Saturday 25th March 2017

FG Investigating 2,251 Cases through Whistleblowing Policy

Obinna Chima

The federal government yesterday disclosed that the total number of cases of fraud and illicit transactions by serving or former public officers it is currently investigating under its whistleblowing policy has

risen to 2,251.

This confirmed a recent THISDAY exclusive story that more Nigerians, mostly bankers and account officers, have started to take advantage of the federal government’s whistleblowing policy to report the wrongdoings of former and

current public office holders suspected to have embezzled public funds and stashed them in several Nigerian banks.

A breakdown of this, according to data made available by the Ministry of Finance showed that while 95 of such cases were reported using the whistleblow-

ing website; 1,550 through a dedicated telephone line for the policy; 194 through e-mails sent by the whistleblowers; and 412 through text messages.

Furthermore, it put the number of tips received so far at 282. A breakdown of the manner in which the tips

were received also showed that while 49 were through calls; 87 through SMS; 95 through the website that was developed for the initiative; and 51 through e-mails.

In addition, the actionable tips received were put at 154.

According to the ministry, some

of the tips include information about contract inflation and conversion of government assets to personal use; ghost workers; payment of unapproved funds; embezzlement of salaries of terminated personnel; improper Continued on page 10

Lagos, Chinese Investors Inject Fresh $64m into Lekki Free Trade Zone ... Page 10 Saturday 25 March, 2017 Vol 22. No 8010. Price: N250

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$184m Oil Swap Under-deliveries: NNPC Confirms Settlement withTaleveras, Others Chineme Okafor in Abuja

Three oil marketing companies - Aiteo Energy Resource Limited, Ontario Oil and Gas

Limited and Taleveras Group of Companies, have agreed to refund to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) over $184 million recorded

against them as under-delivered petroleum products in the various crude oil swap transactions they entered with the corporation.

NNPC commended Taleveras and other companies involved in the crude swap for reconciling their accounts and agreeing on a settlement plan to bring

this long standing matter to a closure.

Taleveras has committed to an initial prompt settlement of $17 million payment and

will make further payments in $10 million tranches.

Ontario is yet to submit its Continued on page 10

Buhari Orders Police to End Wanton Killings Now IGP denies Fulani herdsmen's involvement in Zaki Biam's killings

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday ordered the InspectorGeneral of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to stem the tide of violence and criminal activities ravaging different parts of the country.

It also emerged yesterday that Buhari considering visiting Sambisa forest, the former enclave of Boko Haram to declare open the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship NASAC 2017 scheduled to begin on Monday.

Buhari gave this order to Idris to end wanton killings when the IGP visited the president in Aso Rock to brief him on police activities. On Monday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique, had visited the president to brief him on military activities since he proceeded on vacation in London.

Answering questions from newsmen after briefing the president, Idris said the president directed the Nigeria Police to deploy the facilities at its disposal to bring violence

in the country under control.

He also said he assured the president that he would act on his instruction, especially by fishing out the prime suspect in last Monday's killings in Zaki Biam yam market.

According to him, the president gave "a specific directive to ensure that all of us use all the facilities at our disposal to make sure that some of these incidents we are talking about are brought under control as soon as possible.

"I gave the President my assurance that we are going to do that. Like I said earlier, l have deployed a special squad to Benue and we are surely going to get that 'Ghana' within a short time."

Idris denied insinuations that the Zaki Biam massacre which claimed over 50 lives was carried out by Fulani herdsmen. According to him, the killings were carried out by some criminal elements in the state including one 'Ghana' whom he said had been on police wanted list.

Continued on page 10

President may visit Sambisa Forest

AFRICA'S BIGGEST BUS TERMINAL...

L-R: Newly upgraded Tafawa Balewa Square Bus Terminal inaugurated by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode ...yesterday

Falana Urges Buhari to Order Police to Stop Invasion of Amnesty Office... Page 55

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Lagos, Chinese Investors Inject Fresh $64m into Lekki Free Trade Zone Gboyega Akinsanmi

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday disclosed that the state government and China Africa Lekki Investment Limited (CALIL) would inject $64 million into Lekki Free Trade Zone before the 2017 fiscal year runs out.

Likewise, the Chairman of Lekki Free Trade Zone Development Company, Mr. Biodun Dabiri disclosed that $6 billion had been invested into the zone in the last one year alone.

Ambode disclosed the injection of fresh N64 million inspecting the facilities at Lekki yesterday, noting that the injec-

tion of the fund would serve as equity from both parties and help attract more investors to the zone.

Of this huge fund, the governor said Lagos was expected to provide $15.01 million while CALIL would inject $49.88 million into it, as their counterpart funding into the project.

On the disparity in the equity by both parties, he stated that the state had 40 per cent investment while the Chinese firm would have 60 per cent ownership of the project.

When completed, the governor said that the project would help boost the State Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“This place will help to reduce unemployment and capacity for the future.

I want to assure that our financial commitment to Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) will be improved in 2017. We will accelerate to quickly clear our outstanding counterpart funding for the zone. In essence, we expect that in the next six month.

"We should be having an investment of over $60 million. I believe that when we invest our share of the fund and CALIL does, it will bring a major development for the zone. Putting the fund here at this time in our country will improve the infrastructure and

boost development."

Ambode said the huge fund would help fast-track the construction of alternative roads for the zone, noting that it was obvious that a single road was not sufficient for the zone.

He said: "It is also now clear that we have to dualise the Lekki-Eleko road beyond the zone, in order to withstand the influx of vehicle that will be making use of the road to access the zone. With this, we will be able to sustain the investment in the area."

Ambode lamented that communal issues experienced at the zone had been responsible for the delay in the actualisation of the project, adding: “But in

the last one year, we have had a peaceful atmosphere here."

He said that construction on LFZ sea port would take off next month, urging the contractor handling the project "to adhere to the earlier stipulated duration.

"The port is very critical to us. We will have more investors if the port is completed. It is very critical to the development of the zone and if not developed, there may not be return on investment made into the zone.

"We want to implore them (contractor) to adhere to the time frame earlier stated. Where we do not see traction, we may be compelled to take a review

of what that agreement is all about," Ambode added.

Also speaking during the inspection, Dabiri put the total investment the Lekki Free Trade Zone attracted in the last one year at $6 billion.

He, therefore, urged the state government to urgently address its present challenges, for it to open its vision of diversifying earnings, generating more employment opportunities and attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs).

Also, the Managing Director of Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Ding Yonghua, disclosed that $1.1 million profit was made from the zone in 2016.

PDP Crisis: No Political Solution Yet, Says Adeyeye Explain truce with Sheriff

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Ahmed Makarfi says it is yet to reach a deal on a political solution in the conflict with the Ali-Modu Sherrif faction.

In a statement issued by its spokesman, Dayo Adeyeye, the caretaker committee said that its attention had been drawn to

some publication in the news media misinforming the public that the parties had reached a “political solution”.

"This is not true and we wish to state that the agreement signed yesterday before the Governor Dickson's Reconciliation Committee was only to stop further media attacks on officers, elders and other stakeholders of the PDP across the internal political

divide.

Adeyeye said that what was agreed upon between his side and the representative of the Sheriff-led PDP leadership was actually meant to stop them from dissipating energy on needless verbal attacks.

"For the record, the agreement was not a political solution but rather an understanding reached urging representative of the key

actors from both groups not to dissipate energy amongst themselves but to focus on how to unite as a formidable force capable of re-gaining power from the failed All Progressives Congress (APC) led government in the 2019.

"The agreement also implores both parties to desist from making public derogatory remarks against each other that could cause inflammatory

reactions capable of dragging the Party to the mud.

“It is instructive to note that the National Caretaker Committee and all the organs of the Party are working hard with the Reconciliation Committee ably led by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson with other stakeholders to reach a lasting political solution.

"However, this effort is

without prejudice to the Appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria against the Court of Appeal Judgment of February 17, 2017.

"We call on all our members, teeming supporters and lovers of democracy to continue supporting our Party leaders, elders and other critical stakeholders as we work assiduously to bring the party crisis to an end," he said.

(DSDP), and in which all the cost elements of middlemen are now eliminated and the corporation given the latitude

to take control of the crude oil transaction it enters into with competitively selected partners.

$184M OIL SWAP UNDER-DELIVERIES: NNPC CONFIRMS SETTLEMENT WITH TALEVERAS, OTHERS repayment plan, whilst Aiteo has reconciled all transactions and is currently not indebted to NNPC. NNPC said in a statement from its Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, yesterday in Abuja, that the three oil companies were found to be indebted to the corporation when a reconciliation of transactions executed during the defunct crude for product swap regime, was done by the parties.

Ughamadu also quoted the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, to have stated in the statement that the reconciliatory exercise which resulted in the $184 million refund from firms was part of an ongoing extensive reconciliation process with them.

“We have engaged them and positively too, so far Aiteo has been very cooperative and we had extensive reconciliation across all our chains of businesses where they are involved.

In the case of Televaras, they have agreed to make tranche payment of $10 million while Ontario has also agreed to come to the table with our team and present their repayment schedule,” said Baru in the statement.

Baru equally stated that Taleveras has already pledged to repay $17 million. He thus thanked the company for its cooperation so far, and added that the ongoing recovery process was geared towards ensuring probity and accountability in

the operations of the NNPC in line with current reforms in the industry.

Under the defunct swap programme which was allegedly opaque, the NNPC exchanged a huge chunk of the 445,000 barrels per day crude oil it got for domestic refining with the oil marketing firms for refined product.

The crude-for-products exchange arrangement was however replaced with a new arrangement referred to as Direct-Sale–Direct-Purchase

BUHARI ORDERS POLICE TO END WANTON KILLINGS NOW He further said he briefed the president on police deployment strategies to flash points all over the country, especially places such as Benue, Kaduna and Ile-Ife in Osun State. According to him, both the police special squad and investigation team had been deployed to such places to investigate recent crimes perpetrated there.

On the allegation of bias and unjust arrest of Yoruba men over Ife crisis, Idris did not give a direct and categorical response.

Instead, he said: "You know we are police officers. Crime has no tribe. If you are a criminal, you are a criminal. Crime has no face. We don't look at crime in the identity of where you are coming from. As far as you are a criminal and the police find you wanting, we apply the law."

He emphasised that mobile units had been deployed to Zaki Biam to ensure that 'Ghana,' the prime suspect in the Zaki Biam killings, is arrested, insisting that the crime was not perpetrated

by Fulani herdsmen.

"No. I don't think it's Fulani herdsmen. It was an activity of a criminal who is using some of his criminal gangs in the state

to harass people, that I have assured the governor when I met with him few days ago," Idris said.

Meanwhile, Buhari yesterday expressed appreciation to the British government "for the very effective materials and logistical support to Nigeria" in the fight against Boko Haram.

The president in a statement by his chief spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the president observed that in spite of "isolated attacks against soft targets," British assistance to Nigeria helped in flushing "Boko Haram out of their hide-out base and severely degraded their capacity to mount a serious attack on Nigerian assets."

Adesina said the president's appreciation was contained in a condolence letter that he addressed to British Prime Minister, Theresa May, over last Wednesday's terror attack on parliament building in Westminster, London.

Buhari May Visit Sambisa Forest In another development, President Buhari is expected in Sambisa Forest, the former enclave of Boko Haram to declare open the Nigerian Army

Small Arms Championship NASAC 2017 on Monday.

Boko Haram, who at the peak of their reign occupied towns in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states had made the Sambisa Forest their stronghold and strategic headquarters until they were pushed out by the military on the eve of Christmas.

The military had subsequently declared the former game reserves as a proposed site for military institution, building roads into it and kick starting the new status of Sambisa Forest with the hosting of the annual Small Arms Competition within it.

He is to be accompanied by the Minister of Defense, Alhaji Mansur Ali and Service Chiefs, Chief of Defense Staff, CDS, General Gabriel Olanisakin, Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadique and Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Obet Ebas.

The Chief of Training and Operations, Army, Major General David Amadu during a press briefing yesterday in Maiduguri to kick start the NASAC 2017 championship,

said other activities that would take place include medical outreach to Bama, Konduga, and Magumeri IDPs camps, educational training for Army Education Corps in Maiduguri, security awareness meetings with the traditional rulers and distribution of relief materials to IDPs within Maiduguri and surrounding towns.

Amadu added that the championship was aimed at testing and shaping the intelligence and professional capacity of the Nigerian Army officers and soldiers as well as equipment.

He said it was also to put the Sambisa forest into proper use and turn it into Nigerian Army training ground as roads and bridges have been constructed and opened to enable the Nigerian Army test its arms, ammunitions and equipment as part of its fire arms demonstration.

Amadu said the firearms demonstration was meant to consolidate the professionalism of the Nigerian Army in protecting the integrity of Nigeria and constitutional role of the Nigerian Army, especially, security.

FG INVESTIGATING 2,251 CASES THROUGH WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY reduction of financial penalties; and diversion of funds meant for distribution to a particular group of people (farmers).

Others include the diversion of funds to personal commercial bank accounts to earn interest; non-remittance of Pension & National Health Insurance Deductions (NHIS) deductions; failure to implement projects for which funds have been provided; embezzlement of funds received from donor agencies; embezzlement of funds meant for payment of personnel emoluments; violation of TSA regulations by keeping funds in commercial banks; violation of FIRS (VAT) regulation by adjusting Value Added Tax payment; and nonprocurement of equipment required for aviation safety.

Furthermore, the ministry of finance disclosed that other tips received were centered around money laundering and diversion of funds meant for approved projects; illegal sale of government assets; diversion of revenue (IGR); financial misappropriations (embezzlement); concealed bailout funds; mismanagement of micro-finance banks; illegal recruitments; and violation of procurement Act. THISDAY had reported that some bankers were being encouraged largely by the reward of between 2.5 per cent (minimum) and five per cent (maximum) of the total amount recovered. It was gathered that several former

and current public officers who had allegedly stolen from the treasury either hid the physical cash in safe houses or used shell companies, close aides, associates and family members to stash the ill-gotten funds in bank accounts using the names of the companies or their friends, family members and associates. However, though the accounts are not in the names of the political office holders, they usually operate the accounts themselves, a fact that is well known by the bank account officers who help them to manage the accounts.

As a result, since the federal government unveiled the whistleblowing policy as a means of recovering stolen public sector funds, a number of junior and middle-level bankers have been quietly exposing the true beneficiaries of the accounts in order to cash in on the rewards derivable from the policy.

The federal government last December approved a whistleblowing policy to expose fraud and other related crimes in both the public and the private sectors.

Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, had while urging Nigerians to key into the scheme said the policy devised by her ministry was aimed at encouraging anyone with information about a violation, misconduct or improper activity that impacts negatively on Nigerians and government to report it.

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MARCH 25, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale Season of Anomie in Nigeria’s Power Sector 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

L

amu Audu, the Managing Director of Mainstream Energy Solutions, operators of Jebba and Kainji hydro electricity plants, recently disclosed that power generation companies are now constantly told to cut back on production. This is authoritative and has left me shattered. I am still struggling to recover from the shock. “Gencos can no longer bear the constant energy production reduction orders from the Transmission Company of Nigeria,” declared Audu. It is disheartening to note that at this period when most homes and industries are left without power for days, generation is being deliberately hindered. It has also emerged that electricity distribution companies that have been telling consumers that they are not getting enough supply, have been deliberately rejecting supply from generating companies. This is indeed a season of anomie in the power sector and calls for radical action.

According to Audu, between February 1 and March 13, Jebba and Kainji alone lost 8,574MW unutilised electricity. He added: “The total unutilised energy from all the Gencos within the period under review is monumental and most painful at a time most Nigerian homes and businesses hardly get enough power to meet their consumption needs.”

It is very sad to note that our scruffy Transmission Company of Nigeria

can no longer evacuate a meager 4000MW. I have never seen this kind of ineptitude anywhere in the world.

TCN’s explanation that “high system frequency, necessitating corrective measures, coupled with the refusal of Discos to take more load” compelled it to direct Gencos to reduce generation is unacceptable. The TCN, as presently constituted, is incapable of helping this country actualise its power vision. There is an urgent need to overhaul the TCN if Nigeria is genuinely interested in getting out of this electricity crisis.

As for the distribution companies, government must urgently activate relevant sections in the share purchase agreement, to recover our 11 Discos from these investors from hell. They have clearly breached several sections of the share purchase agreement. It is terrifying to learn that they have been rejecting power supply from the Gencos, while they go about terrorizing consumers and collecting money for services not rendered. These Discos care less about our nation being enveloped in darkness.

They just want to make money from traumatised Nigerians. Discos collect all sorts of illegal money from consumers, yet they pay for only a fraction of the power given to them to distribute. According to a recent report, Discos have been paying for an average of 24% of power given to them by Gencos, while they pocket virtually all the money collected from consumers.

The problem of crazy bills from our

Ken Nnamani’s Electoral Reform Committee The so-called Electoral Reform Committee chaired by former Senate President, Ken Nnamani has been going round the country claiming to be engaging stakeholders on needed electoral modification for the country. This is plainly another round of profligate attempt at reforming the electoral system, after many such efforts in the past yielded no result.

The 24-member committee has simply been wasting the limited resources of this country. For me, what Nigeria needs now is an implementation committee to actualise the recommendations of the Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee. This report that has been gathering dust for years is capable of tackling most of our electoral challenges. The Nnamani committee is just another job for the boys. This morning, I want Nnamani and his team to reflect on the statement of a member of the Uwais committee, Festus Okoye who said: “There are reports of several commissions and panels that are on the shelf or have been thrown into the dustbin. No serious country expends resources and energy in pursuing a course of action that is dead on arrival.

There are issues and problems with the Constitution and the Electoral Act that have not been addressed. The frameworks for

silly electricity distribution companies has also assumed an alarming dimension. Unmetered consumers have been going through hell in the last 22 months in the hands of these Discos. Daily, they protest at Discos offices without result. Readings from post-paid metre are consistently ignored by these horrendous electricity distributors. These Discos have been milking unmetered consumers with impunity, largely due to the failure of government and its regulatory agencies. Regrettably, this impunity

has assumed a scary dimension under the Buhari administration. Consumers are boiling. Government must take steps to stop the injustice perpetrated by these atrocious Discos. They are simply averse to the metering of consumers because estimated billing provides an opportunity for them to extort money from star-crossed consumers.

All previous deadlines to metre all consumers have fallen flat because the political will to enforce the deadline is lacking. For me, this horror can come to an end within six months, if government and its regulatory agencies do the needful. Government must insist on an irrevocable deadline to the Discos to metre all consumers across our nation. Thereafter, all unmetered consumers should enjoy free electricity pending the time they will be metered. If this action is taken, our monstrous Discos will sit up and swiftly metre consumers.

Our lethargic Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, must also rise from its slumber to save Nigerian consumers. Recall that NERC directed Electricity Distribution Companies to metre customers on their networks, who had advanced money to the Discos through the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Initiatives, before February 28, 2017. NERC vowed to sanction the Discos if they fail to adhere to this new deadline. I doubt if the management of NERC is aware that the deadline had elapsed. It said sanctioning of the defaulting Discos would begin on March 1. This same NERC had earlier directed Discos to conclude metering of these customers before November 30, 2016.

Nothing came out of these threats. My dear Anthony Akah, who is the acting NERC chairman, knows that this agency has consistently failed to adhere to its mandate of protecting the rights of electricity consumers. Our languid NERC has, over the years, shown that it is more interested in Discos than consumers.

The Zaki Biam Massacre Six days after the massacre at Zaki Biam International Market in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, not a single suspect has been picked up by security agents for this heinous crime. The attackers still remain “unknown gunmen.” For how long shall this madness continue in our dear nation? As at the last count, the bullets of these terrorists claimed 52 lives in and around the yam market. Eyewitnesses said the attackers operated for about three hours

Nnamani

addressing them are in different reports that are on the shelf. What is needed is the will to implement the recommendations and also take on board the changing times and respond to them appropriately. The Nnamani Committee cannot reinvent the wheel because there is a template that is available to them for use.”

Still on El-rufai’s 30-Page Memo I am not a fan of Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State. I don’t like his style of politics. I am also not that excited about his rare memo to President Buhari about the failings of his administration.

However, I find a couple of paragraphs in his Epistle compelling, because they addressed some of the issues I have consistently raised the alarm about in the last 22 months, particularly the marginalisation of the South-east. El-Rufai wrote: “There is a strong perception that your inner circle or kitchen cabinet is incapable, unproductive and sectional. The quality and the undue concentration of key appointments in the North-East and exclu-

As for the distribution companies, government must urgently activate relevant sections in the share purchase agreement, to recover our 11 Discos from these investors from hell. They have clearly breached several sections of the share purchase agreement. It is terrifying to learn that they have been rejecting power supply from the Gencos, while they go about terrorizing consumers and collecting money for services not rendered

sion of South-East are evidence of this.

There is a perception that your ministers, some of whom are competent and willing to make real contributions, have no clear mandate, instructions and access to you.

Mr. President, there is an emerging view in the media that you are neither leading the party nor the administration and those neither elected nor accountable appear to be in charge, and therefore the country is adrift.”

El-rufai’s 30-page document is too voluminous for Buhari. This is why I brought out this key section. I sincerely hope this excerpt will be brought to the attention of our President.

without response from security operatives.

The story from the IGP Ibrahim Idris is that his s pecial squad has been combing the area in search of the terrorists. I have fears about our security agents’ ability to unmask the Zaki Biam killers. This is because similar killings by herdsmen across our nation have remained unresolved for years. Notwithstanding, we must all demand result from the IGP. The Buhari administration must ensure justice for the people of Zaki Biam.

Ali Ndume’s Road to Perdition Ever since Ali Ndume was removed as Senate Leader, he has been extremely angry.

Ndume has not hidden this one bit. Now, it seems this lawmaker wants to pull down everybody perceived to be responsible for his fall in the Red Chamber. His motion for a probe of the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki over links to a Bulletproof Range Rover seized by the Nigerian Customs Service and Senator Dino Melaye’s certificate issues is obviously a jab aimed at his perceived enemies. Ndume said the privileges of senators were breached by the two allegations. Haba! Which privilege?

Obviously, this lawmaker from Borno State wants his pound of flesh. I don’t think this very good friend of mine needs this. He knows that Saraki, who is being watched left, right and centre, would not embark on such a risky venture. From the facts and documents in public domain, the issue is apparently between the contractor and the Customs. Even the Customs did not say that the vehicle was imported by Saraki.

If the Customs have documents to this effect, their boss, Hameed Ali would have splashed it. For me, Ndume just wants to

Ndume

create a scene. He has to be careful with the way he is going about it, otherwise, he may end up like Abdulmumini Jibrin. Other lawmakers in the Senate are seething and may throw Ndume out, just as the House did to Jibrin. I am not saying that Saraki and his cohorts are saints. If Ndume wants to tackle them, then he should look for something concrete.

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march 25, 2017• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

ODE TO FASHOLA

O

Modestus Umenzekwe writes that the work’s minister is making many of the roads again passable

n Thursday, March 16, 2017, my father, Boniface Umenzekwe, was buried in my hometown of Achina in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Aged 90 years, my father, better known by the sobriquet “Ihenyirimmadu”, had died in January, 2017. Between the time of his departure and burial, I travelled countless times from my base in Lagos to Achina by road, to prepare for the funeral ceremonies which, in keeping with the culture of the Igbo people in Anambra State, were bound to be elaborate and expensive. I am the only child of my parents, so the burial and funeral arrangements fell on my shoulders. I still wonder how I could have coped with the humungous challenges if my father had departed a few years ago when the roads were in such a mess that many bereaved families stayed on the Lagos-Benin Road with bodies of their beloved ones for more than a day. And this brings me to the crux of this article.

The Lagos-Sagamu-Ijebu Ode-Ore highway has changed dramatically in the last one year. So has the Lagos-Ibadan highway where Julius Berger is doing a damned good job. This was perhaps the busiest road in the country, yet the Olusegun Obasanjo administration abandoned it for years. Both the Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan governments were running around in circles on this critical road. The quality and speed of the ongoing reconstruction work on this expressway must be one of the remarkable achievements of the Muhammadu Buhari administration which will on May 29 mark its second anniversary.

Since I use the road extensively, I have no hesitation in praising the Buhari administration for doing the right thing. And I commend in particular the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, for exhibiting leadership and dynamism.

As already indicated above, it is not just on the Lagos-Ibadan section that massive rehabilitation work is going on, of all the roads I have been using extensively in recent times. If Julius Berger is doing a most impressive job on the Lagos-Ibadan road, Reynold Construction Company is arguably doing superior work on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ore Road. Frankly, to call what is going on there mere rehabilitation is a gross understatement. It is even more than ordinary reconstruction. The thickness of the asphalt is far more than that used when the road was constructed the first time in the 1970s; probably this is in recognition of the enormous load on it now. State of the art drainage facilities are now being provided, channeling flood water from the road to appropriate places. This means that the road will last. Reinforced upstand kerbs are now replacing pipes and railings on bridges designed to prevent persons and vehicles from plunging into rivers, streams, rivulets and valleys. Upstand kerbs also help people with acrophobia, irrational fear of height.

Given the quality of work and the frenetic speed of execution, people now drive from Lagos to Onitsha in a little over five hours.

Just two years ago, the same journey used to take at least nine

GIVEN THE QUALITY OF WORK AND THE FRENETIC SPEED OF EXECUTION, PEOPLE NOW DRIVE FROM LAGOS TO ONITSHA IN A LITTLE OVER FIVE HOURS. JUST TWO YEARS AGO, THE SAME JOURNEY USED TO TAKE AT LEAST NINE HOURS

hours. It was worse on Sundays even a year ago. It was usual to spend up to three hours on one spot in Ondo State where the road failed woefully or was under reconstruction. Nigerians’ impatience on the road and general rough driving habits used to result in traffic gridlock here, forcing many into driving on village bush paths. This chaotic situation was most pronounced on Sundays.

The failed sections of the Lagos-Sagamu-Ijebu Ode-Ore-Benin Expressway may be located outside the South-east geopolitical zone, but it would appear that it was people and businesses from this zone that bore the brunt of the messy state of the road. Most travellers who use the road are from the area, and the people from the place are the major investors in transport business, ranging from Ekene Dili Chukwu to The Young Shall Grow, to Ekesons, Chisco, ABC, etc. The very poor condition of the road forced them to change their business model. For instance, instead of investing in big luxury Volvo or Mercedes buses from Brazil, they switched to Toyota minibuses which our people curiously call Hummer Bus. While mini buses can manoeuvre their way through bush paths, luxury buses can hardly do so. In fact, luxury bus operators were forced by the almost impassable nature of the road to remove their front grills, thus distorting their aesthetics.

One is glad to report that Fashola is doing well also in the heart of the South-east. The Onitsha-Enugu highway is getting a serious facelift for the first time in some 20 years - since the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came to power in 1999. The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway is being reconstructed, in addition. There is a tinge of irony in all this. For the five years President Jonathan was in office, not even one federal road in the South-east was fixed. Yet, the Igbo political operatives were fanatical over him, and in the process drove the Igbo people into a terrible political direction. They falsely claimed that Jonathan was Igbo. This shows the wretchedness of nepotistic and expedient politics. Portions of the Benin-Asaba Road and the Benin-Ore Road failed badly when Mike Onolememen from Edo State was the Minister of Works, and nothing was done to fix them. And lest we forget, under Obasanjo’s presidency federal roads in Yorubaland, including the Lagos-Otta Rd, fell into the worst state of disrepair ever. To repeat the obvious, Jonathan could not fix any federal road in his home state of Bayelsa, let alone Rivers State where he spent much of his life.

Today, it is a young man of Yoruba extraction who is reconstructing roads all over the country, regardless of the political leaning of Nigeria’s component parts. Fashola has always been very impressive. The good work he is doing is now cited by Igbo politicians for joining the All Progressives Congress en masse. As the saying goes in communication science, the best form of propaganda is to do the right thing. I am personally indebted to Fashola for energetically reconstructing roads which enabled me to prepare well for my father’s funeral. He will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Umenzekwe is a Lagos-based businessman

BENZOIC ACID AND CONSUMER PROTECTION The authorities must do more to protect the consumer, writes Ayo Oyoze Baje

P

ublic perception plays a vital role in the acceptance of people, places and products. A few positive attributes projected about them could trigger their mass appeal. These would inadvertently rub off on their sales figure and the attendant profit margin. But just one negative feature that is made public about any such product and the opposite happens. Waves of fears and doubts are raised. Questions are asked. And the longer such questions remain unanswered the worse it becomes for all the stakeholders.

It is in this wise that governments (federal, state and local councils) that have the statutory obligation to ensure the safety of all products made available to the public must do so. They have to put in place, the legal framework to bolster such, so that the largely ill-informed citizens are not left vulnerable to the deleterious and hazardous effects of all consumables, not the least being processed foods.

This brings to mind the raging controversy over the safety or not of benzoic acid in combination with ascorbic acid in the formulation of soft drinks. Only recently, the President and Founder, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, Ms Sola Salako with some consumer groups threatened mass action suit against the Nigerian Bottling Company(NBC) if it became evident that the consumers of Fanta and Sprite - both popular products from its stable possessed levels of benzoic acid and ascorbic acid harmful to them.

Truth is, the questions Salako asked are fundamentally significant. Why are the standards of the preservative different for various soft drinks? Has NAFDAC, the regu-

latory body carried out adequate researches to determine such standards? Why should the level approved in the United Kingdom be 200mg/kg and that of Nigeria 250mg/ kg? Is it too high?

Complicating the scenario was the judgment of the Lagos High Court which directed NBC to put a warning signal on the bottles of Fanta and Sprite, to alert the consumers-and there are legions of them-that taking the product was poisonous. Adding its voice, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) insists that both NAFDAC and the Federal Ministry of Health should comply with the judge’s directive. “The NMA held that NAFDAC failed Nigerians by declaring as fit for human consumption, drinks discovered through tests in the United Kingdom as being poisonous when mixed with ascorbic acid”. The judgment was in response to a suit brought before it by a Lagos-based businessman, Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo and his company, Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited against the duo.

As expected, NBC and NAFDAC have appealed the judgment which awarded a cost of N2million against the latter. Obeying that directive would have had a damaging effect on their corporate image. And mind you, image is everything! It is more like a warning on the label of a tobacco product stating that the ‘Surgeon General warns that smoking the cigarette could be dangerous to human health’. Yet, millions of the addict go ahead to puff the smoke into their lungs!

Going further in an advertorial, NBC insists that “the UK standards limit benzoic acid in soft drinks to a maximum of 150mg/ kg.” But “both Fanta and Sprite have

benzoic levels of 200mg/kg, which is lower than the Nigerian regulatory limit of 250 mg/kg when combined with ascorbic acid and 300mg/kg without ascorbic acid and also lower than the 600mg/kg international limit set by CODEX”. More so, both ingredients are approved by international food safety regulators and used by several food and beverage products all over the world.

So, what is benzoic acid? That is the million-naira question. It is a food additive used to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast and bacteria as a preservative for different kinds of foods. These include fruit juices, soft drinks, barbecue sauces and salad dressings. Most processed foods have acids added artificially. Generally, their use as preservatives in food, beverages, toothpastes, mouthwashes, dentifrices, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals is regulated.

Experts have however, warned that their exposure to consumers, especially children should be drastically minimised. And this is due to their hazards to human health. For instance, Sarah Olsen warned in 2010 that “Benzoic acid is one of these preservatives that you should avoid. If Benzoic acid is inhaled, it can cause damage to the nervous system. Eaten in food, it’s mildly toxic.

Benzoic acid has been linked to asthma problems and increased levels of hyperactivity in children”.

Others have equally warned that shortly after exposure to benzoic acid in cosmetics, the following health effects can occur. These include eye damage, irritation of the skin, resulting in a rash, redness, and/or a burning feeling. If inhaled, it could cause irritation to the nose, throat and lungs. This may lead

to coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath. Large doses may cause sore throat, gastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and possible allergic reactions. Acne medicated face washes and creams contain benzoic acid, as do many hand and body lotions, lip glosses and lipsticks.

What the recent controversy over the use of benzoic acid preservative in soft drinks has shown include the lack of sustained public enlightenment on food safety and also the lack of pro-active measures on consumer protection. For instance, the Consumer Protection Council Act is provided for under Chapter C25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. It is an act to provide for the establishment of the consumer protection council and for matters connected therewith.

The council has a representative of each state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and persons representing the ministries of health, commerce, industry, science and technology and petroleum resources.

As part of its functions, it should provide speedy redress to consumers’ complaints through negotiation, mediation and conciliation. It should also seek ways and means of eliminating from the market hazardous products and causing offenders to replace such products with more appropriate alternatives. But these are sometimes left undone until some harm has been done to the consumers. This is not good enough.

The federal government should ensure that these agencies are well funded and staffed while those who have abdicated in their duties to the nation should be brought to book.

Baje is a food technologist

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march 25, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

How good is it?

I

A Citizen’s Mail to President Buhari

their presumed leader, Kalu Ndubuisi, was cleared of six of the many use this medium to congratulate you for resuming duty after your charges slammed against him. Yet, he seems to be swimming across return from the short sojourn to the United Kingdom for rest and alone. The Boko Haram terrorists, despite concerted efforts, are still medical attention. Each day you were away was remembered with killing our soldiers and citizens. Each time we hear that those behind events that recounted your high spirit for Nigerians and their high the dreadful group are known, but no single prominent sponsor has expectations from you. You hosted many prominent Nigerians in London. been apprehended or even publicised. From time to time, a list of the You called many prominent Nigerians inquiring about situations and encouraged those who nearly lost faith in your leadership. You rejoiced with wanted terrorists is published; no list of sponsors has ever been made public. They are not ghosts, anyway. those who had fortunes by additional age and birth and condoled with Many citizens showed their sincere love and solidarity. The those who lost beloved ones. You talked with the presumed greatest man hypocrisy and false loyalty from others were exposed. The minutiae on earth, the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump in governance became more intriguing as party loyalists were divided and also the King of Morocco, Muhammad VI. These are the ones I can between the macabre and the opportunists. Mankind is a composite of recall. Your trip from January 19 to March 10 2017 was, I can surmise, a funny creatures, indeed. The higgledy-piggledy combustion of warring technical manoeuvre to know those who wish you and the country good interests depicted existence of more terrible blocks of cabals. Now that and vice-versa. you are back, they will reposition to make governance more difficult God has always saved you. He will continue to be with you as you and the masses more miserable. remain on the path of development, justice and fairness. Surely, it is He Justice and fairness in the administration of Nigeria which you are who gives life and terminates it whenever He wishes. The sicknesses instituting are great challenges. I urge you to carry every component of associated with the hot seat in Aso Rock villa can be cured. And a strong believer that you are, you are aware that God tempts much more the Nigerian state along in the constitution of your full-fledged government – when appointing Nigerians into boards of federal agencies and those He loves more. And Nigeria, being the most complex society in parastatals. If you can muster the political will to break the jinx, I enlist the world where crimes had thrived in elevated proportion, you must that those neglected ethno-religious minorities feature prominently in expect greater challenges. Fighting evil has never been a child’s play. your government. This will be to the glory of God and in the interest of In your absence, some things changed in such ways that ardent equity, fairness and humanity. You can do it. supporters of your administration began to think that certain groups in Nigeria are feeling neglected and ignored. Some distractions which Muhammad Ajah, Abuja were heaped up before your journey by some groups and the stiff opposition by strong individuals suddenly came to a halt. Nearly all the civil disturbances, save the Kaduna political brouhaha, frizzled T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU out. This was quite an indication that DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE some strong media outfits played double.

