Thursday 13th April 2017

House C’ttee Mulls Summoning Jonathan over Malabu Oil Deal Says former president was mentioned in Italian probe EFCC raids Adoke’s Kano residence, uncovers another cash haul in Lagos

Tobi Soniyi in Lagos and James Emejo in Abuja

The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged corruption,

malpractices and breach of due process in the sale of Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL 245), originally held by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited to Shell’s subsidiaries in

Nigeria and Nigerian Agip Oil Company for $1.3 billion, yesterday confirmed that it was considering summoning former President Goodluck Jonathan whose government

approved the deal.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Rasak Atunwa, in a statement, said based on the proceedings in the Italian Courts instituted by

the Public Prosecutor of Milan in which ministers in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration were mentioned, including Jonathan himself, the committee was

considering inviting him to give evidence.

He said the committee was of the view that the Continued on page 12

FG Confirms Further Negotiations with Boko Haram to Free Chibok Girls... Page 48 Thursday 13 April, 2017 Vol 22. No 8029. Price: N250

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Buhari’s Absence at Weekly FEC Meeting Causes Stir FG says president not ill, he’s attending to other issues Assures Nigerians meningitis outbreak under control Directors nominated for CBN board

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari’s conspicuous absence from yesterday’s weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, caused a stir, reawakening speculations about his

health and capacity to run the country.

Owing to the president’s absence, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo presided over the meeting.

Expectedly, his absence led to speculations among Continued on page 12

DSS Foils Attacks on US, UK Embassies, Arrests ISIS-Boko Haram Members

Alleges Suswam uncooperative on arms recovered from him Paul Obi in Abuja The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday announced that it had arrested suspected ISIS-Boko Haram terrorists who were plotting to attack the British and United States embassies in Abuja.

In a statement issued in Abuja, a DSS official, Tony

Opuiyo said the suspects initiated their plan from their base in Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He said: “Between 25th and 26th March, 2017, the service busted a ring of ISIS linked Boko Haram members based in Benue State and the FCT. Continued on page 12

R-L: Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo deliberating with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno; Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole; Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu; and the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir David Lawal, at the Federal Executive Council meeting, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja… yesterday godwin omoigjui

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THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 • T H I S D AY

PAGE TWELVE BUHARI’S ABSENCE AT WEEKLY FEC MEETING CAUSES STIR Nigerians, as many were of the view that the president, whose health has been fragile in recent months, may have suffered a relapse and had possibly been flown abroad for treatment.

But the Minister of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed, while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, debunked such assumptions, explaining that the council was aware of the controversies generated by the president’s absence.

He dismissed the notion of a resurgence of the president’s illness, stressing that the president was neither ill, nor had he embark on any trip outside the country.

According to him, the president only looked at the meeting’s agenda and opted to yield the floor to the vice-president to enable

him attend to other issues.

Buttressing this, Mohammed said Buhari would be back in today, arguing that the president’s absence for only one day did not imply that anything had gone wrong.

“Clearly, when we came in this morning, Mr. President was not in the chamber and the vice-president presided over the meeting.

“That has sparked a lot of controversies and agitation among the people. Mr. President is in town. Mr. President is attending to other issues.

“He looked at the light agenda and decided that the vice-president should preside. Mr. President is not ill. He’s not sick.

“It is not unusual for the president to ask the VP to preside. We know it is not unusual the interest that has been shown, given the fact

that the president was away for awhile for treatment.

“So we are not surprised that people may be wondering, is he ill again?

Tomorrow morning, he will be back in the office.

“It is not unusual, even if the president is hale and hearty, for the VP to preside over a council meeting even when the president is around,” Mohammed said.

Despite his absence, the president yesterday announced the appointments of five Non-Executive Directors for Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in accordance with Sections 6(1)(d) and 10(1) and (2) of the CBN (Establishment) Act. A statement by the president’s chief spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari had forwarded the list of the nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

The nominees are: Professor Ummu Ahmed Jalingo (Northeast); Professor Justitia Odinakachukwu Nnabuko (South-east); Professor Mike I. Obadan (South-south); Dr. Abdu Abubakar (Northwest) and Adeola Adetunji (South-west).

Also briefing journalists yesterday on the status of the meningitis outbreak ravaging some parts of the country, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the disease was under control, adding that 420,000 victims of the disease had been vaccinated so far.

Ehanire, who said Zamfara State was the worst hit of all the 16 affected states, accounting for 70 per cent of the victims of the disease, further disclosed that the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole,

visited the state on Monday and met with traditional rulers on how to jointly contain the disease.

He also disclosed that an additional 823,000 vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO), with a 10-year protection life span, would arrive the country from the United Kingdom at the weekend, adding that the vaccines would be moved to Sokoto.

He also disclosed that there are currently 4,637 cases of the disease, with 489 fatalities recorded and 207 confirmed through laboratory tests.

Ehanire added that the vaccines with the 10-year life span were of greater quality than the ones used in the past, which he said had a protective life span of two or three years.

In his briefing, the Minister of State for

Environment, Ibrahim Jubril, said FEC approved a memo by the Ministry of Environment for the ratification of a convention on mercury which he said had been affecting the health of the people and causing illnesses such as respiratory diseases.

He also said mercury affects pregnant women and unborn children.

He said the memo was the offshoot of a meeting of 2,013 international organisations held in Japan comprising 40 countries, 18 of which were African nations.

He said with the approval of the memo by FEC yesterday, Nigeria was ready to join the international community.

The minister also said the roadmap on the clean-up of Ogoniland was being drawn up.

the doors of his residence in Kano.

“There was no evidence of a search warrant but they broke down some doors, searched everywhere and the roof. No information on the actual mission of the operatives.

“This invasion is without deference to the ongoing cases in court against the ex-AGF.” Adoke was charged before two high courts alongside others for his role in facilitating the settlement of the resolution of the dispute over OPL 245 between Malabu Oil and Gas Limited and Shell.

The former minister, however, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

He has written to both Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and the incumbent AGF, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Despite these letters, the

EFCC went ahead to press charges against him.

So far, the commission has been unable to arraign him because the former minister is at The Hague, Netherland, where he is studying for a post-graduate programme in law.

A couple of weeks ago, the commission orally sought the advice of the court on whether it should apply for a warrant for the arrest of the former AGF to compel his attendance in court.

The trial judge, Justice John Tsoho however said that there was no basis for the issuance of a warrant in the absence of a proper application.

The judge had said: “Once a person has been arraigned before a court and is attempting to escape, then it becomes necessary to issue a warrant of arrest; but in this case, Adoke has

not been arraigned before this court. The matter is still at the investigative stage so such an order is not necessary.”

The judge then adjourned the case to June 13 for arraignment.

Meanwhile, two days after it uncovered N250 million at the popular Balogun market in Lagos, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday again discovered large sums of cash in an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to the EFCC, about $38 million, N23 million and £27,000 cash was uncovered in an apartment believed to be on Osborne Road, Ikoyi, during a sting operation by its operatives from the Lagos Zone.

The commission was silent on the address of the apartment or the ownership of the cash.

development, state and local authorities are advised to be more circumspect about the issuance of these certificates and letters of indigeneship.

“While they are enjoined to always liaise with the appropriate government organs, especially the Immigration Service to checkmate this trend, the service is continuing with its investigations to fish out other members of this criminal network.

“The public is also encouraged to report any suspicion in this direction.

“The service is equally aware of the efforts being made by some individuals to create a deep sense of insecurity in some parts of the country simply for their own selfish interest.

“To this end, the service wishes to reiterate its commitment to ensuring that peace prevails across the country and warns that it will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against defaulters, no matter how highly placed,” it said.

On the continued detention of the former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, Opuiyo stated that “the case of the former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, is typical”.

“The service has continued to hold him in line with the

dictates of the law – more so as he has not cooperated on the issues concerning the recovery of a large cache of arms at his facilities.

“While investigation is ongoing on this matter, the service has valid detention warrants to keep him. He will be charged accordingly, once the investigations are concluded,” it said.

HOUSE C’TTEE MULLS SUMMONING JONATHAN OVER MALABU OIL DEAL former president might be in a position to assist with its inquiries on the transaction that has led to prosecutions in Italy and Nigeria simultaneously.

He affirmed that the committee was considering inviting the former president to give evidence before it, adding that an announcement will be made once a firm decision is taken on the matter.

He said new findings from the ongoing probe

by Italian prosecutors had generated facts, which have firmly placed Jonathan on the committee’s radar.

The House had by a resolution set up and mandated the committee to among other things, conduct a thorough examination of the process and circumstances surrounding OPL 245 and identify culpability of any persons,

groups or organisations involved in the transaction.

“The committee is aware of recent information that have come to light, both nationally and internationally, indicating that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan may have been complicit in the controversial OPL 245 deal.

“The committee is also closely monitoring the proceedings in the Italian courts instituted by the Public Prosecutor of Milan in which ministers in the Jonathan administration were mentioned including President Jonathan himself,” the statement added.

Jonathan, however, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. On Tuesday he also dismissed allegations that he was paid $200 million from the proceeds of the sale of the deepwater oil block

said to hold 9 billion in oil reserves.

The statement from the House committee came on the heels of reports that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had carried out a raid on the Kano residence of the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), over his alleged corrupt involvement in the Malabu Oil transaction.

A source who confided in THISDAY, said the operatives broke into the former minister’s home.

The source, a woman, who was not authorised to speak on the incident, said she did not know whether the operatives came with a search warrant or not.

She said: “They found nothing after breaking down

DSS FOILS ATTACKS ON US, UK EMBASSIES, ARRESTS ISIS-BOKO HARAM MEMBERS “The group had perfected plans to attack the UK and American embassies and other western interests in Abuja.”

Opuiyo explained that during the operation to thwart this plan, five key suspects, namely: Isa Jubril, Jibril Jibril, Abu Omale Jibril, Halidu Sule and Amhodu Salifu, were arrested.

“Earlier, on 22nd March, 2017, at Fika, Yobe State, a 20-year-old Boko Haram member, Adamu Datti, was arrested. He confessed his involvement in executing the sinister activities of the group,” Opuiyo added.

The DSS further revealed that two suspected Ansaru kingpins – Ahmed Momoh and Al-amin Mohammed Jamin – were arrested on 4th April, 2017 at Igarra, Akoko Edo LGA of Edo State.

“The duo were confirmed associates of Abu Uwais, a main Ansaru kingpin terrorising residents in Kogi and Edo States,” it said.

“While these terrorists are already undergoing detailed investigations, the service stepped up efforts at stamping out the menace of kidnapping.

“In Rivers State for instance, Daniel Dibiamaka was arrested on 24th March, 2017 at Obio/Akpor LGA, for his complicity in the kidnap

of one Emmanuel Orji Ukah on 20th January, 2017.

“On that same day, Godsgift Isioma was arrested for his plan to kidnap one Dr. G.N Douglas.

“Determined to decisively deal with the ugly menace of kidnapping and the increasing violence in Benue State, the service, on 23rd March, 2017 at Bangaji, Gboko, Benue State arrested Daniel Lorve, a member of the Terwase Akwaaza (aka Gana)-led notorious kidnapping and terrorist group.

“Further investigations in this regard prompted a joint military/police/service operation which resulted in the raid on a farm suspected to have housed the armoury of Akwaaza known for terrorising Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum LGAs of the state,” the DSS further revealed.

It added that high caliber arms and ammunition were recovered from the scene, notably, one general purpose machine gun, three AK-47 rifles and one SMG rifle, with large quantities of ammunition.

In Kogi State, Opuiyo stated that the DSS on 29th March, 2017 arrested Abdulmojid Momoh and Ahmed Tijani Dodo at Adavi LGA for their involvement

in kidnapping.

“In a similar vein, the duo of Salau Yakubu Ontinwa (aka General) and Abdulmajeed Musa were arrested on 30th March, 2017 at the same Adavi LGA for similar kidnapping crimes.

“Preliminary investigations showed that the trio are key members of the dreaded gang terrorising innocent citizens and other travellers across the state.

“Prior to these operations in the state, a gunrunner only identified as Kareem was arrested on 27th March, 2017 for supplying weapons to criminals, especially Abu Uwais, the Ansaru kingpin and notorious kidnapper.

“In furtherance of the service’s efforts to check the possession of illegal arms, it arrested Chukwujioke Igbru at Ikwo, Ebonyi State in a joint military/DSS operation on 7th April, 2017.

“The suspect was alleged to be one of the masterminds of the clashes between his Ojenakpa community and neighbouring Isobo community in Obubra LGA of Cross River State. He was arrested in possession of a G3 rifle.

“In Abia State, one Freeborn Chisom Innocent from Ikeduru, Imo State was arrested at Nzaocha Street, Aba, for engaging in

subversive activities against public servants.

“Innocent who is an ICT expert used the social media, especially blogs to launch negative campaigns against the persons and offices of top government officials by telling lies against them and making them appear weak and incapable of holding their posts.

“He also used his platform to incite one ethnic group to violently attack another, thus creating tension and social disharmony,” the DSS revealed.

It added that it also uncovered a racketeering network involved in the issuance of certificates and letters of indigeneship to persons from neighbouring African countries.

Opuiyo added that “the Boko Haram terror group has become part of this network and uses it to boost its membership in Nigeria”.

“A particular case was the arrest on 10th April at Damaturu, Yobe State of Jalo, a Jos resident of Guinean origin and Boko Haram suspect.

“It is also discovered that these non-Nigerians use their new indigene status to seek privileges including admissions into the country’s tertiary institutions.

“In order to check this ugly

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

Is Nigeria Being Punished by God? In a series of letters from African journalists, novelist and writer Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani looks at whether a culture of blaming everything on destiny is holding Nigeria back

STARTERS

Two-Minute Briefing NEWS PDP Crisis: How Jonathan’s Peace Accord Crashed

Fresh facts have emerged on the reasons for the failure of the stakeholders’ meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened by former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, last week to reconcile the dispute among the warring parties in the PDP. Page 48

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NEWS

THURSDAY APRIL 13,

PDP Crisis: Ho Accord Crash w Jonathan’s Peace ed Email davidso

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Again, CBN Sells Fresh $250m through FX Forwards

YOU ARE WELC OME

FG Confirms Furthe with Boko Haram r Negotiations to Free Chibo Girls k

Executives at Managing Director, the Lagos House, $17bn Oil Prob Unilever Nigeria Ikeja, on Wednesday Plc., Mr. Yaw e: House C’tte e Overrides Pleading Subj Agencies udice Says it has plaque to the

by Unilever

powers to forge ahead

Five Killed

POLITICS Madumere: There are Blessings in

2017 • T H I S

Davidson Iriekpe

daylive.com,

Ezigbo in

Abuja Jonathan, last week to reconcile Fresh facts the dispute have emerged among the warring be resolved, crumbled the reasons for on parties like a pack the failure of in the PDP. of cards when have verbally stakeholders’ meeting the Ali Modu The insulted the former Democratic Party of the Peoples raised peace initiative, which suddenly walked out on Sheriff president. president to attract the leaders a lot of hopes (PDP) convened credible leaders by former President, According to for members during the meeting. of the party. But the source, Dr. Goodluck of the party that the nearly Sheriff walked when the governors Wike cautioned him, out of the meeting felt betrayed by JonathanSheriff saw the programme telling him that year-old leadership one this man was allegedly told who to allow , they crisis would in protest over the refusal a former president,” him that the purpose to allow such to happen. refused the source added. him make opening remarks as the of the meeting was to endorse “They told Jonathan PDP National The party blamed Governor Seriake the that Chairman.

Dickson report was the one calling for the since he the peace meeting the failure of However, a source meeting, consultation on inadequate no other person at the meeting to allow him preside disclosed that over the remark should forthcoming s party elders with national convention. after he finished make a stakeholder critical insulted by felt Obinna Chima s by the “The addressing the chairman, whomconduct of the Sheriff’s meeting was to legitimise the gathering.

It was learnt convener. that Jonathan chairmanship, was alleged “That was SMEs on Tuesday worked to name and using the The Central got betrayed and why Sheriff felt ministers,with some of his former platform of the Bank of Nigeria when the CBN offered some relief verbally insulted former Jonathan.

(CBN) yesterday but excluded $100 million to small governors But Governor the million through offered $250 through and medium businesses Nyesom caucus. and National Assembly spot sales from foreign exchangeseven to 30-day FX window its new (FX) forwards for them. for agriculture, Also products and airline, petroleum released on Tuesday, the CBN raw its results of The bank also materials. seven to days forward auctions of 30 wholesale spot called for bids for million, $100 auctions of $100 just as it disclosed million for business authorised that dealers travel allowances, and personal fully to its offer on subscribed medicals and tuition fees.

Monday.

Also, some authoritative Confirming sources at the CBN this, spokesman, CBN of efforts disclosed that as part Mr. to boost FX disclosed that Isaac Okorafor, CBN would soon not supply, the the bank has commenced only also begin FX auctions heavy injections the spot market into open a on the spot market, but also special window in addition to settlement of requests the for investors for wholesale to trade freely for certain spot bids for transactions, particularly eligible invisibles like school and fees, medicals dividends investment remittances. and personal travel allowance.

A CBN source was also However, the naira maintained that with the current level optimistic its previous day’s of value of N410 reserves, the CBN has the foreign to a dollar yesterday capacity to sustain supply while the country’s external keep doing so even if it has to for the next three by $28 million reserves increased months. to $30.394 billion of Tuesday, compared as Early this week, with $30.366 the central bank billion on April had disbursed 7. $20,000 each The central bank to Bureau the in the FX market has intervened in two de Change (BDC) operators $3 billion for to the tune of over which tranches of $10,000 each, both according to and wholesale retail invisibles underscored Okorafor Lagos State Governor, the commitmen February this forwards since the bank t of Nsarkoh, year.

Mr. Akinwunmi to ensure during a courtesy Ambode foreign exchange liquidity in the visit to the Governor (right) presenting an market.

Eyo

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has said negotiations are ongoing and it’s a matter that concerns James Emejo for the release in Abuja everyone,” he said. money must schoolgirls still of more Chibok Boko Haram continue in public in the custody had seized 276 The Chairman, the Boko Haram of pupils answers to issues House of interest. from the terrorists.

Representatives raised His warning He also expressed Ad-hoc Committee Secondary School Government on followed an committee at the resumed by the you we will pay the optimism objection by that the dialogue public profit for hearing yesterday. the night of April in Chibok on funds, missing $17 billion oil of Standardan Executive Director tax and FIRS petroleum Hon. Abdulrazak 14, 2014. About the desired result would yield 57 of will tell you In an interview the girls managed Namdas, Chartered that from yesterday warned Osinbajo made in due course. to escape in the immediate agencies and to the committee’s requestBank Namdas said: with THISDAY, not paid their own records, they’ve “Most of these aftermath of the companies currently and we’ve he supplied Tuesday evening this known on abduction. that companies details relating pleading suspicious show them FIRS cause to even subjudice and with journalists at an interaction to the CBN have made payments to refusing to records for 2014. transactions Negotiations accounts and “A company in some State House and activists at the government between the federal before the committee appear accounts managed even said in Abuja. evidence of consequence to give and by the bank you confront them on the when to FIRS the petroleum they’ve paid and “There is a payment led to the releaseBoko Haram had that profit tax but s, adding weredetermine what the payments they themselves made it has the of 21 going on,” he lot of negotiation while and we show FIRS has shown us the meant for between them payments, number said. another three of the girls constitution powers under the of companies 2011 and position they are 2014. were freed by He said the to forge ahead that soldiers. to tell you am not in a paid their names have actually with “gone quite far” government has escaped Dozens of others had the probe irrespective The executive are not on of whether director had argued will get back to you. not sure, I list. And we on their own. the matter is in that there to free more with negotiations then ask, wherethe court “We expect that Despite girls, but did the assessment is Citing Section or otherwise. by such could be legal implications if provide details you not territory losing most of the notice are account and gas for several in oil given to you 89 of of the negotiations holders they controlled constitution, years and you’ve and they said they can’t for apparent which he said the bank for such disclosureagainst the made some at some point, including produce it. security “But I think truly was their the dreaded superior to any other The vice-presiden reasons. consent or legal without period, by payments within this a , we are making Sambisa forest the time you headway; people to Nigerian troops, regulation, he said contravening Premium Times, t, according to the insurgents But his argument rights. are shown a the can’t document, committee, escape hinted paying royalties. was weakened through the Attorney you should be that one of have kept hold by the Section the challenges We’ve realised position to at an estimated in a we have of the Federation 89 General of of that 195 girls, with least, issues, but this which was readof the Constitution was the existencefreeing the girls of them (AGF) and Minister some of Justice, According to him: confirm.” committee out to him. already feared “Though some is not just set up for the in Boko Haram, of two factions was already aware However, dead. confirmed this About 2,000 indications sake with setting some that of each up, is of teenagers from faction been the we emerged that holding on to the committee also they don’t know what them buy that people can confirm certainly some of the reportedly abductedhave had cases oil companies invited be might stand girls. in the court but the payments are making a headway One of the factions Boko Haram by investigation for- and that because this has evading answers is led by since 2014, Abubakar Shekau, into the missing the as many company in its findings investigating that’s why we are to do representatives the erstwhile many of the women used with oil have proved because we realised gas and, Nigeria is with oil and leader of the as sex their core area slaves, fighters evasive in giving there are some payments group, while in terms of generation and even breakaway faction a bombers, that have and been made: for according to suicide therefore would of revenue example, they’ll Musab al-Barnawi, is led by Abu Internationa Amnesty not continue tell to play believed to be l, the London-bas with that.” a son of the human rights late founder organization. ed George Okoh in of the group, Mohammed Makurdi On Tuesday, the Yusuf. village in Yaav Osinbajo, however, Children Fund United Nations Five (UNICEF), said the persons are Buhari administrat late Tuesday council ward, ion was very least 27 teenage girls havesaid at fresh attack by feared dead in a sporadically night, shooting unaccounted for. committed to suspected used as been “Our and the remaining Chibok release of the within suicide bombers in Borno herdsmen on farmers Fulani and huts ablaze.setting houses invaders worry is that the Relations Officer, Assistant in Turan, the first quarter Superintendent, girls and other Kwande Local have been using captives held “The people of 2017.

Moses Yamu, Government the who There by the ran for their mobile phones they confirmed lives as the “It is a matter Boko Haram. of the is no evidence that any Area of Benue State. recovered from the the attack, attack lasted Chibok girls of conscience According to Wednesday till to call homes of the victims explained however that an suicide bombers. is among the the the people informing police recorded the suspected Fulanieyewitness, that about morning, we feared two deaths victims the five herdsmen had besieged in have been killed persons might further of their intension to launch the crisis.

Inundugh attacks on the though several Yamu further persons are community. said the still missing When contacted, command had and Benue deployed its the to the State Police men Public stem area to restore peace and an escalation of the crisis.

EDITORIAL On Financial Crimes and Punishment

Nigeria is an irony. Poor people who commit petty crimes are often sentenced to long term in prison. But the privileged citi- zens, ranging from politicians, bank executives to other high- heeled criminals, who cause widespread financial damage to the society, are slapped with light sentences. Page 15

News Editor

n.iriekpen@this

N

as Herdsmen

ON FINANC

IAL CRIMES

igeria is an irony. Poor people who commit often sentencepetty crimes are d to long term prison. But in the zens, ranging privileged citibank executivefrom politicians, heeled criminals to other highs, who cause widespread to the society, financial damage are slapped House of Represen with light sentence tatives wants s. The In a new bill to change Hon. Bassey which has passed second all that.

Ewa, represen reading, seeking stiffer ting Cross crimes. The penalty for economic River State, is and financial proposed section persons shall reads: “All convicted serve an imprison less than 20 ment of a years and have accounts or their ill-gottenterm not investment property confiscated ment.” Similarly by the govern- , and financial , a company found guilty of economic business for crimes would be barred 50 years. from doing These were Economic and part of the new amendm Financial Crimes ents to Commission the (EFCC) Act, 2004 which prescribes a penalty of “not less than two years”. Ewa rightly said the present punishment was too “lenient” and only a harsh that sentence public servants would money. “If you and others from stealingdiscourage are 40 years public you will be old and you 60 years by know that the you will have some fear in time you are out of jail, children.” you and think about your There is no act is overdue doubt that the current provision in for an overhaul the only anti-graf the . The EFCC is perhaps strong challeng t institution which still poses a a tragic mismatce to impunity. But in its The punishm h between crime and books, there is consequences. recompenses ent it metes out to convicts rather than more or less reprimands corruption.

Investigation making headw ay

Attack Benu e Community

EDITORIAL

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AND PUNISH

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Recession How has the Imo State Gov- ernment POLITICS been managing the current recession? Madumere: There are Blessi ngs in Reces sion Truly, it has not been easy for our H people. I can understand what it portends for the low income earners, especially where there is only one bread winner feeding many children on daily basis with the continual rise in cost of food stuffs and other family needs. Page 18 18

T H I S D AY

PERSON

ALITY I NTERV

• THURSDAY,

APRIL 13, 2017

Group Politic s Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.so niyi@thisday live.com 0803314613 9 SMS ONLY

IEW

Imo State depu ty on how the state governor, Mr. Eze Madu mere, in this interv his boss, Gove is surviving the economic downturn. He iew with Amby Uneze rnor Rochas in Owerri, spoke Okorocha also spoke on ow has the his working Imo State Government been relationship with managing the current recession?

