a personal issue between us and Obasanjo. When he was in prison, we fought to entrench democracy and we thought we should let the rule of law prevail.

Two terms should be two terms. Obama has done his two terms and he has gone, the same goes for Clinton and Bush, so he too must go so that there will be Nigeria. We, Yoruba in the South-west zone have had eight years of Obasanjo, by all means let somebody else come and take it up. Whether we like it or not, Trump is now the president of the US. I don’t like him but that is democracy at play. If that is what the Americans want, we have to deal with him

for four years.

So, having spent his eight years, we believed that he should not perpetuate himself in office; we didn’t want to create a Mugabe, a Biya or a Museveni. Those are our reasons. We worked hard to make sure that third term did not succeed, not because we hated Obasanjo but because we loved the survival of this country.

We are the sacrificial lamb for the second term.

We didn’t want it to sacrifice the “Omoluabi” of the Yoruba philosophy. Yoruba’s core philosophy is Omoluabi, self-esteem. If we are brought up to respect self-esteem, rule of law and the core values of the Yoruba and we now went and broke those core values, we would have been destroying our own Yoruba nation to the Ijebu of Yoruba and the rest of the country.

Looking at the state of the nation, would you have still done the same thing if the proposal was brought up again?

Forever and ever! General Adebayo, who died today, we formed NADECO in his house; Abiola sacrificed his life for the entrenchment of democracy, we didn’t want those sacrifices to be in vain. Tomorrow, if anybody makes the attempt again, no matter where he comes from, we will fight it with all the energy in us. Thank God at my age, I still have the energy. God has endowed me.

Lastly, at 77, you still look very good for your age. Outside politics, what other things do you that keep you going?

First, I don’t drink. I’ve never had alcohol in my life. I don’t even take a sip of wine. I don’t smoke. I do everything in moderation. I try not to bear grudges. If I am annoyed, I say it immediately and get it off my mind. I try not to envy people; imitation, wanting to have what other people have is not a part of my philosophy. I always say it; I don’t pray to buy a jet. If God says the money is in my house and that I should buy a jet, I will tell Him, let Olawale Olaleye buy the jet. As a young man, if he buys the jet and I ask him, he will take me anywhere I want to go to.

The grace of God is the central thing. God has been gracious, He has given me a reasonably good life and I can tell you, if you take greed out of your life, then, you will live a better life. That’s why in spite of the numerous efforts from so many sources to lure me when Jonathan was in government with massive fund, I never fell into the trap.

And those who blackmailed me that I was living on Jonathan’s money; I thank God today that everyone of them has come to bow to say: “We thank God, your name has not been soiled; you are not part of all that we have been hearing”. So, the onus of it all is that when God is there guiding you, He will always guide you even ahead of what you do not know and when what you don’t know comes into fruition, you will be vindicated, like I have been vindicated in the case of all these slush funds from all sources. My name has not been mentioned.

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Adeboye at 75: Silent Celebration of a Loud Day Bisi Daniels

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t was Pastor E.A. Adeboye’s birthday and the 31st anniversary of the monthly Holy Ghost Service of the Redeemed Christian Church of God on March 2. The service is always heavily attended, a part reason for a 3-kilometre-by-3-kilometre auditorium called The Arena.

But people who had thought that a 75-hour non-stop praise of the Lord at the Redemption Camp was a build up to fanfare and cake-cutting arrived the Arena on that day to the usual service, the birthday having been celebrated privately.

Pastor Adeboye is not known to put himself in God’s way or share in God’s glory or time. In fact, as big as the day was to millions of people around the world, preachers at the service, with the theme “Come and Drink,� on March 2 were youths from four zones of the church.

On the second day, when Pastor Adeboye ministered, the only direct reference to a birthday celebration was a message from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, delivered by Bishop Wale Oke, who had known him from the first day the celebrant taught him mathematics at the University of Lagos, some 40 years ago. The message said it all!

The third day was an anointing service, but the day after there was a thanksgiving service – no wild celebration - at the end of which Pastor Adeboye gave thanks.

According to a new book, Stories of Pastor E. A. Adeboye

by Bisi Daniels, Bishop Oke, it was who on December 24, 1979, around 2p.m. at Abusi Edumare Grammar School, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State prophesied Pastor Adeboye’s great future. “God spoke to Bishop Wale Oke and gave him a word of prophecy for me. He wrote it down as God told him and he brought it to me,� said Pastor Adeboye. “That was in 1979, so you can imagine how young he must have been then – in his 20s. As soon as I got it and read through it, I knew it was from God. So, I sat down and broke it down into pieces. I noticed 28 promises of God for my future.�

That fateful Sunday in 1942 About 75 years ago on Ayesanmi Street in the sleepy town of Ifewara when the little Enoch, Elisha, Sunday, Adejare, Adetona, Olagundoye, Adeboye was born, the Heavens rejoiced over the birth of a great man.

But no mortal could have predicted that even from the strange occurrence of heavy rain in sunshine that fateful Sunday in 1942.

Babies born in such moments are nicknamed the Tiger, but that gave no hint of a man God would love and use so mightily across the world.

Not even the wise old men in Ifewara who called the slatecarrying, and chalk-white faced little primary school boy “Senior Academician,� and “Baba Eko� in those day saw a Daddy GO. Not when he was born and raised in abject poverty. Perhaps only Mama Esther Adeboye of blessed memory got close to knowing who he was destined to be in her frequent prayer that, Enoch would someday call a person and twenty persons would answer.

Today, decades later, he calls a person, and hundreds answer: not only Nigerians, but people in over 196 countries, including those from far-flung Samoa, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.

God Almighty, who knew him before he was formed some 12 months before a delayed birth, had seen the great Daddy

Pastor Adeboye and wife, Folu, at the thanksgiving service GO and protected him. Even when he stopped going to church, God told the founder of RCCG, Rev Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi to look out for him to lead the church he had earlier ridiculed as “Big Name Kill Small God.�

A man, who rather than being the lion he was predicted to be in 1942, is so great, yet so humble, and lives in complete holiness and in total obedience to God. Daddy GO is noted for signs, wonders and miracles of the dimensions of the Biblical days. Miracles that, as they were some 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ lived physically among us on earth, have saved lives of millions of people, and attracted many more to the Lord to receive salvation for eternal life and therefore be saved from condemnation to hell fire.

renew your youth and take you from glory to glory.

I have been a son to Daddy GO for 40 years since the year I had the fortune and blessing of being taught mathematics by him at the University of Lagos.

During the first lecture he took us, I sat at the back of the class listening to him and I knew within me that “this is a man of God.� I knew it. I was the leader of the University of Lagos Christian Union and immediately after the lecture, I went to him to introduce myself to him and he said, “Follow me.� I did. I followed him to his office and since then I have been following him.

Daddy, many, many happy returns! By the mercy of God you will finish strong, you will finish well.

Bishop Wale Oke’s message

And Pastor Adeboye gives thanks

This is a joyful occasion. Tonight, I am wearing two caps.

First I am here to represent the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev Felix Omobude, who is out of the country. He sent me and the General Secretary, Apostle Nuhu Kure to felicitate with my Father-in-the-Lord, his immediate family, leaders, pastorate and members of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Worldwide, on occasion of Daddy GO’s 75th birthday on earth.

The whole of Christendom of Nigeria and the world is celebrating a true icon that God has raised to bless the generation.

Actually, people like Daddy GO come raised by God one in a generation and we are so glad in our generation, he was packaged in Heaven, born in Nigeria and anointed to be GO of RCCG. But he is also the captain of God’s end-time army all over the world.

Daddy, many happy returns! The Lord will continue to

I want to thank God once again for the salvation of my soul.

If He had not saved my soul we wouldn’t be here today. I thank Him for bringing me into the world and I thank him for bringing me into contact with you all.

I thank God for you. God will bless you mightily. I thank you for your love, for your prayers and your gifts.

Anytime the work of the ministry becomes a bit burdensome; anytime we think of some people God has used us in one way or another to bless, but who turn out to be enemies and we want to feel discouraged, we remember the tens of thousands of all of you who appreciate the grace of God upon our life, then we march on.

Thank God for you, thank God for your encouragement.

There are moments when we feel tired of praying, but we remember the thousands of people who are praying for you.

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your gifts.Thank you very much!

The Need to Compensate Victims of Boko Haram Nnennaya Ijeoma Nwachukwu

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e live in a world today that is increasingly threatened by human excesses riding on the back of religious terrorism. The worst of human depravity is constantly exhibited by those who believe that their mode of religion is a better model that the rest of the society must be forced to follow. The failure of the sane majority to toe the line of religious fanaticism then drives the misguided bigots to resort to unleashing relentless deadly attacks and bloodletting on us in the name of fighting for their religion.

Such is the modern-day damning reality of our extremismchoked world where heartless, barbaric and blood-thirsty religious insurgent groups like ISIS, Al Qaeda, Al Shabaab and Boko Haram have become potent terror to humanity.

It is rather a sad irony that the practice of religion which should normally help breed better human beings imbued with virtues of love, compassion, tolerance, kindness and everything good, has been turned upside down to destroy mankind.

It is even a sadder paradox that some people in the society who should join hands with the rest of us to fight religious terrorism are aiding and abetting the same evil cause. Such is the case with Boko Haram in Nigeria today. There are still some misguided minds in the North who are sympathetic to the twisted ideology of Boko Haram. And this aberration of support for Boko Haram due to faith affinity is softly killing Nigeria and frustrating efforts to halt the madness that has lingered for so long.

It is little wonder then that right-thinking patriots like Profes-

sor Wole Soyinka recently said that if we don’t tame religion, religion will kill us. Perhaps we should say it in another way: if we don’t all join minds and hands to stop Boko Haram now, this evil sect will kill us. God forbid.

As an active participant in the collective fight against the scourge of Boko Haram, a leader of the Christian Women Against Boko Haram and a concerned Nigerian, I have long come to agree with the truism that evil will proliferate in a society where good men and women stand by with folded arms, doing nothing. The major reason for the evil of Boko Haram still waxing stronger in Nigeria is that we did not promptly nip this seed of terrorism in the bud early when it was germinating. Now, the barbaric insurgents have grown in strength, wasting lives, razing whole villages and communities, and kidnapping for the past 8 years. The case of the abducted Chibok school girls is still fresh in memory.

Today, some of us helping in our own little civil ways to fight Boko Haram are being threatened by the sect’s sympathizers in town. We in Christian Women Against Boko Haram are constantly under threats to back off the struggle. But we would not be intimidated or deterred until Nigeria takes back her sanity and stability from the destroyers called Boko Haram and their sponsors. Really, our concern at Christian Women Against Boko Haram even goes beyond our personal safety.

As women, we are also deeply bothered that the government is not doing enough to compensate all victims of the Boko Haram insurgency over the years.

Eight years of the insurgency have caused widespread untold suffering across gender, religious and ethnic lines.