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO Religious groups and entities that used to DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE exaggerate matters; groups and personaliCHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN ties who used to gloat at every misfortune in the country suddenly became calm.

Politicians who used to manipulate every happening and attach religious undertone to it suddenly discovered love for the government because you were not there.

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 Killings across Nigeria, though mitigated, GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, were not given religious colorations.

ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU Those who were press-friendly in turning GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA every major event in Nigeria in religious DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, direction seemed to have gone into hiding.

ANTHONY OGEDENGBE Kidnappers had brief holidays. Destruction DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH of oil facilities in the Niger Delta were ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO hardly heard of. It was like the militants CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI had declared a ceasefire. The arms ad GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI ammunitions recently surrendered by the GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE militants of the Niger Delta are amazing.

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO The warlords of the Delta seemed freer TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com than ever before. Biafra agitators seemed to be heaving sigh of relief especially as

That Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s letter

T

he letter written by Governor Nasir El-Rufai couple of months ago, but only leaked recently speaks volume on the kind of leaders we have, mere opportunists.

In the letter, the Governor El-Rufai descended heavily on President Muhammadu Buhari, by saying that he has failed the people of this country.

He criticised the present ruling party and the President Buhari for worsening the situation in Nigeria than how they met it.

The 30-page letter admitted that the current administration has failed in many areas.

He said President Buhari and the APC administration has not only failed to manage expectations of a populace that expected ‘change’ but has failed to deliver mundane matters of governance outside our successes in fighting Boko Haram insurgency and corruption.

It is the hallmark of El-Rufai to turn his back on his benefactor.

Therefore, it is no surprising to now see his true colour as he has done similarly to the former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar. When the going was good between them El–Rufai

described the former vice-president as his mentor. And when things fell apart, he was at the forefront, calling Atiku Abubakar names.

The same thing with his former boss, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he called different names in his widely acclaimed book, “The Accidental Public Servant.”

President Buhari allows some unscrupulous and shameless individuals to surround him during and after the election.

Governor El-Rufai and his likes are not on the same page with President Buhari but many people including El-Rufai used him as a ladder to ascend leadership positions.

Nasir El-Rufai is rumoured to have interest in the presidency if Buhari is not running for a second term. It is possible the cabal in the presidency is not favourable disposed to his ambition.

It is imperative the President Buhari ponders on the kind of associates that are with him. Some are using his acceptability and popularity in the eyes of the people as ladder to ascend position of authority and not that they share the same thing in common.

Usman Santuraki, Jimeta,Yola

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MARCH 25, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

The Menace Called Fulani Herdsmen

H

ow long shall we suffer in the hands of these people called Fulani herdsmen? For too long, they have behaved as if they own Nigeria, apparently because nobody, not even the military has been able to rein them in. In all the cases of their mindless attacks on innocent Nigerians, none of them has been arrested, arraigned or jailed for wanton killing. The security men would rather look the other way while the Fulani herdsmen wreak havoc in various communities across the land. Everyday, we are assailed with ill reports of how Fulani herdsmen are launching ferocious attacks, sometimes unprovoked, on the indigenes of communities where they graze their cattle. And this is across board. No part of Nigeria (except Boko Haram-ravaged parts) is spared. They operate with vexatious brazenness. The story was told, last week, of a case somewhere in Oyo, Oyo State where a landlord not wanting herdsmen to destroy the crops in his farm, sprayed the crops with some substances which are poisonous to cows.

One of his tenants took his cows to the landlord’s farm to graze. Some of the cows ate the crops with the sprayed substances and died. In anger, the herdsman rushed back home and slaughtered his landlord. So cows are equal to the lives of human beings! We saw that as the argument in the pogrom launched at Agatu community (in Benue State) last year where villages were attacked because a farmer shot dead a single cow for destroying his crops.

Is this criminal lawlessness all because their kinsman is the sitting president?

Why is it seeming as if until President Muhammadu Buhari came to power that we never had herdsmen? Suddenly, they have become a huge bone on our collective throats. Suddenly, herdsmen have become sub-terrorists fitted with all kinds of weapons including AK 47, GPMG, etc. Haba!

Until now, the herdsmen we knew merely carried short sticks with which they hit and directed the movement of the cows. At other times, they had bows and arrows and catapults with which they warded off wild animals wanting to prey on their cattle. Not anymore. The Fulani herdsmen of today are sometimes more armed than soldiers in “Operation Lafiya Dole” I do not understand the pampering these barefaced criminals are getting. Why are the police, Department of State Service (DSS), soldiers, NSDC, etc. not clamping down on the killer herdsmen?

But the DSS is adept and prompt in inviting Apostle Suleman (for questioning) for allegedly threatening to deal with any Fulani herdsman who comes around his church. Is it because the DSS boss, Mallam Lawal Musa Daura is a Fulani man?

Why is the state allowing them to commit murder and even pogrom and get away with it?

Worse still, the government is pushing a grazing Bill in the National Assembly to pan out grazing reserves in various states for these herdsmen.

Hmmm, treating leprosy with Panadol! Whose land will be forcefully taken and given to herdsmen and at what price?

Are the Fulani herdsmen above the law, or are the security apparatchiks in Nigeria collectively bewitched by the Fulani herdsmen, such that they (security operatives) look eternally confounded about their (herdsmen) atrocities?

But whether they are Fulanis or not, the narrative is straight and simple. Some people in pursuit of their own private endeavours, shepherd their flock to other people’s land to graze. The cows do not know the difference between grass and crops.

As long as they are all green, they are good for a sweet crush. Their owners who should know the difference between grasses and crops pretend not to know and indeed lead the cows to crush down on all grasses and plants and crops. These same plants and crops are the only source of livelihood of the local farmers. When the cows destroy them, the farmers will suffer pangs of hunger and starvation for a full farming season. But when they complain and grumble, they are attacked, their women raped, kidnapped, etc. by the Fulani men. How does this feed the ethos of justice?

These same Fulani herdsmen are from faraway lands, sometimes even outside Nigeria. So how can the pursuit of their own business interest be used

Canticles...

Senate: Scandal as a Second Nature

I

s it true that the Senate has been harsh to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs because Customs men dared to seize the bullet-proof SUV of the senate president, Bukola Saraki?

It is an allegation.And what do you mean by the Senate has been harsh? Has the Customs CG behaved responsibly?

Is it an irresponsible act to refuse to wear uniform?

What kind of question is that? If your job requires you to wear uniform and you refuse to wear it for whatever reason, it is irresponsible. Or isAli saying that if he was a lawyer, after leaving the NigerianArmy, and he had to appear in court before a judge, he won’t wear the wig and gown because military men don’t wear uniform twice?

Is that why the Nigerian Senate will have to be harassing such a senior citizen?

What is so senior about a retired colonel who will not obey and conform with the common rules of a system he presides over? If he accepts to run the institution, fly the private jet of the Customs, live in Customs posh quarters, ride Customs official car, receive and enjoy the salary, perks and appurtenances associated with the office of the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, propriety demands that he should wear its uniform.

Buhari to despoil the future and livelihood of others, while the state watches on! Pray, even these herdsmen, who sit atop a billion naira business, do not pay tax to government. But the poor woman who roasts plantain by the road side is harassed by local government tax collectors on payment of all kinds of rates and taxes.

It took months after the attack on Agatu last year, for Mr President to condemn the killings, and that was after many people had complained about the worrisome silence.

Gov Samuel Ortom of Benue State recently gave an order that all armed herdsmen should leave the state, within 72 hours, since they have become a menace and a threat to the people of the state who largely are agrarian farmers.

I was surprised that the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr Bashir Makama, next day, countered the governor, arguing that nobody has the right to order anybody out of the state, adding that Benue State is for every Nigerian. Mr Makama, of what value and essence is a governor if he cannot guarantee the safety of the people he is elected to govern? Ortom did not say all herdsmen should leave Benue State. He said “armed herdsmen”. Pray, why should a cattle rearer be carrying AK 47 about? How did he get it in the first place?

Is it sold in Dugbe market?

Does Makama expect Ortom or any selfrespecting governor, to sit ensconced in Government House while some killer herdsmen visit his people with blood and terror?

If the police who should be the ones who would enforce the governor’s order are already faulting the order, it means that the order has failed ab initio.

But what does Makama mean? Benue is for all Nigerians, including unrestrainable killer herdsmen? How many of the herdsmen has Makama arrested for illegally possessing firearms? Or does he not know the herdsmen have AK 47 and other weapons?

In the case of the killings in Southern Kaduna, the state had again seemed helpless while the herdsmen rape the women, kill and burn the people and their properties. This same violence and molestation takes place in Delta, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ondo, Ekiti States, etc.

Without statistical backup, I dare say that Benue State has suffered most in the hands of these herdsmen. It even dates back to the days of former governor of the state, Gabriel Suswan.

And just early this week, some gunmen rode into Zaki Biam Yam market (in Benue State) and began shooting sporadically. They came with kegs of petrol. As they were killing, they were burning down the shops and buildings. They had a free and unchallenged reign. By the time the bullets stopped booming, over 17 people had been killed and many more injured. The assailants were nowhere to be found. That is the same state Makama said was for everyone. Yes, for everyone, but not those who are baying for blood. But even before investigation commenced, Makama had declared that it is not an attack from herdsmen.

How did he so speedily conclude? It is remarkable that Mr President promptly spoke out in condemning this round of attack. Good! But we are tired of speeches and condolence messages to victims. Lost lives are not retrievable. If this country will continue to remain one, then those who perpetrate crime

Look, the matter is in court now. Let the court decide whether he has breached any law or not You see how we complicate otherwise simple matters? Why should the demand for uniform-wearing end up in court?

Well, the court is the last hope of the common man Don’t abuse that cliché. The CG of Nigeria Customs is by no means an example of a common man. Look, the more important issue is about the so-called scandal that the Senate is being led to be hard on Col HameedAli (rtd) because Saraki’s car was seized. You know it is just a way of hitting back at Saraki because of the rejection of Mr Ibrahim Magu as EFCC chair.

And that is why the Senate has resolved to probe the matter.

How can you so conclude? Many people believe the story is true and that the so-called reference of the allegation to the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the Senate is to fulfil all righteousness and that nothing indeed will come out of the probe.

Are you saying that the Ethics and Privileges Committee is incapable of being independent and honest in its duty?

Something like that. Are they not the same senators who always flock after Saraki in solidarity anytime he is going to the CCB tribunal for trial? How do you expect such dye-in-the-wool loyalists to indict their master? No matter how sharp a knife is, it cannot cut its own handle.

With people like Senator Dino Melaye, Saraki’s Man Friday, in such a committee, the verdict of the committee is already known.

And don’t forget too that even Dino Melaye was also accused of certificate scandal: that he did not graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as he claimed. He is also to be probed by the same committee.

Hmmm, Senator Melaye has boasted that he has seven degrees, about to receive the eighth one. And that he has Saraki all his certificates. He has even gone ahead to sue the news media that published the alleged scandal.

I hear that some of those seven degrees are mere certificates from seminars attended in places like Havard University, and not necessarily certificates from degree programmes, yet he describes himself as an alumnus of Havard University.

Is that why you described him as Saraki’s Man Friday?

Noooooo, But does everybody not know that Melaye is Saraki’s Man Friday? Can’t you see that Melaye is Saraki’s vocal butt? Does any other senator ever get as much chance to speak as Melaye on the floor of the Senate, what with all the theatrics that go with his submissions and arguments?

But Melaye is renowned for speaking the fact, even to his own party. Some people even consider him an in-house rebel within the APC structure.

Well, he is an activist when it suits him and an establishmentarian, when it fits his interest. Let me ask you, Col Ali (rtd) has been in office sinceAugust 2015. Why is it only now that the Senate is noticing that he does not wear Customs uniform, only after Saraki’s car has been impounded last January 11. Go and psycho-analyse his positions and arguments and you will agree with me.

But is it true that in this time of recession, the number three citizen who is facing prosecution for false asset declaration yet went ahead to buy a bullet-proof Range Rover SUV worth N298 million, when people are dying of hunger?What does such a big man need even more cars for?

Don’t poke-nose into what does not concern you. If he buys such a car, is it your money he used in buying it?

There is a word called expediency. As a public votary, Saraki cannot or should not be that free to do everything he wants no matter how lawful. Or is he trying to tell those trying him for asset declaration that,‘Hey guys, you ain’t seen nothing yet? Don’t forget, all things may be lawful, but all things are not expedient.

So is it not obvious to you that the Customs men are merely envious and mischievous in their decision to impound the SUV, knowing that it belongs to Saraki?

I don’t get it. Customs says the documents with which such a special car was cleared are fake, even as the N8 million duty paid on it is far below the expected N74 million that ought to have been paid. Didn’t you read the details?

Don’t mind those hungry journalists writing rubbish. The Senate president issued a statement saying it is the problem of the supplier who was contacted to supply the said car for the use of the Senate, not Saraki’s personal property and that since the car has not been delivered to the Senate, it is an issue between the supplier and the Nigerian Customs.

Hmmmm. So much explanations to do in the weeks ahead, I can assure you. And the Banana peel is… (cuts in) There is no banana peel anywhere. You will see the outcome of the investigation. (hissing) Nonsense!

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 25, 2017

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Wike: FG Underpaid Rivers in Paris Club Refund We did not squander our funds

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has cried out that the Federal Government underpaid the state in the first tranche of Paris Club refund to states.

The governor has also dismissed insinuations that the state squandered what it got from the first tranche of refunds to states.

Wike told THISDAY in an exclusive interview yesterday that while other states got 25 per cent refund as approved by President Muhammadu Buhari in the first tranche, Rivers State alongside Akwa Ibom and Delta states got only 11.5 per cent.

He said despite the fact that the state did not get what other states got in the refund, it spent what it got judiciously and would wish anybody to crosscheck.

His words: “I have to say this for purpose of emphasis and for people to understand. Rivers state is one of the states that is not liked by the federal government and so I would want to, for purposes of clarity that if anybody wants, they should tell Rivers State to come and say what we did with our Paris Club refund even though we were not refunded 25 per cent as approved Mr. President.

“Rivers State, Akwa Ibom and Delta States were given 11.5 per cent of the money; other states were given 25 per cent of the money. For record purposes let the world hear. Is it because we are peace loving people, we will always believe we are one Nigeria, we want to work together?

“But even at that, the share of what we were given, were shared to local governments and I have directed the local governments that any of them that owes must use

YOU 'RE WELCOME..

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode presenting a State Plaque to the President, Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe during the AMAA delegation courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, March 23, 2017. With them are members of AMAA, Olu Jacobs; Joke Silva; Mr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe; Doris Simoen and others

that money to pay salaries which they are doing.”

He disagreed with allegations that most state governors mismanaged the first tranche of the Paris Club refund.

He stated: “First of all I will disagree with you when you say most state governors. I don’t know the state governors you are talking about whether I am included or not.

But for the avoidance of doubts let me state clearly that this country

operates a federal system and that we have the state government, federal government and the local government, therefore if money is shared between the federal government and the state government, therefore it is the responsibility of the federal government to use their funds on what agenda they want; so it also applies to the state government. That on itself does not mean that as state government we are not accountable to our people,

we are accountable.”

He stated that the state used the refund to pay salaries and pensions while the balance was used in the execution of projects.

He challenged the Federal Government and other organisations to come to the state to investigate what the state used the refunds for, stating that he was sure the Federal Government would not want to embark on such exercise because it already knew that the

state would become a reference point for excellence.

He said, “I have told everybody that wish: they can come and see what we have done with our money. I am in opposition party: we are not liked and I know it. So the issue of squandering and not squandering, no one should put Rivers State government into it.

“You know that if we squander, we will be one state they will vilify, one state you will hear the news

everywhere. We did not (squander) and we will not because we have a covenant with our people. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other organisations should come to Rivers State and say show us what you did with the Parish Club Refund. But they won’t come because they know we have put the money where it is supposed to be; so they should pay us fully in the second tranche what they pay to other states”.

DSS Memo to AGF: Magu is NCAA Steps in, Resolves Police, Fishermen Save Women from Lagoon Suicide Corrupt, Unfit to Lead EFCC Arik, Labour Impasse Chinedu Eze The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has once again stepped in to resolve the disagreement between Arik Air and aviation unions, which prompted the later to picket and disrupt the operations of the airline on Thursday.

The management of the airline confirmed Thursday night that it had settled with the unions comprising the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Association of Aircraft Pilot and Engineers (NAAPE) at a meeting mediated by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday evening.

A statement by the airline said: “Arik Air hereby announces the normalisation of operations with effect from tomorrow, Friday morning on all routes.

“The management equally

apologised to its customers for the disruption of services today following the picketing of its operations by the unions”.

Speaking on the development, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air said, “We sincerely apologise to our customers for the disruption of our operations caused by the picketing of our services. We have resolved the issue with the unions and wish to inform the traveling public that our services will resume tomorrow morning.

“We reassure our customers of on time departure and great travel experience and look forward to welcoming them onboard our flights.”

Meanwhile the airline said it has reactivated its online platform for customers to book and pay online through its entire network, adding that the airline’s on time departure performance has improved to over 80 percent over the last three weeks.

Gboyega Akinsanmi and Chiemelie Ezeobi

Two tragedies were yesterday averted at the Lagos Lagoon as a 58-year-old textile dealer, Mrs. Taiwo Momoh attempted jumping into lagoon while another woman, Mrs. Abigail Ogunyinka who suicidally made it into the waters was rescued by fishermen.

Momoh who wanted to make the jump on Third Mainland Bridge was stopped by security operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS). While Momoh was stopped from taking the plunge, Oguyinka actually jumped into the Ebute Ero end of the lagoon but was rescued.

The two incidents occurred less than 48 hours after the remains of a medical doctor, Dr. Allwell Orji, who last Sunday jumped into the lagoon from Third Mainland Bridge, was found by the Marine Police.

While Ogunyinka resolved to commit suicide due to her inability to service credit facility she obtained from a microfinance bank, Momoh

decided to take her own her life due to her indebtedness to three Swiss textile dealers.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni spoke on the incidents yesterday at the state secretariat, Alausa after Ogunyinka and Momoh were respectively rescued at Ebute Ero and Oworonshoki.

In Momoh’s case, Owoseni said the woman was about “to jump into the water when a police patrol team sighted her on the Third Mainland Bridge and grabbed her before she jumped into the Lagoon.

“She attempted jumping into the lagoon around Oworonshoki inward Mainland on Third Mainland Bridge. Fortunately, for her, she was rescued. The woman was in a taxi. She alighted on the bridge and wanted to jump into the lagoon but RRS 226 rescued her,” Owoseni said.

Owoseni disclosed that the woman was prevented at about 11:25 a.m. from committing suicide, which he said, might be due to depression arising from credit facilities she could no longer service.

More facts have emerged why the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu failed to be confirmed as substantive chairman of the anti-graft agency.

A memo from the Director – General of the Department of State Service to the Attorney General of the Federation revealed that Magu lacks the prerequisite and necessary professionalism needed to prosecute the anti-corruption war of the present administration.

According to the Memo which was signed by one Folashade Bello on behalf of the DG, DSS, Magu was indicted for leaking various sensitive state documents to an individual currently under prosecution by his agency for alleged corruption.

The service in the memo was convinced that for Magu who narrowly escaped dismissal from the Police Force six years ago to be neck deep in corruption and unprofessional conduct is a proof of his preference for personal aggrandizement over national interest.

Part of the report read thus, “An officer appointed as Acting Chairman of EFCC should by all means be one of impeccable credentials with proven integrity and capacity to lead the nation’s fight against graft in high and low places. Thus far, it is evidence from Magu’s antecedence that he is by no means that kind of officer.

“His relationship with Umar Mohammed which involved disclosure of very sensitive and classified documents in his possession shows lack of professionalism and has soiled his integrity. More so, for an officer who was indicted and nearly dismissed 6 years ago, to again be involved in similar circumstances it is clear that Magu is a Perennial offender and cannot change.

“Also worthy is the fact that Magu exhibited a total lack of judgment where it matters most. He accepted to move into a tastily furnished accommodation without any scrutiny of how it was furnished, this is curious and speak volumes of his personality.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri

El-Rufai’s Vindication of Jonathan

R

ecently, I had cause to read the memorandum to President Muhammadu Buhari by his mini-me, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State. All I can say is, wow!

I guess President Muhammadu Buhari now believes his former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who wrote of Malam Nasir El-Rufai in his book, My Watch Volume

11 thus: ‘I recognised his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to anybody or any issue consistently for long, but only to Nasir el-Rufai.’

If only Professor John Paden had been patient enough to wait for the release of El-Rufai’s memorandum to President Muhammadu Buhari, he would not have so effusively praised the president. Having done so through his book, ‘Muhammadu Buhari - The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria’, Padennoe comes across as a revisionist at best and a liar at worst because we now have a situation where even die-hard loyalists of the Buhari administration have come to accept the reality that Nigeria is faring much worse under the status quo than it did under the previous Peoples Democratic Party administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress called Dr. Goodluck Jonathan ‘clueless’ and promised change but look at the change they brought! The same Nasir ElRufai that called GEJ clueless now calls Muhammadu Buhari’s administration clueless.

The Buhari-led APC administration overturned much of the good initiatives of the Jonathan era. The former President gave us YouWIN but this administration stopped it and today, YOU LOSE as a Nigerian youth. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan brought the Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for Innovations and Development to train first-class graduates abroad, this government stopped it so you can’t benefit, yet children of the APC elite almost exclusively school abroad. They fought Jonathan and the PDP tooth and nail over subsidy, calling it a scam, today they have increased petrol price and subsidy still remains. They said 199 to $1 under GEJ was “unacceptable”, but 500 to $1 under President Buhari is acceptable. They said the Jonathan administration did not build infrastructure, yet President Buhari commissioned Abuja-Kaduna railway built and completed by GEJ. Can you now see that we are dealing with “desperate power-seekers with empty promises” as Jonathan warned us on December 11, 2014?

In 2010, Gallup polls rated Nigeria under Goodluck Jonathan as the ‘happiest nation on earth”. In 2017 under President Muhammadu Buhari, we are not even the happiest nation in Africa. We are rated 6th happiest in Africa! In 2014, Nigeria under Jonathan had her best improvement in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, moving from 144 to 136. We have not made any improvements under the so-called anti-corruption administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

You can fool gullible Nigerians, but you cannot fool the world. Jonathan didn’t hesitate to fire any of his ministers involved in conflict of interest. President Buhari on the other hand, prefers to write letters defending his own Secretary to the

You can fool gullible Nigerians, but you cannot fool the world. Jonathan didn’t hesitate to fire any of his ministers involved in conflict of interest. President Buhari on the other hand, prefers to write letters defending his own Secretary to the Government of the Federation, a man caught RED-HANDED in the grasscutting contract corruption.

And they want us to be deceived that there is an anticorruption war in Nigeria. I am sorry for anyone who still believes in that fairy tale!

El-rufai

Government of the Federation, a man caught RED-HANDED in the grass-cutting contract corruption. And they want us to be deceived that there is an anti-corruption war in Nigeria. I am sorry for anyone who still believes in that fairy tale!

That Nigerians believed the APC’s lies proves we are more malleable than an amoeba. A woman who believes every man ends up with empty promises and unwanted pregnancies. To those who believed/believe the APC, I have some questions for you: Where is your $1 to 1? Where is your 40 per liter petrol?

Where is your job-seekers allowance? Where is your uninterrupted power? Where is the promise to lead from the front?

Where is the 740,000 “immediate relief jobs for graduates”?

Where are the three million jobs in three years? But the real question though is where your brain is if you actually believed these promises?

And if you are still deceived, I will urge you to undeceive yourself by reading El-Rufai’s memorandum. It is being sold by vendors on the street and I love the shortened tuition they have given it.

Where El-Rufai gave the memorandum the highfalutin title of ‘IMMEDIATE AND MEDIUM TERM IMPERATIVES FOR PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’, these young vendors gave it its real title, ‘El-Rufai to Buhari: You Have Failed’! Chikena! No long turenci!

In a combination of punches which the president may find hard to survive, El-Rufai said, and I quote: “In very blunt terms, Mr. President, our APC administration has not only failed to manage expectations of a populace that expected overnight ‘change’ but has failed to deliver even mundane matters of governance.”

Oh Mr. president, what a pity, what a pity! First your own wife warns you that she may not even campaign for you in 2019, then your political khalifa, the magajin Buhari in the person of Nasir El-Rufai, calls you a failure! If you consigned your wife to the ‘other room’ as punishment, to which room will you consign El-Rufai? Let me recommend a room for you.

How about the kitchen? I am sure you have some knives there.

El-Rufai will find them handy in practicing his favourite hobbybackstabbing.

Yes, I agree with Nasir El-Rufai that Buhari has failed, but then Nasir El-Rufai lacks the moral authority to say that because one, he is one of those that promoted Buhari to Nigerians and two, he has also failed in Kaduna State.

What notable thing has he achieved in Kaduna? Just as Buhari has taken Nigeria backward, Nasir El-Rufai has also taken Kaduna backward.

There was relative peace in Kaduna before El-Rufai became the governor, but is there peace today? Absolutely not. Because of his careless comments and even more careless actions, the security situation has so deteriorated in Kaduna that more people are dying in Kaduna from Fulani herdsmen than in Borno from Boko Haram.

In 2012, El-Rufai wrote an article on the back page of ThisDay and stated that Anambra State was one of the poorest states in Nigeria.

Today, in the year 2016, Anambra State is one of the richest states in Nigeria and for the past four years they have topped the list of states with the best WAEC results. Anambra does not owe workers and rejected the Federal Government’s bailout.

Anambra does not borrow. Anambra exports vegetables to

Europe and grows its own rice.

In contrast, under El-Rufai, Kaduna State in 2017 is by far poorer than Anambra State that el-Rufai said was one of Nigeria’s poorest states in 2012.

Kaduna owes workers salaries, Kaduna is heavily indebted and had to be bailed out by the federal government. The state economy has deteriorated badly.

Yet their governor, el-Rufai was laughing at Anambra in 2012. Today, Anambra State is laughing at him.

And to those who consider themselves to be amongst the privileged class of 97 per centers, the speedy and one-sided arrest of the perpetrators of the Ife Hausa/Yoruba clash shows that even if you think you are among the 97%, if it is not Panadol it cannot be the same as Panadol! A slave that laughs when his fellow slave is buried in a shallow grave obviously does not know that the same fate awaits him on death.

Let us consider the following trend very carefully: Shiite massacre - no arrest. Southern Kaduna killings - little or no arrest. Agatu genocide – little or no arrest. Pastor Eunice Elisha murdered in broad daylight in Kubwa - no arrest. Evangelist Bridget Agbahime beheaded in broad daylight in Kano suspected killers discharged and acquitted on the instruction of the state Attorney General. Ife clashes - plenty of lopsided arrests. The Buhari ‘dog man’ - immediate arrest of the culprit.

Is this how justice works in the new and improved Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari?

Why is the Ife crisis so special that a government that arrested no one when hundreds of Shiites were slaughtered has suddenly gone on an arresting spree? Are some lives more important than others in today’s Nigeria? Is it that the only time this government acts speedily is when cows and the cream of the 97% are affected?

And why the invasion of the offices of Amnesty International by so-called ‘protesters’? Amnesty International also released a damming report during the PDP administration of President Jonathan but nobody invaded their offices! Instead that government released its own intelligently written rebuttal to Amnesty International’s report and the independent observer could compare the two and come to an informed conclusion.

You do not need to defend the truth. You only need to unleash it and it will defend itself!

When you bring in protesters to protest the truth, discerning people think of those timeless words of Queen Gertrude in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks”!

And it is certain that the Amnesty International protesters protested too much as it has come to be revealed through pictures that cannot lie, that they were paid. If you have not seen the pictures then you need to Google them.

So sad that under a so-called anti-corruption administration, jobless people were hired to protest against Amnesty International. Are we now seeing the modus operandi that the Buhari administration will use to fulfill its campaign promises of providing 740,000 immediate relief jobs and 3,000,000 jobs in three years? Since the president returned from his ‘vacation’, there have been many pro-Buhari rallies. They accused the PDP of providing jobs for the boys meanwhile they provide jobs for protesters. Now we know the secret. Very sad!!

This episode is not the only event that puts the hypocrisy of this administration on display. Imagine my surprise to have read the headline on the Punch Newspapers on Wednesday the 22nd of March: ‘Buhari condemns fake certificates, exam fraud’!

It took mere hours for President Muhammadu Buhari to condemn the U.K. terror attack, but it took him months to comment on (not condemn, he merely commented) on the Southern Kaduna killings. When the president was ‘resting’ in London, it was Nigerians, not English people that were holding prayer vigils for him. Four people died in the U.K. Hundreds have died in Southern Kaduna. Apparently, when you have recently returned from a 6-week ‘vacation’ in the U.K., you begin to value U.K. lives more than the lives of your own citizens.

I Mourn

And Another Thing: I mourn the passing of Professor Ginigeme Francis Mbanefoh, the father in-law to my dear friend and brother, Chinedu Ikegwuoha. Professor Mbanefoh was many things. He was one of the early graduates of the University of Ibadan where he remained to teach after his graduation until the Nigerian Civil War when he left UI to fight on the Biafran side. He returned to UI and remained there until 1997 when he became the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. He died on the 8th of February, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Professor (Mrs.) Nkechi Mbenefoh, and three beautiful daughters - Ifeoma, Chukwudum and Ifunanya - a son, Odunze, two sons-in-law, Toochukwu and Chinedu.

To Chukwudum, who used to excite my palate with some of the best culinary delights known to Black Africa, I say Ndo my sister. Take heart.

My New Book

And One Last Thing: My new book, Apples of Gold is out.

The foreword was written by former President Jonathan. It is available in US book stores and as an e-book on amazon and Barnes and Noble. Below, I give my readers a teaser of the type of Nuggets to expect in the book: Spending to maintain your girlfriend drains blessings from you. Spending to maintain your parents rains blessings on you.

No matter how pretty she is, all she can give you is pleasure.

Learn to pleasure your parents if you want treasure in your life.

It is impossible to succeed and be fulfilled if you don’t honour the tree from which your seed came. Parents hold the key to a blessed life on earth #RenosNuggets.

Plus Ego Boyo

My Role in Checkmate Made Nigerian Women Pursue Professional Careers

LOUD WHISPERS MEMOIRS TRAVEL AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FASHION FILE

pg. 20 pg. 22 pg. 24 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 41

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 25, 2017

PLUS Like a timeless heroine, she stands tall, with a beaming smile illuminating her oval face. Dark-skinned, her countenance radiates in the noon sun as she gracefully enters into the hall. Except for her natural grace and gait, beauty and brain, Ego Boyo, an iconic character in one of Nigeria’s best and most famous soaps, is usually unassuming. Her gracious mien belies her talents and achievements. Over the years, unnoticed, she has become the paragon for Nigeria’s modern woman.

Recently, she was named and sworn in as the 60th President of International Women Society. Boyo speaks to the heart as well as the head, whether she’s actually talking or her works are doing the talking for her. She speaks with Omolola Itayemi about IWS presidency, social responsibility, the movie industry and impact of her Checkmate character

I Would Have Been a Good Lawyer If I Weren’t An Actress

H

er personal carriage, impressive height still stands her out from the crowd, add this to the Anne Haastrup persona and she still turns heads.

Ego Boyo is as captivating as she was 27 years

ago.

In the 1990’s, her role as Anne Haastrup in Checkmate, one of Nigeria’s longest-running indigenous soaps on television, shot her into limelight and earned her a place in the hearts of many movie fans both young and old, making 8-9pm every Thursday TV time for many Nigerian families.

A graduate of film productions from University of Benin, Boyo now finds solace behind the screen as a producer with Temple Studio, her ultra-modern production company which she set up 12 years after she started her professional career as an actress.

She produced her first film, Violated, with Moving Movies Productions.

She then went into corporate video production and has done work for global giants such as Coca cola, Sahara Energy, Ocean and Oil services and Schlumberger. She produced the presidential campaign videos and jingles for Olusegun Obasanjo in 1998.

“I’ve not produced many films. We were part of Keeping Faith and 30 Days, but before then I was a producer of and actress in Violated and To Live Again, a small film with a large impact.

We went on to win a few awards.

So that’s what I’ve done; I have to say it’s not the number but I believe they’ve made a great deal of impact on the viewing public. The quality of the films – the production, the stories, and the message – has been impactful.

That’s has been very important to me,”

she said.

Dressed in a white eyelet lace, shift dress, with long a gold chain with a dazzling pendant, tiny braids on her head, light make-up, Ego Boyo is no slave to fashion.

“My dress sense has become more classic. And I tend to wear what I like and not necessarily what’s in vogue; though I have done a whole switchover, 360 degree turnaround with shoes, I used to put on flat footwear,” she stated.

The mother of three – two boys and one girl – who is married to Omamofe Boyo, the Group Deputy Chief Executive of Oando Plc, is not new to charity.

She joined IWS 18 years ago, is on board of Lagos Preparatory School, Ikoyi, a not-for profit curriculum school, 40under40 Nigeria, a foundation set up to benefit and mentor 40 children each year. She is also the founder of Temple MAI Foundation under Temple productions to work on advocacy with the mandate to produce and present visual statements for advocacy groups and other foundations.

“I realise more than ever, how much impact Checkmate had on the viewing Public; the role I played as a career woman set the pace for women pursuing their careers now. There were less women building careers compared to now and I now realise how much of an icon I must have been to the younger generation. We touched on a lot of sensitive matters which are still salient now, from the interference of in-laws to polygamy. It is amazing people still come up to me 20 years after saying, ‘I used to copy how you styled your hair or wore your clothes’.

“But it had nothing to do with me because I tend to choose the clothes that I liked, you know how it is because

at the end of the day, your character has a particular style; Ego’s style was Anne’s style and vice versa. I’m glad I was the kind of person that had little or no issues with wardrobe. As the years went by in Checkmate, I got more control over what I wore,’ Boyo said.

If she was not an actress, she felt she would have been a lawyer: “I come from a family of lawyers and married into one. My mother-in-law is the first female Chief Judge of Edo State and my husband is a lawyer. My late father was a judge; I have two siblings who are lawyers out of the four of us and uncles who are lawyers – it’s a legal family. I think I would have made a good lawyer.”

The actress said further, “Initially, my father had his reservations about my acting career. He knew I had a flair for the arts and he knew I wasn’t going to disgrace him. But his major concern was how I could fend for myself financially through acting. At that time, a career in the film industry wasn’t attractive to most parents. He knew I had always been a little performer, even in school. He already knew I had interest in the arts. But we sat down and discussed it; my father was that kind of man, He wasn’t one of those overbearing parents that will yell at you. Unfortunately, my father didn’t live to see me start working, he died the year I graduated from school, and I wish he had because he would have been very proud of me.”

After her father’s death, she was getting ready for NYSC when she was approached by a group of people. ‘’I think Amaka Igwe probably sent them to me. Amaka’s dad knew my dad. She had been to our house for an unrelated matter. The group gave me a script to read and asked if I would be

interested in playing a role in the script.

Why not? I said.

“We started filming and after that it wasn’t snapped up and I started working at Public Affairs department of Continental Merchant Bank. For some time, I was doing both, acting in checkmate and working at the bank, I think for the first year. When Checkmate was snapped up and was going to be shown on air, I went and spoke to my boss at that time who directed me to the overall boss, Mr. Ben Ijiga. I told him, I did this programme before I joined the bank and it would soon be on air, in case the bank had a position on that.