Truly, it

has not been easy our people.

I can understanfor d You headed income earners, what it portends for a the low especially where kidnapping security committee that one bread winner and other criminaliti battled feeding many there is only what would daily basis es in the state, children on with the continual status of the you say is the current food stuffs security and other family rise in cost of Thank you state?

The Chief Executive needs. so of Imo State All over the much for that question.

Owelle Rochas Government, world, establishme is majorly to administrator Okorocha, our leader, a meticulous nt of governmen t property. Beforesafeguard and protect of his love with the midas touch, lives for our people, because government the Owelle Rochas Okorocha-and some of his has maintaine came on board, policies that led d Imo State was serve as stimulus have a place of fear; like I said earlier, in cushionin continued to hell of a commodit the recession. freedom was g the effect From one y no one could of ones ran far 2017, the governmen December 2016 to afford; off January t relaxed some parents would their homes and towns loved in revenue of its drive prefer their while away from economic issues. to serve as succour policies children staying Imo State. to the Okorocha promised far work out a The free education solution to policy at all It was a daunting with the security continued to agencies. levels of the joint task challenge but by the the denial of run unstopped. My problemhas gallantry some people force, which is the education in include the army, civil Imo State at that there is no free agencies, we defence, among other police, painful. That the tertiary security level. It is students under control.were able to bring the not be the headache pay their utilities situation The hydra should of the criminality like identity headed monster was card, departmengovernment. Things of their patriotism checked. I commend and probably them for light should tal, association dues the governor and sacrifices. This is of the governme not the nt. Beyond be the headache security statusdoes not joke with them. reason insisted that whatever paymentthis, the governor that Imo State of Imo State, I stand to On the never exceed on utilities remains one tell you safest states of the best of the total of N20,000 only should in the Federal the most secure and my knowledg and to Last festive Republic of of N19,500. e they pay period (througho Nigeria. a token the preceding What am I ut December saying? crime record. months) we had almost and has been shielded Every parent in Imo State from the state enjoyed Our people and the guests zero school fees themselve from primary burden of paying s to the fullest of the there was security is only in Imo to because State that there tertiary level. It Madumere. in place. or families temporari is zero dropout ..working closely ly stopping There is growing children from with Okorocha some of their going agitation to school. This you to join How the case in the guber racefrom your zone for Imo. is never some would you evaluate be silent on the performan Like we have core policies the issue. Whatbut you seem to ce of of the state My answer It has been so death sentence always said, recession are your government? celebrate about six years has is never a far so good. of free and qualitative education in joint ticket with always been simple. plans? one blowing I know it is somehow which we havebut rather a critical mirror I am in a Imo his my boss, Owelle this governme State. Let us not forget Okorocha. a factual scale been able to put Nigeriawith sure, there has own trumpet. One nt provided that providing We owe Imo people Anayo Rochas on the inception been policy consistencthing is which been growing to ascertain whether a responsibil include uniforms, all the materials, a long lasting of Rescue Mission y since we have Right ity of in stature without dividend of They voted Recession exposed shoes, desks from Government. others. Rescue Mission democracy. massively for and begin our vulnerabil developing. Okorocha the inception of the Government 305 us and me, it is one to play out also built hell of a dislikeable ity. And for policies -led government; Owelle Rochas eachsix class room one story unpalatable we must not people.

Were it not buildings; of the 305 electoral scripts to our is free education one of the core good for We also wards of Imo one in We are just less living in a fool’srecession, we would haveomen. . We are proud State. dispensati than two been to insecuritypromised to tackle the been wandering paradise; we would high spate in the state. Before on. For those years into the present in a false affluence. have still of the Imo was spotted who are already have known we came on Today, we our board, it political dance floor, I as one of the on This is not unconnect the real challengetrue state and the need is hail their them failed states. inalienable because right ed with the first charge post. Again, not on mono-econ of building for the to face fact that the agitation cannotto seek any elective of every governme future, of life and democracy. economic blue omy, but through articulated nt is security property, Owerri zone be separated from print. We have We had a situation which was never from does from where need to feed agreed have I come ourselves first. there. Okigwe that we the right where fear had become ment is serious The federal is doing. However,to agitate just like the then new and uncertainty been changed. of ingratitud talk less about about it. I am happy governnormal. That e to my leader it will be a show that we foreign rice has Imo have done well.In the area of infrastruct less about foreign these and to hurriedly The three senatorial ure, we job join a race whenthat of Ndi commodities. days. We talk Imo State which is more to do. My I eat local we the zones of Owerri zones people of Okigwe, and it is not take on this is, it is just have a Aquaculture nutritious, healthier and rice, Orlu and too about who is growing by tastier. rescue mission.can attest to the good will of the father agitate most early technology work of for processing the day with better but in the heaven.

In the area of re-invented and packaging by the day. being with me that industrialisation, you Imo has been Recession will the preferred Imo State has become agree destination, described as an emerging the course of has not changed the vision what are your tourism Owelle Rochas and construction place for tourism owing one of two years projections in to develop Okorocha resolve’s when of Imo. This is another ment centers state-of-the-art event and to the will be rounding the current administr the rested on his that oars despite reason he has not ation off? whatever form can readily cater for invest- With our experience Imo State Governme all odds. events nt does not For salaries, population from and capacity to accomoda in Imo in infrastruct ; with what we Workers have owe workers. have in te a be ure even with to ten thousand the upward of seven Renewal Projectbeen paid till December commissio the soon-tothousand participants. changed the Airport and ned Imo International return to civil is ongoing. Imo State, . Urban This has not clientele in our present since the Cargo our hospitality only that we understud but has brought the kind of rule in 1999, has never effort witnessed rural sector our in other value y the commercito ensuring December was being witnessed road rehabilitation programm chains. Last al angle to especially between currently Most hoteliers our third carnivals in the next two es, Imo will surely take and January the series.

December years. over in this effect because could not contain the roads are being year as many of the spill economic that were into of guests in their facilities. over The succession Water schemes prepared for tarring. of the Governor in Imo, Okigwe full. Of course, cab businesses had their Those seems to be are being rehabilitate and hitting up gradually, Okorocha d. For the first Orlu zones coupled with with beautification of hands projection years with what time towards the cities security, the private partnershi is your in fifteen this? and conducive Well, it is normal environment able to get water p, we have is secure for businesses because Imo running in Owerri been politically conscious In the area are some beautiful people to thrive. of manufactu with everyone are highly stories so sure again. These quite a bit or two things ring, we have the mouth having one to be told in because incentives of he feels he has done in former Resin Imolites who our detractors. I am happy terms of governanc to sell to the Paint Industry are there. The because, people e. I have no has been taken surprised at came home for festivities that in Aboh Mbaise I have projection what they saw over now were meters and is just too early a mandate with my is different on ground, other electrical for production of leader, it from what which to begin to ever, we have said earlier. was being peddled social media appliances discuss this For God’s sake, and other news as I on entrepreneurs, been encouraging our . How- two years in platforms. office. We are we are less than young to and agribusinea number of them in agriculture busy working put smiles of Imo State ss. Just recently, the to also ensureon the faces of our people hard governor that we create and loans for our approved N2 billion repayable where businesses an atmosphe people. can thrive. approach to That is the re ensuring that best mandate. That we justify the question on is my take on this ever peoples’ recurring 2019.

FEATURES Reviving Baro Empire Hills

Not too long ago some unknown persons were said to have stormed the personsweresa dtohavestormedthe Baro Empire Hills in Niger State and, after a failed attempt to remove the radio communication gadgets installed on the hills by the colonial masters, set fire on the equipment, leaving only the radio transmitters N standing. Page 20

Yari The recent men ng t s outbreak wh ch has so far c a med more than 450 ves n N ger a s north may have exposed one of the reasons why that reg on of the country cont nues to have some of the gr mmest stat st cs n a most every area of deve opment Even before the Boko Haram m tant Is am st nsurgency there were a arm ng y h gh figures on nfant and materna morta ty poverty ch d marr age ch dren out-of-schoo to ment on but a few The reg on s a so one of the few n the wor d that s yet to be cert fied free of po o the nfect ous d sease that often cr pp es ch dren When t comes to the men ng t s outbreak Zamfara State has suffered the most deaths and hosp ta sat ons out of a those affected One offic a has sa d that peop e need to “repent and everyth ng w be a r ght” Wh e address ng ourna sts recent y state governor Abdu az z Yar abso ved h s adm n strat on of any respons b ty for the d sease s spread n h s state Instead he sa d the prob em was that peop e have been s nn ng aga nst God “Peop e have turned away from God that s ust the cause of th s outbreak as far as I am concerned ” Mr Yar sa d “There s no way forn cat on w be so rampant and God w not send a d sease that cannot be cured ” In accordance w th h s be ef about the hea th emergency s or g n Mr Yar proffered a so ut on wh ch has noth ng to do w th any act on or nact on on the part of h s government “It s mposs b e to cu t vate a sp r t of nnovat on and transformat on when peop e be eve themse ves he p ess about the r p ght “The most mportant th ng s for our

peop e to know that the r re at onsh p w th God s not smooth ” he sa d “A they need to do s repent and everyth ng w be a r ght ” These comments have drawn cr t c sm from many N ger ans notab y from Sanus Lam do Sanus the Em r of Kano who s one of the country s most mportant Mus m eaders But Mr Yar mere y amp fied an att tude that s not uncommon n the country In the 2011 post-e ect on v o ence that broke out n parts of northern N ger a n ne recent un vers ty graduates ass gned to work w th the e ectora comm ss on n Bauch State were k ed Isa Yuguda the state governor at the t me ascr bed the young peop e s deaths to a h gher force “They were dest ned to exper ence what they exper enced ” he sa d “Nobody can run away from the r dest ny ” He added that human be ngs shou d a ways accept the r dest ny whether or not t was “ n our favour or aga nst our nterest” Thus Mr Yuguda mp ed that there was noth ng h s adm n strat on cou d have done to protect the young ves from the r ghast y fate He was not to b ame In January I met a 21-year-o d woman n Ma dugur north-east N ger a one of the m ons of peop e d sp aced from the r homes by Boko Haram Wh e v ng n a camp for d sp aced peop e she was befr ended by a man who works w th the C v an Jo nt Task Force (CJTF) a group that was formed to he p oust Boko Haram One n ght two years ago he ocked her up n h s offic a veh c e muffled her screams and raped her A few weeks ater she d scovered

that she was pregnant Her fam y h s fam y and the oca CJTF boss ntervened They dec ded that the v ct m wou d marry her rap st That was the best way to save her from the shame of be ng a s ng e mother they be eved She to d me that she d d not mag ne any better a ternat ve herse f and so w ng y went a ong w th the r dec s on Thus she became the th rd w fe to a man who was pa d by the government to protect her and other refugees a man who raped her and fathered her first ch d n the offic a veh c e he had been prov ded to carry out h s ob of protect ng her and other vu nerab e peop e I was keen to know what her husband fe t about what he had done to her how he had so brut sh y a tered the course of the woman s fe forever “He to d me that s the way A ah wants t ” she rep ed “He sa d that s my dest ny ” Th s att tude of attr but ng fe c rcumstances to forces beyond peop e s contro s ant thet ca to progress and deve opment It s mposs b e to cu t vate a sp r t of nnovat on and transformat on when peop e be eve themse ves he p ess about the r p ght Some northern N ger a eaders are thankfu y start ng to speak out aga nst such regress ve be efs The Em r of Kano descr bed Mr Yar s comments as “Is am ca y ncorrect” “When we ta k about a d fficu t env ronment we rea se that 90 per cent of that d fficu ty we can address because t s se f- nfl cted ” the Em r sa d º Culled from the BBC

BUSINESS NBCC: Nigeria Needs Implementable

Policies to Drive Oil and Gas Sector The Oil and GasTrade Group of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), has called on the federal government to put in place policies that are implementable and could address the challenges of the country’s oil and gas sector.

Page 23

Recession is never a death sente nce but rather mirror witha critical have been which we Nigeria onable to put a factual scale to ascer whether we tain growing in have been stature without devel oping.

Recession exposed us our vulnerabili ty. And for me, it is of a dislik one hell eable good omen. Were recession, it not for have been we would living in fool’s parad ise

FEATURES R

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Quick Takes

Kleen Cultur

WE REJOICE

WITH YOU

L-R: Managing Director, MultiCho BB Naija Season-2 , Efe Ejeba; ice Nigeria, John Ugbe; Bassey, during the Big BrotherGroup Head, Corporate Regional Director, M-Net Communications Naija Season-2 West Africa, Wangi of reality

the bank, Mba-Uzo TV show grand prize presentatFela Ibidapo and Managingukwu; winner 2017 of NBCC: Nig ion on Tuesday, Director, Payporte in Lagos eria Needs Imp , Eyo lementable Oil and Gas Policies to Driv Sector Eromosele e Abiodun

e Opens in

Lekki

Residents of environs now Lekki Phase 1, Victoria the expansion have access to premiumIsland, Ikoyi, Ajah and laundry services cleaning outfitof Kleen Culture, a contempo rary laundry with The company in the heart of Lagos, and dry Lekki’s busy recently opened collection centre metropol on Admiralt a new flagship drop-off is. new office y Way, Lekki provides easy Phase 1, Lagos. and Ikoyi, Victoria access The Island and Ajah. for all residents of This new on-deman Phase-1, d laundry is the third opened by the pickup and delivery service Lagos in 2013 company since facility expansion of and marks the beginning launching in Agege, Kleen Culture of a Speaking during across Lagos. new stage of rapid the event, who shared the company the owner, Mrs. Bukola a premium, ’s vision, describe Adegbiji, innovative d Kleen Culture laundry the needs of as business professiooutfit committed Victoria Island, to serving Ikoyi and environsnals and residents “Our value propositio in Lekki, n is to provide . service delivery to our customer in a convenien the highest s consistent t and affordabl quality of service e and care,” shemanner, providing said.

Campa

ri Nigeria Reward

s Distrib

utors Nigeria’s rising status as a celebrated premium in sole distributohigh style recently, whenmarket for spirits was Brian Munro Awards for r of Campari in Nigeria the 2016 financial held its Annual Limited, Distributor Distributor ENER GY The Oil and year. The Awards honoured Gas distributors to handle the and compens annual Campari the Nigerian-B Trade Group of presentin of sector. ated outstand Campari Nigeriathe brand.

President of Commerce ritish Chamber of a panel g his position, during ing According to (NBCC), has with a scintillat ambassador 2Baba Adelegan, in NBCC, Adedapo fall him, on the federal called forum session, at a roundtabl kicked off the his welcome in oil prices, “With the before a select ing rundown of his festivities ad- rate hitting an inflation put in place government to recently, organised in Lagose dress, said to confront classic and crowd policies of 16 and realities latest hits celebritie per and said: “There distribut cent and that are achieve a knowledg implementable s, depreciation Lagos, while ors alike at the Renaissamarketers, customers of the naira, the e-based is and could need to pump more is no economy, governm address the TEE-A there a serious nce Hotel, GRA, money into challenges over the course delivered his signature country’s oil of the will our refineries because they need to channel its ent would to think need for businesses of the evening, rib-cracking Ikeja, outside never work. policies to Managing Director, humour to the delight urged the and gas sector. should Government encourage more local devise sustainabthe box and of the audience government has the distinctio Brian Munro, Paul content, come up with informat le survival drop all policies . strategies.” to policies developmion technology n of being complemWilson, said the marketers and seeking the that will recognise joint (IT) brand rehabilitation ent in the The distributo ented ership ownNigerian by of rs, who have the biting recession remarkable country of all the country’s and conseque Oil refineries, insisting worked tirelessly country such refineries in the experienc ntly embrace industry has really and Gas witnessed Nigeria is one that such despite developed, in 2016” project would due to the e and the of over 190 government, that the federal edge Campari is distribute countries across state governm of the private knowl- indigeno focus of increasing white elephant continue to be a and the d, ent us local with sector globe where liqueur renowne participation critical input the government to gulp the project, designed part in in the process as the industry. This will be economic d for being distinctive, vibrant red alcoholic country’s money owners of most famed the base is reflected without producin policy formulati of through the Participants the refineries.” and Award were cocktails. Guests at the of some of the world’s Nigerian governons ment exertions. at the forum The Executive g results. no Campari Distribut also spoke mix of Beer different, as the Campari of wisdom “That is the part local initiative of increasin Secretary, on infrastruc Major Oil ors and Campari— that will lead Senator g content gap in the Marketers proved a perennia cocktail—a oil and gas ture the collective to indigenou and ensuring that ciation of Nigeria Assol favourite.

Miss Mama (MOMAN), and called on governm sector sustainable prosperity and greater s companies have Mr. Obafemi eco-grow a Africa build ent part to the Nigerian Olawore, while infrastructure in developin th of and on StarTimes backbone gas assets, Adelegan g oil economy now and allow private The 2017 Miss stakeholders and into the nearest said.

The Minister Mama Africa, operator StarTime future,” Adelegan said. sponsore of State, beauties competins, was recently held d by the Africa’s pay-TV T H I S D AY in Beijing with Continued THURSDAY, g for the The contest 11 African on page 24 APRIL 13, 2017 has attracted crown. and interest, many Chinese A Chinese who are eager to lay eyes peoples’ attention audience, Zhang on African tournament, Wei, who witnesse beauties. and optimisti said: “These African beauties d the final are passiona They smile c.

Raheem Akingbo te a lot and look beauties are very confiden lu girls 36 eyes and slim who are outgoing and t. In my eyes, African The Director ECON confident with bodies.”

OMY General of The Chief Editor of all stakehold Acting Featur sparkling National Lottery the of StarTime ers across the To this end, Wang, said: country, Regulatio s, Sino Drama es Editor Charle Commission “Miss Mama Channel, Mandy (NLRC), Adolphusn for collaboration Ekpe called to end with a determination with federal licensees Email: s Ajunwa African girls Africa provides charle Ekpe, has between the to all to pay local taxes era of conflicts s.ajunw states and federal a new expressed the platform According to show their beauties a@thi concern that lack of for government and dispute on licensing sanctions. We or face federal sdaylive.com and synergy between for Nigeria to 10 episodes Wang, they have produced African cultures.” are establishi permits. and an understan harness the federal and for ng a reality show revenue full state governm ding with licensees She said the the beauty contest.

To achieve with is denying ents, industry.potential of the gaming to pay reality African beauties show would unveil NLRC has set this, he said the every 5% withholding tax N200billion Nigeria over on all details that out to have experien play According revenue StarTimes the 11 ced in could be generated to the NLRC “smooth operation guarantee ment basedto each state governthat boss, Sino of federal the enforcem on activities the reality show Drama is to broadcasChina. licensees in through the gaming in states. We are ent tussle their every state t the Miss Mama between the industry. also working federatio of the Africa on April first episode of two major The director on tiers licensing n to check multiple a National Lottery 15th at 19:00 general, who of government has Operation CAT. spoke at and taxation.

Harmonisation led to multiple taxation a Stakehold organised by press briefing of and licensing out to ensure all states We are Forum in operators ,which benefit Nigerian partnership with ers Limited to flag NaijaBillionaire in also results equitably from proceeds the excessive operation Governors off its1billion national jackpot in Lagos, Forum to aire cost for national lottery operation of align all state interests. said the gam- the operators. s by ing industry licensees; to Chairman NaijaBilli ” has He stated that ensure that generating about the potential of governm onaire Limited, the federal due process and rule N300billio ent times can earn annual followed in conflict of law is said the Adedotun Sulaiman the federal ften There are huge when mental and government n to revenue up company comes to N50 billion disorder create channelsresolution; a national coffers Naijabilli is mentioned annually. He in the micro opportunities in from Nigeria,municati stated that colour and with of comeconomy; comes Limited what on and ongoing rivalry the projectingonaire global to mindwhile standard hence the need is the picture between between state cooperation Nigerian , and is designed ofthat insane two major statesmen microfinance for more can also by agencies and and women stakeholders the share about s for Nigerian with the banks same. federal particular industry has in the that in the He s. government market to assist He said, “Our spectrum seen it yield with the commiss behaviour disclosed agency,’’ offurther On aspiring mission is than N7billion less ordinary living. ionnot to reinvent in conformi women and is out steps being to to harmonis the entire as of 2016naked recalibrate ty They believed taken gaming youths and dirtythe Nigerian gamingthe explained e both parties, industry industry with African picks un-useful to person Ekpe on on the streettypical equitable CEO, Money a focus that “the NLRC gaming experienc things in benefit who periodically Trust sight andestablishing e that an understan is talks Microfinance with mental to himself is the ideal ding disorder.

Bank, person Continued But such Mr Chike Memeh category is on page 24 mental disorder just a small

HEALTH Depression: A Misunderstood Mental

NLRC: Nig eria Losing over N200bi Gaming Ind llion in ustry

HEALTH & LI FEST

YLE Depression: A Misunders tood Mental in Nigeria Disorder With

Disorder in Nigeria Often times when mental disorder is O mentioned in Nigeria, what comes to mind is the picture of insane men and women with particular spectrum of behaviour not in conformity with ordinary living.

Page 36

this year’ Martins Ifijehs World Health Day targeting writes that it, and how it can be mana it is an ailment thatthe increased incidence has remain of ged misunderstooddepression globally, , the factors fueling

part of even though referred to it could be as the extreme condition. Other case of the schizophrenia, forms are depression health , anxiety, drug addiction, eating disorder, bipolar disorder, among others.

Several indication s show Nigerians have one form that over 60 million or the other of mental disorder persons in with only about 20 per cent of such category the obvious are seen to have the ordinaryforms of it, which includes what schizophrenia, Nigerian refers to madness, drug or alcoholand perhaps extreme case of addiction; largely made a reason 80 per cent mental disorder in the that has or 48 million remaining or poorly Nigerians understoo ignored d.

On specifics, the World (WHO) in Health Organisat its ion says 7,079,8152017 World Health Day message Nigerians the most ignored suffer from mental disorder and misunderstood one of form of This represent in the country – depression. s 3.9 per population; cent of the making current prevalenc Nigeria, according entire to the Depression e rate, the country in most depressed Africa. is preventabl lowest number Globally, Seychelles e and treatable has the of depressed just 3,722. persons with country has somewha It also says t gave society and even healthcar seal among the per cent of 4,894,557 Nigerians e providers ‘’Depression , that is 2.7 it does not exist. the populatio that the knows no disorders.

“Unfortunately, n, suffer anxiety status. It can man on the The this street, who Ethiopia with country is closely affect for his family.

“There are followed by because the depressed is the worst part of It can also is unable to fend people who Republic of 4,480,113 sufferers, it hospital affect the richest Democratic alone without a clear often suffer the ailment men. It can affect refuse South AfricaCongo with 2,871,309 signal anyone the society of because or bring their sick ones to visit the sufferers, or even healthof help from either everything going well. who is seen to have they for Tanzania withwith 2,402,230 sufferers, when suffer Even little spiritual issue.believe psychiatric treatment, 2,138,939 sufferers. and level the depression has providers. And illness.depression. So it is children illness Hence, they While all reached where they take such patients forms of mental It can happen not a discrimina would preferis a have concluded a certain being advocated tory or faith ever to spiritual to anyone. to “When depressio understan disorders no one organisati healing against by d as priority n starts, almost the health are commit suicide them, the next thing will of the person’s spiritual means. ons so as to get cure homes by body all is to is ing Nigeria, all member nations, through “It’s sad peopleor harm themselv why it is onelife suffer the disorder. areas “Majority only it is believed es. includ- be who face depressio misunderstood of the worst That as their take prepared Softly that the and slowly poorly for at least last resort. neuropsychiatric hospitals n must should be tackledtypes, especially it affects socialillnesses ever. are depression, One is to face depressiotwo long journeys. ships, career, finance, not presentedAnd you know when lives, relationdestroy mankind head on before cases on time, and also importan more difficult they silently its symptoms - desponden itself, including the health of the . individual. to treat. This they are often Depression of sleep, an tly reasons of depressio ncy, lethargy, Once is the inability people an n leading cause occurs, there lack episode the globally, as don’t present is one of the to concentra is a high tendency of disability productive lifestyle hospital, well as the te, weak it will reoccur again. their - are painful about 800,000 leading cause to manage.

So it is advisable from gettingthereby preventing such cases to and difficult to take it with kid of the sufferers proper medical It is also the suicide deaths in The second case in Nigeria,” gloves, as presently not what I do the world. second leading attention. journey, is that in 15 – 29-yearis he the persons, when I come is in many So, cause of death harder, and often He said although explained.