There are estimated 1.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North East. And widespread killing of civilians,

the destruction of towns and villages by Boko Haram, loss of livelihoods and lack of food in an increasingly recessed economy have worsened the humanitarian crisis. But while the government, international aid agencies and concerned stakeholders in our society try to cater to the needs of IDPs in designated refugee camps across North East, there are other displaced Nigerians of different ethnic stock who have been left out in socio-economic desolation due to no compensation for their loss of livelihoods and businesses in Boko Haram ravaged areas. We hope the government can give urgent consideration of compensation to such displaced people who are not in refugee camps but are Boko Haram-affected Nigerian victims struggling to survive with their families while still stranded in the North or are relocated to their villages and home towns in South East, South South and South West.

In all, we really hope the government of the day can muster the political will to tackle the Boko Haram conundrum from all angles, especially dealing with the sabotaging enemies within. Aside catering to the rehabilitation of the IDPs and other victims of the insurgency, and increasing military operations against the stubborn Boko Haram militants, there is the critical need to address the problem of some elements within the Nigerian military who allegedly provide covert support to Boko Haram. If Nigeria would achieve real victory over Boko Haram and recover to experience lasting national stability necessary for socio-economic development, the alleged subversive antics of some pro-Boko Haram officers within the Nigerian military must be checked and dealt with without fear or favour. ––Nwachukwu is national leader of Christian Women Against Boko Haram, Lagos.

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What Does Good Health Mean for the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan?

Lanre Tejuoso

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he executive arm of government is currently developing an Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) – it is one that if well-articulated and implemented should take Nigeria out of recession within the shortest possible time. As the technocrats and advisers working frantically on the ERGP struggle to meet the deadline for completing the document it is important that I highlight the role of the health sector in driving sustainable growth in Nigeria through the ERGP. It is not unusual for economists and even my colleagues to downplay the role of health in our growth plan. That “Health is Wealth� is a truism that is worthy of consideration – in essence how does good health in the lives of our people or constituents matter and how does good (bad) health affect their economic power, productivity and potential to live fulfilled financial lives?

My current role as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health working with my colleagues in the eight senate has fostered on me the responsibility to ensure that proposals in budget appropriations and its implementation meets the necessary threshold for impact. We are also committed to ensuring that our oversight functions keep bureaucrats on their toes to do the needful at all times. I will like to use this medium to articulate a few actions which will only add value to the proposed ERGP from a health sector perspective.

Increase productivity through a focus on addressing malnutrition: The ability to earn depends on the productivity of people and by extension the country. Nigeria is currently undergoing a Malnutrition crisis. Nigeria is home to the third largest population of chronically undernourished children in the world – we have 11 million children that will either die or not develop to their full potential! This problem is uneven across the country – the North East & North West geo political zones have stunting rates in excess of fifty percent. Studies have indicated that stunted

children will have poor schooling outcomes and over the long term results in a 10-17 percent of loss wages. It is also estimated that we lose well over US$1.5billion to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This is unacceptable and a serious ERGP should address this. I will like to see an ERGP that is focused on small but highly impactful actions – improving access to micronutrient supplements like Vitamin A, iron, Zinc these are so cheap it is unbelievable that they are not widely available in Nigeria.

We need to institutionalise actions to make Nigeria competitive through the health system: The World Economic Forum in its Global Competitiveness Index report listed 12 pillars of economic competiveness. Nigeria is ranked 127th of 138 countries. One of these pillars is Health and Primary Education (Pillar 4). Our performance on this particular pillar is 138th of 138 countries and it is the pillar for which Nigeria performed the poorest of all the 12 pillars. Health and Primary Education has the following indicators; Business impact of malaria, Malaria cases, Business impact of tuberculosis, Tuberculosis cases, Business impact of HIV/AIDS, HIV prevalence, Infant mortality, Life expectancy, Quality of primary education, and Primary education enrollment. Being uncompetitive means we are unattractive to the right kind of investors and investments that could lead to economic recovery and growth. Essentially, if we must become competitive we must refocus our effort on ensuring we invest adequately in the health systems. As shown in the 2016-17 Global Competitive Index report, most developed countries have very developed health systems. They are the nations we run to and spend billions of dollars on health tourism. They are attractive to us because they have taken due time to consider that health is a source of economic growth. Take the example of India wealth. Today, they are reaping some economic benefits from the likes of Nigeria because they invested massively in healthcare. We can begin on the path of recovery and growth by doing same. The seventh senate passed into law the National Health Act and same was signed into law by the President at the time – during the hustings my party promised to implement

the provisions of that Act which means that a sum of at least N35 billion Naira should have been appropriated in the budget estimates to the National assembly; it was not provided for. The eighth senate is committed to correcting this and I urge those drawing up the plan to make provision for the implementation of the Basic healthcare provision fund in the ERGP. Provide the building blocks for reaping the Demographic Dividend: Nigeria has a once-only opportunity to benefit from what is known as a “demographic dividend�, a tremendous boost to the economy made possible by a changing population structure. The fact that economic growth can be spurred by demographic changes matters because the ERGP has many potentials to catalyze and accelerate the requisite changes and to capture the potential economic benefits that follow. The requisite and relevant options for capturing the demographic dividend will only happen if the government invests in its women, children and youth. This requires investments in reproductive health, in reducing infant and child mortality and in education, especially that of girls. Doing so can produce a healthy educated youth to enter the workforce, allowing capture of the “demographic dividend� and avoiding a “demographic disaster�.

We are raising one of the most viable youth population in the world, but without a sound health system, this may be to our disadvantage as we may end up with mass youth population that are unhealthy, unproductive and unable to make economic contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

Expand pro poor health insurance in Nigeria: Poverty reduction in Nigeria has not been commensurate with our economic growth. At the national level poverty rates has stubbornly remained at 35.6% in 2011 and they remained unchanged (at 36 percent) through 2013. ––Senator Lanre Tejuoso is a medical doctor and senator representing the Ogun Central Senatorial district. He is the chairman of the Senate committee on Health. The article was written before the release of the ERGP. (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

Ambode’s Frustration over Airport Road

Olusanya Gbadegesin

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read with consternation the frustration expressed by Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, over the non-cooperation by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing concerning the fixing of the International Airport road.

Ambode is very disturbed about the dilapidated state of the Oshodi-Airport road, which he described as an eyesore and an embarrassment to the whole nation as the road leads to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Despite the fact that Lagos state government is ready to fix the road. The Federal Ministry of Works under the leadership of immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, appears not to be forthcoming in terms of granting the required approval for the Lagos State government to embark on reconstruction of the road.

This is where I am saddened and began to flash back to similar needless muscle flexing and power show between some ministers and state governors, especially if they are of different political parties. It is therefore absurd and unfortunate if Ambode’s allegation that Fashola is deliberately withholding approval is true. Fashola was the immediate past governor of the state and a member of the same APC Federal government which is also the ruling party in Lagos State and who knew the bad state of the Apapa-Airport road and who also experienced frustrations from a PDP led Federal Government over such projects.

It will therefore be a puzzle for any discerning observer why Fashola should deliberately frustrate Ambode from developing a state where he was once governor and also did his best in terms of infrastructure. The allegation of Ambode against Fashola’s attitude is very weighty and going by how Ambode presented the facts, many may be tempted to agree that Fashola may actually be blocking Ambode’s opportunity to excel. There is no reason why Fashola should waste any time in granting the required approval for the Lagos State Government to embark on the construction of the all important Oshodi-Airport Road.

Ambode announced the readiness of the state government to immediately embark on the reconstruction of the road which has been redesigned to accommodate 10 lanes to come from Oshodi to the International Airport with interchange and flyover that would drop you towards the Local Airport. The governor also announced that the state government was ready with the funds to execute this, immediately approval is granted by the Federal Ministry of Works. So the question now is, what is delaying this much needed approval?

Ambode could not have expressed his frustrations openly without exhausting all avenues to get the approval from Fashola’s Ministry. While I don’t want to be prejudiced as we have not heard Fashola’s side of the story, one is tempted to believe that there may be some reasons other than bureaucratic bottlenecks

Ambode considering the not too cordial relationship between Fashola and his successor in the early months of the Ambode administration, which was mainly caused by the disclosure of the huge debt left behind by Fashola.

This perhaps may be a payback time for Ambode, but this should not be so as it will affect the ordinary Lagosian who will benefit from the road and the positive impact on the economy of Lagos State as it will save a lot of man hour lost to traffic gridlock on that road. Also given the fact that the road is a major entry point to Nigeria from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, the federal government should have gladly be receptive to the offer of the Lagos State government to do it and finish in six months.

If the allegation is true, Fashola must rise above pettiness and be a statesman that he is supposed to be by immediately putting the interest of the people of the state above any personal animosity he may be harbouring against his successor. With the open expression of frustration by Ambode, there is no way many will not believe Fashola’s action is deliberate considering the fact that such scenario had happened before in Lagos when another Lagosian, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, who defected from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and became inister for Works (2003-2006), was engaged in a power show with then Governor Bola Tinubu over operations of Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) officials whom he banned from operating on Federal

roads in the Lagos metropolis and quickly assembled his own Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) operatives.

The power show ended in chaos as there were frequent clashes between Ogunlewe’s FERMA officials and Tinubu’s LASTMA officials, not to mention other opportunities the state was denied in the Federal Ministry of Works. It was Lagosians who bore the brunt of the unnecessary show of Federal might and I don’t think we need such scenario any more in Lagos. Despite the fact that the Federal government is owing Lagos State a whopping N51 billion refund on federal roads rehabilitated by the state government, the governor said the federal government should release the N2billion appropriated for the Oshodi-Airport road in the 2017 budget, for the state government to embark on the reconstruction of the road. This is not fair!

Ambode also expressed frustration that six months after President Muhammadu Buhari approved the handover of the Presidential Lodge, Marina, the State Government was yet to gain access into the premises. This is also wrong and may send wrong signals out there that Fashola is on vendetta mission because the release of the Presidential Lodge also falls under his ministry. Why has the key to the Presidential Lodge not been handed over to the governor? And why are those involved making it very difficult for presidential directive to be honoured?

These are germane questions that should bother more than casual observers.

Every Lagosian would want Governor Ambode to be encouraged to continue with the current pace of work in the areas of infrastructure and security which has made Lagos State a yardstick of governance for other states in the country. Many people marvelled at the regeneration of Ojodu Berger which is a beauty to behold, Abule-Egba Flyover Project and also the Aboru/Abesan Link Road and Bridge Project. These projects are repositioning Lagos to measure up to its status as an emerging mega-city.

I, like many other Nigerians who have a lot of respect for former Governor Fashola for his brilliance and maturity, wish to give him the benefit of doubt by assuming that Ambode’s allegations are not true but, he must prove this by granting the long overdue approval to the state government to immediately embark on the reconstruction of the Oshodi-Airport road, which he said he will complete in six months and also ensure the release of the N2 billion earmarked for the project.

Fashola should also obey the presidential directive on the Presidential Lodge by ensuring that access to the building is guaranteed. Anything short of these in the next few days will confirm Governor Ambode’s allegation of vendetta and the insinuation in many quarters that Fashola does not want Ambode to outshine him in performance. This will be so unfortunate and people would easily see him as being petty, mean and sadistic. ––Gbadegesin wrote from Apapa, Lagos.

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PERSPECTIVE

With Local Content, Strong Economy is Possible Lekan Fatodu

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he failure of the leadership to maximise Nigeria’s enormous potential has been making the country suffer different economic woes.