“The role was such a good one that people identified with my role as an heiress of my father’s large company. It was really difficult; I remember literally coming off set at 5am and having to be at work at 8am. It was in 1991 when my career took off in Checkmate and I got married the following year. I was already on Checkmate when I got married. I wasn’t sharing my private life and it was kept away from the public.”

We cannot talk about Boyo’s acting career without mentioning Amaka Igwe who died some years ago. Boyo’s demeanour became gloomy at the mention of Igwe.

“I hadn’t spoken to her in a while.

I went to see her at home before she died and we spoke about projects we wanted to work on. She was writing, as Amaka always did and we were both excited about the project. So, it was not on my radar at all – it was Joke Silva who told me about her death. I was in the UK at the time. It wasn’t a good memory. It is a huge loss to us personally and to the industry as a whole,” she recalled.

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MARCH 25, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS

Ego on location during her “Checkmate” days

As Women We Have to Increase Our Capacity to Influence Lives of People As the new President of IWS, she definitely has her hands full though she’s not deterred. She knows the demands of being a president and her goals are written out.

Two goals stand out: bringing the younger generation on board and having more partnerships that work.

“We are in a technologically-driven age where news is 24/7. So our millennial are getting all the information and it either engages them or they discard it. So when you are in a society where you are looking for membership because we have a lot of older members and few younger ones, to drive that society forward we need young members. So we then need to engage them.

We need younger members because we need to drive our members, to engage those young people by providing things that will be of interest to them. In IWS, we are all about charity but we also need the younger generation to drive those charities because our members are older. We need to allow them see what we do through engagement on social media. What I want to do differently is to engage young people; let them know that while they are building their career and that is important, they also have to understand that they are in a country that requires them to get involved in charity because we do not have adequate social services.

“Most of the social services that are provided in this country are by NGOs and private initiatives. We have some governmental organisations set up to attend to this need but to run them effectively is by private initiative. The general lack of fund that characterises most areas of governance also affects social services. There are many ways of giving back. You can either donate or get your hands dirty into the trenches or form your own association or charity organisation small and grow it. I want to form partnerships with organisations that already exist.

“One of the things I noticed is that we are many out there but how effective are we? Are we reaching the maximum number of people? In one of our charitable projects, in 18 years, we have graduated 1, 075 young people in different vocational skills, however, when you consider in 20 years, the number of people in Lagos alone will be almost 50 million. It means we have to increase our capacity to influence the lives of people more. The best way is to collaborate with organisations already existing and doing what we do to impact and benefit a greater number of

Ego and her hubby

lives,” Boyo explained.

According to her, collaboration comes in different forms and will find a formula that works for all.

Some have inferred that IWS is all about being extremely rich and having a pedigree. Boyo doesn’t share that sentiment.

To her, charity is an expensive business; donors and the status of members help in running it.

IWS has six main charity projects which are: widows’ trust fund; skills acquisition centre; scholarships for female schoolchildren in primary and secondary school; LUTH library trolley, social services for abandoned children and Day Nursery ran since 1961 in Yaba, Lagos, which provides kindergarten education from nine months to five years.

“Initially when the Day Nursery started, it was mainly for children of the traders in Tejuosho Market who needed to have a safe place to drop their children. Because it was providing such excellent foundation, it became the school for academics, young people who were civil servants and academics in Yaba area. Now we have a whole mix; wards of market women, academics, civil servants, entrepreneurs of both small and big business. The school fees are still subsidised. It’s not expensive because we pay half of the

fees and that in no way affects the quality of service we are giving. We are a charity organisation and we depend on donors to help with our mission,” Boyo pointed out.

A global rights advocate, the Checkmate star is particularly interested in campaign against sexual violence.

She said, “It has become rampant. It is a responsibility for any organisation focused on women or children. When I talked about partnerships, one of such is with one of our members that recently set up a sexual assault referral centre. We heard about another sexual assault centre about to shut down.

There is nothing that says under social services, we cannot look into this area.

Each month we have a different event, so I want to look at having an event where we address some of these issues, find out what we need to do. More like a min-summit where we have people that are in that area of charity doing different things either through a centre or setting up awareness and see how we can help or contribute; see how we can benefit different centres.

“A lot of centres are coming up like WARIF, set up by one of our members, Dr. Ibru for the sexually assaulted and also Mirabel Centre. We need to have those conversations and see where we can help. In terms of awareness, we are open, so people understand that

domestic violence is not acceptable. We want to leave it to people who are doing great work in that area already. One of the great things about this is that our society has always championed the cause of women and children. So this scourge of abuse on women needs to stop.”

Boyo does not miss acting.

“I’ll rather be behind the scene and see it all come alive. What I have done in the last 10 years is to focus more on corporate films, documentaries, and advocacy films for clients,” she said.

She added, “But in the last two years, we started working on different productions and one of them will be released in May. It’s called, A Hotel Called Memory. It is a small film shot in Lagos, Zanzibar and Cape Town and directed by Akin Omotosho. I still act. After Violated in 1966, in terms of major acting because I was in the back room; I have done some few cameos especially when I am on set and there is a missing character. My focus has really been behind the camera. I am such a control freak. Checkmate was my first and I was in front of the camera. Violated was my first behindthe-camera role. I am still in touch with my cast mates in Checkmate. RMD was at my investiture. I talk to Aunty Joke silver often – these are people that are part of my life.”

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

El-Rufai

El Rufai : The Case of the Misfiring Memo I did not want to say anything about this memo until now for two reasons.

One, the suffering my brother, Audu Maikori is going through as a result of looking for trouble along the Kaduna axis and also because I was not sure if he truly authored the memo which to me is an exercise in beleaguered futility. Well, the moment I read that His Excellency had gone on sabbatical outside the country, I was emboldened to take another look at the issue. To me, that memo is just a lame attempt at distancing oneself from perceived wrongs that the author thinks this present administration has foisted on long-suffering Nigerians. The timing and its alleged authorship remain suspect, thereby leaning towards naked grandiosity. As a full member of the ruling class and one of the leaders who brought this kind ‘change’, this memo, if he truly authored it, is a slap on our collective faces. Why did he write a memo to the President? Why can’t he as a strong sign of his disaffection with the way things are going - as against the vision of the change promised - just resign and ride into the sunset?

The issue is not memo; it is ensuring pragmatic solutions to the many issues facing us and not letter writing. I have read the memo and all I see is what in Shomolu, we call ‘I no dey there’. This is an attempt to stylishly detach from what the author thinks is a monumental disaster while hiding under the pretentious notion that he is sending objective advice. This is a prelude to 2019 and a preparation for a possible run, distancing oneself from what in the author’s estimation is a train wreck. But if that is the goal of the memo and its leaking, I think then the target has been missed. Nigerians of today are much more discerning.

Today, we see clearly and the people who continue to destroy our future are etched permanently on the walls of the corridors of infamy. You will be surprised that you will find President Buhari’s name in the book of life faster than some of these memo writers. For we have learnt to look beyond the obvious. We know who our true heroes are and I tell you they have not been born.

Let Us Talk about Suicide I want to be serious. My readers always talk about how I can easily combine humour with serious issues, but today I will try to remove humour because there is nothing to laugh about in suicide. Since last week, we have been regaled with the story of a young man who jumped into the lagoon, thereby terminating his life and leaving his parents and the rest of us in a mourning state. His death has now opened the floodgates with different stories of suicide both successful ones and near misses being our lot. People are killing themselves due to the hardship that we face. The economy is killing people and depression is now more than ever before prevalent in our society. To make matters worse, there are no support systems or buffers for those with depression. At the psychiatric hospital, I hear that the major treatment for depression or mental case is to be tied to the bed and given sleeping injections so that you can

Dr. Allwell Orji

Magu

Dino Melaye : What is in a Certificate?

I am aligning with High Chief Dino Melaye on this matter simply because I too have gone through this kind thing before. I attended Command Secondary School Lagos and failed the fourth form three times and they asked me to leave. Kai the most painful thing for me then was the fact that I had a half-caste girlfriend and I felt my absence in school would jeaopadise our relationship as many senior boys were eyeing her. I was convinced that it was my rivals who orchestrated my failure and eventual expulsion from the school.

Well, that is a story for another day.

That was how I left the school and my beautiful Russian/ijebu Mulato escorted me to the gates with tears in her lovely eyes. My people, failure is not a death sentence, the fact that I did not finish did not stop me from rising again and finishing with two degrees and today, I am the Duke of Shomolu and you are reading me regularly every Saturday. So let us not be throwing this certificate scandal periodically at public officials.

Except there is a clear case of forgery or outright impersonation which I do not think is the case here, we should remain focused on fundamental issues. If Dino attended Ahmadu

sleep away your problems. This does not solve the problem because when you wake up, you will have double the problem. Furthermore, the religious institutions who insist on faith healing and other such hocus pocus further compound the problem. We need a national response to mental health issues as it has now reached alarming proportions. We need to revamp our institutions, create buffers and support within the family unit, remove the stigma associated with it so that sufferers can come out easily and seek help. Meanwhile, I send my condolences to the family of this brilliant young man even as I pray for God’s

Bello or wherever he is said to have attended and did not graduate, how does that affect his ability to perform as a sitting senator. Or is the minimum qualification to be a senator a first degree? The last time I checked, it was not so. A man has the right to fail o, he also has the right to use eight years in a four-year degree programme. It is his problem and that of the people who sent him to school. For that to now become an issue of national importance beggars believe. Why can’t we as a people be serious-minded for once and face major issues that continue to bedevil our society? Now the full Senate is going to spend huge sum of taxpayers’ money to investigate if Dino went to school or not; something that would have been sorted out at the INEC screening level or at worst, via a simple letter to the Registrar of the said school and a simple response from this official would resolve the thing once and for all. Abeg, let’s face other things, people are jumping into the lagoon in frustration and here the Senate is investigating if one bald-headed senator went to school or not. As my former oga Chibundu would say, ‘are we for real?’

infinite mercy on his soul. Kai. Ibrahim Magu: It is Well For the second time, the Senate led by its football-loving President, has rejected the candidature of my friend, Ibrahim Magu. I call him my friend because I was recently in their Ikoyi office and I was treated very well; they even gave me groundnut and boli to eat. So anybody who touches him touches me. Seriously, I really do not care about the reasons why he was refused by the Senate but to look very seriously at the process of the confirmation of the EFCC chairman and come out with resolutions and recommenda-

Peterside

tions. You see, the EFCC chairman is the anti-corruption czar, his job is to weed out all forms of corruption especially in the public space. In doing his job, he will step on powerful toes and in not doing his job he will incur the wrath of the people which leaves him in a tight spot.

In this case, the chairman has performed excellently well. He has implemented the whistle-blowing policy in such a way that people are throwing away money at airports and running away from it.

I met a Customs officer the other day and introduced myself as an investment banker, he ran away, calling me ‘these BVN people’. So to now subject this person to a confirmation process superintended by the people who are within his purview of duty is to expect the inevitable. If I were the Senate President, I would have even torn his file. Confirm him ke? So we were not surprised to hear of his rejection, it was only natural. How many senators are being investigated, how many high-profile people are being investigated and you honestly thought he would be confirmed? No JUJU can bring about that confirmation and if not carefully handled, it will derail the anti-corruption drive.

So what is the solution? My humble opinion is that the chairmanship of the EFCC should be an electoral position.

Let Nigerians vote for the chairman so that he will be answerable to us, with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the courts checking his excesses. That way, he does not need to be confirmed by anybody or owe his position to even the President but Nigerians. I swear, it will work, let credible candidates throw themselves up for election and let us publicly screen them and decide who will lead the EFCC. Meanwhile, Mr. Magu is in my good books, you remain my hero. Don’t worry, it is well.

Atedo Peterside: You have Done Well As I was looking for what to write, I stumbled on the news announcing the retirement from the Board of Stanbic IBTC of this very versatile gentleman, Atedo Peterside. Although in his entire glorious career, he never had the fortune of working with me, I believe that he still had the opportunity of learning a thing or two from me via discussions I regularly had with him in my dreams. As an investment banker, Mr. Peterside had, along with the late Gamaliel Onosode and my lord Otunba Subomi Balogun formed the holy triumvirate I swore by.

Of the three, only Otunba took pity on me to employ me. Atedo’s IBTC failed me three times with some funny entry tests I simply could not pass. In fact, at the last test, I literally knelt down and begged the lady administering it that ‘please, I no fit pass, but I Sabi the work, help me’. They kicked me out. I will not hold that against Mr. Peterside for he has done enough within the space and indeed within the general economy to retain my respect. As you go into a well-deserved retirement, I wish you well and a new chieftaincy title when next you are in Shomolu. The title comes with a virgin which is not compulsory you take. I can assist you with that.

Congrats sir.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

SPY GLASS

Femi Otedola’s Lesson of Good fatherhood!

Without a doubt, billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola’s life is symbolic of good fatherhood.

Today, no one can deny his sterling achievements in the business world.

But what many do not know is that, while he continues to make giant strides in his business, he has not failed to keep the sanctity of his marital vow intact. Besides, he is one of few successful businessmen around that cherish family values.

Last Monday, Otedola, Chairman of Forte Oil, wowed many when one of his lovely daughters, Temi, celebrated her 21st birthday. It was one memorable moment among the Otedolas , as he was joined by his beautiful wife, Nana, to celebrate with their daughter on her day of glory.

The private birthday party, according to reports, held at his beautiful London apartment. In the midst of the low-key event, Otedola and his wife reportedly also used the moment to show their romantic sides, particularly during the photo session.

Otedola comes across as a liberalminded individual who allows his beautiful daughters- Wunmi, Ife and Temi- to choose their paths in life.

His princesses are in their own world, pursuing their individual passions. interestingly, under the guidance of their parents, they seem to have taken their passions to impressive heights within a short period of time to the amazement of many. No doubt, they are a pride to their loving parents.

Wunmi is literally having a sizzling romance with soul music. The “Don’t Break My Heart” crooner went into music after bagging a degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the St. Andrews University and a Master’s in Music from the Vocal Tech, United Kingdom.

Temi, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, is a delight on the turntable. Her dexterity has earned her accolades as well as popularity across the continent of Africa.

Like her sisters, Temi is also doing her father proud. A fashion enthusiast, she owns JTO, a fashion blog, where she expresses her fashion, art

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 and photography adventures.

In this, she shares the same passion with her father whose abiding love for arts could be seen on his late father, Chief Michael Otedola’s Impact Press located on Randle Avenue, Lagos Though the event has come and gone, it is still the talk of town, especially as the respected business has unwittingly succeeded in passing a message across that the pursuit of legitimate wealth, which is desirable, should not take the place of family value in a man’s life.

Emeka Offor’s Shocker

His name rings loud in both the social and corporate circles on account of his wealth and knack for celebration of life in grand styles.

However, for some inexplicable reasons, the businessman, for some time, suddenly fizzed out, leaving tongues to wag over his financial status.

In fact, the rumour of him suffering a reversal of fortune became so rife when he waited almost a year before burying his father, the late Benneth Offor.

But typical of a strategist, he shocked his critics when he eventually rolled out the burial plans for his late father. He had caused a stir with the-out- of- this world burial he organised for his father who was buried in a N15 million gold casket in November last year.

For the doubting Thomases who still believe it was all a stunt, the businessman has, once again, proved that he is back for good, as he recently donated books and computers to some schools across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria via his Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF).

The recent gesture is the fourth major book distribution the Foundation has organised in Nigeria since the initiative began.

Interestingly, the continent-wide project is a collaborative effort between the Foundation and Books for Africa (BFA), a non-profit organization based in the United States.

Segun Adewale’s New Tune

Segun Adewale runs Aeroland, a thriving travel and tours agency. He has been in the business for some time and has made a name for himself. He is respected by many of his competitors on account of his achievements over the years.

But his adventures in politics have been quite uninspiring. Indeed, many who have been following his journey on the political scene now see him as a serial loser, having tried unsuccessfully to be elected into either the House of Representatives or the Senate at different times.

Since 2007, Adewale, who is the current Lagos State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,

has reportedly made huge financial commitments in his bid to realise his political ambition. But to the dismay of his fans, it has been a wild goose chase.

Consequently, Spyglass gathered that the Ekiti State-born businessman has now resolved to take the battle to his home state. He is said to be warming up to contest for the number one job of the state in 2018 after Governor Ayo Fayose’s tenure ends.

A source disclosed to Spy Glass that Adewale’s game plan is to ride on the crest of his closeness with Fayose to realise his dream. Though it is said that he contributed immensely to Fayose’s success in the last election, his albatross, according to political observers, may be his lack of knowledge of the Ekiti political terrain.

Wale Ajisebutu: Czar of Telecoms

In the Nigerian telecoms industry, Wale Ajisebutu’s name evokes admiration, respect and envy in equal measure.

He runs 21st Century Technologies, a fixed line telecommunications company that offers voice, data, VSAT solutions, data centre operations and Internet services to the Nigerian public.

His clientele, according to a source, includes some of the largest multinationals, oil and gas firms, hotels as well as several blue chip organisations in the country. From the Lagos offices of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company (Nigeria LNG) to the top banks in the country and the largest manufacturing firms in the city, 21st Century has built a huge customer base that can make his competitors green with envy.

It was gathered that when British Telecoms wanted to offer data communication services to its high net-worth clients in Nigeria, it reached out to Ajisebutu and signed a $20bn US dollar deal with his firm.

Also his company was contacted when the management of Olokonla LNG Project wanted a reliable data communications network for their operations.

It was also gathered that when Gateway Communications of South Africa, a leading provider of pan-African voice and data connectivity services, wanted to acquire GS Telecom in 2007, in a transaction valued at approximately $37.5 million , Ajisebutu made a bid for the company. But he was unsuccessful.

You will be dead wrong if you think that is the end of the story involving Gateway and 21st Century. How? Gateway Telecommunications SA (Pty) Ltd eventually resold the carrier services and business network solutions of GS Telecoms across Africa to Vodacom Group for an enterprise

value of approximately US$675 million for 21st Century Technologies owing to its intergrity and expertise in the Nigeria telecommunication sector.

Royal Rumble in Remoland

When Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, the late Akarigbo of Remoland in Sagamu, Ogun State joined his ancestors, little did the kingmakers envisage the enormity of the challenge they would face thereafter.

Since his passing on, several contending forces are reportedly literally battling for the soul of the town. This development, no doubt, is an indication that royalty is sweet and that the luxury of a modern palace is irresistibly tempting!

Spy glass gathered that though it is the turn of the Torungbuwa ruling house to produce the next king of the ancient town, the selection process has reportedly been marred by crises.

This is due to the fact both the Famolu and Iluyomade families within the ruling have produced three major contestants: Prof. Babatunde Ogunmola, Vice Chancellor, Lead City University, Ibadan; Prince Adedayo and Prince Babatunde Ajayi.

But this may not be the only headache of the kingmakers. It was gathered that a United States-based member of the ruling house, Prince Nurudeen Kazeem, has kicked against the selection.

However, a family member, who craved anonymity, disclosed that Kazeem had been declared persona non grata, following his removal as Secretary of the family in 2010 over some unconfirmed allegations.

Though Ogunmola is said to be trying to douse the tension by creating the impression that there is no crisis in the whole exercise, a source told Spy Glass that “With the way things are going, it might take a long time before it will come to normal. Apart from the three selected in the family, other candidates who have also shown interest include: Alhaji Dauda Awosanya, Otunba Folarin Solarin, Shehu Adefemi Ashimolowo, Alh Tajudeen Saka and Prince Ibrahim Adesoye Sanni . The family should just find a way of dousing the tension instead of pretending as if everything is normal.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •

MARCH 25, 2017

MEMOIRS Funke Arthur Worrey

My Marriage Was a Fairytale – There’s No Man like Steady Arthur-Worrey...recently

Bejewelled by grace and age; robust in thoughts and looks, Mrs. Funke Arthur- Worrey, fondly known as Aunty Funke, is a paragon of exquisite delight. Vivacious and adventurous, she has traversed at least 20 countries and still willing to explore. Welcoming this reporter into her Victoria Island, Lagos home, dressed in sky blue lace with matching accessories, she radiates with resplendence. Born on April 23, 1927, into the Ogunmade Davies of Olowoogbowo on Lagos Island, Mama Worrey does not worry about old age. After her primary education in Nigeria, she travelled to England where she was trained as a secretary. She also had a diploma in fashion designing from the Paris Academy of Fashion Design in London and later acquired a diploma in Social Studies from Ohio University, Columbia, Ohio, United States of America. Her charitable gesture has not gone unnoticed as she is well-known in the circles of charity organisations and service clubs in the country. As she nears the unique age of 90, she shares with Funke Olaode her childhood exploits, how she fell in love, the thrills and hurt in her heart How I Lost My Only Daughter While Away in England

R

eminiscing on Lagos of old She has lived a good life traversing the world. At about 90 years of age, she is still ready to explore.

Chief (Mrs.) Olufunke Arthur Worrey, popularly known as Aunty Funke, was born into the royal family of Ogunmade Onile Gbale Chieftancy House, Isale-Eko, in Lagos, on April 23, 1927. “Lagos of old was very small then and we lived a communal life.

In fact, the radius of Lagos then was Yaba and Obalende. As girls, we were restricted to the Lagos Island and were only allowed to go and watch the carnival at Campus Square. Yaba was a no-go area then as we had to take special permission before we could be allowed to visit the place. By the time I was born my father was working for the cocoa industry as an examiner and he used to travel to Akure, Ondo and Benin officially to inspect cocoa.

“I was a special child and was spoilt by my parents. My mother had many children but lost them. One of my siblings was the late foremost lawyer, Chief. H.O

Davies (QC.) He was a brilliant lawyer who defended (Jomo) Kenyatta (of Kenya) in those days. Right now only three of us are alive out of 14 children. On my father’s side I have one left and have only one sibling from my mother. It was a privileged beginning for us which put us on our toes to toe the path of honour.

We were always conscious of who were.

We played pranks but we don’t want to upset our parents. The family name is very important and we fought to protect it. My mother was a trader and shortly before she died she went into partnership with a friend and they were buying fairly used army camouflage uniform, shoes, helmets at Apapa during the colonial era.

I remember the people in the village used those helmets as pots because they were very good.”

My ambition was to be a secretary “I started school at the age of six in 1933, at Olowoogbowo Methodist School. At that time I was reluctant to go to school as I was always lying to my mother that I had headache and my mother would ask me to stay back. She

was over-protective of me having lost so many children to death. It was an excuse not to go to school and my elder brother would fight her. Eventually, I completed my Standard Six in 1939 shortly before the Second World War broke out. From day one, I wanted to be a secretary because anywhere you went in those days you would see them in big stores such as Mandilas, Kingsway, L&K and so on smartly dressed and I fell in love with them.

“I gained admission to Methodist Girls School in Yaba but could not go further because I took ill. My brother later sent me to England in the early ‘40s where I attended private school and trained as a secretary. I later did a diploma in fashion designing from the Paris Academy of Fashion Design in London. Later, I acquired a diploma in Social Studies from Ohio University, Columbia, Ohio, United States of America. I worked briefly with Bata Shoe Company before I travelled to England. When I came back I met my husband who kept encouraging me to do more.”

Meeting my husband Steady Arthur

Worrey It has been nine years since she lost her husband. But like an endless love from a fairy-tale storybook, her eyes always light up at the mention of his name.

“He came from England to work in Nigeria when we met. His father took him and his two older brothers to England at the age of four to watch the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the First. Their father didn’t come back after the coronation because he met an English woman, married her and she promised to raise the boys. He schooled there and eventually became an English boy. His older brothers got married but my husband was restless that he wanted to go back to Nigeria.

His father and my brother, H.O Davies, were very close and after his father died he adopted my brother as a father. When he got to Nigeria for the first time he got a teaching job at Birnin-Kebbi in the old Sokoto State. Before starting the job in the North he stayed with my brother in Lagos. I have been hearing about him before he arrived in our house at Barclay Street. All of us lined up to welcome him.

When he got to me he asked what my name was and I said Funke. He told my brother right there that ‘Funke is going to be my wife’.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

MEMOIRS At 90, There’s Nothing Stopping Me from Enjoying Life...

Cont’d from Pg. 22

Mama Arthur-Worrey in her early 20s in 1949 Husband, Steady, son, Fola, late daughter, Abiola and Mrs. Funke Arthur Worrey on their arrival from England in 1960

With son, Fola during her 80th birthday celebration in 2007

“I nearly collapsed because I was shocked. He stayed with us for a month before going to the North to take up his appointment. Within that short period we got used to him because he was always taking us out to go and watch a football match at race course and all that. He complained about Birnin-Kebbi being too hot. Thereafter, he moved back to Lagos. Soon, he was back in London to study law. I had a lot of suitors but I fell in love with this stranger, got married and lived happily with him for over 50 years until he died in 2008. He was my friend and gave me all the good things of life. He spoilt me. My late husband was a Godsent. I missed my husband but the expression of love from many of my children both home and abroad has filled the gap.”

Losing my only daughter was my saddest moment Life is not a bed of roses and Mama Arthur Worrey has had her own share. Her marriage was blessed with two children: former Solicitor General of Lagos State, Fola Arthur Worrey and her only daughter, Biola, who would have been 60 this year but got drowned at Ibeshe beach in 1967.

“Losing my only daughter was traumatic. She was a brilliant student of Queens College when she died.

I went to England to do a one-year charitable-related course sponsored by the British Council. We got our independence in 1960 and my family was lucky to attend all the activities and it was a privileged to hobnob with the diplomatic community in Ikoyi where we resided.

And any time we had to leave Lagos, we usually left our children with either our Canadian, American, or British friends and would be willing to look after them. So while I was away on the course, my husband dropped

my children with an Israeli couple for a weekend. Then they decided to go swimming at Ibeshe beach. I was told that the children were playing when the wild wind came and swept the children. They managed to rescue the two but my Biola couldn’t be found. Lagos State and people tried for my family, Gen. Bolaji Johnson and others tried scouting the water but her body couldn’t be found till today.

“Ogundipe was the High Commissioner to Britain then and two other women just came that they wanted to see me. When I got to the Nigerian High Commission they broke the news. From there I headed straight to Lagos.

It was the saddest moment that I remember because she was a loving child and I called her a free bird. 50 years after, all her friends still call me. It was part of life’s challenges and I have taken it (in good faith).”

Longevity runs in the family “Ageing gracefully is by the grace of God. There is no secret but God has been good to me. My great grandparents and my grandparents on both sides lived to the age of 100 or more and cooked and farmed. Ironically, my mother died at the age of 52 while my father died at the age of 60. It is a pity because they didn’t stay long enough to enjoy the fruit of their labour. In my case, I am lucky. At my age, I still travel and carry my suit cases without looking for help. I eat well, sleep well and can still swim. I see everybody and move around unaided.

I only use glasses if I want to read the newspapers. It is a miracle as far as I am concerned. I don’t feel 90 but sometimes age tells. Sometimes I want to jump or run but something is pulling me back. One cannot cheat nature.

I had a lot of suitors but I fell in love with this stranger, got married and lived happily with him for over 50 years until he died in 2008. He was my friend and gave me all the good things of life. He spoilt me. My late husband was a Godsent.

I missed my husband but the expression of love from many of my children both home and abroad has filled the gap

God Should ‘Take’ Me Quickly At 90 anything can happen. She, however, says she is not afraid of death. What she prays for is not to suffer.

“I pray to God that if death comes today God should take me quickly. The Bible says our cup will be full and run over. I am not afraid of death and if I die today I will go to heaven. I pray for it and I desire it. I believe in Him and He will make death comfortable for me. I know I will see Jesus Christ.”

I would have loved to give back “If I could turn back the hand of the clock I would have loved to build a home and equip it with modern facilities and hand it over to the Lagos State Government to take care of abandoned babies. If you go to England there are such homes and those raised in such homes today are in the parliament.”

I am fulfilled “Unless I want to offend God, I have lived my life to its fullest and there is nothing that I haven’t done. I have enjoyed life and I am lucky with people around me. I am surrounded with lovable people. If I go to England today people will welcome me. I went to China with Kofo Bucknor about five years ago and I enjoyed it. I went to Dubai recently and it was heaven on earth. In fact, I will like to go back there if God can spare my life more.

I am not going there to buy gold but to enjoy how their government uses their resources to make people happy.

What to Be Remembered For “If there is to be another world, I don’t know if I will like to belong to the same family line or come to the same country. But I will like to come as Steady’s wife. It has been a wonderful life. I would like to be remembered as a simple woman, loving, friendly, jovial and mother of all.”

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 25, 2017

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

Good France…2000 Chefs, 2000 Menus, 5 Continents

V

ery nice ambience, very nice location, great city views from Eko hotel, Sky roof top restaurant, the venue of this year’s Gout de France. For the third consecutive year, Goût de France, or Good France, celebrates French gastronomy in various locations worldwide on 21 March.

Over 2000 chefs on all five continents joined the event on the first day of Spring. Dinners served simultaneously in participating restaurants to honour the merits of French cuisine, its capacity for innovation, and its values: sharing, enjoying, and respecting the principles of high-quality, environmentally responsible cuisine. And Nigeria was no different.

As guests of Mr. Jean-Raoul Tauzin, Air France KLM General Manager at the sky Lounge, Eko Hotel and Suites, we were treated to a five-course meal comprising seared caramelized lobster medallions with crispy spinach cannelioni, roasted duck rolls with sautéed vegetables, risotto lemongrass in orange sauce served with red wine Chateau Planers Cuvee Chantal. Brie and blue cheese complimented the meal and the milk chocolate mousse with caramelized banana and avocado ice cream was the perfect dessert.

From apertifs and canapés to main courses, chef Tarigan Benyamin stuck to the less fat, sugar and salt rule, delivering delicious meals without weight and health issues.

Participating chefs include Bosco Govera of L’aquarelle, Sofitel, the moorhouse, Ikoyi, Lagos; Tarigan Benyamin of Sky Restaurant, Eko Hotel, Lagos; Lou Baker of Craft Gourmet and Da Kitcheners, Lagos.

Gastronomy is becoming an important attribute in the development of niche travel and niche destinations. As part of its global action, the French ministry of Foreign affairs and International Development has made tourism a priority. Gastronomy is a significant aspect of foreign trade and French tourism, as well as a considerable asset of France’s attractiveness: one third of the tourists who

VIP guest at the events

are visiting France say that gastronomy and oenology are among the main reasons which motivated their journey in France. The operation Goût de/ Good France showcases

the French “art de vivre” and the regional and traditional products, and promotes France as a touristic destination.

Tauzin said: “Now more than ever, gastronomy is a key part of France’s appeal.

Inspired by Augusta Escolier, who launched the ‘Diners d’Epicure (Epicurean Dinners) initiative in 1912 (the same menu, on the same day, in several world cities, for as many guests as possible). Gout de France recreates this wonderful idea by involving restaurants around the world. Over 2000 chefs worldwide are right now paying tributes to the excellence of French cuisine and its emphasis on sharing by preparing a special menu of recipes inspired by French expertise. Participating restaurants are designing based on the following sequence apertifs and canapés, starter, main course, cheese, desert, French

ABTA Travel Management Forum Nigeria known for its robust business travel market is a fertile ground for travel management companies helping to keep travel as seamless as possible for its numerous clients and ABTA Travel provided the forum for this with its speed networking and round table discussions in the most professional milieu at its Lagos March edition with its theme: Global Perception versus Local Reality.

It was attended by members of the association, which cut across the various segments of the travel world. Partners and event sponsors like South African airways, Amadeus, Bon hotel, HRG, Protea hotel, Ikeja, satguru holidays, Sun International and others helped participants experience new travel products and services, meet potential new travel partners and network with local industry professionals whilst gaining a keener understanding of the regions’ corporate travel trends, challenges and opportunities.

Coming at a time when the travel business is under threat and groaning under different challenges given the prevailing economic situation and operating environment, necessitating cuts in corporate travels, thereby impacting on the operations of the various suppliers of travel particularly the travel management company, the forum was applauded as timely.

Setting the ball rolling on the day was the founder of ABTA, Monique Swart, who opened a window on ABTA dissecting

wines and champagnes. The price is at the restaurant’s discretion and each participant will commit to donating 5% of the proceeds to a local NGO promoting health and the environment. We at Air France as partners to this event are committed to showcasing French way of life,” he concluded.

Two-time minister of industry, Chief Mrs Nike Akande and Nike Davies-Okundaiye of Nike Art Gallery were some of the guest at the ceremony.

Winners at the event

Port Harcourt Bantaba 2017…Opening Nigeria’s South-South to the World

Ohis Ehimiaghe of SAA giving a presentation whilst Monique Stuart, founder looks on

its mission, scope and content of engagements, membership and benefits among others. She harped on the need for the members and the corporate world to continue to support the activities of the body, which she said had contributed in no small measures to the development and growth of travel on the continent especially as its many conferences are targeted at enlightening, educating and informing on the various trends, challenges, advancements and policies issues among others.

NANTA president, Bankole Bernard; South African Airways Regional Manager, North, West & Central Africa Global Sales, Ohis Ehimiaghe; General Manager, Protea Ikeja, Miguel Farinha; Assistant Travel Coordinator, Land Bank South Africa; Head of Sales & Account Management, BCD Travel; Marketing Manager, Africa and Indian Oceans, Sun international, Didier Bayeye gave brilliant summations on their products, services and how to add value to what you do.

The maiden edition of the Port Harcourt Bantaba took place on the 16th and 17th of March 2017. The event was organized by ATQNews. com organizers of the annual AKWAABAAfrica Travel Market, the only travel and tourism Expo in West Africa.

The two-day event featured a host of important players in the travel and tourism, as well as hospitality industry from different parts of the country and beyond. Among them was the CEO of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Karigoka Kaseke. An award ceremony took place to close proceedings. Some of the winners include Eko Hotels, HBC Resort Jos, Nike Lake Resort Enugu, De Edge Hotels Port Harcourt, Air Peace, and of course the Grandfather of Nigerian Tourism, Chief Mike Amachree JP. Bantaba, a meeting event for travel professionals was initiated in 2011 as the Abuja Bantaba. However, the event was suspended after two years due to the security challenges in Abuja due to the Boko Haram insurgency. The word Bantaba is of Mandinka origin meaning meeting, according to Ikechi Uko the host of the event. With the success of the event in Port Harcourt, there are expectations that the event will rotate around the state of the federation from time to time.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

EBERE WABARA

ALGON on Enugu Gov

“A

LGON: Association of Local Government (Governments) of Nigeria, Enugu State.” (Full-page congratulatory advertorial in DAILY SUN of March 20 for Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on his 53rd Birthday) One thing is certain: people will not give up arguing about correct usage in English.

Happily, the spirit of (language) activism is alive and well. As a word-watcher (from the Word Watch School), how do you feel or react when you read: “…expired politicians, court jesters and political fuddy-duddies parade themselves as icons?” Yes, “expired politicians” are dead politicians! Do the dead come back to parade on the political scene?

Only in Nigeria! Holy terror!

Another note: “sheathe” and “sheath” are both verbs in American English (AE); you can sheathe a knife, a cutlass and a sword, but, in practical terms, you can’t sheathe a machete!

“Mail”, meaning “letters parcels, etc by post”, is an uncountable noun—it has no plural form. “Mails” is a piece of Nigerianism, Nigerian English (NE) or English made in Nigeria!

Evidences? “…but fails abysmally in giving concrete “evidences” (evidence) of such claims.” “Evidence”, meaning “information that gives reason for believing something; proof “(e.g. in a law case), is an uncountable noun. It has no plural form. We correctly say or write: enough evidence, some evidence, a mass of evidence, a piece of evidence or pieces of evidence.

