Friday 17th March 2017

Buhari Approves Release of More London-Paris Club Refunds to Governors NEC accuses multinationals of tax evasion, proposes $1bn voluntary scheme

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

Despite allegations that some state governors diverted the first tranche of London-Paris Club refunds which was

released to the states last year to enable them offset the salary arrears of their workers, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday asked the Minister of Finance, Mrs.

Kemi Adeosun and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to immediately release the second tranche of the London-Paris Club

refunds to the states to ease their financial difficulties.

The president, according to a statement by his media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, gave the directive while addressing the

National Economic Council (NEC), comprising the governors, Finance Minister and other appointees of the federal government such as the Director-General of the

Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Babatunde Fowler, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Continued on page 9

Naira Gains as CBN Auctions $150m FX Forwards…

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MRS to Save Nigeria $120m Annually from Jetty Expansion Unveils first 80,000-120,000mt berthing terminal in Africa Oil firm hosts U.S. ambassador Ejiofor Alike Foremost downstream oil company, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, yesterday announced a record-breaking milestone by the company, with the berthing of a vessel with a deadweight of 75,000mt at its terminal at the Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos, adding that it was the first of its kind in any African port and could save Nigeria

$120 million annually.

MRS was able to accomplish the landmark achievement through the expansion of its jetty at its terminal in Lagos.

The upgraded of the terminal catapulted it into the international shipping arena for 80,000mt120,000mt vessels’ calling ports within Africa.

Continued on page 9

Senate Refuses to Grant Hameed Ali Audience for ‘Improper Dressing’ Customs CG: No law requires me to wear uniform House queries NCS for ban on auction of seized goods Damilola Oyedele and James Emejo in Abuja The Senate yesterday sent away the Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.) for his contravention

of its resolution, which ordered him to appear to explain the vehicle customs duty verification policy in the proper uniform of his rank as CGC. Continued on page 9

MRS: PLAYING THE PERFECT HOST…

L-R: Commercial Counselor, US Mission to Nigeria, Brent E. Omdahi; Group Executive Director, Supply and Trading, MRS, Ms. Amina Maina; U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington; and Chairman, MRS Gas Co. Ltd., Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata, during the ambassador’s facility tour of MRS’ depot in Apapa, Lagos… Wednesday

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Despite NCC, CBN Intervention, Banks in Stand off with Etisalat over Dollar Debt

Emma Okonji and Obinna Chima in Lagos with agency report

Despite last week’s intervention by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), banks in the country have opposed a proposal by Etisalat Nigeria to convert part of a $1.2 billion loan from dollars to naira and want the Abu Dhabi telecoms group, Etisalat and its other shareholders to recapitalise it instead, a source has said.

A banker conversant with the negotiations told Reuters that the seven-year syndicated loan, on which Etisalat Nigeria

missed a payment, has a dollar portion of $235 million, which the telecoms operator wants to convert to naira to overcome hard currency shortages on Nigeria's interbank market.

“Etisalat is asking for us to convert the dollar component to naira but banks don’t want that option and have told them to talk to their parent to settle the loan,” the source said, adding that regulators favoured the conversion.

The UAE’s Etisalat own 45 per cent of Etisalat Nigeria, while Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala owns 40 per cent of the company, which was due to meet its lenders yesterday for debt talks

mediated by the central bank and the telecoms regulator.

However, the 13 banks that syndicated the loan for Etisalat postponed yesterday’s meeting to address the $1.2 billion the telecoms company owes the banks.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, who announced the postponement in Abuja, said the meeting would hold next week at a date yet to be fixed, but did not give reason for the postponement.

The meeting, which was at the instance of the NCC, was a follow up to last Friday’s meeting in Lagos by the same

group of mediators.

This meeting came about after authorities agreed with local banks to prevent Etisalat Nigeria, which was not available for comment, from going into receivership.

Nigeria has been running short of dollars as a result of lower global prices for oil, its major export. Its economy entered a recession last year for the first time in 25-years.

Most of the 13 lenders involved in the Etisalat Nigeria loan had raised dollars abroad to participate, meaning that further naira weakness would see them receive fewer dollars.

The naira has lost half of its

value since the loan, which matures in 2020, was made.

Interest is due monthly and the next principal payment is due in May, the source said.

Etisalat, which generates 3.7 per cent of its revenues from the Nigerian business, has questioned the rationale of investing more in it and may sell its stake, sources say.

Etisalat had written down the value of Etisalat Nigeria last year to $50 million due to naira weakness, Moody’s said in a note, adding that the default at the affiliate company did not affect the parent’s credit profile.

Meanwhile, Fidelity Bank Plc’s investor relations team

yesterday revealed that its exposure to Etisalat Nigeria was about N17.5 billion ($56 million).

Etisalat owes GTBank N42 billion and Access Bank N40 billion, while its exposure to other banks was yet to be disclosed.

Etisalat Nigeria has over 20 million subscribers, according to Nigeria's telecom regulator, making it the country’s number four mobile operator with a 14 per cent market share.

South Africa’s MTN has 47 per cent, Globacom 20 per cent and Airtel - a subsidiary of India's Bharti Airtel - 19 per cent.

“I am grateful that the ambassador found the time to appreciate us,” Dantata said.

On the expansion of its terminal, the MRS chairman informed his guest that a vessel, MT Lila Victoria, berthed at the company’s jetty last week with a deadweight of 75,000MT, the first of its kind in any African port.

“Our achievement here is that we have put Tin Can terminal in Nigeria into the international shipping arena for 80,000mt-120,000mt vessels’ calling ports within Africa.

“We are proud to announce this milestone achievement for this country.

“With our capability to berth vessels this size, we can conveniently save the country a minimum of about $2 million per voyage and this can be as much as $120 million per annum currently wasted due to ship-to-ship operations, shallow drafts and delays.

“Imagine what we are going to save this country especially in this time of foreign exchange challenges,” he said.

Dantata expressed his appreciation that a foreigner in the person of the U.S. ambassador came to visit and appreciate the enormity and significance of the MRS jetty to the Nigerian economy,

pledging to increase the scope of his investments in the country.

“I am further encouraged by the honour done to us by this visit and will continue to invest diligently in the country because Nigeria has been good to me,” he added.

Dantata also thanked the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Alhaji Habibu Abdullahi who assisted his company with approvals and his successor, Ms. Hadiza Usman, who has continued to encourage MRS in upgrading and promoting the Tin Can Island Port into the global arena.

the imposition of the ban in 2015, there has not been any auction by the Customs Service, a situation, resulting in the proliferation of seized goods at the various formations of the Customs Service.

According to the lawmakers, top on the list of goods seized include vehicles, trucks, containers of assorted household goods, clothing materials and consumables, among others,

whereas a large number of these goods had been gazetted and forfeited to the federal government on the orders of various courts in the country.

In particular, the House noted that the vehicles with Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth over N6 billion were rapidly deteriorating and depreciating in value and had naturally become habitats for reptiles, termites and even birds.

MRS TO SAVE NIGERIA $120M ANNUALLY FROM JETTY EXPANSION A statement by the company yesterday added that MRS also hosted the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington, who paid a working visit on Wednesday to the MRS depot/ jetty located in the heart of the Tin Can Island Port.

According to the company, the ambassador was received by the Chairman of MRS, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, who took him and his team on a tour of the sprawling facility that is currently undergoing massive expansion and upgrade.

In his remarks after touring the multilayered facility, Symington praised the management for its huge

investment and workforce of about 2,000 direct employees and half a million indirect workers.

“I am impressed with the quality of workforce and level of technology deployed in running this facility.”

He also praised the company for its vision, African spread and national presence.

He commended MRS, for its diverse workforce that has seen to the massive growth of the company in record time, and further congratulated it for its partnership with global companies, with particular emphasis on U.S. companies, expressing

confidence in the mutually beneficial business relationship.

In his remarks, Dantata expressed his pleasant surprise that the U.S. ambassador took time out of his busy schedule to pay a visit to his terminal.

“We have been working quietly to rehabilitate and expand the jetty since the unfortunate barge explosion we had in 2013.

“We made a deliberate decision to rebuild our jetty to meet international standards.

“Over the years, we have diligently put in all our time and overcame numerous challenges to get to this point.

SENATE REFUSES TO GRANT HAMEED ALI AUDIENCE FOR ‘IMPROPER DRESSING’ He was sent away and ordered to reappear next Wednesday in uniform to explain the contentious policy, which has been suspended.

This was after several senators scolded the elderly Ali, accusing him of embarking on an ego trip by his insistence on not wearing the uniform of the Customs Service, even though he has embraced others perks accruing to the rank and office he occupies.

Ali, who appeared in a white caftan and cap with black shoes, told the Senators that he chose to appear in mufti, because there is no law that requires him to wear the uniform of the Customs Service.

He was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enang and 13 officers of the NCS, all dressed in uniform.

Ali initially claimed that the letter sent to him by the Senate on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, compelling him to appear on Thursday did not mention that he should wear the uniform.

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the proceedings, however, countered the claim, informing him that the letter had referred to earlier letters, which specified that the CGC must appear in uniform.

“This was an official letter addressed to you in your official capacity as comptroller general.

Several service chiefs and heads

of paramilitary agencies have appeared before us in their uniforms.

“Leaders must lead by example, else officers would no longer wear uniforms, saying there is no law requiring them to do so,” he said.

Ekweremadu added that since the controversial policy was simply suspended, it could still come into effect at anytime.

“We would therefore still need to engage you on the propriety of the policy,” he said to Ali, and again reiterated the wearing of the uniform requirement of the resolution.

The senators then took turns to express their disappointment at Ali’s appearance without the uniform.

Senator Ibn Bala Na’Allah (Kebbi South) berated Ali for allegedly making comments deriding the Senate and saying the lawmakers should not be concerned about whether he wears a uniform or not.

“Now the Senate is not privileged to see your letter of appointment, but what is important is that you issued that circular in your capacity as the comptroller general and at all material times you have answered and acted in consonance with the office of the CG. “Today, you are in this chamber because the Senate summoned the Comptroller General of Customs,” Ibn said.

Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) noted

that Ali’s official car bears the insignia of the CG of the Customs Service, while Ali also flies with the official aircraft of the agency.

Olamilekan drew attention to the officers who accompanied Ali into the chambers.

“Anybody can dress in mufti and call himself the CG. The comptroller general is a rank and if the rank is not here, I don’t know who is before us.

“Yes, they have identified the CG, but the question still remains and he still needs to appear before us as the full CG of Customs,” the senator argued.

Senator Magnus Abe (Rivers South East) urged Ali to consider his role as the chief image-maker of the NCS, who should work to build goodwill for the service, adding that Ali ought to be consulting public relations specialists instead of consulting lawyers.

“As long as there is no law stopping you from wearing the uniform, I will plead with you to wear it. You should have done it, if for nothing else, to make the Senate happy.

“Anything you do that will build goodwill for the service would be an addition to you,” Abe said.

Senator Wakil Ali (Bauchi South), from whose senatorial district Ali hails, disclosed that he had advised the CG to wear the uniform.

He added that while he watched Ali grandstanding on national television on the

matter, the Senate should give him one more chance for the resolution to be fully obeyed.

Earlier, before admitting Ali into the chamber, the lawmakers had entered into an executive session.

THISDAY gathered that the discussion at the executive session, centered on how to handle Ali after information filtered in that he was already in the premises of the National Assembly without his uniform.

Ali entered the National Assembly at about 9.40 a.m., accompanied by Enang in whose office he waited until his admittance into the chamber.

Also, the House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Customs and Excise to investigate the rationale behind the Customs Service’s ban on the auction of seized goods which have been legally forfeited to the federal government.

The House further regretted that the NCS failed to set up the website it pledged to establish for the purpose of auctioning goods it has seized and also failed to auction goods in its custody, thereby willingly denying the federal government of N1 trillion in revenue.

The committee was given eight weeks to report back to the House and highlight whether the decision to stop the auction has caused the country any financial loss before further legislative action will be taken.

The House noted that since

BUHARI APPROVES RELEASE OF MORE LONDON-PARIS CLUB REFUNDS TO GOVERNORS According to the statement, the president challenged the governors to ensure that Nigerian workers and pensioners are paid their salaries and pensions so that they can meet the needs of their respective households.

“I will not rest until I address those issues that affect our people.

One of these basic things is the issue of salaries. It is most important that workers are able to feed their families, pay rent and school fees, then other things can follow,” Buhari was quoted as saying.

The president who was also said to have thanked the governors for their display of “love and respect”for him, added that he was overwhelmed by their kindness, particularly for shelving their political differences and tasking their citizens to pray for him in mosques and churches while he was on medical vacation in London.

He was said to have apologised to the governors for barring them from visiting him when he was Continued on page 10

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN PORTPAINTS 0.08 1.87 UPDC 0.08 1.90 STERLBANK 0.03 0.70 UBA 0.20 5.40 CADBURY 0.25 7.84 TOP LOSERS NGN NGN SEVEN-UP 8.29 77.71 ASHAKACEM 0.50 9.50 CUSTODIAN 0.17 3.23 JAIZBANK 0.07 1.33 FIDSON 0.042 0.89 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦730.00 Volume: 280.9 million shares Value: N2.34 billion Deals: 2,468 As at 16/3/17 See details on Page 44

% 4.4 4.4 4.2 3.8 3.2 % 9.6 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.3

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friDAY, mArch 17, 2017 • T H I S D AY

STARTERS

Report: Lagos Among Leading African Destinations on Fortune 500 List Lagos has been identified as one of the leading cities in the Middle East and Africa for Fortune 500 companies seeking to do business in the region.

The Middle East Africa (MEA) region has become increasingly important for the majority of global Fortune 500 countries, according to a new report released by Infomineo, a global business research company specialising in Africa and the Middle East.

The report focuses on multinationals looking at entering, or already present, in the Middle East and Africa region.

Overall, there was a 17% increase in the number of companies in MEA in 2016 compared to 2015, with Johannesburg being the leading destination for Africa.

The Infomineo analysis includes the regional footprint of multinationals in the MEA region, the most commonly chosen cities, and the factors which influence the selection of the region, country and city each element revealing the dynamic growth patterns within the region and a clear trend of Fortune 500 companies establishing some kind of presence in MEA. In 2016, 196 Fortune 500 companies had established a dedicated regional headquarters in the MEA region.

In the Middle-East, Dubai is the most popular choice with 138 companies establishing a dedicated entity in the city.

There has also been a marked uptick in companies deciding to cover MEA from outside of the region – 38 companies up from 22 have established a regional headquarters in areas such as London, Brussels and Paris.

The leading destinations on the Fortune 500

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode list include Dubai, Johannesburg, Casablanca, Nairobi, Lagos, and Cairo.

Egypt remains behind the leaders due to political instability, however, it has seen a 250% increase in Fortune 500 investment since 2015.

Germany and France are leading in terms of coverage rate while China has the lowest presence in the region.

Industry type plays a pivotal role in the selection of city and country. Financial services are more likely to base MEA coverage from London, while technology companies are more inclined towards Casablanca or Lagos.

The latter city is also the premier location for organisations looking to manage their operations across Western Africa with 12 Fortune 500 companies already established

in the region.

Automotive and Healthcare tend to have a presence in both Africa and the Middle East, while Technology is more inclined to having a presence from the outside.

Nairobi, in Kenya, is the leading destination for the FMCG companies and tends to be the top choice for organisations looking to service Eastern Africa.

Dubai and Johannesburg are the most popular hubs overall, but both Casablanca and Nairobi are rapidly gaining traction and international awareness.

Casablanca has the highest growth rate overall, while Dubai has the highest count.

The same can be said for London, which has tripled its number of regional HQs in the region, acting as an MEA hub.

Given the geographical proximity and the talent pool present in the city, it could be that London is playing the role of a first step into the MEA region, especially for Japanese and North American companies.

There are numerous factors which impact on the organisation’s selection of a specific city. These include the local market potential, maturity of the industry, existing competitors, political stability and the quality of the employment market, among others.

Determining the attractiveness of a location along these clear lines assures the Fortune 500 companies of a stable and profitable investment and significantly mitigates risk.

The most attractive cities are Dubai, Johannesburg, Casablanca and Nairobi, and at the lower end of the spectrum, Cairo, Paris, Algiers and Cape Town.

BUHARI APPROVES RELEASE OF MORE LONDON-PARIS CLUB REFUNDS TO GOVERNORS in London, just as the governors were also said to have advised him to take more days off to get adequate rest.

But Buhari, who said he was committed to matters affecting Nigerian citizens, told the governors all that he went through while he was away, disclosing that he had to return to Nigeria last Friday to avoid ruling Nigeria from London.

“I didn’t want government to move to London. I wanted governance to remain here and I am glad it did,” he was further quoted to have said.

The decision, according to him, was the only way to express gratitude to the people whom he said: “Had given so much to me,” adding: “I was overwhelmed by the celebration of my return all across the country.”

Responding, the statement added, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdul-Aziz Yari, of Zamfara State, assured the president, on behalf of his colleagues, that they would continue to support his policies and actions which they had adjudged to be in the nation’s interest.

The statement added that the governors of Imo, Akwa-Ibom, Osun and Abia States thanked Buhari for saving the day for states through the first tranche of the London-Paris Club refunds while calling for the immediate release of the second one.

The four governors also thanked Buhari for coming to their rescue by ordering the release of second tranche of the London-Paris Club refunds.

The governors were also said to have commended the trust the president reposed in the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo whom they said lived up to expectations when he acted as president.

Multinationals Accused of Tax Evasion At the end of the NEC meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the council accused multinational firms and high net worth individuals in Nigeria of devising various fraudulent means including tax havens to evade tax.

To stop the problem, the council said it has conceived the Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) to carpet the evaders.

The scheme, the council said, was designed to raise $1 billion revenue.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Director-General of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Babatunde Fowler, who said Nigeria had the lowest non-oil tax revenue of 6 per cent as a percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP), added that the government had conceived VAIDS to serve as a platform for evaders to right their wrong deeds through the “provision of a limited amnesty to encourage voluntary declaration and payment of liabilities”.

He further said the scheme, which was conceived to raise tax ratios from 6 per cent to 15 per cent from 2020, would also explore the opportunity provided by the global movement against tax evasion and illicit financial flows to compel “those who have not complied with extant tax regulations to remedy their position”.

Furthermore, Fowler who said VAIDS was also conceptualised to generate revenue and encourage investment and economic activity, disclosed that “only 214 individuals in the entire country pay N20 million or more as taxes annually”.

Reiterating that the scheme would take off on May 1, 2017 with incentives put in place to encourage early participation, Fowler said payers would be allowed up to three years to settle their liabilities.

He said the scope of the scheme would cover Company Income Tax (CIT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duties, Tertiary Education Tax and Technology Tax. “The scheme is intended to cover all back taxes without any limit to the time on how far back a tax assessment can go where a tax payer has wilfully defaulted,” he added.

Highlighting the roles of state governments in the scheme, Fowler said states which he described as the ultimate collectors of personal income taxes would own 50 per cent of the funds recovered, adding that a memorandum of understanding on the scheme would be gazetted and signed with each of the state governments.

Fowler also said the finance minister reported to the council that the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) as of 15th March 2017 was $2,458,864,724.59, a marginal increase from US$2,458,382,882.03 in February.

According to him, the minister also informed the council that the ECA balance did not reflect the decision of council last month to deduct $250 million for injection into the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

He also disclosed that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) recently approved N39,613,282,870.69 for onward disbursement to a number of states from the Stabilisation Fund account, explaining that with the development, the balance in the SWF now stands at N25,793,400,290.00.

In the same vein, Jigawa State governor, Badaru Abubakar, briefed the press on the report of the security situation in the country presented to the council by the National Security Adviser, Major General Baba Gana Monguno, with emphasis on the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east, cattle rustling, ethnic militias/security outfits, kidnappings, armed robbery, militancy in the Niger Delta, and proliferation of small arms across the country.

According to him, “The council agreed to hold an extraordinary session to discuss security matters, especially as it has to do with the economy."

He added: “The NSA fingered unemployment as the major threat to security.

In their responses, council members highlighted the potential role and significance of the federal government’s Social Investment Programme (SIP) in averting some of the threats and encouraged active implementation going forward.”

Also, in his briefing, Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, said the council deliberated on the alarming rate of deforestation and its causes across the Nigerian landscape and adopted the acceleration and review of the extant National Forest Policy with legal backing through the enactment of relevant forest laws.

He also disclosed that the council adopted the recommendation for degraded forest and landscape outside forests, the take off of the National Forestry Trust Fund through contributions by wood products exporters, according to products classification – tallyprocessed, semi-processed, charcoal – as well as the establishment of a National Forest Model Estate in all the states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Two-Minute Briefing NEWS FG Amends Charges against

Justice Ngwuta The federal government yesterday amended the 16-count charge it file against Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, who is facing alleged corruption charges at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.

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EDITORIAL Between Ambode And

Fashola Last week, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and his predecessor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, engaged in a public spat over the request to take over the Presidential Lodge…

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POLITICS All Eyes on Buhari

Though President Muhammadu Buhari has proved bookmakers wrong by resuming at work, the pertinent issue on his fitness to discharge the responsibility of his office remains in doubt, writes Shola Oyeyipo Page 17

WEEKENDFILE 'Equal Opportunity for

Women is Not Negotiable' Barth Nwibe, a trained engineer and governorship aspirant in Anambra State, told Peace Obi in this interview, that intelligence, competency and even capacity to deliver results knows no gender, and that women in some cases perform better than men Page 27

BUSINESS Aero to Lay Off 90% Workers

to Remain in Business There are indications that Nigeria’s oldest airline, Aero Contractors, is laying off about 90 per cent of its workforce, in an apparent move to cut costs as the company struggles to stay afloat.

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CITYSTRINGS Keeping Fit with Keto

The Ketogenic lifestyle has aided men and women improve their wellbeing and general health through weight loss techniques. Peace Obi, who was at an event organised by the CEO, KetoWith Friends, Amina Turnbull…

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INTERNATIONAL Trump to Tender Obama

Wiretapping Evidence U.S. President DonaldTrump has said that he will shock Americans with the evidence of the wiretapping ordered by former President Barack Obama atTrumpTower…

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SPORTS Ahmad Ends Hayatou’s 29-year Reign as CAF President Madagascar’s Football Federation President, Ahmad, yesterday at the 39th General Assembly of the CAF in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ended the 29-year reign of Issa Hayatou as president.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017• T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

FG Amends Charges against Justice Ngwuta Former Enugu CJ arraigned for false declaration of assets

Alex Enumah in Abuja The federal government yesterday amended the 16-count charge it file against a Supreme Court judge, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, who is facing alleged corruption charges at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.

The government which reduced the charges from 16 to 11, however, did not give reason for the amendment.

But its counsel, led by Olufemi Fatunde, at the resumed hearing informed the court that she wished to tender some exhibits as well amend some charges filed against the defendant.

After the charges were read to the defendant, he entered a not guilty plea and the court asked the prosecution to call its witness for trial to commence.

A witness, Linus Nwaba Chukwuebuka, in his testimony, gave account of how he removed three bags containing the sum of N27million from the defendants’ house in Abakiliki, adding that he can identify the bags on sight.

Linus further stated that he spent N23 million out of the N27 million he took from the house of the defendant which was used on a construction

project on his directives, while the remaining money was taken by the officers of Department of State Services (DSS), when he was invited to their office for questioning.

The court however, admitted three statements made by the witness in the office of the DSS as exhibit 4a, 4b and 4c respectively, as the court stood for some minutes awaiting the arrival of the next witness.

On resumption, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, the second prosecution witness and a Chief Registrar in the Supreme Court who oversee the finances of the Supreme Court told the court he knew the defendant in the year 2011 and pointed that aside his monthly salaries of N751,047 he also collects N710,000 as allowances excluding the £10,000 for yearly medics and an additional $1,300 per night on voyage for estacode.

When asked on the total remuneration, the witness said between June/July 2011 that the defendant resumed office, up till September 2016, the defendant had collected a little over N103million on allowances and salaries in the course of his duties as a Supreme Court judge.

According to the witness, the defendant has travelled

Naira Gains as CBN Auctions $150m FX Forwards Obinna Chima The naira appreciated slightly on the parallel market yesterday following last Wednesday’s sale of a total of $150 million through foreign exchange (FX) forwards by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Specifically, the naira strengthened to N444 to the dollar yesterday, stronger than the N454 to the dollar it was at some parallel market points in Lagos the previous day.

The CBN sold a total of $150 million to authorised foreign exchange dealers in the interbank at the highest bid rate of N335/$1 and a marginal rate of N320/$1.

Confirming the details of the sale to the dealers, the CBN acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, said the highest rate of N335 was the same as the last auction rate of March 8, 2017. He, however, added that there was a change in the marginal rate from N315/$1 during the last auction to last Wednesday’s marginal rate of N320.

Speaking further, Okorafor expressed confidence that the pressure hitherto faced by both small and big-end users will be totally overcome soon.

It would be recalled that the CBN, in the past few weeks, has been making offers and releases to the inter-bank foreign exchange

market in its bid to sustain forex supply to different categories of users. The latest FX offer by the CBN took the total intervention since the changes to its FX policy was announced last month to $1.715 billion.

Meanwhile, Travelex with the approval of the CBN yesterday sold a total of $25 million to 3,124 Bureau De Change (BDC) operators. The development also helped to improve the volume available to sell to retail customers.

The President of the Association of Bureau De Change of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said Travelex sold the dollars to his members at N381 per dollar.

Also, the CBN yesterday said it had offered and received bids for $100 million from authorised dealers in the interbank market to meet the requests of genuine customers.

The CBN spokesman who disclosed this added that the sales would be settled on today (Friday).

He, however, disclosed that no intervention was made by the Bank to meet requests for invisibles on Thursday.

Okorafor reiterated that the CBN would continue to make necessary interventions in the interbank market to meet all legitimate transaction-based foreign exchange demands by customers.

five times for medical check-up amounting to £50,000 on medical check-ups only, and was also paid a little above N8million for air ticket during the period of his service with N196,000 on total estacodes.

However, under cross examination by the defence counsel, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), the witness stated that he did not receive any report of the defendant engaged in a business other than that of the court, neither has he receive any report challenging his competence as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

He affirmed that the appointed justices of the Supreme Court are about 60 years old of age and they are

appointed based on merit bordering on their successful carriers.

When questioned on the issue of justices owning properties, the witness also said there are no rules governing or restricting justices from owning properties, and the defendant in question has not been suspended for any misconduct.

The trial was adjourned till today for the prosecution to call its next witness.

Meanwhile, the EFCC yesterday arraigned the former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Innocent Azubike Umezulike, on a four-count charge of non- disclosure of asset and false declaration of assets before Justice J. K. Omotosho of

the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when they were read to him.

His counsel to the defendant, Professor Uche-Jack Osimiri, told the court that he has filed an application for bail for his client. The prosecution counsel did not oppose the application but prayed the court to order for an accelerated hearing.

Justice Omotosho granted bail to the defendant on self-recognition, the sum of N2 million and ordered him to deposit his international passport with the court.

The case was adjourned to April 24 for continuation of trial.

However, before the matter

was adjourned, Justice Omotosho ordered the prosecution counsel to produce his witness. Usman Adoke, an operative of the EFCC, was then called to the witness box and examined by the prosecution counsel, Kayode Oni. Adoke told the court that sometimes in April 2016, the commission received a petition where it was alleged that the defendant while serving as Chief Judge of Enugu State corruptly enriched himself and abused his office among other allegations.

He said when the defendant was invited to the Commission to make a statement, he failed to disclose that Plot 312 Independence Layout Enugu and Plot 767 Independence Layout Enugu belongs to him.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

R-L: Iyaloja-General, Mrs. Bintu Tinubu; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo; Deputy Managing Director of Oando Plc, Mr. Mofe Boyo; his wife, Ego; Oba of Lagos, Alhaji Rilwan Akiolu; Managing Director/CEO of Oando, Mr. Wale Tinubu; and Justice Roseline Momoh, at the investiture of Mrs. Ego Boyo as the 60th President of the International Women Society (IWS), in Lagos… Tuesday

House Amends Public Procurement Act, Raises Contract Mobilisation Fee to 50% Removes finance minister as council chair

James Emejo in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday passed a bill seeking to amend the Public Procurement Act, 2007 into law.

The new procurement act increases contracts mobilisation fee from 15 per cent to not more than 50 per cent while mobilised contractors risk a two-year jail term should they abandon projects.

With the amendment, the Minister of Finance also ceases to be chairman of the National Council on Public Procurement and further replaces the minister with a person to be appointed by the President.

The appointment and removal of the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will now be subject to confirmation by the Senate to protect and ensure the independence of the position of the appointee.

It further stated that the

Director General of BPP can only by relieved of his/her appointment by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority vote by the Senate.

The implementation of the act was further extended to cover the national defense and security agencies.

Membership of the council was also extended to include the Minister of Budget and National Planning and eight part-time members to represent the Chattered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria and Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors among others.

However, Section 35(3) prescribes a two-year jail term as punishment for “any person or authority who accesses mobilisation fee and absconds or does not carry out the services or works commensurate to the fee paid shall be guilty of an offence and punishable with

two years imprisonment or a fine equivalent to the fee paid or both.”

Importantly, Section 25(3) of the law shortened the time provided in the bill for emergency procurement activity to ensure timely execution but “the procurement entity acting with respect to paragraph (i) of this section shall notify the Bureau within seven days of such action.”

Furthermore, the new law provides for the establishment of Parastatal Tenders Board in each federal ministry, extra-ministerial department and all agencies of government.

Commenting on the import of the bill, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said he intended to sanitise the country’s business environment and improve the ease of doing business by ensuring that Nigeria has value for money through smoother implementation of national budgets as passed by the National Assembly.

He said the amendment had become critical because the extant provision runs contrary to “the principle of natural justice, where you sit as a judge on your own matter.”

Dogara, who also revealed that the House bill shortened the procurement time by the BPP on procuring entities said: “Right now, you will find that if you commence procurement activities, it lasts for not less than four months and then we feel that that is very restrictive and will not serve the needed planning and implementation of projects that deal on national priorities.”

Dogara, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Adamu Hassan, also shed more light on the rationale for increasing the mobilisation fee from 15 to not more than 50 percent.

He, however, urged the president to assent to the bill as soon as it is transmitted to him.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017• T H I S D AY

NEWS

Another Bloody Killing Shocks Benue Community Youths protest at N’Assembly, threaten reprisals over herdsmen attacks George Okoh in Makurdi and Damilola Oyedele in Abuja Residents of Mbayongo, Nganbeya district of Katsina/ Ala Local Government Area of Benue State yesterday woke up to hear the heinous killing of five young men in the town.

An eyewitness, who claimed to have lost a former schoolmate in the attack (name withheld), said the unknown armed men stormed the individual homes of their victims and hacked them

to death in the presence of their families.

He said though the reason for the coordinated killings was yet to be known, the assailants besieged the homes of their targets with clubs and machetes with which they murdered their victims.

“Unlike before, the attackers did not use guns maybe to avoid attracting the attention of vigilante or security agencies, they killed the affected persons with clubs and machetes in their

NDDC to Hold Investigative Hearing on Corruption Charges Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said it will hold an investigative hearing to unravel allegations of corruption and racketeering concerning the commission.

The commission has consequently set up a six- man committee headed

by Director, Special Duties, Dr. Princewill Ekanim, to carry out the investigation.

At a meeting of the management committee of the commission in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director/ CEO, Nsima Ekere, declared that “it was imperative and urgent for the commission to find out what was true and what was not true about the allegations, in order to immediately tackle them.”

Ekere, who expressed displeasure at “all the stories of corruption surrounding the commission”, said it was time to clean up the interventionist agency, in order to position it to effectively and efficiently facilitate sustainable regional development.

“We cannot allow these stories and allegations to keep making the rounds,” he stated, adding: “We cannot continue to act as though these allegations are not important enough to be

investigated. We cannot continue to act as though they do not affect us.

“The new governing board and management are determined to restructure our balance sheet, restore our core mandate, reform all our governance processes and project implementation protocols, and are determined to do what is right and proper, at all times, to give this great region the commission it deserves.

“So we are going to set up this committee, to hold an investigative hearing where these contractors and individuals who have evidence of corruption will come and present them.

The committee will work with interest groups like the civil society and the media to ensure that its work passes the test of time and inquiry.”

The Managing Director immediately inaugurated the Ekanim-led committee and urged it to “work, without distraction, and submit its report within two weeks.

“The federal government is determined to change the way government business is conducted,” he said, “because we have a lot to do to fulfill the expectations and hopes of the people.”

various homes after which they fled.”

When contacted, the Sole Administrator of Katsina/ Ala Local Government Area, Mrs. Vera Akua, who confirmed the killings, said she had informed the authorities of the development.

She said: “The matter has been reported to security agencies and we are relying on them to arrest the masterminds. We are also urging the people to avail the police necessary information that would aid their investigation because the development is quite disturbing.”

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who also confirmed the attack, said the command had commenced investigations into the matter.

Katsina-Ala Local Government Area had witnessed relative peace following series of killings in the past Meanwhile, a large group of protesters from Benue State yesterday besieged the National Assembly to protest the recent killings in Buruku Local Government Area of the state by suspected herdsmen.

The protesters accused the federal government of insensitivity and complacency.

The youths under the auspices of the Vanguard Against Tiv Massacre (VATM), threatened reprisal attacks, if the herdsmen do not leave Benue State, with their cattle, particularly as another farming season is about to start.

The protesters, who barricaded two of the entrances

to the National Assembly, demanded to speak with either the Senate, President Dr. Bukola Saraki, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

They bore placards with inscription saying, “we voted you to protect us, not to watch us killed-take action”, “It’s only in Nigeria that cows are more important than humans,” and other messages.

The protesters also shunned attempts by two members of the House, Hon. Diri Douye (Bayelsa) and Hon. Mojeed Alabi (Osun) to address them.

After much entreaties, they however listened to Senator Sekibo George Thompson (Rivers East) who was accompanied by Senator Jeremiah Useni (Plateau South

East) and Senator Shaaba Lafiagi (Kwara North).

Thompson told the protesters that at least three motions on the attacks, destruction of property and killings by herdsmen in Benue and in other parts of the country, have been sponsored in the eighth Senate.

“The Senate is standing by you, we shall do everything within the limits of the law to ensure these herdsmen are taken to particular areas where they can feed their cattle,” he said.

The senator also recalled that the last Senate deployed a team to Benue State, for first hand assessment of the extent of destruction of properties, farmlands, and killings by the suspected herdsmen.

I AM BACK

President, Muhammadu Buhari (left), in a handshake with Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, when the president met governors at the Presidential Villa....yesterday

House: March 30 Deadline for Passage of Appropriation Bill Not Sacrosanct

Fire at Borno IDP Camp Says new software, late submission of reports may hamper Claims Three Lives, Leaves delivery the standing committees to very new budget software that don’t forget, the speaker just James Emejo in Abuja Six Injured endeavour to turn in their is different from what were used mentioned in the plenary and Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

Fire incident at internally displaced persons camp in Borno State has claimed three lives and left six other persons injured, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed.

The agency in a statement by its Information Officer in the North-east Zonal Office, Maiduguri, Mallam AbdulKadir Ibrahim, revealed that the fire incident started from the kitchen section of the camp.

Ibrahim said the incident was at the College of Business Administration, Konduga which presently houses 6,213 displaced persons.

He said the fire which gutted part of the camp, started at about 10:40a.m.yesterday.

He said immediately the fire was noticed, the Emergency Response team of NEMA was sent to the scene to quench it.

When contacted, the Chairman of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), described the fire incident as unfortunate.

He noted that the sad incident has left the management of the camp with a decision to make.

He said: “We have to put structures in place to ensure that similar incident does not occur at the Konduga camp and at any other of our camps.

Satomi, who spoke with THISDAY at about 5:15p.m. yesterday, said he just returned from Konduga to the state capital, Maiduguri, to transport food and other relief materials for the immediate use of those at the camp.

The House of Representatives yesterday said the March 30 timeline for it to pass the 2017 Appropriation Bill was not sacrosanct, though efforts are ongoing to deliver on the date.

The spokesman of the House, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas, told journalists a couple of issues including the deployment of a new budget software by the budget office had slowed the process.

In addition, he said most of the House Standing Committees currently interfacing with ministries, departments and agencies of government (MDAs) on the appropriation bill were yet to submit their reports to the House Appropriation Committee to allow for passage.

Earlier at yesterday’s plenary, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, appealed to

reports by today.

Nevertheless, Namdas said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had continued to approve new projects for the 2017 budget on a weekly basis, adding that the House would further incorporate and effect approvals for viable projects of importance even as efforts intensify to pass the budget.

He said: “The House is doing all it takes to ensure we try to meet with the timelines of the 2017 appropriation bill as earlier scheduled.

“But if we are not able...I want to say that even the 30th of March, just for the purpose of the records, may not be sacrosanct so to say because of new developments that have arisen.”

He said: “For example, we have a new budget software,

to have before.

“It’s a little bit slowing down the process of the budget office and the appropriation committee.

“Apart from that, you are aware that even the FEC)on a weekly basis is approving new projects for 2017 appropriation.”

Continuing, Namdas said: “The fact is that we’ll continue to do what is before us but if there’s the need that some projects are very viable, as representatives of the people, we’ll look at them and effect their approval and see if we could incorporate them.

“And in view of that, I would say we’ll do our best to meet with the 30th March timeline but in case we are not able to do, be assured I told you that the 30th date is not actually very sacrosanct but we’ll do our best to ensure that is done. “ Namdas further noted: “And

urged all standing committees to please submit their reports to the appropriation committee tomorrow because it is realised that some of the standing committees have not submitted their reports to the appropriation committee.