Right now, Nigeria is wrestling with recession.

And not a few actual and perceived economists have employed different nomenclatures like compression and depression to illustrate the state of the economy, while also making projections on where the country will be if the current negative economic trend continues.

Therefore, Nigeria requires diverse activities that are well situated to fuel the economy for a quick recovery from the current quagmire it’s in.

And to address the myriads of problems it presently faces, suggestions from some tested experts both from within and outside of the country have largely been in favour of aggressive reform of institutions and provision of enabling grounds for suitable hands to deliver viable economic outputs.

Clearly, the need to accentuate and achieve these critical national objectives can be identified in the theme and structure of the just concluded Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, famously called NOG, Africa’s leading oil and gas conference which for the past 16 years has been gathering influential operators and relevant stakeholders in the oil and gas sector for development and to deepen business opportunities.

Actually, today’s topic, Fuelling the Economy, was taken from one of NOG’s agenda for this year’s edition. It is a welcome coincidence, you will agree, given the nation’s pressing needs, and the necessity of charting a way forward. Listed under this agenda by the conference organisers are Nigerians whose operations in the oil and gas industry are deemed germane to the solutions that the Nigerian government seeks in moving quickly out of recession.

Dr. Ladi Bada, CEO of Shoreline Natural Resources, Mr. Demola Adeyemo-Bero, managing director of First E&P and Mr. Taofik Adegbite, chief executive officer of Marine Platforms to mention just a few of the top industry players in attendance, were on hand to offer wider perspectives for a good way forward for Nigeria.

Adegbite’s Marine Platforms is a fascinating case study on how well wholly-indigenous Nigerian companies can perform in demonstrating Nigeria’s local capacity and competence in the technical areas of the oil and gas industry; and at the same time, how difficult it is for most Nigerian companies to keep the momentum of success in a business environment that is full of confusing policies and overlapping regulations.

In the first panel discussion, Adegbite duly affirmed the benefit of the Nigerian Local Content law which he said had provided the legal framework that enabled his company and several others to participate fully in the industry and to help retain in Nigeria billions of dollars that were constantly being repatriated from the country by foreigners due to previous lack of acknowledgment of the capability of Nigerians to take the local jobs available in the sector.

Adegbite therefore attributed the tremendous success made by his company, and the massive contribution his firm is making to the

Osinbajo Nigerian economy, to the enactment and operation of a law that serves to empower Nigerian people and the economy.

Conversely, the CEO also shared the pains his firm is facing and unusual resilience being put up by his organisation, and possibly other Nigerian companies to remain virile during this tough moment.

And he admonished the government to tidy up its policies and laws so as to create more opportunities than stumbling blocks.

Interestingly, almost all the speakers on the panel, who were carefully drawn to represent the regulators, legislature and the operators, seemed to agree on the major problems plaguing the industry, and slowing down its gains to the country.

Really, the many paradoxes and contradictions in the Nigerian system deserve an urgent elimination for the country to attain greater heights and for the injection of necessary energy into the economy.

Contributions from other members especially from those on the side of the government were disturbing as they confirmed the fears of many on the disruptions and uncertainties in the business atmosphere that were perhaps unwittingly created by the government itself.

Representing the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), a major regulator of the industry, in the discussion, Ms. Patricia Maseli, expressed frustration on the different means of control of the sector and opined that the various regulatory agencies presently in place need to be streamlined.

Similarly, the head of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the government agency that oversees the local content policy, Mr. Simbi Wabote, raised concern on some of the policies affecting quick attainment of the goals of the NCDMB. Wabote also cited the example of a ridiculous policy that allows foreign operators to bring vessels in on a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) at a low rate while indigenous vessel owners are made to cough out Full Duty Payment (FDP), a higher cost on their assets.

Strangely, and quite so often, it seems to be quite easy for us to locate the part where the shoe pinches. On the other hand, we are ever so reluctant to undertake the proper action of ditching the discomforting footwear and seeking better replacement.

Of course, we all know before this more difficult time that it takes someone with steely will to function well in Nigeria’s business climate. From appalling infrastructure to needless bureaucracy of company registration procedures, unabated insecurity, the demoralising rigour of accessing funds and to other encumbrances, many potentially viable business initiatives are dead even before starting off.

It is actually quite sickening to imagine that it took continuous intensification of the World Bank’s current poor ranking of Nigeria as 169th out of 190 countries on its ease of doing business index to make us sit tight to discuss serious business in all spheres of our development.

Even though Nigerians have seen, quite regularly, lots of sitting for critical national issues which ended as permanently quashing of transformative actions, we can see promise in the decision of the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, who has been holding fort quite effectively for the President, to recently roll out a 60-day national action plan to strengthen Nigeria’s economy with focus on ease of business for both local and foreign enterprises.

In the same manner, the minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and the group managing director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Dr. Maikanto Baru, who both spoke at the NOG, freshly promised to deliver on the rejuvenation of the perennially sickly Nigerian refineries.

For as long as I can recall, Nigerians have been groaning about the deplorable state of the country’s three existing refineries, and its attendant effects on the lives of the masses who are end users of different petroleum products.

But shamefully, despite several previous promises of revamp by the government, the refineries with combined installed capacity of 445, 000 barrels per day, still struggle to churn out just about 21, 000 barrels per day. Nonetheless, Nigerians are still counting on the renewed commitment of Buhari’s administration to deliver change in that aspect, and across all sectors of the economy.

Meanwhile, it should be consistently emphasised that there is actually need for sufficient fuel to power the thinking of the individual behind the country’s policies and regulatory agencies to conduct economic affairs in ways that will deepen more business activities in the country.

And this is because the country is indeed endowed with people with enormous capacity and resources to get the economy on a fast pace.

Tackling Investors’ Challenges Ifeanyi Omokwe

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o one likes to lose money, and certainly for a genuine businessman, losing money is bad business. That is why investors the world over will be quite reluctant to commit funds into an insecure economy.Anyone familiar with the psychology of investment knows that three things are always on the mind of the investor - security, corruption and government’s red-tapism.

Anyone wanting to invest in a capital market is also looking out for the security of his investment, the level of corruption in the market and the efficiency of regulation. Responsibilities for all of these in Nigeria rests squarely on the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is the apex government regulatory agency for the Nigerian Capital Market.

The Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007 and the Rules and Regulations made pursuant to the Act, are enforced by SEC to ensure the protection of investors and their investments in the market. SEC’s powers have also been widened to include regulating the capital market with a view to protecting investors; and developing the capital market in order to enhance its allocative efficiency, and pave the way for a private sector led economy.

Thus basically, SEC is in the driver’s seat of Nigeria’s capital market, responsible for any positive or turn. In truth, the management of SEC in the last four years has been impressive in terms of vision, regulation and enforcement of ethical standard in the capital market. But while SEC has been upbeat in recent years, it is even more so in the last few months. Munir Gwarzo, who is leading the team of professionals calling the shots at SEC, seemed to be all out against any acts that could sabotage investors’ confidence in the market.

In the last two months alone, not less than six cases of market infractions have been decided by the Administrative Proceedings Committee (APC) of SEC, with one or two handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Last month, SEC blacklisted an illegal operator in the market, Tine God Networks Limited, and warned investors not to patronise the company. SEC said the Company claimed to be an Investment Company that engages in Business Development in Commercial sectors of the economy and also issues bonds to raise funds for its investment activities.

But after prompt and thorough investigations by officials of the commission, it was discovered that the operation of the Company “had no tangible business model� and declared it a Ponzi Scheme where returns are paid from other people’s invested sum. SEC also alerted the investing public that the company’s operation was not registered by the commission.

It subsequently sealed off the premises of the Company and advised depositors to submit documentary details of their investments with the Company to the Commission’s Lagos Zonal Office and Port Harcourt Zonal office on or before May 15, 2017 to facilitate refund of their funds Within the same period, SEC also secured the conviction of another illegal operator, Marian Moses Ventures Ltd, by the Federal High Court in Kaduna. Considering how cumbersome and tedious Nigeria’s court processes are, it is a credit to SEC that it prosecuted a successful case against an unscrupulous market operator. Also on December 7 last year, SEC convened an APC meeting to look into a petition submitted since 2008 against Mr George Nchedo Okafor, the Director of Ideal Securities & Investments Limited, by owners of the company for alleged market misconducts. This was after the commission had investigated the petition and found out the director had carried out actions which were in breach of the provisions of the Investment and Securities Act 2007, as well as the SEC Rules and Regulations.

The Committee subsequently banned the Okafor from operating anywhere in the Nigerian Capital Market, and from holding any position of director in any entity operating in the Nigerian Capital Market. Okafor, who was also alleged to have forged board resolutions and issued dud cheques, was handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution. This zero tolerance for dubious operators in the market is no doubt paying off. That is why despite the economic recession, the market has been doing well and has recorded only marginal loss. Two weeks ago the volume of shares traded in one day closed higher by 5.31 per cent due to investors buying and selling 313.28 million shares valued at N3.60 billion in 2,883 deals.

A day earlier, 297.48 million shares worth N2.29 billion were traded in 3,438 deals. On the same day, the market capitalisation opened at N9.42 trillion and shed N6 billion to close at N9.42 trillion.

This was why the market was in shock when some national dailies recently reported that some investors in the Nigerian Capital Market have recently been defrauded by a licensed member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange- Partnership Investment Company

Limited (PICL) and Partnership Securities Limited (PSL).

But almost as soon as the story broke, SEC doused the tension and said there was no cause for alarm. The commission reeled out actions it had taken to redress the situation and restore market confidence. It said the protection of investors and their investments in the market was a cardinal rule of its operations. SEC said it was on top of the situation and had initiated series of meetings with all the parties involved. It also took the matter before the EFCC which is now looking into it. To reassure investors, the Commission said it had established a robust framework for investigating complaints received from investors, and has an “excellent enforcement mechanism� and continues to maintain zero tolerance for any form of infraction in the market. It said a risk-based monitoring and supervision of operators and institutions in the market to forestall potential systemic collapse has also been adopted.

In the last few months the Commission has imposed stiff sanctions on erring operators to serve as a deterrent within the limits permitted by law, while infractions with elements of criminality are referred to the Law enforcement agencies for prosecution as provided under Section 304 of the ISA 2007. It has also developed a thriving partnership with the Nigerian Police Force and the EFCC as evident in the cases now before the anti-graft agency.

In line with its commitment to implement the Nigerian Capital Market Master Plan (CMMP 2015-2025), the Commission has in recent times launched several notable initiatives which would galvanize the market, safeguard investors’ portfolio and contribute to the overall transformation of the economy. These include the E-dividend, Direct Cash Settlement, Full Dematerialization, Recapitalization Exercise, Corporate Governance Scorecard and the establishment of the National Investors’ Protection Fund.

All these are geared towards further deepening and developing the marketing to make it an investment destination in Africa.

In order not to scare the market, SEC on February 16, 2017 lifted the suspension of two operators who had served out their sanctions.