Standard-bearers or flag-bearers? “Group insists PDP, APC should pick Christians as “flag-bearers” (standard-bearers). In politics, music, etc, it is “standard-bearer”, in games, sports, etc., it is “flag-bearer” or “torchbearer”.

“Know/Knowing full well” is Briticism while “Know/Knowing fully well” is an Americanism.

Work harder and keep watching, brother!

(Foregoing elucidation by Bayo Oguntunase/ Language Activist/Adoro62@yahoo.co.uk) COLUMNIST’S ADDENDUM: Some dictionaries could be misleading. When I saw ‘evidences’ in one of the extracts published last week, I immediately knew that something was wrong with the word, as now pointed out. I told my son to check up the word in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2010 Eighth Edition). We discovered that it was both countable and uncountable. Based on this, I allowed the entry to go! When Mr. Oguntunase intervened, I checked dictionaries and discovered that it was non-count! In fact, Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English New Edition for Advanced Learners, 2013 Edition) declares categorically: “Evidence is an uncountable noun and has no plural form. Use a singular verb after it: Vital evidence was destroyed.”

The reaffirmation I get from this revelation is that it is not everything that is in some dictionaries that is correct! So, there is need to critically and selectively drink from the fountain of as many dictionaries as possible in order to be on the safe side. We must therefore develop circumspective and interrogative capacities in the use of language.

From last week: “…but fails woefully (abysmally) in giving concrete evidences (evidence) of such claims.”

Do not say ‘true evidence’, but ‘reliable evidence’. (Longman) SUNDAY ADESINA (08029955388): You are right on ‘outright’ being both an adjective and adverb. ‘Outrightly’ is not just uncommon, but queer and unknown to standard etymological entries.

“Boko Haram peace talks reopens” Why the disagreement? This kind of ‘schoolboy howler’, in the words of Mr. Oguntunase, should not be seen in standard publications.

“CBN intervention bouys naira” Get it right: buoys.

“You must be matured and in love with jazz music.” (Lifestyle) Just ‘mature’.

The next three errors are from NTA Network News of March 20: “…who presided at the occasion.” NTA correspondents should be refreshed: the preposition that goes before ‘occasion’ is ‘on’ (not ‘at’) “He said that the ministry intends (intended) to restore back….” ‘Restore back’ shows unintelligibility. With ‘restore’, you can’t have ‘back’. We shouldn’t use words we don’t understand their meanings (or implications). The English language has evolved from the old period to the modern era. So, journalists must avoid Anglo-Saxon expressions.

“Each of the stadia was provided with practicing pitch.” It is not the pitches that practise as implied in the statement. Therefore, the sensible phrase ought to be ‘practice pitch.’ Lexical and semantic appropriateness demands this line of thought.

“Captain…wedded former Miss…in Lagos over the weekend with pomp and pageantry.” ‘Pomp and pageantry’ is not an accepted phrase. The standard expression is ‘pomp and circumstance’ or ‘pomp and ceremony.’ It can simply be left as ‘pomp’. If

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

you don’t remember these forms, rephrase.

At least, you can always recollect that the Nigerian creation (pomp and pageantry) is uneducated.

“Truely, Jos is a home of peace and tourism.” Correct form: truly.

“This development is unlike in some states where education have (sic) died a natural death…” Indeed, education has died in Champion House!

“Public affairs analysts of the most diverse persuasions are agreed on one thing: the world is at a crossroad (a/the crossroads).”

“It is therefore noteworthy that the AU has now seen the wisdom in pooling the resources of member-states together to prevent ugly incident (sic)….” (NIGERIAN TRIBUNE, March 21) When resources are pooled, there is no need for ‘together’.

“The hopes of millions of our countrymen are centred around us.” (THISDAY, March 19) ‘Centre’ admits ‘on’, ‘round,’ ‘upon’… never ‘around’.

“Unclaimed properties of accident victims” ‘Property’ in this context is non-count. It can only take the plural form if buildings and acres of land are involved—or for scientific references.

“Yes, Nigerians love to eat traditional meals with their bare fingers but that is not to say we can’t provide foreigners with cutleries.” (Tourism & Hospitality) ‘Cutlery’ is uncountable.

Wrong: very unique; Right: unique; Wrong: transport fare; Right: fare;

FEEDBACK

Wrong: oil bloc; right: oil block (NewTelegraph take note) Contributed by Dr. Stanley Nduagu, Aba.

PERSPECTIVE

The Billions Adeosun’s Efficiency Unit Saved Nigeria Joe Chidi “Our country, right or wrong.When right, to be kept right; when wrong, to be set right.”

––– Carl Schurz

A

lot of controversies have trailed the Federal Government over the years in terms of how the nation’s resources have been spent. The nation has seen outrageous amounts apportioned to non-capital projects while the infrastructure deficit widened. Often times than not, the people of the nation have expressed their displeasure and dissatisfaction over how the nation’s funds are being expended on what could be tagged ‘frivolities’ or ‘non-essentials’.

However, the present administration, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari was dedicated to putting a stop to all forms of unnecessary spending in the government. It was on this note that Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, the Minister of Finance secured approval to create the Efficiency Unit in November 2015 under the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Given the extensive scope of its mandate and the urgent need for the government to spend its financial resources more judiciously, the E-Unit is supervised by a Steering Committee chaired by Adeosun. The Efficiency Unit was saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that all government overhead expenditure are necessary and represent the best possible value for money by eliminating leakages, wastages and promoting transparency. This includes overhead expenditure on travel, training, printing, IT consumables and stationeries among others. The other component of its mandate is to identify best practices in procurement that will translate to savings for the government.

Since its creation, how well has this Unit delivered on its mandate? Have they really lived up to expectation? So far, the Unit has been able to pursue its mandate effectively.

Within a short period of about 12 months the Unit mapped out its strategies for delivering tangible results to Nigerians and has already implemented some.

One of its immediate actions upon reviewing the Overhead Expenditure of the Federal Government for prior years was to recommend controls and limits on spending on items such

Adeosun as Travels, Training, Welfare, Honourarium and Sitting Allowance, Meals and Refreshments, as well as Adverts and Publicity where unjustifiably large amounts were expended annually. Working with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation a total of Six (6) Circulars have been issued to moderate costs and introduce standards for all MDAs. The first amongst the Circulars was on Travels where the government spent an average of N83 billion annually or over 18% of the total Overhead Expenditure in prior years.

Nigerians had watched over the years as public officials criss-crossed the world for meetings and conferences which were either of little relevance, could have been handled by smaller delegations or through the use of ICT. The Circulars issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Head of Service on Travels preclude public officials from travelling First Class and further restricted the number of persons who can travel

by Business Class to only Heads of MDAs and Chairmen of Boards of Government Agencies

and Parastatals. Through these Circulars initiated by the Efficiency Unit, this avenue for wastage has been blocked. The estimated savings from this initiative is over N10 billion yearly. Also, foreign travels for training have been curtailed by a Circular from the Head of Service re-affirming its position that public servants are only allowed to travel for foreign training if all costs will be borne by the course organizers.

It is common knowledge that the government has many agencies and parastatals and considerations have been given in the past on how to streamline them.

What was not widely known was that in 2011, Sitting Allowance for Federal Boards and Committees was increased while the frequency of payment was doubled from 4 to 8 times. In the light of the availability of various ICT facilities for meetings, which are more cost-efficient, the E-Unit recommended a reduction of 50% in the frequency of payment of Sitting Allowance to 4 and a Circular was issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to that effect to all MDAs. The savings from this action excluding savings on other costs associated with Board and Committee Meetings such as estacode/per diem, meals, refreshments etc is about N1 billion per annum.

Another area of non-priority spending by MDAs which was identified for curtailment by the Efficiency Unit was on souvenirs such as T-Shirts, Face-Caps, folders etc and printing of short lived or non-essential publications.

Nigerians and the economy will be better-off if such spending is deployed to roads, education, health etc. which is the direction of the Buhari administration.

The E-Unit has also helped to cut costs for the benefit of the larger Nigerian populace on spending by MDAs on meals and refreshments at meetings, seminars, workshops, etc, where on the recommendation of the E-Unit the Head of Service issued a Circular imposing limits per person for Tea Break, Lunch and Dinner. Prior to this Circular, such limits where they existed at all were at the discretion of each MDA. Savings to government from this initiative alone has been put at about N1 billion annually.

Another tool to be deployed for plugging loopholes and improving accountability in spending by government officials on small to medium transactions with high turnover that are often procured using Cash Advance or

Imprest are Debit Cards. Work has reached an advanced stage on this initiative. Also, the Unit has made a proposition that some government agencies be relocated to buildings forfeited to government to reduce expenditure on Rent.

Some progress has been made in this area.

The positive results recorded by the Unit in cost cutting were also extended to the other aspects of its mandate which have to do with procurement. In this case the Unit has engaged the Bureau of Public Procurement specifically to reduce the administrative costs associated with the subsisting procurement process and institutionalize a wholesale procurement process where MDAs can pool their demands for standard goods and benefit from price discounts. The E-Unit and the BPP are working on a Circular to MDAs that will guide the operation of the initiative.

In the meantime, within a short period, the Unit secured discounts of 5-50% from 19 local and international airlines with a potential savings to government of about N5 billion on air travels. The Agreement with Dana, one of the airlines was signed recently and is expected to become operational in April 2017.

Since the mandate of the Unit inherently involves changes in the ways MDAs operate, the Unit embarked on a massive sensitization programme to create awareness about its creation and activities and to secure the buy-in of stakeholders. For wider dissemination, the Unit also engaged with the Media. In addition to the sensitization and Cost Management Workshops organized for top and senior officials of MDAs and other government establishments such as the Judiciary, National Assembly and the Presidency, the E-Unit engaged with State Governments to assist them in setting up their own Efficiency Units.

It is expected that in 2017, the E-Unit will complete its on-going initiatives and additional ones which have already been identified.

One job well done can be redemption for many mistakes of the past. The creation of the Efficiency Unit by the current administration has ensured that the government’s financial resources are allocated in a manner that prioritise spending on capital projects which is necessary for development, while also achieving transparency and prudence in the use of its limited resources. This has the potential for introducing other reforms in the public sector for public good.

–––Chidi lives in Port Harcourt.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 25, 2017

Auto

Rolls-Royce Phantom

Successor of Rolls-Royce Phantom launched in 2003 Ready Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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roduction of the seventh-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom launched in 2003 has come to an end. The successor is still in the works and has been spotted once again testing in the wild.

Rolls-Royce has developed an all-new aluminum spaceframe architecture that will underpin its entire lineup, starting with this new Phantom.

According to the British automaker, the architecture is variable in size and ride height as it will have to underpin a variety of models including coupes, convertibles, sedans and

even an SUV. Yes, Rolls-Royce plans to add an SUV to its lineup. The off-roader is currently doing the rounds under the Project Cullinan code name and has been spotted testing as well.

The first model spawned from the new architecture has been confirmed for launch in early 2018 and will most likely be the new Phantom. It should be followed later that year by the SUV. The shots show prototypes for the both the regular Phantom and extra-long “Extended Wheelbase” version, with the latter said to be stretching nearly 20 feet in length. The Phantom Extended Wheelbase prototype dwarfs other vehicles on the road, including

the BMW 7-Series standing next to it in some of the shots.

The design of the new Phantom is clearly evolutionary. It appears that the designers have taken the current car and made its surfaces a bit more muscular, especially at the rear. Modern touches such as the LED headlights (they could also be laser lights) and front bumper air curtains add some freshness to the overall design.

From the interior shots, we can see that most of the elements are test units borrowed from the BMW Group parts bin. However, the round air vents and leather-bound lower center console are new items.

Mercedes-Bnz to Unveil 2019 AMG S63 Cabriolet

M

ercedes-Benz will soon unveil an updated version of the S-Class sedan. The updates are part of the car’s mid-cycle update and will include a number of visual tweaks plus an overhaul of the powertrains.

Shortly after the updated S-Class sedan makes its debut,similarupdateswillfilteracrosstoothermodels in the S-Class range such as the S-Class Coupe and S-Class Cabriolet.

2019 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet

Our latest spy shots show a prototype for one of Mercedes-AMG’s versions of the updated S-Class Cabrio, in this case the updated S63 Cabrio. We’ve also spied the updated S63 Coupe, and updated S65 models should also be in the works.

The bumpers fitted to the prototype are new and therealsolookstohavebeensometweaksmadetothe taillights. The tester also wearsAMG’s multi-slatted “Panamericana” grille which is slowly becoming a feature of the Affalterbach tuner’s sportier models.

It’s not clear what mechanical updates are planned but it’s possible we’ll see the current model’s twinturbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 ditched in favor ofAMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. The 4.0-liter’s present highest rating is the 577 horsepower and 516 poundfeet of torque in AMG’s GT R sports car, compared to 577 hp and 664 lb-ft that the 5.5-liter delivers in the current S63 range.

Don’t be surprised if AMG also adds the GT R’s rear-wheel-steering system to aid handling.

Corporate Responsibility Puts Ford Among World’s Most Ethical Companies

W

ith its focus on being a good corporate citizen, Ford Motor Company has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the eighth straight year – the longest streak for any auto manufacturer.

Ford’scommitmenttoethicsisevidentinprograms aimed at monitoring human rights and safe working conditions, sourcing conflict-free minerals, to programs such as the Partnership for a Cleaner Environment, which is aimed at encouraging sustainability through Ford’s supply chain.

Ford also fosters long-term relationships with suppliers through active engagement, which includes sharing best practices, as well as providing training and evaluations to ensure suppliers meet both legal requirements and Ford standards.

“Strong ethics and corporate citizenship are the foundation of our business philosophy, which demonstrates to our customers what we stand for as a company,” said Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman. “This honor is a reflection of Ford’s core values, and it shows that our employees are continuing to make the right decisions every day for all of our stakeholders.”

Ethisphere’s list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies acknowledges and honors companies that recognize they have a role in society to influence or drive a positive change. These companies consider their employees, investors, customers and other key stakeholders when taking action, while their values and culture align with the decisions they make every day. “Companies we’ve honored as World’s Most Ethical take a novel response to the shiftinsocietalexpectations,constantredefinitionof lawsandregulations,andthegeo-politicalclimate,” said Timothy Erblich, Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve seen how Ford responds to these challenges, while still investing in communities where they reside and embracing ethical strategies across the globe, as a sustainable business advantage.” For its efforts, Ford has been recognized by several third-party organizations, including: 2017 World’s MostAdmired Company by Fortune; 2016 The Just 100:America’s Best Corporate Citizens by Forbes; 2016 America’s Best Employer by Forbe; 2016 Top Green Company by Newsweek; 2016 World’s MostAttractive Employer for Engineering and IT by Universum; and 2016 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 25, 2017

27

Auto

ANAMMCO Assembles Shacman Trucks Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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NAMMCO Limited, a leading motor company in Nigeria, recently resumed full production at its plant in Enugu, where it is assembling a range of Shacman trucks.

The cheery news has set off a wave of excitement in the automotive industry prompting analysts to consider the upsurge in production activities a boost to the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), which was designed with the major

objectives of bringing back automotive assembly, developing local content and deepening technological knowhow.

Presently, no fewer than 50 heavy duty trucks are assembled every week at the plant located at the Emene Industrial Layout following a manufacturing agreement between Transit Support Services Limited {TSS}, a subsidiary of ABC Transport, and ANAMMCO, to utilise the assembly facility.

TSS is the official representative of Shacman, a Chinese brand, in Nigeria It was learnt that with the return of increased

production at the plant, majority of the technical staff who were kept on standby while skeletal operation lasted, have since been recalled, even as a number of the local content suppliers have been engaged to provide some of the needed components and accessories.

This was confirmed by the Managing Director of TSS, Mr. Frank Nneji, who also disclosed that many truck buyers, especially big corporate users like construction companies, haulage and logistics firms and cement manufacturers, have realised that Shacman has an edge over competitorsintermsofprice-qualitycomparison.

Shacman trucks assembled in ANAMMCO plant in Enugu

2017 Honda CR-VEarns IIHSTop Safety Marks

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he redesigned Honda CR-V has earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Like the previous-generation model, the 2017 Honda CR-V earned good ratings on all crashworthiness tests and the optional front crash prevention system earns a superior rating.

The LED headlights that come with the CR-V’s Touring trim received an acceptable rating, while the halogen lights on the model’s other trims are rated marginal.

The front crash prevention system helped the CR-V avoid collisions in the Institute’s 12and 25-mph track tests.

The system also has a forward collision warning system that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

In order to earn a 2017 Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, a vehicle must have good ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests.

It also must have an available front crash prevention system that earns an advanced or superior rating, while the headlights must receive an acceptable or good rating.

Jaguar Reveals Prototype for I-Pace Electric SUV

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aguar will introduce an electric SUV called the I-Pace in 2018. The vehicle was previewed in concept form at the 2016 LosAngeles auto show and early test mules using makeshift F-Pace bodies have been running around for the past six months. Jaguar has now revealed the first prototype for the I-Pace testing at an undisclosed location in the United Kingdom.

The design of the prototype adheres closely to the concept’s lines although there are some subtle differences. The grille isn’t as pronounced as on the concept, and the front bumper adopts a smoother, more aerodynamic shape.

The prototype’s side mirrors are larger and there appears to be new indentations in the doors that

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most likely house the grab handles. The final change is the appearance of a charging port cover on the driver’s side front fender. Jaguar is developing the I-Pace around a dedicated platform for electric cars althoughmanyelements,forexamplethesuspension substructures,willbeborrowedfromexistingmodels.

So far the automaker has confirmed a 90-kilowatthour battery, 220-mile range, and a motor for each axle delivering a combined 400 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Jaguar has also said the I-Pace will hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds or less.

Jaguar has confirmed the reveal of the I-Pace in productiontrimwilltakeplaceinlate2017.Thevehicle will go on sale in the second half of 2018, suggesting it will arrive in showrooms as a 2019 model.

Jaguar I-Pace

Still on Glacuoma, the Sight Thief

ast week I told you of the risk factors to watch out to save your sight as a driver.AccordingtotheWHOreports, Glaucoma is the second leading cause of avoidable blindness in the world.

The total number of known cases worldwide is estimated to be about 65 million. As at 2010, about 44.7million has been estimated to have glaucoma.Anestimateof4millionAmericanshaveit but only half know they have it. Though there are no establishedstatisticaldataonthenumberofglaucoma sufferers in Nigeria, researchers have shown that thereisanalarmingincreaseinprevalenceamongthe old and the young which is risky for driving safety.

What then is glaucoma? It is a group of complicated condition in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive and irreversible vision loss. It is often referred to as the SILENT THIEF OF SIGHT because initsearlystage,thereisnopainoranyothersymptom but can gradually steal your vision.Let me briefly open our minds on what happens in the good eye with a healthy drainage. The front part of the eye is filled with a clear fluid called intraocular fluid or Aqueous Humour (AH) and this is produced by the ciliary body found behind the colored part of the eye (iris). The fluid flows out of the pupil ( a small aperture through which light enters the eyes) and thenabsorbedintothebloodstreamthroughtheeye’s drainage system and the cycle continues.This proper drainage helps keep the eye pressure at a normal

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491

level. The production flow and drainage of this fluid is an active continuous process that is needed for the good health of the eye.The inner pressure of the eye, Intraocular Pressure (IOP) depends on the amount of fluid in the eye at each point in time. If your eye’s drainage system is working, then the fluid can drain out and prevent a buildup. A normal IOP can vary at different times of the day but the normal range is 10-21mmHg. In most types of glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system becomes clogged either by papillary blockages, exfoliated fibers, insufficient drainage of the fluid produced due to narrowing /increase in blood flow, the intraocular fluid cannot drain the way it should.

As the fluids build up, it results to pressure building up in the eye. High pressure damages the sensitive optic nerve and results to loss of vision.

Theglaucomatouseyereferstothebadeye-In mostof typesofGlaucoma,theeye’sdrainagesystembecomes

cloggedeitherbypapillaryblockages,exfoliatedfibers, insufficient drainage of the fluid produced, due to narrowing/increaseinbloodflow,theintraocularfluid cannot drain the way it should. As the fluids build up, pressure builds up in the eye too. Accumulated pressure damages the sensitive optic nerve (nerve that connects the eye to the brain) and results to vision loss.As I explained earlier, this process is usually painless and occurs in such a subtle way that most people do not even realize that something is wrong.

In fact most people notice reduction in vision after the damage that has occurred becomes permanent.

This condition should be checked and managed as soon as possible or else it could lead to “tunnel vision” where the peripheral or side vision is completely lost and one can only see objects straight ahead.

There are many types of glaucoma but I will conveniently and broadly divide it into Primary Glaucoma and Secondary Glaucoma.Primary Glaucoma refers to any case in which the elevation of IOPis not associated with any other ocular disorder which includes the Primary open angle glaucoma, Primary angle closure glaucoma and Congenital glaucoma. Most commonly is the Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). Painlessly, increase in pressure at the onset occursslowlyovertimeandhasnosymptomsinmost people. Once vision is lost, damage has already set in. There is progressively slow and irreversible loss of peripheral (side) vision and optic nerve damage.

Its advanced stage ends up in blindness.

The Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma(PACG) occurs when exit of AH is suddenly blocked and causes a quick, severe, and painful rise in IOP. Our body mechanisms are quite different so in some individualsthereisnauseaandvomiting,cloudyand steamy vision. Some others experience rainbow-like haloes especially while looking at a bulb light, red eye, severe eye and head pain and sudden loss of vision. Congenital Glaucomaas the name implies are naturallyseen in babies at birth or in few months later. It is caused by abnormal development. Look out for frequent tearing and cloudiness in front of eyes, red eyes high sensitivity to light and unusually large or bulgy eyes.

SECONDARY GLAUCOMA is the case where another disease or condition causes or contributes to increase eye pressure which results to optic nerve damage and loss.Eye Trauma (eye injury) is a very common example; a hit by airbag in a crash, a blunt blow in a case of violent conflict between a ‘molue’ conductor and an angry passenger, the list is endless.

Othercausescanbe,pigmentgranulesbreakingoffat the back of the coloredeye (iris) into the fluid, flakydandruff-like materials peels off the outer layer of the lens into the anterior chamber of the eye, drugs (Steroids),inflammations,hypermatureandadvanced cases of cataract,new vessels forming on the colored eye (Iris) blocking the drainage system, systemic diseases such as Hypertension and Diabetesand eye diseases such as Uveatis.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 18, 2017

FAMILY HEALTH with

The Importance of Breakfast

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hen you sleep at night , the body is awake doing all the necessary work , utilizing the food you had eaten last at night , digesting , running through all your body functions to ensure you are ready for the activities of the following days . By the time you wake up in the morning , the body is deplete of energy and in fasting mode . This is why breakfast is considered an important meal because it breaks the overnight fasting period, replenishes your supply of glucose and provides other essential nutrients to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

Eating breakfast has long term health benefits.

It can reduce obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Breakfast is an excellent occasion to eat together as a family when possible.

So, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.

Glucose is the body’s energy source. It is broken down and absorbed from the carbohydrates you eat. In the morning, after you have gone without food for as long as 12 hours, your glycogen stores are low. Glycogen is the glucose that has been stored in your muscle tissue and liver where it is released slowly overnight to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Once all of the energy from the glycogen stores is used up, your body starts to break down fatty acids to produce the energy it needs. Without carbohydrate, fatty acids are only partially oxidised, which can cause reduced energy levels.

Eating breakfast restores your glycogen stores and boosts your energy levels, as well as your metabolism for the day.

Why people skip breakfast Some common reasons for skipping breakfast include: • not enough time • too tired to bother • wanting to spend the extra time dozing in bed • no readily available breakfast foods in the house.

• Breakfast is not considered a staple meal in all parts of the world. People in some cultures consume only two meals each day instead of three, and breakfast isn’t traditionally always one of them. Other cultures may consume a different style of breakfast in the morning such as warmed leftovers or egg dishes with breads, rice or noodles.

These types of breakfasts also provide a good nutritious start to the day.

• Breakfast is not considered a staple meal in all parts of the world. People in some cultures consume only two meals each day instead of three, and breakfast isn’t traditionally always one of them. Other cultures may consume a different style of breakfast in the morning such as warmed leftovers or egg dishes with breads, rice or noodles.

These types of breakfasts also provide a good nutritious start to the day.

Even though there doesn’t seem to be any harm in skipping breakfast if that has always been your preference. However, the nutritional content of your lunch and dinner must be sufficient to make up for the loss of breakfast.

Research has shown that there are certain reasons as perceived by man , why they should missing out on breakfast .

Risks of skipping breakfast • Many children who skip breakfast are significantly heavier than those who eat breakfast.

• Skipping breakfast may diminish mental performance. Eating breakfast may aid learning, as you are better able to pay attention and are more interested in learning.

• Eating high-fibre breakfast cereals reduces fatigue.

• Children who eat an inadequate breakfast are more likely to make poor food choices for the rest of the day and in the long term.

• People who eat breakfast have more nutritious diets than people who skip breakfast. They also have better eating habits as they are less likely to be hungry for snacks during the day.

• Going without breakfast becomes more common with advancing age.

Benefits of a good and healthy breakfast include : Reduction In illnesses: Compared to children

Breakfast is not considered a staple meal in all parts of the world. People in some cultures consume only two meals each day instead of three, and breakfast isn’t traditionally always one of them. Other cultures may consume a different style of breakfast in the morning such as warmed leftovers or egg dishes with breads, rice or noodles.

These types of breakfasts also provide a good nutritious start to the day

who regularly eat breakfast, those who skip breakfast tend to consume fewer kilojoules overall, yet they experience the same rates of overweight and obesity.

There are a number of theories for this. There is some evidence that large meals are more likely to lead to weight gain than smaller, more frequent meals. This is because excess kilojoules eaten during one sitting are stored as body fat, once the glycogen storage areas are full. People who skip breakfast are usually ravenous by lunchtime and tend to eat more to compensate.

Benefits 1. Having breakfast helps you eat fewer calories later in the day and maintain a healthy weight. A morning meal is a necessary fuel not only for your body but for the brain as well. Eating a healthy breakfast helps improve your concentration and productivity.

2. Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, helping you burn calories throughout the day. It also gives you the energy you need to get things done and helps you focus at work or at school. Those are just a few reasons why it’s the most important meal of the day.

3. Many studies have linked eating breakfast to good health, including better memory and concentration, lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, and being overweight.

4. But this much is clear: Skipping the morning meal can throw off your body’s rhythm of fasting and eating. When you wake up, the blood sugar your body needs to make your muscles and brain work their best is usually low. Breakfast helps replenish it.

If your body doesn’t get that fuel from food, you may feel zapped of energy , and you’ll be more likely to overeat later in the day.

Simplereasonsyoushouldeatthatgoodbreakfast 1. 1. Starting your morning with breakfast will boost your metabolism.

2. A morning meal helps keep your blood sugar levels stable during the day.

3. Healthy and nutritious breakfast reduces risk for starving as well as cravings and overeating later in the day.

4. Having breakfast helps feel fuller for longer

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

and eat fewer calories throughout the day and that way control your weight.

5. Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast consume more vitamins, minerals, and fiber throughout the day.

6. A morning meal is a necessary fuel not only for your body but for the brain as well. Eating a healthy breakfast helps improve your concentration and productivity throughout the day.

7. People who skip breakfast have lower energy levels, as well as less strength and endurance to engage in physical activity.

8. If you don‘t eat breakfast you may have worse moods during the day 9. Skipping breakfast influences you having poorer memory.

10. People who regularly skip breakfast are much more likely to become overweight and face a higher risk for serious health problems (for example, type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease).

A Regular Breakfast routine has certain benefits • Improves your energy levels.

• Improves metabolism.

• Provides many beneficial nutrients, and boosts your fibre and calcium intake (compared to no breakfast).

• Reduces you chance of over-consuming high kilojoule foods later in the day.

• Stabilises your blood sugar levels.

• Improves memory and concentration.

A good breakfast could include the following : Local menu ; Moin moin with pap or bread.

Stewed egg with boiled yam .

Bean cake ( akara) , with pap.

Omelette , booked egg with bread.

Healthy breakfast options • Wholegrain toast with a thin scrape of peanut butter, or avocado and spinach or reduced fat ricotta.

• Porridge with fresh fruit.

• Fresh fruit and yoghurt.

• Wholegrain cereals with reduced fat milk.

• Wholemeal fruit toast with thin scrap of cream cheese.

• Fruit or vegetable smoothies.

• Boiled eggs with wholegrain toast.

• Untoasted muesli.

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JUNE 16, 2011

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

25.03.2017

Tijani Babangida

Rivalry with Finidi Brought Out the Best in Me

WARMING FOR STALLIONS' TEST PAGE. 29

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Rivalry with Finidi Brought Out the Best in Me He exudes as much energy off -field as he did on the

field as a player, and was so fast that he was nicknamed 'Okada'. Barring some extra bit of weight, Tijani Babangida has added on, little has changed about the gifted winger. The former Super Eagles player talks about his rivalry with Finidi George in the national team, his new passion and the state of football in Nigeria.

Kunle Adewale reports

W

hile growing up, Tijani Babaginda did not get the support of his parents to become a footballer.

They simply told him that footballers were never the pride of their parents.

"Then, footballers were not rich. As a result, I didn't get the blessing of my parents to play football. However, God used me to open doors for my brothers and we eventually won their support.

“Back then, apart from the Fashanus (Justine and John) that were professional footballers in England, I cannot remember any Nigerian that was making money as a footballer, except that some make name while playing for the national team, while others played just for pride or as a hobby.

“During my time, there weren’t organized platforms to discover players. I couldn’t even afford a football boot or a trip to Lagos. My inspiration simply came from watching clips of the likes of Pelé and Segun Odegbami. I wanted to be like them. But now, football is about the money. My advice to all the boys is

to first have an undying passion for the sport before honing their talent,” he said.

He admonished the present generation of players to always plan to be a step ahead of their fellow team mates. “That was my strategy all through my career.

Also, don’t joke with your education.

Even when you become big, you will need adequate academic knowledge to read your contracts and other legal documentations,” T.J as he is fondly called warned.

Many Nigerians will not forget in a hurry that sunny afternoon in the main bowl of the National Stadium, Lagos, when the Super Eagles confronted the Bafana Bafana in the semi-finals of the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations jointly hosted by Nigeria and Ghana. In the end, it was the Roda FC of Holland's diminutive winger, Babagida, who emerged the hero of the day.

"It was one game that made everybody to be scared even before the match day. You can feel the tension everywhere, from the players to the fans,

the tension was very high and I thank God we overcame the South Africans at the end of the day. It was a special day for me because I scored the two goals that sank the Bafana Bafana. Special mention must also go to the then Super Eagles Coach Bonfere Jo for the tactics he adopted. He was quick to notice that Mark Fish, who was then the bedrock of the South Africans defence, was lacking in pace and he asked me to take him up using my speed. The result was the two quick goals I scored to subdue the threat of the South Africans," the former Ajax Amsterdam player recalled.

Babangida, who is now the Chairman of Taraba Football Club also berated football administrators for abandoning the traditional wing play, which, according to him, was the country’s strength to concentrate on midfield play, which he said was not suitable for Nigeria’s football. "In the days of Segun Odegbami, Adokie Amesiamaka, Friday Elaho, Humphrey Edobor, Finidi George, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba and I,

opponents would always know they had a lot to do to curtail our speed from the wings. But that has since been overshadowed by bite-less midfield play," he said.

Reflecting on the rivalry in the Super Eagles during his time, most especially the one between him and Finidi George, the former Niger Tornadoes of Minna player said: "The rivalry brought out the best in every player then, knowing there was always someone that will take your shirt if you didn't live up to expectation. Though the rivalry was keen and competitive, we still operated under a very friendly atmosphere. For instance, I always looked up to Finidi for inspiration because I see him as a big brother and I knew I had a lot to learn from him. So, each time I came in to substitute him, I knew I had to be as great as Lionel Messi to surpass what he had done. He was one of the best Nigerian players because he was very brainy and calculative not to talk about his near perfect crosses delivery. So there was always pressure on anyone coming in to substitute him.

“On several occasions, I had to try as much as I could to play close to what he had already

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MARCH 25, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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It was one game that made everybody to be scared even before the match day. You can feel the tension everywhere, from the players to the fans, the tension was very high and Ithank God we overcame the South Africans at the end of the day done each time I came in as a replacement for him, because fans would be expecting me to do as much or even better than he had done. That was the kind of situation I found myself in the national team. But on the whole, they were great moments which I still cherish up till now," he noted.

Babangida, whose international chances in Eagles were partly limited due to the fact that he often found himself behind Finidi in the pecking order, however, played an important role in the team's Olympics triumph in Atlanta in 1996, a feat he said was the height of Nigerian football.

"I was in USA for the1994 World Cup, though I was not a registered player. I still recalled how highly the team was respected after the Mundial and how strong football nations all over the world were struggling to play friendly matches with the Super Eagles. But nothing can still be compared to winning the football event of the Atlanta Olympic Games. The memory will linger for as long as I live and in the minds of many Nigerians too," the football administrator said.

On the high and low moments of his career he said: "Being with the national team was always a pride. That I was with the team in the USA 1994 World Cup was a great moment for me. I will always remember the 1996 Atlanta Olympics with fond memories. However, losing to Cameroon in the final of the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations jointly hosted by Nigeria and Ghana at the National Stadium was my lowest moments as a footballer.”

Baba, as some of his fans love to call him, berated the present generation of players for lacking commitment, saying that in their days, they were very committed to the national team even if their various clubs had important matches. According to him, the national team comes first; but the reverse is the case now.

"It is very sad that the present crops of players are no longer committed to the nation. A player wåill say he is sick or injured when the national team is engaged in a crucial game. Few days later you will see the same player donning the shirt of his club. It is a very sad situation. During my

days in Ajax, no matter the importance the game, my club was involved in, if it clashed with the time the Super Eagles was having a game, the club's game would always be secondary. That is why people still refer to and reflect on our days,’’ he said.

Babangida advised Nigerian footballers to always plan well for life after football, just as he advised the football authorities to be involved in organising a pension scheme for players. "Players should hold themselves responsible for anything that happens to them after their football career.

You don't have to hold anybody responsible for your adversity. That is why you have to plan for life after football. You have to take the initiative and get something to fall back on after leaving the game," he said.

T.J, whose new passion is football administration, working with academicals and managing players (home and abroad) says he is very comfortable. "Even before I quit the game I have prepared very well for life after football."

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

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Super Eagles Warm up for Stallions’ Test

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fter forcing Senegal to a 1-1 draw at the Hive Stadium in London, Super Eagles will on Monday take on the Stallions of Burkina Faso in a match some analysts are already comparing to the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in which Nigeria won by a lone goal to lift the AFCON for the fourth time.

However, former Nigerian international, Paul Okoku said comparing Monday’s encounter to the final of 2013 AFCON would just be putting unnecessary pressure on the players.

“For the first time in many years, the Nigeria Football Federation is getting its priority right by organising friendly matches for the

Eagles that would put them in proper shape ahead of future games. The games against Senegal and Burkina Faso are to put the team in shape ahead of the 2019 AFCON and World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Cameroon respectively,” Okoku told THISDAY from his base in the United States.

“The outcome of Monday’s encounter does not really matter, the game is just an opportunity for the coaches to assess the new players and strategise for the upcoming matches. Gernot Rohr has been going about his job the right way by keeping the team busy, which is what some of us have been agitating for before now,” he noted.