“So, these are also some of the issues that are going to affect the particular day but I think with the discussion with some of my colleagues, chairmen of standing committees, I am hopeful that they’ll try to do the needful and submit these reports tomorrow.”

The House is expected to pass the appropriation bill before transmitting the document to the Senate for harmonisation before enrolling it for the president’s ascent.

T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2017

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2017

COMMENT

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

BETWEEN TOR TIV AND AWUJALE

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Stephen Nyitse’s four- year sentence in prison is enough punishment, writes Olusegun Adeniyi

here the interest of the powerful is concerned in Nigeria, justice is usually swift and without mercy. That was what Stephen Nyitse, the young man who sat on the throne of the Tor Tiv shortly before the recent coronation in Gboko, Benue State, witnessed recently. Three days after his public misadventure, the 30-year-old man was jailed for four years after being convicted by a Chief Magistrate Court in Gboko presided over by Justice P. S Chaha. The court held that the convict was guilty of trespass and impersonating the new Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh James Ayatse. According to the prosecution, the convict made confessional statement to the police during interrogation that he was under an evil spell to do what he did on that day. Justice Chaha described Nyitse’s action as a disgrace to the Tiv nation for which he deserved no mercy, and sentenced him to serve as deterrent to others.

To compound his woes, Nyitse has been banished from Tiv land. According to Ter Kwande, HRH Chief Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer, who announced the banishment on behalf of the Tiv Traditional Council (TTC), Nyitse shall under no circumstances step his foot on any part of Tiv land. The council also prohibited all Tiv sons and daughters from offering any form of assistance to Nyitse whose action was described as a taboo. It is an unfortunate end to a bizarre story.

Claiming to be directed by God to ‘cleanse’ the throne, Nyitse caused a stir at the J.S. Tarka Stadium, Gboko, Benue State on March 4 this year when he sat on the throne of the Tor Tiv, Prof James Ayatse on his coronation day. He was immediately apprehended and knowing how our policemen react to such impudence, Nyitse must have been subjected to some serious beating, perhaps in the bid to also “cleanse” him of the demon that pushed him into what he did. By the next working day of the week, Nyitse was hauled before an angry judge who, after a trial lasting minutes, sentenced the young man to four years imprisonment.

Without any doubt, Nyitse’s action was very reckless, even stupid; but then, we have to assume that he was not in his right senses because I don’t think a normal person would try that sort of thing. However, having already sentenced him to spend four years in jail, I see no point in the idea of banishment, assuming that is even legal. In any case, with the new monarch, a Professor of Bio-chemistry with an intimidating academic credential, I am sure he would also have his doubts about the efficacy of taboos and all those grounds upon which the action was taken. If he doesn’t, I will gladly recommend to him a rather interesting book, “Awujale: The autobiography of Alaiyeluwa Oba S. K. Adetona Ogbagba II”.

According to the Awujale, who as a young bachelor studying accounting in the United Kingdom in 1959, was brought home to assume the throne of his forefathers, there is nothing to these

HAVING ALREADY SENTENCED NYITSE TO FOUR YEARS IN JAIL, I SEE NO POINT IN THE IDEA OF BANISHMENT, ASSUMING THAT IS EVEN LEGAL

rituals of coronation. Besides, “custom or tradition should not be dominating the people but rather, people themselves should be creating the traditions and customs according to their needs” wrote the Awujale who added that he does “not see any value in continuing to cloak the rituals in a mystical veil.”

What that suggests is that Nyitse may have “trespassed and impersonated the Tor Tiv” for which he has already been tried in court and punished according to law, attempts to cloak his banishment in some traditional mores will not stand. Even at that, to the extent that Nyitse’s action was not in the process of the coronation rites that are usually done in secrecy but at a public event in a stadium, it would be difficult to invent a crime, even within the domain of tradition, to prescribe the kind of punishment (banishment) meted to him.

Meanwhile, in unmasking the rites associated with the coronation of traditional rulers, Awujale wrote of his own which took place some 58 years ago: “…As part of the coronation process, the Odis (aafin attendants) embarked on the various rituals that would lead to my installation as the Awujale of Ijebuland.

Personally, I can say here that there is nothing about these rituals that could not be made public. In fact, many of the Odis performing the rituals were themselves novices to the rituals and were actually trying out their roles for the first time. It must be remembered that my predecessor, Gbelegbuwa ascended the throne in 1933 and my ceremony was conducted 27 years afterwards. Many of the Odis were at sea as to what was to be done. So, for many of them, it was all experimental and mostly guesswork. All the secrecy that they maintained about the rituals was, therefore, as I saw it, simply a ploy to extort money from the public, just as their fathers did before them. They deliberately made the rituals look very mysterious.”

Yet another one by the Awujale: “…at the Owa Stream, the Elese of Ilese carried me on his back across the stream as custom had it that my feet must not touch the water. After this, according to tradition, the Elese must never come to Ijebu-Ode again to visit me for the rest of his life. Also, at Odo Esa, I passed an Iroko tree which, again by tradition, I was told I must never see again. Indeed, I was forbidden to ever pass that very road again or, according to tradition, I would die. I did not believe any of this of course and I have since travelled that road and passed the Iroko tree on several occasions! Also at Ijebu-Imusin, there was again another tree at Oja Imusin which I passed and which I was never to set my eyes on again, yet I have also seen this one many times. So much for all these unnecessary taboos!”

In banishing Nyitse from Tiv land, the Tiv Traditional Council cloaked the decision in the usual ‘crime’ of taboo. And that is where the Tor Tiv, a professor should come in. As an act of magnanimity, he should rescind the order and forgive the erring young man. Long may His Majesty reign!

A REFRESHING DOSE OF HONESTY

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Nyesom Wike is committed to the development of Rivers State, writes Simeon Nwakaudu

n Tuesday, a friend and colleague drew my attention to a feature titled: “Rivers State: Wike, Amaechi and the Familiar Spirit” by Ifeanyi Izeze. The piece, no matter the intention of the writer, was produced on a faulty premise. It had no truth in it, because the writer came to wrong conclusions, even though he accepted the reality of today’s new Rivers.

To begin with, the immediate past Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has concluded his sojourn in office in the state. With the benefit of hindsight, he can be judged in relation to his policies, projects and programmes.

On the other hand, Governor Wike is a work in progress and as the writer reluctantly admitted, the governor is transforming Rivers State through massive infrastructural development and investment in human capital development. Wike’s developmental operations are totally different from that of Rotimi Amaechi. So, there is no basis for comparison.

Unlike Amaechi’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission which the writer claimed was politically motivated, the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry on the Sale of Valued Assets set up by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike was established in the interest of the people of the state.

The setting up of the judicial commission of inquiry was purely a pragmatic decision, which set in motion the process for the recovery of misappropriated and misapplied funds. It also set in motion a deterrent machinery to discourage the economic bleeding of the state in future.

Governor Wike’s New Rivers Development Blueprint was designed principally to ensure that the state does not return to the old ways foisted on it by the Rotimi Amaechi era. It was on this platform that he campaigned and got the mandate

of the people.

For Governor Wike, it is Rivers first. The rapid development of Rivers State is the cornerstone of all his political and economic engagements. All policies since he took over the reins of leadership have been pro-Rivers.

For Rivers State, Governor Wike is ready to lay down his life. For the state, he has taken unimaginable risks. He is working daily for the social, economic and political emancipation of Rivers State. On this score, Governor Wike is facing political persecution.

During the visit of the leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Governor Wike said: “No amount of persecution will stop me from doing what is right. I will continue to defend the interest of our people. I am from Rivers State and I will protect the interest of the state.

“All ethnic groups must work in unity to ensure that Rivers State attains development”. All political engagements of Governor Wike are targeted at the improvement of the living condition of the people.

He has never taken an action that is centred on personal promotion.

On the issue of travels, the writer was wrong.

Governor Wike spends over 90 per cent of his time in Rivers State. Indeed, the governor recently offered explanations on why he hardly travels to Abuja. If there is one governor that is focused on projects and programmes delivery in Nigeria today—he is Nyesom Wike. But for his focus and commitment to the ideals of development, Wike would have derailed in view of the concocted and orchestrated politically attacks on the state.

If is not Department of State Services, then it the Nigerian Police or the Army. For the first time in the history of the country, an Inspector-General of Police has been waging political war against a sitting governor. Because he is prepared, Wike

takes these attacks in his strides and remains at the workplace.

I sincerely believe that most outstanding difference between Governor Wike and his predecessor is their attitude to institutions of state and the rule of law. Amaechi had no respect for the rule of law or the institutions of state. Therefore, it is uncharitable to attempt to place such a man on the same platform with a bencher who thrives under the rule of law.

The writer deliberately forgot that Amaechi murdered the judiciary, closed the courts, welded the entrances to courts and denied Rivers people access to justice. He also locked the State House of Assembly and turned a few members of the house into gluttons, who met at intervals at his dinning at the Government House. He stopped paying salaries and pensions, while the state bureaucracy was incapacitated by the former governor’s refusal to pay monthly overheads.

Many believe that Governor Wike’s revival of the courts, State Assembly and his regular payment of salaries and pensions have already secured his position in the hall of fame of Rivers State. A man who restored the rule of law amongst his people cannot be equated to the man who destroyed it.

Rivers State is now a huge construction site.

From roads, to hospitals, to water projects, to modern schools, agricultural programmes, international recreation facilities, marine transport and land reclamation amongst others. These projects have helped to rebuild the economy of the state.

There is a developmental revolution taking place in Rivers State. This cannot be trivialised by pedestrian comparisons. There is no meeting point between day and night.

Governor Wike represents the morning of Rivers State after a long dark night that lasted eight years.

He has entrenched good governance, transparency

and prudent management of scarce resources into the administration of the state.

He lives amongst his people, shares their joy and aspirations. He leads from the front as he fights their battles against forces of oppression. Wike embodies the spirit of progress and development.

He is a true Rivers man, a pragmatic politician and focused leader.

He is not distracted by propaganda, political schemes and blackmail. Indeed, Governor Wike was prepared over the years for a time like this.

The way he was of immense service to Rivers State and Nigeria whilst serving as Hon. Minister, has been multiplied as he serves the people as Governor of Rivers State.

Under Governor Wike, nobody is hounded out of the state. As few as APC members are in the state, they freely carry out their sponsored street march once in a blue moon. They spread all manner of falsehood online and in the traditional media without molestation. The governor plays politics of tolerance. This was not the case with the immediate past APC administration in the state and certainly not the type of scenario you find in APC- controlled states where Facebook critics are regularly arrested and prosecuted.

Rivers State is now a reference point. An example of a state where the people’s democratic power overcomes the guns of security marauders.

A state where development projects are churned out daily to the chargrin of the powers that be at the centre. A state where the people are satisfied with their performing governor.

Going forward, there are no indications that Governor Wike would deviate from the route of development and empowerment of Rivers people.

He is not a traitor, hence he will never betray his people.

Nwakaudu is a media aide to Gov. Wike

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2017

EDITORIAL BETWEEN AMBODE AND FASHOLA The welfare of the people should be paramount

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ast week, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and his predecessor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, now the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, engaged in a public spat over the request to take over the Presidential Lodge, Marina and the Oshodi-Airport Road in Lagos. While Ambode argued that Fashola was frustrating him, the latter insisted that due process must be followed before the takeover.

Whatever may be their differences, this is obviously an unnecessary flexing of muscles over matters of state that affect the interest and welfare of the people. We therefore think both of them should set aside personal differences and resolve the issues without further delay.

Lagos State had applied to take over the Presidential Lodge, State House Annex, Marina because the historical monument had suffered neglect. President Muhammadu Buhari granted approval for the request.

Six months after, the presidential directive had not been complied with. This, no doubt, is unfortunate. Despite the change mantra of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that is in power THE LAGOS STATE both in Lagos and at GOVERNMENT HAS A the centre, the inertial MORE REALISTIC PLAN with which matters TO FIX THE ROAD AND ITS of state are handled HELPING HAND TO THE remains an endemic FEDERAL GOVERNMENT part of the conduct and implementation of OUT OF CONCERNS government policies.

FOR ITS SUFFERING If the Presidential CITIZENS OUGHT TO Lodge matter is BE ENTHUSIASTICALLY regarded as little EMBRACED and trivial because it is of no direct consequence on the welfare of the majority of the people, the request for the hand-over of the Oshodi-Airport Road to the state government is certainly not and must be considered serious enough for an immediate resolution. Obviously embarrassed by the dilapidated state of the road, a major entry point to Africa’s fifth largest economy, the state had applied to

Letters to the Editor

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take over its rehabilitation along with three other strategic roads in its domain. To demonstrate its seriousness, it procured a 10-lane design and provided N12billion in its 2017 budget for the execution of the project.

According to Governor Ambode, the state is ready to mobilise its contractor to deliver the road within six months. Meanwhile, the federal government that owns the road has an eight-lane design with a paltry N2 billion earmarked for it in its yet to be passed 2017 budget without any certainty about when rehabilitation works would start.

Without a doubt, the Lagos State Government has a more realistic plan to fix the road and its helping hand to the federal government out of concerns for its suffering citizens ought to be enthusiastically embraced.

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T H I S DAY

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

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOlA BEllO, KAYODE KOMOlAFE, IsRAEl IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OlUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS pETER IWEGBU, FIDElIs ElEMA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, sAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOlA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOsERI GENERAL MANAGER pATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOlUFAsHE DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKs ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

e agree, however, with Minister Fashola on the need to adhere to the processes laid down for such transactions. But we caution that the requirement for due process must not defeat the need to urgently alleviate the suffering of Lagos residents. After all, the goal of public policy is to achieve the greatest good for the mass of the people. We urge him, therefore, to speed up the process for the approval of the request for the takeover of the road as well as ensure the immediate perfection and release of the papers for the Presidential Lodge to the state.

Finally, we think it has become necessary to review the template for transactions between the federal and state governments on matters like this. There should be a uniform approach that would shorten the turnaround time. For only recently, the federal government handed over the National Theatre, Iganmu and the National Stadium, Surulere, both in Lagos to the state for rehabilitation without much ado. Perhaps the smoothness of those transactions was facilitated by the individual dispositions of the ministers of the agencies involved.

Going forward, we need to build a framework that de-emphasises the role of individuals and strengthens institutional approach to policy formulation and implementation.

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

SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILING AND ABUSES

very day, more than one billion people connect with each other using social media. People post pictures on Instagram, like Facebook post, retweet twitter messages and share YouTube videos. In fact, various platforms are used in sending messages to family, friends and loved ones. The past decade has witnessed the birth of many of these platforms and how they have completely changed the way we communicate with people within and outside our localities.

Social Media provides the avenue of reaching anyone around the world, at any time, with just a few keystrokes. The medium is almost free unlike putting calls through several miles. We can also share elements of our life, from what we enjoy to photos of ourselves and of families and friends. In all, the platform makes one feels like being a part of another person’s world, despite distance.

This new media as it is otherwise referred to, has greatly changed our world with the evolution and emergence of new ones on a frequent basis. Often time, each of the platforms seeks to build on the deficiency of one or improve on the limitation of others. Also, while some are meant for particular category of people with similar interests or for professional associates, a host of the social media platforms are nothing but a gross bunk and prototypes of already existing ones.

As it is the case with every innovation, these social media platforms are no doubt a revolutionary invention that could be helpful if put to good use. As useful as the social media plat-

form is, it is sad that users, most especially the youth, are not really optimising the advantages of the platform. Apart from choosing to use the relevant social media platforms peculiar to one’s profession or discipline, the focus should be on exploring the gains of these platforms for personal development.

The love and preference given to these new media by the present generation is akin to when a lactating mother replaces breast milk meant to naturally nourish a toddler with evaporated milk. In other words, the union and togetherness of human-to-human relationship is gradually being substituted for these social media platforms thereby undermining the place of personal interactions and promoting a ‘smart-phone, dumb people’ relationship at the detriment of the former.

A comic miniature once portrayed the various social media as platforms ‘that brings you closer to those far away from you but distant you from those close to you.’ This is not only true about the social media but also underscored the need for self-caution and understanding of ones’ limitations so as not to usurp the love and time meant for one’s family for the social media.

Another common feature of this new media aside its addictive tendency is its fictitious misrepresentation. Social media addicts usually take issues on the platform to the extreme to the extent of personalising discourse. It gets so ridiculous that many often indulge in the use of derogatory words and foul languages as a way of exhibiting their disapproval to a course forgetting that the platform on its own encourages illusionary

imagery; that is, an individual can claim to be what he is not or paint a near-perfect picture of himself to deceive other users of the platforms.

It is also a common sight to see people inundate the social platforms with half naked photographs and pictures of every action they do including when using the gents/ladies and showcasing some actions considered to be extremely private affairs. As much as these seem to be fun, it should not be abused or allowed to take away our individual self-esteem and human dignity.

A more critical aspect in the use of the social media which is grossly unknown to many is the aspect of social media profiling used by some companies and corporate organisations in monitoring their brand to keep track of emerging issues, trends as well as threats to their overall corporate reputations.

With this development, organisations could interact with those that influence others on the social media with the aim of taking advantage of their influence to further expand the reach of their products and services.

Another critical aspect not known to many is the aspect of individuals’ social media profiling which is simply a description of individuals’ characteristics on social media sites. Employers now adopt this strategy as forms of secret research into the world of a prospective employee to know the areas of interests and things that an individual delights in sharing through his/ her social media platforms.

Ayo Afuwape, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

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POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

All Eyes on Buhari

Though President Muhammadu Buhari has proved bookmakers wrong by resuming at work, the pertinent issue on his fitness to discharge the responsibility of his office remains in doubt, writes Shola Oyeyipo

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here has been a frenzied atmosphere in the Nigerian political space lately. Premonitions, insinuations and unfounded rumour abounded over the president’s state of health. In fact, at a point rumour went out like wild fire that President Muhammadu Buhari died in London. It took the president’s media department extra efforts to dispel it.

That the situation went that bad; no thanks to the way the issue of the president’s health was handled. The president’s handlers were not forthcoming with concrete facts about the situation while the people suspected that by staying longer than initially scheduled outside the country, the president might be going through greater challenges than people were being informed. That provided fertile ground for rumours to thrive.

So, from January 16 to March 13, Buhari was off duty. He applied for and proceeded on a medical vacation. While away, his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stepped in as acting president and governance continued.

But rendering all negative presumptions futile, Buhari returned to Nigeria at about 4am on Friday, March 10 after the extended medical leave in London . Amidst speculations that he might not be strong enough to resume governance, the president on Monday, returned to his desk and announced to the people that he has started working.

He told Nigerians that he had resumed his duties as the President of Nigeria. He has also written to formally notify the National Assembly as required by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), that he is back to work.

Testifying to his boss’ capacity to resume duty, Vice President Osinbajo said: “The president has resumed, and he is doing very well.”

On whether or not the president is strong enough for the task of governance, Osinbajo said: “He (Buhari) has held a meeting with me for well over an hour where we discussed a wide range of issues, so his readiness wasn’t even in doubt at all. I think he is over ready.”

No doubt, the news of Buhari’s return would have generated mixed feelings. For those who see his absence as an opportunity to escape the anti-corruption dragnet and those considering extending their political tentacles, it’s no good news. But for those able to see through some policies of the administration, it is in the best interest of the country that he resumes to continue and conclude what he commenced.

But in the midst of the euphoria of the president’s return, cognisance must be given the thought lines of doubting Thomas who are still waiting to see their president doing the things he used to do as he used to do them before to be sure that he is actually fit.

The THISDAY report which quoted some presidential sources as saying that the resident might address Nigerians after his long absence, in order to quell any concerns over his capacity to govern would have been a good idea but that is yet to happen.

It would not be a bad idea either if Buhari opts to meet the people via Skype and reassure them that all his well with him.This will greatly help in enlightening Nigerians about the true condition of their leader. But up till the time of compiling this report, the president was still incommunicado. He was yet to speak with Nigerians, though several still pictures of him arriving, meeting people and resuming work are online.

However, either Buhari opts to interact

Buhari...is he really fit?

with Nigerians through whatever means or not, that will be an issue for another day. But while he was away, Osinbajo won accolades for acting well, but there are so many unresolved issues the government must begin to give due and urgent attentions as the man on the saddle returns.

While the government deserves kudos for its efforts at curbing the activities of the dreaded Bolo Haram sect and also for being able to reunite some of the abducted Chibok secondary school girls with their families, the issue of rescuing the remaining girls is of paramount importance to Nigerians as well as the government. As such, government will be expected to intensify efforts to bring back more of the girls through its negotiation with the terrorists.

Just about the time Buhari left for his medical vacation, some Nigerians were about to

How President Buhari is able to cope with governance will be of interest to all Nigerians who are inquisitively probing to ascertain that he is now fit to actualise his campaign promises

commence anti-Buhari protests. Their grouse was mainly the economic hardship confronting Nigerians. As at today, many Nigerians are faced with poverty and hunger. The reason is that the country was plunged into recessiom.

So, how to reverse the trend and improve the economy will remain on the front burner because Nigerians are yearning for observable changes in this regard. Luckily enough for the president, while he was away, his deputy appeared to have set in motion efforts that are likely to quicken the country’s slugish movement out of recession.

Not a few Nigerians are looking forward to the sustenance of the tempo of the ongoing anti-corruption war. The people are also looking forward to the continuity of the judicial reform - weeding out corrupt judges and more high profile convictions.

There is currently 33 vacant offices of Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) in the states and since it is the president that is constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of appointing them, Buhari will be expected to look into the matter.

There are also many board appointments to be made. Many who worked for the All Progressives Congress to clinch power expected the president to appoint them into boards of agencies and parastatals but this is not happening. Agencies that can not function without a board are having difficulty performing thier duties.

Similarly, Nigeria’s career ambassadorsdesignates are yet to be posted to their respective duty posts. Though the president

on December 19, 2016 opened an induction course organised for them by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about three months after, they are yet to be posted anywhere.

While there have been unconfirmed concerns over purported cabinet shake up in the present Federal Executive Council (FEC) since December last year, feelers from government sources are indicating that some ministers are likely to give way for new ones any time from now. Not only that, currently there are two vacancies in FEC; the late Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Mr. James Ocholi (SAN) who died in a ghastly motor accident and former Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed who picked up a United Nation job.

Other policy directions of government must be followed to logical conclusion so as to ensure that the the people feel that the government is not just about inflicting hardship on the citizenry.

On the political turf, Buhari can hardly claim that he is unaware of the latent fragmentation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) along the Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and the ‘Buhari boys’ fault lines. How the president handles the conflicting interests and positions the party for victory in the February 18, 2019 presidential election would be of interest to watchers of national politics too.

Over all, how Buhari is able to cope with governance will be of interest to all Nigerians who are inquisitively probing to ascertain that he is now fit to actualise his campaign promises.

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POLITICS

TRIBUTE

Ogbemudia: Exit of a Great Builder Segun James in this report x-rays the life and times of the former military governor of the old Mid-Western State and later civilian governor of old Bendel State, General Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, and his quest for development

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hey are now regularly being decimated by death. Not at war time as you would expect of combatant soldiers, during which as generals, they led the nation out of a fratricidal civil war that claimed over two million lives, thereby ensuring that the nation remains one, but by old age. One by one they are exiting bringing an era in Nigeria’s history to a close.

So it is now with the generals that led Nigeria at a most critical stage of its existence – the period between 1966 and 1979. Death is a curious thing.

It strikes when least expected, and sometimes in rapid succession making burial arrangement difficult and hard to keep up with.

This was the situation when General Adeyinka Adebayo and General Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia died in quick succession, barely 24 hours of each other.

As if predicting the future, former Head of State and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, General Yakubu Gowon who led the nation during that critical period, said at the home of Adebayo who was the oldest general of the Nigerian Armed Forces that he should prepare a place for them in heaven as many more of them are coming.

Barely 12 hours after this statement, the death was announced of Ogbemudia, the former governor of old Midwest state from 1966 to 1975 who later made a dramatic return in 1983 as a civilian governor of old Bendel state.

Ogbemudia was a developmental colossus.

He was appointed military governor November 17, 1967 in the thick of the Nigerian civil war, to take over from General David Ejoor. Ogbemudia watched as the war gradually destroyed infrastructures and the people of the state as they were caught in the middle of the war and the state became a battle zone.

As a governor, his problems were peculiar.

A great section of the state were Igbo speaking and some of them had played significant roles in the events that led to the civil war. They were being treated as accomplices and the battle was particularly hot in that part of the state during the battle to make Nigeria one.

At the end of the war, Ogbemudia decided to focus attention on the rapid development of the state and people. He also ensured that the question of “abandoned property” that was tearing other parts of the nation apart did not happen in his state.

He built roads linking all parts of the state and ensured that all schools were immediately rehabilitated and the pupils back in class.

Knowing that higher education was on the exclusive list of the federal government, and realising that the state needed a university of its own, Ogbemudia deceptively began the building of the University of Benin without the federal government knowing his intention. By the time the federal government got to know it has been deceived, Ogbemudia “donated” the university to the federal government, a situation which made the Midwest the first state to build and own a university.

Ogbemudia never discriminated in his efforts to develop his state. Projects were evenly distributed, expertly executed and of high quality. Today, the only roads in Benin, Warri, Sapele Asaba and other parts of the state that have stood the test of time and are still motorable are those built by Ogbemudia over 45 years ago!

In fact, in both Edo and Delta States, the two states that made up Midwest, Ogbemudia is still the yardstick by which the performance of successive governments is measured.

Samuel Ogbemudia was born inBenin City on September 17, 1932. He attended Benin Baptist School (1941–1945), and then the Government School, Victoria, in theCameroons (1945–1947). His secondary education was at the Western Boy’s High School, Benin City (1947–1949).

He first enlisted in the Army in 1953. He trained at Teshie, Ghana (1957) and at Netheravonand Salisbury Plain in England (1959). He attended the officer cadet school at Aldershot, England in

In both Edo and Delta States, the two states that made up Midwest, Ogbemudia is still the yardstick by which the performance of successive governments is measured... today, look round Edo and Delta States; his legacies are visible. His ingenuity and creativity stand him out as an outstanding true leader

Ogbemudia...the end of an era

1960, and was commissioned second lieutenant in 1961. He attended the United States army special welfare school at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1962. Ogbemudia served with the United Nations peacekeeping force in theCongofor 16 months, and served inTanzania in 1964. He was appointed as an instructor to theNigerian Military School, Zaria in 1964 and chief instructor the following year.

In 1966 he became a brigade major and was later that same year transferred to the 4th Area Command in Benin. Ogbemudia was appointed Military administrator of Mid-West state in November, 1967 and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant colonel the same day.

A populist, dedicated to reconstruction after the war, he initiated improvements in the areas of sports, urban development, education, public transportation, housing and commerce. He built the Ogbe sports stadium, now named the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and in August 1973 he commissioned the three-story National Museum in Benin City.

Other projects included the Agbede Mechanized Farm, Rural Electrification Board, Bendel Steel Structures, Effurun, Bendel Pharmaceuticals, Bendel Boatyard in Warri, the University of Benin and the Bendel Line. In later years, people looked back on his governorship as a time when much was achieved, followed by stagnation in later administrations.

During a brief return to civil rule, Samuel Ogbemudia was elected governor of Bendel State in October 1983 as candidate for the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) replacingAmbrose Alli of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). However, he lost his position in December that year whenMuhammadu Buhari became military ruler after a coup d’état that overthrew civilian President Shehu Shagari.

General Sani Abacha, military head of state from November, 1993 until his death in June, 1998, appointed Ogbemudia as minister for Labor and Productivity.

After the restoration of democracy in 1998/1999, Ogbemudia was one of the founders of thePeoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state, and a member of the party’s Board of Trustees.

Ogbemudia and Chief Anthony Anenih between them controlled PDP politics in Edo State for the next decade, at first working well together

but later coming into open conflict.

Following his demise, Edo State Government declared seven-day mourning as a mark of honour for him.

The state governor, Godwin Obaseki who made the declaration, described late Ogbemudia as a fine military officer who liberated the Midwest region during the civil war.

According to Obaseki, “Under Dr. Ogbemudia, Bendel became a leading state in education, sports and industry. As two-time governor of Bendel, comprising present-day Edo and Delta states, he will be fondly remembered for the strong foundation he laid for the infrastructural, social and economic development of both states.”

He also listed his several other milestones to include the Mid-west Institute of Technology, which is now the University of Benin.

“As we mourn our great leader and father, we take solace in the legacies he bequeathed Edo State and indeed Nigeria. As a mark of honour, I hereby declare 7 days of mourning commencing from today. May the soul of General (Dr.) Samuel Ogbemudia rest in peace,” Obaseki stated.

“Ogbemudia was the governor’s Governor”, said Dr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, former Minister of State for Works/former Group Executive Director, NNPC. He added that the late Ogbemudia lived a wonderful life worthy of emulation by all.

“Ogbemudia was a detribalised governor of Midwest; he touched all the nook and cranny of old Bendel. Today, look round Edo and Delta States; his legacies are visible. His ingenuity and creativity stand him out as an outstanding true leader and a father figure that wanted the best for Edo State.”

According to him, Ogbemudia’s humble life style stood him out unlike other public office holders who looted the treasury for personal aggrandisement.

Imansuagbon said: “His death was a great loss; he has left a big vacuum. He was the beckon of good governance. He lived moderately and worked for the people without media hype.

He was sincere. May his soul rest in peace.”

The immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan said the news of the death of Ogbemudia came to him with a deep sense of loss and gratitude to God for a life well-lived in the service of his fatherland, his

state, and humanity.

Uduaghan said: “He was a towering figure, and truly an elder statesman full of wisdom, selfless, and passionately committed to the development of not just the defunct Midwest and Bendel States, but indeed Nigeria given the role he played during the civil war and the positions he held thereafter as governor, minister of labour and productivity, chairman of the national sports commission, and until his death, chairman of the governing council of the University of Abuja”.

The former Delta State governor noted that as two-time governor, military and civilian, Ogbemudia left a giant and indelible foot print in the sands of time for which posterity will always remember him, adding that future generation of leaders have a lot to emulate from his stewardship especially his robust vision, exemplary leadership and zeal to deliver good governance to the people.

Meanwhile Obaseki has inaugurated a 13-man committee for the funeral of the late military governor of former Bendel state. The committee is expected to liaise with Ogbemudia’s family for a smooth burial rite for the late military governor.

Also mourning, another governor of the state and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun expressed his deep grief over the death of the statesman.

The APC National Chairman described the late General as a nationalist, detribalised and visionary leader, astute politician, administrator par excellence and statesman.

“The history of the defunct Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states) is incomplete without copious reference to late Ogbemudia’s immense contributions to the social, political and economic development of the geo-political entity. Without doubt, he touched the lives of Nigerians, particularly the people of Edo and Delta States.

“I recall with pride that the University of Benin; Auchi Polytechnic (now Federal Polytechnic, Auchi); Ogbe Stadium (later renamed after Gen. Ogbemudia); College of Physical Education Afuze (now Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education, Afuze); Bendel Line (now Edo Line); befitting High Court Complex, Benin City, State Civil Service Secretariat; Bendel Cement Factory; network of durable motorable roads; Bendel Hotels; Bendel Newspapers Corporation are some of the notable legacies Ogbemudia’s administration bequeathed.

“Since the late Ogbemudia exited office, he worked tirelessly to ensure peace and progress in the country.

“Indeed, Nigeria has lost an illustrious son who soldiered to the very end. We are consoled by the fact that the late Ogbemudia lived an accomplished, impactful and celebrated life. May the Almighty God give the late Ogbemudia eternal rest and the family, the strength to bear the great loss.” Odigie-Oyegun said.

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BUSINESSWORLD R A t e s NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

A s

NIBOR

15.3333% 17.0332%

A t

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

20.1621% 23.1621%

M A R C H 9 , NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

2 0 1 7

13.0970% 14.0684%

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

15.7898% 19.6644%

EXCHANGE RATE N305.50//1Us DOLLAR* *As At LAst FRIDAY

Quick Takes BA Introduces Student Fares

British Airways has rolled out a Student fare campaign in Nigeria.

The campaign which begins in March 2017 offer students who desire to study overseas, access to promotional fares that enable their travel budgets to be managed efficiently.

BA said the offer is the company’s effort to cushion the expenses of students studying outside the country, especially, at this time of economic recession. British Airways will be charging as low as $300 for return tickets to eligible students and youths who wish to pursue their academic ambitions in tertiary institutions in the Diaspora. British Airways Country General Manager, Kola Olayinka, who spoke on the campaign, said, “It has become important to manage travel budgets in the times that we are in and that is why British Airways has introduced the student fare especially to assist parents that desire to continue giving their children or wards quality education.”He further expressed that, “the British Airways Student fare program will be convenient as it fits into the fixed academic schedule of Universities abroad, thus making it easy for British Airways to plan bookings made by the students”.

To create awareness about the British Airways Student fare, the airline will be organising the British Airways Student Fair at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos Nigeria.

NAHCO, ATSSSAN Pledge Collaboration

RECOGNIZING LOYALTY

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor; MD/CEO MD/CEO, Kuka Medicals Limited, Alhaji Adam Muhammed and Executive Director, Pharma Sales & Marketing, May & Baker, Mr. Chukutem Chukuka, at the customers’ forum organised by pharmaceutical manufacturing firm in Lagos…recently.

Aero to Lay Off 90% Workers to Remain in Business Ibru family moves to repossess Airline

Chinedu Eze There are indications that Nigeria’s oldest airline, Aero Contractors, is laying off about 90 per cent of its workforce, in an apparent move to cut costs as the company struggles to stay afloat.

The layoffs to be executed in few days, was aimed at repositioning the airline to operate profitably.

THISDAY gathered that the management of the airline resolved to cut the workforce and reduce aircraft per personnel ratio in line with its growth

AVIATION strategies.

The approval of the airline’s Receiver Manager, Adeniyi Adegbomire SAN is being sought in this regard for it to commence issuing sack letters to those to be disengaged.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) had intervened in the management of the airline in 2011 owing to its huge indebtedness to the defunct Oceanic Bank, which it took over.

In February 2016, AMCON

fully took over the airline and appointed Adegbomire the Receiver Manager.

Meanwhile, THISDAY also learnt that the AMCON may offer the airline to its original owners, the Ibru family if it (Ibru) can pay N34 billion, N24 billion to AMCON and N10 billion to the airline’s shareholders.

There are indications that a prominent member of the family is looking to raise the funds and possibly repossess the airline.

If Aero’s plan to sack the workers goes through, over 800

personnel would lose their jobs.

Last year, the airline sacked about 1,453 workers but it later trimmed the figure to 1,100.

But its management told THISDAY on Wednesday that the unions are vehemently kicking against the planned sack of workers.

Last year, before the airline resumed operation after it shut down for three months, the unions and the airline management had resolved that substantial number of the workers would be sacked, on Continued on page 20

FG Urged to Probe Mismanagement of Scanners at Ports Eromosele Abiodun The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) has called on the federal government to constitute a committee to probe the breakdown of Scanners at the ports and the need to evaluate them for possible repairs.

In a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari and signed by its national president, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, the group said the present state of the scanning equipment at the ports was a result of total neglect by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) personnel who supervised the transfer of the equipment from the providers.

MARITIME He said the acquisition of the scanners was contracted under the Destination Inspection Scheme between the Federal Government of Nigeria and some service providers. The service providers include: Cotecna, SGS and Global Scan, who were contracted on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis, for a period of seven years from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2012, which was finally extended for one year by the federal government.

“The agreement for the provision, installation, operation and management of x-ray scanning equipment and software for

examination of goods between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Cotecna Inspection Limited, Societe general de surveillance (SGS) and Global ScanSystems Limited is as contained in Articles 4 to 4.3 which provides for ownership of equipment during the duration of the contract and the transfer to federal government, ”he said.

He added: “As draft committee chairman of the Reconstituted Presidential Task Force on the Reform of Nigeria Customs Service (RPTFCR) in 2010 and also member of the Presidential Committee of Destination Inspection (DI), in 1999/2006, I am obligated to advise on the need to critically look at the breakdown scanners

in the port for possible repairs.

“We hereby request for expert auditing of the scanners in the Ports with some selected member of the Reconstituted Presidential Task force who understand the reform process to evaluate the state of the Scanners for it to be put back in operation.”

He said the payment for the scanning equipment is covered under Articles 12.1, which allows the service providers to receive in United States dollars (USD) of 0.5 per cent ad valorem calculated on the assessed FOB value of all goods entering Nigeria through seaports, airport and land borders.

Continued on page 20

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahcoaviance) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) have pledged to work together for the growth of the industry in general and NAHCO in particular.This commitment was made when the National President of ATSSSAN, Barrister Illitrus Ahmadu paid a courtesy visit to the Head Office of the foremost ground handling Company in Lagos.Speaking at the occasion, the MD/CEOofnahcoaviance,Mr.NorbertBielderman,saidtheCompany is in support of positive unionism and was looking forward to a situation where management and the unions would continually work together to engender industrial harmony and growth of the Company.Bielderman, who had with him other members of the executive management of the Company, said that he reckoned that at this time of economic recession when the industry is going through a tough time, ATSSSAN leadership would be required to make a series of intervention for the benefit of the industry and the operators. He urged that such interventions should be made in utmost good faith.He said he had always admired the professionalism of Barrister Ahmadu, adding that his election into the office of the President of the Association is a clear testimony of the great trust reposed in him by ATSSSAN members.

“You deserve your present election. You’ve always done an excellent job, ”Bielderman said.

IATA Seeks Air Cargo Modernisation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the air cargo industry to accelerate modernisation and focus on delivering high quality service. The call was made at the 11th World Cargo Symposium, which opened in Abu DhabiTuesday against a backdrop of cautious optimism for the global air cargo sector. After several years of virtually no growth, air cargo demand began to rise in the second half of 2016. January cargo performance showed a 7 percent growth in demand compared to the previous year.