They are: Northbridge Investment & Trust Limited and Heritage Capital Markets Ltd, together with all their Directors and Sponsored Individuals. These are no doubt positive actions that are in tune with the vision of the management team led by Munir Gwarzo, an astute administrator and professional who has been a stabilising factor in the Nigeria Capital Market. ––Omokwe writes from Abuja

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PERSPECTIVE

Governance Should Be for Common Good Adesegun Ojo

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he objective of good governance is to serve the citizenry, no matter their stations in life. The goal of government is to create an enabling environment within which everyone can realise their God-given potential. The readiness to serve for the common good not for a few or those that belong to one’s own party or ethnic group, is the fundamental basis for socio-economic and political development of any nation. We tend to miss these basic goals as the reasons why we are elected into office. And in as much as we continue to be caught in the quagmire of ineptitude, lack of vision and transparency or accountability, the road to development and service in the name of the people will continue to be rugged and impossible.

Fifty -seven years removed from independence without a viable long term policy vision to redesign our educational goals, in a manner that is Nigerian centred, is a travesty. Lack of an economic development policy (short or long term) to address the limitations of our economy with a view to projecting a vision for the future generation remains an impediment towards national unity and stability. The lack of basic infrastructure and establishment of an independent and sustainable ethics and policy review machinery, continue to be an obstacle to building a Nigerian for all and by all.

What inspires anyone in a country where its leadership lacks accountability, where institutions and laws are manipulated to serve the interest of just a given few? What challenges an average citizen in a country where the few and their wards are able to afford unlimited riches and acquire riches, without any reasonable explanation as to how? What inspires anybody where they may toil to send their wards to school and there is no opportunity for them to realise their God-given potential? What motivates one’s loyalty to a nation, where pensioners could barely survive and remain unpaid until they pass on with no one caring about them?

How can anybody dream big in a country where, basic medical infrastructure are non-existent, to the point where people die of preventable illnesses that have been eradicated in many countries for decades but still claim lives of people, as if we are in the 18th Century? Of what value is a government, unable to pay for services

rendered and yet governors are applauded for paying salaries?

There is absolutely nothing upon which to base our loyalty to such a nation.

The mere presence of all these conditions is an indication of the ineptitude of our leadership. They shun competence and promote mediocrity so that they can continue to hold on to power. They seek power so that they can relish in the trappings that come with positions. It is a shame that our institutions are bastardised in the name of self-promotion and holding on to power. The ability of the people to make effective decision on election day is compromised because of the level of poverty, where a mere N1000 is enough to make one sacrifice the future of one’s own ward.

We should all lament and be ashamed, because we have all contributed at one point or the other, to the on-going malaise that hold our people back, and cripples our nation, and allows corruption and untold abuse of our democratic experiment.

The question is, what next?

It is time to demand from the leadership, a sense of purpose and commitment to promoting the well- being of all. We should demand accountability and transparency at all levels of government and in all institutions. Local communities should ask questions about sudden riches and abuse of political offices. Elected position should require a demonstrated service; it should not be a means to acquisition of wealth. In this instance, the remunerations of elected officials and their benefits should be reduced drastically by more than 50 per cent at all levels. Accountability should be enforced through independent institutions that allow special courts to render judgement while applying the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. People appointed to positions, such as ministers, should have real life experience and training to serve effectively in the positions they are appointed to. Expenditure on government appointments should be controlled and reduced. And critical institutions in the society, such as the police, security, universities, other educational institutions, and medical facilities should be funded adequately.

We need constitutional amendment to remove the immunity clause for the executives at the state and federal levels. We need effective separation of powers and real independence of the judiciary.

Our country needs everybody to be engaged in nation building.

We cannot afford a situation whereby a party in power fails to tap into all and maximise all the resources that could be beneficial to the development of our great nation. It is time to let our elected representatives know that the country, the state and, in fact, the entire nation belong to every one of us. It is not a regional, zonal, state, senatorial or ethnic issue; it is a national and Nigerian issue.

We must demand that our government invest in the provision of affordable healthcare for our people. Instead of spending resources on exotic cars and security vote, it is time to invest in our people.

We need state of the art medical facilities in all the federal constituencies in the country. Equipped and adequately funded. Local government should be mandated to make roads, potable water supply, local security, public health and food production a priority.

It is the responsibility of government agencies to provide adequate information on life saving health instructions to the population. It is the responsibility of our government to make our education, values, and mores a source of pride and springboard for socio-political and economic development. Let the next generation take pride in our values and read more about Nigerian cultures. Make learning of our languages and culture should be a priority in all institutions and at all levels. Employment opportunities and training should be a priority for all levels of government. Investing in our people is central to the development of this great nation. Government should make life easier for its citizenry and cannot keep asking the people to constantly bear the brunt of hardship. From austerity measures to new policies now being implemented on the suggestions of those who lack the capacity to appreciate what ordinary Nigerians are going through, the leadership is preparing a recipe for the collapse of the public trust in our government. If your elected officials and their children are living a luxury life when you can hardly survive from day to day, it is time to ask them to go. No amount of, “I am with you� or “I feel your pain�, should be enough. We need action.

We need policies to effect the required change. Let us take control of our destiny, let us stop the cycles of corruption, oppression and exploitation. If leaders cannot govern well and serve the interest of its constituents, it is time to vote them out of power. It is the power of a democratic government. That is governance at its best. ––Professor Ojo is an academic and public affairs commentator.

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Chuks Okocha

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he eighth Senate again lived up to its name as the peoples’ representatives last week, when it intervened in the planned retroactive and, indeed, retrogressive customs duties collection on vehicles already registered and plying the various routes in the country. The Nigeria Customs Service had in a statement ordered, “All persons in possession of such vehicles should take advantage of the grace period to pay appropriate dues on them, as there will be an aggressive anti-smuggling operation to seize as well as prosecute owners of such smuggled vehicles after the deadline of April 12. “For the avoidance of doubt, all private car owners who are not sure of the authenticity of their vehicles’ Customs documents can also approach the zonal offices to verify, with a view to complying with the provision of the law.�

But responding to the yearnings of Nigerians against this draconian directive of the Customs, the Senate directed the Nigeria Customs Service to suspend the proposed plan to collect duties on both old and new vehicles in the country. This was the fallout of a point of order raised by the Senate Deputy Leader, Senator Bala Na’Allah.

The Senate, in a resolution, said the status quo should be maintained until the Comptroller-General of Customs appeared before its relevant committees to explain the rationale behind this new policy. The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, who rounded off the debate on this anti-people policy, said the Customs directive on vehicle duties contravened the law and will, therefore, not stand. The senate president, who is also the chairman of the National Assembly, said, “This is a very straightforward motion and our responsibility here is to ensure that we oversight agencies and ensure that they comply with the law. It is very clear that this circular does not meet the requirement of the law.�

Saraki directed that the customs committee in the senate should quickly look into the matter and come out with a way forward.

Contributing to the debate, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who spoke extensively on the issue, said, “Just last week, one of our colleagues raised a motion in respect of people that bought bags of rice and some tins of groundnut oil to take to their houses and Customs came into those houses, harassed them and took away those items on the pretence that appropriate Customs duties were not paid or they were prohibited materials. “Today, we have been inundated, again, with another development, where owners of cars bought many years ago are being asked to show Customs papers or pay appropriate Customs duties. “Let me also say that we share the concerns of the Customs boss on raising revenue to run our country, but unfortunately, it cannot be at the expense of common sense and illegality.

Saraki “Government is run on the principles of checks and balances.

It is our responsibility to call the executive to order where recklessness is introduced in governance and I believe that our constitution is clear on who does what at any time. Not even the National Assembly itself can impose punishment on crime that was committed years ago. It cannot happen. If we cannot do that, the Customs cannot do that either. What they are doing is totally unacceptable and we must say no to it.�

Speaking in the same vein, the senator for Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye, who seconded the motion, said under a democratic setting, the policy will not work. He added that if allowed to stay, Customs officers would become corrupt, while Nigeria would bear the harsh brunt.

Melaye stated, “What the Nigeria Customs has done by this announcement is pure advertisement of incapacitation and incompetence. An innocent Nigerian, who went to Kano or Kubwa, approached a dealer and bought a vehicle, five to seven years ago, will now be stopped for stop-and-search by Customs, perhaps, on a day he is rushing his son to the hospital and they will ask him if he paid correct duty for the car he bought from a dealer. He was not the one that cleared this vehicle. He was not the one that imported this vehicle. “I was thinking the Comptroller General of Customs would react to what the senate had said, that he stops wearing ‘agbada’ up and down and wear the uniform of the Nigeria Customs and be proud of it. Then he would identify and know how to do the work properly. It is ridiculous that no Nigerian went into Apapa port and drove out an imported vehicle without the satanic collaboration of Customs officers.

“Having failed in their duties and responsibilities, as a result of indoctrinated and imbibed corruption, they now want us to pay for their incompetence and their failure. It will not happen in a democratic setting when you have a vibrant and a sincere eighth Senate. “We should send a message to the Comptroller-General of Customs that old things have passed away and behold, everything has become new. He should go and man our borders. He should preach to all Customs officers to become born again and to start collecting appropriate amounts for Customs and Import Duties, not to chase innocent Nigerians, who are hungry and on 001 to pay for duties. “The hunger in the land is enough. The confusion in the land is enough and this is the reason President Olusegun Obasanjo banned Customs from checking vehicles on the road in 2007.

Because this will become another avenue for Customs to start collecting N100, thereby corrupting them on the streets of Nigeria. “The appropriate committee must call the Nigeria Customs to order and protect the masses of this country.�

Saraki referred other lawmakers, who wanted to speak on the issue to the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise. He mandated the committee to act quickly, but gave no timeframe, within which the committee would report back.

On January 10, the senate had passed a resolution calling on the federal government to suspend action on the enforcement of the ban on the importation of vehicles through the land borders.

The directive was rebuffed by the leadership of the Customs, which went ahead to implement the ban on importation of second-hand vehicles through the land borders.

By this singular action, the eighth senate has shown that it has the capacity to be on the side of Nigerians at all times. The effect of this retrogressive action of the NCS could have been terrible, especially at this time of growing insecurity in the country.

Nigerians are already growing weary of incessant police and army check points. To add the Customs stop-and-search to the already bad situation would be to aggravate the suffering of motorists and other road users. Agreed, the federal government needs more money to achieve its programmes, but such revenue drive must not be to the detriment of the masses.

What the senate has done is worthy of commendation. It has again proved that this senate is a listening legislative body and one with compassion for the people. After all, what is the essence of leadership without compassion?

It was for the same compassionate reason that the senate under Saraki intervened when the National Communications Commission unilaterally increased the tariff on voice and data payable by GSM users. The senate rose to the occasion and chose to be with the people. By this compassionate approach, the eighth senate is simply saying that all government policies must have a human face. After all, government exists for the advancement of the people’s welfare. ––Okocha is Special Assistant to the Senate President on Print Media.