“Though some players the coach would have loved to see were not on parade against in the first friendly but he must have identified one or two new players that might don the country’s colours in the nearest future,” the 1984

AFCON silver medalist said.

Meanwhile, Rohr has stated that he was impressed with the outcome of the friendly match with Senegal in London. In his post-match press conference inside the bowels of The Hive Stadium, he spoke on a wide range of questions arising from the match.

“We chose to play Senegal because of their physicality as we will be playing Cameroon in our next qualifiers. It was great to see how our players stood up to the challenge of playing teams like these. I was happy with them in that respect,” Rohr explained.

On the subject of Cameroon who are now African champions and whether that factor changes the dynamics going into that qualifier “most definitely” Rohr said.

“Now they have more confidence.

They have players who have the belief that being champions brings but we

know that if we are to win in Cameroon it will give us a great chance of being at the World Cup,” the Nigeria head coach said.

Rohr also provided updates on the state of Ogenyi Onazi who The coach praised his players’ attitude and commitment “considering that we played one of the best sides in Africa at the moment and who have been together in competitive matches only six weeks ago while we haven’t played for four months.”

He was a bit worried about the lack of game time for most of his players at their clubs currently. He said: “Most of my players are not playing regularly at the moment at their clubs which was why they were slow to get into the game after the kickoff but they later flowed into it. I believe that the performance will even be better against Burkina Faso.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

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GLOBAL SOCCERR\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R: Analysts from Super Sport, Moses Praise; Marketing Manager, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Uche Onwudiwe; Emmanuel Nwachukwu Football Blogger, Emmanuel Nwachukwu; and Analyst from Super Sport, Segun Agbede, during the guinness football made of black in Surulere, Lagos recently

Participants at the Mobility Arts Clash of Gladiators competition getting ready to take to the mat at the Suki Playing Ground in FESTAC Town...recently

GOtv Boxing Night 11

Boxers Get Tough Ahead of Liberty Stadium Showdown Ahead of the GOtv Boxing Night 11, holding on March 26, boxers billed to fight at the event have been trading boast.

The event, holding at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, will feature seven bouts, including two international bouts.

The event promises to be explosive as each boxer vies not just for glory, but a N2million cash prize and the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer on the night.

Ghana’s Anma Dotse is seeking to end the reign of West African lightweight king, Oto Joseph in the West African Boxing Union lightweight title fight.

Dotse has vowed to avenge the loss of Ghanaian boxers to their Nigerian counterparts in recent times. “Ghana remains the powerhouse of boxing in Africa. Joe Boy

has had his fill of glory. I am coming to clip his wings,” Dotse bragged.

Responding, Joe Boy described his opponent as mere attention seeker. “Africa is my territory. I will only use him to prepare for tougher challenges on the global stage.

He is a mere distraction and will make him pay for it in the ring,’’ replied Joe Boy. Another major encounter on the night is a light welterweight challenge duel between an Ibadan-indigene, Olaide Fijabi, and Togolese Sunday Yao. Fijabi has promised to make light the work of his opponent. “Two boxers have declined to fight me because they know the consequences. Yao will fall," he said.

Similarly scheduled to fight is the explosive Ibadan-based boxer, Akeem Sadiku, who will swap punches with Kazeem Saka in

a light middleweight duel. Sadiq Adeleke, fellow Ibadan-based boxer, will take on Taiwo Kareem.

The light heavyweight will have Adewale Masebinu fighting Kabiru Towolawi in a challenge duel. Wahab Adebisi, who lost the national light middleweight title to Sule Olagbade, will take on Tyson in a rematch to seek his pound of flesh, while promising youngster, Rilwan Babatunde, will square up to Waliu Arogundade in a light welterweight challenge contest.

The event, sponsored by GOtv, with the support of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, MultiChoice, Brila FM, KSquare Security, Paragonis Multimedia Limited, Bond FM, Complete Sports, ZetaWeb and Newsbreak.ng, will be broadcast live on SuperSport in 47 African countries.

Commonwealth Welterweight Title Fight: Ekundayo Gets Royal Blessing United Kingdom-based, undefeated current African boxing champion and Sky sports prize-fighter winner, Larry “The Natural” Ekundayo and Olusegun Ajose, former World Title challenger and their team took time off from training camp to pay a courtesy visit to Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II in London, during His Majesty’s royal visit to the UK. The courtesy visit is part of the preparation and galvanising support for the forthcoming Commonwealth Welterweight title fight between Larry Ekundayo and Australian titleholder, Kris George on a major, televised promotion in the UK in

June 2017.

This is coming after the Nigerian House of Representatives recently passed a motion, moved by Hon. Rita Orji (Chair, House Committee on Diaspora), pledging total support for Ekundayo in his quest to return boxing glory to Nigeria.

Larry and Olusegun were blessed

by Ooni of Ife with further promise of support, not only for the boxers but for all Nigerians in the Diaspora seeking to bring glory to their fatherland. His Royal Majesty said he would join with the Alaafin of Oyo to support the boxers and urged all Nigerians in the UK and Europe, to attend the forthcoming boxing event, to

give maximum support for Larry in his forthcoming bout.

Ben Gray, Commercial Agent for the boxers, reiterated His Majesty’s call for support from Nigerians in the UK and in Nigeria. Ben pointed out the fact that out of the eight heavy weight champions produced by Great Britain, three originally hailed from Nigeria (Herbie Hide, Henry Akinwande and Anthony Joshua). He added Larry and Olusegun have chosen to fly the flag their fatherland, and as such, they should be fully embraced and supported, so as to deliver success to Nigerians in the colours of their own flag, rather than those of other countries.

Delaman Game Debuts in Lagos Tuesday Sports, betting and lottery fans in Lagos are in for a swell time as De Delaman Game Limited debuts in Badagry on Tuesday. This much was disclosed at a media briefing at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, yesterday to herald the launch of De Delaman Game.

According to the Head of Marketing, Job Inegbenijie, “De Delaman Game is rolling out with two scratch cards: N50 card that guarantees a top prize of N25,000, and N100 card that can win you up to N50,000.

Later in the year, we will be launching the N250,000 top prize card, N500,000

top prize card, N5,000 top prize card, N1,000,000 top prize card and our secret De Delaman Game, which is simply scratch and win has the highest winning ratio in the market, it’s very easy to play. All that is required of a player is simply to scratch and win, and winners are paid instantly.

Some of the agents and guests who were at the media launch expressed their excitement, according to Femi Agbe-Davies, “It’s a very new and creative concept,” while Sunday Obanya says, “It’s a new innovation that I believe will work.”

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the management of De Delaman Game has launched De Delaman Foundation, a scholarship program that will fund underprivileged, gifted and physically challenged students through secondary school and university. They will also be funding local primary and secondary schools.

De Delaman cards are currently selling at Badagry, Yaba, Ketu, Surulere, and Ajah, with expansion to all other areas in Lagos in a few days’ time.

5,000 Schools Battle for COPA Coca-Cola Title About 5,000 secondary schools across the country will battle for honours in this year’s edition of the COPA Coca-Cola U-15 football tournament.

This much was made known to newsmen at the SWAN Secretariat at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos at a press briefing to herald the competition by the Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Patricia Jemibewon.

“The teens who participate in Copa CocaCola give everything for football, now it is time for Copa Coca-Cola to give back

much more than before. At the state level, all 110,000 participating teens will get a Copa Coca-Cola bib; the top three teams will receive medals and the winning team in all 36 States and the FCT will receive a trophy and makeover of a football pitch of their choice, worth over N5million in total,” Jemibewon disclosed.

“At the national level, players in the top three teams and the top three schools will benefit from an education trust fund totaling N22million as well as cash prizes totaling N2million,” she added.

Commenting on the tournament, the Marketing Manager (Colas), Coca-Cola Nigeria, Cletus Onyebuoha remarked that the competition, which is now in its 9th year, has contributed largely to the success of some of the participants who are now pursuing a career as professional footballers.

This year, the competition has been divided into three stages, the grassroots, group and final stage. At the grassroots stage, interested schools in each of the 37 states will compete for a chance to represent their states at the group stage/regional stage.

Mobility Arts, Giving Succour to Kids through Sports Suki Playing Ground in FESTAC Town last weekend witnessed an unprecedented crowd as parents and fans of martial arts gathered to watch the best of karate and taekwondo as Mobility Arts host kids aged five and 12.

Kunle Adewale was there As early as 8 am, parents, fans and kids began trooping to Suki Playing Ground, in FESTAC Town, venue of the Clash of Gladiators, a martial art competition.

In spite of the fact that 20 more than the registered participants turned up for the competition, (75 registered participants and 92 turned up) they were all taken care of.

To give the event an international outlook, Mobility Arts ensured that the carpets provided were of international standard.

An ambulance was also on hand in case of any eventuality.

Sponsor of event and Chief Executive Officer of Mobility Arts Nigeria Limited, George Ager, said organising the competition was in conformity with Nigerian Communications Commission’s mandate on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to all licensed mobile service outfits.

“The choice of martial arts as our CSR was in an attempt to revive a sport that had been long forgotten and abandoned but which the practitioners are still very much around and the only way the martial arts can be brought back to life was by encouraging its involvement. That is why everything we put in place for the competition is in conformity with the international standard,” Ager said.

Mobility Arts is a mobile value added services company that provides service solution to mobile operators.

“As a Nigerian Communications Commission licensee, we are mandated to take up a social responsibility in the community we are operating. Though our services are used nationwide, our immediate locality is in Amuwo Odofin, which is why we are choosing this community to kick-start our CSR. “The choice of the sport for the kids was to encourage the young people from the elementary level and to inculcate this kind of sport into their everyday discipline. Martial arts is not just a sport, it is an act holistically. It involves how you shape your behaviour, your conduct in the public and how you project yourself to the society,” the sponsor highlighted.

Satisfied with the success of the maiden edition of the Clash of Gladiators, Ager promised to make the next edition bigger and hope to add volleyball, another sport which he felt had also suffered neglect. For martial art instructor, Austin Jooda, the choice of martial art by the mobile servicing firm was a welcome development because it also benefits the children in their studies.

It helps them to be focused.

“Testimonies are bound from parents of the tremendous impact the game has had on children,” the fifth degree black belt holder said. At the end of hostilities, Jodan Prolific Martial Arts Academy was top with eight gold medals, Moral Ville Academy, Amuwo Odofin came second with six gold medals and St. Jude School Taekwondo Club came third with four gold medals.

It came as no surprise however that George Ager jr, son of the sponsor, who recorded the quickest knockout of the afternoon and was adjudged the best fighter of the event, while her sister, Stephanie Ager of Jodan Prolific Martial Arts Academy was third.

Daniel Abhulimen of Early Spring Montessori came second.

List of gold medalist

Kamsi Ojiako ( Jodan Prolific Martial Arts Academy ) Talib Babata (Jodan Prolific.)

Munachi Obelle (Earlyspring Montessori ) Ameera Olaosebekan (Moral Ville Academy) Precious Adeleye (St Jude Festac Amuwo Odofin) Stephanie Ager (Jodan Prolific.)

Munachi Uzoma (Moral Ville Academy) Emmanuel Egbo (Sabadina School) Joel Ihuoma (StJude Festac Amuwo Odofin) Purity Nwaolisa (Jodan Prolific) Ehimen Eromse (Moral Ville Academy) Yonusimi Ogunde (Moral Ville Academy) Praise Nwaolisa (Jodan Prolific.)

Tantoluwa Olayinka ( Moral Ville Academy) George Ager (Jodan Prolific. ) Oyikansola Olayinka (Moral Ville Academy ) Daniel Abhulimen (Early Spring Montessori ) Ahmed Ndayoko (St Jude Festac Amuwo Odofin) Aderonke Adejumo (Sabadina School ) Chiagozim Ogbuagu (Sabadina School) Enyinnaya Amaraizu (St Jude Festac Amuwo Odofin) Jordan Anyadike (Jodan Prolific Martial Arts Academy)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

PERSPECTIVE PMB’s Health: Gloating is of No Value Femi Adesina

I

learnt an enduring lesson on the day General Sani Abacha died. It was June 8, 1998, and death had laid its icy hands on the maximum ruler, and the sceptre had fallen from the grip of the king. I was deputy editor of National Concord, the newspaper owned by Basorun M.K. O Abiola, the man Abacha not only inveigled out of his mandate as democratically elected President, but whom he had also locked up in military gulag for five years.

Mr Dele Alake, who was to become Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State for eight years, was editor, but he had travelled on the fateful day. So, the lot fell on me to produce the newspaper, as the deputy editor. Dr (Mrs) Doyin Abiola was Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief.

Naturally, on a great news day like that, an editor would leave his office, and be on the shop floor, ensuring that the newspaper was swiftly produced. Time was of the essence, if you would partake in the harvest of sales the next day. So, I was in the computer room downstairs, editing the news stories as they were typed at the speed of light. It was there that Dr Abiola met me, as she prepared to go home about 7 p.m. She said something that both baffled and amazed me: “Editor, no gloating. We have every reason to rejoice that Abacha is dead, but no gloating.

Just present the news as professionally as possible. Don’t gloat!”

I thanked her, and she left. Her instruction continued to ring in my ears, and was followed to the letter. Those who read National Concord the next day would recall that there was no sense of triumphalism, no newsman’s orgasm of any kind, in the treatment of the story. Just professionally done. “Don’t gloat!”

Did Doyin Abiola have reasons to instruct her newspaper to preen and gloat about Abacha’s death? Every. He had given the impression that he would take over power, and hand over to Abiola, who had won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which the military annulled. Instead, he locked the man up in solitary confinement. Doyin did not see her husband for five years. Also, Abacha had shut

Buhari down Concord Press for about two years, causing the company grave economic afflictions.

Under him, Kudirat Abiola, one of Doyin’s mates, had been murdered, shot down in the streets, allegedly on the orders of the state. And many more evil deeds. Dr Doyin Abiola had every cause to waltz, and do a jig, at the death of Sani Abacha. But she did not. She even told her editor: “Don’t gloat!” I never forgot, and will never forget that lesson. It is human, and it is also divine.

Between January 19 and March 10, of this year, President Muhammadu Buhari was away in London, first on routine holiday where he would do normal medical check-ups, and then, it became a medical vacation, in which he had to ask for an indeterminate number of days. Yes, who is he or she that never falls sick, let that person cast the first stone. As the President frankly confessed on his return, he had never been that sick in his life. Human, just human. Presidents, kings, queens, potentates, wealthy people, are also human, aren’t they?

They itch as well, and scratch as hard. Sickness,

not only death, is often a leveler among all mortals, young, old, poor, rich, dull, brilliant, ugly, beautiful, everybody.

And we know what attended the President’s medical sojourn from certain quarters in the country. Wild news. Hate news. Rumour. Evil thinking. Even, gloating. They did all kinds of photoshops, and spewed all kinds of evil stories. They passed round outright wickedness on WhatsApp, and those of us who debunked their evil tales became enemies.

They tried to tag us with all kind of labels, saying we were liars and deceivers. But wise was the man who said: “The truth is incontrovertible. Panic may resent it, ignorance may deride it, malice may distort it, but there it is.”

Or our own Professor Tam David-West, in his book, Philosophical Essays, also said: “Truth like the cork cannot sink. It cannot be sunk. It always floats.”

When President Buhari spoke with me on phone from London on February 25, I was elated, and issued a press statement, detailing our conversation. Many Nigerians, good people from a great nation, who could get hold of my phone number, called. They would ask if truly we had spoken. Once I confirmed, they broke into tears of joy, crying like babies.

They brought tears to my eyes many times. Till this son of hate, a purveyor of evil and tragedy, called. He identified himself as Jude (I decide to withhold his other name for now). He said: “Mr Adesina, you claim to have spoken with President Buhari. When are you going to stop this political deceit? How can you speak with a man who is long dead, and you are deceiving the public that he’s still alive?”

I didn’t argue with the man (though I was tempted to call him sonofagun, the son of a gun). I held my peace, let him finish his orgy of evil, and calmly cut off the phone. Doomsday prophets. Evil thinkers. Peddlers of mischief.

Then, on March 10, the President returned.

Ecstasy and pure rapture from good Nigerians, who had been praying and supplicating unto God. Mai Gaskiya was back. The honest man had returned. Ramrod straight, man of integrity. He had been spared by God, and restored to us. Oh, glory!

Did you listen to that short speech that President Buhari read on his return? Did you listen to his off the cuff remarks? Was there

any gloating? None. Did he rub it in on those who had peddled evil news, fake news, hate news? No. That is maturity. That is how to be the father of a country. And I remembered Dr Doyin Abiola: “Don’t gloat!”

Do you know what some other people would have done in the same circumstance? They would have taken evil minded people to the cleaners. But not President Buhari. They would have made snide remarks about peddlers of hate news, calling fire and brimstone to fall upon them. But not our President. He would have been justified if he did so. The Good Book says, “He that digs a pit shall fall into it. He that rolls a stone, a stone will roll back at him. He that breaks the hedge, a serpent shall bite him.”

So, President Buhari would have been justified, if he gave evil people some jabs. But he did not.

What a heart!

Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.

How did that Jude Somebody feel when the President returned? He even bears Jude, a Christian name. How embarrassing! But he was full of bile, in the gall and throes of bitterness. May God forgive him. Amen.

With President Buhari’s health saga, some truths have been brought to bold relief once again. Anybody can be sick. Big or small man.

A man of power, or a man of no consequence.

Let us therefore be conscious of our mortality at all times. I can testify, from my many private discussions with him, that President Buhari is a man keenly aware of his own mortality at all times. A worthy example to follow.

Another lesson. Life and death are the sole preserves of God Almighty. Despite all those concoctions and contraptions, fake pictures, false stories on WhatsApp, mendacious newspaper reports, President Buhari came back alive. Who says anything that God has not said? There are many devices in the heart of man, but it is the counsel of God that shall stand. The counsel of God has prevailed concerning Nigeria, and concerning our President.

Let us learn the eternal truth. No matter the devices in the heart of man, the counsel of God stands. It is not me that says so. It is straight from the Good Book.

––Adesina is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari

The Aggressive Drive for Retail Banking Obinna Chima

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learly, there has been a structural shift in banks’ business model in Nigeria. This development which is visibly in the aggressive campaigns and reward schemes being churned out in the industry reflects adjustments in their business strategies.

Specifically, across the industry, banks have intensified strategies to remain dominant in the retail segment of the market. A lot of banks have also refreshed their retail and treasury products to make them attractive to customers.

Some of the factors responsible for the decision to continue to woo retail customers include the implementation of the treasury single account (TSA), weak economic activities, the restrictive monetary policy stance in the country as well as the removal of oil subsidy.

While broadly defined as lending to individuals, retail lending covers a host of loans: those meant for investment in housing, those for purchases of consumer durables and automobiles and those for education, deferred payments on credit card expenditures or unspecified purposes.

Indeed, Zenith Bank Plc which is widely regarded as a leader in financial solutions in most facets of banking, has finally started to play deeper in the retail end of the banking industry, using its high technology and innovative products.

Over the years, using technology as one of its major advantages, Zenith Bank has successfully served customers at the high end of the market and delivered impressive returns to shareholders in the process.

The bank has equally established itself as a leader in corporate and investment banking, with the KPMG’s ‘Nigeria Banking Industry

Customer Satisfaction Survey of 2014,’ that had confirmed the bank’s position as the most customer focused bank in the country in both the retail and corporate segments.

The expectation is that with the bank’s entry into the retail space, more customers will now be able to access efficient service delivery that hitherto have been available to only high net worth customers and corporates.

The bank’s offering in the retail space include the Aspire account targeting the youth; the eaZySave classic and eaZySave Premium accounts both of which have zero account opening balances; as well as the Zenith Premium Gold and Zenith Premium Platinum, both of which are COT free and interest bearing.

Focus on Retail Banking The KPMG survey, which confirmed Zenith Bank’s status as the most customer focused bank, had based its judgement on the perceived quality of customer service delivery by banks from the customer’s perspective across the retail, corporate/commercial and small & medium sized enterprises (SME) segments. And for 2013 and 2014, Zenith Bank led as the preferred by customers. For the second consecutive year in the retail segment, Zenith Bank emerged as the most customerfocused bank closely followed by Diamond Bank which moved to second (from last year’s fourth place) with GTBank in third place.

In the SME segment, Zenith Bank moved from second position in 2013 to become the most customer focused bank, followed by Diamond Bank and Standard Chartered Bank in third place. Corporate banking customers also ranked Zenith Bank as the most customer focused for 2014 year with GTBank and Citibank coming second and third respectively. The biggest gains were in the area of convenience. But the higher satisfaction levels recorded in this segment were driven more by the performance of the top five banks than

for the industry as a whole. Completeness and accuracy of information provided topped the list of important issues for nearly all corporates surveyed while the biggest area requiring improvement remains knowledge of the customer’s business.

Aside being the most customer focused bank, Zenith Bank’s performance on all parameters was also recognised by other bodies. For instance, in a survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to determine the most respected companies and chief executives in Nigeria, Zenith Bank had emerged first among the banks. In arriving at the conclusion, PWC said a respected company is defined by these enviable parameters: PWC may have taken into cognisance Zenith Bank’s adherence to good corporate governance practices as well as global best practices and its emergence as a globally recognised brand.

The management of Zenith Bank believe that the track record of the financial institution and the suite of innovative products on offer guarantee that customers and potential customers at all levels would enjoy the same high-quality of banking service that Zenith Bank has been known for since inception.

Going forward, a report from the bank stated that run by a stable board and management, “Zenith Bank has created a professional environment where individuals are encouraged can aspire to achieve their potentials.

Currently under the management of Peter Amangbo, Zenith Bank has a pool of talents at both the middle and top management level, which has enabled it to remain competitive through the series of banking reforms in the country.”

The bank, Nigeria’s biggest by Tier-1 capital sees technology as an enabler and as a generator of new opportunities.

“We are forward-thinking, benchmarking trends in technology to shape our future coupled with our practical delivery on a

highly automated platform that makes us unique,” Amangbo, who is the bank’s Chief Executive Officer recently said.

“As the country’s information technology (IT) infrastructure improves, our leading edge in IT keeps us well positioned in the global banking community to sustain our offering of exceptional e-banking services. This is complemented by our risk management system that creates a blend that not only grows our customers’ businesses but also strengthens them. Our credit management system stresses rational procedures and transparency,” he added.

Zenith Bank blazed the trail in digital banking in Nigeria, scoring several firsts in the deployment of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure to create innovative products that meet the needs of its teeming customers.

The bank has over 500 branches and business offices in all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In March 2007, Zenith Bank was licensed by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of the United Kingdom to establish Zenith Bank (UK) Limited as the United Kingdom subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc. Zenith Bank also has subsidiaries in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Gambia. The bank also has representative offices in South Africa and The People’s Republic of China.

Zenith’s Retail Banking Products The bank has on offer several products for its retail customers. Among them is the Zenith Children Account (ZECA). The ZECA is a special deposit account geared towards your child’s education and bright future. ZECA is more than a regular savings account. It offers a lot benefits for both parent and child. Some of its features and benefits include zero account opening balance; age qualification: 0-16 years with automatic transition to ZECA Teens (13 years) and Aspire (16 years); Standing Orders for school fees payment; among others.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

WRITERS’ WORLD

The Pastor Adeboye Story in His Words

BISI DANIELS bisi.daniels@thisdaylive.com Blog: www.bisidaniels.com, 08050220700

In a new book, General Overseer Worldwide of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor E. A. Adeboye, tells the story of his amazing transformation from debilitating poverty into a powerful man of God revered by millions of people across the world.

I

have written over 15 books, but sometimes I get the sense I was specifically prepared by circumstances of my life in the last few years to write this particular book that will bless millions of people around the world.

world are grateful to be alive to see at work for God.” He says working on the book has transformed him, gotten him closer to God, and equipped him with greater understanding of the spiritual realm.

In the foreword of the book he wrote just before he was sworn in as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) recommended the book highly.

He noted that, “The sharing of what he calls ‘stories’ is an integral part of the sermons of Pastor EnochAdejareAdeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, who is fondly called Daddy G.O. “Most of Daddy’s ‘stories’ are indeed miracles, used to illustrate his sermons and show the power of God, rather than his own achievements.

“Having been a member of the church for many years and now a pastor, I have seen the efficacy of this style of preaching.

“Testimonies not only enhance the faith of others but also honour God. This book of some of the testimonies of one of the greatest servants of God in this generation is worth reading and learning from.”

My testimony

I profoundly acknowledge Upfront The privilege And signal honour To toil on this tome On a rare pearl of God The pivotal soul of our times Who multitudes across the globe today Bear gratitude for being alive To see at work The plenitude of God In so great a man Being ever so humble Life thrives and throbs In complete holiness Aman noted for signs Wonders and miracles Of the dimensions Of the Biblical days Aman God calls His son And speaks with

A poverty story of Pastor Adeboye

Born to financially-challenged parents In the backwaters of Ifewara, Osun State He boasted of no shoes Whatsoever Even at age 18 He set forth Not as a Born-Again Christian Until he notched the job Of a mathematics teacher At the University of Lagos And history became writ large In the march of the Pentecost Becoming the hallowed leader Of an abounding church Transcending well over 192 countries With 32,000 parishes in Nigeria alone Indeed a miracle worth knowing.

For the singular man To remain infectiously humble Despite his enormous power Influence and popularity Is besides a miracle in itself Work on the book Transformed me Pulled me closer to God And equipped one With greater understanding Of the spiritual realm Particularly The less understood dark part Where mothers kill children They carried 9 months In their own womb And cried in the labour room to bear To drink their blood And eat their flesh Adark world indeed Where some mothers make Their daughters barren Or make it impossible For them to be married Where fathers curse and cause Their sons to lose jobs And where wives gleefully Ruin husbands Into destitution And husbands use

Their wives For rituals Miracles are difficult To explain By mere mortals But I now have Abetter appreciation Of the epochal miracle called Pastor Enoch, Elisha, Sunday,Adejare,Adetona, Olagundoye,Adeboye.

The book

Entitled “Stories of Pastor E.A.Adeboye,” the man fondly called Daddy G.O. tells the story in his own words in testimonies compiled to read like an autobiography by seasoned author and journalist, Bisi Daniels.

The 350-page book, which shows for the first time the house in which PastorAdeboye was born and the primary school he attended in Ifewara, Osun State, was released last week to mark his 75th birthday.

Aman revered by millions across the world as a true man of God, PastorAdeboye is a great believer in the power of testimony. He is himself a living testimony of the power of God. His sermons always contain stories about how people have experienced the power of Jesus Christ in their lives. This book is a collection of those testimonies, which reads like his biography right from his birth in Ifewara in strange circumstances to the present moment.

According to Daniels, the story of PastorAdeboye becomes a compelling read, when after breaking free from the vicious cycle of poverty in his family to become a lecturer at the university and living in a palatial home, he abandoned all that to live in a onebedroom apartment in Mushin, Lagos, as General Overseer of RCCG. Daddy G.O. confesses he was scared but God

assured him of His support. The church had only 39 parishes but now has over 32,000 parishes in Nigeria, over 700 parishes in the United Kingdom, and many more spread across over 196 countries including Samoa, Fiji, Serbia, Pakistan, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.

The subjects covered in the book dedicated to PastorAdeboye and his wife, Pastor FoluAdeboye, who stood by him during his most difficult times, include: The RCCG, and testimonies on Faith, Salvation, Miracles, Marriage, Fruit of the womb, Temptation, Unforgiveness, the dark world of Power and Principalities amongst many others. Mixed in with them is the fascinating story of PastorAdeboye himself and how, having been born again, he rose from debilitating depravation to become the famous and much-loved leader of the RCCG. In one of the many testimonies in the book, Pastor Adeboye revealed how he got his ever supportive wife, even when he was clearly the least qualified suitor: “There were many of us contesting for the hand of my wife. I wanted to marry a beautiful princess but I was the least qualified among the many suitors. Out of the number, three of us were in the forefront. But I was a student, while one of us was a lawyer who owned a car.All I had was a “foot wagon” (move around on foot). I decided to let her know my financial status I said to her, “Please listen. I have nothing, no money, no house, no influence, nothing.”

I told her that if I had anything at all, it was the little brain God gave to me. “I have nothing to offer you except myself. If you will marry me, you will have me to yourself completely,” I said.

Surprisingly, she replied, “Because you are so honest, I will marry you.”

Daniels feels privileged and honoured “to work on this great book of a very great man of God; a rare person of our times, who so many people around the

I walked bare-footed for the first eighteen years of my life - in rain and in sunshine. Now that I walk with shoes on my feet, I prefer shoes on my feet. What about you?

I can never forget my final year in the grammar school. I was eighteen years old. I was a fairly good student, and had won many prizes as a testimony to that. In those days at Ilesha Grammar School, they used to have what they called a Prize-Giving Day. That was a day before the school vacation; a day when all those who won prizes would come forward, shake hands with the principal and receive a prize for the subject they excelled in.

For those in the final year, there was a dress code – a white shirt over a pair of white trousers, and shoes to match. I had won a prize, but had no trousers – white, black or red. Shoes? I didn’t even know what that looked like! What was I going to do? They were going to call my name in front of everybody. It meant that I was going to go forward in the only a pair of shorts I owned, barefooted. I started lamenting, God you know I have no trousers, why did you allow me to win a prize?

It was at that stage that one of the boys in the hostel called me, “Ademaths.” (That was my nickname).

And I answered, “Yes.” He summoned me over and said, “I have six pairs of trousers, I don’t know which one to wear tomorrow. Can you help me choose?”

Now tell me, which is better? No trousers or six trousers?

I helped him choose one and then said to him, “Emmm, you know I don’t even have one to wear.”

“Pick one,” he said.

Although the boy was several feet taller than me, I didn’t care.As far as I was concerned, trousers were trousers. . Glory be to God! So I chose a pair. When I wore them, I had to pull the waistband up to my chest!

Now the problem of trousers was solved, next was the problem of shoes.

It was then I remembered that I had an uncle somewhere. He was as poor as a church rat but I remembered I had seen shoes on his feet before. So I went to see him and asked for the shoes. The decent pair I saw on him, he said he couldn’t let go, but that he had a pair of mended sandals to spare. Those of you who know what we used to call Odutola tyre sole (sole of sandals made from lorry tyres) in those days will understand.

Let somebody shout Hallelujah! None of you will die in poverty. I rebuke poverty in your life in Jesus’ name.Amen!

Finally, he gave me the sandals and because I had never worn sandals before, I had to practise how to walk in them.At last the Prize-Giving Day came and, glory be to God, I had trousers and a pair of sandals to wear to the occasion – a pair of borrowed trousers over Odutola tyre sole sandals. That didn’t matter to me as I walked up there and got my prize.

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T H I S D AY SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2017

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2017

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •March 25, 2017

March 25, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 25, 2017

FITNESS FILE

Men, That Big Belly Isn’t Cute

T

hings are changing here in Nigeria, slowly but surely.

Some time back, having a big belly was seen as a sign of good living, of affluence…can you imagine.

This was the myth of the Nigerian male, if you lost weight then something was wrong, being slim was a sign of poverty!

Guess what the life expectancy of the average Nigerian male is, anyone? It’s 52 years old, believe that. So maybe this myth has to change.

The best way to measure a man’s fitness level is by either his BMI (body mass index), or by his waist size. Your belly is the first thing to increase in size as you put on weight, and the last thing to shrink as you try to lose it. Why do you think abs are such a statement of fitness, they are the toughest things to achieve. I see too many men who lift weights with no cardio and no healthy eating, they are all around us; big arms, big chests and even bigger stomachs.

I’ll be fair, it’s not an easy path to be on, and the men you see out there that you envy, the ones that are committed to healthy living, I assure you they are working hard, it’s not luck or genes.

You will not be able to shift that beer gut overnight, especially if you’re still knocking back beers every night, but I can give you some tips to start on your journey. Remember what this is for, remember that life expectancy, remember that guy in your office who looks so trim that you hate him.

The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

Don’t stuff your face post-workout Don’t use the fact you’ve been to the gym as an excuse to eat more. You may feel you’ve worked hard but a typical hour-long cardio workout will burn less than 600Kcal. To get the fat off it has to be your diet, along with exercise, that changes. Take your battle to the kitchen as well.

Put rest to work Aim to get eight and a half hours sleep every night to stop yourself from snacking. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that students restricted to just five and a half hours of sleep ate significantly larger amounts of highcarb snacks during their waking hours than those sleeping for eight and a half hours a night. You just have to quit that late night snacking. Basically when it comes to weight, you snooze you lose.

Snack at three o’clock A nutritional boost between lunch and dinner wards off fatigue and keeps you from over-indulging later. Just don’t gobble down a bar of

chocolate, or a meat pie. Try yogurt and fruit, or eat an egg (hard-boiled) or an apple washed down with a bottle of water. All will give you long-lasting energy.

Smoothly does it If you want your metabolism to run like a high-performance V8 rather than a tokunbo okada, keep it well lubricated. Try giving your motor a metabolic oiling by juicing fruits and vegetables. I will explore the benefits of juicing in another article, but you can google it in the meantime.

Go green Giving up beer will help your weight loss, and not just because of the calories in each bottle. When we drink a lot we experience an outpouring of insulin stimulated by the ethanol in beer. This causes hypoglycemia, a reduction of sugar in the blood, which stimulates the sensation of hunger, leading to a desire for high-carb foods (familiar?).

Try drinking green tea for a month instead. Its catechins (antioxidants) spur on the body’s metabolism. In

a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition men who drank green tea daily had significantly smaller waist measurements than those in the control group. Four cups a day should see you benefit in no time.

Vary your routine Your body gets used to the workout you do, so transform it to push your muscles harder and burn more fat.

Try playing basketball, hill walking or fitness classes to shock your body into shedding more pounds.

Cheat and indulge Treat yourself once in a while. Not feeling bad about an occasional indulgence is an important factor in sticking to any eating plan. So whether your poison comes in a bowl or a bottle, consume it wisely and it won’t be a problem. With ice cream we advise eating it after dinner when you have fewer hours to allow one bowl to turn into three or four.

Take a gamble Picturing yourself slim is one motivator, ‘betting’ yourself thin is another. Men are more committed to weight loss when it becomes competitive. Bet a friend you’ll shed a certain amount before the elimination stage of the Champions League, that way if your team goes out you could still win. Unless you’re an Arsenal fan of course...

As always, I wish you the best of luck.

MARCH 25, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE #Heineken LFDW Presents the ‘Identity’ the Autumn/Winter Collaboration with 9 Designers

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

FASHION FILE

#Heineken LFDW Presents the ‘Identity’ the Autumn/Winter #HeinekenLFDW Launches Inaugural Autumn/Winter Presentation Collaborating with Red Door Gallery to create new discourses between Fashion and Art #HeinekenLFDW (Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week), is delighted to announce its inaugural new season Presentation at Red Door Gallery, from 30th March – 2nd April 2017.

The move not only brings #HeinekenLFDW in line with the global fashion calendar, but also affords the designers featured, more opportunities to maximise media and available distribution prospects. More pertinently, it speaks to the many designers based in Africa who are already creating collections for both traditional fashion seasons of Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter and are seeking a global audience and customer base for their brands.

The Presentation series is entitled ‘Identity’ and the nine designers featured, have all to a greater or lesser extent previously traversed notions of identity, modernity, heritage and self-expression in their work. Each designer will be designated a space, one in which they can distill these and other themes further, engage directly with guests, be they buyers or editors and most pertinently, present their Autumn/Winter Collections 2017.