“Listening to the customer has never been more important. The positive forces currently supporting growth are good news. But our customers are telling us that they expect more. Complicated and convoluted paper-based processes that are basically unchanged from the 16th century are still being used in air cargo today. Our customers pay a premium to ship by air and they rightly expect modern processes and high quality services,” said the IATA’s Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac.

The industry has been pursuing a digital process transformation known as e-freight for over a decade. A key element of e-freight is the market adoption of the e-air waybill. Global penetration has nearly reached 50 percent and the industry is targeting 62 percent by year-end on enabled trade lanes.

“Foreign exchange is highly volatile in Nigeri. It has always been like this in the last forty years,” President “Foreign exchange is highly volatile in Nigeri. It has always been like this in the last forty years,” President Saber NetworkWest Africa and Aviation RoundTable

(ART), Gbenga Olowo

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BUSINESSWORLD AERO TO LAY OFF 90% WORKERS TO REMAIN IN BUSINESS the condition that they would be paid their severance package.

The workers and the unions also agreed that it was the only way to resuscitate the airline.

The parties also reached an understanding that when the airline was revamped, the workers would be reabsorbed, starting from the technical personnel.

THISDAY gathered that the aviation unions are now kicking against the sack plan because Aero reneged on that promise to pay terminal benefits to those that would be sacked.

“We have concluded plan to lay off 90 percent of the workers but the unions are spoiling for a fight. We agreed last year that we would sack the workers in order to reposition the airline but we also agreed that those sacked would be paid their terminal benefits but as it is now, Aero does not have money.

FG URGED TO PROBE MISMANAGEMENT OF SCANNERS AT PORTS “Article 13.1 provides for the payment source, which is from the Comprehensive Import supervision Scheme (CISS) paid by importers that is used for provision, installation, operation and management of x-ray scanning equipment, the IT fleet form hardware and software components. The contract assisted the federal government to own trade facilitating tool of Scanners and IT platform that must be properly maintained for the benefit of the national economy,” he said.

He added: “Most of the fixed scanners where commissioned from 2010 to 2012 Cotecna, which includes two of 9.0Mev dual view fixed scanners for Apapa and Tin can.

Global Scan 9.0 Mev Fixed Scanner at Seme Border and SGSNo.9.0MeV Scanner approved at Onne Ports “The fixed scanners are still very new from the age of three to five years based on the date of installation and commencement of operation, while the mobile scanners, HiScan are within six to eight years old, which is still operational and acceptable internationally.”

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

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

NEWS

Japan Releases $462,000 Grant to Tackle Socio-economic Problems in Nigeria Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja As part of its commitment to supporting Nigeria as declared at the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI), the Japanese government has released $462,283 grant to tackle urgent socio-economic problems at the grassroots levels.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of Grant Assistant for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Mr. Sadanobu Kusaoke, said while his government supports large-scale projects ranging from infrastructure to health, it also attach great importance to the role that local communities have to play in social and economic development.

He noted that through the GGP, his government had spent a sum of $10,928,041 in Nigeria from 1998 to 2016 and had implemented 152 GGP projects.

The breakdown of the GGP projects according to Kusaoke include; the construction of palm fruit and cassava processing facility in Akinyele area in Oyo state. The project, which would cost $61,517 would be implemented by Christian Broadcasting Network Africa.

He said the project was aimed at helping the famers reduce the physical burden and increasing processing capacity and efficiency.

For the second project, he said his government was partnering Umuago Rural Development Union on the construction of a bridge at Kuje Area Council in the FCT at the cost of $75,906. The project he noted, would ensure safe access

for local farmers by linking the living and farming areas.

The ambassador stated that the third project was the construction of Local Education Authority Primary School, Lambata, Gurara Local government in Niger state at the cost of 82,742, which would be implemented by Centre for Leadership and Partnership.

Others include, construction of Igbala vocational training centre in Obudu local government area, Cross River state, at the cost of $81,520. Construction of cassava processing facility and

provision of a set of cassava processing machine in Yewa local government, Ogun state at the cost of $78,402, and also construction of primary health care clinic in Abuja Municipal Area council (AMAC) at the cost of $82,096.

Similarly, the Chief representative of Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), Mr. Nakamura Hirotaka said Nigerians should be aware of what is happening in the world, pointing out that African countries like Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast are doing better than Nigeria.

He disclosed this while speaking at a one day seminar on promotion of small and medium scale enterprises organised by the JICA Alumni Association of Nigeria, (JAAN).

According to him, “Nigerian people should not only be looking inward but also outside, what Kenya, Ghana, Cote de’viore are doing, they are doing much better than us (Nigeria) . That is where I have concern.”

On his part, First Vice President of JAAN, Emmanuel Okonko Nden said the federal government must

lay the foundation for the proper take off of SMEs in the country by providing infrastructure, particularly in the area of power which has shut out many small scale businesses.

“The thing that we ought to do and we are not doing is laying the structure, the government must tackle the energy problem, for instance, we could go solar, we could go wind. Diversifying the economy is a good route we are taking and if we have this structure on ground we will get there,” he said

SHOWCASING LOCAL CAPACITY

L – R: Chief Executive Officer, PRIMLAKS Group of Companies, Mr. Ravi Hemnani; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Managing Director, PRIMLAKS Group of Companies, Mr. Anil Hemnani, admiring a pack of Sympli quick frozen yam fries during the minister’s visit to PRIMLAKS Group in Lagos …recently

FG: Nigerians Should Take Advantage of Recession to Embrace SME Adedayo Aikinwale in Abuja The federal government has urged Nigerians to take advantage of the economic challenges facing the country to embrace small and medium scales enterprises (SMES) as part of measures to diversify the nation’s economic.

The Director and Head, Policy, Advocacy and Coordination, Small and Medium Enterprises Development of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Ewans Monday gave the charge in Abuja while speaking at a one day seminar on promo-

tion of small and medium scale enterprises organised by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Alumni Association of Nigeria (JAAN).

He stated that, “the time has come for Nigerians to take action and decisions on how to earn income on their own without having to wait for government noting that there many small and medium scale business opportunities in the country that can be tapped into by the ordinary Nigerian.”

Monday said areas such as poultry production, livestock,

bee keeping and processing, soya been processing, rice production among other areas as business potentials that anyone with little capital and entrepreneurial skills can venture into.

The first vice president of JAAN, Mr. Emmanuel Okonko Nden, said the federal government must lay the foundation for the proper take off of SMEs in the country by providing infrastructure, particularly in the area of power which has shut out many small scale businesses.

According to him, “The thing

that we ought to do and we are not doing is laying the structure, the government must tackle the energy problem, for instance, we could go solar, we could go wind. Diversifying the economy is a good route we are taking and if we have this structure on ground we will get there.”

He admitted that government and other stakeholders have been doing much of talking without taking action, but however expressed optimism that the time has come to convert those talks into action.

Nden stressed: “What I

think is lacking in us is this oil blessing from the nature, in the early 80s we had a situation, as soon after that the oil filled up again. The moment oil went to sleep, we joined in the sleep and start wishing this is what we should and the moment the oil picked up again, we forget.”

Earlier, the Chief Country Representative of JICA, Nakamura Hirotaka said JICA has been promoting small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria since 2007 during which he said the association introduced one village one product promotion.

JEDC Laments Activities of Vandals in Jos, Bauchi • Installs 22,000 new meters

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) Plc has expressed concern over the vandalism of its meters and other facilities in Plateau and Bauchi states. It has also expressed dissatisfaction with customers’ apathy towards payment of bills, resistance to smart meter installation, harassment of staff,

and meter bypass connection, warning that the culprits will be severely dealt with. The Disco has however disclosed that it has installed 22,000 smart meters out of 50,000 recently procured.

Addressing journalist in Jos, the Managing Director of JEDC, Alhaji Mohammed Modibbo warned that if the heinous crime continues unabated, the company will find it difficult to efficiently

provide electricity supply to its teeming consumers.

Modibbo, who vowed to engage security operatives to deal with the criminals, said the unpatriotic consumers living in Low cost area of Jos and some parts of Bauchi have wreaked untold havoc on its facilities in those areas, and have also devised ways of bypassing metering. He noted that

although JEDC had faced similar challenges in other states like Gombe and Benue, it has been able to resolve them through customers’ consultative forum, but added that the same has also been applied in Plateau and Bauchi states but with little result. While vowing to sustain prosecution of criminal elements who are bent on sabotaging the efforts of the company,

Modibbo said legal actions are being instituted against some defaulters’ of bill payment and consumers that bypass meters.

He added that 168 culprits in Bauchi are currently wallowing in jail over the offence.

He said, “Consumers have repeatedly refused our staffs to install the smart meters with reasons that the new meter is running too fast.

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NEWS

Ogbeh Visits Sympli, Pledges Support for Local Food Producers Nosa Alekhuogie The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has pledged the federal government’s support of local food producers to meet the growing challenge of feeding the nation. Ogbeh gave the assurance in Lagos after his familiarisation visit to the production facilities of Sympli, pioneers of Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) fruits and vegetables in Nigeria.

The IQF technology helps to deliver farm-fresh products in ready-to-cook state through a process that involves peeling, chopping and fresh-freezing local foods and vegetables to retain all the flavour, texture and natural goodness of the foods. This not only reduces food preparation time by at least 40%, it also reduces post-harvest loss of foods and vegetables by about 40%.

The Minister noted that value addition in the agricultural sector, as exemplified by Sympli, would help to meet the challenge of feeding the people, which has been exacerbated by the country’s ‘exploding

population.’

“I am very happy to see this type of innovative thinking in Nigeria; what Sympli is doing is revolutionary and this kind of value addition is exactly what we need at a time that government is working seriously at addressing the food issue in the country,” Ogbeh said.

Whilst acknowledging inadequate financing, high interest rates, constant power outages and double taxation as some of several challenges that beset food producers in Nigeria, Ogbeh commended the long-term commitment of the PRIMLAKS Group, producers of the Sympli brand, to creating value in the food chain.

“We are very happy with what we have seen here and really congratulate PRIMLAKS Group for their many years of resilience and commitment to Nigeria’s growth. We pledge our support as a government because what they are doing is what we want to see,” adding, “We shall intensify efforts at supporting local food producers and we are hoping that we can keep the interest rates low in the Bank of Agriculture, which

we are restructuring.”

He lauded Sympli as an ‘innovative contribution’ to encourage the consumption of Nigerian foods at home and in the Diaspora and enjoined consumers to patronise the products. “I like the taste of this, it’s still fresh; I’m sure all Nigerians will be excited about Sympli. The convenience is necessary as people get very busy. Keep working at it; we’ll give you our support and we’ll use the Diaspora Office to see how we can propagate this.”

Whilst conducting the Agric Minister round the Sympli plant, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ravi Hemnani, said: “Our goal is to make it easier than ever to cook family favourites and we are getting very positive responses from our customers, both here in Nigeria and in the UK.” The Sympli line comprises a range of products, including yams, plantains, and chillies.

Sympli is available at Shoprite, Spar, and The Fish Shop in Nigeria and at Tesco, ASDA and Morrison’s in the UK, along with independent stores in both countries.

Ajaokuta Steel Company to Function as Private Entity, Says Fayemi Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has said that the Ajaokuta Steel Company is to function as a private entity.

A statement made available to journalists by Head of Media to the Minister in Abuja, stated that Fayemi reiterated this position during a facility tour of Abuja Steel Mill complex, a subsidiary of African Steel Company, located along Abuja-Kaduna Road.

According to him, “the government is putting a lot in place to ensure that the Ajaokuta Steel Complex gets back to life,” adding that “the company would no longer be run as a public concern.”

The Minister said government is committed to ensuring Ajaokuta works, because it believes that a functional Ajaokuta Steel complex would greatly assist the country’s developmental drives.

He stated that experts with proven track records and required financial capability would be encouraged to key into the scheme through a competitive bidding process that would be transparent.

Furthermore, he said that the most crucial needs of the country now are energy and power and advised that since government is putting the necessary infrastructures in place to address these needs, “steel companies operating in the country should continue to maintain high product quality and put them out at reasonable prices for consumers, especially now that the pressure on the dollar is reducing.”

The Minister however pledged the support of government to the companies that are manufacturing locally and urged them to develop training programmes that would empower and groom young graduates, indigenous engineers and artisans.

“It is important that you come up with training schemes for young graduates and artisans.

As you train more of these young indigenous engineers and artisans and absorb them, you will also gradually reduce the number of your expatriates. And this will help us as a country and also help your business”, he added.

The Group Executive Director of the company, Mr. Richpal Singh, accompanied by another director, Dr. John Akanya, solicited government’s assistance to access coal energy which he pointed out would enable them to locally produce the raw materials.

He explained that the high cost of steel products was not due to high dollar demand but the cost of procuring scrap iron, which he said was among the items being taken out of the country. He called on government to look into the regulatory framework that covers this with a view to arresting the trend.

NNDC Injects N12bn to Reintroduce Marketing Board in North Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Northern Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) has revealed that with the present bumper harvest witnessed in agricultural sector in the northern region of the country, it has entered into partnership with the 19 northern states to bring back marketing board that will provide cover to farmers against post-harvest loss of their produce.

Chairman of the NNDC board of Directors Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu

made the remark during Kano state wheat harvest programme held at Garun Babba village of Garun Malam local government.

According to him, the decision to bring back the marketing board was reached between the company and the 19 northern states to do away with the domineering attitude of the middle men in agro-business.

He further revealed that participating states are required to contribute about N175 million each in addition to other

participating private sector investment’s contributions to give the company the proposed N12 billion needed to take-off.

He said the marketing board’s headquarters will be sited in Kano.

In his address, Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje stated that, Kano state has already put aside N50 million in its newly established warehouse system for Kano state farmers to access as interest free loans to save them from losses.

RISK MANAGEMENT WATCH Robert Mbonu

Risk Culture – “Do As I Say, Not As I Do?”

D

o you wonder why peoples’ behaviours differ depending on the environment they find themselves? Ever wondered why some passengers behave orderly at Heathrow airport in London, but jump the queues, and become rowdy once they arrive at the airport in Lagos? Could the reason lie in the fact that sanctions are firmly applied to unruly behaviour in the United Kingdom, and maybe not in Nigeria? It boils down to respect for laws and constituted authority, recognition of sanctions and rewards.

The way of life, especially the general customs, and beliefs of a particular group of people, which influence their behaviour at a particular time, is the meaning of culture.

As risk is about uncertainty in facing the future, it is logical that a desirable risk culture would position the organisation (including government ministries, departments and agencies) to be proactive and law abiding.

An example of a desirable risk culture is one that maintains a healthy tension between the organisations entrepreneurial activities for creating enterprise value, and its activities for protecting enterprise value so that neither one is too disproportionately strong relative to the other.

“Risk culture” refines the concept of organisational culture to focus particularly on the collective ability to take managed risk and to minimise threats, but cease opportunities.

If we agree that environments influence behaviours, risk professionals as leaders must strive to entrench a culture that is conducive to effective risk management.

Each individual brings to work their own attitude, behaviour and culture towards managed risk taking and risk based decision making.

Those are determined by a number of factors; 1.

Individual propensity and personality 2.

Past experience 3.

Fear of being punished 4.

Fear of failure 5.

Expectation of success and associated reward 6.

Understanding of the expectations of the organisation Some of these, the organisation can affect, but individual propensity, personality and past experience cannot be changed. This is why the setting of boundaries is so important; this will affect in particular the fear of being punished, and expectation of success and associated reward. Setting out clear boundaries and a context for these boundaries, will help to change attitudes, behaviours and thereby change the culture of the organisation.

The culture of an organisation develops over time from the cumulative traits of the employees. This describes and governs the ways a company’s owners and employees think, feel and act. It refers to the shared values, attitudes, standards, and beliefs that characterize members of the organisation.

Corporate culture is rooted in an organisation’s goals, strategies, structure, and approaches to employees, customers, investors and the greater community.

The culture in an organisation arises from the repeated behaviour of its members. These behaviours are shaped by the underlying values, beliefs and attitudes of individuals, which are partly inherent but are also themselves influenced by the prevailing culture in the organisation. Culture is more than a statement of values – it relates to how these translate

into concrete actions.

The wider stakeholder requirements and the timing of threats and opportunities inform boundaries. Ethics can help in determining the longer-term impact of boundary setting and consideration of the wider stakeholder requirements. Governance and scrutiny provide the backdrop for ensuring that the risk culture is appropriate for the organisation.

When setting boundaries for managed risk taking and risk based decision making, there needs to be a common acceptance throughout the organisation of the importance of the continuous management of enterprise threats and opportunities, including clear accountability for and ownership of specific risks and risk areas.

This allows transparent and timely information that flows up and down the organisation with bad news rapidly communicated without fear of blame. Risk event reporting and whistle blowing encourages learning from mistakes and near misses.

In avoiding blame cultures, appropriate risk taking behaviours should be rewarded and encouraged and inappropriate behaviours should be challenged and sanctioned. There should also be sufficient diversity of perspectives, values and beliefs to ensure that the status quo is consistently and rigorously challenged.

Risk appetite as part of a learning culture, and using risk events and near misses is one of the tools that can be used to break down and banish a blame culture.

The crucial link in all of this is that the organisation sets out its risk appetite and within that, should set out the boundaries within which each individual can take managed risks without fear of punishment. It goes without saying that this needs to be reinforced strongly through repeated behaviour throughout the organisation.

Some people become technical experts within their comfort zone but those who rise to be CEOs are the ones who are prepared to break eggs to make omelettes.

People’s fear of acting outside their comfort zone makes them look for someone to tell them what to do. We also call this not sticking their head out, or keeping their head below the parapet. It causes the organisation to stagnate, stall and even falter.

Conversely if there is clear and transparent encouragement for people to act on their own initiative and innovate by taking managed threats and opportunities then innovation can take place and people can be stretched to achieve more and more.

I remember with nostalgia and look forward to a reintroduction of “The War Against Indiscipline”.

A period characterised by orderliness, rule of law, and respect for authority in Nigeria.

Just as corporate culture plays a big role in determining the success of any business, a reorientation of our national psyche for the rule of law and order, will guarantee our success as a nation. We must practice the good that we preach.

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

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

AIR WATCH

‘Forex Volatility Kills Businesses in Nigeria’ Chinedu Eze President and Chief Executive Officer of Sabre Network NMC West Africa, Gabriel Olowo has said that the instability of the naira over other international currencies has adversely affected many businesses in Nigeria, leading to collapse of indigenous companies and the withdrawal of some multinational organisations from the country.

Olowo who made the remark in an interview with THISDAY in Lagos on Wednesday recalled that Nigeria has had problems with forex, which sometimes affect the country’s international trade. Olowo said in the 1970s and 1980s, the air link between Nigeria and Brazil gave rise to many businesses in Nigeria and there was business partnership between the two countries like the exchange programme between Volkswagen of Nigeria and Volkwagen of Brazil. He noted that when the air link was broken due to the volatility of forex, some of these companies

had to leave Nigeria because they could not repatriate their revenues.

“During the first coming of President Buhari as Military Head of State, we faced the foreign exchange problem and the airlines were running with what was called blended rate.

Various banks offered different exchange rates. Foreign airlines were faced with that. About five airlines left Nigeria. I was working for a Brazilian airline, Varig. I was deputy General Manager.“The airline left this country because of foreign exchange. They had naira in Nigeria, but they could not repatriate their revenue due to scarcity of foreign exchange. Iberia left, Varig, Scandinavian Airline amongst others left. Since then a big vacuum was created. There was trade with Brazil; we had counter trade with Brazil.

Volkswagen Nigeria was relating with Volkswagen Brazil. We had Sakamori, we had telecom from that country, pharmaceutical

businesses from Brazil,” he said.

Olowo who is also the President of Aviation Round Table (ART) said forex challenges seem to affect airlines more because over 75 percent of the activities to manage an aircraft and to sustain an airline need forex.

“As far back as 1994, exchange rate was around N22 to a dollar from N4.

Nigerian airlines were selling a one hour of jet flight like Lagos-Kano, Lagos-Abuja for N2, 200 and exchange rate was N22; that is $100.

Lagos-Abuja was a $100 value in 1994; that was 23 years ago. Now exchange rate has moved from N22 to about N450 today and somebody is selling ticket at N16, 000, which is $30. Somebody in government should intervene.

How will the airline generate money to maintain its aircraft?”

Olowo asked.

Olowo also said government policies do not favour the growth of the private sector.

Anuforom: Accurate Weather Prediction Has Improved Air Safety The outgoing director general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Dr. Anthony Anuforom has said that bad weather might have contributed to the many air crashes that happened in Nigeria, but since 10 years ago when the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) improved its activities with the support of government, no accident has been attributed to weather.

Speaking in Abuja at the unveiling of the presentation of the 2017 seasonal rainfall prediction (SRP), Anuforom said NIMET had achieved 80 per cent accuracy in its weather predictions thus exceeding the standard set by the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) benchmark.

“WMO’s threshold is 60 per cent but we are doing more. This has increased the stakeholders’

confidence in us. People who take SRP seriously are reaping the benefits. We can do things with greater accuracy; we do not need to guess anymore. We have done it not only for the airlines but also for the other sectors of the economy.

“WMO has been using NIMET weather forecast as case studies. NIMET has wielded a lot of influence and has become an international weather information service provider.

NIMET has been producing daily weather forecasts for Liberia and Sierra Leone, while some other countries in the subregion have indicated interest for such services to be extended to them,” Anuforom said.

He disclosed that NIMET is in formal collaboration with some international organisations such as United States Agency for International Development

(USAID) Markets 11 for the provision of climate information, British-American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika said the publication of SRP “is a fulfillment of the Act setting NIMET.” He said NIMET is the only agency established by law to make weather forecasts in the country stressing that the agency had not failed to discharge its core responsibility creditably.

“SRP provides accurate and timely weather information to improve economic development.

The benefits of SRP are multidimensional. Correct application of SRP helps the understanding of weather and related climate change,” he added.

Nigeria Air Force, AIB Partner on Air Safety The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) on Tuesday in Abuja agreed to explore areas of cooperation to enhance aviation safety in the country.

This agreement was reached recently when the new Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of AIB, Akin Olateru paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar in the latter’s office in Abuja.

The Chief of Air Staff, who lauded the role of AIB in promoting safety in the aviation industry, said the Air Force would be willing to extend its human and material resources

to the Bureau and urged its management to identify the needed areas of assistance.

The Chief of Air Staff, said: “Accident is what nobody wants but in aviation it happens sometimes despite every effort made to prevent it”, adding that “we need to deal with issues before accident happens.”

Abubakar revealed that the Nigerian Air Force has upgraded its medical and training facilities spread across the country to boost its capacity to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies.

Earlier, Olateru commended the Nigerian Air Force for its formidable role in aviation and

in the defense of the nation.

The AIB boss stressed the importance of a stronger relationship between the two bodies, adding that the Air Force is strategically placed to help during emergencies with its facilities spread across the country.

“There are a lot you can do for us in training. We know you don’t joke with training in Nigerian Air Force. We need to have cooperation with you in developing human capital.

We also need a documented emergency response plan in which you can play a very critical role”, said Olateru.

Furore over Recent Appointments at NCAA

T

he recent appointment of directors in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has elicited condemnation from aviation unions and other industry experts, who said that it negated industry principles in the appointment of technical personnel.

Those opposed to the appointment insisted that some of the newly appointed directors do not have the technical experience and depth to sustain air safety and the high standard NCAA has maintained over the years that made Nigeria to earn the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category 1 safety status and the overall 65 percent and 95 percent rating on safety from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The federal government last month appointed new directors for NCAA. They are; Capt. Edem Oyo-Ita as Director of AirTransport Regulations; Mr. Abbas Sanusi; Director, Human Resources and Administration, Adamu Sani; Director of Finance and Accounts.

Others are Odunowo Tayyib Adetunji, Director Sirika of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Mr. Ita Awak, Director of Airworthiness Standards director. If you don’t effectively regulate the industry, and Lawrence Kwajok, General Manager, Air people will fly with expired licenses and ICAO can Navigational Standards. These appointments declare the Nigerian airspace unsafe because there came after government had sacked about five is no effective regulation,” the industry expert said. directors in the agency that include Alhaji Salawu Also, last Thursday at a forum organised by the Ozigi (Director of Finance and Accounts), Aba Aviation Round Table (ART), a think-tank body in Ejembi (Director of Administration), Benedict the industry, the former Director General of NCAA, Adeyileka (Director of Airworthiness), Mr. Justus Dr. Harold Demuren said for anybody to be appointed Wariya (Director of Air Transport Regulation), theDirectorofAirworthinessandStandards(DAWS), and Mr. Austin-Amadi Ifeanyi (Director of Human he must have done Airworthiness, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Courses and that of the Resources).

Last week, the AirTransport Service Senior Staff International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Association (ATSSAN), backed by the National The person, he said must also be current with the Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Na- latest issues as they concern airworthiness and tional Association of Airline Pilots and Engineers standards. Demuren cautioned the federal govern(NAAPE) and staff of the Nigerian Civil aviation ment to be weary of those it appoints as directors in Authority (NCAA) faulted the government for its NCAA in view of the role the regulatory body plays decision to appoint directors, who they alleged, in the aviation industry. do not possess the prerequisite qualification The former Director General of NCAA warned that and experience to hold the offices they were if for any reason ICAO or FAA wants to audit Nigeria assigned. Specifically, they berated the federal aviation today, the credentials of DAWS would be government for recruiting outsiders who would looked at. be shown the ropes to fill all technical positions “The man who is going to issue aircraft airworthiness certificatemustknowwhatheisdoing.Youdon’tlearn in the agency.

Addressing the NCAA workers, the general on the job or table .He must be strong, competent secretary of NUATE, Mr. Olayinka Abioye alleged and efficient. Has he done Airworthiness Courses, thatthenewdirectoroffinanceandaccounts,Ms. FAA and other courses? Outside Nigeria in ICAO and Bilikisu Adamu Sani is an educationist by training other international aviation gatherings, he is going while the director of airworthiness standards, to lead groups and this must be done professionally.

Mr. Ita Awak is a politician and therefore not If you do audit today on Nigeria aviation, they are qualified for those positions. “We have done going to look at the credential of DAWS.” a critical assessment of the newly appointed Demuren therefore urged the federal government directors in NCAA and found that out of the five to be very careful when appointing people as top only three are qualified to hold the positions. officials of the regulatory agency, especially when I’m aware that the newly appointed director of it has to do with safety.” airworthiness standards has been a politician He explained that such highly technical positions through and through. Airworthiness director- need experienced professionals who have been in ate should not be joked with for it is a sensitive the job continuously for years because “ministers directorate; except you want aircraft to be falling could come and tell them to do things that negate from the skies. “The director of airworthiness safety but if the persons in-charge know what they standards is not suitably qualified; for 25 years are doing, they should be able to tell the minister it he has never handled a spanner. He is not quali- cannot be done in the interest of safety.” fied and if you bring someone who is unqualified Meanwhile, the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has not reacted to these criticisms; but aircraft will start falling out of the skies.

“The director of finance and accounts has a in reaction to the groundswell opposition to the degree in education. She is not an accountant; appointments, some of the new appointees made she is not a financial guru. Anyone occupying open their curriculum vitae to show they are qualithe position should be grounded in accounting,” fied for the positions. But some industry observers Abioye said. A former NCAA inspector who is argued that if a qualified pilot operated for years now a civil aviation regulator in one of the African and then left the industry and joined politics, you countries, toldTHISDAYthat in order to maintain don’t call him back after 20 years and give him the safety status Nigeria has attained, it must aircraft to operate. bring in experienced experts to sustain what “You need a continuous working experience in the had been achieved; otherwise ICAO can degrade industry to do this job. That is why we advise they the country. “It is good to have qualified persons pick people from within rather that picking people in such technical areas such as air worthiness from outside,” one of the industry observers said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

TRANSPORT

Why ‘Danfos’ Must Go Eromosele Abiodun writes that there is no better time for the Lagos State Government to put an end to the menace of commercial buses also known as Danfos in the state

It is an incontrovertible fact that transportation is an essential part of human activity, and in many ways forms the basis of all socio-economic interactions. Without a doubt, no two locations will interact effectively without a viable means of movement. In most developing countries, inadequate transport facilities are often the norm rather than the exception.

Thus, a good transport system is essential to support economic growth and development.

Since Nigeria attained independence in 1960, the problems of the country’s transport system include bad roads; inadequate fleets of buses or trucks; irregular, inadequate and overcrowded trains and airplanes and congested ports.

However, road transport is the most commonly used mode of transportation in Nigeria today.

Road traffic depends on the pattern of human settlements, accounting for more than 90 per cent of the sub-sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP). Road transport activities involve the conveyance of passengers en-masse or in small numbers, the transportation of animals, farm produce and merchandise and the rendering of mobile services (clinics, libraries and banks).

The optional use of motor cars for pleasure, which can be distinguished from the three uses listed above, also contributes tremendously to the importance of road transport in Nigeria.

This is more predominant in Nigeria than in most other African countries because of the poor state of alternative means of transportation by which journeys could have been made and also due to the psychological satisfaction offered by the possession of a car.

Danfo as ‘Public Enemy’ In Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, the psychological satisfaction offered by the possession of a car can turn to a nightmare in an instant. You can only disagree with this submission if you have not been in Lagos for too long. Last week, Peter James (not real names) who works in a new generation bank went out with his friends in a car he bought

recently. Two metres away from his house, a commercial bus, popularly known as Danfo ran into his car and damaged it.

He is not alone. At least a million car owners in Lagos have a story to tell about their encounter with Danfo drivers in Lagos. Not too long a long, a phenomenal known as ‘one chance’ was the talk of town in Lagos. Armed robbers terrorised Lagosians, using commercial busses as a decoy. Also a lot of people have lost their lives as a result of commercial busses driving against traffic.

The Danfo drivers and bus attendants, otherwise known as conductors are also victims of the gluttonous touts known at Agberos. For example, a commercial bus plying Ojuelegba-Apapa, pays between N4,000 and N5,000 to Agberos on a daily basis and this illegal taxation is transferred to unsuspecting passengers. Those who refuse to pay are beaten to stupor. However, all these may be history soon if the plan by the Lagos State Government to get rid of Danfo buses materialises.

Recently at the 14th annual lecture of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) in Lagos, the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, announced plans to ban the operations of commercial buses

Since Nigeria attained independence in 1960, the problems of the country’s transport system include bad roads; inadequate fleets of buses or trucks; irregular, inadequate and overcrowded trains and airplanes and congested ports

from Lagos roads before 2017 elapses.

He said the move was aimed at creating, “a well-structured and world class mass transportation system that would facilitate ease of movement within the city.”

According to the governor, the prime goal of his administration is to grow the state from fifth to third largest economy in Africa by 2020.

Ambode explained the significance of infrastructure projects his administration had been executing in strategic sectors of Lagos economy, noting that it was directed at up scaling the status of the state.

He stated that the establishment of massive lay-bys, rehabilitation of inner-city roads and the construction of flyovers in different parts of the state were designed to end the challenges of urbanisation.

Specifically, the governor noted that the main objective of his administration remained the growth of Lagos from fifth to third largest economy in Africa, which he said formed the heart of his government.

To realise this prime goal, Ambode insisted that yellow buses would be removed from Lagos roads for a more efficient, well-structured and world class mass transportation system that would facilitate ease of movement within the city.

He said the present connectivity mode in the state was not acceptable and befitting for a mega city, and as such, a well-structured transportation mode would soon be put in place to address the challenge.

Ambode said: “When I wake up in the morning and see all these yellow buses, commercial motorcycles and all kinds of tricycles, and we claim we are a mega city, that is not true. We must first acknowledge that that is a faulty connectivity that we are running. We have to look for the solution. That is why we want to banish yellow buses this year. We must address the issue of connectivity that makes people to move around with ease and that is where we are going. For instance, people going from Ikorodu to CMS have started leaving their cars at home because the buses are very convenient. So, why can’t we do that for other

places? Yes, we do not have the money to do everything now but we can go to the capital market and then improve on the technology of collection of fares. That will encourage investors and then the city will change.”

N30bn Public Transport In line with its plan to phase out the yellow buses from Lagos roads, the state government said it was working towards setting aside a N30 billion sinking fund to transform public transportation.

According to Ambode, the amount would help instill credibility in a N100 billion public transportation bond that the state would float later in the year.

He said already, the state decided not to touch its share of the Paris Club refund of N14.5 billion, which has since been kept in the sinking fund.

He also anticipated that the second batch of the Paris Club refund would be paid next month and eventually to take the sum to N29 billion, adding that his government would thereafter add another N1 billion to it to make it a total of N30 billion to kick start the initiative.

He explained: “We are working on the financial template and this is the breakdown - government has a sinking fund that we want to put into this bond. You are aware that the federal government paid the refund of the Paris Club Loan last December and this is a money belonging to the state governments due to the refund and so Lagos State decided not to touch its share of the Paris Club refund.”

“By the time we have N30 billion as a sinking fund to drive the bus initiative against the bond of N100 billion that we want to put into the market, there will be that credibility and credence that the bond will drive itself and that is the whole idea “The second level of the initiative is that we intend to give out franchise to people and this franchise is going to come in multiple of 50 buses each, 100 buses, 200 buses and so on.

So, if you have that franchise, you are going to give us a down payment of 25 per cent of Continued on page 26

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

Rivers Community Lauds Intels Aggressive Empowerment Scheme Stories by Eromosele Abiodun

The Paramount Ruler of Onne Clan, Rivers State, His Royal Highness King John Dennis Osaronu has commended the management of Intels Nigeria Limited, for the positive impact it has created in the community.

Speaking in his Palace in Onne recently when some management staff Intels visited him, the royal father said: “30 years ago, Onne was a virgin forest. Onne as you see today was not what it was about 25 to 30 years ago. Even the port area was forest. We used to go there to hunt for monkeys and

catch crabs - we called it land crab. It was a useless parcel of land to us until Intels came in.

“When Intels came, the area had been abandoned right from the time of Dr. Umaru Dikko when he was Minister of Transport. They needed only N120 million to build the port but after some time, the money was not enough and he asked but since the money did not come, the area became a forest.

Just at that time, Intels came in.

“Since Intels came into our community, we have got so many changes and things are going on so well with us. They have empowered our children, men and women. They have

built roads and provided us medical services. Recently they built us a 10-kilometre tarred road. They have built for us three schools and given us drainage system for the community.” He said the company also built a modern ultra-modern market constructed at the cost of N1 billion and provided solar streetlights for the community.

General Manager, Legal Services of Intels, Mr. Mike Epelle disclosed that the company has so far spent N14 billion on supporting various communities in Rivers State and other parts of the Niger Delta. He said Intels has put in place programmes and policies

that have engendered peace and sustainable development in its relationship with its host communities. Head, Government and Public Affairs of Intels Nigeria Limited, Mr. David Alagoa said the company’s integrated participatory approach (IPA) identifies integration, participation, communication, interaction, and dialogue as important elements of its community relations development plan.

He said: “We don’t dictate to the communities, we ask them what they want. We engage them and find out what will benefit the largest number of people and that will be sustainable. That is our approach.

“Our CSR has three major components. First is to empower the indigenes of the host communities in a sustainable way through the provision of employment and improved welfare; second to plan and execute integrated community development programmes with full community input and participation, and third to adopt ‘best practices’ that guarantee community friendly operations.”

He noted that addition to supporting various sporting activities, and building roads, Intels Nigeria Limited has provided drainages, street lights, ultra-modern markets, modern classroom blocks, free health

services; ICT centres; town halls and community centres.; skill acquisition centres; public toilets; civic centres; and renovated the palaces of traditional rulers.

Alagoa said the company has also embarked on an aggressive empowerment scheme, with the aim of improving the quality of lives of people in the host communities.

“We have put in place the Women Empowerment Project Scheme Synergy (WEPSS), a mobile clinic to offer free medical services and provided skills acquisition training for the benefits of our people in the host community,” he said.

WHY ‘DANFOS’ MUST GO the buses. So, these are bankable projects as we have a sinking fund and so our exposure as a government is just technically 75 per cent.”

He noted that public transportation is not a profitable business and that one is not likely to see major investors in it that was why the state decided to use its vehicle – the LAGBUS, which is a private company to drive the proposed public transportation infrastructure bond.

“That bond is coming to the capital market in which every individual, every Lagosian should be interested in buying into the bond and then we believe that N100 billion bond that span for seven to ten years can take care of the structure that we have put in place.”

According to Ambode, from the kind of machinery his government wants to use to run the buses, there would be no cash takings, saying that everything would be automated and obviously who ever has a franchise, would have the recourse to take part of the money while part of the intake also goes to the repayment of the facility.

“The only part I just want to quickly mention here is the human angle. I, Akin Ambode cannot drive the buses, a medium size bus that I provide replaces two yellow buses (Danfo) and obviously it is from the community of the drivers that own the Danfos that we have to absolve into this new culture; they have to be the new drivers.

“The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) are the ones invited to own the buses. I, as government, is just providing the infrastructure because they cannot buy these new buses hundred per cent cash and so government needs to stand up for them and so you know what, you the dealers, continue to provide the buses, come and put the SKD company in Lagos, then come and do maintenance facility for us, come and put the spare parts in Lagos for us and then we create more employment,” he said.

This, the Lagos State governor said would be a paradigm shift from where the yellow bus drivers move from being addressed as ‘Danfo’ drivers but professional drivers.

“So, we will buy back the Danfos from them and it be-

comes the seed money to become eventual owners of those buses in the years the facility is spread.

It is something we have been working on in the last one year and we don’t come out to say we are going to do anything without working properly on it. It is process and now we are at the advocacy process.