I tell ways, across such longer, which For Nigeria, olds globally other people’s cause of depressio ones to the them to bring their is to face not absolutely known, with the misunder sick loved depressed it was believedn was that there hospital whilst educating persons in over seven million depression, misunder standings of their a lot of factors the increasing contribute that illnesses,” are drugs for the sometime them the country, standings genetic to it, including treatment and unhelpfu s insulting, confusing that are levels, characteristics, he

by Nigerians suicide rates and of the He added explained. l , and often certain medical changes in hormone that, suicide trend , experts believed attempts control,” in getting the symptom substance illnesses, stress, that psychiatric “people should the rising he said. can be drasticall s under abuse, among understand understan grief, which illness is also According He said any y reduced others. ding like other illnesses require to him, Nigerians by when of these factors was a preventab depression, which combinat we have good medical attention. one is in a they said le and treatable alone or in And now sad state or often believe changes ion can bring said when drugs just developed about the ailment. They optimistic about does not feel understoo like the ones in brain countries.” almost specific d spotted on in time, every by the society and the person is just havinganything, it means many symptoms chemistry that lead to the The of depression the condition Nigerian developin stressed, and related a mood swing , bipolar disorder grim picture conditions. g ing that and with time will get or reaches the can timely seek help WHO says Statistics show the society, over it. Addextreme conseque before the including WHO says nce, suicide. it believe there are 150 Psychiatr that Nigeria has doctors also people of all ages, health condition affects depression only people ists of sadness like about from all walks is not just who are constantl all countries that, hence Nigerians. That to care for over but . there is nothing of life, in brain, adding a real illness which a feeling do about y is one psychiatris 180 million It causes mental Nigerians. affects the it. anyone can t to It easily go away,that feeling of sadness anguish and “Unfortu people’s ability mental healthalso shows that there1.2 million could Depressio nately, this is impacts on to carry health condition but depression are five Lawal says nurses to 100,000 Nigerians is n is not just the major problem. everyday tasks, with out even the simplest and counsellin that requires proper a serious which goes the country a feeling of sometime consequences . neuropsy treatment away g. for relationsh s devastating governmechiatric hospitals, has only eight with an establisheeasily. It is a toughsadness and friends but believes THURSDA feeling nts and the ability ips with family d imprint Depression, is also state Y APRIL It added the federal should complement the in the brain. not stress to earn a living. a highly misunder 13, 2017 government that• Twill efforts of But why It to suicide,that at worst, depressio H I Sgo that stress D AY stood psychiatric is depressio away. Agreed now the second n can lead hospitals in by establishing state highly misunder n and the condition out of it could trigger it but These their various the best way death among 15-29-yea leading cause is to depressed stood in Nigeria?

Psychiatry, states. of is not statistics however showed Referring to treat it head on.”

In an earlier r-olds.

A and yet ready the medical interview Initiative, Dr. the Founder, Mentaldoctor of mitted suicide to tackle issuesthat Nigeria Medical Director, health head with THISDAY by jumping doctor who comof mental on. a guide. He Reuben Oyaregbulem Balance Mainland , the Hospital (FNH),Ya Federal Neuropsy through To make matters worse, chiatric clearly to identify believes the failure of provides said it wasBridge into the lagoon the Third said ba, Lagos, one of the and diagnose Rahman Lawal, clinicians recently, he laughable Nigeria has defined mental challenge started for depression no health generally 47 s in tackling the federal, health policy. in the suicide saying how can him when people a doctor commit that there were , including depressiomental are of the states and local governmePerhaps when he is opinion, just n was that not hungry. myths and nts also surrounding like most misconceptions the insane psychiatric Nigerians man especially on to illness in the in Nigeria. email:fore who talks Africa, onehimself and sleep on street igndesk@thisdayliv dirts, is with mental German police e.com give it a priority. disorder, hence the only no need to a suspect with have detained three explosive “Islamist links” devices contained following a bomb metal strips. as a terrorist attack but say bus of the Borussiaattack on the Two letters claiming precise motive the searched, Dortmund is unclear football team. and one of on Tuesday evening the attack the two indicating Chancellor Angela at present. has been were being detained.”

Prosecutors also Merkel on that the attacker Wednesday said said one of the investigated, they said.

The blast radius had links to the attack The Sueddeutsch Prosecutors are so-called Islamic treating the blasts “an appalling crime” and was was about 100m. of the attack State (IS). e Zeitung newspaper said Prosecutors said IS had said it praised it was the fans of both the carried letter began lucky the casualties out the teams for coming with the phrase together. were market attack on a Christmas not worse. “in the name Allah”. of in Berlin A spokeswoma Ms Koehler that killed 12 in December But it said it was said a piece federal prosecutor, n for Germany’s shrapnel people. possible the Ms Koehler had embedded of Frauke Koehler, said: “Two suspects said the letter perpetrators were deliberately itself demanded in the headrest At least five people trying to mislead from the of one of “the withdrawal Islamist spectrum the investigation of and 10 wounded have been killed such attacks have become seats on the team bus. the [German] tornado A second . in a suicide bomb raised further concerns the focus of our She said three from Syria and, fighter jets online, in letter was published blast near government investigation in a country copies of which left-wing Both of their I quote, the closure of Ramstein extremist apartments were. the same letter were the heart of Afghanistan offices in deal with already struggling to groups claimed found near the site ’s capital, armed an offensive by the Taliban The text is being airbase.” out the attack, to have carried Kabul, according of the blasts, group. to but prosecutors see if it is authentic. analysed to had reason The incindent police.

“The people to believe this of Kabul happened when on Wednesday Afghanistan letter was not authentic. a suicide bomber are now more and on foot detonated worried because the about 100m from his explosives are really Afghan security forces presidential palacethe gate of the fight the having a hard time to where the Afghan and close to looking Taliban, and no one is Obinna Chima forward for a new finance ministry is located. group to emerge in this country people ,” Azimy said. with the Al Jazeera’s ISIL’s offshoot Creating economic take control of skills they need and Immunisatio in Afghanistan reporting from Qais Azimy, Pakistan, their futures,” in young Africans opportunities for added. n and Nigeria’s Kabul, said both known as the he former is the most urgent the location and so-called challenge the expectations finance minister, Khorasan , of their young Ibrahim said this facing the continent, Ngozi attack were verythe timing of the in 2015. Province, was created while speaking Okonjo-Iweala, highlighted people to ensure that Chairman of the important. the progress the Mo Ibrahim at the 2017 Ibrahim Governance Africa’s vast potential.

“It happened of recent years The Afghan was maintained.

Weekend, a three-day Taliban, who Foundation, Mo Ibrahim, She added: “If almost at the in District N.2 - are trying The Ibrahim has said. special heart of Kabul series of evidence, you look at the Ibrahim noted events hosted and US-backed to overthrow the one of its safest three areas of Forum explored what we people in Africa that young Foundation parts,” by the on government in particular concern the continent do not lack for young people were becoming in Marrakech recently.

“It also happened Azimy said. is opposed Kabul, disillusioned to at the end of in Africa. The On his part, the We are always is aspiration. first session the working day, have clashed it and the two threatening , and that this was about potential. when most of focused on Chief Executive President and What we as they to undermine government employees the expand the link between need to of the Dangote recent Group, territory and seek to progress and governance working aspiration real do is make that terrorism, Aliko Dangote, in the presidential US officials say influence. instability, creating widespread the for our youth.” highlighting howand stressed importance of intelligence At the heart finance ministry palace and the suggests policy stability of the weekend vacuum created through the “What were rushing go to their homes.” weak to overwhelm ISIL is based provide will happen if we do not for investment and growth, was the Ibrahim governanc e can create Forum ingly and in creating jobs when the fertile The Islamic State tsunami of and neighbouriin Nangarhar young jobs for young brought together leaders that ground for violent people currently people. extremism. from ng Kunar across Africa Levant (ISIL) armed of Iraq and the province. in education Stressing and start looking for group claimed He added: “In world to discuss around the intervention the need for early work? We will responsibility business, Estimates of further see for the attack “Africa unless in you plan, there’s migration out of areas of failing its strength at a governanc in an Afghanistan online post.

Africa and no way you’re Tipping Point,” new research e, the President/ vary. US officials in an increased threat from the Foundation Azimy said ISIL’s of extremism. going to execute. Nobody CEO of the Internationa have “African that reveals will emergence in said they believe its has only go into a country l Crisis Afghanistan and 700 businesses governments and where there a “defining moment in Africa’s Group, Jean-Marie its ability to launch fighters but Afghan officials is no must come Guéhenno stability progress”. estimate as said: “Over time, it has about 1,500. a major of urgency, together, money there.”and invest their The report, launched set in and then chaos begins to that we are equipping to ensure terrorism prospers Also, the Chair earlier our young of the Board of this month by the foundation on chaos. Terrorism the Global Alliance comes after called on African a long period for Vaccines of neglect, and nations to harness the it is that neglect energy, and meet address.” that prevention must

INTERNATIONAL Borussia Dortmund Attack: ‘Islamist’

INTERNATIONA L

Suspect Held German police have detained a suspect with “Islamist links” following a bomb attack on the bus of the Borussia Dortmund football team.

Prosecutors also said one of the three explosive devices contained metal strips. Page 47

SPORTS Enugu Govt Denies EnuguGovtDen esSack Sacking ngofRangers of Rangers

Borussia Dortm und

Attack: ‘Islam ist’ Suspect He ld

Suicide Bomb Attack in Heart of Kabul Kills Five

African Govt s Urged to Incre ase Investme Youths nts in

THURSDAYSP ORTS G D

Coach, Amapakabo In a twist of fate the Enugu State Government has debunked reports inn Governmenthasdebunkedreports the media suggesting that Rangers International FC coach, Mr. Imama Amapakabo, has been sacked.

Page 54

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COMMENT

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

CLOSING THE FOOD GAP: FROM FARMER TO TABLE

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Partnerships among the stakeholders and innovations are key for systemic change, argues Mamadou Biteye

aily images of drought are a stark reminder of the importance of food for human health and prosperity. And while we know that agriculture is the economic backbone of most nations across Africa, food insecurity remains a significant problem. There is an incongruous disconnect between the economic value we place on agriculture compared to food – yet they are different parts of the same whole.

Take the inefficiency in the food system that is rarely part of the national conversation but responsible for up to half of all crops never making it to market, let alone our plates: post-harvest loss. This is harvested produce lost between farm and table, never to be recovered. It happens when food rots in markets, when it is poorly stored and can no longer be consumed, and when there is insufficient uptake from buyers.

Looking more closely, we see that almost 30% of the inputs of time, energy, and finances spent to grow, transport, and process foods are ultimately lost – a tremendous market inefficiency. In fact, research estimates that post-harvest loss between farm and table totals about 30% of all grains and 50% of all fruits that are harvested. Just imagine how much more food could be on the market if we solved this problem. At a global scale, reduction of post-harvest loss could result in as many as 1.2 billion undernourished people becoming food secure.

Africa’s population is projected to double in the next 30 years, lending urgency to the need for solutions. The economic imperative to reduce post-harvest loss is clear. Farmers could unlock the full value of their investments, food distributors and processors would gain invaluable produce inputs that could boost their businesses. Consumers too would save money, from not having to pay more due to price inflation that mitigates the cost of food loss that is experienced early on in the food chain.

Several actors are beginning to recognise the opportunity presented by a focused reduction on post-harvest loss, and that the investments needed to reverse this reality are attainable. Multilateral action through the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12.3) and the Malabo Declaration by the African Union to halve post-harvest losses by the year 2030 and 2025 respectively, has provided global and regional benchmarks to which others are already responding.

Researchers are developing low-cost innovative solutions for faster food processing, solar drying, active and intelligent packaging, and cold storage units, all to enable small farmers to not only manage their reliance on the market, but also sell their produce at the best price.

The Rockefeller Foundation is at the forefront of promoting integrated solutions to address post-harvest losses in Africa. Through the YieldWise Initiative, a seven- year $130 million investment targeted at reducing food loss, the foundation is helping farmers to link up with finance and

THE GAINS FROM CLOSING THE POSTHARVEST LOSS GAP ARE LIFE-CHANGING FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE – THOSE FACING FOOD UNCERTAINTY AS WELL AS THE FARMERS WHOSE LIVELIHOODS DEPEND ON SELLING THEIR HARVEST

markets, access technologies, aggregate and receive training, with the overall goal of increasing the quantity and quality of food in Africa.

In northern Nigeria, for instance, YieldWise has fostered partnerships between local tomato farmers and the Dangote Farms Tomato Processing Plant, enabling the plant to start production for the first time in three years. In Kenya, over 4,000 small-scale mango farmers were linked with new buyers, such as dried fruit processors and traders, resulting in approximately $1.2 million in sales in 2016.

The security of these buyer agreements allows farmers to invest with confidence, knowing that the market will absorb their harvest. Along with technological innovations that track the food value chain, and the widespread use of mobile money platforms, buyers and farmers can harvest the full financial value of their investments in ways that were impossible in the past.

Collaboration across these myriad actors and innovations are key for systemic change. After all, many post-harvest loss interventions are already in use for export market producers, but change has been slow to come to domestic food markets. Small holder farmers have not had the type of access to the financing and partners they often need to afford new technology. It is clear that focusing on only one part of the system is an insufficient approach and will remain ineffective in providing long term and lasting solutions to closing the food value chain gap.

Systemic change was the focus of the first All-Africa Post-Harvest Loss Congress recently held in Nairobi, with the aim of accelerating connection and collaboration points among a multitude of stakeholders in the value chain. Convened by the University of Nairobi and the World Food Preservation Centre and supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Congress brought together over 600 innovators, researchers, policymakers and government officials to take on the challenge of post-harvest loss. This unprecedented continental effort in the area of reducing post-harvest loss provided an important foundation for how the agricultural sector can transform into a food security sector.

The gains from closing the post-harvest loss gap are life-changing for thousands of people – those facing food uncertainty as well as the farmers whose livelihoods depend on selling their harvest. Rarely have moral and economic imperatives been so equally aligned – practically everyone has an incentive to act.

Africa as a continent cannot afford to waste food. With the opportunity before us, and the recipe in our hands, the final ingredient is the will to put collaboration and partnership first, so that we may unlock outsize gains not only for farmers, but for all of us – consumers of food.

Biteye, OBE is the MD for the Rockefeller Foundation Africa Regional Office

OBIANO, SOLUDO AND ANAMBRA STATE

Chuks Iloegbunam writes that the Anambra State Governor has earned the stripes for a second term

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hukwuma Charles Soludo was the guest lecturer in Awka during the third anniversary of the inception of the Willie Obiano administration.

The renowned economist’s magisterial presentation was laced with numerous economic, political and social nuggets, all of which boiled down to his unequivocal endorsement of Governor Willie Obiano for a second term of office. His views make sustained interrogation imperative. But, some background information is apposite.

Professor Soludo is far from the first Anambra personage to endorse Governor Obiano’s bid for a second tenure as Governor of Anambra State.

The impressive list contains such names as Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the first civilian governor of the new Anambra State; Dame Virgy Etiaba, a former Governor of Anambra State, and Chief Emeka Sibeudu, who was Deputy Governor to Mr. Peter Obi. Others include Senators Ben Ndi Obi, Annie Okonkwo and Emma Anosike, none of whom is of Governor Obiano’s ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as well as Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, the former Nigerian Education Minister. Elder statesmen like Chief Alex Ekwueme, a former Vice-President of Nigeria, and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, have equally thrown their lot with Governor Obiano. Nonpoliticians like Dr. Cosmas Maduka, the versatile industrialist, and Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Car manufacturers have equally given Governor Obiano the thumbs up.

Indeed, the support for an Obiano second term is gradually becoming a movement. It has gone beyond personalities and attracted the remarkable attention of groups that cut across socio-political, religious, and professional divides. In this category are to be found the Anambra North Peoples Assembly (ANPA); the Old Aguata Union (OAU); the Federation

of Old Nnewi Division (FOND); the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) and the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA). Yet, that is not all because the Anambra State branches of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC); the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council; the Traditional Prime Ministers Council, the Anambra State branch of Southeast Women of Substance and the United Anambra Youths Assembly have equally endorsed Governor Obiano to continue with his exemplary leadership.

All the endorsements are held by one powerful bond – the fact that Governor Willie Obiano has acquitted himself creditably in the onerous responsibility of directing the affairs of Anambra State. In unison they sing the joyous song of his achievements: Obiano has made Anambra the safest state in the country. He has transformed the Awka capital territory from a provincial enclave to a worthy state capital. He has revolutionised agriculture, making Anambra a rice-producing state of note and a leader in dairy farming. He has sustained the prompt and regular payment of salaries, gratuities and pensions. He has displayed an uncommon sense of empathy for the sensibilities and sensitivities of Ndi Anambra. For these and many other reasons, they have taken the attitude that a second term is the appropriate reward for Obiano’s services to his people.

Professor Soludo was even more pertinent in his anniversary lecture. Said he: “For Governor Obiano…this third anniversary must be time to thank God for His mercies – for survival and progress! Let the truth be told: in the context of Nigeria’s situation over the last three years, and in comparison with other states, or even in comparison with past governors in their first three years, Governor Obiano has without question done very well.” A logical question

should follow the above assertion. How do you treat someone who has “done very well”? Of course, you ask them to continue with their good work.

This was how Soludo put it: “So, why mend it if it is not broken? This is a time of crisis and you don’t change the General in the middle of a war, especially the general that has led you through successes in battles. We have learnt useful lessons from the past and must now forge new elite cohesion and consensus. Let Anambra export a rare form of statesmanship politics.

Can we then implore most of the contestants to rather deploy the billions of naira they would soon waste on the campaign trail into building medium scale industries in the state? That way, even the politicians would be adding to the burgeoning start-up companies, and creating high value-adding jobs! There will be vacancy at Government House after the next four years, and anyone can contest. In the meantime, the Working Willie as our chief servant can continue to serve and lead Anambra as a truly emerging start-up state, while we, the people, collectively support and drive the investment boom!”

In joining patriotic Ndi Anambra to endorse Governor Obiano for a second term, Professor Soludo did not discount the hurdles along the way. Foremost among them is the contingency of unscrupulous politicians using the “Federal might” to negate the people’s choice: “Obviously, we expect candidates from other political parties to contest the election. That is their prerogative under a democracy. Of course, there are many reasons why people run for office. But the argument that Ndigbo or Ndi Anambra need to belong to PDP or APC in order to be “connected to the national grid” is a false argument. I once thought the same way.

But evidence since 1999 has shown that there is no special advantage to any state government simply because the governor belongs to the

same party as the president (except perhaps 10-30 persons that might be appointed to some federal positions). That is an elite talk, an elite game for the elite interest! Or perhaps some might join a political party so that the federal authorities might deploy the armed forces and Independent National Electoral Commission to write election results for them. It has nothing to do with the people and their welfare, period!”

Without question, the greatest challenge facing Ndi Anambra today is how to thwart political charlatans who, in a bid to grab power, will seek to sow death and destruction where Governor Obiano has instituted peace and stability. How do the people ensure that the INEC, the Armed Forces, the Police and other security agencies are not deployed, against their oaths of office, to manipulate the November governorship ballot? If Ndi Anambra are allowed the free choice of who governs them; if external forces who give no damn whether Anambra is swallowed by hellfire or high waters, do not impose bloodshed and injustice on a peaceful people because of hunger for naked power, the thrust of Professor Soludo’s anniversary lecture will gain traction and Anambra State will be all the better for it.

Soludo’s lecture was entitled Anambra: An Emerging Start-up State And Our Collective Challenge. Its central message is that Anambra’s affairs are currently in the hands of a dedicated and visionary governor. The way Governor Obiano articulates his vision is this: APGA has been in power in Anambra State for 11 years.

The party requires a new electoral mandate to consolidate on its legacy, and to replicate the economic miracles of the Asian Tigers and “Israel, Anglo-Americans, Indians and Chinese” of Soludo’s citation, who built virile economies over decades.

Iloegbunam is Governor Obiano’s Director of Media Relations

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EDITORIAL ON FINANCIAL CRIMES AND PUNISHMENT Amendment to the EFCC act is long overdue

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igeria is an irony. Poor people who commit petty crimes are often sentenced to long term in prison. But the privileged citizens, ranging from politicians, bank executives to other highheeled criminals, who cause widespread financial damage to the society, are slapped with light sentences. The House of Representatives wants to change all that.

In a new bill which has passed second reading, Hon. Bassey Ewa, representing Cross River State, is seeking stiffer penalty for economic and financial crimes. The proposed section reads: “All convicted persons shall serve an imprisonment of a term not less than 20 years and have their ill-gotten property, accounts or investment confiscated by the government.” Similarly, a company found guilty of economic and financial crimes would be barred from doing business for 50 years.

These were part of the new amendments to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, 2004 which MEN OR WOMEN FOUND prescribes a penalty GUILTY OF EMBEZZLING of “not less than two PUBLIC OR CORPORATE years”. Ewa rightly FUNDS SHOULD BE said the present PUNISHED ACCORDING punishment was too TO THE WEIGHT OF THEIR “lenient” and that only a harsh sentence CRIMES would discourage public servants and others from stealing public money. “If you are 40 years old and you know that you will be 60 years by the time you are out of jail, you will have some fear in you and think about your children.”

There is no doubt that the current provision in the act is overdue for an overhaul. The EFCC is perhaps the only anti-graft institution which still poses a strong challenge to impunity. But in its books, there is a tragic mismatch between crime and consequences.

The punishment it metes out to convicts more or less recompenses rather than reprimands corruption.

Letters to the Editor

Many of the corrupt cases against the elite have made little or no progress in different courts of law across the country. Many indeed exploit the loopholes in the law and are often set free after denying millions of innocent people access to the most rudimentary of services.

However, even the few convicts that the EFCC were able to secure after long-winding cases were let off the hook as the prison term further encourages the culture of impunity. This trend is unfair and inequitable as it does not serve the cause of justice or democracy. Men or women found guilty of embezzling public or corporate funds should be punished according to the weight of their crimes. That is the only way to discourage people from engaging in such unbridled acts.

W

T H I S DAY

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UMAHI: TRUE TEST OF LEADERSHIP

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he one time Prussian king, Fredrick William 1, would be remembered as a man who contributed immensely to the upliftment of his people and unity and progress of his country. Fredrick’s developmental packages derived from his well-articulated strategic reforms in the crucial areas of social, economic and political spheres. Unfortunately, his draconian style and rigid concept about governance and discipline earned him debilitating fear rather than the goodwill of Prussian citizens and residents alike.

Once, the well-meaning but widely misunderstood monarch went about his business of despotic governance in the nation’s capital with a cane in his hand. The people panicked and scampered out of the way for safety, on sighting him.

Quite unfathomable to him was why any of his subjects would take to his heels on sighting him, rather than extending necessary courtesies to the royal household.

Grossly infuriated, the king ran after him and gave him the lashing of his life. On close enquiry, the victim asserted trembling, “I was afraid of you o king”.

“You should not fear me”, Frederick exclaimed, “but love me!” Emphatically evident to the king, was the futility of compulsion in winning people’s

e therefore support the legislature in its mission to sanitise the EFCC act and curtail the scandalous abuse and assault by sundry miscreants on our commonwealth. While corruption is not totally eradicable, those found guilty of perpetuating the vice should be heavily sanctioned to act as deterrent to others.

President Muhammadu Buhari has often reiterated its resolve to prosecute and bring to justice those who have looted the wealth of the nation. “I believe it is time for Nigeria to change course,” he once told the nation while pledging to fight the monster. “I am determined that Nigeria must move away from a course of endemic corruption that was leading us to perdition.” Yet what we have witnessed in Nigeria in recent times, however, is corruption on an industrial scale.

If the fight against corruption will take the nation anywhere, then there is need for judicial and legal reforms that will ensure adequate consequences for the proven perpetrators of the acts. Nigeria must return to the era when persons of unaccountable wealth would at least hide their faces. But we need to invest in the cultivation of enlightened values by ensuring that those who go into public service are content with their legitimate wages.

love and the importance of adopting appropriate behavioural pattern and civil approach in human management. Love cannot be enforced by threat, edict or ordinances. King William’s reign was the era of Ancienne Regime or the Divine Right of kings.

Today, four centuries (17th-21th), there has been a tremendous shift in paradigm. It is our responsibility to be our brother’s keeper and live in a nation where all men are expected to be equal before the law and be entitled to fairness in getting the dividends of democracy. In Ebonyi, our amiable and indefatigable governor Mr. David Nweze Umahi has done much to change the landscape and improve the lot of the people, within so short a time in office.

Through a well configured development agenda , Governor Umahi has made far-reaching impact in the state, Ebonyians and residents alike.

As a man of peace, great leader and astute manger of resources, he realised the place of peace in the affairs of men, without which progress would be elusive. He embarked in reconciliation mission on assumption of office.

For his former boss and mentor, he admonished his supporters, let no man see His Excellency, (Chief) Martin Nwancho Elechi as an enemy. He gave us the party (PDP) chairmanship and the Deputy Governor’s position. Today we have the Governor.

Philip Nweze, Abakaliki

MOHAMMED KABIRU HARUNA: THE LEADER KOGI NEEDS

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ince the death of former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, there has been a yawning vacuum in the political firmament of the Confluence state.

Audu was a phenomenon when he was alive; his clout transcended political parties and his influence was felt throughout the length and breadth of the state. Little wonder why people in the state see his departure on the eve of his coronation as the state helmsman as a huge loss not only to his immediate family but to the entire Kogi State.