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NEWSXTRA

CATCH THEM YOUNG L-R: Silver medalist, Chidera Anichukwu of Brickhall School Taekwondo Club; Gold medalist, Madi-

ya Lawal of Eagle Taekwondo Club; and Amal Salisu, Brickhall, winners of 8-9 category at the 2017 Chika Chukwumerije Foundation Taekwondo Championship Prix Series 1, held in Abuja‌yesterday

GROOMING LEADERS Participants at the Executive Masterclass on Leadership for High Performance in Difficult Times organised by UK-based TEXEM at the Intercontinental Hotel, VI Lagos‌recently

Electoral Reform Panel Mulls Giving INEC Powers to Disqualify Candidate Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The Electoral Reform Panel is considering giving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sweeping powers to disqualify candidates found wanting in electoral processes, to help overcome myriad of challenges militating against the process of credible election in the country.

This is as the Chairman Electoral Reform Committee, Senator Ken Nnamani has charged Nigerians to contribute positively to the process of ongoing electoral reform in the nation.

Nnamani, who spoke in Jos, Plateau state, weekend at the North-Central Zonal public hearing on constitutional review, added that primary election

is as important as the proper election, noting that the process of primary election should be transparent to give credibility to the proper elections.

He said, “Primary elections are as important just as the proper or final election is important in any nation. We have been considering whether INEC should be given more authorities to tackle most of these electoral problems and sanction accordingly for electoral offences. “We are also looking at the possibility of INEC disqualifying candidates as opposed to what is happening now. A process should also be put in place to reduce litigations.�

Also speaking, Governor of Plateau state, Mr. Simon Lalong said the history of elections in this

country has not been a pleasant one, adding that at each stage of elections, there are established and reported cases of violence associated with the process.

He added that the general perception is that elections in Nigeria are characterised by a lot of malpractices depriving the people of their true choices for their desired leaders.

While lamenting that reports of past Reform Committees were never implemented, Lalong said such has created rooms for more malpractices, which commonly lead to violence and destruction of lives and properties.

The Governor implored the committee and participants to look at all reports, especially that of Justice Uwais, with the view to getting some of their laudable

recommendations and marrying them with the current views and realities on ground to bring out a document that will sustain democracy.

In his contribution, the Governor of Nasarawa state Alhaji Tanko Almakura, who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi, also implored the committee to revisit the Justice Uwais Committee report and work towards the implementation of the entire report at the end of the exercise.

The Governor, who advocated for the Electoral Offenses Commission for prompt resolution of electoral malpractices, said all election petitions must be resolved within six months and should terminate at the High Court.

CBN May Resume Forex Allocation to Marketers for PMS Import Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may resume allocation of foreign exchange (forex) to oil marketers in Nigeria for importation of petroleum motor spirit (PMS) into the country and consequently relieve the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) a bit from the sole importer duty it took up to sustain products supply in the country, THISDAY has learnt.

The CBN decision, THISDAY gathered was informed by the oil marketers’ recent indication that they were ready to resume importation of PMS, otherwise called petrol, when they met with the NNPC last week in Abuja.

During the meeting which also had the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) in attendance, the three major oil marketers associations Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPMA), and Independent

Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), expressed their willingness to resume importation of petroleum products, especially petrol.

They, however, said access to foreign exchange at affordable rates to enable them import the commodity was an impediment to this and wanted the corporation to intervene.

Also, because of the forex instability, the marketers stated that they have been unable to import products, thus leaving the job to NNPC, which as at December 2016 said it was doing up to 97 per cent of the entire products importation into the country.

Following from the meeting with the marketers, THISDAY, however, learnt from a highly placed NNPC source that the CBN could resume forex allocation to the marketers to enable them restart importation.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the forex allocation may, however, favour only marketers with established downstream presence and not necessar-

ily every other oil marketers without real downstream infrastructure.

He said the decision could be to protect the government from unforeseen future claims from marketers, who may import products and incur extra costs in distributing to consumers within the approved N145 per litre pump price band. “We had a meeting three days ago with the Central Bank to look at the forex request from the marketers.

CBN will, of course, approve forex for importation and at times like this, it is going to be more of the people who have presence in every aspect of the value chain that are more likely to import and still make money at N145 per litre,� said the source.

However, CBN denied having any such meeting where the issue of forex allocation to fuel marketers was discussed. According to the Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, said, “The story is untrue. CBN wasn’t at such meeting.�

The source further stated: “The issue with importation

is the international cargo prices for importing PMS, which is linked to the price of crude oil, and so as the price of crude increases, it impacts the final cost of PMS to buyers. “Crude has, however, been on a decline and it created a lot of opportunity for downstream operators.

If crude remains at the current level, we will see more people wanting to import gasoline. Also, by the end of March, and sometimes in April, we will go into summer and refineries will start producing more petrol for people, who will travel a lot and hopefully, when that happens, we will see more people import and can even sell below N145 and still make money.�

The source also spoke on NNPC’s current responsibility as the sole importer of petrol in the country, saying: “Currently we are doing everything; there is little or nothing coming in from anybody for petrol.

Once in a while MRS and a few others companies bring in something into the country but largely it is NNPC that is doing everything now.�

TEXEM Organises Masterclass for Senior Executives For organisations to survive in challenging times, like the current situation in Nigeria, leadership performance has to be enhanced beyond the ordinary. In line with this, TEXEM, a United Kingdom based enterprise focusing on executive education, has organised yet another executive masterclass for CEOs and other top executives both in the private and government organisations.

The programme, which was titled Leadership for High Performance in Difficult Times was held on March 9, at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The executive programme was facilitated by Head of Managerial Communications at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Prof. Neal Hartman.

The programme which commenced with the accreditation and registration of the delegates was attended by senior executives from Airtel, UBA, Leventis, Nigeria Breweries, Swisstrade, BusinessDay, among others.

The themes covered include leading in times of success and in crisis, improving leadership performance, building a high performance culture, high performance influence and persuasion driven change, the mindset of high performance negotiating and conflict management.

Hartman delivered the lecture with the aim of increasing the participants ability to achieving communication objectives and leadership goals, and increasing the ability to achieve desired response from the team.

The programme ended with the presentation of certificates to the delegates by the Director of International Trade at the Deputy British High Commission, Ahmed Bashir, OBE. Participants were delighted and appreciated the delivery of the training and looked forward to TEXEM’s forthcoming executive trainings.

By partnering major global enterprises, top universities and renowned faculties, TEXEM has developed series of educational programmes that address the challenges facing business today, in terms of research consulting and the skills gaps within and outside Africa.

TEXEM noted in a statement that a great feature of attending its executive education programme is that participants are particularly engaged in tailored programmes designed specifically for African senior executives, delivered by faculties at the forefront of analysis in their fields at some of the world’s best seats of learning.

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SOCIAL MEDIA FORUM L-R: Head of Communications & Public Aairs, GE West Africa, Segun Obagbemi; Brand/Digital Lead, GE Africa, Yewande Thorpe, with two participants, Judith Uwandi and Olamoyegun Kayode at GE Nigeria’s 3-D Printing workshop for Social Media Week in Lagos‌recently

SUPPORTING EDUCATION L-R: Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje; Chairman, Board of

Directors, Meadow Hall Group, Mr. Andrew Nwani; Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Lagos State, Mrs. Yetunde Adefolahan Odejayi; CEO/Group Managing Director, Meadow Hall Group, Mrs. Kehinde Nwani and Chairman, Advisory Board, Meadow Hall Group, Engr. Ibikunle Ogunbayo at the official launch of Meadow Hall Edutainment Centre in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos‌recently

DMO to Issue FGN Savings Bond to Investors

Publish Names of Treasury Looters, Says PFN

Anayo Okolie

The Vice President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), South-south, Bishop Simeon Okah has advised the Federal Government to publish the names of those who have looted Nigeria’s treasury.

Okah, at a press conference heralding Flock of Christ Mission’s 2017 world convention that will hold from today till March 19, said the anti-corruption fight of President Muhammadu Buhari would be meaningless if the names of the looters are not published.

He said the anti-graft war of President Buhari was not thorough as many individuals who are in his cabinet and who are alleged to be corrupt were still walking the street as free men.

The Bishop of Flock of Christ Mission lamented that politicians who have decamped to ruling APC from other parties are being giving protection by the APC, adding that this has made the anti-graft war of the APC selective.

He noted that corruption is

A window of opportunity for Nigerians to harness the huge benefits derivable from retail bonds will unlock tomorrow when subscription for the Federal Government of Nigeria Savings Bond (FGNSB) opens.

The offer will run for five days, with subscription forms available through Stanbic IBTC Stockbroker Limited and in all branches of Stanbic IBTC Bank across the country According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), the retail savings bond product will be accessible to all income

groups for subscription at N5,000.00 per unit, with a maximum subscription of N50 million and a tenor ranging from two to three years.

Director General, DMO, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, speaking during the recent listing of the $1 billion FGN Eurobond on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, had hinted the market of the government’s plan to democratise the bond market by making it easily accessible to most Nigerians. He said by promoting retail participation in the bond market, the goal of encouraging an all-inclusive participation in investments and driving finan-

cial inclusion in the country will be further enhanced.

Amongst its many benefits, FGNSB would provide opportunity to all citizens, irrespective of income level, to contribute to national development, deepen the national savings culture; enable all citizens participate in and benefit from the favourable returns available in the capital market as well as diversify investment options for people and funding sources for the government.

Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Mrs. Titi Ogungbesan, stated that subscription for the bond

could be made through stockbroking firm, as the sole government stockbroker to the Federal Government bond; distribution and receiving agent for the retail savings bond. This means that both current and prospective clients can access the product at any Stanbic IBTC Bank branch nationwide to subscribe to the auction or submit their completed forms. “Stanbic IBTC would continue to partner with government and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable economic development, including the deepening of the Nigerian Capital Market,� said Ogungbesan.

Oxfam: FG Should Create Macro-economic Policy Environment that Increases Women’s Productive Capacity Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Oxfam in Nigeria has called on the government to demonstrate political will to create a macro-economic policy environment that increases women’s productive capacity as full economic agents; and also increase investments in the agricultural sector.

Oxfam Country Director, Jan Rogge made the call in Abuja at the recent 2017 International Women Day, with the theme ‘Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50:50 by 2030’.

Rogge who was represented by the Associate Country Direc-

tor, Evelyn Mere equally said there was need for government to create an enabling context with adequate infrastructure that enables women in the informal sector survive and thrive; as well as continue the reform of the tax system in Nigeria to foster equity and apply tax resources to increase public spending in key sectors such as agriculture, health and education.

Oxfam also called on the National Assembly to incorporate all ratified international treaties on women into domestic laws in order to make the National Gender Policy actionable, stressing that

the executive must further work with the legislature to ensure passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities bills into law.

According to Rogge, “Oxfam calls on the Government of Nigeria to demonstrate political will to create a macro-economic policy environment that increases women’s productive capacity as full economic agents; increase investments in the agricultural sector and create special incentives targeted at women to enhance economic opportunities, productivity and women’s incomes.�

Rogge lamented that Nigeria has been classified as one of the

most unequal countries in the world, stressing that the lives of Nigerian women are affected by a myriad of discriminatory traditional and socio-cultural practices which put them at a disadvantage in a number of areas compared to men. “As a result of these disadvantages, women are more likely to be poor than men. In 2016, Nigeria ranked 118 out of 144 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index, having gained seven places from the previous year. Though a marginal gain, a lot still needs to be done to put Nigeria in a better ranking order,� Mere noted.