“Yes, we have almost 23 million people, we have 11 million people moving almost every moment within the ambit of Lagos and you are wondering about six million of them move by walking. They don’t really use buses, they don’t use plane or others. So, the concept there is you want to find something that can move the ordinary Lagosians from one point to the other so that productivity can increase.

“Having said that, road transportation is not the only means of moving people but the way Lagos is designed presently, road transportation that is happening here though we have water, we want pedestrian walk and all that.

“So, what we have decided L-R; Managing Director, Sahel Capital Mauritus Ltd. Mr.Mezuo Nwuneli; Lead Consultant/CEO, The Skills Development Practice, Detoun Ogwo; Managing Director, to do is that we have this buses First Cardiology, Dr. Yemi Johnson; and Recruitment Manager, African Management Services Company (AMSCO), Phetsile Ndzihisa, at the Business Transforming that are not working efficiently African Conference, held at Sheraton Hotel, in Lagos, yesterday……. sunday adigun and government on its part has not been able to provide efficient alternative. “Now looking at it, if we are to intervene, should we continue with this private ownership of buses which you have had these yellow buses since the time of former Maersk Nigeria Limited has to give back to the society. State The Managing Director of sustainable healthy life style.

Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande the NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman demonstrated its commitment Nursery and Primary School The General Manager, over 30 years ago? to supporting the community has been our adopted school, has advised the agency’s staff Health, Safety and Environ“So, we decided that no matter to consistently engage in various ment, Mohammed Yusuf through its corporate social we have had a number of CSR the solution that we want to forms of exercise during their reiterated that the programme, responsibility (CSR) programmes activities here. We have built give the traffic management, leisure and consume food “is intended to remind all and as staff members of the company some school blocks and donated we must also now provide a items that boost immunity sundry the importance of good took turns to engage pupils of equipment among others. comfortable means of moving and increase healthy living. nutrition, Physical exercise and “But today, it is very important the State Nursery and Primary people that allow the middle School, Arakan Barracks, Apapa for us because it is International The NPA boss gave the other healthy habits for health class and majority of people to advice during the official and well-being which results Women’s day and so some of the in academic exercise. drop their cars at home.

The company also donated 1,000 female colleagues in our organisalaunch and commencement in consequent productivity.”

“Now, we have 30,000 of these of the 2017 “Work and Welltion supported by our men have exercise books to the school.

He enthused that the division yellow buses in the city and they ness Programme,” organised would continue to effectively The staff members, mostly come to use this occasion to teach cram about 12 people inside it. by the Health, Safety and perform its primary duty of females, took the students from the little ones and we hope by And so, we decided that the best Environment Division of the guiding officers and staff Primaries 4 to 6 in various subjects teaching, we inspire them to be thing is to allow the buses go organisation under the theme: towards a healthy life style in including English, Social Studies like us in few years to come,” and so the bus reform initiative “Eat Right and Keep Fit for order to enhanced productivity. she said.

Mathematics and French. itself is a three-year plan of 2017 Enhanced Productivity” in Head Teacher of the school, Human Resources Manager of According to him, manageto 2019 in which it intends to Lagos.

Maersk Nigeria, Ada Onyeri, who Dr. Louis Onukwufor, was full of ment would prioritise this event bring in new buses of 5,000 units led the team to the school, said the appreciation to the company for its Earlier, the Executive Direc- especially as it concerns regular in the three-year plan. teaching exercise was part of the support towards the development tor Marine and Operations, Dr. monitoring of individuals “The bigger size buses will Sekonte Davies informed the blood pressure and wellbecompany’s CSR in celebration of the of the school and wellbeing of its take 70 people and then the gathering that the management ing. Present at the event were 2017 International Women’s Day. pupils. “I appreciate your effort medium range buses will take did not hesitate to approve Davies, Executive Director, According to her, female staff because this is not the first time 30 people. We believe that the the programme in view of Finance and Administration, of the company supported by you will be visiting the school middle range buses will be the benefit accruable to the Mohammed Bello-Koko and their male counterparts, decided and when I heard you were supplied up to 70 per cent of workforce by way of improved his Engineering and Technical to use the occasion of the 2017 coming, I was very happy. In the total volume which will productivity.

International Women’s Day to 2014 December, they gave us Services counterpart, Prof. Idris amount to about 3,600 units teach and inspire younger ones 10 computers and accessories He urged all to take Abubakar, all general managers and then the longer range in maximum advantage of and other top echelon of the to grow to become productive and during our last school Interthat direction,” he explained. this programme towards a organisation.

House Sports Competition, they future leaders.

“For us it is an opportunity gave us other gifts.

BOOSTING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP

NPA MD Counsels Staff on Healthy Living

Maersk Donates Books to Lagos Schools

WEEKEND WEEKLY PULLOUT

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

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'EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN IS NOT NEGOTIABLE' ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

28/COVER

17.03.2017

'Equal Opportunity for Women is Not Negotiable' Barth Nwibe, a trained engineer and governorship aspirant in Anambra State, told Peace Obi in this interview, that intelligence, competency and even capacity to deliver results knows no gender, and that women in some cases perform better than men your children are following after you?

My first daughter is reading Pharmacy, second one is reading Medicine while my son is reading Electrical and Robotics Engineering. Then my third daughter is still in secondary school and she is also thinking of reading Engineering, but I am trying to encourage her to go into Management but she is science-inclined. In fact she wants to be a Chemist, she wants to read Chemistry single honours. Anyway, that is her passion.

What was your growing up like?

I grew up like every normal person born in the 60s. I had a father who was a tradesman while my mum was a business woman. But they believed in education so, they sent me to school.

I grew up in those days when almost everybody in the village then was almost at the same level.

Nobody was too rich and nobody was too poor.

I will say that I had a humble beginning, but my parents realised that education was a path.

So, I had my primary school at Ifite Primary School, Igbo Ukwu. When I left primary school in 1975, I proceeded to Christ the King College, (CKC) Onitsha in Anambra State for my secondary education. CKC was one of the premier schools then. In fact growing up then, there is a way you will behave, people will say it is like you are student of CKC. So, I was very happy when my parents sent me to CKC. And at the end of my secondary school in 1980, I came out with distinction in my school certificate examination.

And with that, I proceeded to University of Nigeria Nsukka, where I read Civil Engineering.

What inspired your choice of Engineering for your first degree?

I have to be honest with you. I was reading Ebony magazine one day and I saw a black guy dressed as an engineer. He said that he schooled at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

As I looked at that picture, I was so inspired to study in the same institution. But of course, my parents didn't have the money to send me to MIT. So, that was how the thought and inspiration of becoming an engineer came. My parents actually wanted me to read medicine and almost everybody around me thought I was going to ready medicine because just like I said earlier, I was the leader of my class. So, I chose to read Engineering and Civil then was the engineering course. In fact, in my JAMB, I registered for Civil Engineering and Physics and Physics as single honour because I liked Mathematics and Physics. That was what inspired me to read engineering.

How has your career as a engineer been?

It has been very excellent and fulfilling.

Engineering has given me the opportunity to believe that anything is possible as long as you can think it through. I left the university in 1980 and I did my youth service in Rivers State. In fact, during my service, I was given a certificate of commendation for my excellent performance in my place of primary assignment. After that I got employed by a relation who has a structural engineering firm in Enugu. I worked with the firm for six month and got a job with an oil and gas firm - Wog Allied Services Ltd. I did three years with this establishment and joined Sperry Sun Drilling Services - a division of Halliburton company. I did about three years with Sperry Sun and the company left Nigeria because they had a big contract to do in Saudi Arabia.

I joined Baker Hughes where I worked for about a year and then left to work with Schlumberger Drilling and Measurements where I had most of my working life. Having spent about five year with Schlumberger, I left them to become a consultant also to Schlumberger. I did that for two years before I got a consultancy job with Shell which I did for about five years and I quit to start my own when the local content came into play and that is the company I have been running till today.

Your movement from the job looks so seamless, what grade did you graduate with?

One, it is the evidence of God's grace upon my life and secondly, that is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. I made a 2:1 from Nsukka. I should have made first class, but you know growing up, one or two things happen to you.

What further studies have you undergone in the line of your career?

In my line of training, I have attended so

So, it won't be an overstatement to describe your family as a home of scientists?

Well, it may not. But my last daughter is still in her junior secondary, she may take after my wife who is a lawyer. And I think her inclination is towards the Art. Yes, almost all of them are reading sciences.

Would it be right to say that you took after your father in terms of intelligence, poise, success and determination to succeed in business and marriage?

I will say I took after my mother more than my father. My mother was a very strong person and a very a strong character; in the sense that she was her own person at every point in time.

In fact in the village, we had a neighbour who was a very wealthy man then, I know how my mother stood up to the wife when she was misbehaving, which was very rare in that time.

Nwibe

How much do you believe in giving women equal opportunity to utilise their talents and expertise in different fields and endeavours?

In the company I run today, 40 per cent of my managers are women. I don't see any difference between a man and a woman, the important thing is brain and character. What does it really mean that you are a man or woman? For me, as long as somebody can perform and deliver the expected result, she gets the job.

many professional trainings in my career both in Halliburton and Schlumberger, all related to what I do. But between 2013 and 2014, I went to McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University, I did one year training in leadership, also pertaining to energy and management. I have not gone back again formally to the classroom.

What are your hobbies?

I like reading and football. I am a fan of Arsenal because I don't believe you always have to win, I believe in doing things right.

What is the book that impacted your life most?

The book that impacted me most in life is ‘Success through a Positive Mental Attitude’ by Napoleon Hill. I read this book just after I left secondary school. It was a book that helped me to realise that whatever the mind can conceive and believe, that the mind can achieve it. I was so inspired by that book. The titles were so catchy that one of it says 'if you don't have money, use OPM'.

And OPM means 'Other People's Money'.

And reading further, it will tell you that you are going to meet the most important living person. And you keep reading to know who is the most important living person, it tells you that you are the most important living person. It was a book that helped to shape me. But once in a while, one comes across some good books.

Then another book that inspired me is ‘Why Nations Fail’ by a Turkish-American Economist, Daron Acemoglu and a British Political Scientist, James Robinson. With this you will understand why some countries are rich while some are

poor. It is a book people should read. Also, in Nigeria here, the book by Mallam Nassir el-Rufai, ‘Accidental Civil Servant’, is also a good book.

So, such books, you read them and you get to know how people navigate through life and what leadership entails.

As a father, husband, business mogul, politician and now a governorship aspirant, how do you cope with your family obligations and responsibilities as a man?

For a man, the most important decision he will take in his life is to choose a wife. If you get the right wife, then you are almost certain you will succeed. Because a woman is not just your wife, she is supposed to be your partner, your confidant, your friend. If you are lucky and fortunate you get a woman who you will share ideas with; a woman who should look you in the face and tell you, "look, you can't do this."

I am happy that I have a wife. I am not saying that I don't quarrel with her, we do but we make up. To me, I think my parents also had that kind of marriage. I don't think there was anytime they had any serious quarrel. And because of my background; to us, marriage is for life. When you are married, you are you married, you have to make it work. But I am fortunate to have a wife who understands me and I too, understand her.

And we are blessed with good children, who academically are doing well. To me, marriage has been a good and enjoyable experience.

From secondary school to tertiary institution and even in your career, it appears you maintained a track on science-related course, how many of

So as a governorship aspirant, how comfortable will you be with a woman being your deputy?

To me, there are some things women even do better. Which man has done the kind of job late Dora Akunyili did in NAFDAC or even Oby Ezekwesili in this their advocacy 'Bring Back Our Girls' they are doing? Like I told you, women should be encouraged. If I have the opportunity and a good lady presents herself to be my deputy, why not? But I am not going to go all out searching to bring a woman on board.

But if she has what it takes and she is prepared to do what she need to do - to partner to make it happen, that will be okay. I have on my own trying to fund some women organisations. There is a movement in Anambra State that came up, I was the person that gave them the seed money to organise themselves into a mass movement, even though at the end of the day, the leader derailed and it became a mess. To, me it doesn't matter whether you are a man or a woman and I have more daughters and sisters, why should I discriminate against them?

What was the last traditional title that you were conferred with in recognition of your contributions to your community and Nigerian society at large?

Ugo Igbo Ukwu (that is the Eagle of Igbo Ukwu land). As you know, eagle is the king of the birds. When I was conferred with this title, I was the youngest and up till today, I am still the youngest merit chief in my community. My community is very frugal with that chieftaincy title. It is given on merit. I have had several offers for chieftaincy titles which I have equally declined.

What is the significance of this title?

I am a kind of a role model to my people, they look up to me. If there is a function in my community, I am entitled to participate effectively and give leadership. So, for me it’s the platform to talk on issues. It offers the opportunity to provide leadership in my community.

29/TRIBUTE

17.03.2017

Of Buchi Emecheta and Womankind Margaret Olele writes on the plight and challenges women face, using the death of the pioneering Nigerian novelist, Buchi Emecheta who died recently at the age of 72

Late Emecheta

How do we celebrate the death of an illustrious daughter in Africa? Sounds like the question you get from the people on the other side who believe that Africa is just one country in its primordial state, Tarzan –like existence, and endless gyrations of drums and female waists. To my question - It depends on the part of Africa and in the case of our renowned author, Buchi the place in Nigeria she came from.

I first learnt about her death from a generic e-mail sent to a group I belonged to and I was shocked. The thing about literary works is that they confer on the writer some attributes of eternity. Your books make you alive forever in the minds of the reader – it is an unconscious harmony of writer, story and character immortalised in the mind of the reader. So I never expected it nor to be frank, truly appreciated the works of this great pioneer African female writer as I should.

As a student of literature, I soaked myself in Apartheid literature especially the works of Alex la Guma; when I was not doing that, I reveled in the works of our Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, the sagely works of Chinua Achebe and not too long ago organised a private meeting with Chimamanda Adiche and my former Japanese MD who not only asked that she buys all her books for him, but that he needed to meet with her.

Looking back now, I wondered why I never had Buchi on my radar. Her CV spoke volumes of her achievement and many laurels followed her steps. As am wont to do, when starting any research, I did a quick check on Wikipedia and even this basic source spooled out the enormous achievement of this literary prodigy. She had over 16 novels in her kitty, not to mention the short stories, and plays.

I remember growing up, we had ‘The Slave Girl’ on the shelf in the sitting room, but I busied myself with the romantic books of Dennis Robbins and Barbara Cartland that competed for space on the shelf. ‘The Slave Girl’ had no chance. Just like the proverbial hunter who scorned domestic animals, but yearned for the forest beasts, I took her works for granted and even when I began reading African writers, her works did not bubble up my interest pot.

Indeed Buchi Emecheta is from Ibusa, Delta State, a place I come from and much of her works highlighted the traditions and cultures of not just an ethnic group but the peculiar experiences of the Mid - Western Igbo. Her works echoed the Igbulu nna ngo ( marriage of a late brother’s wife), the ancient burial of life slaves with the their masters or mistresses, the forced marriages and kidnap that young girls faced, the countless deaths in families which may have been caused by Sickle Cell Anaemia, but attributed to a curse or Chi. Her works chronicled the story of her people from pre-colonial times to an exodus period in the 50s and 60s when a lot of people moved North (especially Kaduna, Kano Jos) and Lagos to seek better and modern lives working with the Nigerian Railway and Police. Others like my Maternal Grandfather learnt artistry and raised their family in Kano or Kaduna. That was the age of dispersal. Some took bolder decisions and by sheer dint of hard work and intellect, got scholarships as espoused in her life story. My own father was part of this later overseas dispersal. She touched on the Civil War in her book and In the Joys of Motherhood, the hardship of the war and how a character, the young wife in a polygamous setting became a prostitute to eke her living.

In all her stories, the plight, challenges, and on few occasions the triumph of womanhood remained foregrounded. And just like her characters, she poured out her life in her biography which was a litany of endless challenges, of abuse and the courage to get beyond this.

She drew strength from her plight remaining focused on her work and eventually winning for herself literary laurels that adorn the African Writers Hall of Fame and most importantly made her one of the most celebrated female novelists – even outside Africa.

The truth is that Buchi was not celebrated as much as her male contemporaries. Like most situation whether work, sports or politics, women will need to work twice as hard to get the same kind of recognition as their male counterpart and when I say hard work, I mean brain hard work. When they fail especially in politics, it hits the media rooftops like the plight of President Park Guen -Hye of South Korea. It is important that women should know that they need to work harder in everything including integrity to achieve success and confront this knowledge with the actions required.

Constructive women support works and women icons, not feministic hysteria have opened doors for women through centuries and will continue to do so for a long time.

In the 19th and early 20th Century, the idea that a woman could vote or become someone greater than a housewife was atypical, not to mention vying for presidential election or becoming a president. With the progress women have made so far, I know that someday people will no longer have to write essays and novels propagating women’s rights - who knows, the focus may shift to animal rights.

So back to Buchi- how do we celebrate

the death of an illustrious daughter? The sound of the local guns will definitely be heard to herald her death and tell the people they have lost an illustrious daughter. Her children will have to get a big fat cow to her family – in a ceremony called IKPU ESHI. Not that the cow is a replacement for the loved one, but it is an opportunity to share from the bounty of the dead sister. The cow is killed and distributed to all in the Ogbe or village, with the titled men or Obis having the larger share followed by the men and lastly the women who take the Ukwu or lower end of the cow.

She will probably have the honour of the Okanga dance, largely for men, but also for women who have matured in age and status. Then there will be the IKPU NNU… We celebrate death because we believe it is a rite of passage into eternity. Buchi Emecheta would have had the colourful dances that flowed with this rite. She may have had the Egwu Aguba or royal dance from one of her in-laws to honour a wonderful mother-in-law.

Anyway, this did not happen in the UK. There were no traditional frills. Buchi had an English burial, with flowers, eulogies et. al. and from the pictures simple, very well attended and dignified burial too.

I have my own version of the burial rites.

I will pass by my family house and pick the dusty ‘The Slave Girl’ novel forgotten on the shelf. I will read this and give it also to my daughter, nieces to read. We must keep alive the names of women who have done greatly to highlight the narrative of the African woman and womankind. She told it simply and fearlessly. She transited quietly and fearlessly. We too have a responsibility to tell the woman’s story simply, but fearlessly.

30/ NEWS

17.03.2017

Stakeholders Highlight Importance of Music and Culture Mary Ekah Stakeholders in the music and entertainment industry have highlighted the vital connection between music, entertainment and culture. The stakeholders, who convened at the Lagos Airport Hotel for the first ever roundtable on Yoruba music, AriyaRepete, also commended Goldberg Lager Beer for the initiative, which they say signals a cultural rejuvenation among Yorubas.

In his keynote address, which focused on Juju and Fuji genres of music, Professor Tunde Babawale explained that the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba provided the foundation on which the music genres of Juju and Fuji are built. Babawale, a former Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, CBAAC, noted that the attachment of the Yoruba people of South-west Nigeria to music and celebration has earned them the appellation of “Owambe”, a reference to their love for ceremonies and celebrations.

He traced the origin of Juju music to the old Saro (Olowogbowo) quarter of Lagos where the genre emerged from ‘asiko’ music associated with “area boys” in the quarter and added that the genre also incorporated Brazilian Samba elements and the guitar style of Kru sailors from Liberia. According to him, the music of the culture such as Juju and Fuji has positively impacted every area of life of the Yorubas including the reduction of socio-economic tension and

Mary Ekah

L-r: Mr. Funso Ayeni, Patrick Olowokere, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, HRH Oba Babatunde Adetokunbo Awosunle; HRH Oba Adebinni Asoya, who represented the Ooni of Ife, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi; Sir Shina Peters and Mr. Emma Agu, at the event

the prevalence of religious tolerance.

A prominent Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1) thanked the organisers and speakers at the event for what he described as an educative initiative meant to preserve Fuji and Juju, vital aspects of the music and culture of the Yorubas. Sir Shina Peters, a frontline Juju musician also commended Goldberg for providing such a platform to discuss indigenous music and called on other corporate organisations to emulate the effort. Ambrose Somide, a radio broadcaster with Faaji FM and a panelist at the roundtable enjoined young musicians of Yoruba extraction to endeavour to sustain the genres for the promotion of the Yoruba culture.

While welcoming guests to the forum, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Nigerian Breweries’ Corporate Affairs Adviser, who was represented by Patrick Olowokere, the company’s Corporate Communications and Brand Public Relations Manager, disclosed that the AriyaRepete initiative was borne out of the company’s respect for tradition and values of the people.

The special guest of honour, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), the Ooni of Ife, who was represented by Oba Adebiyi Asoya, the Asoya of Ile Asoya Kingdom, reiterated the need to sustain the current cultural revival among Nigerians as championed

by Goldberg Lager Beer in the area of indigenous Yoruba music.

Pepsodent to Improve Oral Hygiene of 10 Million Children Mary Ekah

Leading toothpaste brand, Pepsodent, in partnership with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) has revealed plans to help millions of Nigerian families adopt the best oral health practices as it officially announced the kick off of its World Oral Health Day (WOHD) celebration last week in Lagos. World Oral Health Day is set aside globally to celebrate the benefits and impact of having good oral hygiene. This year’s announcement continues after Pepsodent Nigeria emerged first globally in the World Oral Health Day 2016 challenge ahead of 31 countries.

“We are proud of our partnership with Unilever Nig. Plc, who have made the success of the previous World Oral Health celebrations possible with their immense support towards oral health in Nigeria,” said Dr. Bode Ijarogbe, President of the Nigerian Dental Association, while speaking about the continuous partnership between Unilever and the National Dental Association.

“It is imperative to prevent oral diseases in Nigeria by ensuring people brush twice a day, every day. In addition to the fact that many people cannot afford dental care, statistics also shows that there are only about 4,125 registered dentists, i.e. about 40,000 people to 1 dentist.”

Oral diseases are the most common

L-R: Nigeria Oral Care Category lead, Unilever, Ibironke Ugbaja; Nigerian Dental Association President, Dr. Bode Ijarogbe; Head of Dentistry Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Mrs. Bola Alonge; and Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Akon Imoh during the event

diseases worldwide despite the fact many of them are easily preventable through brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Pepsodent is set to help Nigerians eradicate oral diseases with lined-up dental activities including: school programmes, health walk, community outreach, market activations and several other activities that will educate Nigerians on the many benefits and importance of brushing twice daily.

Speaking to the statistics that shows that 59 per cent of Nigerians do not brush day and night, Nigeria Oral Care Category Lead, Unilever Nigeria, Ibironke Ugbaja,

said: “We have through our efforts in the past seen the transformative impact that brushing twice daily has on the oral health of Nigerians. “Our goal at Pepsodent is to continue driving improved oral care practices for a cavity free smile Nigeria. We are also aware that healthy dental habits start in childhood, which is why it’s vital that the Pepsodent Brush Day and Night campaign reaches more children than ever before. We have reached over 2.5 million children in about 3,500 schools since the inception of the programme. Our goal is to reach 10 million children by 2020.”

Bakers Close Shop over High Cost of Raw Materials Godbless Eduviere Due to the current economic recession, the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) has expressed its displeasure on the high cost of baking materials that keep forcing members to close shops. This happened during the association’s first NEC meeting at Sagamu where the newly elected executives had appealed to the federal government to come to their aid.

Speaking at the meeting, National President of the association, Mr. Dominic Daniel Turi, stated that the association was making efforts to collaborate with government so that they can look into issues affecting bakery operation in the country, especially the high cost of flours, sugar and other baking ingredients.

He said, "we used to buy flour for N8, 000 but now it is N12, 000. The price of

NUPTE, PTECSSAN Tango over ZTE Nigeria Checkoff Dues

sugar was N6, 000 but now it is N20, 000; butter was selling at N6, 000, it is now N12, 000. So, we are appealing to government to assist the baking industry.”

He added: “The economic recession is seriously affecting the baking industry. In the northern part of the country, 65 per cent of the bakery industry has closed down and the remaining few are now baking doughnut. We (members of the association) all have responsibility to ensure that we work hard in building a sustainable industry in the association.”

In addition, the National Secretary of the Association, Hon. Jude Okafor, said, “the association has taken cognisance of the multiple challenges rocking the bakery industry, such as increment in the prices of baking materials and ingredients and promised that the association would explore every necessary avenue to assist its members

remain in business and in no distant time the newly elected executives would start delivering their mandate to the association.”

He added: “Actually, it has been a very worrisome development since the recession started in the country. The association has taken steps to cushion the effect of high cost of raw materials. We have asked our members to increase prices of bread between 10 and 20 per cent since last year. But along the line prices continue to soar and today most of our members have shut down. We have written to the Federal Government to intervene with some palliative measures to cushion the effect of high cost of bread production, which is a staple food in Nigeria. We have equally asked the FG to provide the association with starter pack of Bake Sure Improver, which is the improver that has helped us to add 10 and 20 per cent cassava flour without having any problem with the bread.

The current crisis plaguing some umbrella labour unions in the country is taking its toll on ZTE Nigeria Limited, as two workers unions pledging allegiance to Comrades Aliyu Wabba and Joe Ajaero respectively are laying claims to the company’s check-off dues. The unions – National Union of Postal and Telecommunications Employees (NUPTE) and Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) – have been at loggerheads, culminating in PTECSSAN, under Ajaero-led United Labour Congress, picketing ZTE Nigeria on Wednesday.

Lamenting disruption in the company’s operations, occasioned by the picketing, Country Human Resources Manager, ZTE Nigeria, Brielle Gao, said as embarrassing as the action was, PTECSSAN did not follow due process as there was no warning whatsoever to the company.

According to her, ZTE Nigeria has been remitting appropriate labour dues to NUPTE since 2011 because local staff of the company belonged to the union. She noted that for GTE Nigeria to embrace the change being sought

by PTECSAN, due process must be followed.

Debunking claims that the local staff had notified NUPTE of their intention to switch, Gao said, “the management contacted NUPTE immediately it received the mail regarding the changes, but we were told that they (NUPTE) are not aware of anyone leaving their union.

The law is very clear on the matter. Every individual member has to write to the union and copy the management if anyone desires to opt out of the union”. In a response to a PTECSSAN mail on the issue, Gao said “the management, as required by law and practice sought the comments of NUPTE towards the request of the staff of ZTE Nig Ltd. This request was made to NUPTE to avoid double payment that may result from NUPTE and they wrote to inform us that no such information has been given to them by any of the staff of ZTE Nig Ltd. They further insisted that remission of dues should be made to NUPTE.” She added: “while management does not intend to infringe on the right to freedom of association, it would take steps to protect the rights of others who may be forced to belong to where they do not want to belong”. Corroborating her views, Head of Department, Admin/Finance of NUPTE, Mary Nwosu, in a letter to ZTE Nigeria of 28th February, noted: “the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is in a better position to address this issue since it has taken a dimension of your organization receiving threats from an association on labour related issues.”

Cozy Concept Store for Launch Get ready to have your mind blown away with the imagination of walking into a lifestyle store that has all your needs, where you would see what you like and then the price likes you back and then you can have the pleasure of doing it yourself. Well, step out of your imagination into the brand new lifestyle store, Director, Cozy Choice Concept Cozy Concept. Where Limited, Bader you can get everything you need to make your space beautiful and cozy. The flagship store, located in the Lekki area of Lagos, is scheduled for launch on Saturday, March 25. Seasoned industry professionals incorporated Cozy Choice Concept Limited in Nigeria in 2017. The idea behind the Cozy Concept Lifestyle Store located opposite Lagos Business School, Lekki – Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos, evolved from the absence of affordable and international standard quality and designs furniture in Nigeria. Moreover, for the ease of purchase, assembly and transportation, the furniture are packaged as flat-packed (DIY) making it more cost effective for users. The concept will further reduce the need for imported furniture by solely producing in Nigeria.

The Director, Cozy Choice Concept Limited, Mr. Samir Bader, said: “We decided to be the solution by making everything easy; from purchase, to assembly and then transportation, the furniture are packaged as flat-packed (DIY) making it more cost effective for users. From the moment you purchase one of our affordable pieces, you know that you are buying authentic items. We are also online, so if you would like to order from our website www.cozy-concept.com, you can go right ahead. Our secure channels make payment and delivery seamless.

31/LIVING

17.03.2017

Emokpae-Lasisi Bounces Back with Virtual Summit Mary Ekah Known for her online solutions for women in business, Osayi Emokpae-Lasisi, with her wealth of experience, has created numerous business solutions that are mostly women friendly.

Known by her peers as the Virtual Queen, Osayi received acclaim when she founded the Money Making Mommies Academy in 2016. The project was created specifically for mothers who need help in their businesses.

Today, the project has over 2000 members worldwide. This time, she is back with what she calls, The Virtual Summit.

The virtual summit, the online mogul explained, is an online conference where one is able to get speakers from anywhere in the world to meet with audiences from anywhere in the world via the Internet. The platform, Emokpae-Lasisi said, was set up to help businesses create more affordable conferences online, saving the headache and cost of travelling across the country or around the world, adding, “It is also a way for businesses to increase their reach and get access to more potential clients from the convenience of their home.”

Explaining further on her new innovation,

Emokpae-Lasisi

she said the service would be free and accessible to anyone with access to the Internet, noting that, “the wonderful thing about

Virtual Summit is you can decide on any topic you want. So businesses can decide on a topic that will help to establish them as the pioneers in their industry. With the internet, you can reach people anywhere in the world with the message of what your business represents.”

The main benefit of a Virtual Summit is the convenience and the affordability. Anyone can get access to the information and to the speakers, without the additional expense of transportation and lodging. The platform is the first of its kind in Nigeria and is designed to have as many people on it at any given time. And anyone can join a Virtual Summit, just like anyone can create a Virtual Summit.

Emokpae-Lasisi, who is popular for creating solutions for women, especially mothers who want to escape ‘9 to 5’ jobs, was quick to note that the virtual summits she has created so far have been focused on helping women and moms to get access to the knowledge and skills they need to create profitable businesses.

“I’m also working with some clients to create their own virtual summits - these clients have their own niches and we are working on maximizing their reach and establishing them as leaders in their industries,” she said.

The platform, which she said was operational at the moment, has hosted several virtual summits in recent time. “The first summit I hosted came from a place of pain. I saw many moms suffering, and I wanted to help. I saw that many women were working in jobs that they hated, not necessarily because of the job itself, but because they desired to spend more time with their family, but they had financial responsibilities. So I created the first Virtual Summit to try to show them all the options that exist in the world. I interviewed over 20 experts from different parts of the world, and many experts here in Nigeria to show moms how to transition from employees to business owners,” she said. Some of the previous expert speakers in the virtual summits have been The Managing Director of LAPO Microfinance Bank, Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe; Online Course Expert, Stephanie Obi; Exquisite Magazine Founder, Mrs. Tewa Onasanya; and a partner with Averti Professional Managers, Inyang Sami-Orungbe. And there were over 2000 people in attendance. The response to the new innovation, the initiator said, has been encouraging, noting, “Already, some participants of Virtual Summit are giving good reviews about the online platform.

Fela Reawakens as Smooth FM Hosts Broadway Musical in Concert Great music never dies. It lives on after the last notes have fallen silent. Over the years, artistes have risen and fallen but very few have left our hearts still humming to their symphonies. One voice, which is indeed a music legend, is Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. In a chaotic world burdened with non-stop reformation, Fela's music was borne out of humanity and an overriding quest to influence the tide of the tempests tormenting civilisation. His melodies have over the years experienced persistent rebirth in several forms. The pioneering father of Afrobeat is as influential as the story of his extraordinary life. In celebration of this legend, Smooth FM is set to present the award winning Broadway musical 'Fela! The Concert', in Lagos from April 13 to 15, 2017.

The concert, which was conceived by iconic Bill T. Jones, will hold at the Eko Convention

Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Consisting a blend of Jazz, Funk, African rhythm and harmonies, the musical explores Fela’s controversial life as an artist, political activist and a revolutionary musician. It will feature series of his most captivating songs and imaginative staging hereby presenting a provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theatre. Starring cast members of the Tony Award winning Broadway musical, the shows promises Afro-beat music lovers and enthusiasts from all over the world unforgettable nights of dance and music by the late Afro-beat maestro. Tickets for the show are available on: Felatheconcertlagos. com, Quickteller, the Naija Ticket Shop and AfriTicket, Smooth FM Studios, Terra Kulture, Jazz Hole at Ikoyi and Ikeja as well as well as Eko Hotel Lobby.

SmartCab Set to Revolutionise Cab Services in Nigeria

Fela Reawakened in Concert

Fulfilling Dreams for the Widows

L-R: Mrs Chinwe Amarachi, one of the widows, President, Petty Widows Empowerment, Lady Christie Onwuzulike, and Lady Ngozi Obikili at the event.

Mary Ekah

SmartCab ambassadors; Muyiwa Ademola, Abolore '9ice' Akande, SmartCab Country Manager; Jubril Arogundade, at the recent launch of SmartCab in Lagos.

SmartCab, a taxi hailing technology company was recently launched in Nigeria at the Bespoke Centre, Lekki, Lagos State.

The company, which kicked off operations in Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Port Harcourt and Abuja, is targeted at providing comfortable and cost effective means of transportation for Nigerians across all socioeconomic status.

Speaking at the launch of the company, Jubril Arogundade, Country Manager, SmartCab,

said: "Our target is to make sure all Nigerians have access to top notch transport services while at the same time offering investors and partners an opportunity to generate revenue by joining our platform and converting their vehicles to income generating assets. We are an indigenous company initiated by young Nigerians with clear goals to empower other young people within the country.

Out on a mission to equip vulnerable women with the support that they need to re-gain their confidence and self-esteem as well as enable them to start a small business or get life skills and education that would empower them to fulfill their dreams, Petty Widows Empowerment recently gave out cash gifts to 50 widows in her community. Speaking at the event which was held at Adazinngwu community, Aniocha Local Government of Anambra State, the President of the organisation, Lady Christie Onwuzulike, said the organisation aims to create a platform that gives every widow an opportunity to achieve her dreams as well as to unlock their hidden potential regardless of their financial or social background.

“Our dream is to impact the lives of vulnerable women around the world. We want to help them get back on their feet again,” she noted. Speaking on what prompted her to empower the widows, Onwuzulike said whenever she goes to her village in Anambra State, most of the widows would

come to her requesting for one thing or the other and she would give them. This she said has prompted her to set up an organisation called Petty Widows Empowerment, adding, “Rather than giving them cash all the time it is better to empower them with enough capital with which they can use to start a business and they can fend for their families.”

Revealing her plans for the widows, Onwuzulike said she intend seeking for financial assistance from reputable organisations so as to enable her empower up to 100 widows.

“This year, I intend empowering 100 women by teaching them different skills”, she said.

While appreciating the fact that the Widowhood Right Bill has been passed into law in Anambra, Onwuzulike charged the state to focus more on implementation and enforcement of the law so that these women’s right will not be denied of them. Onwuzulike also enjoined other states to pass the Widowhood Rights Bill into laws so that widows will have rights over their inheritance.

32 / TRIBUTE

17.03.2017

Adinoyi-Ojo Onukaba: A Personal Reminiscene Tunde Olusunle As phone call after phone call woke me up in the early hours of March 6, 2017, my gaze was glued to my travelling bag on the left side of the foot of my bed. The bag had been lying there, packed, since the evening of Thursday, March 2, 2017.

It was an unending relay of calls from friends, colleagues, political associates, even family members.

Some were inquiries, some were confirmations, some were outright exclamations, yet some were lamentations.

My bosom friend, Adinoyi-Ojo Onukaba and I had spoken early that Thursday, and discussed the possibility of going to Abeokuta to attend ceremonies commemorating the 80th Birthday of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. We both served in the administration of the former helmsman and shared various levels of relationships with him.

Travelling together to places and events: formal, semi-formal, political, social, across the world had been a dominant feature of our relationship over the years. Indeed, Onukaba and I had both just returned from Makurdi, Benue State, Monday, February 27, 2017, after attending a string of events commemorating the ascension of a mutual friend of ours, higher up the rungs of the public service. And we rode in the same car. Tivlumun Nyitse my longstanding friend who is also a journalist, and Emmanuel Manger, the Benue State Commissioner for Works, were among our hosts.

Baba, as most of us Obasanjo protégés refer to the old man, would be delighted to see us, Onukaba and I reasoned. So we agreed to harmonise our travel plans so we could both go as our usual “tag team”, to the event.

Coming out of sleep Friday, March 3, however, I felt some pain on the sole of my left foot, as I stepped out of bed. I limped about for a while, hoping the pain will subside so I get some locomotional equilibrium. It didn’t seem to get better and I had to be seen by a pharmacist friend who prescribed PrimpexCortrimozole tablets and NCP cream, to manage the situation.

I quickly apprised Onukaba of my situation. I told him I will be utterly miserable and dysfunctional in the anticipated behemoth the Abeokuta function was most likely going to be. I told him that the way I was, I would not be able to wear smart, slip-on shoes and will be limping around in pain in that mass of human traffic, answering questions from friends. I imagine he was not happy we wouldn’t be in each other’s’ company on the trip. But he simply told me: “I understand. I will try to make it…”

By his itinerary which we discussed the Thursday before, he was to attend a meeting in Lokoja, Saturday, March 4, 2017 disengage therefrom, begin his road trip to Abeokuta, and pass the night on the way, so as to be in Abeokuta early enough on Sunday, March 5.

Thoughts of him kept tugging at my mind in the evening of Sunday, March 5. We hadn’t spoken in nearly two days which was most unusual. I was keen to know how his trip went, so I called his two lines repeatedly between 7:37 pm and 7:40 pm. The calls never connected. I called his wife, Memunat’s line as well. I excused it all to the perennially erratic telecommunications network which has come to be a part of our daily living.

Much as one call after another, in the early hours of Monday, March 6, repeatedly called my attention to facebook posts, tweets and headlines scrolling on the newsbar of several television stations, I could not bring myself to piece together the confounding puzzle.