Among the nine selected are AAKS, Gozel Green, Kelechi Odu, Lisa Folawiyo, Maki Oh, Orange Culture, Post Imperial, Ré and Shem Paronelli.

Collectively, they are a snapshot of the verve, innovation and creative ambitions seen across the Nigerian Fashion Industry.

The genesis of the collaboration is #HeinekenLFDW’s commitment to catalyzing the African Fashion industry ecosystem

and providing greater avenues for commercial success for designers based on the continent. The Autumn/ Winter presentation is an inaugural one and aligns #HeinekenLFDW closer to the global fashion week calendar; a calendar that has long expanded from the big 4 (New York, London, Milan and Paris) to include Moscow, Seoul, Sao Paolo and a myriad of other international cities with vibrant fashion scenes. Timing is also right as the clamor for the industry to thrive reverberates across the continent: the Sub-Saharan African Apparel and Footwear Industry which a recent EuroMonitor report valued at $31Billion, will need to adapt to reflect the international fashion calendar, if designers, retailers and merchandisers on the continent are to compete on the global stage.

Collaborating with Red Door Gallery was instinctive. Although a fine art gallery, Red Door, like #HeinekenLFDW is committed to curating and championing the very best of African creativity. Furthermore, the nexus between fashion and art is natural as both are visual mediums in which mood, message and beauty are related via forms, be they worn or displayed.

The gallery space will also allow for the intimacy associated with presentations, and guests will relate with each collection in an installation format.

Speaking about the forthcoming event #Heinek-

enLFDW Executive Director & Founder, Omoyemi Akerele said: “The team at #HeinekenLFDW and our partners, Red Door Gallery and FETS Wallet are super excited! From the outset our aim has been to create visually dynamic events and commercially profitable opportunities for designers in Nigeria and across Africa. Expanding to reflect the bi-annual fashion calendar, but in a deliberately organic manner via this Autumn/Winter presentation season at Red Door is really exciting.”

About LFDW LFDW is a multi-day fashion week held in Lagos, Nigeria. Founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele, Executive Director & Founder of Style House Files, a Fashion Business Development Agency, it provides a platform for buyers, media and fashion enthusiasts to view collections from leading designers from Nigeria and across Africa. LFDW has also expanded its scope of works, providing advocacy for the industry with government and investors, offering industry masterclasses and incubation support for emerging talent and supporting all parts of the fashion industry value-chain to achieve their full potential.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

From left: Head training and Development, Fero Devices; Mr Ayodeji Ogunmola; Business Head, Nigeria and Emerging Markets, Fero Devices, Kunal Bhardwaj; Director, Midcom Group, Phiroze Seth; Executive Director,Trident Marketing Ltd, Satbir Singh Chhabra and National Sales Manager, Fero Devices, Ritesh Khanna at the media launch of the Fero Devices in Lagos recently

L-R: Commissioner for Information /Strategy, Akwa Ibom State, Charles Udoh; Chief Executive Officer, Karvalli Energy Consultant , Nkoyo Amana; Executive Vice President, Hudson Group, Mr. Tom Iseghohi; Managing Partner, Design Variations Nigeria Ltd, Haja Nene ShukiratLanval; and Director, Enterprise Development, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN), Mr. Wale Fasanya, at the national enterprise development strategy session organised by Hudson Group and co-sponsored by Akwa Ibom State Government in Lagos recently

NGO Berths, Harps on Collaborative Efforts for Nation’s Growth A new non-governmental organisation, NGO, “Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative” has berthed with a mission to transform lives of women and children in the society.

The NGO, has as its core agenda, ‘awareness creation, advocacy and education on violence against women and children to secure their future, especially as are less privileged, financially incapacitated, victimised and marginalised in the society.

Speaking on this initiative, Founder of the NGO, Dr. Ama Onyerinma, who noted that that the organisation would be starting its programmes in the South West region before taking it to other part of the country, explained that it had come up with a lot of projects and plans to realise the set objectives which would not only favour the beneficiaries

but the country at large.

“We have just hosted the maiden edition of the Live Abundantly empowerment initiative symposium which was targeted at public school students within the South-West.

The aim of this was to create awareness and educate participants on the prevalent issues of violence against women and children and the socio-economic effect on families, communities and Nigeria at large.

“We are also planning an empowerment programme where we expect a large turnout of women in order that they can earn a living for themselves and their dependents. We are looking at food handling, janitorial, office job skills, computer literacy, arts, among others. Once a woman is empowered, thus becoming financially independent, be rest

Power Oil Deepens Health Initiative, Partners Lagos Vegetable cooking oil makers, Power Oil has inked another partnership deal with Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to further extend its gesture to the people of the state, just as it did with Ogun State on its health project.

The Lagos partnership flag-off was officially announced by the state’s Commissioner of Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lola Akande, during the 2017 International Women’s Day. In the words of the firm’s brand manager, Amisha Chawla, the organisation acknowledged the role and importance of women in the society, hence, it’s involvement with the ministry.

“Knowing full well that it is only a healthy woman that can raise a happy family, that is why we have aligned with the Ministry which is very strategic for our health camp project to reach out to as many women as possible across the nation”, she explained.

She mentioned also that the Health Camp team and the Lagos State Ministry officials would be storming the Makoko Community and Ikorodu to further encourage and sensitise women to embark on regular health check -up for early detection of diseases and ultimately ,guard against avoidable death from hypertension and other heart related complications.

“Also note that we have entered the same partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs in Ogun State in addition to our agreement with the state’s Ministry of Health”, Chawla stated.

Also speaking at the event, Akande reckoned that women should be given utmost respect and best treatment considering their multifarious roles in the society.

“They equally deserve to be healthy so they can carry out their duties efficiently, which is one of the reasons it is recommended they take advantage of the regular health checkup and medical consultation opportunity that the health camp is offering”, Akande added.

assured that the society will be a better place to live in because the result will be transmitted beyond her children to generations to come.

We care for the children, we want them to be qualitatively educated, this can be made possible with the women and that is if they have the wherewithal. This is why we will continue to speak and act for women towards a greater Nigeria.

“I believe that the respect of women and children is essential for equity in a society.

Some female fall victims due to lack of some basic needs and handworks, once every woman can lay hands on one job or the other, sexual harassment and molestation of women will be reduced to the barest minimum. I believe that when the rights of all citizens are upheld, only then can a nation

Task Systems Bags Global Recognition Information and communications technology solutions company, Task Systems Ltd., has advanced its status having hit the NetApp platinum status.

The latest achievement automatically qualifies the company to join the shortlist of other organisations that have successfully completed the rigorous processes of testing and validations required for NetApp solution sales, pre-sales and personnel deployment.

NetApp Inc. is an American multinational storage and data management company headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. It is a member of the NASDAQ-100 and has consistently ranked in the Fortune 500 since 2012.

In the certification letter signed

by Vice President, Northern EMEA and MEEEAR Area, Gos Hein van de Wouw, it stated that by virtue of the partnership agreement signed between Task Systems Ltd. and NetApp in September 2013, the firm had become a platinum partner for the resale of NetApp products and support services mainly in Nigeria, adding that the partner status confirmation shall be valid for the duration of the agreement or until was changed.

The Managing Director, Task Systems Ltd., Olufunke Oduntan explained that the Platinum certification was a justification for the company’s sterling leadership in the provision of world-class ICT solutions.

She said, “We are extremely

delighted with our status upgrade to platinum status in the NetApp Partner Programme. Apart from the company’s undisputed confidence-inducing effects and confirmation of capacity in local Nigerian ICT companies, this achievement goes a long way to boost our existing partnership with NetApp which we intend to take to even greater heights.

“Not many will forget that we started off as the pioneer of desktop publishing and computer graphics in Nigeria over 29 years ago.

Over the years, we have not rested on our oars but have continuously remained in the forefront of the ICT solutions space, driving innovations and delivering premium service.

“Our achievement of platinum partner status justifies our unwavering efforts to constantly evolve and ensure that value creation, value addition and world-class support services are synonymous with our brand.

Our sterling work has remained very visible in the Oil & Gas, Financial Services and Public Sector. In addition to delivering cutting-edge ICT solutions and services for multinationals such as Total, Shell, Chevron and AGIP among others”.

Founded in 1989 , Task Systems Ltd. has remained an industry leader in the ICT Solutions space, with the implementation of various projects across all sectors.

make social, economic and developmental advancement ”, she said.

She reiterated that the organisation would be there always to provide the necessary information as well as offer the right transformational links and connections to women and children depending on their challenges while also providing formal and informal education.

The United Kingdom bred founder however enjoined corporate bodies and government institutions to participate in the cause through strategic partnership in order to have an all-round effect as she announced that the initiative planned to go round the country soonest, stating that this could only materialise through collaborations from committed and responsible bodies.

Consumers Rush as Indomie’s Promo Ends April Dufil chief product, Indomie Instant Noodles, is gaining more grounds in the noodles segment of the market as a result of its running ‘Cash for Scholarship Promo’ billed to end next month.

Some of the product’s fans who spoke to Market Place on this trend said that the rush was expected, especially this period because of the brand’s credibility of fulfilling its promises on promotions.

According to the company, the door was still open to interested participants who want to benefit in the promo. It explained that all they needed to do was to collect and cut all the 18 letters from Indomie Noodles packs to complete the phrase ‘Indomie Like no other’.

After presenting the 18 letters that form the phrase at designated redemption centres, consumers stand the chance of winning prizes such as premium brand bicycle and N150,000 worth of scholarships to support their educational cause.

Brand Manager of Indomie Instant Noodles, Mr. Amber Yadav, stated that the promo was a deliberate gesture from the company to enable consumers achieve their dreams of a better life for tomorrow.

“Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and Tafawa Balewa might not have achieved greatness without education. We believed that an educated person is better equipped to make better choices relating to quality of life and even the brands they consume” he said.

The Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc., Mr. Tope Ashiwaju also explained that the promo was another way the company wished to appreciate its customers as he urged all to participate.

As part of its commitment, the company recently offered 12 postgraduate students from different Universities across the country scholarship worth N450, 000 each in its MSc Nutrition Scholarship Awards 2016.

44

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 25, 2017

BUSINESS PEOPLE

Editor: Vincent Obia email: vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com Tel: 08054681757

Funmi Babington-Ashaye

Patriarchal Notions Made Me Work Harder to Prove Women Are Also Capable Mrs. Funmi Babington-Ashaye is a preeminent figure in insurance. Judged either as a talented practitioner or as a prodigious achiever, she is one of the insurance industry’s greatest successes.

Early in life, Babington-Ashaye, chic and blasé, made it to the top of her profession, playing with some of the biggest names in the industry. Her book, Insurance in Practice: all you need to know about insurance in Nigeria, a treatise that seeks to simplify the language of insurance, was launched on Wednesday in Lagos. It records part of her wealth of experience in the insurance profession. The managing director/chief executive of Risk Analyst Insurance Brokers Limited says the ‘women can’t do it’ notion in Nigeria’s patriarchal system was the spur that goaded her to perform better and aim for the top. She discusses her abiding enchantments with Vincent Obia

I

t’s 2pm on a hot Monday afternoon in Lagos. Inside the plush Park View estate in Ikoyi, the wind is calm and gentle. But Mrs. Funmi Babington-Ashaye is working on a tight schedule. She has to give an interview and do her hair in preparation for a busy week. She’ll kill two birds with one stone by doing them both in one trip to the salon. Life in Lagos is in the fast lane.

The busy lifestyle and Lagos’ uniquely competitive route to success really typify the make-up of the former managing director and chief executive of Cornerstone Insurance Plc and NICON Insurance Plc. “I find it difficult to cope with people that are not very smart, people who don’t do things quickly. You take your time, I don’t have that patience,” she says. “But with time and maturity, I have realised that people are not the same. I have realised that in a team, do need everybody. You need the slow worker – they’re more reliable – you need the sharp ones, you need everybody to make a success of whatever thing you are doing.”

Spur Baby-faced and confident, BabingtonAshaye is willing to do almost anything for the sake of excellence. She is, “Very innovative,” and says, “I love to do things differently.”

She has an abiding desire to disprove negative notions about the feminine gender in Nigeria’s typically patriarchal socio-cultural setting. And this has been the spur that challenges her to do things better and aim for excellence.

“I’m sure you realise that before a woman can get to a particular level, she would do four, five times what a man can do,” she says. “I went through what I can call tribulations. Sometimes, there was this feeling, a woman cannot do it, and they would bring somebody from outside as your head. But with time they would realise the person is even worse.

Those were the challenges that toughened me. When they say a woman cannot do it, you want to prove them wrong, that a woman can even do it better, and I was able to prove that.”

NICON Turnaround Babington-Ashaye proved “a woman can even do it better” a few years ago, when she was appointed by the federal government as managing director/chief executive of NICON Insurance and charged with the responsibility of repositioning the company, then owned

by Jimoh Ibrahim. She turned the company around in 16 months and got a letter of commendation at the end of the assignment. She also got numerous

accolades from players in the insurance industry for the feat of quickly reversing what looked like an irreversible descent into bankruptcy.

But, perhaps, her most significant achievement in that assignment was her ability to stick resolutely to professionalism throughout the job. Which is why she and Ibrahim have remained friends since the completion of the NICON turnaround.

“As we speak, Jimoh and I are good friends,” the first female managing director of a publicly quoted insurance company in Nigeria, states. “You hardly see an entrepreneur that was asked to step aside becoming friends with somebody that actually drove him away.

It means he was able to see value when he came back, and nothing got missing.

Thank God for that opportunity.”

Weird Passion But the celebrated insurance expert also has weird passions. Human beings are generally wont to have such, one way or the other. “I love to be alone, and sometimes I feel it is odd. Just be on my own and think, I enjoy it a lot. I can say it is odd, but it gives me the opportunity to think and do so many things.”

She says, “People feel that I’m very tough, but I have a different perspective about myself. I don’t see myself that way. I see myself as an introvert. If I find myself in a situation where I have to do something, I get it done.”

At the peak of her career, the renowned insurance expert hardly remembers anything, professionally, she would have loved to do, which she didn’t have the opportunity of doing. “It’s difficult to remember because God has been very good to me. I became managing director of one of the largest insurance companies, NICON Insurance, in my early 40s. I’ve been running my own company now for about 10 years and I’ve never looked back,” she says.

‘Insurance in Practice’ Babington-Ashaye began her career in 1987 at Royal Exchange Assurance Nigeria. She left in 1991 and joined Cornerstone Insurance Plc, which she recapitalised by about 80 per cent in roughly one year.

She is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, UK; Fellow, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria; Fellow, Chartered Insurance Brokers, and an alumnus of the Lagos Business School.

She compares insurance practice in Nigeria with what obtains in the Western world. “Over there,” she says, “it is well structured, and there is a lot of government support for insurance through

Babington-Ashaye

45

MARCH 25, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

BUSINESS PEOPLE

L-R: Babington-Ashaye; Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs Onikepe Olufunmilola Akande; and Chief Launcher and Managing Director, Emzor Pharmaceutical Plc, Mrs Stella Okoli, during the launch of Insurance in Practice: all you need to know about insurance in Nigeria.

Photo: YOMI AKINYELE

My Husband Changed My Personality Completely laws and regulations. For instance, you cannot have a house without insurance.

Because the mortgage system is very strong, you can’t but insure, everything is insured. Also, their service level, in terms of claims settlement, etc, is far, far better than what we see around here. Many things there are automated. In Nigeria, we are trying, but we are not there yet.”

With over three decades of experience in the insurance industry, BabingtonAshaye identifies the complex legal language of the insurance policies as the greatest challenge of insurance in Nigeria.

The complex language of insurance makes it difficult for many Nigerians to truly appreciate the implications of the insurance contracts they sign with insurers, she says. This has resulted in disputes, negative perception of insurance among Nigerians, and, ultimately, indifference to insurance.

Babington-Ashaye states, “Insurance in Practice: all you need to know about Insurance in Nigeria, was motivated by the desire not only to provide up-todate information about the insurance industry and its changing practices but more importantly, to communicate this new insurance information in a simple, understandable and everyday language devoid of the legal expressions associated with insurance policies, write-ups and books.”

The book also aims to communicate the value of insurance to the public. “When people do not see value in a product, it is difficult for you to convince them to buy it,” she says.

Fulfilment Babington-Ashaye feels a sense of fulfilment when she looks back at her achievements in the insurance industry.

“One that is not too far away was when I was made the chairman of the organising committee for the first inaugural national insurance conference, a conference for all the organisations in the country. It was a huge success. Even up till now, the template I set is still what they use every year,” she explains. “Also, when I was in Cornerstone, I was able to recapitalise the company within a short time of being managing director. That gives me a sense of fulfilment.

“When I sit back and think of what I

Victoria Ekhomu

have done in the past, I have no regret.”

But Babington-Ashaye says she finds the greatest fulfilment in her reminiscences about marriage to her late husband, Prince Adebajo BabingtonAshaye, a former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, who died five years ago. Her book is dedicated to him.

A markedly emotional tone advances rapidly in her voice as she discusses the place of her former husband in her life. “I thank God that He brought a wonderful man to my life, my husband of blessed memory, Prince Adebajo BabingtonAshaye,” she says. “He saw the potential in me and he was able to nurture me and give me the confidence that I needed. He always told me when I went to board

meetings, ‘those people don’t have two heads, tell them exactly the way you feel, don’t come back home to complain to me, I will not listen.’ He spurred me to do many things I thought I could not do. When I sit down and remember the role he played in my life, I’m happy God brought him to my life. God used him to bring out my potential, and because of that the book is dedicated to him.”

In hindsight, Babington-Ashaye advises young people on marriage. She says marrying her husband “was one decision I made that changed my perspective, personality completely. And I tell young people, marry right. If you don’t marry right, all the degrees you have will be thrown into the dustbin. You cannot afford to make a mistake in marriage.”

I thank God that He brought a wonderful man to my life, my husband of blessed memory, Prince Adebajo BabingtonAshaye,” she says. “He saw the potential in me and he was able to nurture me and give me the confidence that I needed… He spurred me to do many things I thought I could not do.

When I sit down and remember the role he played in my life, I’m happy God brought him to my life. God used him to bring out my potential, and because of that the book is dedicated to him

46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

POLITY Ebonyi APC Boils Again Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

I

t’s unimaginable that even as the All Progressives congress (APC) cruised to Aso Rock in victory following the 2015 presidential election, which ordinarily would have propelled the party in Ebonyi State to consolidate and bear true fruits in the politics of the state, the party has since busied itself pursing rat while the whole fold is gutted by inferno.

The party has already been gutted by leadership crisis which was created by the leaders of the party in the state, sponsored and exacerbated by the aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party members who defected to the Labour Party but could not find the succour they sought in the LP. The APC could not utilise its influences from the federal government to register its presence or wrest power from the ruling PDP in Ebonyi.

The problem with Ebonyi APC lies with the leaders of the defunct All Nigerians Peoples Party. The crisis started in 2011 between the governorship candidate of the defunct ANPP, Senator Julius Ucha and the National Chairman of the defunct ANPP and Minister of Science and technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. Both leaders have mutual grouses against each other.

Ucha claimed that Onu worked against his emergence as governor by compromising and under-utilising his position in favour of the PDP, so that power would be shifted to the South in 2015. Close source noted that Onu’s calculation was that if Ucha emerged the governor of the state in 2011, he would truncate the power equation, endangering the chances of Onu’s zone in producing the governor in 2015.

It was also rumoured that Onu was interested in the governorship position in 2015 and never wanted to gamble with the opportunity by supporting a fresh candidate. Instead, Onu silently allowed the former governor, Martin Elechi to complete his second tenure to allow power shift to the South against Ucha.

The frosty relationship between the two allies continued unabated till the merger talk became fruitful, though it gave rise to another hot political firework of who would control the mega party structure in Ebonyi State.

With Onu’s usual “gentleman” political lifestyle, Ucha carpeted him in the state congresses held in 2014. Though Onu is a respected elder statesman in the country, he has been challenged to mention his impacts in the development and growth of the party in the state.

Others challenged him to produce the results of his polling unit in the 2015 general elections.

But the drama in the whole scenario was that as Ucha controls the party in the state, Onu with his closeness to leaders of the merged parties and his contributions as the National Chairman of the then ANPP, was in full control of the APC national leadership.

During the 2014 congresses in Ebonyi, three factions conducted theirs but Ucha’s group was conducted by the five-man committee led

by Princess Adeshola Udu and monitored by

Dave Umahi independent assessors. With his disdain for Ucha, Onu allegedly rooted for one Patrick Igwe, as his factional chairman. When all hopes were dim for Igwe’s chairmanship, he collapsed into Ucha’s group led by Hon. Ben Nwobasi.

Nwobasi emerged the chairman of the 15-man state executives of the party while Pastor Eze Nwachukwu graciously emerged the state deputy chairman. After losing in his bid to unseat Nwobasi, Onu allegedly co-opted Nwachukwu to suspend his boss and take over the headship of the party.

Since the purported suspension, Nwobasi and Nwachukwu have continued to lay claim to the valid headship of the party. While Nwachukwu claimed that Nwobasi was suspended, the latter said that his purported suspension was illegal and unconstitutional.

But what baffles onlookers in the whole drama was if Nwobasi was genuinely suspended as Nwachukwu claimed; where and who were signatories to the suspension since all other state executives are solidly behind Nwobasi and they have consistently passed voted of absolute confidence on him?

Again, the state executives claimed to have signed Nwobasi’s suspension have reportedly sued Nwachukwu for forgery.

However, the crisis worsened after the 2015 general elections as aggrieved members of the PDP that defected to the LP teamed up with Onu’s faction to hijack the structure of the APC from Nwobasi. This fight was intensified with a parallel office allegedly rented by Onu for his rumoured 2019 presidential election; it is situated along Abakaliki-Afikpo Road, where all activities of the party’s faction take place.

Foreseeing the danger, Nwobasi’s group approached Ebonyi State High Court sitting in Abakaliki to stop the National Chairman of APC and the party, as defendants from tampering with the results of the Ward, Local government and state congresses held on April 11, 16 and 29 respectively.

On November 16, 2014, Justice A.A Nwaigwe granted the prayers of the plaintiffs, Joshua Nweke Friday (Chairman APC, Ekka Ward); Aliugo Christian C (secretary, APC Ishielu LGA) and Barrister S. N Nweke (Assistant Legal Adviser APC, Evonyi state) restraining the respondents (Oyegun and APC) from dissolving any ward, local or state executives of the APC elected during the Ward, local government and state congress held in the state pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Obviously piqued by the alleged nonadherence to the court order by Nwachukwu, Nwobasi and 13 other state executives in a signed letter dated March 3, 2017 addressed to the National chairman of APC and informed him (Oyegun) that asking Nwachukwu to act as Chairman while the matter is pending in court would amount to contempt of court and risk imprisonment. The executives maintained that the appropriate thing was for the elected chairman to continue to operate until it is proved that he has been removed constitutionally.

However, THISDAY gathered that Oyegun said his action of adopting Nwachukwu as Acting Chairman was for the best interest of the leaders of the party in the state.

The Nwobasi’s letter read, “Your Excellency, permit us to place on record that Mr. Nwachukwu’s claim to be the Acting Chairman is a project initiated, supported and promoted by Ogbonnaya Onu and Hon. Emma Eneukwu.

Both of them preferred and worked for one Patrick Igwe (now in PDP) who was defeated

by Ben Nwobasi during the state congress on April 29, 2014. Both of them have since then not hidden their desire to remove Hon. Ben Nwobasi from office either by fair or foul means. An objective and unbiased resolution of the Ebonyi matter can therefore not come from the South East Zonal chairman; neither can it come from any committee set up by him.

“The State Working Committee as presently constituted and led by Ben Nwobasi is a product of democratic decision. The present Ebonyi APC SEC/SWC participated fully in the National Convention that gave birth to the NEC/NWC which the South East Zonal Chairman, Mr. Emma Eneukwu is a member.

The same SEC also participated and conducted all primaries from state house of assembly candidates, National assembly candidates, the Governorship and Presidential. It is pertinent to note that the state chairman has worked tirelessly to reconcile all aggrieved members. I defer to Dr Onu as a respected leader and party elder. We have written several letters to see him but he turned it down”.

Nwobasi is surrounded by political heavyweight like the former member House of Representatives, Chief Tobias Okwuru and the National Coordinator of Buhari/Osinbajo Initiatives of Demonstrating Change, Comrade Chinedu Ogah. Their membership the APC has raised the fortunes of the party due to their landmark development and empowerment programmes.

Okwuru has described the crisis in the party as unfortunate and called on the national chairman to revisit the outcome of the 2014 congresses of the party in the state to determine the various agitations, while allowing the chairman to still continue with his official conducts.

Ogah, on his part noted that the only authentic chairman of the party in the state remains Ben Nwobasi, describing other claimant as “impostor”.

However, all attempts by party leaders in the South-East to settle the crisis that has bedeviled the party in Ebonyi have been unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has chided the Minister for Science and Technology for not living up to his expectations in attracting democratic dividends to the party in Ebonyi.

Okorocha’s reaction was sequel to the complaints by the stakeholders in the state that they were being schemed out from the employment and empowerment programmes of the federal government and inability to pay the rent of the party’s secretariat.

He noted that it was shocking and unbearable that Ebonyi has a full-fledged minister and the party could not pay N5m rent in the state.

The governor, who came on a familiarisation visit admonished the party members not to blame the President for sidelining the party in the state, noted that the appointment of Onu into the Federal Executive Council was to attract government presence to the party in the state. Represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Imo state house of assembly, Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo assured that all the issues raised would be addressed as soon as possible.

“The main aim of governance is to help people around you. I am the deputy Speaker of Imo state house of assembly is to help people around me. To use the position and help others.

In the 36 states of the federation, we have 13 major ministers and Ebonyi is one. It is bad that Ebonyi APC has such high profile minister and you are still complaining of marginalization from the Federal government.

“Our visit will definitely address these issues. We are here to know your problems and complaints. Ebonyi state should join hands and build APC to avoid being a minority in the South east. APC is waxing stronger and stronger,” Okorocha said.

Apart from attracting any federal government presence to the party, opinion in some quarters have rated the Minister low in representing the interest of Ebonyi state government.

Some contended that since Onu was appointed Minister, Ebonyi state has not witnessed any development from his ministry.

Oil Group Boosts Science Education in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

T

he quest of many brilliant students in the nation’s secondary schools to seek more knowledge in science education has remained a major task in view of the nonavailability of necessary science facilities that can enhance such commitment.

The situation, according to THISDAY checks, may not be their fault, as the appropriate authorities to put such science facilities on ground to encourage these students to seek more knowledge in science are not doing much.

Today in the nation’s secondary schools, science laboratories for subjects like Physics, chemistry, Biology, Agricultural science, among others are almost absent.

This has invariably denied many students with zeal for science to study courses like medicine, pharmacy, science laboratory science, among others.

This, however, has prompted many of these students to look for alternative ways to achieve their academic goals by either seeking courses in arts or social sciences that do not require much technicality like science subjects.

Piqued by this ugly situation, a group of oil companies in the country took upon itself

to rise up to the situation so as to encourage students to study science courses in the nation’s universities.

The group called Agbami Group, comprises five major oil companies- NNPC, Petrobras, Statoil, Famfa oil, and Chevron.

Though, the group regards the rising up as one of their social responsibilities to the society at large but they also believe that it is meant to complement the government’s efforts to improve the development of science education in the country.

In view of this, the group moved around Kwara State, and decided to put up a structure at Gbani Comprehensive College, Isanlu- Isin in Isin local government council.

The structure put in place include a 40-seaterBiology laboratory, 40-seater chemistry laboratory, 40-seater physics laboratory, fume chamber, the chemicals, standard furniture and borehole water for use in the laboratory and in the community.

Speaking at the commissioning and handover ceremony of the project to the school, in Isanlu Isin, a representative of one of the donors, Star Deep Water Petroleum Company Limited, a Chevron company, Mr. Michael Kabi said the project was meant to improve and encourage educational standard, especially science education among students in the state.

Kabi, who said that the focus of the group was in areas of education, health and economic development, added that “areas of intervention have not been limited to oil producing areas alone, as the whole country is seen as a community.

“Because it’s a global brand, best practices are deployed. Yes, Isanlu Isin is not a oil producing area, but the group sees Nigeria as its corporate entity. The laboratory is not just a structure, its fully equipped in line with world standard.”

On impact of the project on students in communities where they were earlier sited, he said there had been improvement in grades of science students, because they see everything they are taught physically, adding that it was no longer the issue of alternative to practical.

Also, the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed lauded the gesture of the group, saying that their contributions to science education in the state would go a long way to encourage more students to pursue science related courses in the nation’s universities.

Ahmed, who was represented by the deputy governor, Elder Peter Kishra, also restated his commitment to collaborate with relevant organisations in his drive to develop the state.

Ahmed noted that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of provid-

ing social amenities for the people hence the need to partner with private organisations and agencies in meeting the needs of the citizens.

He pledged the readiness of the government to maintain and sustain projects provided by the company in the State particularly in Eruku and Isanlu-Isin towns.

He commended Chevron for its good job and for scholarship given to indigenes of the State and across the country.

Ahmed thanked the group for its effort in the education sector and for the provision of amenities in the State, urging it to sustain the tempo.

The principal of the school, Mr. Abolarin Tunde, in his remark, said that benefits of the science laboratory are immeasurable to the community and a pleasant blessing to the country in general.

The principal, who said that the school was already witnessing increase in student population with the building of the structure, hoped that the school would have more science students enrolment within the next few years, including government’s attention.

Abolarin, who called on other individuals and corporate bodies to intervene in the development of education in the area, said that such private interventions were capable of making impact on other communities in the country.

47

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

POLITY

Trump’sTravel Ban and the Rights of Green Card Holders Nedum C. Ejiogu

W

hen President Trump’s initial immigration executive order declaring a travel ban was issued, one of the most critical concerns was how the ban would affect Permanent Residents or Green Card holders. This Order titled: “Executive Order Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” essentially provides for: a) A 90-day suspension from entry into the United States of anyone from seven predominantly Muslim countries namely Syria, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia; B) A 120-day suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Program(USRAP); C) An indefinite ban on Syrian refugees; D)Prioritization of entry for religious minorities facing persecution in their countries; E)Case

by Case exceptions to the suspensions.

This Order was an apparent step toward fulfilling a key campaign promise to introduce “extreme vetting” for Immigrants and refugees entering the United States.

Confusion and chaos quickly arose as implementation commenced, primarily because of arbitrary and poor enforcement of the ban. Homeland security personnel were not given proper directives on implementation and enforcement. Many Green Card holders and persons with valid visas were refused entry; some were sent back to their home countries or the countries from which their flights originated while others were detained. Many complained of and protested against a palpable groundswell of anti- immigrant sentiments at the airports and border posts which gave impetus to arbitrariness and excesses. So many persons with Permanent residency status and valid visas from countries not listed in the ban were subjected to ill-treatment.

Following the hue and cry and the successful court challenges, a revised executive order was issued by the president. Unlike the original travel

Trump ban, the new ban in the amended order does not apply to US Green Card holders and citizens of Iraq although “additional scrutiny” is still proposed.

Furthermore, the ban does not apply to persons with valid visas; persons with such other valid documents that are not visas but permit entry into the US such as “Advance Parole” documents which allow entry for humanitarian reasons; asylum holders and previously admitted refugees as well as individuals granted protection under the convention against torture; hardship cases where waivers may, on a case by case basis, be granted where it is determined that refusal of entry would cause undue hardship and where such entry would not threaten national security and would be in the national interest.

The infringement upon the rights of permanent residents (Green card holders) was arguably the most topical and widely condemned aspect of the ban- the

reason the subject is the primary focus of this writing.

When you become a permanent resident, you acquire certain legal and constitutional rights and feel relatively more secure in the hierarchy of visa holders. Yours is referred to as “Immigrant Visa” while other visa categories are referred to as “nonimmigrant visas’’.

You are thrust on the path of citizenship and enjoy most of the rights of a citizen; so the idea of an arbitrary ban in which your due process right as well your right of protection from religion-based discrimination is under severe threat of violation was viewed by many in the Immigration law circles, the political class, the private sector and the immigrant community as excessive, counterproductive and dysfunctional.

It is for the foregoing reasons that I join the legion of legal commentators in continuing to raise the level of publicity and awareness of the legal and constitutional rights of a United States Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder.

These rights include but are not limited to the following: 1.)To reside permanently, anywhere in the US as long as you do not engage in any conduct that will make you removable/ deportable under the US Immigration law. 2.) To be lawfully employed anywhere in the US except where the jobs are, by law, reserved for US citizens.

3.) Under the Fifth Amendment, a permanent resident has the right “not to be deprived of liberty without due process of law”. Several reports of due process violations and arbitrary exercise of authority arising from the ban violate the fifth and fourteen amendments of the US constitution. 4.) The right to Equal Protection of laws derived from the fifth and fourteen amendments.

Singling out a class of persons who are lawfully admissible into the US on the basis of their religion and nationality for denial of immigration benefits is unconstitutional. Here the ban was focused on a select group of Muslim countries. 5.)

First amendment rights of religious freedom and protection from discrimination including protection from government establishment of religion. The Homeland Security Secretary being asked

under the executive order to “prioritize” refugee claims by members of a “minority religion” faces credible constitutional challenges of first amendment violation.

6.) The right to apply for citizenship and become a citizen upon meeting the eligibility criteria. 7.) The right to own property and apply for Driver’s License in the United States. 8.) The right to obtain such government benefits as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid benefits if eligible. 9. The right to leave and return to the United States under prescribed conditions. 10.)

The right to join certain branches of the US armed forces.

A Green Card holder has almost all the same rights as a US citizen except the right to bear arms (second amendment); the right to run for a federal office and the right to vote. As of the date of this writing, news of the first successful legal challenge to the revised ban has just come in but the battle is far from over as the matter will most likely be resolved at the Supreme Court. The President’s broad powers over foreign affairs matters under Article II of the US constitution must be kept in view. Section 212 (F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states: “Whenever the President finds that the entry of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he may deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrant’s or impose on the entry of aliens, any restrictions he may deem appropriate.” However, a 1965 amendment to the same law provides that:” No person shall receive any preference or priority or be discriminated against in the issuance of an immigrant visa because of the person’s race, sex, nationality, place of birth or place of residence.

With the rights here-in enumerated, especially the constitutional rights, it is fair to state that the immigration benefits to which Green Card Holders are legally entitled is unlikely to be threatened by the executive order.

–Ejiogu is an Immigration Attorney in The United States

Abuja Airport Closure: Blessing to HBC Resort, Others

T Justina Uzo

he recent closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for comprehensive repair of its runway and diversion of flights to Kaduna airport might have opened a new window of business opportunity in the popular north central state.

Tourism operators in its neighbour – Jaji, Makurdi, Katsina, Kafanchan and Jos – have also quickly latched on the increased population of travellers to boost trade and revenue.

Various tourist attractions in Jos, Nigeria’s hub of tin-mining, such as Jos Museum, Jos zoo, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru; Nigerian Agricultural School and Health Body (HBC) Resort, in recent times, have continually recorded a rise in the number of visitors or travellers who come to make a stop at the health farm (HBC) in order to reduce stress. Jos, also described as “Land of peace and Tourism”, some of the visitors said, became their

Judith Ogedengbe

fascination because of its temperate weather, friendly cultures, amazing wildlife and scenic beauty.