CAN Celebrates Buhari’s Return, Calls for More Prayers Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, his family and the populace on his return to the country 51 days after he left for London, for medical reasons.

The CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, welcomed back Buhari in a statement signed yesterday by his Special Assistant (Media and Communications), Pastor Adebayo

Oladeji. He rejoiced with the First Family and the country and urged Nigerians, especially, Christians, not to cease praying for a total and perfect healing for him.

He stated: “CAN rejoices with the family of President Muhammadu Buhari, the government and the whole nation on his return to the country after spending 51 days abroad for medical reasons.

We will continue praying for his full recovery in order to be

able to continue the task of rebuilding the country and most especially, to end the economic recession and its attendant problems. “We urge him to do everything within his power to strengthen Naira which has been facing unprecedented devaluation since its emergence in order to bring the much awaited relief to the people who have been groaning under the yoke of the economic recession.�

Buhari who returned Friday

had a brief meeting with the Federal Executive Council, service chiefs and other top government functionaries said the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo who had been acting in his stead while away would continue to act.

On this, the CAN President praised Buhari for handing over power to his deputy as mandated by the constitution and commended Osinbajo too for living up to the expectation of his principal and the people.

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

killing the country and that if something drastic is not done, Nigerians will continue to wallow in abject poverty, adding that leaders in the country needed the fear of God and wisdom to govern Nigeria.

Appealing to Nigerians to pray for President Buhari’s health, Okah commended Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for holding forth for the President, adding that Osinbajo has done marvelously well from the way he has handled the country in the past one month.

Okah also lamented that Nigeriansdonotlearnfromhistory,noting that if care is not taken, the APC will do worse than the PDP judging from the way the party is handling the President’s health status. “We Nigerians we do not believe in history. Some school of thought say, history repeats itself but history does not repeat itself in my own philosophy. If you refuse to learn from history then you will continue to make the same mistake again and again. The history of Yar’Adua should be fresh in our mind.�

Family Decries Refusal to Let Kanu Entertain Visitors David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The family members to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have cried out over refusal by the prisons authorities to let Nnamdi Kanu receive visitors in his cell.

A press statement sent to THISDAY in Awka and signed by the younger brother of the IPOB leader, Prince Emmanuel Kanu stated that prisons officials working in concert with the Department of State Services (DSS) have limited the time for Kanu to receive visitors to one hour a day, for five days a week.

The family said they were surprised over the directive, just as they feared that it may be a new ploy to do in the freedom fighter and reduce his growing popularity.

The release frowned on the directive, saying that even the most hardened criminals in the same prison, including Boko Haram terrorists were allowed

to receive visitors, five hours a day for seven days of the week.

Part of the release reads, “We observed with great dismay the conspiracy by the DSS and the Prison Authorities through their prison wardens to stop Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from receiving visitors in Kuje Prison, Abuja. “The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and others detained illegally alongside with him are only allowed to receive visitors for 1hour a day from Monday to Friday in a week while other inmates were always allowed to receive visitors 5 hours in a day from Monday to Sunday, 7 days a week.�

The family said the development is a huge embarrassment on British government who they said have been denied access to Nnamdi Kanu whom they sought to visit in Kuje Prison recently. They accused prison wardens of being used to perfect the plot to deny Kanu any visitor.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž MARCH 12, 2017

IMAGES

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he final burial ceremony for late Omo’ba Nimota Moradeun Ashiru, mother of Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and lndustry, was held at Dipo Dina Stadium, GRA, ljebu Ode recently. Juju maestro, King SunnyAde, was on ground to entertain guests. Here are the faces of some of the personalities that graced the occasion Photos: Abiodun Ajala

L-R: Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Bimbo Ashiru and Governor lbikunle Amosun

Prof. Toyin and Nike Ashiru

L-R: Kemi Ashiru and Funso Amosun

L-R: Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, Mr. and Mrs. Akande

L-R: Labake Makanjuola, Otunba Funsho Ajayi and Dupe Adelaja

R-L: Mr. Olumide Phillips and wife, Toyin

L-R: Chief Tunde Aluko and Segun Ogunsanya

L-R: Victor Osibodu and Biodun Sobanjo

L-R: Senator Gbolahan Dada and Kehinde Sofola

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž MARCH 12, 2017

IMAGES

L-R: Chief Adekunle Ojora and wife, Ojuolape

L-R: Yinka Balogun and Musiliu Obanikkoro

L-R: Gbenga Daniel, Abimbola Fashola and Segun Awolowo

L-R: Tayo Ayeni and Kayode Odukoya

L-R: Edmond Otudeko and Senator Lanre Tejuoso

L-R: Tunde Alapinni and Dele Momodu

L-R: Mr. Joseph Makoju and Chief Ayo Adebanjo

R-L: Senator Olorunmbe Mamora and his wife, Lanre

Bimbo and Kemi Ashiru

L-R: Prof. Toyin Ashiru and Chief Doja Adewolu

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MARCH 12, 2017

SUNDAYSPORTS

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

FA Cup: Man City Reach Semis with Win Over Boro

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oals from David Silva and Sergio Aguero gave Manchester City a deserved win over Middlesbrough and earned Pep Guardiola’s side a place in the FA Cup semi-finals. Silva scored just three minutes in from six yards out after Pablo Zabaleta had time and space to cross low from the right.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Guzan produced a number of fine saves to deny Silva, Leroy Sane and deflect an Aguero shot on to the post. But Aguero finally made the result safe for the visitors when he converted from Sane’s low cross to earn his side a Wembley semi-final.

City have reached the last four of the FA Cup for the first time in four years as Guardiola aims to win some silverware in his first season in English football.

The Spanish manager also had the luxury of taking off Sane and Aguero before City play the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie in Monaco on Wednesday.

City hold a 5-3 lead after a thrilling first leg.

City had defeated West Ham, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town so far in the competition and completely dominated against Middlesbrough.

The visitors had 69% of possession and 10 shots on target compared with only three from the hosts at a packed Riverside Stadium. City’s movement off the ball was excellent as they repeatedly carved open a Boro defence that could not cope with the visitors.

Poor marking enabled Zabaleta to get free early on and his low cross was missed by

Raheem Sterling before Silva lashed City ahead.

Only an outstanding performance by Guzan kept his side in it as he produced a number of saves to frustrate the visitors.

Aguero, who had earlier hit the post, got a goal he deserved when he finished well from the delivery from the excellent Sane.

Graphic showing how nine players were involved in Manchester City’s opening goal against Middlesbrough The build-up to David Silva’s third-minute goal started with a throw-in on the right wing. The ball was played to the opposite flank, then back to the right side before Silva finished off a well-worked move. Nine City players were involved in the goal.

For Middlesbrough, 18th in the Premier League, it was another afternoon to forget. Not only were they outclassed, they also suffered two injuries to key players as forward Rudy Gestede and defender Bernardo limped off.

Gestede had two attempts - heading just over and also having a header cleared off the line by Pablo Zabaleta - before going off after only 26 minutes with what appeared to be a lower back injury.

Boro have scored the fewest goals in the Premier League - 19 in 27 matches - and may now be without a striker who only joined them in January in a £6m move from Aston Villa.

Defender Bernardo also went off early in the second half with 19-year-old centre-half Dael Fry coming on to make only his second appearance of the season.

Boro, against the run of play, had a late

Aguero

chance to score but John Stones cleared off the line after goalkeeper Claudio Bravo had parried Fabio’s header.

With 11 Premier League games left, Boro can now focus their attentions on trying to stay in the top flight.

Iheanacho: I Need to Improve

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Housseïni Amion Guindo

Mali Facing FIFA Ban Mali is facing a possible Fifa suspension after the country’s sports minister missed a deadline to revoke his dissolution of the football federation’s Executive Committee. Mali Sports Minister Housseini Amion Guindo took his action on Wednesday and duly installed an interim committee to lead the federation (Femafoot) until a new board can be elected.

Femafoot informed Fifa the same day whereupon football’s world governing body gave Mali until Friday to cancel the suspension or face possible consequences. Fifa outlaws governmental interference in the running of any of its member associations.

“We remind you that according to the Fifa statutes, all our member associations must handle their affairs in an independent fashion,” Fifa Secretary General Fatma Samoura informed Femafoot president Boubacar Baba Diarra. “If they are not in position to do this, they are liable to sanctions, including a possible suspension.

“The ministerial decision of 8 March 2017 goes against this principle and its implementation would constitute an interference in Femafoot’s internal affairs.

he 20-year-old forward revealed that he needs to keep working hard to get a call for regular first team duty in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho admits that he needs to improve on some aspects of his game to guarantee himself a place in Manchester City’s first team.

The Super Eagles attacker who has only played three times in the English Premier League this year believes he can still get a regular playing time if only he keeps improving and working hard.

Iheanacho came in as a 90th minute substitute for Sergio Aguero in Saturday’s defeat of Middlesborough to book a place in the semi-final stage of the FA Cup. “I think I have really done well so far in

my Manchester City career, but everyone needs to improve,” Iheanacho was quoted

by ESPN. “I need to keep working and keep improving. I have so many things to improve on. I need to keep learning.

“Kun is doing well, Gabriel is doing well. I hope for him to recover quickly so he can come in the team because we really need him.

“We work together as a team. We need everyone as a team for us to get something after this season.

“Sergio is brilliant and has been doing really well.

We hope to see more of that soon. On my part, any time I am needed, I will give 100 per cent because everyone is important in the team.”

PSG Deny Nightclub Reports

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aris St Germain have denied that two of their players were in a nightclub a couple of days before the Ligue 1 club were thrashed 6-1 by Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Sports daily L’Equipe reported on Friday that midfielders Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi had been spotted in a Paris night club on Monday, one day before travelling to Barcelona for Wednesday’s game. The Catalans, who lost 4-0 in the first leg, reached the quarterfinals with a 6-5 aggregate win.

The report said that the two players had left the night club “after midnight”.

“It’s insulting to their professionalism and to the club,” PSG wrote in a statement on Twitter.

“Shame on those – often L’Equipe – who publish unconfirmed information.”

PSG, who resume their domestic duties at Lorient on Sunday, are second in Ligue 1,

Matuidi

Iheanacho

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High Life

͎͎͜;ʹ͜͜ͳ;ͳͰ

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

At 80, Obasanjo Breaks His Own Rule, Hosts Grand Birthday Celebration at Eko Hotel Ëž Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă?Ăœ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂŽĂ“Ă?ÞËĂ?ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă˘ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă˜Ăž ĂŒĂ“ĂœĂžĂ’ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?

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s the sea anemone attaches itself to the sturdiest boulder in the Atlantic, so does the random socialite, political lobbyist, power broker or social buttery attach himself or herself to the most powerful social and political titan. Little wonder, friends, family and political associates trooped to the Eko Hotel and Suites, to celebrate former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he clocked 80.

Like clams and corals gravitating in the deep, towards the tide without a storm, the creme of Nigeria’s high society trooped out to party with Obasanjo despite his established distaste for grand festivities. There is no gainsaying that the former president is hardly given to grand frivolities. He is not one to indulge in extravagant activities, as conďŹ rmed by him years ago. Obasanjo also conďŹ rmed that he is not given to celebrating his birthdays since any of his birthdays is just like any other day of his life.