I called Onukaba’s line, for some reason at 9:32a.m. that Monday, and somebody took the call. It dropped after 11 seconds. I remained unyielding and called again at 9:33 am, virtually barging through, this time around. I introduced myself and wanted to know who was at the other end. He introduced himself. He was a familiar person, a kinsman of Onukaba. He then narrated the tragic incident in a five minute conversation which seemed like eternity.

I had known Adinoyi-Ojo Onukaba by reputation, many years before I eventually met him. He had already earned for himself, a very formidable public image as a daring, fearless, brilliant, versatile and tireless journalist, way back in the early 80s, before some of us formally joined the profession.

We met in December 1998 on the Publicity Team of the Obasanjo Campaign Organisation, immediately he returned from his decade-long stint in the United States and the United Nations

Late Onukaba

system. We hit it off since that first meeting and we remained what soccer aficionados will refer to as “five and six”, in reference to the on-field inseparability of the central defence pair of a football squad.

Onukaba joined a team of some of the brightest and finest minds in the Nigerian media, who were working on the Obasanjo Project. Very ably led by the highly cerebral, experienced and urbane Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, the team included Chris Mammah, Farouk Omar Ibrahim, Segun Ayobolu, the late Femi Olatunde, Emeka Nwosu, Louis Okoroma and I. From that list of media professionals who drove and shaped public discourse on the Obasanjo agenda, Mammah and Onukaba were the very first to be appointed into the new administration. Vice President Atiku Abubakar who had a subsisting relationship with both men, which pre-dated the Obasanjo Presidential Project, wasted no time in naming Mammah and Onukaba his aides on Special Duties and Media, respectively.

It is to their credit that they unselfishly pestered and harassed the Vice President, to ensure accommodation for other members of the media team as deserving reward for their selflessness on the project. They created as much access as they could, to ensure we were not frozen out in the new scheme.

Once I read up the synopsis of his doctoral thesis in performance studies which focused on masquerade performances in Ebiraland, I nicknamed him “Masquerade”, an alias which stuck till his untimely end, among our friends. I argued that he had to be a masquerade himself to have been able to undertake such a seminal work!

The friendship between Onukaba and I bloomed and blossomed. We criss-crossed the residences and offices of our principals together, because of the relationships we savoured with them. We could begin our day together attending the Christian morning devotion introduced by Obasanjo upon his occupation of the Presidential Villa as early as 6:30a.m.; accompany the President to play his favourite game of squash; have breakfast with him and round up our day at the dinner table of Vice President Atiku Abubakar!

Onukaba’s first stint as presidential aide was very brief. He was soon appointed Managing Director of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, about August 1999. He thus became the third doctorate degree holder to head the media conglomerate, after Dr. Patrick Dele Cole and Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi.

Despite the occupationally-inspired geographical separation, we remained best of friends. October 19, 2002, Onukaba invited me to Benin City, amongst select friends, to take Rachael Akiomuado Ogirri, for a wife. It was a quiet ceremony, since Onukaba was just emerging from a not too successful union, consummated in 1999.

Onukaba returned to The Presidency June 2003, following his appointment by Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as Senior Special Assistant on Media, subsequent upon the inauguration of the Obasanjo-Atiku ticket for a second term. I was also re-appointed by President Obasanjo into the President’s Secretariat, to my old schedule, the Special Duties brief.

We had become brothers by this time and we

regularly discussed how the Kogi State presence in the Obasanjo administration, could be positively leveraged for the benefit of our state and our people.

We co-authored memos and correspondences to the President on sundry issues: socio-economic development; arts and culture (both of us being creative writers and culture activists); Kogi affairs and politics, and more. Way back July 16, 2014, Onukaba and I jointly wrote and signed a memo to President Obasanjo, recommending select deserving writers, scholars, journalists and activists, who had excelled in their professions, done Nigeria proud at home and abroad, and qualified to be conferred with national honours.

Top on that list was Prof. Chinua Achebe, who we recommended as eminently deserving of an upgrade from the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR, bestowed on him in 1979, to that of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, CFR, to bring him at par with Prof. Wole Soyinka.

Obasanjo approved our recommendation and adopted three other names, notably: Alhaji Alade Odunewu, Chief Segun Olusola and Mrs. Mabel Segun.

Onukaba and I visited Obasanjo one of these evenings like we usually did, to say hello to him, totally oblivious of the fact that Achebe had declined the honour and sent a scathing five-paragraph rejection letter, to the President.

If encountering the man in that fit of anger was not bad enough, Onukaba’s attempt to make light of the situation by telling Baba that we were his children and we deserved to have dinner with him, lifted the lid of his simmering rage. He chased us out and we both fled with our tails between our legs!

Yet, Onukaba was Obasanjo’s very good son. The typically witty old man would serenade Onukaba with his oriki on a good day. “Ojoken’keti’ele....

Ojo o siniile, omoadie da gba,’ a Yoruba praise song for Ojo, the young trouble-maker.

That encounter with Obasanjo on the Achebe issue, however, did not dampen our continued identification with and support for our primary constituency, the clan of writers, journalists, artists and all that. It was no surprise that some of the earliest calls I received bemoaning Onukaba’s untimely exit, came from literary luminaries like Prof. Femi Osofisan (Onukaba’s teacher at the University of Ibadan, and professional mentor); Prof. Olu Obafemi (my own teacher at the University of Ilorin) and the much younger Prof. Sunnie Ododo (my schoolmate in the University of Ilorin).

Onukaba and I were their regular “hosts-in-chief” whenever they visited Abuja for conferences, lectures, meetings and so on. We equally usually co-hosted Onukaba’s journalist “twin”, and co-author of Born to Run, Dele Olojede; Prof.

Gbenga Ayeni of the East Connecticut State University; Dr. Nduka Otiono who teaches in Edmonton, Canada; Steve Shaba the publisher and similar mutualfriends.

My family was his family, his folks were my people. He fondly called my wife, “Mama Tobi” in reference to my youngest child, Tobilola, whose christening he attended early in the life of the Obasanjo administration. And I used to remind him that in Yoruba land, mothers are most usually called by the names of their first children. His friends became my friends and by extension, my own friends became his.

Of course, he was my regular guest in Isanlu my hometown on several social engagements and get-aways from the hustle of politics in the capital.

Saturday, May 3, 2014, my wife and I, joined Onukaba’s many friends, associates and admirers at the interment of his mother, Hajiya Aishatu Onukaba, who died at 82.

When I was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Enyi ‘Oha of Ekenobizi, Abia State, April 2004, Vice President Atiku Abubakar didn’t prevaricate before nominating Onukaba to stand in for him at the event.

About a year later, in April 2005, we lost Onukaba’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Anna Ebikere Ogirri in a road crash between Okene and Lokoja, en-route Abuja and it was my turn to join our friends to the funeral in Esanland in Edo State.

In Onukaba’s 50th birthday tribute to me in 2015, perhaps the best gift I received from any friend on that milestone, he recounted just how gratified he felt when I was conferred with the title of Otunba Baba Eto in Ekinrin Adde, Kogi State in 2006. For him, it was a most befitting title given my organisational enthusiasm.

At the height of the animosity between the former President and his Deputy, which culminated in Onukaba’s forced resignation,

it was a compassionate Atiku Abubakar who, knowing that Onukaba was bereaved, and was managing a grieving and expectant wife, offered a palliative. He arranged for Onukaba, an all-expenses paid, three month break in the United States. Ebikere, his first daughter was born within that period. And as ever, I made out time to go and seek him out in Maryland.

We regularly hung out with Sunday Dare who was heading the Hausa Service of the Voice of America, VOA at the time, and several of our other friends.

Onukaba had his fair dose of rough times, trying to re-learn a country he left to pursue graduate studies in 1989 and which had changed so dramatically when he returned 10 years after.

He was a thoroughbred scholar, a seasoned journalist and a consummate theatre artist. He had a fair idea of how things were run in an orderly, sustained and systemic manner in the West. He equally had dreams and visions which I considered somewhat utopian and esoteric in our circumstances, and for which we regularly had friendly disagreements.

He remained eternally confounded by the duplicity, the chicanery, the debauchery, the malfeasance which characterised our day to day existence in these parts.

Onukaba was as plain as a white sheet of paper.

He was simple, straightforward, easy-going, and wouldn’t hurt a fly. He had no time for titular mystifications; he loathed exhibitionism and ostentation and the membrane of his alimentary canal was totally impervious to time wasting affectations. You would never find Onukaba introducing himself with his well earned “Dr.” title. He was that unassuming, that humble. He was just a jolly good fellow who loved his family, respected his friends, had an accommodating heart, loved to read and delighted in writing.

He was such a decent person.

He could not understand why, for instance the rift between his bosses in The Presidency, which consumed his job, equally incinerated the opportunity he had to own a house in Abuja.

Under the monetisation programme of the federal government, he had the right of first refusal over the house he lived in as Presidential aide.

He lost the accommodation in the deathly politicking of that milieu. His experience reminds us of that of the revered Dr. Stanley Macebuh, one of the standard bearers of contemporary journalistic practice in Nigeria, who also served in The Presidency at the same time as Onukaba.

Macebuh died March 6, 2010, in Abuja at the age of 67, unable to overcome the trauma of his broad-daylight ejection from the house he lived in, for nearly a decade.

Onukaba lost his beloved wife, Rachael on August 29, 2009, to cerebral malaria. She was just 32 and she left him with two precocious little children, Asuku, aged six at the time and Ebikere, four years old.

Onukaba trudged on without a wife and helpmate for six years. This was until he bowed to persistent pressures from family and friends to take a new wife. He consented and sometime mid-2015, I joined less than a dozen invited friends of his, to ask the hand of former Memunat Aliyu in marriage, in Kaduna. Like he explained, it had to be low-keyed, because it was his third marriage in 16 years, by no fault of his. The union was blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Onyeche, December 25, 2015.

As a journalist, his career spanned a most impressive 35 years, starting with his stint as a cub reporter in the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Lagos, in the course of his mandatory post-graduation one-year National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, between 1982 and 1983. He was subsequently on the pioneer staff of The Guardian, which hit the Nigerian newsstands with a thunderous bang in 1983, redefining the true essence of newspaper journalism in these parts. His editorial prolificity, tirelessness and professionalism, accounted for his rapid rise in the organisation, such that within six years of joining the staff, he was already News Editor of The Guardian on Sunday.

Between studying for his Master of Arts and Doctorate in New York University, he built-up his interest in creative and biographical writing and acquitted himself with his imitable authorial productivity. For the avoidance of doubt, Onukaba authored at least a dozen creative and non-fictional works, in his most eventful writing career, while many more were in progress, before his untimely demise. *Olusunle, journalist, poet and writer is a member of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE and the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA

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17.03.2017

Orji Assures Constituents on Projects, Allays Discrimination Immediate past governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia Central senatorial district, Senator Theodore Orji, has assured his constituents of his commitment to ensuring the presence of federal projects in all the communities within his constituency.

He also enjoined them to assist him in the area of identifying deficits for proper communication to the federal government in order to remedy them with all possible and timely expedition.

Orji who spoke through his Media Adviser, Don Norman Obinna during media chat with newsmen in Umuahia, said though projects would be shared evenly within the six local government areas that make up Abia Central, noting that preference would be given to communities facing menacing ecological problems like erosion gullies, landslide and road.

Peace Obi

Orji

This he said explained why Emede community in Umuhaia North Local Government Area got the largest share of the 10 constituency projects recently kicked off.

“As you must have noticed there is erosion

control in Umueze Road and also another erosion control in Umuakanu Road. We still have another ongoing erosion control in Umuagu Road with bridge as well as rehabilitation/reconstruction of Umuire-Udide-Umuodudu-Agbor Road all in Emede Ibeku community,” he said.

Orji added that erosion and road issues should be taken seriously as “affected communities are capable of being obliterated from the map of the country if urgent actions were not taken.”

He also assured communities yet to experience the ongoing development revolution in Abia Central to be patient adding that the projects being executed at the moment were the ones captured in the 2016 budget.

“There are other projects captured in 2017 budget, if accent is given, some of those communities are likely to be the beneficiaries,” Orji said.

Furthermore, the Senator asked those with complaints to feel free to bring such forward to him through his constituency offices adding that he believes strongly in Right Base Approach to development as that is the only way to meet the exact needs of the people.

On the allusion in some quarters that he has not properly put to adequate use the constituency project funds made available to him, Orji said such statement is not only unfounded but laughable and only exposed the ignorance of the purveyors.

“As a legislator, my responsibility is to identify deficits in my constituency and present them at the floor of the National Assembly.

“If assent is given, these deficits are domiciled in the relevant ministries and agencies for action. My duty is just to supervise the work, I neither nominate contractors nor partake in the execution of the project,” he said.

CPJ Rises in Defense of the Women

As part of its activities marking the 2017 International Women's Day (IWD), the members of Catalyst for Global Peace and Social Justice Initiative (CPJ), recently stormed the streets of Lagos on an enlightenment campaign, sensitising Nigerians on the need to stop every form of violence and discrimination against the women folks either in the home, work place, business and governance.

Stating that the IWD is a day women are celebrated all over the world, the Convener of the group, Catalyst Abraham Sam Aiyedogbon, hinted that it is also a day set aside to take a stand of positive action in defense of the women.

Adding that it is a common knowledge that in many parts of the world that women are mistreated and their rights sometimes trampled upon. Aiyedogbon who called on government to walk its talk in tackling the problem of gender disparity in government appointments, policy and decision making processes in the country, urged government to empower and promote right and equal access for women to every deserved position and office just like their male counterparts. According to him, it is the belief of the CPJ that if women are in strategic places of authority, there would be less corruption in the society.

Stating that it is against common sense to

Women marching the streets during the International Women's Day celebration in Lagos

discriminate and mistreat women, Aiyedogbon said that "every human being on earth was conceived and nurtured by a woman. Every president, governor, rich or poor was raised by a woman. When you mistreat women and deny them what is due them, the society and even the children cannot develop. But when we empower the women, support and promote their equal access to opportunities, we will see better development, better governance, and better society. So, this day, CPJ is standing with

every other people of goodwill worldwide in defense of women; asking for equity and equality,” he said.

Speaking also, one of the coordinators of the group, Mr. Biyi Adekoya said that CPJ as champions of human rights and social justice is determined to make the voice of the women heard.

And that as a course that enjoys international endorsement by the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS and other advocacy groups around the world, that CPJ is lending its voice to

say enough is enough for every form of violence against the women folks.

According Adekoya, "We say no to any form of violence or discrimination, whether it is physical violence, domestic, psychological violence, or even violence against the girl-child. And that is what we stand for and that is why we are here.

And because the United Nations stands against it, African Union and ECOWAS stand against it, we back them and we are saying it loud and clear that in every sphere of our society, there should be a consideration for equal opportunity for the women. In education, or in career line, the same opportunity given to men should be given to women, the opportunity given to young boys should be given to young girls."

Speaking on some cultures that sometimes relegate women to the background, Adekoya said that they are human made and are subject to change. "We are not saying that women are of the same strength with men; we are not saying that women have the same brain as men. Everybody is created uniquely and we are saying that let the women's uniqueness be celebrated and let no one discriminate against them. We need to celebrate the capacity of the woman to do beyond what man thinks he alone can do. She should be given the opportunity to express herself in fullness, she should be given the opportunity to be who God has created her to be,” Adekoya said.

Christian Women Praise God for Buhari’s Arrival The Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) has organised a special session to appreciate God for safe arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari and for stabilising Nigeria.

The one-day special session held at the Hoarse Methodist Church Cathedral, Sabo, Yaba, last week was attended by members from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States.

At the session, the guest preacher, Rev. Patrick Osuntoyinbo urged Christian women to positively influence their families and countries through prayers and life-saving programmes.

He explained that Christian women should utilise what he described as soft power to guide their husbands; intercede for the stability of Nigeria and work for her socio-economic development.

He, therefore, charged women to be consistent in creating enduring peace at all time whether at home, church or in the country, noting that they would contribute greatly in building a virile and strong nation by promoting enduring peace.

He said God naturally endowed women to be all powerful and ordained change agents, who he said, often influenced men to contribute

positively or negatively the growth of any nation.

He said: “If women want Nigeria to be great again, they will do more than prayer. Women can go extra mile to ensure their aims and objectives are realised and achieved by using their position to influence their husbands.

“Women can also influence their sons by instilling discipline and good values which are necessary in nation building. Such values can catapult Nigeria to an enviable position in the comity of nations.”

At the session, therefore, the women earnestly prayed for our leaders beginning from the

forgiveness of whatever sins and transgressions that might have been working against the progress of Nigeria.

They thanked God for His grace and mercy, which they said, brought satanic predictions to nothing and for answering prayers and supplications of the saints by bringing the president Buhari back alive.

They also thanked God for giving the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo the spirit of love and wisdom for holding forth successfully while the president was in the United Kingdom.

Women Urged to Shun Gender Equality Fight Peter Uzoho As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2017 International Women’s Day (IWD), Executive Director, Finance, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Mrs. Yemi Owolabi, has called on fellow women to desist from the growing fight for gender equality and balance.

Speaking in Lagos at a ceremony organised

by Deloitte Women Initiative, an association of Akintola Williams Deloitte female staff, to mark the global event, Owolabi stated that instead of fighting for gender equality, women should “push for gender neutrality”, noting that they (women), were created differently with unique skills.

Emphasising on the theme of the global event ‘Be Bold for Change’, she explained that being bold helps one to get past the glass ceiling.

According to her, “Many people who try to do big bold things in the world find out that it’s not about the money or technology: it’s about the regulatory hurdles that will try and stop you.” She noted that to be bold for change requires women to be fearless, daring, creative, outstanding, and

L-R: Member, Deloitte Women Initiative, Mrs. Juliet Vorster; Deloitte Partner, Mrs Ijeoma Onwu; Guest Speaker, Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi; CEO,Deloitte West Africa, Mr. Fatai Folarin; ED, Finance, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria and Guest Speaker, Mrs. Yemi Owolabi; Guest Speaker, Pastor Mrs. Bolarinwa Akinlabu; and Chairperson,DWI,Mrs. Bosede Odeloye, at the event in Lagos

self-driven, adding that for them to lead; they have to be passionate and adaptable.

“I don’t believe we should be fighting for gender equality. We’re very different, we have

unique skills. I think what we should push for is gender neutrality-that irrespective of my gender I’m able to do, and I’m able to deliver and then I get a space in the place. Because one of the

things is that you carry that feminine thing in your brain and then you begin to do a lot of things.

“And, there is nothing wrong with being a woman; it’s the way you carry yourself that makes you phenomenal: So the strongest action is for a woman to be herself, to identify herself and know who you are, and be proud about it.”

Being more specific to Deloitte women, she advised that based on the peculiarity of their job, they should strike a balance between their family life and work using the principle of multitasking and time management. She also enjoined them to be adaptable to change in all spheres of life-physical, social, political, religious and professional, noting that, that was also required as they advocate for change.

In a glowing appreciation for the roles played by the Deloitte women towards the growth of the company, Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte West Africa, Mr. Fatai Folarin, said the company had benefitted significantly through their personal effort, noting that they had won businesses for the company.

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17.03.2017

Ayade: Celebrating an Uncommon Achiever The thunderous applause from the crowd as well as accolades from elder statesmen and distinguished personalities at the 2016 Vanguard Personality Award were but a statement of support and acknowledgment of the befitting honour of Vanguard Governor of the Year Award to Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade. Peace Obi who was at the event, reports The Convention Centre of the Eko Hotels and Suits, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards 2016 which held over the weekend was filled to the brim with captains of industries, distinguished personalities and some top notch in the media industry. The hall which had its sitting capacity overstretched, saw a throng of supporters, admirers and observers that seem to suggest that Vanguard Board was not alone in the acknowledgement of the exceptional achievements of its 2016 Frontliners, but that it enjoys the people's backing.

In his remarks, the Publisher/Chairman, Uncle Sam Amuka, hinted that the Vanguard Personality Awards was instituted four years ago to celebrate exceptional achievers in the country. And that it recognises those who through hard work have left indelible marks of excellence in the society in the preceding year. Adding that though "2016 was arguably a challenging year in Nigeria with the economic recession and security challenges.

However, a few persons saw opportunities for growth and advancement in the midst of these challenges and emerged stronger."

According to him, these highly motivated individuals have shone through challenging times and have gone beyond their call of duties for the sake of service.

The 2016 edition, tagged ‘The Frontliners’ which marks the fifth edition of the Vanguard Personality Awards had 14 distinguished Nigerians recognised and honoured for their remarkable achievements in various fields.

The flagship award, 'Vanguard Personality of the Year' which went to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele was said to be in recognition of his unwavering focus on ensuring economic growth amidst present economic challenges.

Other categories of the awards include the Vanguard Businessman of the Year, Banker of the Year, Governor of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award. The Vanguard Governor of the Year, 2016 went to four governors Anambra, Mr. Willie Obiano; Cross River, Prof. Ben Ayade; Kebbi, Abubakar Bagudu and Lagos, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode. For the awardees, considered as the shining examples of good leadership, innovative approach to development, they were said to have adopted unique governance template worth emulating.

And on the ground to commend these icons of good governance and leadership with a difference, were some very distinguished personalities in Nigeria such as the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd); former Secretary General, Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Alhaji Isa Funtua, among others. Commendations flowed in from respected voices. Supporters including some troupes rolled out their drums to celebrate and sheer the achievers. Although not with any praise-singing group, the call up to podium of Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade left the hall with a deafening applause. Described by many as a silent worker, a promising politician, a resourceful person, a promise keeper, a rare occurrence of an intellectual in politics, among others showed a man whose leadership quality has won him the heart of his people, nay Nigerians.

In his remarks, Gowon urged other governors to emulate what he described as the welfarist policy of governor Ayade. According to him, "I say well done to Governor Ayade and I want all other governors to follow his example by taking care of their civil servants because civil servants are the custodians of any good work any governor or even president is doing."

Stressing the need for governors to pay attention to workers’ welfare, the former Head of State said, "It was because I paid attention to civil servants, and in return, they helped me implement my policies as Head of State.

For Ayade, I say well done to him and I

Ayade (middle), delivering his acceptance speech shortly after being conferred with Vanguard Best Governor of the Year 2016 Award. He is flanked by his wife, Dr. Linda Ayade (L), Senator Florence Ita Giwa (R), Senator Ali Modu Sherif (behind) and other well wishers at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos…recently

want others to follow his example not only by paying attention to the civil servants but the welfare and wellbeing of their people.

Let the people be the ones to say thank you Mr. Governor. The gratitude of your people is the greatest thing you have,” he said.

Also commending the governor uncommon feat within a short period of time, Anyaoku declared that "Governor Ayade is clearly one of the best performing governors in Nigeria today. He has kept faith by paying salaries regularly to workers. I am glad to see that he was recognised by Vanguard Newspapers for the award. I will want to encourage all the governors to emulate him and pay greater attention to the management of the resources in their states and to set the right priorities by developing infrastructure, welfare of their workforce and development of greater capacity

The call up to podium of Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade left the hall with a deafening applause.

Described by many as a silent worker, a promising politician, a resourceful person, a promise keeper, a rare occurrence of an intellectual in politics

for their internally generated revenues. They should also pay attention to agriculture,” Anyaoku said.

And describing it as an unusual characterisation for the combination of academics and politics and emerging with astounding results, the former South West Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode Geroge, said that "Ayade is a typical intellectual who works and knows at the back of his mind way back while he was a senator that the centrepiece of politics is the people and I am so happy that he has portrayed that."

Stating that Ayade is a kind of leader Nigeria needs at the national level, George disclosed that the governor's achievements so far, is just but the beginning of the greater results to be delivered by the PDP governor. And that the party is very proud of the governor whom he said is a silent worker and a very loyal party member. "He is unique and very resourceful. With what he is doing like what you have heard other people say about him, he will take Cross River to greater heights.

And with meager resources, he has not failed to pay salaries. We must go and find out what methodology he is using. This is the kind of people required at by the country at the national level. He is a silent worker, a very committed and loyal party member.

We (PDP) are extremely proud of him as a member of our party. This is the only PDP governor awardee tonight. I want to thank the people of Cross River for giving him the opportunity to be able to do his work,” he said.

Speaking also, the former National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, said he was proud of Ayade for making the party proud.

"When Ayade wanted to run as governor, I told him that 'you know I am from Cross River, so I am looking forward to seeing the

best in you in the interest of those who elected you' and there is no doubt that he is making me proud. I was in Calabar a week ago and from what I saw regarding the infrastructure and the report I got, I am satisfied. I'm the father of all of them. Ayade should continue the good work he is doing,” he said.

In his remarks earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke said, "Governor Benedict Ayade left no one in doubt that by the time he is through with Cross River, Cross River will never remain the same. He has defined an agenda that left every Cross Riverian breathless. He is not satisfied with where the state is at the moment and he is determined to take it to greater heights and make it an iconic state in the comity of states in Nigeria."

And presenting the award to Ayade amidst the largest entourage on the podium, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa said that the thunderous applause by Nigerians from different parts of the country when the governor was called out to receive the award was a sign of acceptability of a man who is well appreciated and loved by his people.

In his acceptance speech, Ayade who expressed his gratitude to the organisers said that though the award was a recognition of his effort at repositioning Cross River State, "it does not make much meaning to me, especially when my people are still wallowing in lack and want. How can I receive an award when my people of Bakassi are homeless in their own country? How can I receive an award when my people of Bakassi are stateless in their own country? This is why I will know no rest until they are accorded the dignity they deserve as a people. However, I receive this award with the singular fact that it is a further call for me to sit up and do more,” Ayade said.

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17.03.2017

Sisi-Oge: 10 Years of Promoting Africa’s Values Worldwide No. 1 Heritage Solutions’ most exclusive cultural event, My Heritage My Pride & Sisi-Oge (The Pride of Africa) cultural pageant will hold its 10th edition on March 26. Its founder, Idris Aregbe, in this interview with Mary Ekah, talks about the journey so far, the driving force behind the 10-year-old concept, the challenges so far and more What special activities do you plan for your 10th anniversary?

Apart from the fact that we have always been known to promote African values through music, dance, pageantry, art exhibition and festivals, this year, we are celebrating 10 years of promoting the African culture and heritage and our word is our bond. We are also boosting our content, having planned it for about two years. Over the years, this cultural event has garnered value and attained premium status promoting cultural values export and the celebration of unity with focus on youths connecting them with their roots. We will be sharing the African story, culture and values to our pertinent audience through various activities, performances and displays. Foreigners never tell the African stories rightly. We charge Africans to brace up, telling the genuine African stories to the rest of the world. There is absolutely nothing wrong with our culture, what is wrong at times is people’s presentation of our cultural values. To display rich cultural content, cultural performers should research thoroughly about the culture they plan to represent and having in mind that you are also competing with other cultures across the world. So we need to take our time for adequate and proper branding presentation in other to wow our audience and the world at large. All is set for the grand finale with 22 beauties contending for the Sisi-Oge title. A platform that affords contestants the opportunity of experiencing capacity building sessions in financial literacy and entrepreneurship, etiquette grooming, poise, communication, emotional intelligence, all these qualities are targeted towards empowering, engaging and re-driving them to attain excellence in their future endeavours. We will be honouring 10 personalities with prestigious Heritage awards.

The event promises to be exciting with lots of cultural performances, music, drama and side attractions. We unveiled our new logo a couple of weeks back and the star prize of a saloon car and other fantastic prizes.

countries in the last 10 years through creativity and consistency. There are ongoing plans for an African Youth Cultural Heritage Exchange Programme in partnership with the AD King Foundation, Atlanta Georgia, USA. This year, members of the Martin Luther King Family, with Mrs. Naomi King as the head of the American delegation, will grace the occasion of the 10th anniversary. The future for us is hosting My Heritage My Pride & Sisi-Oge in other African countries and building more cultural exchange partnerships.

What in the first place sparked off your interest in this unique kind of pageantry?

I am not just a pageant promoter but also someone who believes in the African value, identity, and pride. So being able to groom and crown a cultural ambassador is an avenue that will bring my belief to bear. And that is why we have put that as part of our concept to raise beauty queens that would compete and become cultural ambassadors who would go round the world and preach our culture and impact their generation. That is the whole essence of it.

When and where is the event taking place?

The grand finale of this epoch making event is slated for Sunday, March 26, 2017 at the Civic Centre Victoria Island, Lagos.

It’s been 10 years of promoting the African culture. Would you say it has met your expectations?

I think the first thing to have in mind is that life is not a bed of roses and whatever you have to do, do it right. The Almighty God has been our cornerstone and we are quite hopeful for the future. And that is the reason we are here today. Organising a cultural event of this magnitude for 10 years in this country is not an easy task. We have seen a lot of people come up with different concepts but within a short period they just fade out; but we have been able to stand through the years in spite of the challenges we were confronted with.

We have always had the controversy surrounding pageants in Nigeria, how have you been able to remain afloat for 10 years?

We have not been involved in any controversy over the years and that is because when you promote African values, you must be able to stand by it. Some of the reasons why we have a lot of problems in this country today, is because we are losing our culture, values and identity but if you stand by these, you should be able to know the son or daughter of whom you are and where you are coming from. We are losing these things because people are not going towards that direction.

Talking about promoting African culture, are you focusing on a particular tribe?

Over the years, we have produced nine beauty queens and if you look at the demography of these beauty queens you will realize that majority of them are not from Yoruba land. Ours is about promoting African values, culture and identity regardless of ethnicity.

How has the pageant impacted on those who have participated in it over the years?

It had helped young ladies discover themselves and has also bridged the cultural awareness gap. Well over 4,000 ladies have passed through Sisi-Oge. I can tell you that they are all doing very well in their career and private life.

Aregbe

For 10 years, you have been surrounded with beautiful girls of all shapes and shades.

Don’t you feel tempted at times and how have you been able to cope?

Like I said, it has been 10 years of labour and excellence. Based on this, the management has been able to separate business from distractions. That has been our strength over the years. When we talk of values, we must also be seen representing those values. That is

what our fathers grew up with in our society.

It helped them and it’s also helping us too.

The essence of the pageant is not to mess around with the girls but rather prepare them for the challenges ahead in life.

After 10 years, what do you look forward to?

The good news is the international partnerships we have entered into. We have been able to export our culture and values to other

This is a huge concept, so do you have government support?

Yes, we have the support of Lagos State Government. They support us financially and in other ways too. And I don’t think anybody will have an issue in getting government support in whatever you do, in as much as you know what you are doing and then doing it well while adding value to people’s lives.

Apart from promoting culture and Sisi-Oge pageant what else do you do?

I am an Entrepreneur cum politician.

36/COLLAGE

L-R: Brand Promotion Specialist, Afmobi Group Inc, Uzoigwe Emeka Michael; Head, Digital Branding, Nobel Carpets and Floors, Adekoya Kazeem; Nollywood Star, Belinda Efua; and Head, Brand Communications, Afmobi Group Inc, Victor Onwudiwe at the premiere of the movie ‘anniversary’ hosted by Afmobi Group Inc in partnership with Nobel Carpets and Floors in Lagos... recently

17.03.2017

(L-R) Oyinkan Adewale, Executive Director, Union Bank; Emeka Emuwa, Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank; Ifeoma Fafunwa, Chief Creative Director, iOpenEye Ltd.; Kandolo Kasongo, Executive Director, Union Bank and Lola Cardoso, Head, Group Corporate Strategy, Union Bank, at the International Women’s Day celebration event in Lagos....recently.

Pa Olusegun Adeyinka being supported by his wife Mercy and children to cut his 80th birthday cake in Lagos...recently

L-R ; Group CEO,Econet, Joseph Hundah; MD ESPN International, Russell Wolff; Econet Group Founder ,Strive Masiyiwa and General Manager, ESPN – EMEA, Charly Classen at the launch of exclusive sports channel on Kwese TV Bouquet,....recently

Chairman, Unity Hospitals Group, Lagos Sir (Dr) Charles Oladeinde Williams KJW(left) being anointed by the Archbishop of Lagos, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Revd Luke Odubanjo at the 2017 Diocese of Ereko and Lagos Methodist Church Nigeria’s Love Feast Thanksgiving Service in Lagos...recently.

The couple, Mr.and Mrs. Ekene Amobi flanked from left Grooms father, Prince Pius Amobi, Uncles Mr. Denis Amobi and Mr. Innocent Amobi at a wedding ceremony in Enugu.... recently

37/THISLIFE

17.03.2017

Late Ogbemudia

‘Ogbemudia, as a Person, was Warm and Humane’ Tommy Odemwingie I khian ya ghe, I khian ya ghe Edo mmwnen n’Oba ye I khian ya ghe O I khian ya ghe Edo mmwnen n’Oba ye Edo mwen n’Oba Ye O ehia khin evbo mwen n’Oyinbo Wa gunmwen kponmwen Ogbemudia mwen n’erha mwen O Oy’Edo mwen khin evb’Oyinbo Meaning: I am going to behold Benin; I am going to behold Benin, abode of the Oba I am going to behold Benin; I am going to behold Benin, abode of the Oba Benin, abode of the Oba, has turned to into a modern city Join me in applauding Ogbemudia, our father He has turned Benin into a modern city The above lyrics of Miki Jaga, a once-popular Benin musician, reinforces the popular impression that people have of Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia: a visionary and enterprising person, who, during about nine years’ spell as military governor of the old Midwestern region, touched practically every sphere of human experience and transform the physical terrain of the state.

Not surprisingly, his greatness has been located in the realm of governance, notably his capacity to address the needs of the people of the present Edo and Delta states through provision of widespread infrastructure. For example, in 1968 the Ogbemudia administration established close to 50 secondary schools in different parts of the state.

However, there was the person of Ogbemudia, who died on 9 March 2017 – shorn of a military uniform and the paraphernalia of the numerous political offices he occupied – which only those who encountered him at

close range knew.

At the burial of my father in 2006, I was pleasantly surprised to be visited by the former governor, accompanied by Paul Omoruyi, my former colleague at NTA Benin. He had some kind words to say about my father, who was a long-standing political loyalist.

The first visual encounter I had with Ogbemudia, a retired Brigadier-General of the Nigerian army, was in 1968 at the Police Grounds, which is the present location of the headquarters of the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, off Sapele Road in Benin City. As the military governor of the Midwestern region the, one of the member of his personal security outfit was Nicholas Uselu, who had been my teacher at Apostolic Church Primary School, Urhonigbe, in Orhionmwon LGA of present Edo State, a couple of years back. Nicholas, who was more known by his “guy” name of Tahiti, had enrolled in the army during 1967.

Like other school children of my days, I had trekked the distance from Uselu-Lagos Road to the Police Ground to watch one of the series of athletics competitions that the place hosted while Ogbe Stadium was under re-construction. In the interim, a temporary stadium for football games was erected at Kings Square. Who wanted to miss the theatrics of Kingsley Okunbor, alias Peejerito (who later became a wellknown insurance broker in the state), for his all-round skills in the short distance and football, firs for Edo Boys’ High School and later Edo College? Who, indeed, wanted to miss watching Godwin Obasogie, alias Lingo, over 110 metres hurdles, who would go on to win the gold at the 1979 African Athletics championship; Edward Ofili, who won the gold in the 200 metres event? Other folk heroes included Sunny Izevbigie, who later won the Challenge Cup with Bendel Insurance in 1972 and the All-Africa Games soccer gold with the Green Eagles in 1973.

I literally broke the security protocol, albeit with trepidation, to re-unite with my teacher

and to inform him that I had secured admission to Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, while his principal officiated the sporting extravaganza that was unfolding on the makeshift tracks.

However, exactly 20 years later, in 1988 – by which time I had attained a respectable height in my chosen journalism career -- I was no longer viewing him with awe from a distance, but eating lunch with the great military man at his Iheya Street residence. I was riding in the same car with the former chair of the National Sports Commission and Nigerian Railway Corporation between Benin and Lagos and between Benin and Uromi; and exploring a publishing business with him.

That was when I experienced the raw down-to-earth quality of the man. When he noticed my shyness, which bordered on outright timidity, he shouted a military-type instruction that I get on the dining table.

Lunch done, we headed for Lagos. This was around 3.00 PM. When I drew his attention to the spectre of doing a night journey on a highway that has always been littered with different kinds of danger, he looked straight at me and blurted: “Do you realise that I am an army general?” It was a piece of assurance that assuaged my fear and soothed my nerves. My mind then went back to how his bravery during the Nigerian Civil War saved his people from humiliation.

As the journey progressed, I saw another – the comic -- side of the two-time governor.

He told the story of a kabukabu driver in Benin during his second spell at the helms in the then Bendel State. The car in which he was being driven -- on one of the many occasions when he would move about incognito -- crashed into the kabukabu. The offended driver came out of his damaged car to confront his (Ogbemudia’s) driver, at which point the governor tried to call the man to order, so the issue could be resolved amicably. The man replied: “Even if you are Ogbemudia, I will not listen to you until you have fixed the damage to my car. This is the source of

my livelihood.”

Then, according to Ogbemudia, he revealed to the agitated man: “It’s Ogbemudia that you are actually talking to right now. Look at me properly.” Then reality downed on the man. He then went into prostration and kept saying: “God has buttered my bread.

My father, do whatever you wish. God has answered my prayers.” True to the man’s proclamation, Ogbemudia arranged for the man’s rickety vehicle to be replaced.

After initially restraining myself from laughter, I eventually succumbed to it. Several other wisecracks followed that made the trip one of the most pleasurable that I have had on the road.

However, yet another incident occurred just before we got to Ijebu-Ode. A young couple with a month-old baby were having problems with the car in which they were travelling from the East to Lagos. Ogbemudia asked his driver to stop to see what assistance they could be given. “These people are in trouble,” he muttered. When it occurred to him that the car could not be readily fixed, he suggested to the man to allow his wife and baby to go in his car. “You and your driver can sort yourselves out,” he told the man. “If robbers descend on you and family, it won’t be funny.”