However, nature does not permit a vacuum; no matter what happens, life goes on and in the process, other leaders will emerge.

This is what seems to be evolving in the state and political family of Prince Audu. Alhaji Mohammed Kabiru Haruna, the chairman of Saraha Homes Ltd is admirably coming up strongly to fill the lacuna created by Audu’s exit.

It was Jawaharlal Nehru who once said that “failure comes only when we forget our ideals and objectives and principles.” This statement is apt about our dear state, Kogi. The real problem with the state is that of leadership. We as a people need to see Kogi State as our own instead of the labyrinthine entity for which the present leadership of the state has made it to be known for. We need a leader that can translate people’s dreams into reality.

Kogi State needs reforms in all its ramifications.

Apart from the fact that reforms are always sporadic and a ceaseless exercise which are often dictated by the prevailing challenges and development within and without the state, and within its leadership itself, the fact remains that our present leadership has failed to meet the expectations of the people.

The proper values and integrity of a leader consists in unity of vision, patriotism, respect for the norms of the people and the rule of law. That is the quality of leadership Kogi State needs now and that leader is Alhaji Mohammed Kabiru Haruna. A philanthropist who understands the problem of the state, Haruna is but a quintessential estate developer who places premium on human happiness. He has made large impact in his chosen career and looking at the horizon. His Igala people perceive him as the possible replacement for the late Audu. Alhaji Haruna contribution to nation- building was fully recognised through the conferment of so many awards from within and outside the country. A detribalised Nigerian who has established himself as a disciplined, focused and one who can manage people and resources effectively. Besides, he has employed hundred of youths to earn a living through his private ventures as a developer and above all, he has a foundation that is solely meant to assist women, particularly widows and indigent students to further their education.

Abdulmajeed Musa, Abuja

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POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY INTERVIEW

Madumere: There are Blessings in Recession Imo State deputy governor, Mr. Eze Madumere, in this interview with Amby Uneze in Owerri, spoke on how the state is surviving the economic downturn. He also spoke on his working relationship with his boss, Governor Rochas Okorocha

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ow has the Imo State Government been managing the current recession?

Truly, it has not been easy for our people. I can understand what it portends for the low income earners, especially where there is only one bread winner feeding many children on daily basis with the continual rise in cost of food stuffs and other family needs.

The Chief Executive of Imo State Government, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, our leader, a meticulous administrator with the midas touch, because of his love for our people, has maintained some of his policies that have continued to serve as stimulus in cushioning the effect of the recession. From December 2016 to January 2017, the government relaxed some of its policies in revenue drive to serve as succour to the economic issues.

The free education policy at all levels has continued to run unstopped. My problem is the denial of some people that there is no free education in Imo State at the tertiary level. It is painful. That students pay their utilities should not be the headache of the government. Things like identity card, departmental, association dues and probably light should not be the headache of the government. Beyond this, the governor insisted that whatever payment on utilities should never exceed the total of N20,000 only and to the best of my knowledge they pay a token of N19,500.

What am I saying? Every parent in Imo State has been shielded from the burden of paying school fees from primary to tertiary level. It is only in Imo State that there is zero dropout or families temporarily stopping some of their children from going to school. This is never the case in Imo. Like we have always said, recession is never a death sentence but rather a critical mirror with which we have been able to put Nigeria on a factual scale to ascertain whether we have been growing in stature without developing.

Recession exposed our vulnerability. And for me, it is one hell of a dislikeable good omen.

Were it not for recession, we would have been living in a fool’s paradise; we would have still been wandering in a false affluence. Today, we have known our true state and the need to face the real challenge of building for the future, not on mono-economy, but through articulated economic blue print. We have agreed that we need to feed ourselves first. The federal government is serious about it. I am happy that we talk less about foreign rice these days. We talk less about foreign commodities. I eat local rice, which is more nutritious, healthier and tastier.

Aquaculture is growing by the day with better technology for processing and packaging being re-invented by the day.

Recession has not changed the vision and the course of Owelle Rochas Okorocha resolve’s to develop Imo. This is the reason he has not rested on his oars despite all odds. For salaries, Imo State Government does not owe workers.

Workers have been paid till December. Urban Renewal Project is ongoing. Imo State, since the return to civil rule in 1999, has never witnessed the kind of rural road rehabilitation currently being witnessed especially between December and January this year as many of the economic roads are being prepared for tarring.

Water schemes in Imo, Okigwe and Orlu zones are being rehabilitated. For the first time in fifteen years with private partnership, we have been able to get water running in Owerri again. These are some beautiful stories so sure to be told in the mouth of our detractors. I am happy that Imolites who came home for festivities were surprised at what they saw on ground, which is different from what was being peddled on social media and other news platforms.

You headed a security committee that battled kidnapping and other criminalities in the state, what would you say is the current security status of the state?

Thank you so much for that question.

All over the world, establishment of government is majorly to safeguard and protect lives and property. Before the Owelle Rochas Okorocha-led government came on board, like I said earlier, Imo State was a place of fear; freedom was one hell of a commodity no one could afford; loved ones ran far off their homes and towns while parents would prefer their children staying far away from Imo State. Okorocha promised to work out a solution with the security agencies.

It was a daunting challenge but by the gallantry of the joint task force, which include the police, the army, civil defence, among other security agencies, we were able to bring the situation under control. The hydra headed monster of criminality was checked. I commend them for their patriotism and sacrifices. This is the reason the governor does not joke with them. On the security status of Imo State, I stand to tell you that Imo State remains one of the most secure and safest states in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Last festive period (throughout December and the preceding months) we had almost zero crime record. Our people and the guests of the state enjoyed themselves to the fullest because there was security in place.

Madumere...working closely with Okorocha

How would you evaluate the performance of some core policies of the state government?

It has been so far so good. I know it is somehow one blowing his own trumpet. One thing is sure, there has been policy consistency since the inception of Rescue Mission Government.

Right from the inception of the Owelle Rochas Okorocha-led government; one of the core policies is free education. We are proud to

Recession is never a death sentence but rather a critical mirror with which we have been able to put Nigeria on a factual scale to ascertain whether we have been growing in stature without developing.

Recession exposed us our vulnerability. And for me, it is one hell of a dislikeable good omen. Were it not for recession, we would have been living in fool’s paradise

celebrate about six years of free and qualitative education in Imo State. Let us not forget that this government provided all the materials, which include uniforms, shoes, desks and others. Rescue Mission Government also built 305 six class room one story buildings; one in each of the 305 electoral wards of Imo State.

We also promised to tackle the high spate of insecurity in the state. Before we came on board, Imo was spotted as one of the failed states.

This is not unconnected with the fact that the first charge of every government is security of life and property, which was never there.

We had a situation where fear and uncertainty had become the then new normal. That has been changed. In the area of infrastructure, we have done well. The three senatorial zones of Imo State - the people of Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri zones can attest to the good work of rescue mission.

In the area of industrialisation, you will agree with me that Imo State has become one of the preferred place for tourism owing to the construction of state-of-the-art event and investment centers that can readily cater for events in whatever form and capacity to accomodate a population from the upward of seven thousand to ten thousand participants. This has not only changed the clientele in our hospitality sector but has brought in other value chains. Last December was our third carnivals in the series.

Most hoteliers could not contain the spill over effect because of guests in their facilities. Those that were into cab businesses had their hands full. Of course, with beautification of the cities coupled with security, the environment is secure and conducive for businesses to thrive.

In the area of manufacturing, we have done quite a bit because incentives are there. The former Resin Paint Industry in Aboh Mbaise has been taken over now for production of meters and other electrical appliances. However, we have been encouraging our young entrepreneurs, a number of them in agriculture and agribusiness. Just recently, the governor of Imo State approved N2 billion repayable loans for our people.

There is growing agitation from your zone for you to join the guber race but you seem to be silent on the issue. What are your plans?

My answer has always been simple. I am in a joint ticket with my boss, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha. We owe Imo people a responsibility of providing a long lasting dividend of democracy.

They voted massively for us and we must not begin to play out unpalatable scripts to our people.

We are just less than two years into the present dispensation. For those who are already on the political dance floor, I hail them because it is their inalienable right to seek any elective post. Again, agitation cannot be separated from democracy. Owerri zone from where I come from does have the right to agitate just like Okigwe is doing. However, it will be a show of ingratitude to my leader and that of Ndi Imo to hurriedly join a race when we have a job to do. My take on this is, it is just too early and it is not about who agitate most but the will of the father in heaven.

Imo has been described as an emerging tourism destination, what are your projections in another two years when the current administration will be rounding off?

With our experience; with what we have in Imo in infrastructure even with the soon-tobe commissioned Imo International Cargo Airport and our present effort to ensuring that we understudy the commercial angle to our programmes, Imo will surely take over in the next two years.

The succession of the Governor Okorocha seems to be hitting up gradually, what is your projection towards this?

Well, it is normal because Imo people are highly politically conscious with everyone having one or two things he feels he has to sell to the people in terms of governance. I have no projection because, I have a mandate with my leader, it is just too early to begin to discuss this as I said earlier. For God’s sake, we are less than two years in office. We are busy working hard to put smiles on the faces of our people and to also ensure that we create an atmosphere where businesses can thrive. That is the best approach to ensuring that we justify the peoples’ mandate. That is my take on this ever recurring question on 2019.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

INTERVIEW

Banire: INEC Must End Era of Inconclusive Elections The National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Muiz Banire, (SAN) in an interview with Femi Ogbonikan, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to end inconclusive elections in order to regain its credibility.

A

re you still the Chairman of the APC Constitution Review Committee because it seems the committee has been silence over the constitution review since your Inauguration?

I am still the chairman of the committee and we are working. As at now, we have finished the preliminary work and we have done substantial review of the constitution and other noted areas of amendment that need improvement.

The stage we are now in, is the stage where we want to start public hearing on the constitutional review across all the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

there are appointed by the governor It is an area we must quickly amend. We must ensure that these people are immuned from political interference.

Which areas are you likely to amend in the APC constitution?

There seems to be so many areas. Particularly, we are going to amend the disciplinary process, to simplify it, so that they can engender discipline in the party. Lots of suggestions are even coming in from people outside, particularly in terms of the mode and manner with which we nominate candidates and all those stuffs.

Several electoral reforms have been done in the part and they never saw the light of the day, and how are you sure yours too will not follow the same pattern?

This time around, it will not, because the approach has been wrong in the past; because there was always a system of presenting everything in a bundle. This time around, we are not using the bundle system. We are using an isolated system.

What is your committee doing about the issue of internal democracy in the APC? As I talk to you now, the constitution of APC, is to a large extent, reflective of internal democracy, but the only thing is that we are trying to strengthen it further.

But what happens in a situation that the leadership of the party decides to disregard the constitutional provisions for the conduct of primaries, what can the people do?

There are a lot of remedies internally. For example, they can petition the national body, and if my thinking and reading of the national

Does your committee subscribe to the agitation that the power by state governors to appoint members of the SIEC be removed and be given to an independent body?

Certainly, I agree that there must be a shake-up in that regard. I am one of the great supporters of local government autonomy. Local Governments must have full autonomy because here, we need grassroot developments. Those who are against it, certainly, are the anti-development agents.

Banire

body is anything to go by, the national body is supervising and monitoring all those primaries now, in order to ensure transparency in the process. They have a right to also go to court.

They can challenge any irregular or improper primary in court.

If there are 30 people and if only one says, I am not agreeing to consensus, that they must run primary still and that is what the constitution of the party says and it is compulsory, If they fail to do so, at the end of the day, you can’t claim you have valid nomination.

What do you think is the problem with the judiciary, especially in the appointment of judges?

The problem is that the appointment procedure is still flawed. It is subject largely to political manipulation. If you look at the composition of the State Judicial Service Commission, you will discover that majority of the members

Elections nowadays have been seen as inconclusive leading to postponing elections, what is your take on this issue?

My position is that, those in INEC need to wake up in this regard and the only way to wake up is that in whichever situation they find themselves, it is a matter of life and death when it touches on release of results. They should announce results and let people go to court and ventilate their grievances. We must reduce the number and if possible, totally avoid inconclusive elections. It is not a good thing at all.

INEC recently released the 2019 general elections

My position is that, those in INEC need to wake up in this regard and the only way to wake up is that in whichever situation they find themselves, it is a matter of life and death when it touches on release of results. They should announce results and let people go to court and ventilate their grievances. We must reduce the number and if possible, totally avoid inconclusive elections. It is not a good thing at all time-table, is it not too early?

It is an act of seriousness, as far as I am concerned.

It is not too early. It shows proper planning.

Planning is very important and there is nothing wrong in calendarising elections for now. So, everybody can plan.

Walama: APC Has Impoverished Our People Although the signs are evident everywhere, politicians from the north are often reluctant to tell the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration how poor the people have become under his government.

But the Gombe State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Ahmed Walama, has chosen to speak out. In this interview with Segun Awofadeju, he said Nigerians are more impoverished than ever

H

ow would you appraise the process and the outcome of the recently conducted local government elections in Gombe State?

Gombe is a PDP state, so the whole election that took place last month was good because themPDP is on ground. There is no local government that you cannot find tremendous improvements in infrastructure, the wellbeing and wellfare of the people, so this is what led to the peaceful election and our victory in Gombe. Every body was happy with the PDP government under the leadership of Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo. That is it.

But the outcome of the elections was rejected by the coalition for progressive political parties.

How do you react to this?

I don’t know what they call coalition of progressive parties. Who are the progressives? The so called progressives, what have they changed in the country? What I know is that the conference of all political parties has endorsed the election as transparent, credible and acceptable. So if you have APC that are complaining, naturally they will complain in Gombe.

On Monday, February 27 we were able to swearin our 11 council chairmen, they also have gone back to their respective local governments and sworn- in their deputy chairmen and councillors.

If there is any problem they wouldn’t have gone

Walama

back to their places. Playing politics is not about sitting in Abuja and making noise. If you want to be a politician come back to your locality and play politics, period!

As a former chairman of local government as well as ALGON chairman, what is your take on the call for local government autonomy?

The issue of autonomy depends on which angle you look at it. Most of the local governments we have in the country today, if you say they should be autonomous, believe me, they can not operate more than twenty four hours before they close down because our local governments have been depending on the federation allocation for so long. No work has been done for them to generate revenues internally to sustain their

operations. As as today, I am telling you that 90 percent of the local governments in my state cannot afford to stay on their own without the support of the other local governments. So, that is the beauty of the joint account system that people have been complaining about.

For me personally, we don’t have anything against the autonomy of the local government but it all depends on how you look at it. Some local governments will be very comfortable with the autonomy, some cannot survive it because of the capacity of the local government to sustain their operations.

There is this accusation that the PDP government played politics with security and economy.

What would be your argument against such allegation?

For now we have a government in place, God has brought in an APC government at the federal level, and PDP was in government for 16 years and gone out. We don’t want to play politics like the way APC has been playing politics with security and economy. We thank God the situation has improved, this is not a political issue, but those people that believed the security situation was compromised by the PDP government, they have seen what is going on now, I don’t want to make comment on that, I am not a security expert. So, also is the economic situation, people are not better off than they were three, four years back, they are even more pauperised and impoverished

than ever.

As said, I don’t play politics with two things, security and economy. I believe we need to put heads together so that we can move the country forward but as at now the common man has not been finding things very easy, whether you are APC government or PDP government, because most of the states and the local governments have been dependent on the federal government and the federal government is not doing very well because financially. I don’t want to talk politics on economy, its time we put our heads together so that the government and the people will get out of this terrible recession that we are facing which has been the worst recession in the last 30 years.

But I believe that the federal government, right from the beginning has no policies in place, no blueprint,they have no programmes, never knew they would win the elections. That is why we found ourselves in the situation we are now today.

But you know, especially people in the northern part of the country, they have one kind of dogmatic followership of the federal government but let people open their eyes and be less sentimental and let us put heads together and get out of this recession that our people are facing, people are terribly in a bad situation, they can hardly feed themselves, which is not good for the sustenance of democracy, and for the good will of our people we need to get out of this mess that we are in today.

20

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 • T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

Reviving Baro Empire Hills Laleye Dipo writes on the vandalism of Baro Empire Hills, the location of the colonial radio station used by Nigeria's first Governor General Sir Fredrick Lugard and the economic benefits the country could derive from its revival

The building housing the radio equipment

N

ot too long ago some unknown persons were said to have stormed the Baro Empire Hills in Niger State and, after a failed attempt to remove the radio communication gadgets installed on the hills by the colonial masters, set fire on the equipment, leaving only the radio transmitters standing.

The radio communication equipment was installed and used by the colonial administration of Sir Fredrick Lugard before and after the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern protectorates to what is now known as Nigeria.

According to reports, the radio station was a ‘25 kilowatts solid state analogue transmitter’ installed on the hills where the colonial masters also had their administrative building and residence, as well as residence for blacks and intermediate and middle level white staff, a cemetery and playground.

The radio equipment was housed in a solid building for its protection. It also had air conditioners to cool it and a generator to power the equipments.

From the inscription on the tomb of one of the colonial soldiers that died during service in Nigeria, the radio station and some other infrastructure on the hills could have been supplied about 115 years ago.

According to a local in Baro and submissions corroborated by officials of the Niger State Ministry of Tourism, the equipment was not used to make public broadcast, but for sending and receiving messages from the Queen of England on the general day to day administration of the colonial territory.

It was also said that the station was used to send messages to troops of the West African

Frontier Force which was deployed to the area by England and its signals could be

According to a local in Baro and submissions corroborated by officials of the Niger State Ministry of Tourism, the equipment was not used to make public broadcast, but for sending and receiving messages from the Queen of England on the general day to day administration of the colonial territory.

It was also said that the station was used to send messages to troops of the West African Frontier Force which was deployed to the area by England and its signals could be received as far as Calabar, the then Gold Coast, the Gambia and other British colonies in West Africa

received as far as Calabar, the then Gold Coast, the Gambia and other British colonies in West Africa.

The colonial masters must have strategically located the radio station and other infrastructure on the Baro Hills for security reasons, because standing on top of the hill gives a clear view of the River Niger, parts of Lokoja and even some communities in Niger State. The scenario had therefore provided the colonial administrators and its soldiers the opportunity to easily identify and ward off enemies that could want to threaten the control of the Governor General and his team.

From the ground level of the hill to its peak is said to be not less than 150ft and Sir Fredrick Lugard was reported to be climbing it with a caravan while his other soldiers and Nigerians had to sweat it to the top trekking the undulating and very rough path.

The relationship between the colonial administrators and the rest of the community was said to have been very minimal because virtually everything they wanted, from offices, recreational facilities, mess for officers and junior soldiers, as well as burial grounds, were available on top of the hill. However most of these are now dilapidated either by deliberate arson or natural rot as a result of their abandonments by governments that should have preserved these relics for posterity.

It was said that as a result of the lack of interest shown in these infrastructures, some elements from Kogi State, at a time, laid claim to the Hills and the radio equipment.

The struggle for the ownership of the Hills, a reliable source said, must have been partly responsible for the vandalism of the radio communication gadgets.

“This station was functioning up to 1999

because we were hearing the sound down the hill then,” one Musa Sule said.

“I cannot say why the previous administration abandoned this hill, but what I can say is that the government of Dr. Abubakar Sani Bello will not allow the situation to continue like this,” Niger State’s Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Culture, Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, said.

“We have been there, myself, the Permanent Secretary, and some other staff; we have seen the level of destruction of the radio station, only the transmitters is standing we have made an official report to the governor. In the interim we have engaged someone to guard the place, the village head of Baro has been asked to assist in keeping an eye on the place; we will not allow the place to die like that.”

Interestingly, both the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Nigerian Army have been contacted to assist in preserving these colonial monuments. While the army was asked to look at the possibility of developing the hills and turn it to a training ground for both its field and amphibious brigades, the British High Commission was prevailed upon to bring in investors that will turn the place around, partnering with the Niger State government in the process.

A reminder on this was passed to the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright during his recent visit to Governor Bello.

On the part of the government, a proposal is already before Governor Bello to approve the construction of the road linking Baro town to the base of the Hill. The proposal also included the construction of a number of chalets and the renovation of the buildings on

21

• T H I S D AY THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

FEATURES

Remains of the burnt radio equipment

The transmitters

Top view of the Baro Empire Hills

One of the tombs of the colonial soldiers

top of the hills to serve as tourist destination for Nigerians and foreigners.

The dredging of the Baro port by the Federal government has made the Baro Empire Hills very critical to the economic development of, not only Niger State, but the country as

The dredging of the Baro port by the federal government has made the Baro Empire Hills very critical to the economic development of, not only Niger State, but the country as a whole, because those patronising the port and the rail line would have a place to relax before moving to any part of the country they would like to go

View of River Niger from Baro Hills top

a whole, because those patronising the port and the rail line would have a place to relax before moving to any part of the country they would like to go.

As for the radio communication gadget, the Commissioner for Tourism, Vatsa, said the plan was to install a five kilowatt radio

station in place of the burnt one, saying that the station to be known as “Lord Lugard FM Radio Station” would be used as an enlightenment station for health and agriculture. On the whole, the intention of the government is to turn the Baro Empire Hills to another Camp David, this time around

‘Lord Lugard Camp’.

There is no doubt that developing the Baro Empire Hills will generate for the state and country a lot of resources, especially now that alternative sources of fund to oil is being searched for. The political will is the only tonic required to actualise this.

22

IMAGES

L-R; Representative of the Fund Manager, Mr. Tope Ashaju; Director, United Capital Trustees, Mr. Austin Akpe ; MD/CE United Capital Trustees Limited/Chairman of the AGM, Ms. Tokunbo Ajayi; Chairman, Alternative Capital Partners Ltd,Mr. Remi Babalola and. Divisional Head, Global Investor Services (UBA Plc), Mrs. Taiwo Sonola at the Inaugural Annual General Meeting of ACAP Income Fund (Formerly BGL Nubian Fund) in Lagos....recently

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

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

L-R: Chairman, Central Planning Committee, for the 70th Anniversary of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Prophet Emmanuel Soyemi; Leader, Most Sup, Taiwo Oshin and Pastor & Spritiual Head, CCC Worldwide, Reverend Mobiyina. Emmanuel Oshoffa, during the media briefing to unveil the 70th anniversary Logo of the church in Lagos.....recently KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: Deputy Governor, Osun State, Mrs. Grace Laoye-Tomori; Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambole; Chief Launcher and Managing Director, CFL Group Limited, Mr. Lai Omotola and the President, University of Lagos Women Society (ULWS), Mopelola Bello, during a public presentation of a book to mark the 50th anniversary of university of Lagos women society, at Unilag, Akoka Lagos....recently KOLA OLASUPO

L-R;Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Youth & Social Development, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasumu; the new Lagos State Youth Ambassador, Lana Promise Elijah and Director of Enterprise Business, Airtel Nigeria, Tawa Bolarin at the Lagos State IBILE leadership training organised by Airtel Nigeria in Lagos...recently

L-R; Deputy Vice President,Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Nnamdi Okwuadigbo; President/ Chairman of council, Deacon Titus Soetan and member of the governning council, Oye Akinsulire at the Institute’s award of accreditation to tertiary Institutions and recognised centres in Lagos...recently

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi congratulating the Chairman, Aare Latosa Local Council Development Area, Mr. Adekunle Ladeji, shortly after the inauguration of the newly- appointed Caretaker Chairmen of 27 local governments and 28 local council development areas in Ibadan...recently GOVERNORÍS OFFICE.

L-R: User Operations Manager; OLX Patricia Duru; Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Communication & Communities; Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan; PR & Communications Lead; Uche Nwagboso and Business Operations Manager; Goodluck Ikporo during OLX courtesy visit to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Lagos.... recently

R-L: Managing Director, MoneyTrust Microfinance Bank, Chike Memeh; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside; and Director, MoneyTrust,Theodore Ted; during the official opening of the bank at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos...recently KUNLE OGUNFUYI

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

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BUSINESSWORLD NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

R A T E S 12.5417 16.4549

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

A S 21.3882 23.253

A T

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

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

A P R I L 11.8404 19.0286 20.2083

7 ,

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

2 0 1 7

19.5941 21.3470 22.8256

EXCHANGE RATE N306.35/ US DOLLAR AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes

Kleen Culture Opens in Lekki Residents of Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ajah and environs now have access to premium laundry services with the expansion of Kleen Culture, a contemporary laundry and dry cleaning outfit in the heart of Lagos, Lekki’s busy metropolis.

The company recently opened a new flagship drop-off and collection centre on Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The new office provides easy access for all residents of Phase-1, Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Ajah.

This new on-demand laundry pickup and delivery service facility is the third opened by the company since launching in Agege, Lagos in 2013 and marks the beginning of a new stage of rapid expansion of Kleen Culture across Lagos.

Speaking during the event, the owner, Mrs. Bukola Adegbiji, who shared the company’s vision, described Kleen Culture as a premium, innovative laundry outfit committed to serving the needs of business professionals and residents in Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and environs.

“Our value proposition is to provide to our customers consistent service delivery in a convenient and affordable manner, providing the highest quality of service and care,” she said.