But he had a dierent story to tell last Sunday, March 5, as he celebrated his 80th birthday.

Interestingly, Obasanjo broke tradition from his wellknown anathema of birthday celebrations to host his 80th birthday at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, with King Sunny Ade on the bandstand. Expectedly, Nigeria’s superrich men

THE UNDISCLOSED BATTLES OF OMATEK COMPUTERS BOSS, FLORENCE SERIKI Ëž

She fought a gallant but futile battle against pancreatic

Florence Seriki

Olusegun Obasanjo

and women, politicians and celebrities ďŹ led out to celebrate with the former president.

And King Sunny Ade didn’t

disappoint them at all. Baba rocked and rolled. We saw Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Bola Shagaya, Timi Alaibe and his

cancer. Under the yoke of the illness, she withered like she was chained to a creature of a different kingdom. Despite her gallant fight, Florence Seriki died.

But hardly anyone knows what she had to endure before her death. Findings revealed that the Omatek Computers boss and ICT entrepreneur fought a futile battle against cancer of the pancreas.

Gradually, the disease ate away at the 54-year old, emaciating her and ridding her of life.

Seriki studied engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). She was a notable ICT entrepreneur and has over the years built Omatek to one of the most successful indigenous brands. She was said to have complained of stomach ache while in Singapore early this year and was said to have gone through surgery to correct the anomaly.

On her return to Nigeria, the problem resurfaced, leading to her being admitted for further treatment at LUTH where she died. Florence had big issues with her husband many years ago and the husband, Ola Seriki, packed

all his belongings and deserted their house in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos. At a point, she suffered a lull in business and was owing a lots of bank. But like the amazon she was, Seriki weathered the storm. Before she died, her company was gradually picking up.

German wife-to-be, Andy Uba, Tony Elumelu, Bukola Saraki, Sayyu Dantata and so many others.

NOT A LONELY 70TH AFTER ALL...

DAVIDO’S FATHER, CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY IN ATLANTA Billionaire mogul, David Adeleke, cannot bear to regard himself simply as a plaything of blind chance; he cannot admit to feeling abandoned even though he goes through life alone, without the proverbial better half. The billionaire mogul and father of hip hop crooner, Davido, just clocked 70 and contrary to his hopes few years ago, he is alone, without a wife. The billionaire magnate celebrated his 70th anniversary in Atlanta, USA, with his children.

And he bought himself the 2017 Bentley to celebrate the big 70.

But unfortunately, no woman was with him on that day. You couldn’t have forgotten so soon

David Adeleke

that Adeleke lost his first wife, Veronica, about 11 years ago. She died of cancer. He later remarried but it didn’t last. They divorced.

No man wishes to endure his twilight without a companion

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Dance of Joy...As Maryam Abacha Turns 70, Family Celebrates Her In Classy, Low-Key Ceremony Ëž Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă–ĂŁ ĂžĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă?Ăœ Ę¨ĂœĂ?Ăž Ă–Ă‹ĂŽĂŁ ÞÙ Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜Ă™

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o her loved ones, Maryam Abacha is rare gem. There is no such thing in nature or humankind that measures up to her fairness and grace.

If you ask them, her children, in-laws and grandchildren would earnestly tell you that she is that rare icon fate invents to stun mortality. By her industry, lofty politics and compassion, Maryam excites uncommon adulation which remains the treasure of icons and Africa’s most revered Amazons.

Thus as the former first lady and widow of late military president, Gen. Sani Abacha, turned 70 few days ago, March 4 to be precise, the Abacha clan came together to celebrate her in a ceremony befitting of a matriarch, at her residence in Kano.

Predictably, Maryam looked resplendent in her dazzling attire

he could call “wife,� “true love� or “soul mate in life’s final lap,� not even Adeleke perhaps but the billionaire magnate has never made moves to reconcile with his wife, Adepeju. He reportedly sought divorce because friends and family members were against the union although close friends and relatives of the magnate alleged that his children were actually the masterminds of his decision to break up his marriage with Adepeju.

Four years after his late wife, Davido’s mother, died of cancer in 2003, Adeleke married Adepeju. But since their marriage in 2007, he and his new wife had repeatedly found it difficult to curry the favour and acceptance of his children. Davido and his siblings allegedly opposed his marriage with Adepeju. The suit for divorce was allegedly filed by Adeleke in March 2014 while the case began in June of the same year in an Osun State High Court.

FROM COMMERCE TO POLITICS...

AYO ADEDOYIN VIES FOR KWARA’S GOVERNORSHIP SEAT ˞

˜

Ëœ ËŞ

Like a closet gladiator, bursting through his self-woven sheathe of tact and obscurity, Ayo Adedoyin, has decided to cast his lot in the political arena. The Agbamu, Kwara-born magnate and boss of Peacegate Group, an aviation services provider with stakes in real estate, oil & gas, logistics and trading sector of the economy, has conquered the business

and expensive jewelry thus making nonsense of speculations that she had lost the dash and Êlan that defined her back when she was Nigeria’s first lady. For an ordinary person, the hurdles she had been forced to cross would have been both daunting and disastrous but she survived and subsequently gave the social scene a wide berth for many years.

Today, Hajia Maryam Abacha is back with a bang and has launched herself back into the buzz of Nigeria’s high society. No one is known to have paid for a space in the newspaper to congratulate her; many of the men and women who rode on her goodwill to societal acclaim conveniently forgot to place congratulatory messages for her in prominent national dailies as they did in those days when her husband held sway as President.

Maryam Abacha

electorate. Adedoyin is trying to woo the main power blocs in the state to his side. With the battle for 2019 gathering momentum, the handsome dude is confident that his connections in the celebrity sphere, as well as his ties to the top players in several sectors of the economy will help him capture the governorship seat.

several big players in the banking industry were there; as was the Senate President Bukola Saraki, fellow senator Dino Melaye and many others.

MAGNET OF THE RICH...WHY POLO TOURNEYS ATTRACT NIGERIA’S FILTHY RICH

It is often the lot of mortals to encounter bliss even in the most crippling tragedy. Ask Chima Anyaso. The Abia-born dude who works for his billionaire sister and the owner of NEPAL oil, Ngozi Ekeoma, recently chanced on bliss in the throes of misery. Soon after his relationships with Odiegwu

˞ ˜

Ayo Adedoyin

world to his satisfaction and thus his decision to try his luck in politics. He has therefore, set his sights on conquering a new frontier and ruling a new terrain by joining politics. Adedoyin has thrown his hat in the ring as one of the contenders for the governorship seat of Kwara State come 2019. Adedoyin is the son of the foremost industrialist Chief Samuel Adedoyin. With the backing of his father and a massive war chest at his disposal, he has no financial constraints to prevent him from aiming for Kwara’s number one office.

To achieve his ambition, he has embarked upon open and clandestine courtship of Kwara’s political powerbrokers and

Polo has traditionally been the exclusive sport of maharajahs, marquises and millionaires, and the game’s stars still tend to be the rich. As butterflies swarm to savour the sweetness of nectar, so does Nigeria’s filthy rich flock to attend every Polo tournament.

Widely acknowledged as the magnet of the rich, Nigeria’s Polo tourneys have been known to attract the crème of the country’s high society. Thus at every Polo tournament, you will find the high and mighty flocking there in droves to either participate or enjoy the show. The venues of such tournaments have also been known to evolve as convenient rendezvous for informal business dealings. And that was exactly what happened last Sunday at the finals of the Majekodunmi Cup, which was held at the prestigious Polo Club, Ikoyi. The event was attended by highfliers in the Nigerian political and business climate. Top names like Dangote boss, Aliko Dangote; oil and gas tycoon, Femi Otedola and

THIRD TIME’S A TREAT... CEECON OIL BOSS, CHIMA ANYASO, FINDS TRUE LOVE AT THE THIRD TRY ˞

Chima Anyaso

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˜ ˞ MARCH 12, 2017

HIGHLIFE

Love and Royalty‌As Olori Ladun Sijuwade’s Only Son, Aderemi, Marries Folawiyo’s Daughter

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n Olori Ladun Sijuwade, the beautiful wife of late Ooni of Ife, everybody sees ravishing beauty and then they ask for her name.

Her smile is addictive, like the liquid courage that frees male inhibitions and lets a rat sing poetry to a hummingbird.

Indeed, there are many ways to describe Olori Ladun.

Interestingly, on Saturday,March 4, 2017, the Lagos society stood still, as the families of Sijuwade and Folawiyo played hosts to a galaxy of personalities, who gathered to witness the traditional marriage ceremony of their children. The ceremony involved Prince Aderemi Adejare Sijuwade and Olabisi Ashake Folawiyo.

The groom, Prince Aderemi, is the son of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Adele Sijuwade, Olubuse 11, the 50th Ooni of Ife and Olori Oladunni Olamide Sijuwade (nee Harold-

and Neya Kalu collapsed like badly arranged cards, he strode into a fresh union with Adanna Nzeribe and it has been joyful tales ever since. The couple, who have been married for a little over three years, just had their second child after their first, Chimazala JoanChinyere, who was born not too long ago. Chima and Adanna seem to be enjoying the best of times.

When one door closes indeed, another one opens.

However, ambition, it is said, is a great man’s madness, but Chima begs to differ. The tall dude seeks to affect no madness; he only seeks to serve his people in Abia State in more appreciable capacities. The story is all over town that that he is set to join the state’s gubernatorial race.

He intends to become the state governor, according to the news doing the rounds. Chima

Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola

Sodipo). A very enterprising businessman, Prince Aderemi shared a remarkable closeness with his father. This informs why he is fondly called Baba’s Boy, by his friends. On her own part, the bride, Olabisi, is the daughter of Chief Abdulwahab Iyanda Folawiyo, the late billionaire and former Baba Adinni of Nigeria, and Mrs Olushola Alaba Folawiyo, a businesswoman. Labisi is one of the most outstanding makeup artists in the society. She is the brain behind FACES By Labisi, the upscale make-up studio in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.

The union between Prince Aderemi and Labisi kicked o with the traditional and engagement ceremony at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island.

The colour code for the day was royal blue for the groom’s family. The wedding dinner is scheduled to hold later this month. is entitled to his ambition, but let’s hope he would make accountability his watchword if he wins the ticket.

WHEN ALIKO DANGOTE AND FEMI OTEDOLA BOWED TO OONI OF IFE If riches have wings, and grandeur is a dream in the abstract world, in the planet of Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, riches have wheels and subsist in class and elegance. Recently, Ooni demonstrated the wide gap between being rich and royally wealthy.

Imagine the shock then, when two of Nigeria’s richest men, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, not only bowed their heads in reverence to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, but did so in the full glare of the cameras. To say every one who witnessed it was surprised is an understatement as nobody expected these two self-made

Olabisi and Aderemi Sijuwade

billionaires to kowtow to anybody in public. The incident occurred at ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo’s 80th birthday dinner at Eko Hotels.

Even the Ooni’s wife, Olori Wuraola, could not believe her eyes. The billionaires bent down to greet the respected monarch with all humility like a lightning shaft from Eden, to command the applause of everyone.