Having assisted the man to get his car off the highway into a safer place, mother and child were taken to Lagos and dropped off at the Ilupeju, off Ikorodu Road before the former governor headed to his Ikoyi residence.

I was relaying this incident one day in 2004, 16 years later, when Dr. Leila Madueke, a colleague on the USAID-funded COMPASS (Community Participation for Action in the Social Sector) project, shouted that she was the woman with the little baby!

The man was humanely generous. If he gave you an assignment, without your asking, he was sure to give you the resources to work with. ·Odemwingie is a former Features Editor of The Guardian

38/OPINION

17.03.2017

ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS

Email: adeola.akinremi@thisdaylive.com

Tel 08116759785(sms only)

Peterside

Peterside’s Patriotic Duty at NIMASA I am borrowing from Bill Gates today. No, not from his $86.7 billion.

A few years ago in Nivasha, Kenya, a friend introduced me to the way Gates thinks.

We were working on a global public health protection project that Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will later provide fund for in Africa.

For every polio vaccine Gates pays for, he wants to see progress by pie chart and bar chart. It is the same with all his investments.

The returns on investment for the Microsoft founder and the number one world billionaire is by the numbers. Where is the curve ascending on the chart for those using the vaccine is one frequently asked question by Gates?

True, after following gatesnotes—a personal blog, where Gates shares his dos and don’ts (now for six straight years), I see a man who truly follow the money.

There’s a Gates think-alike in Nigeria. Like Bill Gates, Dr. Dakuku Peterside who’s leading the maritime sector reform under the Buhari government also likes to measure success in terms of direct impact, in graphs and in percentages.

To be perfectly honest, the stunning gains and incredible progress at the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), superintended by Peterside, brought back my Naivasha memory and learning from Gates.

Incredibly stunning and fantabulous figure of gains in just one year that Peterside arrived at NIMASA is one positive way we can look at the Buhari government.

As a handy reminder, NIMASA was broken and bruised, flat on its belly and ready for the hearse-man before Peterside went in to resuscitate it in March last year.

Once riddled with stories of corruption, inefficiency and bottleneck, NIMASA has come out of its ashes.

If you wonder how, NIMASA has returned solely to its regulatory function, departing from the sinful world of cash and carry business, where transaction replaced regulation and maritime administration became almost non-existent.

Narrowing down, NIMASA reduced rate of sea accidents by 51 per cent in just 10 months—a record that has now animated countries like the United States to send envoy to NIMASA for partnership.

One other good news. The sad stories about piracy have gone down dramatically since Peterside took office. Data from agencies working in collaboration with NIMASA showed a significant reduction in pirate activities by 60 per cent in the first quarter of 2017. Leadership.

In a bold move common with reformers, Peterside also reached for the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act, also known as Cabotage Act that has gathered dust over the years with no serious implementation of its content.

And with the Cabotage Act’s implementation in full swing, it’s like open heavens for the indigenous players who have long been shoved aside by the foreign oil tankers and international oil companies.

At NIMASA, Peterside is not re-inventing the wheel, he’s simply a cautious and conscious reformer, who is going back into the book and applying necessary force to make things happen.

For instance, since 2003, the Cabotage Act has been there just like a currency with no potency and those who should benefit by it remained handicap in the face of oppression, even as their businesses faced extinction for lack of patronage.

A protectionist law that seeks a prosperous path for the Nigerian shipping companies operating in the coastal areas, the law stipulates that vessels trading on the nation’s coastal waters must be owned and crewed by Nigerians. Such vessels must also be built and maintained in Nigerian shipyards.

It is ridiculous that such law will gather dust for years under the former managers of NIMASA. For his reform, Peterside’s mindset is fittingly captured here: “The characteristics of a nation’s maritime sector can be seen as a microcosm of that nation. If the national characteristics include a lack of political and/or public consensus over governance, insufficient political competition, capability deficits, or deficient public administration, the maritime sector will likely share these characteristics.

By the same token, improvements to maritime governance, law enforcement, and safety may have a positive impact on citizens far beyond the maritime sector, through enhanced livelihoods and food security, improved access to goods and services, or freedom from fear.”

In a 49-page report released in December 2010 on maritime sector reform by the United States of America, those words are uplifting for me, knowing NIMASA is no longer the same.

What more, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) now has a renewed interest in Nigeria, because of Peterside’s reform.

Equally, Peterside strong performance is located in the ease of doing business. A lover of e-anything, the swift automation of processes and devolution of power with creation of zonal offices at NIMASA is reducing time spent and removing the middlemen from chain of transactions.

“In information driven age that we live in, access to information definitely enhance operations of any maritime administration.

Within six months in office, the Peterside-led management has upgraded Nigeria’s subscription of the Lloyds list intelligence to a full bouquet which is beyond the previous capacity of the sea searcher and this now guarantee unfettered access to current data in the maritime industry. This has improved on the volume and value of data available to Nigerian maritime stakeholders,” the agency explained.

By the way, that is a good omen for Nigeria and something to cheer Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Coordinator and Secretary to the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), who has been unhappy about Nigeria’s current World Bank ranking of 169 out of 190 countries in the Ease of Doing Business.

Indeed, after spending years in government in strategic roles as advisor and as a ranking lawmaker, who served as Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), where he had the oversight responsibility on strategic national oil and gas establishments such as Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), nothing less is expected of Peterside.

Last year, when he was appointed as Director-General of NIMASA, I remember a few lines I wrote (NIMASA’s Silver Lining is Peterside’s Golden Opportunity, April 1, 2016) here that “Buhari’s administration needs stars that can help build the tumbling confidence of Nigerians in the government and Peterside is now strategically positioned to be one of those

stars.” I made it clear that with clear vision, “Peterside can take advantage of his work at NIMASA—where his appointment provides a silver lining for the troubled agency—to join the rank of these unforgettable skilled reformers.”

Now, it’s exciting to know that Peterside is having gold lining. He’s surely one of the superstars of this government.

His works so far has placed him in the rank of the unforgettable reformers like the late Dora Akunyili, who moved the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) from a comatose agency to a first-rate agency with global appeal.

I’m certain that the likes of Nuhu Ribadu, whose work at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues to be a reference point many years after leaving the office will be proud of Peterside.

And this, I cannot think otherwise that Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who reset Nigeria’s balance sheet as Minister of Finance during Olusegun Obasanjo presidency will be full of praise for Peterside.

I know that the current governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, whose efforts at the Bureau of Public Enterprise and as a Minister of the Federal Capital Territory transformed those offices will be happy that someone like Peterside is all Buhari deserves.

Of course, people like Akinwunmi Adesina, whose reform in agricultural sector made many young people to rethink farming and return to farm; Oby Ezekwezili who brought new dimension to due process in Nigeria; Charles Soludo, whose banking recapitalisation rule during his time at the Central Bank saved depositors from depression, and Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a reformer who doubled as a whistleblower in the government he served will all be proud of Peterside’s patriotic duty on Burma Road that is making maritime business come alive again. It is the way of reformers, they look out for others who share their traits.

This April, Peterside who is making current push to earn Nigeria the Category C level at IMO Council, will host the conclave of heads of African Maritime Administration in Abuja.

In just one year, it’s hats off for Peterside.

Follow me on Twitter:@adeolaakinremi1

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Arik Air: The Case for Vibrancy In this report, Henry Osazuwa takes a critical look at the recent takeover of Arik Air by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria and the imperative for a viable financial market in Nigeria

Arik Air is an indigenous airline in Nigeria with highest domestic flights, and fledging international air traffic. In 2016, the airline industry was rift with speculations that Arik was in financial crisis but in September, in an interview with CNNMONEY, the CEO of Arik Mr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide refuted the speculation of financial crisis, claiming rather that Arik group made profit of $6-$7million in 2015, purporting that the Company is solvent. A few months later, March 2017 to be specific, AMCON lend credence to the speculation, when its appointment of receivership over Arik hit the national news.

Official allegation for the receivership was that Arik Air could no longer pay staff and creditors. In Nigeria, when a Company’s debt burden outweighs its asset to the extent it can no longer meet debt obligations, that Company is said to be insolvent. A state of Insolvency leads to the appointment of a receiver or receiver manager under the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

The appointment of a receivership under CAMA is either through the court of law or by operation of contract between the parties. The primary duty of a receiver or receiver manager is to take over business on appointment; and either wind up operations and apply assets in paying creditors or manage business in the interest of the company and creditors. The twist in Arik’s case is that AMCON is statute body claiming statutory powers to interfere and take private businesses on grounds unrelated with violation of the law, thus about the 3rd of March, 2017, it announced the receivership and takeover of Arik Air on grounds of “heavy financial debt burden” and “reckless corporate governance.”

It is doubtful whether the State has the right to take over an entirely private property on grounds of insolvency, but for national economic interest, an intervention was a necessary move to keep Arik from grinding down, assuming it was actually insolvent. A rescue may have come from financial market activities if a viable market existed in Nigeria, unfortunately what seems to be in existence has no viability.

The economic reasons that prompts an

intervention in a situation like this is first, that the Nigeria international air route is highly viable according to the World Bank on International air traffic, ticket purchases to and from Nigeria in 2015 was approximately $3.3billion; absence of a Nigeria carrier or Nigeria indigenous airline denies Nigeria of the economic benefit of this market created by them.

Though this size represents 0.48% of world’s air transportation revenue to global GDP, it constitutes a sizable market in Nigeria currently enjoyed by foreign international airlines. Not to intervene leaves the entire opportunity to foreign benefit whereas the question of intervention would have been a non issue considering the air traffic business viability, if there was a viable financial market in Nigeria.

The other reason is that the demise of Arik will increase the high unemployment currently in the Country, and further depreciate contributions to the national GDP. The presence of a national carrier or an indigenous airline should serve the economy well and contribute to poverty alleviation.

Any intervention serves the purpose of preventing a grinding down, although in-

AMCON alleges reckless corporate governance as one of the reasons a receivership was appointed, but any keen observer will hardly be surprised at Arik’s debt burden first, because of the Nigeria harsh investment environment, high volatility in FX rates, unpredictability in government positions

tervention other than government’s, would have occurred in a negotiated process but the absence of a viable financial market in Nigeria makes it doubtful that there would be an investment into a potentially insolvent Company in the absence of Mechanisms of trade allowable by legal instrumentations to advance trade by permitting investments in circumstances that are otherwise precarious.

The government intervention is a recent phenomenon known as government bailout, and does occur to forestall liquidation of an enterprise critical to the economy. Government bailout does not takeover businesses, but could enforce regulatory policy. Bailout as a trend started with globalisation, as nations equate their share in global opportunities with contributions they make to global market growth. Thus intervention secures a country’s comparative advantage and not otherwise. Hopefully AMCON will not take over Arik because to do so will be counter intuitive and begs the question of the protection it seeks to accomplish.

Arik air has the largest local airline handling more than 50% of domestic traffic, its International traffic which has more potential for profit, and access to direct foreign exchange, is still a fledgling upstart.

And it won’t be surprising that Arik was already investing and researching on strategies to constantly adjust itself to a position of maximum benefit from its international operations. To achieve that position requires vision, effective competitiveness, research and development, all of which entails risk that only the entrepreneurs or investors should sanction. A receivership is not by the nature of its appointment prepared for the risk, neither should the risk be taken under receivership, unless the Receiver is combining rules as investor/receiver which is not possible in Nigeria because of the laws.

AMCON alleges reckless corporate governance as one of the reasons a receivership was appointed, but any keen observer will hardly be surprised at Arik’s debt burden first, because of the Nigeria harsh investment environment, high volatility in FX rates, unpredictability in government positions. Further, the recession can have a debilitating effect on cash flow that a business focused on international competi-

tion can grind under the weight of cash insufficiency. To make matters worse, Arik, and probably, other enterprises with similar challenges have no means of mitigating the environmental impact that a viable financial market would have provided.

It could be argued that as an international airline, Arik should have sought international hedge to protect its exposure to a volatile market like Nigeria, but that argument is mute, and only academic because the same absence of structure in Nigeria will discourage any speculative investment that Arik would have entered to cover the volatility. Arik was stocked in its plight!

Assuming, for the sake of argument that Arik air was shoddy with corporate governance, its shoddiness may only have exposed its ownership to a takeover bid that investors may already have started to target (considering the airline market viability) through tender offers, arbitrages, speculation etc. Or the Internal dynamics of Arik could play to instigate restructure or reformation.

The hallmark of a viable financial market is its fungible power and predictable environment which give impetus to investment and creativity, and in the process the market becomes liquid absorbing trends and offering opportunities like those that could come off of Arik’s supposed reckless corporate governance.

Government’s interference in business is highly objectionable, and counter intuitive, except to the extent of handing a life-support to a submerging business entity often as loan; therefore it is imperative that the interest of AMCON does not go beyond stabilising a rocking Arik Air. Management under receivership may owe Arik and its creditors a fiduciary obligation, its circumstance of appointment divest the receivership of the burden of commitment a risk venture may demand of its investors.

The most burden, under the circumstances of a receivership is a liability for gross negligence.

- Osazuwa Esq., a Legal Financial Services Specialist, is based in the USA Email: Henry.Osazuwa@law.nyls.edu TeL: 08082409096 (text only)

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017

CITYSTRINGS

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

Keeping Fit with Keto The Ketogenic lifestyle has aided men and women improve their well-being and general health through weight loss techniques. Peace Obi, who was at an event organised by the CEO, Keto With Friends, Amina Turnbull, reports that people were fascinated at the benefits that could be derived from adopting the regimen

R-L: Group Managing Director, Daar Communications Plc, Mr. Tony Akiotu, Ms. Endee Akande, Mrs. Amina Turnbull, a former beauty queen, Ms. Nike Oshinowo, the CEO, Lowcarb Nigeria, Ms. Pabara Imoagene, Ms. Goldameir Buhari and Ms. Hauwa Momoh

S

tepping into the meeting venue, Hangout with Amina Turnbull, the CEO, Keto With Friends, at the water front of Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi and welcomed by the ocean breeze, the heat from the scotching sun immediately became whittled. And standing out by the right were beautifully-designed white canopies with white balloon decorations, each with a red heart-shaped flower hanging down loosely, thus giving the environment a more beautiful look and serene.

Everything in and about the environment has a message to pass. The air was fresh, the tables were void of any form of soft drinks. The snacks cum meal served were unique - a combination of vegetables and other low carb components. As though a pointer to the bigger message of the day, the white colour was as though pointing to the need for clean bill of health - most desired by all people. Then the touch of red makes the combination sweet and beautiful, which seems to say that eating and living healthy will exude the inward and outward beauty in anyone. And to achieve this, a new lifestyle has to be adopted - low carbs, high in natural fats and moderate protein intake.

For Keto, it is neither a family name nor an association, but a diet and a lifestyle referred to by many with different names such as Ketogenic diet, low carb diet, low

carb high fat (LCHF), among others. And Keto diet being a low carb diet, the body is said to produce ketones in the liver which it uses as energy. People of like minds assembled by the water front of Queen’s Drive in Ikoyi, to simply educate Nigerians on the huge benefits of adopting Ketogenic lifestyle as part of the measures to staying fit and

The Convener, Keto With Friends, Mrs. Amina Turnbull hinted that Ketogenic lifestyle helps not only with weight loss, but that it also helps with the treatment of health-related issue like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibrosis, high blood pressure, lowers cholesterol and overall wellness of the body

healthy. For me, the message was made a lot simpler when I stumbled over a friend I haven’t seen for a couple of months now, as I struggled with my mind to place the old picture side by side with new one, now in a new shape. The evidence of the Keto lifestyle was quite obvious - she has visibly dropped some kilograms of weight.

Speaking with THISDAY, the Convener, Keto With Friends, Mrs. Amina Turnbull, said that Keto diet is a lifestyle where people eat fat to lose fat. According to her, this is achieved by eating good fat, real butter, full fat cream, palm oil, all animal fats, avocado, among others. And that avoiding starchy and complex carbohydrate foods like yam, garri, potatoes, most root vegetables, legumes, cereals, oats, bread, wheat and many more. According to her, “Our carbohydrates intakes are gotten from vegetables above the ground, spinach, egusi, lettuce, tomatoes etc. Eating 100g or below from carbohydrates above ground, moderate protein from all meat and fish and high fat from butter, eggs, palm oil, coconut oil, fatty meat or fish. Depending on your weight goal,” she explained.

Highlighting some of the benefits, Turnbull hinted that Ketogenic lifestyle helps not only with weight loss, but that it also helps with the treatment of health-related issue like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibrosis, high blood pressure, lowers

cholesterol and overall wellness of the body. ketogenic lifestyle, according to her, yields better result when a kitchen scale or measuring cup is used to enable individuals know the amount of food they eat daily, adding that with the help of an app launched recently by the establishment, it now makes it easier to measure meals. “I found it difficult finding the caloric content and macros in African meals, it was always inconsistent. But with the help of international food analysers in the United Kingdom we decided to make an app where you can track each meal content according to your personal goal. Keto With Friends is a subsidiary of Beige Concepts Limited - a Nigerian/U.K company brainchild of Amina and Captain Russell Turnbull.

Sharing a bit of the concept’s history, Turnbull revealed that ketogenic lifestyle has been around since the early 1920s’. According to her, it was mostly used to treat epilepsy but has since evolved and that with the help from researchers, it is the number one and most efficient way to lose weight and regenerate cells today. “It was revolutionised in Sweden where it is a lifestyle for most Swedish people.

First introduced in Nigeria 2014 and has since become a new trend in Nigeria with low carb innovations like cauliflower/cabbage swallow, Keto moimoi, Akara, Keto abacha, low carb bread, etc. In fact, there is a substitute for almost every Nigerian meal,” she said.

41

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017

CITYSTRINGS In what looks like a confirmation of some of the benefits, Joy Sillo shared with the audience how Keto helped improved her health condition.

And that a case of ovarian cyst that was at the point of rupturing became reduced to a very insignificant size, shedding 29kg of weight within a space of two months. Thrilling also in her testimony was how a friend of hers was able to conceive few months of being introduced to Keto after several years of trying without result. “On the 3rd of January, I was very bothered about my health condition and I went to a doctor. From his face I could read something was wrong. And I told him not to tell me anything because I was afraid. When I got home, I just told myself that ‘you know that God put things on earth, I think I should go natural’. So, I started this Keto lifestyle.

But before then I had tried to do Keto but I wasn’t disciplined. So, I started a real Keto diet and by then my weight was 138kg but now it is 109kg. I went off sugar, carbohydrates, my Keto was just vegetables and fats. And

by January ending, I just realised that my belly was soft and has also reduced in size. I just went for a checkup last week, the doctor was like which hospital did you go to. And I said what did you mean? He said, “See, you had a very big cyst that was about to rupture but I wanted you to do a test before disclosing it to you.

“So, I did a scan and the cyst has become quite small, it wasn’t broader anymore. But one thing I realised is that this is just a lifestyle, it was easy without drugs,” Sillo said.

For a female journalist, Ms. Hauwa Momoh who has sworn to remain on the train of campaigners for healthy lifestyle, she said her conviction is based on her personal experience and testimony. Momoh told THISDAY that she switched over to Keto diet about four months ago and that the result is amazing.

“I have been on Keto diet for about four months now. I have lost a lot of weight. Now, I feel very light, more healthy and beautiful.

I used to weigh 75kg but now I am 65kg.

So, I get my carbohydrates from vegetables and healthy fats.

“Keto is a fantastic idea for people who want to watch their weight and live a healthy lifestyle because I know a lot of people are suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and all weight related issues. The good thing about it is that they are not saying people should cut away from carbohydrates but Keto means low carbs, high fats and moderate protein. It is a convenient lifestyle. Cost is not necessarily an issue because everything anyone would need is local. Information is power. Everything about Keto is on local basis but people don’t seem to know that. And it is actually cheaper than eating carbohydrates,” Momoh said.

For a former beauty queen, Ms. Nike Oshinowo, Keto is a better approach to staying fit, weight loss and healthy living than what she described as quick fix diet people tend to embark on when they feel like. “What I realised about Keto is that it is a lifestyle change rather than a quick fix diet. Like some people will go for a quick fix diet to loose weight when they have a special occasion to attend. So, as long as we realised that it is a new lifestyle to be adopted, we are fine. And so, any kind of quick fix diet doesn’t really work; a healthy lifestyle and diet like this does,” she said.

Sharing her experience so far with THISDAY, Mrs. Eloho Ayodele who is three months into the Keto diet, said it has been an amazing experience. And that she is happy and loving herself for the result so far. According to the ebony black woman who now weighs 97kg as against the former 105kg, the interesting thing about the Keto diet concept is that one does not need to depend on some remedies such as drugs, supplements, strenuous exercises, but a disciplined lifestyle through ones food intake.

“The good thing about Keto is that it is a lifestyle compared to other diets and weight loss programmes like the slim tea, supplements, drugs. But with these other things, you still eat what makes you fat and when you don’t have access or you stop taking them, you will go back to your former size. But when you are on Keto diet, you cut out foods that are high in carbohydrates like rice, yam, eba, fufu, plantain, beans, etc.

“But all Keto requires is discipline and a lot of determination to achieve your goal.

Initially, when I started, it was not easy for me, especially when the cravings for those foods I loved most came up. For me, I love rice and plantain a lot and yam, but when I

Participants picking Keto products

Participants downloading keto with friends app

Keto products on display

started Keto, I gave up so many things like my love for Pepsi, especially the ones with ice. But it took me a lot of discipline to turn my eyes away from them. And with time, my body started adjusting.

“I started three months ago, then my weight was 105kg but now I am weighing 97kg. And before I started my Keto, My clothes size was 20 but I now wear size 16. You need to see my pictures before and after. Now, I am looking younger compared to when I was big. Looking big makes you look older than your age. And for me, I can now fit into my old clothes that I haven’t worn for a very long time,” Ayodele said.

Speaking on how to manage family meals in such a way that other members of the family who are not into Keto diet are not denied of their non-Keto delicacies, Ayodele said that it looks like a challenge but it is not.

According to her, family members who are not into Keto should still enjoy their normal meals even with the mother or both parents into Keto diet. “This is my approach to it, since I have my husband and kids who are not into Keto, I make the normal food for them. I do my own little thing. I also eat from

my family soup since I use palm oil which is Keto compliant, when everybody is eating their swallow, I am busy eating my soup.”

Looking at the financial implications of a diet if this kind, Ayodele hinted that while some people will complain that keto compliant products are expensive that her advice has always been, “use what you have.

Funny enough I have not bought any of their products, I have been using what I can afford.

We have carbage, cucumber, fruits, vegetables everywhere that you can use. You don’t have to do the ajabota thing. You can use your local things and still get result,” she said.

Anchoring the interactive session, the CEO, Low Carb Nigeria Ltd, Ms. Pabara Imoagene, hinted that a better way to achieve the desired result with low carb diet either for the purpose of weight loss, maintenance, or diabetes control, was for people to measure the quantity of carbs they consume on daily basis. “There are different amounts of carbs allowed in the various stages of either weight loss, maintenance, or diabetes control. So it’s important to measure what you eat so you can achieve your aim for being on LCHF and do it accurately. Any benefit that is achievable

I have been on Keto diet for about four months now.

I have lost a lot of weight.

Now, I feel very light, more healthy and beautiful. I used to weigh 75kg but now I am 65kg. So, I get my carbohydrates from vegetables and healthy fats. Keto is a fantastic idea for people who want to watch their weight and live a healthy lifestyle because I know a lot of people are suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and all weight related issues on LCHF is due to following precisely the science behind its success.”

Speaking further, Imoagene noted that apart from keeping to Keto-compliant meals, the use of scale is important towards achieving accurate measurement of fats, carbs and protein content of every food. According to her, Keto With Friends app has been uniquely designed to provide accurate measurement for Nigerian foods. “The Keto With Friends app was designed to help the Nigerian community track their macros better, especially for foods peculiar to us as Nigerians. Our macros means, fats, carbs and protein. There are several other apps worldwide but none has been created specifically with our Nigerian meals in focus. So this app is meeting the need of those who have longed for such a useful tool to help them on their wellness and fitness journey,” she said.

42

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

DMO Issues More Bonds Than Planned as Inflation Falls The Debt Management Office (DMO) on Thursday said it had issued more bonds than originally planned at an auction after slowing inflation rate helped it offer debt at lower yields.

The DMO said it raised N160 billion at an auction on Wednesday, N30 billion more than it had offered to sell.

Nigeria’s inflation slowed to 17.78 percent in February, its lowest level in 15 months.

According to Reuters, the government has been selling bonds below inflation in recent months to curb borrowing costs as it intends to fund half of this year’s forecast budget deficit of N2.36 trillion through the domestic debt market.

An N80 billion bond due 2036 was sold at 16.28 percent against 16.77 percent at its last sale, while a 2021 debt was issued at 16.24 percent against 16.55

percent previously to fetch N30 billion. Another N50 billion due in 2027 was issued at par at 16.28 per cent. Total demand at the auction stood at N216.38 billion compared with N337.03 billion at last month’s sale.

Nigeria issues domestic bonds every month to raise money to fund its deficit, which also helps the banking system manage its liquidity.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday said it sold more treasury bills than originally planned at an auction after it lured demand for one-year debt with yields above inflation. The bank raised N253.8 billion at an auction on Wednesday, N40 billion more than it had offered to sell.

Reuters also reported that it offered the one-year bill at 18.55 percent to raise N166.3 billion, against a yield of 18.49 percent at its last auction and higher

than February’s inflation rate of 17.78 percent.

The central bank has been selling bills with yields below inflation in recent months to curb borrowing costs as it aims to fund half of this year’s forecast budget deficit.

Yields on the six-month bill were unchanged from the last sale at 17.20 percent to fetch N48.5 billion, while a N39 billion bill due in three month was sold 13.60 percent against 13.65 percent previously. Total demand stood at N216.38 billion against N312.44 billion at the last sale.

On Thursday, the debt office also issued more bonds than it originally planned at an auction after slowing inflation rate helped it offer debt at lower yields. The central bank issues treasury bills twice a month to finance the government’s budget deficit and help lenders manage liquidity and curb inflation.

IFC Official Faults Nigeria’s Economic Recovery Plan

MARKET INDICATORS

Ambode seeks robust strong peer reviews among states

Gboyega Akinsanmi An official of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Ms. Essien Lore yesterday faulted the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which the federal government formally unveiled penultimate week, describing it as ambitious and its timeframe as relatively short.

However, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has challenged all states of the federation to devise strategies to meet people’s expectation at the period of national economic crisis.

Essien, the Country Director of the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group faulted the plan at the inaugural meeting of Secretaries to the Governments of States held in

Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

The meeting, which office of the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello hosted at the Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja, was attended by all Secretaries to the Governments of States under the control of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The meeting was convened at the instance of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) with a view to setting strategic implementation framework for social development in their respective states.

At the meeting, Ambode noted that the APC governors “are fully committed to the vision of providing accountable and responsive leadership to citizens in spite of the dire financial strains confronting

the country.”

Giving background to Nigeria’s economic crisis at the inaugural meeting, Essien acknowledged that the plan “is really a plan of plans because there is a number of plans underpin that particular plan.”

She, thus, said the plan really “offers an opportunity to sit down and think about what are the priorities. The plan is quite ambitious. But what are the priorities that we can think about collectively?

“This is because at the end of the day, we believe the plan is for a period between 2017 and 2020. It is relatively short period of time. That is why we want to know what the priorities are. How the federal government intends to achieve what it started in the plan.”

FBN Insurance to Double Efforts in Retail Insurance Product Ebere Nwoji FBNInsurance Limited has said it will ride on its current strong presence and increased investment in retail insurance market to take insurance services to every nook and cranny of Nigeria.

The company, said it will achieve this through the use of its over 2000 man strong retail team to take its array of innovative insurance products to the door steps of Nigerians thus acting as their financial services partner.

Managing Director of the company, Val Ojumah, addressing journalists in Lagos, said some of the products in the company’s portfolio that will enable it achieve the purpose were specially designed with due consideration to the pockets of the members of the insuring public.

“We have an array of innovative products designed with you in mind.

Take our Easy Save policy for example. This policy helps you put aside some money for short term projects with

a pre-agreed interest on your savings. Instead of joining an ‘ajo’ or ‘esusu’ group where you need to start hoping that other members of the group pay their contributions when due, why not take our Easy Save policy and be in total control of your finances”?

According to him, FBNInsurance Family Income Protection Plan (FIPP) assures an insured’s family of a certain and continuous income in case of any eventualities.

He further said FBNInsurance understands the love and value Nigerians place on their children/wards, particularly their education; therefore has designed a FlexiEdu policy specifically for them.

“FlexiEdu ensures you never have to worry about your children/wards’ tuition again for the foreseeable future.

He also spoke about FBN extended family plan saying the Extended Family Support plan of the company (EFSP), is a life-related insurance plan that takes care of financial life of people in extended family.

Speaking on non life

products in the kitty of the company, Ojumah said “Our sister company, FBN General Insurance Limited, deals with all non-life insurance businesses.

Talk about truly reliable auto insurance packages, we’ve got it.

You own a business and are worried about your staff’s trustworthiness? Get our Fidelity Guarantee cover. Involved in logistics and haulage? Our Goods-in-Transit policy is what you need to give you peace of mind.

Continuing, he said: “Many times, due to one unforeseen development or the other, people have lost properties worth millions of Naira due to flooding, fire or theft.

For those who stay in Lagos, especially in some parts of the Island, the fear of flooding is the beginning of wisdom. But is this fear supposed to drive you to the brink of restlessness? No! Choose our Fire, Special Perils plan today and you can safely forget about your fears and worries with respect to your home.”

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

DECEMBER 2016 Broad Money (M2)

23,840,392.42

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,520,166.67

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,820,415.90

---- Demand Deposits

9,699,750.76

-- Quasi Money

12,320,225.75

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,353,504.03

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,486,888.39

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,970,297.97

---- Credit to Government (Net)

4,595,579.89

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

7,436,917.79

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

-2,841,337.90

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,374,718.08

--Other Assets Net

-12,483,409.58

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,837,322.41

--Currency in Circulation

2,179,174.28

--Banks Reserves

3,318,344.71 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

December 2016 10.39

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.96

Savings Deposit Rate

4.18

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.53

3 Months Deposit Rate

8.80

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.23

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.76

Prime Lending rate

17.09

Maximum Lending Rate

28.55 • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, MON, 15 MARCH 2017 The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $49.00 a barrel on Monday, compared with $49.81 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2017

43

44

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Total Recommends Final Dividend of N7 as Profit Hits N147bn Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie Total Nigeria Plc yesterday recommended a final dividend of N7.00 per share for the year ended December 31, 2016, bringing total dividend to N17.00 per share. The company had paid an interim dividend of N10.00 per share before now.

The final dividend, which amount to N2.377 billion would be paid out of a profit after

tax of N14.769 billion recorded for the year, indicating a jump of265.6 per cent over the N4.1 billion posted in 2015. In the audited results of the made available by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Total Nigeria Plc posted revenue of N290.9 billion in 2016, showing an increase of 40 per cent from N208 billion in 2015. Cost of sale rose from N183 billion to N241 billion, making gross profit to stand at N49.1 billion, up from

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

N24.7 billion.

Finance costs moderated at N852 million, down from N1.790 billion in 2015. Consequently, profit before tax improved by 213 per cent to N20.35 billion, from N6.49 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) soared by 265 per cent to N14.7 billion, from N4.1 billion. Directors have therefore recommended a final dividend of N7.00 per share.The market reacted negatively to the results

N I G E R I A N QUANTITY TRADED

STO C K

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Daily Summary as of 22/02/2016 Printed 22/02/2016 14:36:10.010

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

as the shares fell by 5.4 per cent to close lower at N274.55 each.

Analysts at FBN Quest said the final dividend recommended

by Total Nigeria was below market consensus.

“Total declared a final dividend of N7.00 (total dividend of N17.00) which is rather disappointing given the strong earnings growth recorded. This works out to a dividend payout of just 39 per cent, the lowest in over

6 6 12

30.00 34.00

12,629 11,640 24,269

374,530.15 421,345.20 795,875.35

19 19 31

1.25

1,078,511 1,078,511 1,102,780

1,358,964.30 1,358,964.30 2,154,839.65

5 68 13 86 86

0.77 1.13 20.47

33,500 6,740,423 65,995 6,839,918 6,839,918

25,070.00 7,635,453.96 1,344,425.15 9,004,949.11 9,004,949.11

13 13

41.50

31,970 31,970

1,409,214.78 1,409,214.78

5 5 18

5.20

28,901 28,901 60,871

154,716.48 154,716.48 1,563,931.26

6 24 7 98 135

2.85 118.85 20.00 99.00

190,900 53,000 15,200 429,541 688,641

528,079.00 6,201,924.95 293,757.00 42,728,789.84 49,752,550.79

9 9

168.50

166,476 166,476

28,285,937.95 28,285,937.95

54 38 6 12 1 29 140

5.61 19.00 1.37 6.86 6.65 1.27

2,120,306 314,421 40,000 119,863 433 3,285,739,119 3,288,334,142

11,610,520.13 5,953,792.96 55,716.00 842,442.48 2,736.56 4,074,348,894.07 4,092,814,102.20

11 54 65

17.86 700.00

18,825 98,360 117,185

329,518.50 68,567,962.00 68,897,480.50

11 11

4.46

99,050 99,050

420,455.00 420,455.00

13 21 34 394

21.90 28.00

36,887 133,117 170,004 3,289,575,498

820,034.75 3,737,067.92 4,557,102.67 4,244,727,629.11

82 51 21 25 200 41 16 147 11 15 67 676

4.10 1.49 15.60 1.21 16.70 1.07 1.76 2.95 5.30 0.63 0.98

3,962,506 2,163,396 278,470 790,900 4,847,312 1,969,858 1,204,932 8,586,418 39,752 501,617 5,920,564 30,265,725

16,210,255.82 3,314,106.88 4,136,459.40 958,864.34 80,963,793.44 2,115,552.11 2,087,767.85 25,302,954.71 205,645.40 316,018.71 5,813,502.17 141,424,920.83

14 8 2 3 7 10 1 1 46

0.80 0.90 0.50 0.50 2.06 0.76 0.50 0.50

200,107 276,500 5,004,000 1,000,000 351,540 327,285 37,708,135 10 44,867,577

160,838.67 251,350.00 2,502,000.00 500,000.00 720,728.80 245,325.31 18,854,067.50 5.00 23,234,315.28

1 1

1.08

4,760 4,760

4,950.40 4,950.40

31 7 105 7 20 170 893

2.46 4.00 0.85 14.15 1.31

1,149,464 27,041 31,257,120 38,035 708,255 33,179,915 108,317,977

2,830,722.84 104,002.06 26,613,309.20 537,985.34 931,556.31 31,017,575.75 195,681,762.26

27

2.69

614,065

1,572,223.05

two decades. We forecasted a final dividend of N26.00 (consensus N19.00). Year to date, Total shares have declined 6.0 per cent, broadly in line with Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index ( ASI). We rate the stock underperform,” the FBN Quest said. According to them, sequentially, while sales and PBT declined by six per cent quarter-on-quarter (q/q) and 18 per cent q/q, PAT was up 17 per cent year-on-year(y/y)

on the back of a lower tax rate.

The analysts said gains from Total’s foreign exchange (fx) supply agreement with Total Upstream, a related company, were realised yet again.

“Given that the independent marketers struggled to source fx for imports during the period, we suspect that major marketers, especially firms with related exploration & production entities, continue to gain market share.

E XC H A N G E

MAIN BOARD GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES Totals EQTY Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals ASeM Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32 4 6 69 69

25.33 0.94 0.69

551,998 16,020 597,000 1,779,083 1,779,083

13,903,164.18 15,299.40 412,110.00 15,902,796.63 15,902,796.63

1 1 1

1.69

500 500 500

805.00 805.00 805.00

16 9 4 6 10 31 76

24.00 9.30 35.78 8.62 3.36 80.50

110,727 40,229 26,700 142,300 299,900 14,373,223 14,993,079

2,707,053.97 362,501.29 992,680.00 1,227,076.00 966,480.00 1,157,057,077.16 1,163,312,868.42

6 6

1.51

134,500 134,500

204,240.00 204,240.00

5 5 87

50.00

24,529 24,529 15,152,108

1,165,135.50 1,165,135.50 1,164,682,243.92

2 2

0.50

24,262 24,262

12,131.00 12,131.00

90 90

3.47

3,827,573 3,827,573

13,288,632.05 13,288,632.05

21 7 8 21 7 64

18.34 1.84 342.00 150.00 145.00

81,125 100,300 20,300 16,295 13,699 231,719

1,505,034.50 182,832.00 6,595,470.00 2,396,080.60 1,959,692.96 12,639,110.06

33 33 189

318.00

389,934 389,934 4,473,488

124,037,602.56 124,037,602.56 149,977,475.67

1 1

0.50

941 941

470.50 470.50

5 5

3.80

32,870 32,870

127,756.40 127,756.40

13 13

0.89

624,500 624,500

538,430.00 538,430.00

1 22 23

2.29 4.00

4,588 251,094 255,682

10,001.84 1,001,583.80 1,011,585.64

1 1 43 1,811

1.68

10,000 10,000 923,993 3,428,226,216

16,000.00 16,000.00 1,694,242.54 5,785,390,675.15

2 2 2 2

1.21

270,464 270,464 270,464 270,464

327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44

306 306

11.45

13,929,679 13,929,679

159,605,439.23 159,605,439.23

278 278 584

3.74

10,438,552 10,438,552 24,368,231

39,515,087.18 39,515,087.18 199,120,526.41

35 35 35 619 2,432

139.83

38,770 38,770 38,770 24,407,001 3,452,903,681

5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 204,425,192.41 5,990,143,129.00

2 2 2 2 2 10 10 10

2,330.00 2.33 6.02 11.09 18.07

3,000 20 20 20 15 3,075 3,075 3,075

6,986,000.00 46.70 120.20 221.80 270.65 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals ETF Board Totals ETP Activity Totals

45

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017

MARKET NEWS

First FGN Savings Bond Closes for Subscription Today The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Savings Bond, which opened for subscription on Monday, will close today.