WE REJOICE WITH YOU

L-R: Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe; Regional Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu; winner 2017 of BB Naija Season-2, Efe Ejeba; Group Head, Corporate Communications of the bank, Fela Ibidapo and Managing Director, Payporte, Eyo Bassey, during the Big Brother Naija Season-2 reality TV show grand prize presentation on Tuesday, in Lagos

NBCC: Nigeria Needs Implementable Policies to Drive Oil and Gas Sector Eromosele Abiodun The Oil and Gas Trade Group of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), has called on the federal government to put in place policies that are implementable and could address the challenges of the country’s oil and gas sector. urged the government to drop all policies seeking the rehabilitation of the country’s refineries, insisting that such project would continue to be a white elephant project, designed to gulp the country’s money without producing results.

The Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Obafemi Olawore, while

ENERGY presenting his position, during a panel session, at a roundtable forum organised in Lagos recently, said: “There is no need to pump more money into our refineries because they will never work. Government should come up with policies that will recognise joint ownership of all refineries in the country such that the federal government, state government and local government will be part owners of the refineries.”

Participants at the forum also spoke on infrastructure gap in the oil and gas sector and called on government to build infrastructure backbone and allow private stakeholders

to handle the sector.

President of NBCC, Adedapo Adelegan, in his welcome address, said to confront realities and achieve a knowledge-based economy, government would need to channel its policies to encourage more local content, information technology (IT) development in the country and consequently embrace experience and the knowledge of the private sector as critical input in the process of economic policy formulations and exertions. “That is the part of wisdom that will lead to the collective prosperity and sustainable eco-growth of the Nigerian economy now and into the nearest future,” Adelegan said.

According to him, “With the fall in oil prices, an inflation rate hitting 16 per cent and the depreciation of the naira, there is a serious need for businesses to think outside the box and devise sustainable survival strategies.”

The Nigerian Oil and Gas industry has really developed, due to the focus of increasing indigenous participation in the industry. This is reflected through the Nigerian government initiative of increasing local content and ensuring that indigenous companies have a greater part in developing oil and gas assets, Adelegan said.

The Minister of State, Continued on page 24

NLRC: Nigeria Losing over N200billion in Gaming Industry Raheem Akingbolu The Director General of the National Lottery Regulation Commission (NLRC), Adolphus Ekpe, has expressed concern that lack of synergy between federal and state governments, is denying Nigeria over N200billion revenue that could be generated through the gaming industry.

The director general, who spoke at a press briefing organised by NaijaBillionaire Limited to flag off its1billionaire jackpot in Lagos, said the gaming industry has the potential of generating about N300billion to the federal government coffers annually. He stated that the ongoing rivalry between the two major stakeholders in the industry has seen it yield less than N7billion as of 2016

ECONOMY To this end, Ekpe called for collaboration between the states and federal government for Nigeria to harness the full revenue potential of the gaming industry.

According to the NLRC boss, the enforcement tussle between the two major tiers of government has led to multiple taxation and licensing of operators ,which also results in excessive operation cost for the operators.

He stated that the federal government can earn annual revenue up to N50 billion from Naijabillionaire Limited while projecting that states can also share about same. He disclosed that the commission is out to recalibrate the Nigerian gaming industry to equitable benefit

of all stakeholders across the country, with a determination to end the era of conflicts and dispute on licensing and permits.

To achieve this, he said the NLRC has set out to guarantee “smooth operation of federal licensees in every state of the federation to check multiple licensing and taxation. We are out to ensure all states benefit equitably from proceeds of national lottery operations by national licensees; to ensure that due process and rule of law is followed in conflict resolution; and create channels of communication and cooperation between state agencies and the federal government agency,’’ On further steps being taken to harmonise both parties, Ekpe explained that “the NLRC is establishing an understanding

with federal licensees to pay all local taxes or face federal sanctions. We are establishing an understanding with licensees to pay 5% withholding tax on every play to each state government based on activities in their states. We are also working on a National Lottery Operation Harmonisation Stakeholders Forum in partnership with the Nigerian Governors Forum to align all state interests.”

Chairman NaijaBillionaire Limited, Adedotun Sulaiman said the company comes with a national colour and global standard, and is designed by Nigerians for Nigerians.

He said, “Our mission is to reinvent the entire African gaming industry with a focus on gaming experience that Continued on page 24

Campari Nigeria Rewards Distributors Nigeria’s rising status as a premium market for spirits was celebrated in high style recently, when Brian Munro Limited, sole distributor of Campari in Nigeria held its Annual Distributor Awards for the 2016 financial year. The annual Campari Distributor Awards honoured and compensated outstanding distributors of the brand.

Campari Nigeria ambassador 2Baba kicked off the festivities with a scintillating rundown of his classic and latest hits before a select crowd of celebrities, marketers, customers and distributors alike at the Renaissance Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, while TEE-A delivered his signature rib-cracking humour over the course of the evening, to the delight of the audience.

Managing Director, Brian Munro, Paul Wilson, said the brand has the distinction of being complemented by remarkable marketers and distributors, who have worked tirelessly despite the biting recession witnessed in 2016” Nigeria is one of over 190 countries across the globe where Campari is distributed, with the distinctive, vibrant red alcoholic liqueur renowned for being the base of some of the world’s most famed cocktails. Guests at the Campari Distributors Award were no different, as the Campari Senator cocktail—a mix of Beer and Campari—proved a perennial favourite.

Miss Mama Africa on StarTimes The 2017 Miss Mama Africa, sponsored by the Africa’s pay-TV operator StarTimes, was recently held in Beijing with 11 African beauties competing for the crown.

The contest has attracted many Chinese peoples’ attention and interest, who are eager to lay eyes on African beauties.

A Chinese audience, Zhang Wei, who witnessed the final tournament, said: “These African beauties are passionate and optimistic.

They smile a lot and look very confident. In my eyes, African beauties are girls who are outgoing and confident with sparkling eyes and slim bodies.”

The Chief Editor of StarTimes, Sino Drama Channel, Mandy Wang, said: “Miss Mama Africa provides a new platform for African girls to show their beauties and African cultures.”

According to Wang, they have produced a reality show with 10 episodes for the beauty contest.

She said the reality show would unveil all details that the 11 African beauties have experienced in China.

StarTimes Sino Drama is to broadcast the first episode of the reality show Miss Mama Africa on April 15th at 19:00 CAT.

There are huge opportunities in the micro economy; hence the need for more microfinance banks in the market to assist aspiring women and youths

CEO, Money Trust Microfinance Bank, Mr Chike Memeh

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BUSINESSWORLD NBCC: NIGERIA NEEDS IMPLEMENTABLE POLICIES TO DRIVE OIL AND GAS SECTOR Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, who was the keynote speaker at the roundtable, said despite the huge potentials in the sector, “there is huge under capacity ranging from heavy government participation, legislative uncertainty, large scale oil theft, pipeline vandalism and environmental pollution.”

NLRC: NIGERIA LOSING OVER N200BILLION IN GAMING INDUSTRY enrich lives and add value to businesses in the environment through integrity and transparency. Our jackpot of N1billion is unprecedented and will transform the lives.”

On his part, Director NaijaBillionaire Limited, Lai Labode said the Billionaire jackpot is designed to touch the lives of at least 1 million Nigerians directly every year. He said the vision of the company perfectly fits with what NLRC wants to achieve by putting Nigeria on the global stage.

“We are ready to travel that path with NLRC and every state of the country. We will ensure that the states get the full benefit of every game played in their state. We are going to pay 5% withholding tax to the states on every game played. We therefore encourage the states to open accounts with us so they can get their dues. We have also established the NaijaBillionaire empowerment fund that will ensure we produce benevolent billionaires. The winner will empower 500 people from his home state with 5% of the N1 billion. The jackpot would move from state to state.

“We also have the NaijaBillionaire directly sponsored Corporate Social Responsibility with focus on health and education, to be funded with 1% of our revenue. There’s also the trade partners reward programme.

We have establishes 83 trade territories across the country with a model that ensure that each trade territory is equally profitable. They have been mandated to pay their local taxes to ensure the state governments get what they deserve,” he said.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritme)

NEWS

MMA Customs Rakes in N14.3bn in Three Months Eromosele Abiodun Despite the downturn in the economy, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Ikeja, Lagos, has announced a revenue of N14.399 billion in the first quarter of 2017, compared with N11.1 billion earned in the corresponding period of 2016 This represents an increase of N3.258 billion when compared to the first quarter of last year 2016.

Controller of the command, Francis Allanah, who disclosed this in a statement said the command collected a total of N55.5 billion from January to December 2016.

This figure, he added, surpassed the envisage revenue target with a whopping N15.5 billion, and also exceeded the total collection of 2015 by N12.8billion.

Allanah said he and officers in his command will continue to do their best to surpass targets set by customs high command and boost the revenue of the federal government.

According to him, “The year 2017 is just three months old, notwithstanding the harsh economic realities, by dogged determination, quality leader ship, and commitment by motivation of our officers and men, the MMA command is poised to do more going by revenue figures already collected for the first quarter 2017.

“Clearing agents and importers who work within the Airport can testify to our adherence to and insistence on professional conduct as stipulated by Customs guidelines/

regulations. We have made remarkable strides in the areas of revenue generation, anti-smuggling, discipline, enforcement, trainings, officers welfare amongst others.”

He added that through in-house training and retrainings, officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service at MMA have become more professional and unbeatable.

Maximum revenue, he

stressed, has therefore been collected on all dutiable items be they exports or imported cargoes.

“Only last year, two aircrafts imported by yet to be identified importers, were seized by the command under his watch.

The aircrafts have been handed over to the Nigerians Air Force to strengthen it on the fight against insurgents

especially in the North-East and South-South regions of the country.

And a total of eight cartons of phantom drone are seized during the period under review. Huge sums of various currencies have also been seized from currency traffickers by the command and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

for further investigation and necessary action.

Allanah added that the command does not tolerate any act of indiscipline adding that, “By his avowed commitment to enforcing laid down rules by the Customs Management Board, the resultant rise in revenue profile is, without an iota of doubt, a result of his strictness and incorrigibility attitude to act of indiscipline.”

REPOSITIONING OIL & GAS SECTOR

L-R: Commercial Manager, Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Mr. Taaj Shobayo; Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, Mr. John Eboigbe; President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Dapo Adelegan; General Manager, Gas, Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Dr. Philip Mshelbila and Deputy President, NBCC, Mr. Akin Olawore, at the chamber’s Oil and Gas Business Roundtable, held in Lagos...recently

FG Backs Social Reforms to Reposition EMS Group Faults JAMB over Courier Business Email Registration for Minors Emma Okonji The federal government has given its full support for social reforms that will turn around the EMS courier business in the country, operated under the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST).

The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, who gave the assurance during the opening ceremony of a three day symposium and workshop, organised for EMS senior management across Africa, hosted by EMS Nigeria in Lagos, said the federal government would ensure an enabling environment for NIPOST to fulfill its mandate by facilitating the passage of the Postal Reform Bill and the implementation of National Addressing System among other things.

EMS Nigeria is an arm of NIPOST that is carved out to operate courier business in Nigeria and to compete favourably with private courier businesses licensed to operate in the country.

The symposium and workshop was organised to access the EMS operational performance and service quality across the African region, with a view to repositioning EMS for effective service delivery and innovativeness in the African continent.

EMS operators represented at the symposium by dignitaries from over 22 countries across Africa, were of the view that EMS offers the cheapest courier services across Africa, with expectations to attract high volume of customers, but explained that EMS operators do not have larger control of the courier market, despite its cheap services. The symposium therefore seeks to gain better understanding of the courier market, in order to create efficiency, greater customer satisfaction and to generate more income for EMS. According to Shittu, it was necessary and imperative to return the lost glory of NIPOST and commercialise it where appropriate.

“Before this government came in, the post was almost in comatose and forgotten by most Nigerians, particularly when GSM came on board and they felt there was no need for NIPOST, but when we came in, we saw NIPOST as a sleeping giant that could be transformed for greater and positive impact that can translate to national growth.

Government is interested in commercialising most of the services of NIPOST that could make it competitive with the private sector,” Shittu said.

The Postmaster General and Chief Executive of NIPOST,

Adebisi Adegbuyi who was appointed some months ago, said his assessment of the NIPOST when he came on board, was that of a government agency endowed with huge potentials but bogged down by bureaucratic bottlenecks and limited capacities for experimenting and thriving business models that have stood the test of time in other climes.

He however said many postal administrations in subSaharan Africa, were bedeviled with similar plights, except for few African countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya and South Africa. Adegbuyi called on operators of postal services in Africa to join forces with a view to not only repositioning EMS, but also to working for inclusive, innovative and complete integration of the continent.

Encouraged by the global exponential growth of postal services, Director General of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), Mr. Bishar Hussein, who was represented by the Manager EMS unit, UPU, Ms Jane Dyer, quoted the recent Accenture and Ali Research, which states that the global business to consumer (B2C) cross -border e-commerce market is expected to generate $1 trillion by 2020 from $230 billion in 2014.

Emma Okonji The ongoing registration exercise for entrance examination into tertiary institutions for the 2017/2018 academic year, being organised by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which mandates candidates to register with their personal email addresses, has been criticised.

The immediate past president of Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP), Mr. Rogba Adeoye who criticised the order given by JAMB, mandating students to open personal email addresses as part of the criteria for registration, said such orders negate the online protection of the students who are regarded as minors.

According to him, most of the students that register for JAMB were below 18 years of age and needed some forms of online protection since they are minors. “Since JAMB registration is done online for the purpose of efficiency, it will be out of place to make it compulsory for candidates who are minors to open personal email addresses and be exposed to the dangers of the Internet without proof of protection from JAMB,” Adeoye said.

He therefore called on Registrar of JAMB to reverse the order of compulsory personal email address, and revert to the initial rules, where the email addresses of parents and guardians were allowed for JAMB registration.

He insisted that that the idea of candidates’ email addresses will lead to child abuse since they are minors and needed protection when online. It is on record that JAMB admits 16 years of age and even less, into tertiary institutions, who are not yet adult, so why should the same JAMB made it compulsory for the same candidate who is below 18 years to get personal email address, knowing fully well they are minors that needed online protection, Adeoye quarried JAMB. He said candidates below 18 years should be allowed to use their parents or guardian email addresses to enable the parents monitor what their children and wards who are minors, do online.

He however commended the recent cancellation of Mock JAMB examination by JAMB, since majority of the interested candidates were yet to register, owing to challenges resulting from slow registration exercise, occasioned by low bandwidth in most registration centres.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Mobile Apps for the Convenience of Customers Emma Okonji writes that global technology evolution has enhanced creative thinking in mobile apps development, while offering customers the convenience in all financial transactions Mobile software applications, also known as mobile apps, are key drivers of technology, designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. While most mobile apps come as pre-installed software, bundled into the device, such as web browser, mapping program or as an app for the purchase of online items, some are developed and installed through downloads, to execute commands and instructions on certain specifics, which cut across various transactions in banking, telecommunications, insurance, oil and gas, among others. The functions of any given app, are, however, tailored towards ease of use and convenience for the end users, who are customers.

For instance, apps designed to drive banking transactions, bring a lot of ease and convenience to the customers. Before the evolution of mobile apps for financial transactions, bank customers were compelled to visit banks and queue for several hours, before accomplishing any transaction they wanted to carry out on their accounts. Some have to travel long distances and may end up arriving at the nearest bank, when the bank had just closed their doors to customers after the official banking hours.

Some bank customers have had nasty experiences on Fridays, when they tried rushing to their nearest bank branch, just to transfer money to their business partners or loved ones, only to get to the bank and they were told by security guards that the bank had just closed.

For them, it was a huge disappointment since they have to wait till Monday when the bank will reopen for business.

But now with mobile app, a customer can conveniently transfer money from the mobile phone to business partners or to loved ones from the comfort of their homes, offices, or any public place of interest, without necessarily visiting the bank, and the money is received instantly without stress. Such is the ease and convenience brought about by mobile apps in the financial sector.

Customer experience Mr. Ibe Onuoha, a Lagos-based businessman, met with a couple of his friends one Friday evening. The group was discussing ways of advancing their respective businesses when Onuoha’s phone rang. It was a creditor he was supposed to have paid earlier that day.

He angrily dropped the phone to continue the point he was making before the call came in.

Seeing his displeasure, his friends asked him why he did not pick the call. Onuoha mumbled that the caller was his creditor, adding that his problem was his inability to repay the creditor at that time of the day. It could be that Onuoha was unable to pay at that time because of his busy business schedule.

One of his friends among them, simply pulled out his mobile phone and took Onouha through the workings of banking apps. He offered to transfer the money immediately to his creditor with an understanding that he would reimburse him afterwards. In a matter of minutes, Onuoha was convinced on the idea of utilising a mobile app for his financial transactions. He was amazed at the sheer convenience and the ease with which one could make so many transactions at a go. He had hitherto thought erroneously that downloading an app or using it would amount to huge bank charges.

Indeed, technology has transformed how customers interface with their financial institutions. Not so long ago, customers could only make cash transactions from the branch where their accounts were domiciled. Fast forward to the present, now customers don’t even need to visit the bank, with a simple app, they can get their banking transactions sorted out conveniently.

Convenience with mobile app At the centre of app development, is the functionality and convenience it brings to customers.

Apps are meant to significantly deliver enhanced service delivery and user experience without customers having to necessarily engage their

Smartphone devices for mobile apps

banks physically. This is the defining quality and advantage that the newly relaunched Stanbic IBTC integrated mobile banking app is offering the market.

Mobile devices have aided financial inclusion as financial transactions have been on the rise on the mobile platform thus saving time spent by customers juggling busy schedules.

Data released recently by the Royal Bank of Scotland, illustrate how convenient mobile banking is for consumers. The data revealed that downloading and using mobile apps to manage their money on the move save their customers 96 million hours, as well as 24 million miles of travel every year. For individuals, it amounts to 24 hours saved annually and 73 miles of journey.

In Nigeria, there is an upward progression in terms of how Nigerians adopt the use of internet via GSM platform.

In November 2016, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), released a figure of 93 million active internet subscribers in the

Several banks have come up with different banking applications for their customers, for the ease of carrying out hitch-free financial transactions. For Stanbic IBTC, its mobile banking app, modeled to promote customers’ joy and comfort, has been redesigned to run on iOS, Android, iPad and even desktop computers, enabling customers to conduct a wide range of financial transactions with ease and comfort

country. With this encouraging outlook, it is hardly a surprise that mobile apps are rapidly being developed to suit the needs of mobile users and it behooves on smart businesses to introduce these apps to keep their customers satisfied and ensure repeat business.

Reliability about mobile app Yet another feature of a great app is its reliability. Customers must be able to use apps at all times whenever they want without having to worry about downtimes or the possibility of the app crashing. Stability and reliability are very important features a banking app must have to give users confidence and the assurance that their banking transactions are not compromised. Hence, the quality of integrity and security of the app. Stanbic IBTC Bank apparently understands all of this, which explains why its app was developed with some of the highest standards of quality to guarantee the integrity of transactions.

Banks’ initiative on mobile apps Several banks have come up with different banking applications for their customers, for the ease of carrying out hitch-free financial transactions. For Stanbic IBTC, its mobile banking app, modeled to promote customers’ joy and comfort, has been redesigned to run on iOS, Android, iPad and even desktop computers, enabling customers to conduct a wide range of financial transactions with ease and comfort.

The new app is feature-rich, with the capacity to conduct funds transfer, bills payment, airtime purchase, cheque services, mobile money and lifestyle services. Its other features that are unique to the bank are: monitoring pension asset management, checking mutual funds account, crediting mutual funds account, stockbroking, monitoring the value of stocks, crediting account for stock purchase and authorizing stock purchase and sales. In so doing, customers are able to save cost and time they would ordinarily expense in physical visits to the bank’s branch located across the country.

The ability to monitor one’s pension asset, which the app provides, helps customers to track their pension contributions. Through the app, customers can obtain information on the movement of funds into or out of the account.

With such information at customers’ fingertips, issues around transactions can be resolved at the quickest time possible. The app also helps customers determine their return on investment (RoI) on the go, especially those who monitor the value of stocks. Such information is useful in making informed business decisions concerning the capitalmarket.

The app is easy to log-on and navigate and it

is available for free downloads to both customers and non-customers of the bank.

Stanbic IBTC Bank is one of the first bank in Nigeria to link its mobile app to its Internet banking service, enabling customers to access a host of Internet banking options through their smartphones from the same USSD platform. In essence, the inability to carry out transactions simply because one’s laptop or desktop could not be moved on the go has been circumvented conveniently to allow easy consummation of transactions through smart phones and devices.

Channel support The channel supports a wide array of financial transactions such as funds transfer both within and outside the bank’s portal, bills payment and foreign exchange transfers to banks within and outside Nigeria, among others.

The Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Demola Sogunle, said that APPyness, which is the bank’s latest financial software app, is a viable option the bank has explored to reach the unbanked in the country, which is put at 90 million people. “Using technology provides us with the opportunity to develop competitive products and services that will help bring the unbanked into the banking system. It is not cost effective to try to open branches in every part of the country. But the moment we deploy technology via internet and mobile banking, it becomes easier for customers, even those in places where we do not have a physical presence, to access financial products and services. It is very easy for us to do and we would continue to push the technology to reach the unbanked population,” Sogunle said.

Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Babatunde Macaulay, said the redesign of the functionality of the mobile application is based on customer feedback, which indicated the desire for a simple and very functional app that offers more than basic financial transactions.

According to him, the money deposit bank is one of many banks in Nigeria that is continuously exploring ways to bring new and innovative products and services to their customers. Customers are increasingly desirous of having access to financial services when and where they want them. Mobile applications go a long way in meeting these demands. As the needs of customers evolve, so will the innovative services and products of the bank continue to evolve, Macaulay assured customers.

Mobile app, no doubt, is making banking transactions a lot easier across financial institutions and banks must adopt this evolving technology, in order to provide customers with best of banking experience and convenience.

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BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Reman: Key Technology Adoption Will Digitise Nigeria Managing Director, Ericsson Nigeria, Mr. Rutger Reman, spoke with Emma Okonji on the company’s network society initiative, and plans to position Nigeria on the global digital map. Excerpts: commitments on the part of government and our organisation, Ericsson.

What is the whole idea of digitising Nigeria from the Ericsson’s perspective?

Ericsson is a technology solution provider with operations in different countries of the world, including Nigeria. We have enabled digital economy in various countries of the world and Nigeria stands a better position to digitise its activities, based on the size of its population and the zeal for technology development displayed among its youths.

Ericsson has the key technology solution and government should be able to key into the solution that will drive successful digitalisation of the country. We are already in talks with the Nigerian government and some key industry regulators in this regard.

How will Ericsson, through its initiative to digitise Nigeria, be able to unlock the socioeconomic growth of the country?

For the broad Saharan market, Ericsson has different initiatives to unlock socio-economic growth at different regions. We have successfully empowered mobile money in Kenya and Rwanda, using the Ericsson solution and we were able to do that because of the flexible regulatory policies of those countries. For Nigeria, what we need is a paradigm shift from our old ways of doing things to a new brand way that is purely driven by information and communications technology (ICT).

Nigeria is a highly populated country with wide landscape. So what the country needs is digital connectivity that will link the people with their mobile devices and home appliances devices, such that someone can sit in far away North and place an online order from a shop in South-south or South-east, through a connected systems which could be wireless.

There is so much to be done and I have had meetings with ministers, government agencies and parastatals, including industry regulators, to find out ways to achieve the initiative of digitising Nigeria and their responses were in the affirmative.

Nigerians must come together to discuss this and reach a point where they are ready to run with the initiative and Ericsson is always there to provide the support and technical expertise and solution to achieve the digital Nigeria dream.

There are lots of private sector initiatives in the country, and they need to come together to support the idea of digitising Nigeria.

How will Ericsson’s partners and customers be able to benefit from the company’s varieties of global ICT solution?

We have the solutions and we are making them available for Nigerians and organisations in Nigeria to take advantage of them. We are currently having talks with Galaxy Backbone, the government agency responsible for connecting all ministries, departments and agencies of government. So our solution covers various areas like aviation, road transportation, sea transportation, and we can digitally connect seamlessly to these sectors.

With a population of about 10 million people in Sweden, the headquarters of Ericsson, coupled with the available technology, it will be easier to drive industry transformation in that country. But that cannot be said of Nigeria with larger population and less infrastructure.

What is your take on this?

We have the 4G LTE infrastructure that is fast to deploy and with high tendency to achieve better results. This technology can bring about rapid industry transformation in Nigeria, irrespective of the heavy population of the county. For us at Ericsson, we are rolling that technology and making it accessible and affordable to the people. So we will be talking more on cloud infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoTs) technology, which could be used to address a

What are the benefits of a digitised economy?

The benefits are enormous. It will ensure 24/7 connectivity, efficient management of infrastructure, easy to do business and great possibility of business growth in a quick manner. It creates available infrastructure within a given location and the people living there do not need to go out to get services that are available in the location. It gives the residents the opportunity to have faster connectivity, since everything could be done online from the comfort of their homes, officers and public places of relaxation.