Guests were never tired of purring odes about them. They made new friends that day and converted new disciples. This wonderful gesture, though unexpected, harkens back to the days when the traditional royal stools were treated with utmost reverence by all and sundry irrespective of their social status.

COLOSSAL WASTE ‌WEEDS AND REPTILES TAKE OVER TURAI YAR’ADUA’S N10 BILLION CANCER CENTRE It was hardly surprising when

some years ago, the First Lady at the period, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua, brought all the movers and shakers of the Nigerian economy under one roof and sold to them her idea to build a world class health centre, International Cancer Centre, where research and treatment of cancer and other related diseases would be conducted for societal benefit.

By the time the sensitization and fund-raising event was over, about N10 billion was realized.

Alhaji Aminu Dantata handsomely donated N1.2 billion (the highest donation), while his nephew, Aliko Dangote donated N1 billion on behalf of the Dangote Foundation.

Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, the Governor of Niger State who led the Governors’ Forum contributed N720 million towards the project and 15 members of the National Assembly also donated N7.5 million. Turai’s fund-raiser ceremony was indeed a monumental success. However, few years down the lane, Nigeria is yet to benefit from the highly celebrated scheme. There is no indication that the money realized from the fund-raiser has been put to good use in the interest of cancer victims across the country.

According to an online report, “Despite securing a partnership agreement with a key organ of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, about eight years ago, and raising billions of naira in cash and materials from public and private donors, the International Cancer Centre Abuja, ICCA, a pet project of a former Nigerian First Lady, Turai Yar’Adua, is in a state of abandonment overtaken by weeds. At the sprawling centre built on 7.3 hectares of choice land donated by the Federal Government of Nigeria, rotting equipment, including about 200 donated mini-buses, scream a sad story of unfathomable waste at passers-by.�

Sunday, March 12, 2017

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Price: N400

MISSILE Ambode to FG

“The Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing is frustrating the state government’s plan to reconstruct the road that links Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Oshodi. In the spirit of the regeneration and urbanisation that this administration has set out to achieve, we believe strongly that the image that is exhumed by the decadence of that road must be repaired.” – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, accusing the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing under the supervision of Mr. Babatunde Fashola, of frustrating the plans of the state government to reconstruct the road linking Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Oshodi

SIMONKOLAWOLE Four Long Road to Recovery And Other Things...

P SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

resident Muhammadu Buhari is back.

Thank God. But seeing his pictures after his arrival on Friday morning shook me a bit. Surely, he looked better than this before he travelled. Contrary to repeated claims that “the president is hale, hearty and witty” by top government officials, Buhari said with his own mouth that he had never been this ill in his life. He said he would be returning to the UK for further treatment soon. That is honesty — what we couldn’t get from the “hearty and witty” brigade all the while. I know it was meant to counter the “Buhari is dead” gang, but truth is constant.

My thoughts and prayers are with Buhari as he recovers, although at his age it may take long.

While we are at it, Nigeria’s road to economic recovery also promises to be gradual. In fact, it is going to be long. Getting out of recession is the smallest part of the problem; after all, “recession” is just a technical term to describe a certain level of reduction in economic productivity over a certain period of time. If we hit 0.1% growth in GDP in just one quarter, we would say recession is over, technically speaking. But will that mean the jobs are back in their millions? Will that mean the purchasing power of the ordinary Nigerian consumer has improved considerably?

Will that mean the factories are on fire and the ports are back to life? Not necessarily so.

I am yet to critically analyse the Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which was released during the week, but I have read bits and pieces in the media. The highlights include GDP growth targets, job creation quick wins, zero fuel import target, liberalised forex market, sale of some of our shares in national assets, improvement in power generation, acceleration of ease of doing business, local sufficiency in wheat, rice and tomato, single-digit inflation rate, and 10 million housing units.

The federal government believes the plan will lift us out of our current state in the short to medium term. Critics are wondering: haven’t we heard all this before?

In the end, what matters the most is not the plan but the implementation. Plans will not implement themselves. Faithful implementation and pragmatic adaptation will be key. Two things jumped at me on the document: relaxing the ban on 41 import items, which will lead to the liberalisation of the currency market; and achieving local sufficiency in a number of items.

These two are linked to the fortune of the naira.

The FX ban on 41 items put so much pressure on the black market, and this contributed to the non-stop depreciation of the naira. Meanwhile, achieving sufficiency through import substitution can also reduce the pressure on forex and give the naira some respite.

Something was always not working with the forex ban on 41 items. As I noted in my previous articles (see, for instance, “Just a Passing Glance at Buharinomics” on 20/09/2015 and “There Remaineth One More Thing” on 19/06/2016), there are better ways of achieving local sufficiency in local production than a forex ban. Respected Nigerian economists such as Professor Chukwuma Soludo, former CBN governor, and Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former minister, have consistently voiced their concerns about this fatal flaw in the forex policy. That the recovery plan has hinted at ending the policy is an acceptance that something is not working.

I have used the cement example several times — this is what I do when I find something that has unquestionably worked. In 2005, President Olusegun Obasanjo determined that in 10 years, Nigeria would not import cement again. Under

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Buhari the backward integration policy, there was no FX ban. Rather, only those who had visible investment in the industry were allowed to import bulk cement and bag it in their brands — while construction works continued at the site. The policy was almost reversed by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who relaxed the import rule, perhaps to fire at Dangote’s market power. The police survived and accelerated investment in the sector.

It was a long road, but we are finally there.

Today, Nigeria is a net exporter of cement (although Ibeto still imports based on the concession by Yar’Adua). Not just that our imports are negligible, Dangote Cement has become a multinational company, setting up factories in several African countries and even in Nepal, Asia. We would still have been demanding as much as $2.2 billion annually to import cement.

That is not exactly how to strengthen the naira.

The fact that Dangote is now exporting cement

Buhari’s recovery is going to be very challenging for him and the nation. This is coming at a time Nigeria badly needs economic recovery. I would advise Buhari to take things easy, rest adequately and continue to trust in the abilities of his vice-president

to West African countries, thereby earning forex, is also an indication of how we can change the structure of our economy with a plan and political will.

The recovery plan also states that we would stop importing fuel altogether by 2020. It looks very far — three long years away — but so did 2015 look in 2005 when Obasanjo came up with the cement policy. The process and length of adjustment is not always fun. We currently spend roughly $7.5 billion yearly to import petroleum products — petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel and all that. Look at the brutal pressure on the forex market! By achieving self-sufficiency in 2020, that is over $7.5 billion off the demand list on CBN’s table.

Even if we do not export one litre of product, not demanding $7.5 billion again to import will be a monumental relief for the naira.

Ironically, our hopes of achieving self-sufficiency in petroleum products lie again in Dangote’s refinery, not in NNPC and its cadaver refineries.

The billionaire entrepreneur has been scorned and vilified consistently in certain quarters, but I wish just 10% of Nigeria’s billionaires would invest their resources in the productive sectors of the Nigerian economy the way Dangote does.

Those guys that were busy buying yachts and private jets and Swiss castles and Formula One teams from the patronage they enjoyed from government would have been wiser by investing in the Nigerian economy. The benefits are enormous. You are creating value and making money simultaneously!

Dangote is currently building the largest refinery, petrochemical and fertiliser complex in Africa. To be specific, in Lekki, Lagos state.

Compared to NNPC’s unproductive 445,000bpdcapacity refineries which gulp billions of dollars in repairs every now and then, the Dangote refinery will be able to refine 650,000bpd. Just one refinery. The petrochemical plant will produce 750,000 metric tonnes of polypropylene yearly.

The fertiliser plant will produce 2.8 million metric tonnes of urea and ammonia yearly. The refinery is projected to create 1,600 permanent jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs, plus the little matter of saving us the over $7.5billion forex demand to import fuel. Wonderful.

According to the economic recovery plan, we hope to raise crude production to 2.5mbpd by 2020 and earn an extra N800 billion per year. I am not too enthusiastic about that. The long-term future of oil is not so bright from every indication. Given our nasty experience with the oil price crash in the last three years, I am happy that the plan is not wholly dependent on the black gold. Truth be told, the current economic turmoil is a direct result of falling oil prices. For an import-dependent oil economy, a fall in forex revenue from crude export is always going to be devastating. The more we plan without oil, the better. It’s a long road but it’s worth taking.

Buhari’s road to recovery, this time in his health, is going to be very challenging for him and the nation. This is coming at a time Nigeria badly needs economic recovery. I would advise Buhari to take things easy, rest adequately and continue to trust in the abilities of his vicepresident, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to deliver on his government’s promises. Ultimately, it is the progress of Nigeria that should be at the centre of all political considerations. It is only natural that at 74, Buhari cannot heal as fast as when he was a teenager or in his 30s and 40s. It’s a fact of life. Recoveries don’t come easy — but in due season, we shall reap if we faint not. Word

OSINBAJO AND BUHARI A lot of people tried very hard to create friction in Aso Rock by claiming that VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo did much better than President Buhari during the medical vacation.

Do you remember the chant of “Saul killed his thousands and David his ten thousands” by Israelite women after the killing of Goliath?

Thankfully, Osinbajo did not take the bait. He told Buhari, gracefully, on Friday: “I thank you, Sir, for giving me the opportunity and for the absolute confidence you repose in me. I recall, in one of our discussions, you didn’t even want me to ask you for anything. You said I shouldn’t consult you and I should just do as I wish. I thank you for this, Sir.” Wisdom.

DIRTY DUTY The Nigeria customs service has decided to start asking motorists for evidence of payment of import duty on vehicles bought even 20 years ago. It promises to be the most chaotic move in Nigeria’s recorded history. Nigeria is the only country in the world where you see customs officers mounting road blocks inland.

They will stop the driver and demand for evidence of duty payment? I mean, who does that? Who keeps such documents, much less carry them around? I can understand a bit if you say vehicles bought from a future date, not ages ago. It looks like a money-making venture that will end up enriching customs officers at the expense of Nigerians. Ridiculous.

APO SIN So DCP Danjuma Ibrahim, the big fish, is innocent in the 2005 murder of Apo Six? And two lesser mortals will die for the extrajudicial killing? May we know who allegedly strangled Ms Paulinus Ogbonna for being “rude” to him after they were stopped by the police? The junior officers only opened fire on six others apparently to destroy eyewitness evidence.

But for the fact that one of the traders survived to tell the story, it would have been reported as a case of seven armed robbers shot dead by brave police officers — national heroes, you know. Nevertheless, there is one more judgment which the godfathers cannot rig — the judgment of the Almighty God. Inescapable.

ROAD RAGE Another good one gone. You will hardly find a better human being than Dr. Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo, the journalist, scholar, communicator, playwright and politician who died on Sunday in Akure, Ondo state, on his way from President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 80th birthday in Abeokuta, Ogun state. As the story goes, armed robbers were operating at a spot and he alighted from his car and tried to run for safety.

He was killed by another vehicle in the melee.

Nigerian roads are so hostile — robbers could kill you, potholes could topple your car, police could extort or shoot you, kidnappers could grab you. Spare a thought for his children, who lost their mother a few years ago. Devastating.

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