Managing Director of HBC Resort, a rendezvous of health enthusiasts and business travellers, Mrs. Judith Ogedengbe, while speaking to our correspondent on the effect of stress to health of travellers who arrive Kaduna airport and set forth for another journey stated: “As more people will be travelling from Kaduna airport to other parts of the country, it means they will have to cope with stress. They need to relax because if they don’t have time for themselves, they may have health issues”.

Meanwhile, tourists worry about the security of Jos because of its history of ethnic clashes but Ogedengbe allays their pathological fears: “We had pockets of crises, but that was in the past. Jos is safe now”, she joyfully announced.

Security issues notwithstanding, places of tourists’ interest as at last week, continued to play host to visitors. Like mecca of sorts, maybe because of its facilities - suites, a spa, a gymnasium, restaurant that serves full meals, assorted drinks and cocktails – was HBC Resort whose private areas

for meetings and a concierge service are grand enough to make it one of the “Top 100 Best Hotels in Nigeria’, a recent award it got from Africa Travel Magazine.

But the character of BHC Resort as an organisation which offers critical health services and wellness programmes has attracted many tourists to its picturesque highland if the response of one of them, Ibrahim Sanni, a soldier is considered.

He told our correspondent, “I am at the HBC Resort to improve my health because it has facilities for recuperation, colon irrigation (washing of large intestine), hot massage, acqua therapy and sliming programme”. Obese Sanni might have come for slimming programme because of the new rule that Nigerian soldiers must be trim and fit or get discharged unceremoniously.

What is seemingly a bonanza to tourist operators in Kaduna and its neighbours may last for the almost two months the repair of the Abuja airport terminal is billed to take. Hopefully, many will remember the exercise as a bonus to tourism. HBC Resort is situated at Vom Road, Jos.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

EVENT

NFPWA: Raising the Bar in Safety and Risk Management Many professionals in building, construction and information technology do not know how to mitigate risks. But Roland Ngong, Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee of the National Fire Protection Association of West Africa, NFPWA Life, Fire and Safety Conference, says modules to be taught at the conference will take care. Labake Fashogbon reports

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Exciting Prospects oland Ngong, the Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee of the National Fire Protection Association West Africa, NFPAWA, 2017 Life, Fire and Safety Conference is sure excited about his assignment. Ngong is also a top notch of Safety Consultants and Solutions Providers Limited, the Lagos-based fire and safety outfit which is coordinating the conference. He is not just excited. He is because he knows the conference is meant to let business owners know that the essence of business continuity does not depend on financial stability alone but how much the business is able to manage its operational risks. According to him, it is not enough to be talking to the head of safety and environment of a company but it is important to also engage those who are decision makers within an organisation.

“We are looking beyond engaging middle cadre officers,” Ngong explained during a briefing. “While the conference might be for them, we equally want business owners to buy into it. We want them to see operational risks management as being germain to business continuity.

We want them to internalised certain benchmarks which are to be adhered to in operational risks management.”

Safeguarding Information Technology Backbones The world is increasingly becoming dependent on the internet. Currently, more than 45% of the world population is connected to the internet, and this number is growing across the globe. In Nigeria, the number of internet users (corporate, public and private sector inclusive) has grown from less than a million in 2003 to over 80 million in 2016.

The growth in Internet utilisation grows increasingly relevant to our daily lives, and this extrapolate to all sectors of the nation’s economy. The Internet has not only revolutionized modern approach to governance but also transformed the way essential services are provided. As private and public organizations continuously migrate their operations and services online, modern industrial facilities and production systems are becoming increasingly connected to computer networks for their control and security.

Facilities that provide IT, data and telecommunication services are classified as mission critical facilities. Mission-critical facilities, such as data and telecommunications centers, must maintain operations without interruption. To best manage these risks, Ngong said business owners and champions must ensure that their ICT design, implementation and operations and maintenance understand the required standard and codes and best practices to prevent interruption.

“It is important for every leader to understand this and ensure that ability of his or her team in the strategic concepts of risk mitigation in planning, compliance, maintenance and availability are adequate,” he explained.

Giving insight into some of the modules to be taught by experts during the conference in the area of protecting and maintaining these mission-critical facilities without interruption, Ngong said one of this is security risk management. Explaining, he said this module is designed to provide guideline security risk management and proffer solutions for cross sectoral safety risk management.

It covers security planning, administra-

From left: Antonia Beri, Lead Consultant, Safety Consultants and Solution Providers Limited, Roland Ngong, general manager and vice-president of the organising committee of National Fire Protection Association West Africa, NFPAWA Life, Fire and Safety Conference, and Femi Young, executive director, Safety Consultants, at the media briefing for the coming NFPAWA conference

tive controls, security perimeters, crime prevention through environmental design, security systems, and accessory property.

It also presents specific requirements for educational facilities; health care; lodging, multi-dwelling unit buildings, restaurants, shopping centers, retail establishments, office buildings, and industrial facilities.

Protecting Mission-Critical Components The module outline is NFPA 75 which is about Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment.

This standard, Ngong explains, covers the requirements for the protection of information technology equipment and information technology equipment areas from fire damage or its associated effects: smoke, corrosion, heat and water.

What this module addresses include application which is based on risk considerations including business interruption aspects of the functions and the fire threat to the installation.

It also deals with specific criteria like construction requirements, materials and equipment, construction of information technology equipment, fire protection and detection equipment, records kept or stored in IT equipment rooms, utilities, and emergency and recovery procedures.

“The NFPA 76 which is Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities provides requirements for fire protection of telecommunications facilities providing telephone, data, internet transmission, wireless, and video services to the public as well as life safety for the occupants plus protection of equipment and service continuity,” Ngong explained Ngong explained further what the module will address during the conference. Telecommunications facilities include signal processing equipment areas, cable entrance facility areas, power areas and battery spaces, main distribution frame area, standby engine areas, technical support areas, administrative areas, building services and support areas occupied by a telecommunications service provider When asked who are expected to attend

the aspect of the conference where this module will be taught, Ngong said these are mechanical and electrical consultants, ICT/telecom facility maintenance teams, ICT/telecom regulatory agencies, ICT/ telecom operators, insurance underwriters, ICT/telecom engineers, critical Infrastructure Managers and fire system consultants/ implementers.

Ngong said there are benefits that are derivable by participants. He reeled these out.

“Individual Participants in our May 2017 programs will be issued certificates to be used as supporting documentation for CPD points required for NICET certification.

This applies to the ‘Additional Education’ section of NICET Policy #30 on Continuing Professional Development that allows for CPD points for education to advance, broaden and enhance technical knowledge and job skills. Certificates will also comply with International Code Council (ICC) CEU requirements for ICC approved training courses. ICC CEU’s are assigned based on 0.1 CEU per training contact hour.”

‘Safety is Key in Construction Ngong said there is another module for building and construction engineers.

This module is designed for participants engaged in all sizes of building and construction project safety management.

“It provides requirements for those constructions, protection, and occupancy features necessary to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare and minimize injuries. Design criteria regulate and control the permitting; design; construction, alteration, and repair; quality of materials; equipment and systems; use and occupancy; demolition; location; and maintenance of all types of buildings and structures.

Separate chapters address issues specific to individual occupancy types, structural features, building materials, and building systems. A performance-based option is also included. The chosen standards is NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Codes.”

Looking Beyond Middle Cadre Professionals In an earlier interview with THISDAY Newspapers, Femi Young, an American trained safety consultant and executive director Safety Consultants and Solutions Providers Limited, said the strategic importance of Nigeria as the nerve of business in West Africa with a very diverse and dense population makes the mandate of all stakeholders involved in her macroeconomic development commanding and important.

“The vision to become the hub in West Africa means Nigeria most aim at standardisation and compliance in operational risk management in life, Fire safety and Security.

The critical role of assurance that the BCP both in private enterprise and public sector is adequately underwritten based on tested benchmarks, standards and best practices is key to sustainability. So what we are trying to do is to drive this so that business continuity is held at paramount top. And the only way we can do this is by setting standards and benchmarks and best practices.”

When asked how a chief executive officer of a company would be convinced to see operational risks management as part of business continuity plan, Young said they should naturally be convinced because they are at the core of those responsible for the survival of the business in the first place. And operational risks are key to any business survival.

“The managing director and the directors in the board room are really as part of their mandate is business continuity plan.

It is their core duty.

The question is this: how do we make sure that all aspects of that business drive towards the same goal. You can have the head of your HSE person who is just following rules to do the job. Does he fully appreciate that what he is doing is enhancing the continuity of the business? So from the MDs and the directors, since business continuity is their core agenda, they must ensure that everyone in the corporation must be doing things towards that goal.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

49

MARITIME BITS

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JOHN IWORI 08057763164

Former member, Board of Trustees (BOT), Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and Managing Director/CEO, Air Sea Freighters Limited, Sir Enoch Iwueze (middle) and other guests at a party organised in honour of the Chairman, BOT, ANLCA, Chief Henry Njoku in Port Harcourt…recently

R-L: The Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Badagry Command, Mr. Essien Udotong and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Customs Area Controller (CAC), Western Marine Command (WMC), Comptroller Yusuf Umar displaying some of the cannabis sativa seized by men and officers of WMC at its operational headquarters, Ibafon, Apapa, Lagos...recently

Peterside: One Year After How time flies. It is one year since Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside was appointed the Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). To say the least, the appointment of the former gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State during the 2015 general election was with mixed feelings.

While some accepted the former member of the House of Representatives, others kicked against it. There is no doubt that Peterside’s appointment raised dust in some quarters as some stakeholders in the maritime saw him as an outsider who knows little or nothing about the shipping sector of the economy. Those opposed to his appointment cited the provisions of the NIMASA Act 2007 which made clear on who qualifies to be appointed as the helmsman of the multi-billion naira regulatory agency.

However, those in support of his appointment cited his pedigree. They argued that since it

‘Our Operations are Based on Intelligence’

is a political appointment, the president is at liberty to appoint whoever he chooses to be the helmsman of the agency. Apart from his credentials, they enumerated the enormous experience and exposure Peterside has acquired as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council and the House of Representatives.

One year after, has Peterside performed? Has he delivered on the mandate given to him as the Director General of NIMASA? What has he done so far to curb piracy and other illegalities in Nigeria territorial waters? These and many more questions popped up as Peterside clocked one year in office. In a score card he presented at a world press conference to mark his one year in office in Lagos early this week, Peterside stated that he has put in a place a completely new work ethic and energy in the agency.

According to him, he had the mandate from President Mohammadu Buhari to go and reform NIMASA. This we have initiated by first of all knowing that NIMASA cannot work under

Co-ordinator of the Comptroller General’s Compliance Team, Mr. Musa Ibrahim Jalo has said his team is not a parallel squad to the area commands across the country.

Jalo, an Assistant Comptroller (AC) explained that the new creation which looks ad-hoc is to complement the efforts of the Customs Area Controllers (CACs) in the states.

“We are working in concert with the commands to nip smuggling in the bud”, he said.

He said to give credence to this unity of purpose, the team has recovered more than half a billion naira as revenue through the issuance of debit notes (DN) to importers who were not able to pay appropriate duties or who had the knack to evade such duties.

“For instance, Comptroller Haruna is in charge of Federal Operations Unit (FOU). I am under him.

We work hand-in-hand and we compliment their efforts”, he said. He stated that the team mandate is to suppress smuggling through the land borders, seaports and airports.

According to him, though we do not have our men at the airports, but on information they can strike at any moment. The success of this assignment is based on information and for you to get quality intelligence you have to invest in it.

The Co-ordinator assured that all the logistics to make for a smooth operation has been provided by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

On the ways and manners of its approach to sourcing of revenue, he said when a containerized cargo is arrested and it is discovered that appropriate duty was not paid, his team was empowered to issue an order for an upgrade in the revenue through the instrument of a DN which is thereafter forwarded to the FOU or any command for payment.

Since the inauguration of the team in July last year, several goods have been intercepted and valued at millions of naira, they include thousands of bags of rice, vehicles including bullet proof cars, poultry products, vegetable oil, hides and skin as well as imported furniture.

According to the co-ordinator, most of the seizures made were based on co-ordinated information. We trail the people right from the source. For instance, the importers or smugglers of these cars are trailed from the Republic of Benin up to a safer area where we can arrest. Like you know, we are not to arrest anything that is not on Nigeria’s soil. So we devote time to trail the smugglers. It is not an easy job but we are attacking the challenges head on.

the defunct structures of JOMALIC and NMA. We also noticed that NIMASA had resourceful members of staff but needed motivation and this we have started by the reorientation of the staff. We have introduced a professional and leadership series to grow capacity of staff, thus developing a new work ethics in the agency.

We are by this process reforming the work ethics of the staff for better service delivery.

He explained that the medium term strategic growth plan he initiated when he was appointed was built around his core mission at NIMASA which is to reform, restructure and reposition the agency for sustainable growth and development of the maritime industry.

“The strategy document is built on five pillars including survey, inspection and certification transformation programme; environment, security and search and rescue transformation programme; as well as capacity building and promotional initiatives which entail growing indigenous tonnage, ship building and human

NSC, NMLA Join Forces to Develop Maritime Law Curriculum In a bid to attain the sustainable development of the maritime industry especially in the area of capacity building maritime lawyers, the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) have announced their intention to join forces to develop curriculum for admiralty law. The two organisations stated that their collaboration in developing a curriculum for maritime law would enhance the availability of knowledge in the discipline.

The Executive Secretary of NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello said this when members of the NMLA paid a courtesy visit to Shippers Plaza, the corporate headquarters of the council recently.

Bello urged NMLA to support NSC mandate on the introduction of maritime law as a course study in Nigerian universities and urged NMLA to participate in the development of the curriculum.

He stated that the NSC has been directed by the Justice of the Supreme Court, Tanko Mohammed to champion the introduction of the basics of maritime law in curriculum of all universities especially in faculty of laws in Nigeria in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC).

He also said the NSC would collaborate with NMLA to ensure that some maritime laws which are moribund are reviewed to make them more dynamic and predictable to enhance the growth of the industry and to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

His words: “There are some laws that are moribund. We are going to change these laws to provide laws that are dynamic and predictable and make for economic expansion. The engine room of reforms in the maritime law in Nigeria has always been the Nigeria maritime law association. They have reformed a lot of laws so we are latching on to the experience and resourcefulness of the association to bring positive changes to align the maritime law to our economic advancement.

The ease of doing business is paramount in this administration. The Shippers Council and the association will

give all the necessary support so that we will have our ranking up in the ease of doing business and cost of business”.

President of NMLA, Mr. Chidi Ilogu (SAN) in his remarks stated that the association would put in efforts to support the initiative of including maritime laws in universities.

Ilogu assured that NMLA in collaboration with the NSC will work to provide the necessary legal support and the enlightenment that the National Assembly will need to ensure quick passage of maritime laws.

“On lectures on maritime law, we would be happy to do that. We are actually doing a few in some of the universities and we would be happy to do more and we will do our best to support although sometimes it is not easy,” he said.

While advocating the need for training for the legislators, Ilogu said inadequate knowledge of the maritime industry is one of the reasons why some maritime bills are delayed.

“There is a barrage of issues that confront the lawmakers. They have so many draft bills they need to consider and sometimes they do not give priority to some of those that should be given priorities and that is why we see some of these delays.

“I believe that with some enlightenment and training from the maritime industry they will give more attention to maritime bills which are actually of paramount importance to the industry as at now,” he said.

According to Ilogu, NMLA would continue to partner with the NSC and other government agencies to enhance the ease of doing business and move the maritime sector forward.

In his contribution, Mr. Mike Igbokwe, SAN emphasized the need for government to review some maritime policies as well as provide a conducive atmosphere for the sector to thrive.

He explained that the sector does do not have certain maritime policies put in place as most of the bills are still pending at the National Assembly.

capacity. Others are digital transformation strategy; and structural and cultural reforms including changes to work ethic and attitude of staff as well as processes and procedures”, he said.

Among other things, Peterside has been accredited with a number of strides since he took the mantle of leadership. These include the devolution of powers to the zonal offices of the agency; subjecting the agency to regular International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS); and the promotion of over 300 staff whose promotion has been pending for years.

He is also credited with the rebranding of the agency, securing the approval to build new zonal offices in the Eastern and Central parts of the country, full automation of NIMASA operational and payment processes, as well as the excellent implementation of the ISPS Code which led to the commendation of the United States of America (USA) Coast Guard.

INTELS: We Have Nothing to do with OGFZA Act Amendment’ One of the concessionaires in the nation’s seaports, Intels Nigeria Limited has said it has nothing to do with the propose amendment of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) Act in the National Assembly.

The firm which is the concessionaire of the nation’s seaports situated in Onne, Rivers State; Calabar, Cross River State; Warri, Delta State also stated that there was no iota of truth in the rumours making rounds that it has sacked Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

It maintained that it was fake news that its CEO has been sacked. It insisted that contrary to what detractors want the unsuspecting public to believe, the helmsman of the company has not been sacked.

He advised journalists to cross-check their facts before rushing to the press to avoid misleading the public.

Describing the allegations that it was sponsoring the proposed bill to amend the OGFZA Act as “ridiculous, preposterous and laughable”, the media consultant to the company, Mr. Bolaji Akinola said those behind the allegation are “disgruntled elements” who are not interested in the advancement of the oil and gas sector of the economy.

His words: “It is an insult on our Distinguished and Honourable members of the National Assembly for anyone or group to insinuate that they are being tele guided by a company to do their job. Nigeria is endowed with highly intelligent and patriotic lawmakers who have engaged themselves studiously to enact laws that will advance good governance and the nation’s economic well-being. It is therefore totally wrong for anyone to suggest that they are doing the bidding of a corporate entity. It is a great insult.”

Akinola explained that since public hearings are part of the process of law making, those who are not happy with the proposed amendment should send their positions to the legislature.

“The desperation and guerrilla tactics these few people have resorted to over the proposed OGFZA Bill amendment are uncalled for. They are at liberty to simply send their positions in support or against the amendment to the distinguished lawmakers rather than trying to disparage the law making process or trying to discredit an innocent organization that is fully occupied with making its contributions to the nation’s economic advancement. As a law abiding corporate citizen of this country, we have submitted ourselves to regulation and will continue to cooperate fully with authorised government agencies.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 25, 2017

MediA & MARketing

How Goldberg Uses Culture to Bond with Consumers

with

KASIE ABONE 08057511558 (sms only)

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n a market that is bogged by multiple marketing challenges including recession, stiff competition, consumer brands devise new strategic ways to stay relevant, authentic, differentiated as well as bond with consumers.

For newly repackaged Goldberg Beer which has adorned the tag “Your Excellency” the brand is rapidly evolving into a cultural icon as it seeks new methods and motivation to connect and engage with its audiences.

The brand from the stables of Nigeria Breweries Plc explores the cultural connection to attract its audience especially in the South West, its key target market.

The brand engaged traditional drummers in a competition to stimulate and promote the rich cultural heritage of the people which took place at Ikare Akoko Ondo State. The aim of the competition was to create brand engagement which value will naturally draw customers to the brand by choice. In addition winners were rewarded with various cash prizes.

Aje Olokun drummers beat other competitors to win the grand prize of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N250, 000).

The second position with a cash prize of N150, 000 and third prize of N100, 000 were won by Afunbiokun Drummers and Aloyinlapa Group respectively. Consolation prizes of N50, 000 each went to Omolere and Heritage Groups.

The contest at Ikare Akoko was the third of the drummers’ competition in the ongoing Goldberg Excellency Tour, following the Abeokuta, Ilorin and Ado Ekiti editions. The tour will also visit lle lfe in Osun State and Benin City in Edo State in the next editions.

The traditional drummers contest started with a procession through

Gboyega Omotoyinbo, Nigerian Breweries Key Distributor in Ekiti State presenting a cheque of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira to Ayan-Gbayi Group, winner of the first prize in the Goldberg Excellency Tour at Ado-Ekiti. With them are Taiwo Okunade, Area Sales Manager, Nigeria Breweries Plc (1st from left); Abiodun Isikaye, Chairman, Prosperious Royal Hotel & Bar, Ado-Ekiti (1st from right) and Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc (3rd from right)

some streets of Ikare Akoko and it attracted a large turnout of residents who trooped to the venue of the contest to witness what they described as a new dawn in cultural rejuvenation among the Yourbas.

Speaking at the finale, the Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr.

Funso Ayeni, stated that the Goldberg Excellent Excellency Tour which is also scheduled for Ado Ekiti, Ile Ife and Benin City, is part of the brand’s effort strategic plan to promote the cultural values of the Yorubas.

He added that in line with the brand’s ethos, the successful event in lkare Akoko also helped to promote

Jobberman Lists MediaReach OMD Among Nigeria’s Work Friendly Companies

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f all media agencies in Nigeria mediaReach OMD, a Lagos based media buying agency, has been listed among work friendly environments in Nigeria. The agency was ranked number 35 in Jobberman’s 2017 report of Top 100 Best Companies to work for in Nigeria.

Annually, Jobberman, Nigeria’s leading job cum career portal reviews the best places to work in the country as well as provides a comprehensive rating of employee satisfaction and commitment across employers in Nigeria.

The third in its series, this year’s report focused on identifying, recognising and celebrating the top employers in Nigeria as rated by employees and professionals. In coming up with the report, the portal conducted an online survey with experts across all industries utilising its over two million database of entry-level job seekers and seasoned professionals. It also reached out through email, social media, and partner channels. The survey responsewasmeasuredacrossvariousparameters including job satisfaction, career growth prospects, work-life balance, staff welfare, equal opportunity policy, company culture among othercriteria.

Commenting on the findings, mediaReach OMD, ExecutiveDirectorandChiefOperatingOfficer,Mr. Alaba Fadero , expressed delight over the report.

“We are very delighted about this recognition considering our 17 years investment in our most important assets – ‘Our people’, through constant intensivetraininganddevelopmentinitiativesand we shall continue to strive to promote working conditions driven by merit and values of business integrity.” He said. We are also happy to see most of our Clients who we currently work for or have worked with in the past also featuring in the list of top 100.”

Skipper Eye-Q Rolls Out Plan to Improve Eye Care

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kipper Seil Group in partnership with Eye-Q has unveiled a stateof-the-art facility, Skipper Eye-Q Super Speciality Eye Hospital, in Lagos. The aim is to improve the standard of healthcare in Nigeria by providing standard diagnostic, medical, surgical and optical ophthalmic services.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Founder, Eye-Q Eye Super Speciality Hospital, India, Dr. Ajay Sharma, who rolled out various plans of the hospital to improve eye care services in Nigeria, said the hospital was established to assist Nigerians with visual impairments regain their sight and to also save them the trouble of travelling abroad for treatment. Sharma, one of the most renowned eye surgeons in India, said having such a facility in Nigeria was long

overdue considering the fact that 4.5 million adults in Nigeria aged 40 years and above, were visually impaired or blind, based on the National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey conducted in 2005-2007.

He said: “In a bid to enable more people to access medical care, the JV-Skipper Eye-Q Nigeriaaims to improve medical services in the region.

It is committed to deliver its services using the most advanced, progressive and highest standards of quality eye care at affordable price and we have a team of highly qualified and experienced ophthalmologists to provide the best possible service.”

To support Nigeria achieve the global eye health action plan 2014–2019 which seeks to reduce avoidable visual impairment Sharma said $20 million will be invested in establishment of 30

more eye centres across the country in the next few years.Already, he said Skipper Eye-Q Super Specialty Eye Hospital had started partnering with four states in the country; Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Cross River to improve their ophthalmology clinics and upgrade their facilities.

According to him, the hospital will be involved in the training of Nigerian doctors with ultramodern facilities on surgeries and different eye care so as to enhance their performance and services. Apart from offering Corporate Social Responsibility services, Sharma also noted that the hospital will be creating jobs for Nigerians.

Commissioning the hospital, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade said the state-ofthe-art facilities will afford Nigerian doctors opportunity to upgrade their knowledge in eye care services.

local talent, as the competition brought out the best skills from the performers who see the contest as an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills.

Overall winning team leader, Mr. Ayanbisi Timothy, expressed joy while attributing their victory to God and hard work.

Glo’s Professor Johnbull More Than Entertainment

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twasnotjustaboutentertainment,Globacoms sponsored drama series, Professor Johnbull has a bit further by teaching parents and their children some moral lessons. Bogged by “Get Rich Quick” malaiee which bedevils our society the sitcom has risen to the challenge by educating Nigerians on the need to live by the rules and shun acts that will bring the family and by extension the country to disrepute.

The new episode of the sitcom which aired on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV Channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday, was titled: “My Pikin Don Hammer”, and harped on the need for parents to query the sources of wealth of their wards before celebrating them. The repeat broadcast aired on the same stations last night.

The Executive Producer of the TV Series, directed

by Tchidi Chikere, said that “we are of firm belief that the society will be well off, if parents and guardians alike take time to interrogate the sources of wealth of their children and wards toserveasmoralguideonthoseyoungelements”.

“The prevailing insecurity in the society today and the legion of criminal acts and venal practices common in our society is as a result of the tendency of the people to get rich by all means possible.

When a society fails to inculcate moral value on its people, the result can be catastrophic and we are more than convinced that if the society interrogates every facet of the lifestyles of its people, it will be better off. “My Pikin Don Hammer” is a call to action and we are confident that the viewing public will find the episode moralistic enough,” the statement added.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2017

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 25, 2017

POLITY

BEDC Restores Electricity to Ogwashi-Uku after 7 Years Outage Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

and safety checks continue in earnest.

The restoration process started with a town hall meeting organised by the memhere was mass jubilation by residents bers of Ogwashi-Ukwu D-Forum in collaboration with the management of BEDC of Ogwashi-Uku community Headquarters of Aniocha-South Local led by the Chief State Head (Delta), Mr. Government area of Delta State over Ernest Edgar, the Business Manager, Asaba the weekend as Benin Electricity Distribu- Business Unit, Engr, Adekola Abiodun and tion Plc (BEDC) restored power to the area his technical team among others.

The town- hall meeting had in attenthat have being without supply for over dance delegates from the various quarters seven years. and sub-clans that make up Ogwashi- Uku The restoration according to BEDC’s and environs was meant to brief the plan is expected to be extended to other residents on the extent of job done so far residents of Ogwashi-Uku in due course as more transformers will be metered and which included, the completion of re- enuenergized in the coming days as enumera- meration in some areas, the installation of transformer statistical meters as initiated tion revalidation, network rehabilitation

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7th Day Adventist Church Members Donate Blood

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s part of the activities marking its 2017 Global Youth Day celebration, the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Lagos has concluded plans to mobilize its members for free blood donation.

The event, which is expected to be flagged-off by representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the National Youth Council of Nigeria, will hold on Sunday March 26, 2017 from 9.00am at its Head Quarters located at 524 Ikorodu Road, Maryland Lagos.

Elder Olajide John, the Youth Director of the Church, in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos, said over 500 members would participate in the blood donation while the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Services would be the blood bank partner.

The Youth Director disclosed that the members, in the last 3 years, had donated over 600 pints of blood to various blood banks in Lagos.

He highlighted some of the benefits of blood donation which include the joy of saving human lives, reduction of the harmful iron stored in the body, reduced risk of

developing cancer and heart attack, among others.

Pastor Jimoh Ibraheem, the Conference Pastor of the Church assured that the blood donation would be an annual event and noted other activities lined up for the day “we have made arrangements to conduct various medical tests and screening for interested participants at no cost”. These tests according to him include Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Malaria, Cervical Cancer Screening, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Level checks.

In his remarks, Mr. Gbenga Ogunsola, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter commended the initiative and called on other institutions to join this cause.

The Global Youth Day is an Evangelism and Community Service initiative of the Seventh Day Adventist Church which is observed worldwide. The day is set aside to touch people’s lives, especially the less privileged. During this period, the church makes donations to orphanages and communities where they are located.

by the company at no cost to the Community among other on- going process.

The Chief State Head, Delta, Mr Ernest Edgar in his speech, expressed shock at the level of vandalism of the network in spite of rehabilitation work carried out

by BEDC in June 2016), and pleaded with the community leaders to work with the company to educate the public on the need to protect the equipment.

He further emphasized the need to re-orientate and sensitise the residents through safety lectures as delivered

by BEDC Safety Manager, Mr. Gilbert.

Nweke who enlightened the delegates on basic safety tips to be disseminated to their people in readiness for the gradual restoration of power in phases to the various areas.

This approach he explained, will create the needed awareness to gradually introduce the residents to the reality of the restoration of power after so many years to avoid accidents.

The Director General of D- Forum Pastor Joseph T. U. Nwadiashi who was

visibly elated while acknowledging the meters, in reaction commended BEDC for keeping fate with the community in line with NERC’s directive after many years of waiting. He pleaded that the company should keep to its promise of ensuring that within a short period all parts of Ogwashiuku were be supplied with electricity.

Mr. Edgar also seized the opportunity to educate the people of Ogwashi-Uku on the NERC directive on the use of methodology for Estimated Billing; and confirmed that individual estimated bills would be delivered to each customer based on the global readings from the statistical meters installed on each Transformer feeding the respective customers connected to the same Transformer.

He explained the “Weighted Average Cluster load” approach and urged for cooperation with the enumerators currently carrying out revalidation and load audit as customers were under stating their load capacity and in some cases outrightly refusing access to the enumerators to assess their homes.

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi (2nd left); Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe (right); Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo (left); and Relationship Manager, Uduak Umoetteh, during a courtesy call on Umahi by the bank management in Abakaliki...recently

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Chairman, Al-Haram Investment Company, Elias Dabiri; Managing Director/CEO, Osun State Investment Company Limited, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; Vice President, Egyptian Business Women Association, Mrs. Nabila Khalil; and Head of Business Unit, First Bank, Mr. Adebayo Yakub, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Osun State Government and Egyptian investors, in Osogbo...recently

L-R : President, St. Patrick’s College, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, Alumni Association, Lagos Branch, Mr. Sigismund

Fernandez; his wife, Mrs. Pauline Fernandez, presents the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Chief Arthur Mbanefo, during 2017 St. Patrick’s Alumni Feast Day celebration in Lagos...recently

L–R: Account Officer, Emerging Businesses Diamond Bank Plc. Queeneth Duru; Diamond woman analyst, Ijeoma Ogbuigwe; Head, Retail Banking, Rob Giles; Head, Emerging Businesses, Njideka Esomeju; Asset Manager, Emerging Businesses, Chioma Ogwo; and Account Officer, Emerging Businesses, Esekie Diagi, at the women’s day breakfast event at the Enterprise Development Centre, Lagos...recently

L-R: Executive Director, Investments, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Oladele Sotubo, Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Hon. Gabriel Oiboh, Head, Enforcement, National Pension Commission (NPC), Salihu Bwala; and the Head, Business Development, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Nike Bajomo at the Stanbic IBTC Employers Forum in Benin City...recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 25, 2017

53

NEWS

In Brief

Chevron Warns of Fake Recruitment

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), has alerted members of the public to the circulationoffakerecruitmentinformationapparentlybeingmasterminded by fraudulent individuals and groups purportedly acting on behalf of the oil giant. Specifically, the company dissociated itself from the advertisement of job vacancies by the faceless people, using various channels and making financial demands on applicants supposedly to process their job applications.Chevron,whichistheoperatoroftheNNPC/ChevronNigeria LimitedJointVenture,saidinastatementonFriday,e-mailedtoTHISDAYin Asaba,thatitwas“awareofthecirculationoffalserecruitmentinformation posted by unscrupulous persons or organisations in the name of Chevron NigeriaLimitedor“ChevronOilandGas”inseveralmediaandonlinechannels, advertisingjobpositionsinChevronNigeriaLimitedor“ChevronOilandGas”.

Trial of Commissioner, 2 Others

WELL DESERVED HONOUR...

L-R: Minister of Defense, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali and Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa during the presentation of Leadership Brand of the Year Award 2016 to Dana Air

Danbaba Petitions Against Shariah Judge in Sokoto Bennett Oghifo Hassan Ahmed Danbaba has petitioned the Grand Khadi of Sokoto State against a Judge of Upper Shariah Court 1 Sokoto for alleged violation of his oath of office by acting in a biased and prejudicial manner against him.

The Solicitors in their petition dated March 24, 2017, said their client was wrongfully served in respect of criminal charge between Inuwa Abdulkapir V Hassan Ahmed Danbaba in case No CR/134/17.

The petitioner said, “We are Solicitors to Hassan Ahmed Danbaba the accused person in the above charge and we have his instructions to Petition your good office with regards to the above judge having violated his oath of office by acting in a biased and

prejudicial manner against our Client.

“Sir, our Client was wrongfully served a criminal summons through proxy to appear before the above court to answer to some allegations leveled against him by the Complainant. He was served and given two days to appear before the court.

“Upon the receipt of the said summons, we filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection challenging the proprietary of the summons as a gross violation of section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 CFRN as amended which provides that every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be entitled to adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence and that since the accused was not even served personally, the court had no jurisdiction to entertain the matter and that the court should in

that circumstances strike out the case.

“Sir, we were in court on the 16th day of March 2017 to argue our Preliminary Objection having filed and served the Complainant .On that day, neither the Complainant nor his Solicitor was in court and the Senior Judge who came in at 10.am told us that his colleague that will preside over our case sent words to him that he will not be sitting and as such we should take a date. Upon telling the court that we came in from outside jurisdiction, one of the registrars of the court was called upon to give us date and we took 30th of March 2017 as the next adjourned date. This is in the records of the Court.”

They said “Upon our Client's instructions, we filed a Notice of Appeal in the Criminal Appeal

Section of the High Court of Justice Sokoto to further challenge certain act of gross irregularities of the lower court and we joined the court as 2nd Respondent, and all the Respondents were subsequently served.

“On the 22nd of March 2017, we further filed a Stay of Proceedings in the lower court pending appeal which was also served on all parties and the return date for the arguments on all pending applications was the 30th day of March 2017, but to our greatest surprise, we were told by a colleague that the case was retrospectively backdated from the return date of 30th March to 24th March 2017 without any service on us or our client. It would interest you sir, that we have an address for service in Sokoto which is engrained on all our processes before the court.”

Auto Crash Claims 10 Water Shortage May Endanger in Kogi, Plateau States 600m Children, Says UNICEF Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

No fewer than 10 persons lost their lives in separate road crashes that took place in Jos, Plateau State and along Okene-Lokoja road in Kogi State yesterday.

Of the number, six died in Jos while four died in Kogi.

The six persons were killed and several others injured when a lorry driving into Jos from Kaduna state lost control and rammed into stationary vehicles and tricycles with passengers on board, at Faringada roundabouts in Jos North local government of Plateau state.

The ill-fated lorry was conveying maize from Saminaka in Kaduna State to Onitsha through Jos when the break failed.

An eye witness said, “While the driver was struggling to control the vehicle, it rammed into three tricycles loaded with passengers and three other cars parked along the same road and crushed them.

Six persons died on the spot while over ten others sustained severe injuries”.

Another witness said it took over one hour before the bodies of those trapped under the lorry could be retrieved, leaving the

entire area in pandemonium.

The state Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Mr. M. Tyopev confirmed that three people died in the accident, adding the driver of the lorry, Mr. Fatai Onaolapo had been arrested and presently helping the police to unravel the cause of the accident.

He said, “Preliminary investigations carried out revealed that the driver of the lorry, which was conveying maize to Onitsha from Saminaka in Kaduna state, was over speeding when it lost control.”