Activities and governance will be done 24/7 and things will be done in real time. At the end, the state will make more money because revenue will be generated through automation from the cloud. If this is replicated in several cities, it will lead to decongestion of cities and reduction of rural-urban migration.

Reman

wider audience, at the federal and state levels.

So what we will be doing as a company is to make our solution known to the public and to organisations that need rapid growth and expansion. We will be coming up with road shows sometime in June this year to sensitise more Nigerians on our initiative to digitise the entire country, using ICT solutions developed at Ericsson.

The processes with past initiatives from some technology solution providers to digitise Nigeria have been very slow. What will Ericsson do to make this whole idea of digital Nigeria come quickly?

Looking at the peculiar nature of the Nigerian society, I think one of the quickest ways is to continue with the push for a networked society, which has been the initiative of Ericsson. We need to sensitise the people, which includes the private sector and public sector practitioners, of the need to show commitment to digitise Nigeria. They should be able to work with our partners to showcase the Ericsson solutions to a wider audience and let them know of the capabilities of such technology solutions from Ericsson. Ericsson should be able to use modern technologies like the 4G LTE, 5G and cloud infrastructure, to prepare Nigeria for the digital era. Again, industry regulators have a great role to play in supporting our initiative and they should come up with laws that will support the growth of the initiative, without stifling it. Good policies will always help to drive the operators to do things and do them fast. Another thing that will further drive the digital Nigeria initiative is to make smartphone and other devices accessible and affordable. If these devices are in the hands of Nigerians, more people will be connected through the devices and be able to share digital information within seconds.

So what are the plans to carry along the regulators and stakeholders in this whole initiative of digitising Nigeria?

Definitely we have plans to carry along the regulators and industry stakeholders in this initiative of digitising Nigeria. We are already in talks with most of the regulators in Abuja, as well as government agencies, informing them of our intention and strategies to digitise Nigeria

and the stakeholders are not left out too. We are using officials of the Swedish Embassy to further drive sensitisation in this direction.

Again, we are working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure that the ICT sector gets the required allocation of foreign currency, which the CBN is currently doing, to pump more dollar into circulation that will allow ease of doing business in the country. It will help industry operators to place orders on technology equipment and be able to pay in dollars as they are shipped into the country.

Aside cloud infrastructure which Ericsson is keen at in driving the digital process, mobile solutions are equally key to digital transformation. What is Ericsson doing to connect more people via the mobile technology?

We are working with mobile devices manufacturers in this regard and we allow them to test their devices on our infrastructure to find out how seamlessly their devices could operate on the Ericsson infrastructure. We are also helping operators to build their infrastructure in such a way that it will work seamlessly with several mobile devices. All these will help reduce their operational expenditure (OPEX).

In digitising Nigeria, where most cities are already congested, would you rather develop a new city with allthe infrastructure put in place, or would you want to take connectivity to already existing but congested cities?

Handling both scenarios by developing new cities and connecting existing congested cities could be done using the right solution and Ericsson has the solution to address all of that.

We can take Eko Atlantic for example, which is a completely new environment, as a case study. The infrastructure is installed even before people start moving in.

The tranches for fibre infrastructure and made ready and operators are allowed to put in their own cables and connect directly. Again, most heavily populated cities in Nigeria can still be connected and digitised, even though it will be more expensive doing so because of the compensation that must be paid for damaged property. Istanbul in the Middle East is also a congested city like Lagos and we have just signed a contract to digitise the city. It is workable and could be achieved, but it comes with greater

In the process of digitising Nigeria, how will you ensure public safety?

We place public safety very high because we have high esteem for people. We consider as important, the process of digitising all country borders and ensure public safety of the citizens.

There is need to consider installing of sensors and cameras with artificial intelligence that are able to monitor criminal activities and illegalities of people. There will be a control centre to monitor the activities of people along the borders.

When the borders are secured, it will prevent dangerous weapons from finding their ways into the country, and reduce national threat.

It is nine weeks since you were appointed managing director of Ericsson Nigeria. What is your agenda for Nigeria and what do you want to achieve in the first one year in office in Nigeria?

I have three main agenda, which centred on expansion of the Ericsson brand in Nigeria, building a formidable workforce that will grow customer base and digitising Nigeria.

After one year, I will want you as a journalist to come back and assess me in these areas of my interest for the company and for Nigeria. I will want to create jobs and double the workforce of Ericsson Nigeria. Ericsson has been doing business in Nigeria since 1960 and we want to further grow the brand in the country. In the plan of digitising the country, I will want to see a digitised Nigeria where virtually all things will be done online realtime.

Considering the current global challenges affecting economies, how is Ericsson positioned to serve its customers in Nigeria in a better and more efficient way?

Yes, Ericsson is not unmindful of global challenges affecting economies. Nigeria for instance, has its challenges of accessing foreign currency, coupled with recession that the government is trying hard to overcome. But in all of these, Ericsson is well positioned to put the country on the right track, hence our desire to digitise Nigeria.

Nigeria recently amended its bill and gave approval for electronic voting in subsequent elections. Do you think we can get it right based on the kind of infrastructure that we have on ground?

So many countries have challenges of infrastructure but they started from somewhere and it took them some time to get electronic voting right. So, Nigerian government has taken a good decision on electronic voting. What the government must do is to start developing the infrastructure-base of the country and with time they will get the whole process of electronic voting right, which can help eliminate electoral fraud.

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West African Varsities to be Glo’s TVC Amplifies Negative Impact of Multiple Taxation Connected to Glo 1 Executive Producer, noted that businesses are going down. The is Nollywood diva, Patience Nosa Alekhuogie Emma Okonji Globacom has expressed eagerness to leverage its massive telecommunications infrastructure and international partnerships to connect tertiary institutions in West Africa.

The telecommunications outfit disclosed this through its Enterprise Group Commercial Coordinator, Mr. Folu Aderibigbe, at the third annual conference and fourth annual general meeting of the West and Central African Research and Educational Network (WACREN) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire recently.

Addressing the gathering of policy and decision makers, scientists, researchers, network managers, identity and access management experts, and connectivity and equipment providers from across the world, Aderibigbe said Globacom was already delivering connectivity to organisations and higher institutions in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.

Aderibigbe added that with its Glo 1 international submarine fibre-optic cable originating from Europe and crossing through West African countries, Globacom would love to support WACREN in ensuring all the universities in the region have seamless connectivity to Europe.

The summit, with the main theme, “Catalysing Quality Higher Education and Research”, was also graced by the head of Glo1 Ghana, Mr. Joseph Odoi; Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Côte d’Ivoire,

Prof. Ramata Bakayoko Ly; Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Togo, Prof. Broohm; and the Vice President, Agriculture, Human and Social Development Complex, African Development Bank, Dr. Jennifer Blanke, among others.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Broohm, reiterated the need for countries in the region to step up to the growing need for research in higher institutions by rapidly building digital capacities.

The minister stated that the government of Togo is currently building data centres in state universities and restoring optic fibre cable connections to all universities across Togo.

He added that by April 2017 the government would have removed taxes on computers to help facilitate access to ICT and boost research.

Representing GÉANT, Europe’s leading collaboration on e-infrastructure and services for research and education, Cathrin Stöver, in her remarks stressed the need to drive down the cost of bandwidth in the region and added that Geant has connected 42 universities in 15 years with €100s millions in contributions from the European Union and others.

GEANT is responsible for connecting higher institutions in Africa to Europe to ensure students in Africa have access to knowledge bases from across the world.

Blanke, stated that investment in research would stimulate and sustain economic growth and development.

This week’s episode of the TV Drama Series, Professor Johnbull, sponsored by foremost telecommunications company, Globacom, focused on economic matters as the sitcom tackles the issue of multiple taxation and its ripple effects on enterprises.

The new episode, entitled “Tax and Revenue”, aired on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV Channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Globacom, the promoter cum exclusive sponsor of the series which also doubles as its

the “new episode was meant to draw the attention of the authorities to the challenges entrepreneurs face in the hands of the multiple Task Forces set up by the various governments to collect taxes, revenues and rates”.

“It is a fact that some businesses are closing down, while many others are struggling under the weight of multiple taxation. There are different Task Forces everywhere and many of them cash in on revenue drive by governments to exploit the people. The result is that Small and Medium Scale

purpose of Tax and Revenue is to draw the attention of the authorities to the imminent crisis that may plague the economy if not addressed”, the statement added.

Among the regulars of the sitcom who featured in Tax and Revenue are the moralist, Professor Johnbull (Kanayo O. Kanayo), Elizabeth (Queen Nwokoye), Olaniyi (Yomi Fash-Lanso), Mai Doya (Funky Mallam), Etuk (Imeh Bishop), Jumoke (Bidemi Kosoko), Flash (Stephen Odimgbe) and Abadnego (Martins Nebo).

Also in the new episode

Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, who made yet another cameo appearance.

Globacom enjoined TV viewers who missed the programme on Tuesday to watch the repeat broadcast of the episode which comes up at 8.30 p.m. on Friday on the same NTA stations.

Tax and Revenue “is an elucidation on what constitutes multiple taxation; what citizens are expected to do when confronted by task forces on revenue and what rights the citizen have as well as their obligations to the state in terms of taxes, rates and revenues”.

BUILDING WEST AFRICAN BRAND

L-R: Head, Glo1 Ghana, Joseph Odoi; CEO, West and Central African Research and Educational Network (WACREN), Dr. Boubakar Barry; Enterprise Group Commercial Coordinator, Globacom, Mr. Folu Aderibigbe and Chairman of the Board, WACREN, Prof. Nii Narku Quaynor, at the annual conference of WACREN, sponsored by Globacom in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire ...recently

MTN Delights Nonagenarian in UNN Establishes Technology Etisalat Refutes Copyright Asaba

Hub for W/Africa

It was a special moment at the home of nonagenarian and MTN customer, Pa Paul Ijeh inIgbuzor, Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State during a courtesy visit by officials of the company to appreciate one of its oldest customers. As part of its continuous drive to enhance customer service delivery while providing a distinct experience for its customers, MTN has initiated a regular Know Your Customer (KYC) exercise which Pa Ijeh responded to as the Asaba Walk-in Centre on March 21, 2017. According to MTN’s Regional Customer Operations Manager in Asaba, Uchechukwu Okoroafor, members of staff at the centre were delighted to meet one of MTN’s eldest customers.

“We are happy to have customers who remain faithful and loyal to our brand. We consider ourselves privileged to serve special men and women like Pa Ijeh, who are a part of the generation that fought to establish this great nation. The 97 year old was patient and pleasant, engaging animatedly as his records were reviewed and updated. His attitude and disposition struck a chord and we decided to do something extra to express our appreciation and to specially recognize and

celebrate him.”

Leading the team of MTN officials, Okoroafor presented the elder statesman with several gifts on behalf of the company, which include a phone, airtime, the new Lumos mobile electricity system with a year’s subscription and a special letter of recognition.

Pa Ijeh was excited as he made the first call to his son on his new phone. He also expressed delight over the installation of the Lumos Mobile Electricity solution, powered by MTN and designed to deliver uninterrupted power supply to his house using solar energy.

A retiree of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Pa Ijeh expressed his appreciation to MTN for recognising him as one of their oldest customers.

While praying for the management of MTN Nigeria and its workers, Pa Ijeh recalled his days in the active service of several organisations, noting that honesty, transparency and fairness were the virtues that kept him going. He urged all Nigerians to embrace these same values in order to attract the blessings of peace and long life. He also called on other organisations to follow in MTN’s steps by showing appreciation to their customers to ensure continuous patronage.

The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has established the first full-fledged university embedded technology hub in West Africa called ‘Roar Nigeria Hub’.

The hub is a testament to the burning desire of the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, to create a smart university.

Located at the Nsukka campus, the private sector driven initiative will serve the institution with a student population of nearly 40,000 and other institutions of higher learning. The Hub is on a mission to produce the next generation of entrepreneurs by providing an enabling environment, support systems and relevant skills to succeed with technology entrepreneurship, across the South East region while impacting the IT ecosystem in Nigeria.

Confirming the establishment of the Hub, the University Advancement Centre Executive, Emem Seudieu, said Roar Nigeria Hub is a community that provides professional support to technology enabled startups, researchers, entrepreneurs and SME’s.

“Their programmes are designed to develop a new

generation of innovators and creators that will provide local technology based solutions with a global perspective. The Hub is destined to be a hotbed of ideas, invention and market induced solutions created with the concept of a triple helix; an interaction between academia, industry and government,” Seudieu said. Doors to the Hub opened late 2016 with the first pitching event held on January 26th, 2017 titled Tech & UNN. At the event, the Vice Chancellor, shared his dream of creating an Ecosystem that will fuel unprecedented technology growth in Africa. The official hub launch was held on February 6, 2017 which coincided with a Pitchaton by teams from the school community and hosted by the Vice Chancellor.

“We shall be having a public introduction of the Roar Nigeria on April 26th, 2017 at the hub in University of Nigeria Nsukka campus.The hub will create employment by increasing local content in information, communication and technology sector and establish the triple helix concept by improving collaboration between the academia, industry and government”, Seudieu said.

Infringement Allegations Etisalat Nigeria has denied the claim of patent infringement

by V-Exchange Limited, which was reported recently in the media.

The management of VExchange claimed that it sent a business proposal dated 27th October, 2016 to Etisalat and subsequently met with Etisalat’s representatives on 23rd, November 2016, where it informed Etisalat of some of its products with a view to partnering Etisalat and launching the products on Etisalat’s platform, but that Etisalat proceeded to unilaterally launch the products as ‘KwikCash’ without V-Exchange’s authorization.

V-Exchange demanded for over N2 billion from Etisalat as compensation.

Debunking the allegation, Head, Environment Compliance and Public Relations, Etisalat Nigeria, Oluseyi Osunsedo, dismissed as “baseless and unfounded”, while affirming Etisalat’s commitment to strict adherence to existing laws, industry regulations and best practice.

Osunsedo said that KwikCash loan service, the product which, according to V-Exchange, was allegedly

copied by Etisalat from its proposal, is owned and operated by a licensed financial institution, which was granted approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to run the service on Etisalat’s network.

“The NCC’s approval is dated 20th April 2016, while the pilot launch of KwikCash service held on 18th July 2016, “Osunsedo said.

She questioned how the product could have been copied from V-Exchange when KwikCash service was already in existence and operational long before 27th October, 2016 when V-Exchange sent its proposal to Etisalat.

In view of the above, Etisalat Nigeria urged the general public to disregard the claim by V-Exchange Ltd, as the allegation is frivolous and lacking any merit.

“In keeping with our vision of being an enabler, we re-affirm that Etisalat is a law abiding and responsible corporate organisation and we remain committed to delighting ourcustomers and stakeholders with innovative products and superior customer experience,” Osunsedo said.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

One Campaign: Leveraging on Celebrity Associations to Advance the Girl-Child Cause The world recently witnessed the launch of a landmark campaign in the days leading to International Women’s Day, when global attention to the plight of 130 million out-of-school girls was brought to the fore. Raheem Akingbolu reports

Omotola and Bono

Although the commemoration of the 2017 edition of the International Women’s Day is over, #GirlsCount, initiated by ONE Campaign, an international campaigning and advocacy organisation was a significant activity of the year that resonated across countries of the world. Over 70 top celebrities took part in the campaign by lending their voices to the call on world leaders to tackle poverty by addressing gender inequality. And, the impact was tremendous.

Bono, Malala, Angelique Kidjo, David Oyelowo, Waje, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Desmond Elliot among other celebrities participated in the campaign promoting girl-child education, and took part in counting the 130 million out-of-school girls one by one.

The very ambitious project of counting from 1 to 130,000,000 has progressed substantially with scores of videos added daily. The aim is to get people of all countries, faiths, races, genders, and political ideologies to produce and upload 130 million different video clips of themselves counting their chosen number; each representing a girl denied education.

The result will be a film that is by far the longest movie of all time, one featuring the highest number of celebrities – too historic to ignore.

Celebrity power has been found to have great influence on consumer behaviour.

For many, movie and TV stars, artistes, athletes, pop stars, top monarchs, influential business tycoons and politicians, serve as arbiters of taste, quality, morality and public opinion. As such, many believe that any product, service or a cause that gets the endorsement of their favorite celebrities is good. This has been employed by marketers of great brands and in it lies the strength of the #GirlCount campaign.

Synopsis of the campaign Over the years, ONE Campaign has employed

various methods to campaign for actions to help eradicate extreme poverty. In this campaign, which focuses on girl-child education, it has deployed celebrity power to get its core messages across. The sheer size of the conversations the campaign has continued to generate on social media among the young and old, bears testimony of how generationally impactful ONE

For many, movie and TV stars, artistes, athletes, pop stars, top monarchs, influential business tycoons and politicians, serve as arbiters of taste, quality, morality and public opinion. As such, many believe that any product, service or a cause that gets the endorsement of their favorite celebrities is good

Campaign’s creative strategy has been.

The goal is clear, the world needs to solve the education crisis evinced by 130 million girls being out of school – a population that is larger than the United Kingdom and France combined. In a report titled, ‘Poverty is Sexist: Why Educating Every Girl is Good for Everyone’, ONE Campaign drew attention to the crisis – and opportunity – around girls’ education and showed why educating girls is a smart investment.

The report states that educating girls to the same level as boys could benefit developing countries to the tune of at least $112 billion a year and helps stabilise societies that are vulnerable to extremism. It notes that the consequences of not educating girls are grave: girls out of school miss out on opportunities to fulfill their potentials. They are more likely to become child brides, more vulnerable to diseases and more likely to die young.

The imports According to ONE Campaign, “educating girls does not just benefit them; everyone gains. Education has the potential to improve not only girls’ lives through better economic opportunities and more autonomy to make life choices, but those of their families, their communities and their countries.”

Omotola, who is a GirlsCount Ambassador, has since been speaking on girl-child education at different occasions such as TV and radio interviews, and during her celebrity appearance at the Big Brother Nigeria House. She has been demanding that governments address what she called the injustice of denying millions of girls the opportunity to go to school. “Growing up in Nigeria, I was lucky to have access to quality education. Today, there are 130 million girls globally who have not had the same opportunities as I have and are denied the chance to go to school,” Omotola said.

“These girls are kept out of the classroom,

not by choice, but by poverty, discrimination, violence, early marriage and domestic responsibility. That’s why I am joining with the ONE Campaign to demand that our leaders address this injustice and support every girl’s right to learn by doubling the funding for education by 2020. I’ve chosen to count the number 7, because education is power – and every girl should have the opportunity to be in control of her own destiny.”

Owing to the fact that a vast majority of these out-of-school girls are African, Grammy Awardwinning artiste and activist, Angelique Kidjo, has addressed government in Africa saying, “I am proud to lend my voice, alongside the ONE Campaign, to the urgent call on our governments in Africa and their partners around the world to act. To cut programs for girls’ education at this moment in time would undermine a whole generation.”

As Facebook Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg, put it, one of the challenges in effectively addressing this global crisis is conveying its staggering scale. “130 million girls are being denied the basic human right of an education – the domino effect of which none of us can afford to ignore. I joined the count at ONE.org choosing number five because that’s the age millions of girls around the world should be walking into a classroom for the first time. Far too many of them will never get that chance, unless we demand world leaders act,” Sandberg said.

On March 8, ONE Africa teams met with senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja and the Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to hand-deliver an open letter signed by over 330,000 people calling for leaders not to defer actions and investments needed to improve girl-child education.

Since then more and more Nigerians have joined the campaign. The expectation is that the movement will elicit massive policy changes and decisive actions that will get millions more girls enrolled and kept in school.

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CONSUMER

Comic Republic’s Boost for the Creative Sector At a comic books and gaming convention recently organised by Comic Republic, a comic book start-up based in Nigeria, social media experts gathered to discuss various issues affecting the comic and creative enterprise and helped to nurture young aspiring comic artists, Raheem Akingbolu reports The dateline was March 4, 2017. The venue, Freedom Park, a memorial and leisure park area in the middle of downtown Lagos Island, buzzed with fun and excitement all day long when it played host to the Comic Book and Gaming Convention themed ‘Comic Connect Africa.’

Like the famous San Diego Comic-Con International and other notable comic conventions across the globe, ‘Comic Connect Africa’ is a multi-genre entertainment and comic convention held annually in Lagos.

In the fashion of comic-book conventions the world over, Comic Connect Africa featured a sizeable floorspace for exhibitors, which included comic book dealers, collectibles merchants, artists and media companies.

There was also an autograph area, as well as the Artists’ Alley where comic artists could sign autographs and do free sketches.

High point of the occasion was the panel session titled ‘Comic Connect, Let’s Talk’ where both experts and professionals in the comic business value chain discussed and interacted with budding and established comic entrepreneurs, artists and art enthusiasts on the future of comic books, gaming, animation and how to collaborate and distribute products in the creative art.

Place of technology in arts In his presentation, which centred on how technology is changing the face of the art profession, the Public Relations and Communications Manager, Google West Africa, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, advised comic artists on the need to reinvent their works. He demonstrated how to create a 3D content for their work and how artists and other creatives can leverage some new technologies for storytelling to enhance their profession, such as immersive storytelling. He encouraged them to explore those technological devices which he said are within their reach – laptops, tabs etc.

“The mode of storytelling of artists is entirely different now. They can now use technology to reach a lot of people. There are limitless opportunities in technology, especially in virtual reality. You can create a work of art that the world has not seen and have it recorded. VR is just another technology that artists in the world are using right now,” he remarked.

Kola-Ogunlade noted further that art does not just exist for art sake but can be a “part of the way that we pass on culture and stories to generations to come.”

Speaking on ‘How to build strategic relationship in a partnership’ the CEO, A2Hub, Adaora Mbelu-Dania, advised artists to be strategic in their choice of partners when going into partnership. She urged them to look out for partners that can complement their skills.

“You should think of people that have the skills that you don’t have; that’s what you really need. You should put on paper whatever agreement you reach in the partnership deal.

Partnership should be taken seriously and not be formed just on the basis of friendship.

Don’t be afraid of disagreement; rather than build resentment, talk about your disagreement,” she said.

Speaking further, she urged creatives not to be afraid of selling themselves: “Creatives must understand the business side of creativity.

They should know their value proposition and work towards their goals together.”

Between creativity and knowledge acquisition A veteran in the comic business and Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Creations Studios, Ibrahim Ganiyu, spoke on how to withstand tough conditions in the comic business. He noted that “creative people set the pace and every other people follow therefrom,” adding that, “you can’t create without knowledge;

CEO, Comic Republic, Jide Martin, with members Comic Republic crew addressing the audience during the awards night

creativity does not exist in a vacuum.”

Ganiyu remarked that the purpose of any comic book should be more of educating than entertaining. “There is a lot of story that haven’t been told. Comic can fill the vacuum in education,” he quipped.

You should think of people that have the skills that you don’t have; that’s what you really need. You should put on paper whatever agreement you reach in the partnership deal. Partnership should be taken seriously and not be formed just on the basis of friendship.

Don’t be afraid of disagreement; rather than build resentment, talk about your disagreement

He advised comic artists to begin to explore animation series.

On the issue of protection of intellectual property, the CEO Comic Republic and host of the Convention, Jide Martin, advised comic entrepreneurs that one thing they must ensure when starting out is to contact a lawyer.

However, he advised creatives that rather than being bogged down by people who steal or plagiarise their intellectual property they should innovate and constantly improve themselves so as to be ahead of them.

“Don’t try to fight people who copy you; it is a futile effort, since nothing is really new under the Sun and it is difficult to establish a case of intellectual property theft. Besides, a stolen intellectual property can be cast in a different ways or slightly modified,” he charged them.

Martin refuted the perception that it is only people who can draw that can thrive in comics, noting that technological advancements provide the latitude for many others who are not artists to thrive in the comic business. He observed that comic books create a medium for people to express themselves.

Also available at the convention were free business consultations in a first of its kind Comic Clinic where artists received one on one business counsel from lawyers, illustrators, marketers and investors.

Guests at the convention got free comic books from publishing houses in the country, while Naija Game Evo provided a platform for gaming. This is in addition to the free virtual reality sessions, free speed art competition, free notebooks and posters and a local Wifi network connection, among other freebies provided by Comic Republic. There were also free ‘Heroes as Icons’ classes on how to make comics books freely provided by Comic Republic.

The convention also showcased an awards night, which was sponsored by Wacom and

Wakanow. The award was headlined by Dj Sose who dished out superhero themed songs, and few other entertainers like MC Shakara who lit up the stage with his rib-cracking jokes; as well as up and coming musician, Ajuka, who serenaded guests with her songs.

The award of ‘Best Comic Book of the Year’ went to Esteria, while Chinedu Chukwuka clinched the award of ‘Comic Artist of the Year.’

The awards night was designed to recognise fan’s choice of best art, stories and companies supporting the art form in Africa.

The introduction of a Cosplay competition this year added a spark of excitement to the convention. Cosplay, which is a portmanteau word for costume and play, has become its own culture at comic book conventions all over the world. It gives cosplayers who are very passionate about their favourite comic characters the chance to bring them to life by dressing in their costumes.