THISDAY checks showed that investors have been making efforts to ensure they subscribe to the bond before it closes.

The savings bond, which is the first to be issued by the federal government, has a minimum subscription amount N5, 000 with additions in multiples of N1, 000, subject to a maximum of N50 million.

To ensure that the offer reaches many subscribers, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has accredited 87 stockbroking firms to distribute the bond.

Market stakeholders have commended the issuance of the bond, saying it is a good development.

For instance, the Executive Director, Capital Market Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, said the launch of the bond will boost

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

financial inclusion, adding that it is consistent with NSE’s commitment to grow domestic investor participation in the market.

“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

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 15-Mar-2017, unless otherwise stated.

product that will foster financial inclusion in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, 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 ordinary 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.”

Also speaking on the bond, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Arthur Steven Asset Management Limited, , Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe, has urged retail investors to subscribe to it, saying it is one of the safest instruments in the market as it guarantees return of the sum invested as long as one holds the instrument to maturity.

“It also offers very attractive

return on investment and is very liquid as it can easily traded on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange at any time that an investors seeks to access cash from the instrument,” he said.

According to him, the bond can reduce the negative impact of inflation, explaining that “if one is able to earn double digit return on his/her investment this will reduce the impact of inflation on the personal wealth considerably.”

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 128.22 128.73 0.96% Nigeria International Debt Fund 220.55 221.21 2.45% 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 0.70 -0.55% 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 17.75% 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 12.30 12.68 -0.34% ARM Discovery Fund 288.45 297.15 0.44% ARM Ethical Fund 22.07 22.74 -1.21% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.84% 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 106.21 106.96 1.08% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 17.54% 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 9.38 9.62 0.21% Women's Investment Fund 86.83 89.06 2.64% 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 17.77% 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 1,126.56 1,127.71 3.32% FBN Heritage Fund 111.46 112.19 -0.12% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.21% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $106.81 $107.57 2.68% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $106.50 $107.25 3.08% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 112.73 114.20 0.05% 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 0.95 0.97 2.13% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.65 2.65 3.02% 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 2,188.20 2,213.25 -0.96% Coral Income Fund 2,184.72 2,184.72 3.82% 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 17.15% 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 0.93% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 14.75%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.01 1.03 2.32% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,023.91 1,023.91 2.10% 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 9.59 9.68 -0.72% 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 1.09 1.11 3.39% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.43 10.47 0.24% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 16.39% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 110.86 111.69 8.85% 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 2.09% 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 1,840.70 1,850.46 0.50% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 154.78 154.78 0.53% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.76 0.76 -1.30% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 191.82 191.82 2.64% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 127.91 129.55 -1.48% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.60% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,391.37 7,481.36 -2.50% 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 1.16 1.17 11.39% United Capital Bond Fund 1.28 1.28 15.78% United Capital Equity Fund 0.64 0.66 0.71% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.13 1.13 11.45% 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 9.73 9.91 1.15% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.12 11.22 1.87% Zenith Income Fund 17.28 17.28 4.58%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 125.23

1.01% 1.02%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

7.91 72.11

8.01 73.45

-9.85% -4.85%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.77 6.26 11.49 14.22 124.67

2.81 6.36 11.59 14.42 126.67

0.71% -10.75% -4.18% -10.78% -3.98%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

46

FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2017 • T H I S D A 7

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Trump to Tender Obama Wiretapping Evidence U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he will shock Americans with the evidence of the wiretapping ordered by former President Barack Obama at Trump Tower during last year’s presidential campaign.

Trump who said this in an exclusive interview with Fox News’“Tucker Carlson noted that his administration “will be submitting things”to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence “very soon.

The president added that he “will be perhaps speaking about this next week” and predicted that“you’re going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks”.

When asked by Carlson why he tweeted about the alleged phone tap before producing evidence, Trump said his definition of wiretapping “covers a lot of different things”.

“That really covers surveillance and many other things.

Nobody ever talks about the fact

that [the words ‘wires tapped’] was in quotes [in the tweet], but that’s a very important thing.”

Trump defended his ongoing use of social media while in office, saying that “maybe I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Twitter, because I get such a fake press, such a dishonest press.

“I’m not including Fox,” the president added,“because I think Fox has been fair to me [but] much of the news is not honest, and when I have close to 100 million people watching me on [social media], I have my own form of media.”

When Carlson countered that Trump “devalues his own currency”if allegations he makes on Twitter turn out to be untrue, the president responded,“Well, let’s see whether or not I prove it”.

“If I don’t do that, I won’t get my word out, because when I say things, the press doesn’t cover it accurately,”Trump later said.

“If they’re not going to do me the honor of spreading my word accurately when I can reach many people through Twitter, then, it is a wonderful thing for me, because I get the word out.”

When Carlson asked whether any of the president’s tweets were moderated by his staff, Trump responded,“Sure! A lot of times, my staff comes to me and they say,‘Can you do a tweet on this or that because it’s not being shown correctly’.”

Trump also responded sharply to the leak of two pages of his 2005 tax returns, calling the MSNBC report “a disgrace.”

“I have no idea where they got it but it’s illegal and they’re not supposed to have it and it’s not supposed to be leaked, and it’s certainly not an embarrassing tax return at all, but it’s an illegal thing and they’ve been doing it; they’ve done it before and I think it’s a disgrace,” he said.

47

FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2017 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Senate Intelligence WORLD OF ISLAM Panel Rejects Trump Interest and its Role Wiretap Claim in Economy and Life

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

There are “no indications” that Trump Tower was under surveillance by the US government before or after the election, a Senate committee has said.

The statement from Republican Senator Richard Burr, Senate Intelligence Committee chairman, dismissed Donald Trump’s claim his phones were tapped.

Mr Trump had accused his predecessor Barack Obama of wiretapping

Trump Tower during the presidential race.

Mr Burr joins a cadre of lawmakers who have rejected the allegation.

Republican chairman of the House intelligence committee Devin Nunes said on Wednesday he doesn’t believe “there was an actual tap of Trump Tower”.

But Mr Trump stood by his unverified allegations on Wednesday, telling Fox News a “wiretap covers a lot of different

things”.

He also hinted that more details about the alleged surveillance could be revealed in the coming weeks.

“Wiretap covers a lot of different things. I think you’re going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks,” he said in an interview that was broadcast in full on Wednesday night.

Ethiopia Landslide: Number of Dead at Rubbish Dump Hits 113 A search operation at the Koshe landfill will continue overnight.

As many as 150 people are believed to have been at the site during the landslide.

Meanwhile, the funerals of some of the victims have taken place.

The dump, which has served the city of four million for more than five decades, provided shelter for some.

The country is currently observing three days of mourning for those who died.

Hundreds of people attempt to make a living by scavenging at the landfill site, sifting

Paris IMF Letter Bomb Injures One Employee A letter bomb has exploded at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) office in Paris, injuring the employee who opened it, police say.

The IMF employee received hand and face injuries, and staff were evacuated.

IMF director Christine Lagarde condemned the “cowardly act of violence” against IMF staff.

In another development, the German finance ministry in Berlin intercepted a parcel bomb sent to Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on Wednesday.

A Greek far-left group, the Conspiracy of Fire Cells, said on a website that it had sent the German device.

Ms Lagarde said in a statement that the IMF was working closely with the French authorities to investigate the letter blast.

through the rubbish for items they can sell. Some resided at the rubbish dump permanently.

More than 350 residents have now been moved from the site, the officials say.

A number of makeshift houses were buried under tonnes of waste in the landslide.

Rescue teams are now using excavators to dig through piles of rubbish.

The authorities have been building Africa’s first waste-toenergy plant near the landfill.

They plan to burn rubbish generated by Addis Ababa and convert it into electricity.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUGBOGI GRACE IYABO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ODEYEMI GRACE IYABO. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MR LATEEF HAMMED KOMOLAFE, now wish to be known and addressed as MR LATEEF HAMMED OLAMILEKAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as CHINEDU ANYIAM, now wish to be known and CHINEDU addressed as ANYIAM CHIBUIKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS HAROUN IBUKUOLUWA ABIMBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as

MRS ALABI IBUKUNOLUWA.

ABIMBOLA

All former documents remain valid. The

general public should please take

note.

LOSS OF ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION The Certificate of incorporation belonging to OKUGBE SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA, LAGOS with REG. CAC/IT/NO. 19880 Dated November 24th, 2005 is Missing.

If found, kindly return to: Olorogun Lucky Arhere Mr. Goodluck Onorienobohwo 08034020241 08033159823

Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo

Introduction

Interest is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as, “Money paid for the use of money lent (the principal), or for forbearance of a debt, according to a fixed ratio.”

Actually, individuals and the world as a whole probably know too well the burden of interest, such that no one truly needs the above definition. Interest is something that is known to anyone living in a capitalist country. It has become so completely institutionalized and accepted in modern economies that it is almost impossible to conceive that there are some who completely oppose it and refuse any transactions that involve interest. But there are devout Muslims who refuse to deal in interest.

The actual reason why such Muslims do not deal with interest is that interest has been forbidden by the Islamic religion, as shall be detailed shortly. At the same time, though, Muslims believe that God’s guidance is based on His knowledge, wisdom and justice. In other words, God does not forbid something from humans for no reason whatsoever. Hence, there are definitely sound reasons—some of which we may be able to clearly recognize—why God has forbidden this practice.

In today’s world, Muslims are constantly being bombarded with arguments in support of dealing with interest. Many Muslims have succumbed to such pressure and supposedly rational arguments, leading them to accept the concept of interest.

Therefore, this short article is intended to discuss the Islamic stance on interest as based on the basic texts of the faith as well as enter into a rational discussion of interest to determine if the arguments given in favor of interest are truly valid.

God’s Guidance for Mankind

Islam teaches that God has mercifully given guidance to humankind for all aspects of life. This guidance covers not just acts of worship but everything from economics and business ethics to marital relations, international relations, ethics of warfare and so forth. It is one of the distinguishing traits of Muslims today that they still believe in such guidance from God while so many among humankind have discarded or preempted their religious teachings when it comes to “secular” issues.

There are a number of reasons why many Muslims have not followed the same path that, for example, numerous secular Jews and Christians have followed. One of the most important reasons is that the Muslim can be confident that the revelation which forms the basis of the Islamic religion has not been tampered with or distorted since the time of its revelation.

In other words, there has been no human interference or distortion in the revelation. Hence, there is no need for humans to come along now and fix the mistakes of earlier humans, as secular Jews or Christians would argue. Indeed, the only result for Muslims would be humans, by their interference, damaging the revelation that has come from God. Second, many Muslims believe that they have not been shown any strong or convincing evidence that somehow their religion is out of touch with reality or impractical in modern times. In Islam, for example, there has never been a conflict between religion and science, leading to a breakdown of trust in the church and a virtual revolt against the authority of religion as experienced in the West. Many people, even some Muslims, have called for many changes within Islam but, in reality, the arguments that they have presented have been faulty and flimsy, to say the least. The case of interest, this article’s topic, can be taken as an excellent example of this nature.

The Islamic Texts on Interest

When one reads the Islamic texts concerning interest, one is immediately taken by how stringent the warnings are against any involvement in interest. Islam prohibits a number of immoral acts such as fornication, adultery, homosexuality, consuming alcohol and murder. But the variety of discussion and extent of warnings for these other acts is not of the same level of those related to taking interest. This has led Sayyid Qutb to write, “No other issue has been condemned and denounced so strongly in the Quran as has usury.”

The Quran, for example, contains the following verses concerning interest: “O you who have believed, do not consume interest, doubled and multiplied, but fear God that you may be successful. And fear the Fire, which has been prepared for the disbelievers.” (Quran 3:130-131) This rather strong warning towards the believers warns of a fatal consequence: being thrown into the Hell-fire that has been prepared for the disbelievers.

God also says: “Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, ‘Trade is [just] like interest.’

But God has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with God. But whoever returns [to dealing in interest or usury]—those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein. God destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And God does not like every sinning disbeliever.” (Quran 2:275-276) These verses have many interesting points to them.

Commenting on the first portion of the verse, Maudoodi has written, Just as an insane person, unconstrained by ordinary reason, resorts to all kinds of immoderate acts, so does one who takes interest. He pursues his craze for money as if he were insane. He is heedless of the fact that interest cuts the very roots of human love, brotherhood and fellow-feeling, and undermines the welfare and happiness of human society, and that his enrichment is at the expense of the well-being of many other human beings. This is the state of his “insanity” in this world: since a man will rise in the Hereafter in the same state in which he dies in the present world, he will be resurrected as a lunatic.

Secondly, the verses make it quite clear that there is a difference between legitimate business transactions and interest. The difference between them is so glaring that the verse does not bother to explain them, which is one of the stylistic aspects of the Quran. Thirdly, these verses clearly state that God “destroys interest and gives increase for charities.”This is one of God’s “laws” which humankind cannot necessarily discover on its own. The ultimate and full negative effects of interest on the individual, community and world as a whole in both this life and the Hereafter are known only to God. However, a glimpse of some of those negative effects, testifying to the truth of this verse, shall be given later in this paper. In fact, perhaps highlighting the meaning of this verse, the Prophet (peace and blessings of God be upon him) also said, “Interest– even it is a large amount– in the end will result in a small amount.” Undoubtedly, in the Hereafter when the individual meets God, all that he amassed via such illegal means will be a source of his own destruction.

Shortly after the above verses, God further says, “O you who have believed, fear God and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from God and His Messenger.

But if you repent, you may have your principal—[thus] you do no wrong [to others], nor are you wronged.” (Quran 2:278-279) Who in his right mind would expose himself to a declaration of war from God and His Messenger? Undoubtedly, a stronger threat one will rarely find. At the end of the verse, God makes it very clear why interest is forbidden: it is wrongdoing. The Arabic word for such is dhulm, meaning a person has done wrong to, harmed or oppressed another person or his own soul.

This verse demonstrates that interest is not forbidden simply due to some ruling of God without any rationale behind that ruling. Interest is definitely harmful and therefore it has been forbidden.

In addition to the verses of the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) also made many statements concerning interest. For example, the following statement clearly demonstrates the gravity of this action: “Avoid the seven destructive sins: associating partners with God, sorcery, killing a soul which God has forbidden– except through due course of the law, devouring interest, devouring the wealth of orphans, fleeing when the armies meet, and slandering chaste, believing, innocent women.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim) In fact, another statement of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) should be sufficient to keep any God-fearing individual completely away from interest. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “One coin of interest that is knowingly consumed by a person is worse in God’s sight than thirty-six acts of illegal sexual intercourse.” (al-Tabarani and al-Hakim) The Companion Jaabir narrated that the Messenger of God (peace and blessings of God be upon him) cursed the one who takes interest, the one who pays interest, the witnesses to it [that is, the interest contracts] and the recorder of it. Then he said, “They are all the same.” (Muslim) This is a basic principle in Islam. If something is forbidden and wrong, a Muslim should not participate in it or support it in any fashion. Thus, since interest is forbidden, it is also forbidden to be a witness to such contracts, to record them and so on. The Prophet’s words also explain that there is no difference between the one who pays interest and the one who receives it. This is because they are both involved in a despicable practice and, hence, they are equally culpable.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said, “If illicit sexual relations and interest openly appear in a town, they have opened themselves to the punishment of God.” (al-Tabarani and al-Hakim)

48

T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2017

T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2017

49

50

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017• T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Ex-NNPC GMD, Yakubu Remanded in Kuje Prison Tobi Soniyi A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday remanded former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Andrew Yakubu, who was accused of stashing over N3billion in his house in Kaduna, in Kuje Prison.

The trial judge, Justice Ahmad Mohammed remanded him in prison pending the time the court will rule on his bail application.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned him on a six-count money laundering charge. He pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Yakubu, who was GMD of the NNPC between 2012 and 2014, will remain in prison till March 21, a date the court fixed to rule on his bail application.

In ordering that he be

remanded in prison, the judge rejected plea by Yakubu’s lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), to rather remand his client in EFCC custody.

“Raji, when somebody’s plea is taken, the prosecution no longer has control over such defendant who has become a property of the court.

“It will be a negation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to allow the prosecution to still retain the defendant in its custody.

God willing, the ruling will be delivered on the next adjourned date,” the judge ruled.

Raji had earlier prayed the court to grant his client bail either on self-recognisance or on very liberal terms.

According to him, sections 158 to 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, provide for granting bail to a defendant unless he is charged with a capital offence.

He argued that counts one and two of the charge attracted maximum of five years imprisonment upon conviction, while count three and four stipulated that 25 per cent of the alleged loot be forfeited to the federal government while the last two counts could only attract 10 years jail term.

“My lord the burden to prove that an accused or defendant is not entitled to bail in non-capital offences, as in this one, is on the prosecution.

“In all the counter affidavits, they have not placed anything before this court to discharge that burden.

“The defendant is a responsible Nigerian who has no criminal record and has served his father land very well. I submit that the prosecution has not justified why he should be denied bail.

“I urge my lord to give the defendant bail on liberal terms, if not on self-recognisance,” Raji submitted.

He said Yakubu was ready to face his trial, adding that he had options of not returning to the country. “He had a long visa, but he came back,” he said.

However, EFCC opposed Yakubu’s bail request, even as it urged the trial judge to exercise his discretion in the overall interest of justice.

“My lord you are entirely in control of the scale of justice and the nation is entitled to justice.

“If the court is mindful of granting their request for bail, we ask that the court give stringent conditions that will compel the defendant to attend his trial.

“We vehemently oppose his prayer to be released on selfrecognisance,” EFCC lawyer, Mr. Ben Ikani, submitted.

He noted that though Yakubu claimed he has health challenges, he however failed to adduce any medical report indicating that he has any chronic ailment.

“Yes, his health is important, we agree. The issue is that EFCC is a 21st century law enforcement agency. Since he has been in custody, we have constantly monitored his health.

EFCC takes good care of people in its custody not to talk of a former GMD of the NNPC. We have adequate facility to take care of him.

“We concede that he submitted himself voluntarily.

But the issue that is of concern to us is his prayer that his international passport be temporarily released to him. We oppose that application in its entirety,” the prosecution added.

Acting on a tip-off, EFCC, raided Yakubu’s guest house

situated at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State, where it recovered foreign currencies.

The anti-agency said it discovered the sum of $9.7million and £74,000 that Yakubu hid in a fireproof safe inside the house.

The defendant earlier asked the high court to order the commission to return the seized money to him, insisting it was part of monetary gifts he received on various occasions.

FG had in the charge marked FHC/Abj/ CR/ 43/ 2017, alleged that Yakubu failed to declare the money in the assets form he filed at the EFCC on August 18, 2015, and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 27(3) (a) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under section 27(3) (c) of the same Act.

Court Declines FG’s Request to Consolidate Charges against Dasuki Justice Baba Yusuf of the Abuja High Court has said that two sets of charges brought against former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) cannot be consolidated because of so many defendants involved in the charges.

The judge said the two charges, if merged would make the trial difficult for the court to manage and therefore declined to consolidate the charges.

Delivering ruling in a motion argued by Dasuki, in which he prayed the court to consolidate the two charges against him so as not to suffer double jeopardy.

Justice Yusuf said the applicant had not shown to the court that he had been tried or convicted on the same offence before any other court.

The judge held that the fear of double jeopardy was not substantiated because trials in the two charges had not started in full blown.

The court said it is premature for the applicant to raise the issue of double jeopardy and abuse of court process more especially when there was no evidence pointing to that direction yet in the trial.

Besides, Justice Yusuf said the alleged offences which brought about the two charges were not committed in one transaction and that consolidation of the two charges would make the trial cumbersome and difficult because of the high number of the defendants involved in the two charges.

He also said the suggested consolidation, if granted, would also work against accelerated trial of the two charges which had earlier been granted by the court.

It would be recalled that Dasuki had alleged before the court that the federal government planned to ambush him with double jeopardy in the two criminal charges brought against him at the court and

pleaded that the two charges be consolidated in the interest of justice, fair play and due process.

Dasuki who has been illegally detained after being granted multiple bails by courts, had said the federal government in the quest to nail him, had engaged in gross abuse of court and legal process by instituting various criminal charges against him on just one issue of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

In his motion he filed to challenge the alleged abuse of court process by government, Dasuki said it was wrong in law and even against natural justice for the government to prosecute him on two different charges on the same alleged arms fund diversion. In the motion argued by his lead counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), the ex NSA insisted that the two charges be consolidated by the authorities of the court in the interest of justice in order to rescue him from double jeopardy planned for him by government.

The motion on notice was brought pursuant to sections 6(6)(a); 36(5) & (9) of the 1999 constitution (as amended); section 1(1); 208;396 (3); 491 & 492(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015; section 25 of the Interpretation Act Dasuki sought an order of the court consolidating charge no. FCT/HC/CR 2015 between FRN VS Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) & 4 others with charge No. FCT/HC/CR/2015 between FRN VS Bashir Yuguda, Col. Mohammed Sabo Dasuki & 4 others.

The others parties in the matter are former Director of Finance and Administration, ONSA, Shuaibu Salisu; former General Manager, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Babakusa and two firms: Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.

MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT

L-R: Governors Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto); Darius Ishaku (Taraba); Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe); and Abdul’aziz Yari (Zamfara) when the governors and other members of the National Economic Council (NEC) visited to confer with President Muhammadu Buhari after the NEC meeting at the State House in Abuja ....yesterday

Judge Withdraws from Trial of Fani-Kayode, Nenadi Usman

Justice Muslim Hassan of a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday recused himself from the trial of a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, charged with N4.6 billion money laundering.

Fani-Kayode was charged with a former Minister of State for Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, and a former National Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Yusuf Danjuma.

Also charged is a company, Jointrust Dimentions Nigeria Limited.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had preferred against the accused, a 17-count charge of laundering about N4.6billion.

They had each pleaded not guilty.

Yesterday, Justice Hassan in a ruling, withdrew from the criminal trial of the accused.

His withdrawal followed an application by counsel to FaniKayode, Mr Norrison Quakers (SAN), urging the court to step aside from the suit.

Recalling the arguments of counsel for and against the application to withdraw from the case, the judge held that although counsel had not been able to show or prove any element of bias, it would serve the interest of justice for him to withdraw from the suit.

He held: “It will serve the interest of justice for me to withdraw from this suit,” The judge further held that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ndahi Auta, for re-assignment to another judge.

He consequently, directed the accused to await further directives from the Chief Judge.

At the last adjourned date in February, counsel to FaniKayode, Quakers, had argued an application before the court, elucidating why it should recuse from the trial of the accused.

Quakers had contended that Justice Hassan, who worked as Head of Legal services at the EFCC before his appointment as a judge, signed the money laundering charges for which

Fani-Kayode was previously prosecuted years back.

He added that Fani-Kayode was however, discharged and acquitted by Justice Rita OfiliAjumobia on July 1, 2015.

Quakers had argued that while judges ought to operate as if they were blindfolded, the blindfold is sometimes removed on primordial sentiments.

On the other hand, counsel to Usman, Mr. Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), had also argued his application before the court, seeking a severance of the criminal charge.

Owonikoko had urged the court to allow Usman to be tried separately from Fani-Kayode as well as for her trial to be transferred from Lagos to the Abuja division, for purposes of convenience.

He had hinged his application on grounds of Usman’s health condition, adding that she resides in Abuja and always had to travel to Lagos each time the case comes up, spending at least three days on each occasion.

He had therefore, urged the

court to grant his application.

Opposing the applications, the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, argued that the chief judge could not exercise his powers to transfer a case where the prosecution had called its first witness.

Besides, Oyedepo had argued that13 of the listed 17 witness lived in Lagos$ Moreso, in opposing the application by Fani-Kayode, Oyedepo had argued that although Justice Hassan signed the charges as head of EFCC’s legal department, the case was prepared and prosecuted by an external counsel, Mr Festus Keyamo.

He had said that the judge did not feature in the trial of Fani-Kayode at any time, adding that nothing has been placed before the court to justify the likelihood of any bias.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offences between January and March 2015.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017• T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Northern PDP Elders Suggest Expanded Peace Committee Borno chapter disowns Sheriff Northern leaders’ support for politi-

cal solution to party crisis excites Dickson Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa As stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continue the search for a way out of the crisis rocking its leadership, an interest group within the party, the Northern PDP Elders’ Forum, has recommended the formation of a broad-based reconciliation committee to help see to the final resolution of the dispute.

The intervention by the party’s elders came just as a delegation of PDP stakeholders from Borno State who visited the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, swore never to have anything to do with the embattled National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

An alliance meeting held between PDP and other 15 opposition political parties on Wednesday night ended without a

major decision on how to actualise their vision.

THISDAY gathered that most of the parties present at the meeting did not yet want to make any commitment until the terms of engagement are spelt out.

It was learnt that some of the parties even withdrew from the meeting, attributing their action to the presence of the media at the venue of the discussion, thereby forcing the alliance talks to be shifted to the second week in May. The PDP Northern Elders’ Forum said the proposed peace committee which would be allinclusive is expected to include all recognised organs and forum in the party.

In a communique issued at the end of its meeting on Wednesday, the forum said it was in support of efforts of the National Caretaker Committee to ensure the unity, integrity and

full cooperate existence?, The communique read: “That we totally support the legal action taken to appeal to the Supreme Court on the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal.

“In view of the need for an all-inclusive solution to the current leadership crisis of the PDP, which has literally left the party in a state of emergency, the leaders agreed that the situation requires the application of the “doctrine of necessity.” This

means a genuine reconciliation process must be initiated, with appropriate representations from each of the recognised organs and forum in the party.”

Those that are to be on the peace panel include: Forum of Founders/Elders, Board of Trustees, Current Governors Forum, National Assembly Caucus and Former Governors’ Forum Others are Former Ministers’ Forum, Former National Assembly Members

Current State Chairman Forum, Zonal Committees Former Deputy Governors Forum, Former State Speakers/State Assembly Members, Women’s Wing, Youth Wing, Former National Officers Forum and Former Ambassadors/ Board Chairmen.

The forum said in order to actualise the peace plan, a meeting, with representations of a minimum of six and maximum of 12 from each of the above -listed organs/for a, should immediately

be convened, and to be presided by a distinguished elder statesman from the PDP. Subsequently, they said legal experts should be engaged from each side to facilitate the execution of the decision.

They said that any decision taken at such meeting should be final and binding on all members of the party.

Meanwhile, the Borno State

Cont’d on Pg 53

Innoson to Establish Automobile Engineering Facility for Amnesty Beneficiaries Trains 200 ex-agitators Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Indigenous automobile engineering company, Innoson Group, is on the verge of setting up a fully equipped auto engineering facility in Yenagoa, the Bayesa State capital.

The facility is to be run by 200 beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which the Nnewi-based automobile engineering company had already trained in various areas of auto technology, among others.

Another batch of 200 exagitators are set to undergo training at the Innoson company, to bring the total number of trained beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme to 400.

Briefing journalists on the activities of the programme in Abuja yesterday, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), said the 200 already trained on auto engineering and ancillary services by Innoson group with another 200 due for training by the company.

According to him, on completion of their tutelage under Innoson, they would join the other 200 to run the proposed automobile engineering company The Chairman of Innoson Group, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, had promised to set up the fully equipped facility in Bayelsa soon.

Boroh, who is also the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), said he programme has had its best experiences in the last 12 months as well as its greatest challenges within the same period.

“These were trying times both for the office and amnesty beneficiaries as we had to contend with achieving much

with little resources.

“Perhaps our greatest achievement is contributing to the maintenance of peace in the Niger Delta, which has resulted in zero vandalism of oil facilities. The winning strategy is President Buhari’s hands-on approach to the region.

“The visits of the vice president which have taken him to most oil producing states with the full participation of the state governments and people, is a winning formula which has solidified the relationship between the region and the administration,” he said.

Boroh disclosed that in the 2015/2016 academic year, the Amnesty Office deployed 1,294 delegates to various universities in the country, recording 681 graduates with 14 of them graduating first class, and 84 second class upper division.

According to him, the Benson Idahosa University, Benin, retained as lecturers, four of Amnesty beneficiaries who had first class.

“The performance of our students abroad was even more stunning. A total of 454 of them graduated mainly from British universities with 20 graduating first class and 41, second class upper. Also, we have ensured the effective management of our students abroad through the collaboration of the Amnesty Office and our embassies and high commissions. This has led to remarkable reduction in our student agitations.

“Also, from 2015 to 2016, we deployed 1,603 delegates to training centres in the country, we graduated 1,230 of them. A total 196 delegates are currently in training, but regrettably, the training of 177 of them is on hold due to logistical reasons,” he said.

CONDOLENCE VISIT

R-L: President General, Ndigbo, Lagos, Prof. Anya .O .Anya; Wife of the late General Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd), Mrs. Modupe Adebayo; former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Alison-Madueke; and Daughter of the deceased, Mrs Yemisi Payne, during a condolence visit to the family of Adebayo in Lagos .....yesterday ETOP UKUTT

NEITI: A’Ibom, Lagos, Rivers Were Top FAAC Earners in 2016 With N329.88bn Flags Lagos, Delta, A’Ibom, Osun as top debtors Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has disclosed that three states: Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Rivers, earned the most monies that were shared between the federal, states and Local government from the federation account in 2016.

It also listed Lagos, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Osun as the most indebted states, while Anambra and Yobe are the least indebted states in Nigeria.

NEITI stated in its quarterly review of the activities of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), that Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Rivers, collectively amassed N329.88 billion from the federation account, with Akwa Ibom getting the highest allocation of N116.6 billion, followed by Lagos and Rivers States with N109.3 billion and 103.98 billion respectively.

A statement on this was sent to THISDAY yesterday in Abuja by NEITI’s Director of Communications, Dr. Orji Ogbonnanya Orji.

The statement explained that NEITI examined detailed breakdown and analysis of disbursements from the federation account to the three tiers of government, as well as the internally generated revenues of the states in 2016.

It stated that though no reason was clearly given for the highest allocation received by Akwa Ibom, but its analysts suggest that it may not be unconnected with the vantage sharing position of the state under the 13 per cent derivation principles.

According to it, when compared with receipts from the 36 states, Kwara and Ebonyi States received the least monies from the federal allocations of N30.08 billion and 30.09 billion respectively.

On allocation to local governments, it noted that Lagos topped the table with a total of N69.29 billion allocated to its 20 local governments, while the 44 local governments in Kano received a total of N56.16 billion within the period.

NEITI also stated that disbursements to the federal government in 2016, showed that

the total FAAC allocation to it stood at N2.08 trillion as against the N6.06 trillion budget it put out for 2016, representing about 34 per cent of the budget.

“The implication could be linked to the noticeable challenges by the FGN to meet recurrent expenditure needs estimated at N2.6 trillion in 2016,” it explained.

The review also highlighted that payments to the three tiers of government continued to decline by an average of 40 per cent between 2013 and 2016.

“The federal government received N3.711 trillion in 2013 and this fell by 43.9 per cent to N2.08 trillion in 2016.

Similarly, disbursements to State Governments totaled N3.095 trillion in 2013. In 2016, States received N1.642 trillion, which represents a 46.9 per cent decline on the 2013 figures.

“Local Governments received total disbursements amounting to N1.011 trillion in 2016. This was 40.7 per cent lower than the figure of N1.708 trillion they received in 2013,” NEITI added.

It compared the revenues of

2015 and 2016, and stated that FAAC disbursements to the three tiers of government fell by 15 per cent from N6.011 trillion in 2015 to N5.121 trillion in 2016.

On internally generated revenue, it said: “IGR is very low in most states and it is only in two states of Lagos and Ogun that the IGR is higher than FAAC allocations. Figures show that total revenue by itself cannot fund states budget.”

It added that the revenues of all the states government fell drastically short of the budgets projections, citing states like Lagos which had a budget of N662.60 billion, but which got revenue of N410.5 billion, thus leaving it with a shortfall of about N252 billion.

“Adamawa State had a revenue of N41.05 billion against a budget of N130.10 billion while Nassarawa had a revenue of N32.5 billion to fund a budget of N77.30 billion,” NEITI further said, adding that Cross River, Sokoto, Borno, Jigawa, Osun and Plateau states had total revenues in 2016 which were below 30 per cent of their budgets.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017• T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

Boko Haram Invades Borno Town

Michael Olugbode

Boko Haram insurgents, numbering about 300, invaded Magumeri town in northern part of Borno State on Wednesday evening, a member of youth vigilante group who spoke anonymously told THISDAY in Maiduguri.

He said the insurgency group initially caught the soldiers guarding the town napping as many had to retreat after initial exchange of gunfire.

The civilians had to take to their heels, according to him, giving the insurgents opportunity to set ablaze the military facilities and some parts of the town.

He said: “They (insurgents) came in at least six Toyota Hilux van, 10 motorcycles and some on foot.

“They were over 300 terrorists, and as soon as they came into the town, they began shooting and the soldiers countered them but were overpowered with most of the soldiers fleeing.

“This gave the insurgents opportunity to loot and burn the barracks to ashes as well as the police station.”

The source added that the casualty figure was still unknown.

He however said the military reinforcement from Gubio and Maiduguri cleared the town of the marauding terrorists.

The local vigilante member noted that the attack which made many civilians to flee the town happened at about 5:30 p.m on Wednesday.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, confirmed the attack on Magumeri in two separate statements.

In the first statement, he said: “Troops of 8 Task Force Division, Operation Lafiya Dole, have thwarted attack of Magumeri town last Wednesday evening.

“The terrorists who came on some vehicles at about 6.00p.m. attempted to set the town ablaze and kill the residents but the timely intervention of the troops prevented such act.

“The troops have neutralised quite a number of the attackers and those that escaped with gunshot wounds are still being pursued.

“So far, the troops have recovered three vehicles and large quantity of arms and ammunition.”

He promised to give further details after the pursuit and mop up operation.

The details he later gave in the second statement said: “Please recall that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attempted to unleash mayhem on Magumeri town, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

The timely intervention of the military thwarted the attack.

“While troops are still consolidating and mopping up, it is imperative to state that preliminary investigation shows that the attackers of Magumeri came from the same community.

The terrorists that attacked the village are well known to the people

“It should also be noted that the village was never attacked throughout the period of the insurgency for some inexplicable reasons. The terrorists and their collaborators hibernating in the area were never exposed. There seems to be unholy alliance between the terrorists and the villagers.”

He added that “consequently, we are constrained to state that it’s now high time for the people to take up the fight themselves and help the Nigerian military and other security agencies to protect them. It is a grievous mistake and criminal offence to continue to shield or harbour any known Boko Haram terrorist in their midst.

“The terrorists must be exposed and their movements promptly reported to the security agencies. The terrorists are inhuman and barbaric, therefore cannot be trusted to spare anyone in perpetuating their inhuman acts.”

The army spokesman further said: “It is imperative that all communities in the North-east

especially Borno State, should fully cooperate with the military and the security agencies by exposing Boko Haram terrorists in their respective towns and villages.”

Also confirming the attack, the Public Relations Office of the Borno State Police Command, Victor Isuku, a deputy superintendent of police, revealed in a statement that one police officer deployed to quell the attack was lost and another shot on the leg by the insurgents.

Isuku, in the statement, said: “Yesterday evening, information was received that Magumeri town was under attack by Boko Haram terrorist elements.

“On receipt of the report, teams of FSARS and EOD personnel were quickly mobilised to the scene. A mobile police, Sgt. Haliru Aliyu, deployed with the military in Magumeri on special duty was killed while one Sgt. Lawrence Ayeni sustained gunshot injury on his leg and is currently at the military hospital receiving treatment.”

The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Usman Durkwa, has said the residential quarters in Magumeri was not destroyed in the attack on the town by insurgents on Wednesday evening.

The deputy governor, who spoke on the attack in Maiduguri yesterday, said he has been informed that only the military outpost in the town was attacked where armoured vehicle, a block of office and communication room of the military were set ablaze.

He also disclosed that the police station in the town was attacked where the parked official vehicle of the Divisional Police Officer was riddled with bullets.

The deputy governor who answered questions from journalists after returning back to Maiduguri after a visit to Magumeri, said he had been to the twin in company of the state Commissioner of Police, Director of SSS, Member of Borno State House of Assembly representing

Magumeri, said he was delighted that nobody was hurt and no house was burnt against the rumour making the round in Maiduguri town that the insurgents attacked Magumeri and burnt the whole town and chased the residents out of the town.

He said contrary to what the people were saying and scaring innocent citizens in Maiduguri, his team arrived the town and met people going about their normal businesses and confidently moving about peacefully.

It was learnt that the staff officer of the military team at Magumeri had confirmed to the Deputy Governor during the visit that one soldier was killed and another found in the morning while on search of the area for those missing.

He equally told the deputy governor that three soldiers sustained injuries and were in the hospital responding to treatment they sustained during the attack.

UTME: JAMB Reverses Position, Says Awaiting-Result Candidates Can Apply Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

result on our site. We don’t want to be giving admissions The Joint Admissions and to candidates that are not Matriculation Board (JAMB), qualified to be admitted. It has has reversed its earlier position been discovered over time that on awaiting results, saying that most of the times when these the affected candidates are candidates are admitted, they also eligible to register and sit don’t meet the requirements.”

“You have from May up to for the Universities Tertiary Matriculation Examination August to upload your result.

At the point of admission we (UTME). would have sieved our records A statement by the Head of Media and Public and any candidate who has not Relations, JAMB, Mr. Fabian uploaded his or her result at Benjamin, who announced that point, is not eligible for this in a statement yesterday, admission.