He added that the injured persons are presently receiving treatment at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos. The accident in Kogi occurred at about 9.30 am yesterday when a Nissan passengers car with registration number LKJ 134 AA, had head-on Collusion with another Toyota Sienna with Registration Number BDG 787 XT. THISDAY gathered that among the four passengers that lost their lives were Rev. Elijah Sunday Onigbonsaye of First ECWA Church Lokoja, his friend, Pastor S.S Obadofin and two Brick Layers who had accomplished the Pastor to his village in Oke-Aki via Mopa to do some work in his house.

Michael Olugbode The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has warned that the lives of nearly 600 million children globally would be at risk in 2040 as a result of water stress.

The Fund also noted that in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, the three states most directly affected by conflict, almost 4 million required water, sanitation and hygiene assistance.

It lamented that 192 out of 450 health facilities, ranging from hospitals to basic public health care centres, had been completely destroyed in Borno, the hardest hit state.

Speaking at a programme marking the World Water Day, Geoffrey Ijumba, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria, Maiduguri Field Office, in a goodwill message on the event, revealed that in the northeast of Nigeria, with funding support from donors, UNICEF was working with government and development partners to provide water and sanitation facilities in internally displaced persons’ camps and host communities to address the water needs of the people Borno.

He said on this year’s world water day, UNICEF launched a report: Thirsting for a Future: Water and children in a changing climate.

The report highlights the adverse

effects of a changing climate on water sources and its impact on the lives of children.

According to Ijumba, the report further elaborated that the lives of nearly 600 million children will be at risk in 2040 as a result of water stress, and that children will be forced to seek water from unsafe sources especially those who live in areas with low access to improved sanitation and high rates of open defecation – factors which contribute to deteriorating health.

He said the report also showed that climate change impacted on our ability to provide water and sanitation services to children.

Ijumba said in Nigeria, it was estimated that 75 per cent of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in conflict-affected areas had been destroyed; with the displaced people staying in temporary IDPs’ sites and host communities; putting enormous pressure on already strained health and water systems.

He noted that in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, the three states most directly affected by conflict, almost 4 million required water, sanitation and hygiene assistance; and that 192 out of 450 health facilities, ranging from hospitals to basic public health care centres, had been completely destroyed in Borno, the hardest hit state.

TheFormerKanostateCommissionerofLandsandPhysicalPlanning,Farouk Bibi Farouk and two others standing trial for land racketeering and breach of trust were on Friday appeared before Kano High court. Bibi-Farouk, alongside Mahmud Bello-Bari, a former permanent Secretary and Ahmad Ibrahim, a former Director in the ministry, were accused of illegal sale of two plots of land and issuance of fake certificate of occupancy. When the case came up for hearing on Friday, the state counsel, Rabi Ibrahim-Waya called a fifth witness but there were objections to some of the document she wanted to tender before the Court. One of the documents was the statementofIbrahim,thethirdaccusedperson,whichhiscounselobjected to, saying it was obtained under duress.The Judge, Justice Nasiru Saminu after hearing the argument of both parties, adjourned the case to April 7, for trial within trial in respect of the said statement of the third accused.

Pop Stars for Anambra Easter Concert

AnambraStateGovernmenthasannouncedanEasterconcertfor10musical groups, which helped Igbos to overcome the trauma of the civil war in the 1970's.This was revealed by the State Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Stella Onuorah while speaking at a world press conference to unveil the pop stars, most of whom are now in their 60's and 70's. According to Onuorah, “We are here to give to these heroes the opportunity to resurrect their music careers again.That is why we tagged it resurrection concert, and fashioned it to coincide with the resurrection of Christ. These pop stars gave our people hope after the civil war during that period of despondency. This event will take place on Easter Sunday, April16,2017atAlexEkwuemeSquare,Awka,AnambraStatefromduskto dawn as the legends take ndi Anambra back in time in a world of nolstagia."

‘Handle it Africa’ Conference

The organisers of “Handle It Africa Conference” have announced the list of panelists at the inaugural edition of the event scheduled to hold on March 31, 2017at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed “Social Media: LanguageofExpression”,theconferencewillfeatureover15panelistswith experience and proven competence in the use of social media as a tool for brand development and expression.The conference which will serve as a convergence point for individuals and organisations leading the charge in theNigeriansocialmediaspacewillfeatureFounder,Omojuwa.com,Japheth Omojuwa and Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe among other speakers.

Speaking on the choice of panelists for the conference, CEO, Penzaarville Africa, Olufemi Oguntamu said: "Being our inaugural edition, our goal is to ensure that we touch major aspects of social media and its use.

New Date for ConMin West Africa

Due to the closure of Abuja's airport, ConMin West Africa Exhibition and theNationalMiningSummithasbeenmovedfromApriltoJune2017.“With a large proportion of attendees and speakers travelling from Lagos and internationally,webelievetheeventcannotberunwithoutuseoftheairport”, the organisers said. ConMin West Africa, is an Exhibition to service the rapidly growing construction machinery and mining industries in West Africa. The Exhibition is organised by Afrocet Montgomery, who run Africa’s largest mining show, ‘Electra Mining’ in Johannesburg. The event is running in partnership and with full endorsement from the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Deloitte and IMAG who own the global construction brand “Bauma”. It will be held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja from13to15June2017andwillactasaplatformforkeystakeholders,both regionalandinternational,toconvergeanddiscussbusinessprospectsand display leading technologies and equipment in both the construction and mining sectors. ConMin West Africa 2017 is expected to attract over 150 companies in 2017 who will exhibit their products and upwards of 3000 visitors from the West African Mining and construction sectors.

Family Remembers Slain Soldier

One year after his demise, family and friends of the late Col. Samaila Inusa willthisweekendremembertheslainsoldier.InusawaskidnappedinKaduna State on March 26, 2016 and was eventually killed by his abductors. The wife, Mrs. Grace Inusa was said to be in the vehicle with his two children, a cousin and another girl living with them at the time of the incident. The family said prayers would be offered for the slain soldier and the family he left behind in a quiet ceremony in Abuja at the weekend.

Capri-Sonne Fun Alarm Promo

Capri-Sonne has launched a national consumer promotion tagged ‘Fun Alarm Promo.’The promo which is targeted at mothers who want the best for their children will give them the opportunity to win free gifts inside every carton of all variants of their favourite Capri-Sonne that they buy while the promo lasts will contain gift items which can vary from carton to carton.The gift items ranges from Pencil Cases, Rulers, Colourful Stickeez and lots more. The Promo is being amplified nationwide with an effective mediacampaignrunningonmajorregionalandnationaltelevisionchannels and radio stations in the country. Simultaneously, the campaign is being driven through advertisements on Billboards and digital platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Consumer engagement platforms such as trade activations in open markets and consumer activations like taste trials in schools and shopping malls has commenced in various cities to connect with the consumers.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 25, 2017

NEWS

NDDC Partners UN Agency in $60m Agric Programme Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said it was partnering with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on a 60 million dollars (about N21 billion ) job creation programme which will help reduce youth unemployment in the Niger Delta region.

The Managing Director of the NDDC, Mr. Nsima Ekere, who disclosed this when IFAD officials paid a courtesy visit to management at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, said the Commission would sustain and strengthen its partnership with the UN agency, as part of efforts to create wealth and transform the region.

Ekere, who was represented by Mr. Samuel Adjogbe, the NDDC Executive Director Projects, stated that the Commission carried out a baseline study to gather data which

would help it produce a good design for the new IFAD programme.

“If there is something I would really want to support, it is the collaboration that IFAD is bringing,” he said, adding: “The NDDC is ready to partner with IFAD in the new programme because we need to diversify the mono-economy of the country.

"It is a thing of joy that IFAD is partnering with us to achieve this goal. We hope that what we have gathered as the base line survey will help us to produce a design that will give us something reliable when we get to the implementation stage.

“NDDC is committed to getting many people, particularly our youths, back to work, because we need to get our people to be meaningfully engaged. And this will help strengthen the process of our engagement with them, which we have begun in earnest."

The NDDC Executive Director said that the Commission had always recognised agriculture as the way forward for Nigeria, adding that it would continue to support IFAD to integrate rural dwellers into agricultural entrepreneurship.

“Oil and gas," he declared, "has given us a take-off platform. Now we must diversify.”

Dr. Rich Pitrine, the representative of the IFAD Rome and Country Director in Nigeria, said that the new programme, which would run for seven years, would revolve around enterprise development for youths and women.

“We understand the lack of opportunities which is an unfortunate disease for your region," Dr. Pitrine said. "We understand very well that there are phenomenal things which can be done if proactive investments are done."

He explained that the IFAD pro-

gramme would broaden the economic horizon of budding entrepreneurs and set the stage for the emergence of a sustainable system that would engage youths in enterprise-based jobs.

He said that IFAD was counting on NDDC to give the necessary support to build the new project.

He said: “We have invested with NDDC in the past on CommunityBased Natural Resource Management Programme (CBNRMP) that has helped to create wealth in the Niger Delta region. We have learnt some lessons from that and we have had some successes.”

“We are an investor and not a project implementing team. We are not coming to Nigeria or to the Niger Delta to take over. We are coming here to help you to invest in your vision and invest jointly with you to realize an outcome which will create employment for you in this region particularly.”

Olaseni Durojaiye

L-R: Chioma Afe, Head Corporate Communications, Diamond Bank Plc; Aishah Ahmad; Head Consumer Banking Diamond Bank Plc; Nneka Okekearu, Deputy Director, Experienced Strategy & Gender Specialist, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University; and Njideka Esomeju, Head, Emerging Businesses, Diamond Bank Plc at the Women’s Day Breakfast Event held at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) , Lagos recently

Non-release of Amnesty Funds Osinbajo: FG to Build Modular Frustrating Peace Process, Say Militants Refineries in Oil Producing Areas Ex-militant leaders from the nine states of the Niger Delta yesterday wrote the federal government over unpaid amnesty funds, maintaining that withholding the budget for the programme was capable of derailing the ongoing peace process.

Specifically, the former agitators organised under the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), said the Ministry of Finance had refused to release the 2016 supplementary budgetary allocation meant for the Presidential Amnesty initiated by late President Umar Yar'Adua.

“The non-remittance of the fund is creating a sense of frustration among the amnesty beneficiaries and the ongoing peace process”, said Mr Reuben Wilson, aka, ‘General' Pastor, leader of the group.

According to Wilson, “the militant leaders, after an emergency meeting held on Wednesday 22nd March 2017 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa

State, resolved that the minister of finance should promptly release the funds for the effective and efficient management of the programme.

"This is to strengthen the ongoing efforts of the federal government to enthrone lasting peace in the Niger Delta region.

The prompt release of the funds will go a long way in strengthening the efforts of the President towards enthronement peace and stability in the Niger Delta”.

The former militants expressed concerns over the shortage of funds in the amnesty office to carry out its programmes which they said were designed to permanently eradicate restiveness in the region.

According to the group, many beneficiaries of the programme, including students were currently on the verge of being sent back to Nigeria.

“At the moment, students under the presidential amnesty program studying abroad are about to be sent back home because of failure to pay school fees and accommodation", they said.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, has unveiled a new agriculture scheme under which participants, mostly youths, will earn N10,000 monthly as a major employment drive.

Tagged the Oyo State Agricultural Revolution Programme, the governor said that the programme would commence by next month with training for the beneficiaries in Awe Farm Settlement.

The governor disclosed this while addressing traders and artisans who converged on the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Thursday, to honour him with the ``The great visionary leader’’ award.

At the ceremony, which was organised by the state branch of National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, was also conferred with the “Woman of noble character’’ award.

Ajimoni stressed that the selected youths would be paid a stipend of N10,000 per month for the duration of the training after which they would be assisted with the needed inputs to start their own businesses.

The governor said, "Starting from next month (April), our agric revolution that will create massive employment opportunities will berth and it will begin with a training programme at our farm settlement in Awe for our youths who are interested in agriculture.

“They will be trained in modern farming technology and be paid N10,000 monthly stipend for the duration of their training. ``It is our belief that engagement of youths in agriculture at this mo-

ment of recession will serve the dual purposes of maintaining peace and developing their economic power.”

At the event, the governor also announced a fresh N100m loan for traders and artisans in the state, in addition to the N880m disbursed to members of the association in the past.

He promised that the government would continue to assist them through regular disbursement of revolving loans as part of his administration’s agenda to rejig the economy of the state.

The event was attended by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; an industrialist, Chief Kola Daisi; Ambassador Olusola Sanu and members of Ibadan Elders’ Forum, among others.

The governor acknowledged the support of the traders and artisans for his administration as well as their contributions towards the economic development of the state.

He recalled that a revolving loan of N350 million was disbursed by his government to seven professional associations in 2014 at N50 million per association, adding that a total of 7,000 traders and artisans benefitted from the loan at N50,000 per person.

The governor, who said that a total sum of N880 million revolving loan had so far been disbursed to the traders, added that more loans would be given to them to boost their businesses.

The governor said, ``Traders in Oyo State have not had it this good. We disbursed N350million to seven traders’ association in 2014 and they have been paying back the loan.

Lumen Christi Crowned Best Secondary School in Nigeria

EMPOWERING WOMEN...

Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

Agric: Oyo Youths to Earn N10,000 Monthly Stipend

Emmanuel Ugwu, in Umuahia The federal government yesterday assured that the proposed modular refineries would be sited only in oil producing areas as part of measures to address the developmental challenges arising from years of neglect.

Vice-president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo gave the assurance while responding to cries of marginalisation by oil producing areas of Abia State during a town hall meeting held in Umuahia as part of the ongoing engagement with the Niger Delta States.

He also promised that thermal power stations would equally be sited in the oil communities, noting that an arrangement was being concluded with the National Sovereign Wealth Fund (NSWF) and industry experts on take-off of modular refineries.

Abia State is among the nine members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with nine communities in Ukwa West local government of the state but stakeholders from the area cried out to the VP over their marginalisation

in intervention programmes for oil producing areas.

Osinbajo, who was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Enyioha Abia (friend of all Abia people) by the state council of Ndi Eze, said that the oil producing area of Abia should dry their tears as he had come to Abia to propose a new way of doing business with oil communities and to signpost a new deal for them.

“The deprivation that people suffer is not new,” he said, adding that there was no doubt that the people of oil producing communities had only heard of oil wells but had not benefits from what comes from it.

“We have to change the situation (neglect of oil communities).We’ll focus on how the majority of the people will see the benefits of oil wealth,” the VP. Prof Osinbajo, who was accompanied by the ministers of Niger Delta, Pastor Ugulu Usang Ugulu, trade and investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelama and minister of state for petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, commended Abia for the stability in the oil producing areas.

Lumen Christi International Secondary School, Uromi, Edo State has emerged the best secondary school in the country as the school recorded the best overall results in the 2016 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The school was thus awarded the Augustus Bandele Oyediran trophy.

The school emerged winner with best aggregate, determined on the results of best 50 candidates based on their grades in English Language, Mathematics and a Science subjects.

The awards presentation ceremony, which coincided with the 65th Annual WAEC Annual Council meeting held in Abuja was declared open by the Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo.

While declaring open the event, Vice President Osinbajo who expressed worry over the dwindling state of education in the country, said the current method of teaching was defective as students lacked capacity for critical thinking needed for solution provision adding that it had become expedient for educators to break from the past by setting a moral and ethical standard to define success.

Having won the awards five times in a row has entered the award’s Hall of Fame as with other past winners including Queens College, Yaba, Lagos and Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja. While Queens College won the maiden award and went on to win it five consecutive times, Loyola Jesuit has won it six

consecutive times afterwards.

The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of the trophy to Lumen Christy, which was received on behalf of the school’s management

by Rev. Fr. Theophilos Itaman by Dr Bello Ahmed, member, WAEC, Endowment Fund Board of Trustees.

Speaking on the outcome of the awards, the Principal of Lumen Christi International High school, Very Rev. Fr. Itaman said the feat achieved by his wards was through diligence and dedication to the vision and mission of the founding fathers of the school.

"We are not really surprised but we are extremely happy because this is an indication that the school is on course as far as its mission and vision. We are able to achieve this feat with the foundation of the school and the ‘Light of Jesus’ has made it possible to succeed in our set objectives.

“We’re able to achieve this feat because we have a standard that is even above WAEC standard. We have now won this award for the fifth time, made possible by our standard which is such that every single student is strictly and personally monitored by the staff.

It is such that when we discover that a child is not measuring up, we enroll such students into personalised special programmes to bring them up to speed with their mates. What we don't do is to compromise our teaching and training standards.

At Lumen Christi, we don't play with supervision, training and retraining of our teaching and non-teaching staff," he added.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 25, 2017

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newXTRA

Falana Urges Buhari to Stop Police Invasion of Amnesty Office

Bennett Oghifo

A human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged President Muhammed Buhari to compel the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris to end the invasion of Amnesty International Office in Abuja, and the harassment of the organisation’s staff.

Falana stated this in an open letter, dated March 22, to President Buhari, which he sent to THISDAY yesterday.

He noted that “Amnesty International (AI) is a well-known international NGO and among other NGOs operating legally in the country.

“I recall that upon your election as President you met with the leadership of Al and promised, among other things, to look into the allegations of serious human rights violations and

abuses allegedly committed by the military as contained in the reports published by the organisation.”

Falana said he was “seriously concerned that the police would allow some apparently hired protesters to invade the AI office in Abuja in broad daylight and subject its staff members to intimidation and harassment.

“These intruders have impeded the work of the organisation and threatened the safety and security of its members of staff who are all Nigerian citizens.”

He said Amnesty International should not be harassed and stigmatised simply for exposing the human rights violations and abuses by the military in the North-East of the country.

“To allow that to happen is to

endanger and undermine the work of not only AI but also other civil society groups in the country. This will in turn create a climate of fear and send an intimidating message to the human rights movement in particular and the entire country in general,” he said.

According to him, “It is not a crime for AI to expose the serious human rights violations and abuses allegedly committed by the military in the North-East. It is in fact consistent with the organisation’s mandate to defend human rights.

“Human rights work is imperative to ensure that millions of marginalised and disadvantaged Nigerians can fully enjoy their entitlements and realise their potential. Therefore, consistent with UN Declaration of Human Rights Defenders, your

government should publicly reinstate support for the legitimate work of civil society groups including AI and other international NGO operating in the country, and provide them with protection.”

He, therefore, called on the president “to urgently direct the Inspector-General of Police to immediately remove the invaders from the AI office in Abuja and allow the organisation to carry out its human rights work in a conducive environment.

“I also urge your Excellency to direct Mr. Idris to fish out those behind the invasion of AI office and to bring them to justice. It is imperative for your government to publicly condemn acts of intimidation and reprisals against AI and other civil society groups.”

NCS Makes 2, 103 Seizures in Western Marine Command JohnIwori No less than 2. 103 seizures were by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in the Western Marine Command (WMC) in the first three months of the year.

A breakdown of the seizures showed that a total of 826 furniture and furniture components smuggled into the country through Nigeria waterways that links to neighboring Benin Republic were seized in the month of January. The seizure has a duty paid value (DPV) of N2.1 million.

In a review of its activities since the beginning of this year at WMC operational headquarters, Ibafon, Apapa, Lagos, the command said it also seized foreign rice from January 2017 till date. The rice comprises a total of 1,277 bags with a DPV of N98. 7 million Within the period under review, it also made a total seizure of 438 used foreign tyres smuggled into the country through the Republic of Benin and Nigeria waterways.

Also seized were second hand clothing, shoes, and bags. While the clothes were in 30 bales, the shoes were in four sacks. The items have a DPV of N 2 million.

These were disclosed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), WMC, Comptroller Yusuf Umar while giving an overview of what his command has done within the period under review.

Umar also revealed that the command also made two separate seizures. This includes 52 jumbo bales of cannabis sativa with a total value of N312.5 million.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as FATIMA ADEBIMPE SULAIMON, now wish to be known and addressed as FATIMA ADEBIMPE OWOJORI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

THE LUCKY ONE ...

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State presenting a dummy cheque of N50,000.00 to Lady Victoria Ezeugwu, one of the 100 winners at the 2nd edition of the raffle draw for traders of the State under the Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme, held at Ogige Market, Nsukka, yesterday

UN Recognises Ejiogu at Dana Air Bags 2016 World Autism Campaign Leadership Brand Award The United Nations has invited Dr. Julia Ejiogu as a lead speaker and participant at the World Autism Day holding at the Economic and Social Council Chamber of the UN Headquarters in New York, Ejiogu , who is the founder of Autism Care and Support Initiative will join others to discuss the main topic of the Celebrations themed Navigating Relationships: Dating Marriage and Parenthood. The Expert has been in the forefront of collaboration with the Nigerian Universities Commission for the introduction of an inclusive education on Autism while also working with the United States embassy in Nigeria on a summer camp for “educating the Special education” and also celebrating kids living with special needs and their siblings Interestingly Ejiogu has also

joined the International Partnerships with the Global Autism project which is helping states across the country and the FCT to set up a standard learning centre for children on the Autism Spectrum.

The event which begins at about 11:30 a.m. is intended to throw more light on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRDP) just as Ejiogu told THISDAY that the celebration would bring attention to the challenges that children and their families experience living with autism The purpose of the Convention, adopted by United Nations Member States in December 2006, is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

One of Nigerian carriers, Dana Air has bagged the Leadership Brand of the year 2016 award, held recently at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Speaking at the conference themed: THE RICE ECONOMY, the Chairman of Leadership Group Mr. Sam Nda – Isaiah said, ‘ Leadership Conference and Awards is a yearly event organised to celebrate individuals and corporate organisations who have shown distinction in their different areas like governors, bankers, administrators, businessmen, companies and youth who have also shown that they are not limited by the disquieting recession.’’

“Our choices are not influenced in anyway and our nominations go through rigorous and painstaking debates. Sometimes we fall into a dilemma and end of choosing more than one for a category but

this is good as it shows that these individuals and organizations are doing really well.’’

The Communications and Media Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa while speaking to newsmen at the award said, ‘we want to appreciate Leadership Group for this award. It just shows that people appreciate the effort we have put in to offer the best of services to our teeming guests.

“We are unrelenting in our determination to ensure that our on-time performance remains unrivaled, and continue to offer our customers the best of in-flight and customer service.

This is a clear nod for us to do more and we won’t disappoint.’’

“On the recently released AIB report, he said “we have received the report and I am happy to tell you that the recommendations have been implemented since 2013.

Train Nigerian Child Culls Streets Kids

Train A Nigerian Child, a charity organisation committed to helping out-of-school children has taken its campaign to the streets to offer direct support to children in need.

Recently it combed street corners for hungry children to provide them food and toiletries as immediate relief

This, the founder of the charity, Juliana Ali, a property developer and designer, says is an addition to the main objective of getting out-of-school children back to the classroom.

“Many children around Lagos go on empty stomachs for hours

and even days, feeling neglected and unloved. So on February 14, our team went out to the streets of Obalende, around the Third Mainland Bridge, Ojuelegba, Yaba and finally the Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home School at Akoka to show the kids some love. We

met with the children, had fun with them and learned a lot about their condition for further intervention.”

Originally, the charity supports the education of children in city slums by paying their school fees, providing books, uniform and in some cases furniture.

I formerly known and addressed as OGUNGBESAN OBADARE GBENGA, now wish to be known and addressed as GOODLUCK DARE THOMAS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EHIANUITA PRISCILLA EWERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKONKWO PRISCILLA FRANK EWERE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as FOLAMI SULAIMAN ADISA, now wish to be known and addressed as FOLAMI SULAIMAN GORIOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ZAINAB YUSUF, now wish to be known and addressed as ZAINAB YUSUF GWADABE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NAGERI OMOTAYO FATIMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKINSANMI FATIMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OSSAI SONIA AMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANYAIWE SONIA AMAKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

According to him, the cannabis has been handed over to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Badagry Command, Lagos. We also seized 450 cartons of poultry products value at N2.7 million. In line with the provisions of the Customs and Excise Management (CEMA) Act, the items were destroyed in the presence of relevant government agencies and the media.

He also disclosed that no fewer than 27 junior officers of the command who were promoted by the NCS Headquarters, Abuja have been decorated with their new ranks. Mohammed Aliyu has taken over as the Controller, Seme border command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Meanwhile, the former CAC, Seme Border, Comptroller Victor Dimka has been redeployed to Zone D in Bauchi.

Speaking shortly after receiving the handover note from the outgone CAC, Comptroller Mohammed Aliyu said that his commitment to the enforcement of the core mandate of the service remained sacrosanct.

Aliyu sought the support and cooperation of officers and men of the command, stakeholders and other relevant security agencies at the border in order to effectively discharge his statutory responsibility of maximum revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS JUWON AJAYI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEDIGBA OLUWAJUWONLO ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should

take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AKWASHIKI JOEL, now wish to be known and addressed as AKWASHIKI HARUNA JOEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as DAMIAN, LINDA IJEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as DAMIAN AJIMUDA, LINDA IJEOMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as YETUNDE ADEKEMI ADELOWO, now wish to be known and addressed as YETUNDE ADEKEMI FAGBOLAGUN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NKEIRUKA FAVOUR OPARA, now wish to be known and addressed as NKEIRUKA FAVOUR OHUE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as PASTOR GABRIEL BOLA ADEYEMO now wish to be known and addressed as PASTOR GABRIEL BOLAFAK ADEYEMO All former documents remain valid, GTBank and the general public should Please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ATTAKENOU SADDAT BANKOLE, now wish to be known and addressed as ANIFOWOSE BANKOLE TOKUNBO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IDHEHEN RUTH TOBI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BASIL RUTH TOBI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

TR

Saturday, March 25, 2017

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Price: N250

MISSILE El-rufai to Buhari

“In very blunt terms, Mr. President, our APC administration has not only failed to manage expectations of a populace that expected overnight ‘change’ but has failed to deliver even mundane matters of governance.”

– Excerpt of el-Rufai’s memo to President Muhammadu Buhari

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Heresy in The House of Oduduwa

F

ellow Nigerians, let me take you on historical excursions today. At this unfortunate time that History is not a compulsory subject in our school curriculum, it is pertinent to educate ourselves properly about our dear beloved nation. For those who may not know, Ile-Ife is the ancestral home of all Yoruba people.

Please, ignore attempts by all manner of historians attempting to rewrite history. Ile-Ife occupies an eminent space on the world map today, and as far back as I can remember, as being the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, at the very least. That is why you will find that all Yoruba’s in the diaspora lay claim to no other ancestral home than Ile-Ife. The Ooni of Ife is their revered King.

I’m proud to have been born and raised in that ancient town. I was born in 1960, just before Nigeria attained Independence, in a neighbourhood called Obalufon, a stone-throw from Sabo, where the Hausa community lived, and still lives today. My father had migrated, according to oral history, from Ihievbe, now comfortably situated in Owan East Local Government of Edo State. He met and married my affectionate mother and I’m the only product of their conjugation.

Ile-Ife welcomes hundreds of immigrants from different parts of Nigeria and beyond and we were fully integrated. We lived in peace, and as one. Ile-Ife produced four Deles in journalism and three of the four – Dele Giwa, Dele Agekameh and Dele Momodu – had their origin in present day Edo State. The fourth, Dele Olojede, is from Modakeke, and lived close to Ojoyin and Akarabata Roads in Ile-Ife. No one could tell the difference. We can easily be called bona fide sons of Ile-Ife and you won’t be wrong.

I spent 26 out of my first 28 years fully in Ile-Ife, the other two years were used serving the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, of blessed memory.

I also served The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II. I had studied Yoruba for my Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated in 1982 and returned in 1986 to enrol for a Masters in Literature-in-English and finished that in 1988. I’m therefore humbly qualified to regard myself as an authority on Ile-Ife, and indeed an adopted Ife son. I can vouch for Ife people as very friendly and welcoming people despite the internecine wars that have recently ravaged the town and halted the peace we all enjoyed growing up with.

In my close to 57 years on earth, I have come to see Ile-Ife as a modicum of tolerance and accommodation. Ile-Ife plays host to one of Africa’s greatest universities. I’m mightily honoured and proud to be an alumnus of University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. Most of our lecturers including non-indigenes usually build their homes in the town upon retirement because of the comfort and serenity provided by Ile-Ife. I’m very familiar with the Sabo area of Ile-Ife. My father had worked with the Public Works Department, not far from Sabo. He also owned a small hotel and restaurant in Sabo and catered to the Hausa Community. My mum was also a food-seller by Ilare Prison, and we lived in Ogboku Road, by Akui Road, all very close to Sabo. I never heard of skirmishes between the Hausa and the Ifes, or anyone for that matter.

You can therefore imagine my shock, horror and devastation when I read of the latest wanton killings in Ile-Ife and the communal strife that had spawned it. I was somehow relieved when I heard that the terrible situation had been

Ooni of Ife brought under control. Kudos to the security forces for the big task of separating the warring communities.

I have read different and conflicting accounts of what led to the war. In every conflict, there must be two or more parties involved. In this particular case, all accounts I read pointed to a case of provocation and retaliation. I cannot confidently determine or say if the reaction was commensurate to the action, as propounded

by Isaac Newton in his Law of Motion, but something definitely triggered the conflagration and dastardly massacre. I can still manage the news up to that point. But something else happened that rendered me speechless.

Those who should maintain the peace, protect the people and punish the homicidal lunatics who beheaded and murdered recklessly came in and took sides in the matter by arresting one side while studiously ignoring the other. “Which kind injustice be this?” in Fela’s voice. How can the prosecutor also be the Judge even before the case begins in the court room? Is it that the suspects just woke up and started shooting sporadically at anyone in sight, especially people in their community? How come not even one person was picked up from the other obvious party in the imbroglio? I also fail to see the logic in the mass arrests of Ife people and abducting them from the State of Osun to the seat of the Federal Government in Abuja. Any rookie lawyer knows that they can never be tried in Abuja but in Osun State. What Gestapo and Gulag facilities exist in Abuja that are not available in Osun State to warrant these people being moved?

I sincerely reject the excuses offered by the Inspector General of Police while trying spiritedly to justify the perfidiously odious decision to villainize only one party to the conundrum.

I respect the Inspector-General of Police and considered him a thorough bred professional.

However, it defies logic that the head of any of our security agencies would utter words to the effect that the Yorubas involved in this sad and ugly incidents are criminals but the other side are not. Clearly, this was a clash between Hausas and Yorubas. Why have the Hausas not been branded criminals as well?

Is it because the Inspector General of Police is from the North? such misguided, uninformed and ill-advised statements can only add to the

palpable tension in Yorubaland and fan the flames of the seething discontent and anger that is becoming all pervading not just in Ife but amongst all Yorubas wherever they are.

Although the Ifes know who their assailants are, they have been reluctant to name them because their hospitable nature does not allow them to snitch on their guests. That is no reason for the Police who were on the scene quiet quickly, on Tuesday 7 March 2017 when the incident actually took wings, from arresting those Hausas that they saw committing atrocities. To take the position that until those involved on the Hausa side are named by the Ifes, they would not be arrested is too naïve and utterly presumptuous.

The response and reaction of the Nigeria Police bemuses me for a force seeking to assure Nigerians that it can be relied on for its neutrality and sense of justice. Its response to the crisis was utterly confused and disorganised. Once events began to unfold on Tuesday 7 March, a seasoned and professional Force would have begun to gather intelligence and deployed a strong contingent to the flashpoints to prevent further disturbance. On the contrary, the Police waited until full scale war had blown out before seeking to control the situation. By then it was too late.

The other thing I cannot understand is why the Police will not inform Nigerians of the current state of their enquiries and why only one side has been fingered in the crisis. I keep saying we are no longer in the dark ages. Information is key.

The way that the British police has managed the information as regards the Westminster attack is a case in point. Regular updates are released.

Nobody can therefore speculate.

The only solution to the current Ife Crisis is for the Police to release the remaining Ifes currently being held by them. If they need to be in some form of protective custody or to prevent a recurrence because of their presence, then they can be bailed with a condition that they should not return to Ife. There have been similar riots and incidences in other parts of the civilised the world. People are not just locked up but released on bail pending further investigations.

There is a presumption of innocence until guilt is pronounced by a Court of Law. We cannot continue to behave in an anachronistic and primitive manner.

The bias of certain powerful forces is already extremely shambolic. I wonder if there are agent provocateurs and fifth columnists who are deliberately setting up our President Muhammadu Buhari for monumental failure.

Nigeria has known no peace since we succeeded in sacking the profligate government of PDP. It is embarrassing that some government operatives cannot see what damage they are doing to our President who suffered so much personal attack because of the perception that he is an ethnic jingoist and religious bigot. There is a saying by the Yoruba that a man accused of being a thief should never romance someone else’s goat. Our President needs to rescue our people and disabuse the minds of Nigerians about his branding as a President who does not think other Nigerians are important except his own people. Some of us laboured hard to convince our people that General Muhammadu Buhari is a true Nigerian patriot who would come to defend every Nigerian, especially the poor. I still believe in him and wish to assume that some people are using his name to commit and perpetrate all kinds of malfeasance while he is ensconced within the gilded cage of Aso Rock.

The tension in Nigeria at the moment can be cut with a razor blade. Nothing is more

dangerous than playing ethnic games in the midst of economic tragedy. Nigerians voted for change to enjoy the highfalutin promises we made to them. We promised to deliver them from prodigal sons and daughters; liberate them from terrorists and general insecurity; rescue them from hunger and disease; eliminate ethnic and religious crises; provide jobs, social security and succour for our agonizing youths and many such goodies.

We did not promise to abdicate leadership responsibilities for irrational pursuit of personal vendetta and wars of attrition. We did not tell Nigerians that they would have to survive and live more by faith and promises than by concrete plans and effective and efficacious governance.

We did not envisage the nightmare staring us in the face today so horribly.

My appeal is to the President. Politics is give and take. Politics is about practicality. A good lesson came from America just last night.

Democracy is a game of numbers. Being obdurate and obstinate has no place in democracy. Anyone telling the President that he can fight all battles and win all wars is a big liar. In fact it was such a belief that heralded the downfall of the PDP that the President has now succeeded. We saw what happened in his absence when a different approach was tried and tested, Nigerians were happy, joyful and hopeful and they cooperated beautifully with the APC government despite their prior anxiety and palpitation.

President Buhari should stick to a winning formula. He should encourage and empower his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, to carry on with the good news of the kingdom.

The Ife crisis loomed large in our reckoning on 8 March 2017, While the then Acting President was marking his 60th birthday in a low key manner. Due to my obvious connections, I am aware that Senator Jide Omoworare was at the private dinner to mark the occasion. I know that Prof Osinbajo mandated both him and Senator Rabiu Kwankwanso, who was also at the occasion, to utilise their influence and contacts in the respective communities to ensure that peace prevailed immediately. He also gave necessary marching orders to the security agencies.

History teaches us that a similar situation occurred in Ife and the lack of neutrality displayed by the authorities during the first Modakeke crisis led to the second crisis which saw carnage and mayhem in frightening proportions. Once peace was allowed to reign, reconciliation was effected by the neutrality eventually displayed by the authorities. Both communities no live in harmony. My fear is that if the same approach of neutrality, reconciliation and rehabilitation is not adopted the resultant inferno will consume our country. It is only natural for those aggrieved to seek their own form of justice and retribution.

President Buhari must never let it get to that.

He must take charge now because the buck stops with him and not the Inspector General of Police!

There is so much to gain by this government collectively. I do not want to believe that President Buhari would want to blow this chance of a lifetime. I seriously doubt he would want to be remembered as a champion of myopia and parochialism above being a national hero and global statesman. I pray our President would direct all his disciples to begin to act like nationalists and be less of incendiaries determined to set fire to Nigeria and dismember whatever is left of the carcass.

Nigerians want peace and prosperity and no more!

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