The winner of the Cosplay, Jamil Yesufu costumed as Black Panther, walked away with a grand prize of N200,000. The WACOM team gave out some free styluses to winners of the various awards categories, while Wakanow gave return tickets to any destination in Nigeria to three winners: Godwin Akpan ‘Best Concept Artist’; Xavier Ighorodje, ‘Best Cultural Themed Comic Book Writer’; and Akintoba Kalejaye, ‘Best Cultural Themed Comic.’

Speaking on the objective of the Convention, the CEO, Comic Republic, Jide Martin, said that the convention seeks to connect the various forms of art with Comics as well as art enthusiasts with the right platforms and people to cause their businesses to thrive, hence, the name Comic Connect Africa.

Comic Republic is the only Nigerian comic book publishing house to go into partnership with a major notebook manufacturing brand.

Its African Superhero stories are currently available as cover pages and back pages in over 2 million notebooks nationwide.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ADVERTISING

BUA’s Loans to Farmers as Boost for Diversification Raheem Akingbolu writes that the recent disbursement of N600 million as interest-free loans to rice farmers in Kano State by the BUA Group, has further confirmed the commitment of the company as a leading non-oil contributor to the Nigerian economy At a time the government of Nigeria is making frantic effort to focus more on Agriculture and other sectors to grow the economy, BUA Group, in its commitment to boosting domestic rice production, recently disbursed a total of N600 million interest-free loan to rice farmers in Kano State, in Northern Nigeria. In addition to the interest-free soft loan of N288,000 each, improved seeds, fertilizers, pumping machines and other rice farming tools were said to have been distributed free to over 2,000 rice farmers in the State. The occasion which held in Imawa Village, Kura LGA of Kano State, brought together rice farmers under the umbrella of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Kano Chapter from Kano and Jigawa States.

Through the gesture, the company has thus demonstrated that it aligns with federal government aspiration to diversify the economy to non-oil sectors. In many fora, analysts have not only identified diversification as the most competitive and strategic option for Nigeria in light of her developmental challenges, they have called for adequate funding by government and corporate entities.

It is believed that Diversification has a lot of benefits for Nigeria to maximally utilise her abundant resource – base to rebuild the economy and enjoy the benefits of all the linkages, synergy, economies of scale and foreign investment profile. Many also believe that it will help the country build her human capital, exploit new opportunities, lessen averagely operational costs and grow the standard of living and confidence of the citizens for national renaissance. Considering the fact that Agriculture was the main stay of the Nigeria economy before the discovery of crude oil in 1956, it is believed that with adequate funding of agriculture, the diversification of the nation’s economy will be an easy task.

BUA’s example Aside the provision of fund for the farmers, BUA management team has also indicated that it would continue to play advisory roles for the farmers. For instance, during the presentation of farm inputs and tools to the farmers, a Group Executive Director (GED), of the company, Kabiru Rabiu was in attendance to engage with the farmers and supervise the distribution. He expressed optimism on the mutual partnership between the rice farmers and BUA Rice Milling Company.

“Kano State, by far, is one of the most potential States in the country for rice farming and BUA is happy to have successfully established a mutual benefitting partnership with the rice farmers”. He further stated that the non-interest soft loan, which is directly from the company’s capital, granted to the farmers was BUA’s gesture of encouraging the farmers to increase their yields,’’ he said.

Kabiru further stated that it is the organisation’s initiative of supporting government’s plan towards its drive to diversify the Nigerian economy into agriculture as an alternative to crude oil exploration.

As 2,000 beneficiaries were reached during this pilot phase, BUA was said to be targeting 50,000 farmers to benefit from the scheme in the next four years with a target of a minimum of a million tonnes from Kano State alone.

Recognition Perhaps coincidental, the company’s profile got boosted around the same time as it was named amongst the first 50 Companies to work in 2016 by Jobberman in the third edition of its ‘Best 100 Companies to Work For’. The rating organisation focuses on recognising and celebrating top employers in Nigeria. The company was rated ahead of some financial institutions, telecom operators, FMCGs and other corporate organisations that featured on the list.

According to the Group Head, Human

2nd left: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group presenting a free bag of fertilizer to a rice farmer in addition to interest-free loans and other farm inputs during BUA Rice Outgrowers Scheme Partnership with the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kano Chapter in Kura LGA, Kano State ...recently

Resources, Dotun Adako, the feat is indicative of BUA’s consistent commitment to employee welfare, human capital development, work-life balance, competitive remuneration and an equal opportunity policy adopted by the organisation.

Speaking further, Adako said it was no surprise BUA Group made it to the list because BUA is reputable for investing considerably in employee development, adherence to acceptable labour practices and constantly seeking out ways to enhance positive employee workplace experience.

The group head was quoted as saying that the organisation is assiduously working to continue delivering on its commitment and that it wants all its stakeholders to move up the ladder considerably in the next edition of the Jobberman ranking.

The ‘3rd Annual Jobberman Best 100 Com-

Having established self as a household name, a source close to the group, recently revealed to THISDAY that its strategic focus will now be to diversify to business areas with greater potential for export where the sourcing and utilisation of foreign exchange is less

panies to Work For’ is focused on identifying, recognising and celebrating top employers in Nigeria, as rated by employees and professionals.

in Nigeria and the management appears to have confident in the value it will add to the buyer’s operations.

Expansion BUA Group has over the past few years embarked on a series of strategic acquisitions which has seen its business portfolio expand to include the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN), Edo/OBU Cement, BUA Flour Mills, BUA Sugar Refinery, BUA Pasta, BUA Ports and Terminals, and BUA Estates amongst other agribusiness holdings.

As at the time the company entered, trading was quiet different in the country, compared to now. It was very difficult, because access to funding and foreign exchange were both very challenging. However, it was also quite lucrative as not many companies were able to compete. This is where BUA got it right. The fact that it chose to participate early is believed to have assisted the company in starting its manufacturing concerns.

The first of these business initiatives was to set up a flour plant in Lagos, driven by huge demand for flour. At the moment, the company has the flour mills, the pasta plants, a sugar refinery in Lagos and the vegetable oil processing mills and the cement projects that will soon be inaugurated in Port Harcourt. Just recently, the company started production of cement from its three million metric tons per annum cement plant in OBU, Okpella, Edo State.

Medium term strategy Having established self as a household name, a source close to the group, recently revealed to THISDAY that its strategic focus will now be to diversify to business areas with greater potential for export where the sourcing and utilisation of foreign exchange is less. This is necessary, according to the source, because most of the materials needed for production can be sourced locally, whilst also positioning its current line of foods and infrastructure business for market leadership.

Just recently, the Group announced the divestment of its flour business to Olam International in a deal worth $275m.

The agreement signed with Olam according to the management of BUA, marks a major milestone in the group’s medium-term strategy.

Over the years, the group has run one of the largest and most efficient flour milling businesses

Implementation of government policy Another factor that has helped the growth of the brand is the understanding of the body language of the government and consumers.

For instance, as part of strategic plan to effectively implement government policy on backward integration of the manufacturing sector of the Nigerian economy, BUA Group has since embarked on rapid expansion of its sugar plantations in Kwara and Kogi States.

At the moment, extensive work is said to be ongoing in Lafiagi, Kwara State with over 20,000 hectares, while it also has another 50,000 hectares of farmland in Bassa, Kogi. These two operations form the fulcrum of its backward integration programme for sugar and it is believed that this will further reduce the country’s dependence on imported raw sugar while supporting the value chain in sugar production within Nigeria.

Local business climate At various fora, the group has consistently emphasised its support for the work being undertaken by government to involve the private sector in ensuring that all legal and regulatory frameworks are effectively in place to boost the real sector of the Nigerian economy.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with around 170 million people. That means a lot of opportunities with adequate resources and a huge market. Apart from investment in the oil sector of the economy, there are other resources in Nigeria that could definitely contribute more to the economy.

Taking the cement industry as a prime example, BUA has always had a lot of limestone reserves in the country; this is evident in the way the industry has grown now that people are investing in that sector. The various ministries are spending huge sums of money on key infrastructure to attract fresh foreign investment, despite the progress that has been made, energy issues remain a drain on growth.

Nigeria is a challenging environment but the returns are high. A good idea will always be a good idea, no matter where you are. There are so many indigenous and foreign companies operating here in Nigeria and a number of them are highly successful.

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

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INTERVIEW

Ukatu: Gas Pricing in Dollars is a Huge Challenge for Local Tile Manufacturers In this interview with Ugo Aliogo, the chief executive, NISPO Porcelain Company Limited, Mallinson Ukatu, highlights the challenges facing the tile industry, especially the pricing of natural gas in US dollars and his company’s growth trajectory, among others. Excerpts: (CBN) official rate then convert to Naira and tell the manufacturer to pay in naira. In other countries the practice charged is according to what you are producing. The price increased by 59 percent when exchange rate moved from 181. The price increased immediately by 200 percent. So if you are paying 5 million naira for gas, automatically you will pay 15 million.

If you are paying 20 million, you have to be paying 45 million.

What line of business is NISPO Porcelain Tiles Company Limited involved in?

NISPO Porcelain Company Limited is one of the subsidiaries of Mallinson and Partners Limited. The company is into porcelain tiles.

Porcelain tiles are polished tiles of higher standards. We are into ceramics and wall tiles of high standards too. What is obvious in production is technological transformation.

Things change with time and you have to upgrade your equipment to meet up with world standard.

Stagnation has caused ceramics tiles not to improve in terms of design. Thus becoming old fashioned than porcelain. We still have ceramics tiles, but it is polished tiles. It has more lasting years and the quality is better. We also have NISPO plastics. We produce plastics and household materials. We are hoping to go into production of pharmaceutical products.

At Mallinson and partners, we are looking at going into production of different food items.

We are into agro-farming already which is known as NISPO agro farms limited.

Are there special technologies which you use in producing your own tiles or do you follow the conventional way?

In tile production, most of the machines we used over the years have been out-dated and new machines are being introduced. This implies that there are innovations in every aspect of production and you have to keep up with the trend of what is obtained in countries such as Italy, Spain, Brazil, and China. Therefore we try to adopt their standards in production as it is important for us to grow. Their standard of tiles is very good.

There is a policy known as anti-dumping, it is an arrangement where some countries don’t want other countries to buy their products because they feel those countries are taking out their production out of the market and also because they don’t want to lose their quality. What this implies is that when you produce you don’t sell because it is coming out from a country where it is cheaper. It is a business politics. For instance, China is into anti-dumping and they sell a lot of tiles to US, Chile, and Argentina, despite the presence of tile manufacturing plants in these countries.

As a result of the fact that the cost of labour and materials are cheaper in China, therefore their cost could still be cheaper than goods produced locally. Therefore what countries did to stop the anti-dumping practice was to encourage local manufacturers and discourage the buying of those low quality products from China. We are hoping that soon Africa countries will stop it too.

Tiles from China still flood Nigerian market, despite having indigenous manufacturers producing tiles in the country. What is responsible for this?

Nigeria is coming up in tile production; however we have not come to the stage where we will ban tiles importation in Nigeria. We have couple of tile companies that have sprung up in the past six years in the country. It is encouraging because the importation on tiles has gone down close to 60 percent which means that the locally made tiles are taking over which is a success story. In a matter of years to come there will not be any need for us to import tiles into the country.

In the area of raw materials sourcing, where do you get materials?

Most of the materials used in production are been sourced in Nigeria. There are some that we import from abroad. It is not easy however to get these materials because of the issues of forex challenges. However, we keep fighting back to remain in business. The materials

What is the focus for NISPO Porcelain Company Limited in 2017?

We cannot lose focus, because we still need to increase our production capacity to be in the market. Bank of Industry (BOI) is trying its best in assisting manufacturers. If what we are seeing now in foreign exchange is been sustained, there might likely be increase in production because we will be able to access money at official rate to bring raw materials and machinery.

Are there likely hopes that the gas charges will improve?

We have been clamouring for this in the past seven years. On personal grounds, I have frown on the charging of gas in dollars. This is not obtainable internationally.

Ukatu we source locally are higher than the ones imported. We also have to purchase spare parts to maintain the machinery. It requires forex to purchase these spare parts.

What was the growth projection of NISPO Porcelain Company Limited in 2016, were you able to achieve it?

We didn’t achieve our growth projection last year, because the economy was in recession, forex was scarce and the purchasing power was very low. Electric Power Supply was a major challenge. We used natural gas to run the plant which implied that if you are running a tile factory, you must have uninterrupted power supply. Another factor which made the year very tough for us was the vandalism of gas pipelines in the Niger-Delta.

This affected our projection and we hope that this year will be better. We have started well, but we are having a challenge getting gas to run the plant. In 2016, we were doing between 60-65 percent. Therefore our focus was to increase production capacity by 20 percent which will be an 85 percent growth rate.

Then in this year, the focus will be on bringing more machines and increase production capacity by 25 percent again. Production capacity depends on the availability of gas.

If our production is 15,000 square metres and we don’t have electricity due to one challenge or the other we cannot achieve that projection very well. It is only when you are sure of the source of your energy that you can make projection or set targets. Non-availability or gas supply interruption can affects production. In tile production, there are series of stages you have to go through. You have to put your furnace for five days to a certain temperature and increase to a certain level to enable you start production. Our plant might be switched on for five days, but we cannot produce anything. We run diesel and we have to pay Shell Petroleum Corporation for the charges. But we cannot produce, except the furnace has been increased to the expected degree required. There are times it takes one week for us to increase our furnace to get to the maximum hitting level where tiles will start coming out.

If we don’t have gas for three months or

just a day cut off of gas, it will affect the next one week or ten days production. These are sensitive issues that people are not concerned about. We don’t have alternative power to address this challenge. We would have preferred coal to gas as an alternative source of energy, but getting coal from Enugu State is a huge challenge because of the transportation system.

We depend solely on gas and we cannot use black oil to produce because it cannot be easily found. Therefore, there are a lot of challenges, however we are optimistic that things will improve.

What have been the efforts of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to address the gas shortage faced by manufacturers?

MAN on its part has been doing so much in addressing the issue of gas cut offs in Agbara, Ota and other areas where most factories are situated. They are doing their best to ensure that the issues are addressed, but the issues are beyond their powers. There have written a letter to the Minister for Trade and Industry, on the need to have legal supply of gas.

How were you able to cope with the forex scarcity in 2016?

It was really tough getting forex to run some of the plants we have in the company. We were able to buy two black markets to finance some of our spare parts and raw materials because we couldn’t get it right waiting for three to four months to be able to get foreign exchange to do what we wanted. One of the serious issues we have been clamouring; for is that gas purchase is being charged in dollar in Nigeria. It happens only in Nigeria. This happens because they check the cost of gas per cubic feet according to prevailing rate of foreign exchange. That has been the standard used. There is no country where gas is charged on foreign exchange rate. If you want to charge it on a foreign rate, it should be based on what you are exporting. When there was devaluation of the naira, manufacturers were affected because if the official rate moves up to 400, the price of gas comes to 25 percent, many manufacturers will close down. We have been clamouring for this excess charge as manufacturers.

They charge the manufacturer in dollars which is usually in Central Bank of Nigeria

Under the current administration, how would you assess the ease of doing business when compared with the past administration as it affects the manufacturing industry?

For the manufacturing industry, the administration has given attention to industrialisation of the economy. Under the current administration; most people are going into farming. While some are trying to bring machinery to do exportation. As a result of the high foreign exchange rate, most people have moved from what they were doing to something else, not because the scenario has changed or the atmosphere is better.

We have not seen any renewed effort in the ease of doing business apart from what Bank of Industry (BOI) is doing to support entrepreneurs and Small Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). The present government through BOI is supporting the manufacturing sector. We also heard of Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), we have not gotten the full details of what the bank is all about. This shows that the administration is thinking in right direction, but they should put their plans into implementation.

What advice will you give President Muhammadu administration to ensure that the manufacturing especially the tile industry moves forward?

The two important things we are asking are having a steady gas supply that can increase your projection. For instance, there is a term called 7.5 bars which implies a full gas supply for 30 days. Let us have full gas supply for 30 days, not when we are given five bars that cannot take enough machines to work.

What this means in simple details is that the voltage is low. It is not proper that you are paying for a service and you are not getting the service.

Government should improve and hold these regulatory authorities to task. The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) should be out to checkmate the activities of those companies that have the franchise to sell the natural gas. For instance in Ikorodu area, a different company has been given the franchise to sell gas to that area, while in Agbara area, there is another company that has the franchise to sell in that area. The question here is if NLNG is monitoring the activities of these companies to ensure that they are doing what they are supposed to do.

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Adefeko: To Meet Nigeria’s Rice Demand, FG Must Continue to Encourage Local Production

The Federal Government has prioritised agriculture as an alternative source of revenue to lift Nigeria out of economic recession. On the sidelines of a recent visit to Olam Nigeria’s multimillion dollar rice farm and mill at Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the firm’s Vice President Corporate and Government Relations, Mr. Ade Adefeko spoke with Abimbola Akosile on the rice value chain and the growing influence of agriculture and the quest for food security, amongst other issues

production and processing activities on the host communities in Rukubi, Nasarawa State, in terms of employment opportunities and other benefits?

In the community, we provided bore wells, solar lamps, school buildings with materials, as well as scholarship schemes. In addition, we built 54 kilometres of roads through the surrounding communities. We have assisted over 5,000 local smallholder farmers since 2013 and 25,000 metric tonnes of paddy have been produced. Profits per farmer per hectare have increased from about N305,000 to over N1.2 million. Olam hopes to scale this up to about 20,000 farmers as we want to act as catalysts by providing training and improved rice varieties in equipping the small holder famers to secure their future.

Can we know you briefly?

I am Ade Adefeko; Vice President Corporate & Government Relations Olam. I manage External Communication and Stakeholder Relations at Olam Nigeria; the largest agribusiness and Food Company in Nigeria and a subsidiary of Olam International of Singapore, which is the parent company and has a presence in 70 countries.

Prior to joining Olam, I played a pivotal role in broadcast policy advocacy as Head Corporate Communications and Public Affairs with Multi-Choice (DStv) Nigeria. Subsequently, I served as Area Head of Communication and Regulatory Affairs, British American Tobacco for Benin, Niger and Togo based in Nigeria where I managed core regulatory issues in the highly sensitive tobacco industry. Currently I am currently the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture Export Action Group (NACCIMA) NEXAG. In a nutshell I help initiate, nurture and sustain relationships across the broad spectrum of critical players in the agriculture and food value chain where Olam is a major player.

How do you assess the federal government’s drive to make agriculture a viable alternative to oil revenue, vis-a-vis the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), which started from the previous administration?

A concerted effort has been made by this administration to continue from the ATA by the last administration to the Green Alternative now. We must move fast and reward those who have put their skin in the game rather than those who just want to take advantage of intervention funds by promising so much but deliver very little either due to lack of sincerity or lack of capacity. Nigeria has comparative advantage in maize, cashew, cocoa, sesame, cassava, groundnut, soya beans and the likes but we must work on our competitive edge, which is the missing link. Infrastructure, fertiliser, Inputs, financing, power and irrigation as well as capacity building and incentives are enablers to achieving competitiveness continentally and globally. Take a case in point cashew; Nigeria is the 6th largest producer of cashew in the world after Cote d’Ivoire, India, Vietnam, Tanzania and Guinea Bissau in that order with about 150,000 metric tonnes. But, while the others export almost all theirs in processed form, Nigeria only exports 15 per cent of same and generates about $42 million but if it were to export the raw form it will be down to $33 million. The bulk of the raw cashew is sent to India and Vietnam where it is processed but the way out of this is to levy the raw cashew from here to make it unattractive to export raw but add value by processing here, which is what Cote d’Ivoire is doing.

In your own view, what is the quickest way out of the current economic recession, from an agricultural perspective?

A few come to mind: the sector must be supported with incentives and policy initiatives that are long term in nature. Government should actively encourage and support cooperatives with tools to organise farmers as well as capacity building via training. As you know the major challenges are low yields due to poor seeds, low or wrong mix of fertiliser, rain dependence, poor quality especially with crops like cashew, cocoa, cotton with regards to farming and harvest practices. Equally, lack of storage infrastructure, value addition and processing is hampered by lack of power and infrastructure, irrigation, roads, port delays and of course high funding costs, which are usually high double digit.

Adefeko There are reports of 14 different states producing rice varieties in Nigeria...what does this mean for food security in the country?

The rice conversation is a very sensitive and political one. In setting the context, let us look at our consumption, Nigeria consumes, according to the federal government, about 7 million tonnes of rice and production as at 2015 was in the neighbourhood of 2.7 million tonnes, leaving us with a gap of 4.3 million tonnes but if we countenance the Kebbi production, which is said to be about 1 2 million tonnes then the gap is further reduced. The conversation has started and is commendable but must be sustained.

Importantly though, we must factor in smuggled rice which is about 1 million tonnes. Backward integration is on the increase and we at Olam Nigeria are at the forefront of that effort. I must acknowledge however the forays of the likes of WACOT, Dangote and BUA. It is a welcome

development for the rice value chain.

Olam is a reputed major player in rice cultivation and processing in Nigeria and possibly Africa.....how wide is your product circulation and what varieties do you produce?

We are the foremost player in the rice value chain space and are amongst the few that can boast of a farm and mill. We have a $120 million fully mechanised 10,000 hectare farm in Rukubi Nasarawa state coupled with a state-of-the-art mill with capacity for 105,000 metric tonnes.

Our rice varieties range from Faro 44, C90, C20 and L34 We are currently studying over 100 other varieties to choose from, The product of that farm and mill is the Mama’s Pride and Chef’s Choice our locally grown home rice you see in the market and is available nationwide.

What are the ripple effects of your rice

Rice is a staple grain product in Nigeria with huge local demand...can Nigeria successfully fill the local demand quote and also export... if yes, when can this reasonably happen?

Let us not over-reach ourselves by talking about export… this cannot be legislated but must be clearly articulated via a policy that encourages local production through providing improved seeds, pesticides and herbicides, fertiliser, financing, training as well as proper irrigation. We are in the lead on this at Olam as we do two cropping cycles and exceed the national average yield of about 1.8 tonnes per hectare as we do about close to 10 tonnes if you add dry and wet season. Government has made considerable progress though with the CBN Anchor Borrower programme that loops in thousands of farmers but they need to combat smuggling from the ports and land borders, which makes local rice more expensive and largely unaffordable. I am a proponent of fiscal measure via tariffs and levies to bring in rice legitimately to fill in the gap over a defined period while investment in backward integration is pursued. This has worked for cement and sugar and I don’t see the reason why it cannot work for rice.

How has Olam Nigeria been able to weather the harsh economic conditions, the ripple effects of the unstable naira and dollar, and NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

RANDOM THOTS Beyond Bickering There is a new fad in town. Those who are charged with ensuring a better life and livelihood for majority of the citizens have found a new hobby aside from primitive acquisition of wealth.

They now have to blow their personal trumpets loudly from the rooftops of the government houses and legislative chambers for the whole world to hear, and if their political enemies or antagonists hear them loud and clear, the better. In recent times, past and present chief security officers of some states, their counterparts in other states and top officials in the legislative chambers have thrown jibes, accusations and counter-accusations at each other, with

their executive brickbats and diatribes avidly showcased on the pages of national dailies and in the social media space. All these exchanges, which are yet to tail off, have combined with egos of the gladiators to push focus on delivery of democratic dividends and good governance to the back seat.

Even though some of the bickering among these top government officials have had to do with development projects and their continuity, transparency and accountability, insecurity and corruption, security votes and good governance records, one thing is clear. And that is the fact that such ego battles and mundane exchanges (which are ea-

gerly snapped up by the print media as juicy gossip for sensational headlines) have not portrayed the combatants in the best of lights.

Top public officials are expected to set the standard in decorum in office, and their roles are servant-leaders are expected to take precedence over personal egos.

Good governance goes beyond executive bickering, and the electorates know those who are actually delivering on their campaign promises. That should be the minimum yardstick for the leaders....simple truth -Abimbola Akosile

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEvELOPmENT/ISSUESINBOx

A local government road project in Ekiti State

Should the Local Govts be Scrapped?

There is an underlying tone among many Nigerians that the local government, which is the third arm of government, should be scrapped entirely, with larger and stronger wards adopted as replacements.

This is against the background that the local councils, which are the closest governance structure to the people, are totally disconnected from the populace especially at the grassroots in their impact on development. To you, should these councils be scrapped as suggested, or simply rejigged for better performance?

Abimbola Akosile * Local governments are the closest level of officialdom to the grassroots. Why then should they get jettisoned? A man has two children who are 20 years apart. Whenever he tries to give food to the younger child, the older one snatches it and consumes it. After a long while, the younger child looks malnourished. Is the man to liquidate his second child because of this, or consider ways of curbing the older child’s excesses? Your guess is as good as mine. In Nigeria, we should fine-tune and re-jig our local government system, not scrap the whole thing.

- Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, Brainchild Academic Resources, Apo, Abuja * It will be of benefit if the local governments are re-arranged. We agree that the local government is the third arm of government which is closer to the populace but there is no benefit derived by the populace from the local government, which are demoralised and have deviated from their functions due to state domination. Re-jigging the local governments is absolutely necessary for them to perform optimally.