“We have a good number of also clarified that any candidate who fails to upload their result candidates who have written between May and August, their exams in years past and would not be confirmed to they have their results ready gain admission into any tertiary waiting for this process, we will factor those ones and the institution.

Benjamin explained that few ones that will get their the timeframe would enable results before August. We are the body to grant admission not working for those that will to only qualified candidates be writing their exams. But if by who are ready to advance their chance you write your O’ Level educational pursuit in tertiary examinations and JAMB this institutions, conserve resources year and your result is ready, and also provide credible data. good for you.”

Benjamin stressed that He said: “Nigerians are still not clear whether candidates candidates, who are not with awaiting results will write computer literate, have a choice our exams or not. Today, we of applying for a UTME mock want to make it categorically examination at a fee of N700 clear that candidates awaiting nationwide.

He further explained results are eligible to register and sit for our examinations. that the UTME mock However, the board will not examination was optional confirm any admission for any and aimed at allowing candidate with awaiting result. students have a feel of the “All candidates who are Computer Based Test (CBT), desirous of tertiary education especially those ignorant are to upload their O’ Level of the CBT process.

RAISING FUNDS FOR CHARITY

L-R: Supreme Subordinate President, Knights of St. John, Sir Anselm Okafor; President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Chairman, 40th anniversary Fund Raising Committee, Sir John Nnia Nwodo; and Supreme Subordinate President, Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of St. John, Professor Viola Onwuliri, at a press conference on 40th anniversary of Knights of St. John in Nigeria....in Lagos...yesterday

CPC Bares Fangs, Gives NBC Seven-day Ultimatum on Fanta, Sprite To conduct broad, independent investigation

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

launch of a detailed investigation is a matter of urgency.

According to her, the judgment The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has issued a seven-day only serves as the subject of ultimatum to the Nigeria Bottling bringing the information to Company (CPC) to furnish it CPC’s attention.

She said: “ CPC’s interest is not with answers with regards to the recent ruling that consumption far fetched; for years, Fanta, Sprite of Fanta and Sprite with Vitamin and Coca-Cola have arguably and C could lead to serious adverse consistently been the most widely consumed beverages in Nigeria. effects.

The Director General of CPC, The spectrum of consumption Mrs. Dupe Atoki, at a briefing is also perhaps the widest, with yesterday in Abuja, said the consumption starting as early as answers being demanded from four and far into adult years.

“In addition, Vitamin C is one NBC is to enable the agency carry out a broad and independent of the most consumed medications investigation for the benefit of for both children and adults, both as a matter of prescription/over Nigerian consumers.

Atoki said the council is the counter and, or as dietary keenly interested and extremely supplement. Essentially both the concerned about the questions NBC products and Vitamin C are that have arisen for the Lagos routinely consumed in Nigeria with State High Court ruling in absolutely no restrictions to access the case between Fijabi Adebo and availability.”

Atoki said the council in its Holdings Ltd and Nor versus NBC & Nor: Suit no. ongoing investigation, aims to find among other things whether: LD/13/2008.

She stressed that based on the Sprite/Fanta at the time of discoveries and reactions from production, is potentially harmful members of the public, CPC’s to consumers when consumed

with Vitamin C; If yes, what is NBC’s obligation to consumers and has NBC fully discharged that obligation; Pursuant to the CPC Act, the Council is interested in discovering what steps if any, NBC took after the testing and confistication of Fanta and Sprite by the United Kingdom (UK) authority.

To this end, CPC in a letter to NBC dated March 15, 2017, requested it to provide the information if: Any and all papers, processes, statements, affidavits, motions, arguments, exhibits filed in the case that was the subject of the judgment of Justice Adedayo Oyebanji in the suit; identify every witness that NBC intended to present at the trial, including all witnesses who testified, and others who intended but who did not testify, and each witness’ position and role in NBC must be identified in the submission.

The CPC boss in the letter also asked the compnay to identify any non-NBC employee or experts who testified or were intended to testify during the trial; provide

the composition of the products otherwise known as Fanta and Sprite.

She however, noted that the information maybe commercially sensitive and assured it’s confidentiality.

Atoki further demanded for any and all quality assurance or laboratory tests conducted by NBC or commissioned by NBC, or that have come within the control of NBC with respect to Fanta and Sprite between 2008 and March 2017.

She also asked the company to identify the custodian of composition and component of Fanta and Sprite in the UK and United States.

“You are required to provide the information above within seven days, and in any case, no later than March 23, 2017,” CPC demanded in the letter.

The council said its demands is Pursuant to extant provision of the CPC Act Cap 25, LFN 2004 (CPC Act) and relies on Sections 2(a), (b) (d), (i) and (j); 3, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017• T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Plot to Impeach Kogi Speaker Thickens as Six PDP Members Decamp to APC They must vacate their seats immediately, says PDP Gov welcomes defectors

Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja Plot to impeach Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Imam, thickens as six lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

yesterday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the assembly.

Those who decamped from PDP to APC are the Majority Leader of the assembly, Mathew Kolawole of Kabba/Bunu; John

NORTHERN PDP ELDERS SUGGEST EXPANDED PEACE COMMITTEE chapter of the PDP has said it has decided never to work with the Senator Sheriff-led leadership because of “threats, inducement and intimidation” it suffered from the former Borno State governor’s hands.

Led by Usman Danjuma Ibrahim, Sheriff had done all in his power to frustrate the PDP grassroots stakeholders, including unilaterally installing a parallel state executive to force them out of the party “but we stayed firm due to the love we have for the party.”

The stakeholders maintained that Borno State has been a PDP state from inception of the present democratic dispensation, stating that it won gubernatorial election in 1999, 2007 and 2011 but was shortchanged by Sheriff then in one of the opposition parties.

The Borno also stated that it has “unanimously agreed to the leadership of the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Makarfi all decisions that will be taken by the committee with special consideration and consultation.”

However, the Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has expressed delight over what he said was the northern PDP

elders’ acceptance of a political solution to the crisis currently rocking the party.

The governor yesterday commended party leaders and elders in the north for opting to support an alternative resolution of the issues and lauded their recommendations on his committee’s efforts to find enduring peace in the party.

The governor stressed that taking the path of finding a political solution to the current crisis remains a win-win option for everyone in the PDP. He advised against taking hard stances, noting that the northern PDP leaders’ position underscores their commitment to finding peace in the shortest possible time.

In a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel IworisoMarkson, the head of the PDP peace committee noted that at a time the party needed to put its house in order, personal interests must give way to the overall survival of the PDP. “The governor commends the PDP northern leaders for opting for a political solution in the resolution of the party’s leadership crisis. He thanks them for accepting this option and their unalloyed commitment to the PDP as a party,” the statement said.

Abah of Ibaji and Mukhtar Adoke of Adavi.

Others are Ahmed Muhammad of Ankpa I, Victor Adewale Omofaiye of Ijumu and Abdulkarim Kekere Sani of Okehi.

Before decamping from the PDP to APC yesterday, PDP had 16 members, while APC had nine members just as the present Speaker, Imam of APC who is in the minority, took over the leadership of the assembly after impeaching the former Speaker, Hon. Momohjimoh Lawal of the PDP. With the defection of six PDP members, APC is now a majority party in the assembly with 15

members while PDP is 10.

Sources close to the assembly disclosed to THISDAY that the defection is connected to the plot to impeach the present Speaker any moment from now having allegedly lost favour with the powers that be.

Meanwhile the state chapter of the party has condemned the action of the defected PDP members, saying they must vacate their seats immediately.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Hon. Bode Ogunmola, which was made available to THISDAY. He noted that “it is indeed

disheartening that rather than join hands with the party to take over power from this administration that has refused to conduct local government elections in the state, they are defecting.

Meanwhile, the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has welcomed the defection of the six lawmakers to APC. The Director General of Media and Publicity to the governor, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement issued yesterday in reaction to the defection, said APC is a revolutionary movement against poverty, underdevelopment and corruption.

The statement said: Today, in our state, the ‘new direction’ administration under the leadership of Bello is working hard to serve the people of the state, defeat poverty and criminality as well as take the state to the promised land.

“The governor’s style of leadership must have attracted the legislators who defected to the party. Bello will continue to deliver on his promises and continue to strengthen the APC. “As the leader of the party in the state, the governor welcomes them to the APC fold and wishes to assure them that all will be treated equally in the party.”

QUALITY CERTIFIED

R-L: Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Osita A. Aboloma; Chairman, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Chief Kola Jamodu; Director, Corporate Affairs and Administration, Mrs. Yomi Ifaturoti; Director, Human Resources, Ms. Joyce Coker; and royal fathers at the presentation of the first ISO QMS 9001:2015 to PZ Cussons by SON in Lagos....yesterday

Nigerian Universities May Close Again, EIA on 260km Super Highway Runs into Hitch Again Soon, ASUU Warns “At the end of the day, we are Bassey Inyang In Calabar have to look at issues suggested will be addressed, we are a Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has vowed that it members nationwide may go on strike soon if the federal and state governments fail to redeem their promises bordering on the welfare of lecturers and re-positioning public universities to meet international standards.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Bauchi, the ASUU zonal coordinator Professor Nanmwa Voncir, who stated this, lamented that governments had abdicated their responsibilities of funding higher education, pointing out that all projects being carried out on campuses are interventions by TETFUND and NEEDS Assessment which replaced the normal budgetary allocations to higher institutions.

“You will recall that in November 2016, ASUU embarked on a one week warning strike to compel

the federal government to implement the 2009 agreement.

The senate of the federal republic of Nigeria intervened and the strike ended with undertaking

by Federal Government of Nigeria to address all the contending issues,’’ he said.

According to him, instead of the federal government to fulfill the pledge by addressing the issues, ‘the situation has however gone from bad to worse decrying that by February 2017, academic staff in federal universities were paid fractions of their salaries just as the state governments ‘also pay salaries very irregularly’. ‘’ Herein lies the challenge.

The Nigerian people should know and do what is right by requesting the federal government to do what is right otherwise we shall not be blamed for any unpleasant actions that the union may take should this ugly trend of paying fractions of salaries continue,’’ he threatened.

As the ding-dong affairs between the Cross River State government, the Federal Ministry of Environment and stakeholders on the proposed 260-kilometre Super Highway continues, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) project appears to have failed after a third attempt to get the document approved.

Indications to this effect came to the fore yesterday during the stakeholders’ family meeting organised by the ministry in Calabar.

Speaking at the event which held at Channel View Hotel, the representative of the Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibrin, the Director on EIA in the ministry, Mr. John Alonge, said a thorough job needed to be done on the document.

“The federal ministry observed that the state government’s consultant in the project has not done a thorough job and we will encourage the consultants to do a thorough job.

looking at a valid document that can stand the test of time. This document we will put on website and the World bank will look at it….

“We are tired of shouting; we expect a robust EIA, do a good job and let your consultant not end in this hall.”

The minister said the consultant still has much to do to get the document to internationally accepted standards.

Jibrin said the EIA presented by the state failed to address most contending issues and is short of international standard and cannot meet World Bank requirement.

Speaking at the event, the state Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, however noted that an aggregation of opinion indicated that the stakeholders were not opposed to the construction of the super highway.

“It is obvious that all is not against the issue of superhighway, however we also noted that our consultants

and how we can remedy them.

We shall do more consultations of the communities involved to capture all.

“Also, we have noted the expert advice and various issues raised and how they

listening government, we want the UN-REDD and funding to continue. We are very anxious about resumption of activities on the superhighway... Please do all you can to assist us positively,” Esu said.

Madam Mojisola Ogun Passes On Seasoned accountant and administrator, Mrs. Mojisola Olufunmilayo Ogun, has passed on in London at the age of 75, THISDAY has learnt.

According to family sources, the sad event took place after a brief illness on March 8, 2017.

A statement issued by the family stated: “With immense gratitude to God for a fulfilled life, the Afolabi Ogun family announce the passing into glory of our beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and mother-in-law.”

Mama who hailed from

Osun State had a long and meritorious career in finance and administration, finally retiring from Cadbury Plc. Her funeral, according to the family, kicked off yesterday with a service of songs at Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral,Ikeja GRA, followed by a commendation and farewell service at the same venue today.

On Monday, March 20, 2017, there will be a funeral service at Upminster Cemetery Chapel, Ockendon Road, Upminster, United Kingdom, where she will be buried.

54

CRIME&PUNISHMENT

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017• T H I S D AY

Police Arrest Father for Raping Daughters

Chiemelie Ezeobi The Lagos State Police Command yesterday arrested a 42-year-old plumber, Idowu Lasisi, for allegedly molesting his two daughters.

Lasisi was brought to the state command after his 15-year-old daughter alleged that he had sexually defiled her on several occasions.

The suspect, it was gathered,

started molesting younger daughter after his 19-year-old daughter got tired of being sexually assaulted and fled the house.

It was gathered that his sexual attraction to the eldest had forced his wife, Mrs. Labake Lasisi, to leave their one-room apartment when attempts to stop it proved abortive.

Lasisi was said to have allegedly turned to the younger

daughter after his wife and eldest daughter left, giving her N500 each time he slept with her.

But the suspect denied the allegation, claiming that the victim framed him up because he scolded her.

However, a police source said: “The victim was brought to the

station by her mother, and we sent her for checkup.

“The mother said she left her husband two years ago when she discovered he was sexually abusing with their eldest daughter.

“The woman who is a trader, left her three children behind.

When the older daughter

couldn’t bear that abuse, she ran away from home and till now, her whereabouts remain unknown.

“According to the younger girl, her father started the act last year, giving her N500 each time. She said there were times she would fight him off but that he succeeded

at times, and that out of frustration, she dropped out of school.”

Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the victim has been taken to the Mirable Centre for medical examination, adding that investigation was stil ongoing.

Again, Dariye Asks Court to Stop His Money Laundering Trial Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

A former Plateau State Governor, Joshua Dariye, yesterday asked Justice Adebukola Banjoko of an Abuja High Court sitting at Gudu District, to hands off his trial for alleged money laundering.

Dariye, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly diverting about N1.162 billion from the state’s Ecological Fund to private companies and individuals, has filed an application to stay further proceedings in his trial pending the determination of an appeal he filed at the Court of Appeal.

He is challenging a ruling delivered by the court on March 6, 2016 where the court granted Dariye, through his counsel, Garba Pwul (SAN), recall of first Prosecution Witness (PW1), an EFCC Investigation Police Officer (IPO), Mr. Musa Sunday, but refused to order the recall of PW9, a retired officer of the Metropolitan Police from the United Kingdom, Mr. Peter Clarke.

He predicated his application to stop his trial on Section 36 (1), (4) and (6) (b) and (d) of the 1999 Constitution. He also said he had lost confidence in the court to try him.

Dariye stated that the evidence the defence intended to elicit through PW9 in further cross examination was vital to the charge he is being tried on.

However, the trial, in its 10th year this year, has been in court since 2007, when the EFCC preferred a 23-count charge of money laundering involving alleged diversion of about N1.16billion Plateau State Government’s ecological funds against Dariye.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges following which the trial judge, Justice Banjoko, fixed November 13, 2007 for the commencement of trial.

Before that date, however, Dariye filed an application, challenging the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the court. He argued that he ought to be tried before a Plateau State High Court and not an Abuja High Court.

The trial judge, on December 13, 2007 heard and dismissed Dariye’s application for lacking in merit. Dariye appealed against the ruling of the court but the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of Justice Banjoko. Dariye subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court.

The apex court on February 27, 2015 dismissed Dariye’s

appeal and ordered him to submit himself for trial.

Following the Supreme Court’s judgment delivered on February 27, 2015 the former governor’s trial resumed, after about nine years of delay, on January 26, 2016.

Dariye has again instituted an appeal to the appellate court, alleging “manifest of bias” against Justice Banjoko which he said manifested in proceedings of December 7, 2017.

The judge had dismissed his application asking her (the judge) to disqualify herself from the trial and refused to transfer the to the Chief Judge for re-assignment to another court.

Dariye, in a letter addressed to the Chief Judge, Ishaq Bello accused Justice Banjoko of “manifest and undisguised bias,’’ among other accusations.

While giving ruling in the motion filed December 13, 2016

by Dariye, accusing the judge of ‘Manifest and undisguised bias’ in the N1.162 billion fraud suit against Dariye, the judge dismissed the motion as lacking in merit.

She held that throughout her capacity in the matter before the court, she had maintained her judicious oath in carrying out her duties and declared that the trial will continue.

The judge in her ruling on the recall of witnesses, denied the request for PW9. She held that Peter Clarke, has retired from the Metropolitan Police since March 2015 and his whereabouts might be difficult to know.

She further held that the witness is not a compellable one and the court was minded of the fact that the witness resides outside the jurisdiction of the court.

She added that the witness had not appeared earlier in the case at the instruction of any authority but had done so at his free will. The court dismissed the application.

Motion for recall of PW1, EFCC Investigation Police Officer (IPO), Mr. Musa Sunday for further re-examination was however granted.

Justice Banjoko, noted that the defense, who had called 16 witnesses had earlier cross examined the witness with over 78 pages on court records and the defense had had ample time to get its facts.

While she held that the court is minded that the PW1 is still serving and within the jurisdiction of the court, she granted the request for recall of PW1.

CATCHING THEM YOUNG

Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi (middle), with pupils of St. Patrick’s School, Illela, when the former governor visited the school at the border town between Sokoto and Niger Republic to celebrate the World Freedom Day in Sokoto State....yesterday

Army Sets up Inquiry into Brutalisation of Women by Soldiers Paul Obi in Abuja The Nigerian Army yesterday said it had set up an inquiry into the alleged brutalisation of women by six soldiers in Lagos early this week.

According to Acting Director of Army Public Relations of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt Col. OM Daudu, “the attention of the Division has been drawn to the social media and Newspapers online reports on “Alleged brutalization

of a female by soldiers”.

“The incident occurred in Odoguyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos state involving soldiers of 174 Battalion on Sunday, March 12, 2017 “The alleged incident is highly regrettable, even as the Division under the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for inhuman treatment.”

He explained that “discipline remains the bedrock of the Nigerian military profession. It is quite disheartening when such

incidences occur even though isolated will not be treated with any laxity.

“Consequently, a Board of Inquiry has been constituted by the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Elias Attu, to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident, determine the level of the soldiers involvement, submit its findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures which will be communicated.

“The female has been taken to

hospital where she is responding to treatment while six soldiers are being detained in regards to the incident.

“We thank the media for timely information in bringing such incidences to fore. The Division remains committed to its tasks as part of the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army. It continues to enjoin all to be law abiding and count on their support and cooperation,” Daudu stated.

Gunmen Kidnap Octogenarian in Akwa Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo The police in Akwa Ibom State have confirmed the kidnap of Mr. Wilson Eduo, the father of the Transition Committee Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State by unknown gunmen.

THISDAY learnt that the octogenarian was adopted from his residence in Udianga Enem at about 7:30p.m. by four

masked gunmen driving in a Toyota car.

By the time of filing this report, the motive of the kidnappers could not be established as they had not opened contact with the family for demand of ransom.

One of the sons of the victim, simply identified as Otobong, lamented that the kidnappers cannot take care of the father because he is on medication due

to protracted illness.

He said: “When they (the kidnappers) seized him, he told them to please leave him because of his condition, but they refused and whisked him away,” wondering what they want to do with a sick old man with life threatening ailment.

Otobong lamented that his father was permanently at home because of the ailment he is suffering.

The Commissioner of Police (CP),

Mr. Donald Awunah, confirmed the incident, saying men of the Antikidnapping and Robbery Squad (SARS) and other operatives of the force had since been dispatched to comb the area for the suspects.

The police, he said, would stop at nothing to get at the kidnappers and rescue the man unharmed from his abductors, and solicited the cooperation of members of the civil society with useful information on how to track the suspects.

Enugu Government Moves to Decongest Prisons The Enugu State Executive Council has initiated steps aimed at decongesting prisons located within the state.

The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, told journalists that the decision was an outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House,

Enugu, noting that to a accomplish this, the sum of N10m has been approved as honorarium to private lawyers who would take up cases on behalf of prison inmates to facilitate their release.

“The executive council has directed that the NBA, NGOs and some private legal practitioners willing to accept honorarium be

engaged to handle cases of bail of those awaiting trials. The attorneygeneral and commissioner of justice has also further been directed to liaise with the state’s chief judge to conduct periodic jail deliveries,” he said.

Udeuhele informed journalists that the council also approved the release of

the 2013 promotion arrears for teachers employed by the Post Primary School Management Board with financial effect from April 2017, adding that the 2014 promotion arrears would be released with financial effect from September 2017 while that of 2015 will be from December 2017.

55

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017

FRIDAYSPORTS

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

WIND OF CHANGE

Ahmad Ends Hayatou’s 29-year Reign as CAF President Pinnick elected CAF Executive Committee member Duro Ikhazuagbe in Addis Ababa Madagascar’s Football Federation President, Ahmad, yesterday at the 39th General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ended the 29-year reign of Issa Hayatou as president.

Ahmad who is also the deputy senate president of the Indian Ocean island defeat the 71-year old Hayatou 34 votes to 20 to stall the Cameroonian’s eighth term bid that would have made him one of the world’s two longest serving sports administrators.

Moments after his victory inside the main chambers of the African Union House here, the 57-yearold Ahmad and his supporters erupted in a loud celebration. “This is sweet victory. This success is the reward for several months of hardwork. I am glad we have good success,” gushed Ahmad who became Madagascar’s FA president in 2003.

He paid glowing tribute to his team, which included Nigeria’s federation President, Amaju Pinnick, who worked tirelessly for months to make the feat possible.

“There were times when I believe we can effect a change in the leadership of CAF but as human, I times I think it was a tall order. When you try to do something, you mean that you can do it. If I can’t do it, I never stand,” revealed the newly elected CAF chief who automatically will replace Hayatou as First Vice President of football world governing body, FIFA. Earlier, in his manifesto before voting began, Ahmad promised that his first priority on the job would be to modernise CAF’s operations and make it transparent.

He also promised to introduce a new code of ethics as well as extend the ethics checks on football officials in the continent.

Shortly after the CAF Congress returned from the 30 minutes break after the presidential election, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, was also elected into the Executive

RESULTS OF THE CAF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS NORTH: Fouzi Lekjaa-41 Mohamed Raouraoua-7 WEST A: Amadou Diakite-22 Hassan Musa Bility-26 WEST B: Amaju Pinnick-32 Anjorin Moucharafou-17 CENTRAL-EAST Juneidi Basha Tilmo-9 Magdi Shams El Din-12 Moses Magog-7 Suleiman Hassan Waberi-20 SOUTHERN ZONE: Danny Jordaan-35 Frans Mbidi-24 Rui Eduardo Da Costa-25 FEMALE CANDIDATE: Isha Johansen-35 Lydia Nsekera-12

Victorious Ahmad after the win yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Despite opposition to his candidature, Pinnick defeated Moucharafou Anjorin of Benin Republic by 32 votes to 17.

The NFF boss is the third Nigeria to get to the CAF Council after Etubom Orok Oyo and Dr Amos Adamu were similarly elected in the past.

The 46-year-old former Delta Sports Commission chairman had told THISDAY hours before the elections that he was sure of ousting the Benin Republic football administrator.

Ghana’s Kwesi Nyantakyi defeated Leodegar Tenga of Tanzania by 33-16 votes to get elected to the FIFA Council.

As at the time of filing this report last night, no less than six members of the Hayatou cabinet had lost their bids to return to the executive.

Late Nigerian Nigerian coaches, Amodu Shaibu and Stephen Okechukwu Keshi were remembered and given one minute silence along with other for players and administrators of the game who died recently. Late Uzama Douglas was amongst players also remembered.

Ghana’s Kwesi Nyantakyi defeated Eight past officials and journalists were also honoured with CAF’s Order of Merit. They include; Mostafa Badri, Joseph Gabio, Mark Glesson, Abel Mbengue, Genene Mekuria, Phillippe Zickgraf, Abennet Meskel and Hassan Hamdy.

Ethiopian President, Mulatu Teshome, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino and African Union Chairperson, Mousa Faki Mahamat were at the general assembly that ushered in a brand new CAF executive to pilot affairs of African football for the next four years.

Amaju Pinnick brimming with smile after the election into CAF Executive Committee yesterday_

Saraki: Ahmad’s Victory, New Beginning for African Football The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki has described the electoral victory of Mr. Ahmad Ahmad as President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as a new beginning for African football which has been yearning for the injection of fresh blood into its management.

Congratulating Ahmad, Saraki added that the victory is a testament to Ahmad’s message and determination to positively alter the 29-year status quo in CAF.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki lauded Ahmad as a consummate technocrat, with the capacity to usher in a new era of innovation and positive change into the affairs of CAF. He called on all Football Associations (FA) in Africa to support the new President, to enable him deliver on his electioneering promises, for the good of the game.

Ibadan Set for GOtv Boxing Night 11 The 11th edition of GOtv Boxing African lightweight challenge duel Night will hold on March 26, at between Nigeria’s Oto Joseph and the Indoor Sports Hall of Obafemi Ghanaian Anma Dotse. The event Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo will also feature two massive grudge bouts. One will see State.

Sadiq Ahmed take on Olaide This is the first time the event, organized by Flyklite Productions, Fijabi in the light welterweight will hold outside Lagos. category.

Fijabi dethroned Ahmed Sanctioned by the Nigerian as national champion in 2015. The Boxing Board of Control (NBB of other will see Wahab Adebisi take C), the event will feature seven on Sule Olagbade. The latter bouts, including an international dethroned Adebisi as national champion. lightweight challenge contest. light middleweight

Chief Operating Officer of Ibadan-based lightweight king, Flykite Productions, Bamidele Akeem Dodo, will take on Saka Johnson at a press conference Kazeem in a challenge bout, while addressed by the organisers Rilwan Babatunde will test his said: “The decision to hold GOtv mettle against Waliu Arogundade Boxing Night 11 in Ibadan was in a light welterweight clash.

Sadiq Adeleke will swap punches informed by suggestions from boxing fans that there is a need with Taiwo Kareem in a six-round for other cities to enjoy top class national bantamweight challenge boxing for which the event has bout. In the light heavyweight category, Adewale Masebinu will become famous.”

The biggest bout on the card fight against Kabiru Towolawi in on the night will be the West an eight-round challenge contest.

“This is a new beginning and we cannot afford to make the mistakes of the past. African football has been yearning for a new direction and now that this opportunity to inject fresh blood into the management of the continental body has been realized, it is time for all stakeholders to roll up their sleeves and support the new executive to extend the frontiers and fortunes of African Football at the global level,” Saraki said.

The Senate President also commended the outgoing President, Mr. Issa Hayatou, for immense contribution to the development of African football in Africa in the past 29 years.

“Hayatou has served the organization well, now, we look forward to the new leadership to usher in a new era of change and effectiveness to raise the standard of African football across all levels,” he added in the statement.

Title-chasing Bayern Battles Gladbach Live on StarTimes StarTimes will again treat Nigerians to a feast of exciting football games across top leagues, including the big Bundesliga cracker where Europeantitle chasing Gladbach hopes to halt the fantastic run of title-chasing Bayern Munich.

Viewers can watch the game on StarTimes Word Football (channel 254 or 244) on Sunday at 5:30pm Nigerian time, to enjoy the cracker between the two teams with the two best records in the second half of the season clashing in front of a capacity filled crowd at the Borussia Park.

Astatement by StarTimes Head of Public Relations and Communication, Israel Bolaji said the top game and other exciting matches across top leagues are lined up for the viewing pleasure of subscribers, to excite football fans with top-notch live actions from the best European leagues, including Bundesliga, Serie A, French Ligue I and select Premier League matches.

“We are keen to deliver the best

sporting and entertainment content to our esteemed customers and offer a line up of live football matches that will delight them and make weekend a great delight”, said Bolaji.

Gladbach suffered a rare hiccup on Dieter Hecking’s watch as they went down to a 2-1 defeat in Hamburg on Matchday 24. The Foals’ boss will be hoping Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash does not sap too much energy from his side ahead of Sunday as the ninth-placed side aim to get the win they need to close in on the European places.

There is a rare role reversal for Bayern this week as they have a full week to prepare for a Bundesliga match while their opponents are distracted by a midweek fixture. Last weekend’s 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt helped the Bavarians open up a 10-point lead at the top of the table, and the champions will make it 19 games without defeat in all competitions if they can leave Mönchengladbach with a result.

Friday, March 17, 2017

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE NCS to VOAN

“The policy on payment of duties on cars by vehicles owners was misconstrued, misinterpreted and has been blown out of proportion” Acting spokesman for the Nigerian Customs Service, Joseph Attah recanting the Service’s earlier directive and ultimatum to vehicles owners.

SHAKAMOMODU THIS REPUBLIC

shaka.momodu@thisdaylive.com

0811 266 1654

The Rise of Truth F

ellow Nigerians, where do I start from? How do I even begin to quilt together the unfolding events and drama in this APC-led government for posterity? Things are happening at such dizzying speed that I can hardly keep pace. The fierce battle between the truth and falsehood appears to be coming to a decided end. For a while, the massive web of lies and half-truths seemed to prevail but as it’s usually the case, anything built on a lie never really lasts long.

As it now appears all too obvious to some of the ardent supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari, the final chapter of lies is about to be written about a government whose tenure began on a magical note but is ending in tragedy: poverty, inflation and unemployment levels have all reached all-time highs. Poverty and disease have become a never-ending cycle.

I am amused to say the least, at how events have turned full circle in such a short span of time; Nigerians are witnessing grim echoes of the 1980s with 21st century lenses. Though a few pretenders are still holding out on lies, while others are living in the delusional spasm of hope that this directionless government will get its acts together, it is striking that the support base of the president has been eroded so badly in less than two years in office that you would think he has done a decade steering the ship of state.

Despite the fact that they continue to peddle alternative facts that are as useless as Monopoly money, the truth remains the government cannot give what it doesn’t have. Some of us saw through the elaborate charade called “change” by mindless scammers masquerading as reformers, and warned Nigerians to look beneath the veil that carefully masked the danger to the Nigerian project that Buhari represents, but many wouldn’t listen.

From the very first intervention I made to challenge the attempt to wish away Buhari’s unsuitability for president, titled, ‘Buhari: When Facts Become Contrived’ published December 20, 2014 till date, I have maintained my position that Buhari is part of Nigeria’s problems and that what the country needed was a complete break from people like him to usher in a new beginning for Project Nigeria to move forward.

Anyone reading various analyses of Nigeria’s situation in the foreign media in the last couple of weeks would be amazed at how fast the honeymoon the foreign media had with Buhari has come full circle. Remember he rode to power on the back of powerful endorsements and support from great institutions like The Economist, Financial Times (FT), etc. Well, they have all now turned against him.

Here is an excerpt from a recent article in FT titled, Nigeria’s President is Missing in Action: “There is an irony that Mr Buhari, a retired major-general, is missing in action.

He ran the country as a military ruler in the mid-1980s after seizing power in a coup. In civilian guise, his leadership style has verged on the invisible. After winning power in 2015 on the fourth attempt at the ballot box, he set out at a pace that has marked his presidency: it took him six months to name a cabinet.

Hopes that he had surrounded himself with a

Tinubu lean team of capable technocrats empowered to get policy cranking have come to naught.

Policy making — such that it is — has been crafted instead by a tiny cabal of loyal, less qualified, stalwarts. Mr Buhari has failed to articulate anything approaching a vision.”

When Buhari was still in London, The Economist on its part wrote an editorial titled, ‘Who’s running Nigeria?’ Here are excerpts: “It is the troubled economy, though, that looms largest now in Africa’s most populous country.

Mr Buhari was inaugurated soon after the collapse of global oil prices. But instead of accepting reality (exports and government revenues are dominated by the black stuff), he reverted to policies he implemented when last in power in the 1980s, namely propping up the currency. This has led to shortages of foreign exchange, squeezing imports. ..... If Mr Buhari remains in London much longer, his absence could provide a window for Nigeria’s technocratic vice-president, Yemi Osinbajo to push through a proper devaluation. Mr Osinbajo, currently in charge, has proved an energetic antidote to his ponderous boss, visiting the Delta for peace talks and announcing measures intended to boost Nigeria’s position in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, in which it currently ranks a lowly 169 out of 190.”

Suddenly, Buhari’s absence provided a window for proper policy implementation?

In other words, the foreign media was now acknowledging that Buhari is part of the problem of the Nigerian economy? When you juxtapose all that with the hyperbolic accolades showered on him in endorsements and the magical powers ascribed to him in the run-up to the 2015 presidential election, then you would realise how much this government’s support base has been eroded.

I am however unimpressed with these great institutions for choosing to substitute historical facts and actualities with alternative facts packaged by brand experts – just to “sell” a candidate in the run-up to the elections.

Similarly, many supporters who saw Buhari as a messiah whom the gods had said would come, are now saying he should have stayed back in London for the remainder of his term so that the country can make progress. They

point to the sudden drop in tension across the country during his absence, the inclusive approach of the then acting president as evidence that Buhari’s governance model was largely the problem. His infamous 97 per cent and 5 per cent division of the country, his attitude of “us” versus “them”, using the apparatus of state in his war of attrition against perceived opponents and his flawed sense of equity and justice - that of one nation, two moralities exemplified by his exculpation of the SGF Babachir Lawal - have helped fuel needless divisions all over the country and created unnecessary tensions in the land.

Recently, I have been having a good laugh at the supporters of Buhari’s change; people who invested time, money and energy. Surprisingly, a few are still clinging on to a tiny strand of hope that things would change for the better under him. The fervour of their support was so powerful that they were ready to burn down the country and lynch anyone who cautioned their optimism about their most improbable candidate of “change”.

It is also tempting to laugh at the many intellectuals who staked their prodigious reputations earned in a lifetime to endorse and bring back to power, one of the least qualified persons to rule modern Nigeria, 30 years after he was first kicked out of office. I mean a constellation of men of timber and calibre, with a rich repository of history, renowned worldwide for their intellectual abilities. How could they not have seen the red flags that were so visible? Perhaps, they saw them but chose to be willfully blinded.

Sentimental considerations and fake news, amplified by a conniving media, rather than the rigour of interrogation and objective appraisal of the evidence - suddenly became the gospel truth. They are complicit in Nigeria’s Hobbesian situation today where life is brutish, nasty and short. A once thriving country has been reduced to a tragic wasteland for businesses and the security of lives and properties is now a tall preposition.

As regards Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, one cannot help but laugh like a drain at him.

The Jagaban is the architect and godfather of Buhari’s change; we hear he is tired of being a kingmaker or more appropriately, he is tired of being left out in the cold and now wants to be the king. He was reported to be preparing to contest to become the president of Nigeria less than two years after foisting the present disaster on the country. He has denied the report quite alright, but there is no smoke without fire. Mark my word, Tinubu will contest. It is usually the ways of politicians, to first deny their plans, and then come out later to say they were pressured by friends and political constituents to make the pitch.

But what could be so forcefully definitive that Tinubu knows that we don’t know as to even give the hint he could run when some ridiculous clowns and regime apologists like Rochas Okorocha and the grass-cutting Babachir Lawal are already campaigning for Buhari in 2019?

This same man who hypnotised Nigerians with sweet nothings and led them to commit collective suicide in the name of change is at his cunning best once again. It is a shame that he wants to now turn round to ask for our

votes to become the president. What lies would he campaign on this time? His experiment has landed Nigeria in recession and massive economic “compression”, first in 25 years. It would be interesting to hear him campaign.

Wait a moment - will he continue to blame the last administration in his soon-to-be-launched presidential campaign for the country’s misery, or will he have the nerve to blame Buhari for making a bad situation worse several times more like Charles Soludo has pointed out?

Time will tell.

First, in March 2016, Tinubu, the Jagaban Borgu of Borgu, the aggrieved self-acclaimed National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) wrote a long and strongly-worded epistle, tearing into Dr Ibe Kachukwu, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and then Group Managing Director of the NNPC for saying he was not a magician who could end fuel scarcity overnight. Tinubu latched on that innocuous statement to launch an all-out assault on the minister who was just a convenient punching bag for Jagaban to vent his frustrations. Of course only the undiscerning would not have known that Tinubu’s missiles were intended for the big, taciturn and aloof masquerade. Poor Kachukwu! He had to lick his wounds in silence.

Despite his best efforts to rebuild his political reach, Tinubu was outsmarted in Ondo. Sensing that the leadership of the party was not ready to yield to his demand for a repeat of the primary, he sent an explosive love letter to his party chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, accusing him of egregious crimes such as corruption - that he insisted the party chair must resign his position. He was peeved about the outcome of the Ondo State governorship primary which his preferred candidate lost.

Tinubu’s call was not so much about what Oyegun did or did not do but perhaps much more about a sense of entitlement of what he is getting or not getting in the party he helped to midwife. That sense of personal loss and the pain of his loss of influence to direct or dictate the direction of governance were at the root Tinubu’s angst.

Again, some of us saw through his attempt to distance himself from this failing government when speaking recently at the National Defence College in Abuja with the theme, ‘Strategic Leadership: My Political Experience.’ Tinubu took a swipe at the president’s monetary policy, arguing that as a strategic partner in the formation of the government, it is incumbent on the leaders to “speak truth to power”.

Speak truth to power? Interesting! What do I see here? Well, I see a man creating an alibi when tomorrow comes.

Not done, he warned that a lack of true fiscal federalism poses great danger to the country, adding that “unjust allocation of resources makes a fertile ground for extremism”.

It should be remembered that this was a major campaign plank by the APC only to jettison it after winning power. Is it going to form a campaign plank for Jagaban when he finally makes a pitch for the office of the president? Hmm, the political situation is very fluid. However, there is a saying in the land of my fathers: “A man who treads the shadows of his ancestors, learns to walk like them.” Stay tuned.

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