- Mr. Yusuf Muh’bashir Omotayo, Nda Aliu, Kwara State * The Local Government is closer to the grassroots and to engender development, they should be fortified and granted full autonomy from the state for effective delivery of social service to Nigerians.

- Ms Nkieruka Abanna, Lagos * I am one of the campaigners calling for the scrapping of the local governments. They are the worst segment of the government structure, which is not supposed to be so. The people of that locality are expected to feel the presence of government among them through their developments but it’s not so as they are just there for themselves, families and foreign trips.

Their allocations when released are shared at midnight when those concerned would come with ghana-must-go bags to pack their shares.

I’ll go for the maintaining of the federal and state governments.

- Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna * No, the local government is the live-wire of the

THE FEEDBACK Yes, scrap the LGs:

1

No, re-jig the LGs:

8

Others:

5

Radical tip:

Scrap States!

Total no of respondents:

14

Male:

11

Female:

3

Highest location:

Lagos (7)

masses. To scrap it is tantamount to summarily depriving people at the grassroots from enjoying true governance and democracy dividend e.t.c. Local government handles revenue drive and generation, education, agriculture, health, infrastructure, and works in tandem with people at the grassroots while also collaborating with the state for growth and development across board. Local governments also handle elections, voting, financing e.t.c. All these make them too relevant to be ignored or scrapped.

- Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State * Local governments are still relevant; however most major projects done within local governments are financed and executed by state governments.

Based on impact on the lives of Nigerians, the local government allocations should remain as they are but at least 20 per cent of the federal share should be given to the states. In other words, we need stronger States, streamlined centre and the local governments to remain as they are. With stronger states in Nigeria, no one will be talking of secession, dissolution or regional governments.

- Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State * Let us leave the Local governments where they are...half bread is better than none.

- Mr. Sunday Unwana, Lagos State * Local councils are almost comatose because of the suffocating grips of our emperor-like state governors who see the LGs as their plaything.

Scrapping LGs and setting up ‘strong wards’ will only be redefining the problem, not providing a

solution. I suggest we grant them full autonomy for 20 years prior to the scrapping. If they don’t perform after that, we can go ahead and scrap them. Most of the states in Nigeria should also be scrapped along with LGs because they are the same.

- Mr. John Ogunsemore, Lagos State * We are supposed to scrap the States and leave the local government areas for the people.

- Mrs. Moses Adetoun Racheal, Ogun State * No, instead of the local governments, the states should be scrapped. Let us have six geopolitical zones with 6 ceremonial vice presidents who will supervise the executive operations of the 774 local governments without interfering into their activities. Many of our state governors are not worth more than local government chairman who should be answerable to their communities directly.

- Mr. Olaseni O. Egbeyemi, Lagos State * It is not the scrapping of the local government; it is not the message but the messenger. There is no transparency; they hijack the funds meant for such local government, no payment of pension and gratuities, salaries, developmental projects like road networks, water supply, drugs in the hospitals, primary health care e.t.c. We actually need amendments to our laws to meet our contemporary challenges or get back to the earlier constitutional conference recommendations to restructure the country.

- Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna * No, not at all. Scrapping the local government is tantamount to truncating democracy by depriving these masses of their deserving rights unjustly.

Grassroots politics best operates at the local government level, which the masses enjoy and wholly depend upon for their livelihood. Can State government really manage the people without any unnecessary stress and distractions?

These councils should be re-jigged for better performance rather than outright scrapping.

- Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos State * It will not augur well for our democracy if we scrap local government councils because it is government that is closer to the rural people.

What we need now is to re-structure the three tiers of government for chairmen to have access to funds from the federal government allocation rather than the governors who give them peanuts.

Local governments have roles to play in rural development. Everything would not be left for the federal or state governments to do.

- Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State * Local governments should not be scrapped but they need serious rejigging so they can realise they are more responsible to the people at the grassroots rather than their paymasters at the state level. And if the citizens can hold the local government officials accountable, then they will sit up and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people directly, as expected of the organ of government closest to the people.

- Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State

Next Week: Best Devt Lesson/s from the Past?

There is a saying that if mistakes from the past are not corrected, they are bound to happen again. Conversely, positive best practices or lessons learnt from the past are capable of boosting any development process if they are employed in the present situation. From your viewpoint, what best or useful lesson/s can we draw from the various past administrations in Nigeria, in order to enhance the current development situation in the country?

Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (April 13 & monday, April 17) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola. akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/ or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, April 20

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Enhancing food security; local corn milling machine in Doma, Nasarawa State

ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

National Policies Can Offset Impact of Joblessness, Report Reveals Abimbola Akosile United Nations global finance partners have said trade and trade-related policies have a role to play not just in promoting growth and prosperity, but helping share that prosperity more widely around the world.

The finance partners said this while launching a report that calls on national governments to pursue policies that help those who might lose their jobs, one of the unintended consequences of trade integration, according to a UN release.

Economists from the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank said trade leads to productivity gains and significant benefits for consumers, especially the poor, but can also be responsible for job displacement that must be addressed through sound domestic policies that can help the unemployed get back on their feet.

Economists from the three global organisations reflect in

the report on the latter part of the 20th century, arguing that trade integration helped drive economic growth in advanced and developing economies through greater productivity, increased competition resulting in higher living standards and more choices and better prices for consumers.

“I recognise that there are very real concerns, but the answer is not to turn against trade, which would harm us all,” says the WTO DirectorGeneral Roberto Azevêdo.

Looking back, “trade has had a very positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of many millions of people in recent decades,” he added.

The report notes that job losses in certain sectors or regions in advanced economies have resulted to a large extent from technological changes rather than from trade.

According to Azevêdo the “challenge before us is to support the workers of today and train the workers of tomorrow.”

The organisations called

on national governments to pursue both “active” and “passive” labour market policies such as training programmes, job search assistance and wage insurance (a private insurance providing compensation if one is forced to move to a job with a lower salary) to facilitate reintegration of the unemployed back into the job market.

They also called on governments to stabilise unemployed working families with short term passive labour market programmes, such as unemployment benefits and income support until those who have lost their jobs can get back to work.

Effective education and skills policies will be essential in preparing workers for the changing demands of the modern economy, they added.

The report also called for further trade integration to strengthen global growth and advance an inclusive trading environment. It stressed that traditional areas such as agriculture need further

attention, while sectors such as services, as well as digital trade, represent areas where further trade reform can make a particularly strong contribution to growth.

The UN International Labour Organisation (ILO) 2017 World Employment and Social Outlook report, which was released in January, found economic growth trends lagging behind employment needs and predicts both rising unemployment and worsening social inequality throughout 2017.

According to the report, global growth domestic product (GDP) growth reached a six-year low last year, well below the rate that was projected in 2015.

Forecasters continue to revise their 2017 predictions downwards and uncertainty about the global economy persists, generating worry among experts that the economy will be unable to employ a sufficient number of people and that growth will not lead to inclusive and shared benefits.

Throughout 2017, global unemployment is expected to rise by 3.4 million. The increase, while a modest 5.7 to 5.8 per cent, is due to deteriorating labour market conditions in emerging countries – particularly those in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, unemployment is expected to fall in developed countries – especially in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe, the United States, and Canada.

In addition, the figure of 1.4 billion people who are employed in vulnerable working conditions is not expected to decrease. That number represents 42 per cent of all employment for 2017.

“Almost one in two workers in emerging countries are in vulnerable forms of employment, rising to more than four in five workers in developing countries,” said Steven Tobin, ILO Senior Economist and lead author of the report.

That statistic is even worse for emerging countries. Those living in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are facing

the greatest risk.

While the number of people living in poverty has been declining in recent years, rates of progress have begun to slow and are expected to continue to diminish in 2017. In developing countries, the rate of poverty is actually increasing.

Since 2009, the percentage of the working-age population willing to migrate abroad for work has risen in almost every region in the world. That trend was most prominent in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Arab States.

The report also points out a number of social inequalities that are creating barriers to growth and prosperity. Gender gaps in particular are affecting the labour market. In Northern Africa, women in the labour force are twice as likely as men to be unemployed. That gap is wider still for women in Arab States. As a result of these and other social inequalities across a wide range of demographics, the ILO estimates that the risk of social unrest or discontent is growing in almost all regions.

mortality rate as a result of cancer is reduced to the barest minimum. She lamented the rate at which many people have lost their lives because they could not access basic health care which could have averted their death.

The meeting had in attendance the wives of Governors

of Oyo, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; Cross River, Dr. Linda Ayade; Niger, Dr. Aminat Abubakar; and Kwara, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed. Also there were representatives from the Roche Foundation, ABC Foundation, and Asi Ukpo international oncology centre.

Govs’ Wives Move against Cancer Scourge in Nigeria Ademola Babalola in Ibadan Wives of Nigerian Governors with project focusing on cancer awareness, prevention and treatment are to partner the Roche Foundation in reducing the rate of death arising from cancer scourge, THISDAY has learnt.

This decision was reached at the maiden meeting which was held at the Oyo state liaison office in Lagos recently.

The convener of the ‘Wives of Governors against cancer’ who is also the wife of Niger state Governor, Dr. Aminat Abubakar while speaking with journalists after a closed-

door meeting with wives of Governors and some Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) said the meeting was called to chart a course and map out strategy to effectively combat cancer and reduce its prevalence in Nigeria.

Abubakar said the purpose of the meeting was to lend

their voices to the fight against cancer and to raise awareness by partnering NGOs who are on the front line in the battle against cancer.

The wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, who was the host of the meeting said she is more committed to seeing that

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“It is not acceptable for any lawmaker to create roadblocks on the path of programmes for which his party was elected to power. If your party has an acceptable manifesto and based on this manifesto the people voted for that party and voted you too into the parliament, how dare you build a roadblock and ensure that the programmes for which people voted for you are not allowed to proceed for the benefit of the people?”

- VICE-PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO SPEAKING IN ABUJA Express Freedom, Make Safety a Priority, Journalists Urged Oluwafunke Lasisi

Women Urged to Aim Higher in Chosen Field of Endeavours Kasim Sumaina in Abuja In a quest to inspire and uphold the dignity of women across the country, an entrepreneur and mother of four, Mrs. Orya Febronia has appealed to young girls and women to as a matter of priority aim higher in order to be impactful in their chosen careers.

Orya advocated this while launching her multi-million naira bakery and confectioneries in the nation’s capital, Abuja, recently.

The banker turned Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Ugee Bakery and Confectioneries, stated that, strength, wisdom and knowledge were key catalysts to youth’s entrepreneurial skills development.

According to her, “being a success -driven female entrepreneur involves more than having sufficient money to start-up a business.”

The CEO explained that she was a believer of the woman’s world and her ability to change her environment.

“I believe that women need to identify what they want and do it right. Even if her dream is just to be a wife, women need to understand that men do not want to marry a woman without passion or dreams.

“What you have upstairs, makes you more attractive, valuable and not the beauty. I always tell girls that, if they are determined, they can make it in whatever they choose to do.

I tell them that it is not necessarily about hairstyle, hairdos, make-up, being dressed up and shaking of their bodies”, she added.

The entrepreneur said, “I urge all young girls and women out there to aim higher in all facets of life, be it, leadership, skills acquisition that will help to create credible, competent, and impactful mothers in our country.”

The owner of the multi-million naira bakery located in Karu, a suburb of the city centre,

Studying for self-actualisation and improvement revealed that in order to ensure success in her business, she had to travel abroad for three months to do a study on bakery business.

While revealing that she got married very early, she however added that her husband, challenged her to be independent.

“I don’t see myself as a woman with the strength and passion that I have.

I believe that women need to identify what they want and do it right. Even if her dream is just to be a wife, women need to understand

that men do not want to marry a woman without passion or dreams,” she concluded.

Speaking earlier, Chief of Karu, Mr. Emmanuel Yekwi said, “I like to see young people being innovative and creating something for themselves without depending on the government.”

According to Yekwi, “young people should be the ones creating innovations in this country.

Such innovations have actually provided job opportunities amongst the teeming unemployed youths in the country.”

The Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) has stressed the need to enhance freedom of press and safety in Nigeria for a better living and working environment in disseminating effective information to the public.

This was the focus of a one-day summit titled ‘Enhancing Press Freedom in Nigeria’ held recently in Lagos, which was sponsored by the United States Consulate-General.

Speaking at the summit, the Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) Edetaen Ojo, said the media plays important roles between the government and the general public, argued that the poor state of political and economic development in the country has been the failure to give effect to the fundamental role of freedom of expression, press freedom and access to public information.

He said the constitution within the government, the press and institutional framework must be effective in accordance to serve the society with useful information without manipulation or favouring one side more than the other.

The Legal Adviser, THISDAY Newspaper, Mr. Jude Igbanoi spoke on the legal environment and press freedom in Nigeria, saying the press and its media are not free as they act on the instructions given to them by the government or the people in question. He said the press should be given the right and respect to perform their duties to justify the constitution of the country.

Assistant Prof., Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika spoke on challenges and prospects of Journalism in the new age and social media; while the Managing Editor, The Nation Newspaper (online), Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin focused on the press freedom online in the age of social media in Nigeria, adding that online media has been a fast means of getting information in this new age and creating job opportunities.

The summit aimed to increase media capacity on the mechanism for promoting free press; improve the observance of existing constitutional provisions and code of ethics for journalists for press freedom in Nigeria and to interact with media practitioners on current developments in the industry, while proffering solutions to current challenges.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Journalists’ Safety Initiative with the support of Open Society Foundation also urged the journalists across the world to take safety as the first majority concept in their duties.

This was disclosed at a press conference host by the Nigerian Journalists’ Safety Initiative titled “Safeguarding Press Freedom and Safety of Journalists Almost Rising Conflict” held at the International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos recently.

Speaking at the conference, representative of the former Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, Evans Ufeli said in the course of getting and disseminating information to the general public, journalists should ensure safety for their lives because they are surrounded by many hazards and other dangerous environment.

He said journalists’ lives are being threatened despite the fact that they are the principal tools of information dissemination and an advocate for others, leaving their own problem and issues behind them to be solved last.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Depression: A Misunderstood Mental Disorder in Nigeria With this year’s World Health Day targeting the increased incidence of depression globally, Martins Ifijeh writes that it is an ailment that has remain misunderstood, the factors fueling it, and how it can be managed

O

ften times when mental disorder is mentioned in Nigeria, what comes to mind is the picture of insane men and women with particular spectrum of behaviour not in conformity with ordinary living. They believed the typical naked and dirty person on the street who picks un-useful things in sight and talks periodically to himself is the ideal person with mental disorder.

But such category is just a small part of mental disorder even though it could be referred to as the extreme case of the health condition. Other forms are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, drug addiction, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, among others.

Several indications show that over 60 million Nigerians have one form of mental disorder or the other with only about 20 per cent of persons in such category are seen to have the obvious forms of it, which includes what the ordinary Nigerian refers to madness, schizophrenia, and perhaps extreme case of drug or alcohol addiction; a reason that has largely made mental disorder in the remaining 80 per cent or 48 million Nigerians ignored or poorly understood.

On specifics, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in its 2017 World Health Day message says 7,079,815 Nigerians suffer from one of the most ignored and misunderstood form of mental disorder in the country – depression.

This represents 3.9 per cent of the entire population; making Nigeria, according to the current prevalence rate, the most depressed country in Africa. Globally, Seychelles has the lowest number of depressed persons with just 3,722.

It also says 4,894,557 Nigerians, that is 2.7 per cent of the population, suffer anxiety disorders. The country is closely followed by Ethiopia with 4,480,113 sufferers, Democratic Republic of Congo with 2,871,309 sufferers, South Africa with 2,402,230 sufferers, and Tanzania with 2,138,939 sufferers.

While all forms of mental disorders are being advocated against by the health body as priority by all member nations, including Nigeria, it is believed that the poorly misunderstood types, especially depression, should be tackled head on before they silently destroy mankind.

Depression is the leading cause of disability globally, as well as the leading cause of the about 800,000 suicide deaths in the world.

It is also the second leading cause of death in 15 – 29-year- olds globally For Nigeria, with the over seven million depressed persons in the country, and the increasing suicide rates and attempts

by Nigerians, experts believed the rising suicide trend can be drastically reduced by understanding depression, which they said was a preventable and treatable ailment. They said when understood by the society and spotted on time, every Nigerian developing the condition can timely seek help before it reaches the extreme consequence, suicide.

WHO says depression is not just a feeling of sadness but a real illness which affects the brain, adding that feeling of sadness could easily go away, but depression is a serious health condition that requires proper treatment and counselling.

Depression, a highly misunderstood condition But why is depression and the depressed highly misunderstood in Nigeria? A doctor of Psychiatry, and the Founder, Mental Balance Initiative, Dr. Reuben Oyaregbulem provides a guide. He believes the failure of clinicians to identify and diagnose depression in the

Depression is preventable and treatable

country has somewhat gave seal among the society and even healthcare providers that it does not exist.

“Unfortunately, this is the worst part of it because the depressed often suffer the ailment alone without a clear signal of help from either the society or even health providers. And when the depression has reached a certain level where they have concluded no one will ever understand them, the next thing is to commit suicide or harm themselves.

“It’s sad people who face depression must be prepared for at least two long journeys.

One is to face depression itself, including its symptoms - despondency, lethargy, lack of sleep, an inability to concentrate, weak productive lifestyle - are painful and difficult to manage.

The second journey, is in many ways, harder, and often longer, which is to face other people’s misunderstandings of their depression, misunderstandings that are sometimes insulting, confusing, and often unhelpful in getting the symptoms under control,” he said.

According to him, Nigerians often believe when one is in a sad state or does not feel optimistic about almost anything, it means the person is just having a mood swing or stressed, and with time will get over it. Adding that the society, including doctors also believe there are people who are constantly like that, hence there is nothing anyone can do about it.

“Unfortunately, this is the major problem.

Depression is not just a feeling of sadness which goes away easily. It is a tough feeling with an established imprint in the brain. It is also not stress that will go away. Agreed that stress could trigger it but the best way out of it is to treat it head on.”

Referring to the medical doctor who committed suicide by jumping through the Third Mainland Bridge into the lagoon recently, he said it was laughable for him when people started saying how can a doctor commit suicide when he is not hungry.

‘’Depression knows no status. It can affect the man on the street, who is unable to fend for his family. It can also affect the richest of men. It can affect anyone who is seen to have everything going well. Even little children suffer depression. So it is not a discriminatory illness. It can happen to anyone.

“When depression starts, almost all areas of the person’s life suffer the disorder. That is why it is one of the worst illnesses ever.

Softly and slowly it affects social lives, relationships, career, finance, and also importantly the health of the individual. Once an episode of depression occurs, there is a high tendency it will reoccur again. So it is advisable not to take it with kid gloves, as presently is the case in Nigeria,” he explained.

He said although cause of depression was not absolutely known, it was believed that a lot of factors contribute to it, including genetic characteristics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical illnesses, stress, grief, substance abuse, among others.

He said any of these factors alone or in combination can bring about the specific changes in brain chemistry that lead to the many symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and related conditions.

WHO says the health condition affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries.

It causes mental anguish and impacts on people’s ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends and the ability to earn a living.

It added that at worst, depression can lead to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.

In an earlier interview with THISDAY, the Medical Director, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital (FNH),Yaba, Lagos, Rahman Lawal, said one of the challenges in tackling mental health generally, including depression was that there were myths and misconceptions surrounding psychiatric illness in Africa, especially in Nigeria.

“There are people who refuse to visit the hospital or bring their sick ones for treatment, because they believe psychiatric illness is a spiritual issue. Hence, they would prefer to take such patients to spiritual healing homes or faith organisations so as to get cure through spiritual means.

“Majority only take neuropsychiatric hospitals as their last resort. And you know when cases are not presented on time, they are often more difficult to treat. This is one of the reasons people don’t present their cases to the hospital, thereby preventing such sufferers from getting proper medical attention. So, what I do is that when I come across such persons, I tell them to bring their sick loved ones to the hospital whilst educating them that there are drugs for the treatment of the illnesses,” he explained.

He added that, “people should understand that psychiatric illness is also like other illnesses which require medical attention. And now we have good drugs just like the ones in developed countries.”

The grim picture Statistics show that Nigeria has only about 150 Psychiatrists to care for over 180 million Nigerians. That is one psychiatrist to 1.2 million Nigerians. It also shows that there are five mental health nurses to 100,000 Nigerians.

Lawal says the country has only eight neuropsychiatric hospitals, but believes state governments should complement the efforts of the federal government by establishing state psychiatric hospitals in their various states.

These statistics however showed that Nigeria is not yet ready to tackle issues of mental health head on.

To make matters worse, Nigeria has no clearly defined mental health policy. Perhaps the federal, states and local governments also are of the opinion, just like most Nigerians that the insane man on the street who talks to himself and sleep on dirts, is the only one with mental disorder, hence no need to give it a priority.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

NEWS

Rapists Should be Jailed without Option of Fine, Says House Member Calls for psychiatric evaluation Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Worried by the high rate of rape cases especially in Kano State, a member representing Gwale Federal Constituency, Kano, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibrahim Garuba , said rapists should be tried and jailed without the any option of fine.

He lamented the fact that rapists were allowed to go on bail, coupled with the fear of stigmatisation by the victims have contributed immensely to the increase in rape cases in the country.

Garuba made this known while speaking with journalists in Abuja. He also stated that psychiatric test be carried out on rapists especially those that specialise in raping minors.

According to him, “there should be laws and these laws should be applied immediately we have such cases. Now, the issue is that if a person is found to have raped a small girl or anyone that person should not be allowed to go on bail. The person should be remanded in prison and tried. But, I understand that the Kano

State House of Assembly is trying to come up with a law concerning the rape cases.”

Continuing, Garuba added that, “ I’m of the opinion that such a case should not go unpunished, such people should go to jail, they should be jailed without giving any option of fine, and after that there should be psychiatric test carried out on them because for someone to go and defile a two-year- old girl or a threeyear-old girl that person must be insane. I only think that it is only an insane person who will go and rape an infant.”

Garuba said that recently on the floor of the House there was a motion concerning harassment of females in the tertiary institutions but it was stepped down because the House do not want a law that would protect only those in tertiary institutions.

“It has to cover all Nigerians, so there should be a general law for rapists not for only those who carry out sexual harassment in the tertiary institutions, so I think the sponsor of the bill is reconsidering it,” he said.

HeavilyProcessedFoodConsumptionBlamedforStroke, Cancer, Heart Disease James Sowole in Akure A Professor of Applied Biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology, Akure ( FUTA), Ganiyu Oboh, has said that research has shown that at least four of the 10 leading causes of death like heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes are directly related to food that human being consumed.

The university don also identified protein malnutrition as a major public health problem in the developing world, leading to prevalence of killer diseases.

Oboh gave this revelation while delivering the 85th Inaugural Lecture of the FUTA entitled ‘Functional

Foods: Paradigm for Health and Wellness’ stating that “nutrition is an important factor that affects human health and quality of life.”

According to the university don, the way out of the disturbing situation is a change in dietary habit advising that people should eat functional food to stay healthy and live long.

He pointedly said individuals who want to stay healthy should eat more vegetables and fruits and avoid junk foods.

He said there are strong evidences of global increase in the consumption of heavily processed foods.

Oboh said the increase in the consumption of processed

food, coupled with lifestyle changes, particularly cultural shifts away from fresh and wholesome homemade meals to take-outs have contributed to high rates of preventable, chronic diseases.

“Today, there are different problems related to diet and lifestyles.

There are many modern systemic diseases in which dietary pattern plays significant role in the incidence and pathogenesis of such diseases.

Proper nutrition and healthy lifestyles may represent good pre-requisites for the prevention/management of these diseases.”

Quoting the Greek physician, Hippocrates who said, “Let food

be your medicine and medicine be your food,” Oboh linked prevalent chronic and killer diseases to dietary pattern.

He said functional foods, are foods or food components that confer additional health benefits to the consumer beyond their conventional nutritive values.

The don also said the science of functional food is a junction between two important concepts: food and health.

Oboh said though functional food research seem to be an emerging field, there are evidences to support that interests in how food can promote health and prevent diseases has been preserved over the centuries, especially in ancient Indian and Chinese traditional medicine.

Meningitis: Air Force Vaccinates Personnel, Recruits Chiemelie Ezeobi To ameliorate the raging effect of meningitis across the nation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said it has taken steps against the illness by vaccinating its personnel and new recruits, especially in the headquarters and other northern states were the disease is prevalent.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, disclosed this at the presentation of accreditation certificate for 561 Aviation Medicine Department, as well as the Cancer Awareness Lecture held at the Logistics Command in Lagos.

Abubakar, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Yahaya, said awareness of the disease is key, adding that the service has started observing the given rules.

He also said the service has started reviewing procedures and processes of entrance, so that people coming into the service would undertake psychiatric evaluation.

He said: “We have been given certification to examine civil air crew. The two doctors that have been issued seal can give certified medical examination to air crew and it would be recognised internationally.”

The CAS who embarked on a tour of medical facilities under the command, was accompanied by the Chief of Medical Services, AVM Sale Shinkafi, Air Commodore Benjamin Okunola and other senior officers.

On what the NAF was doing to save its personnel in the Middle Belt from contracting meningitis, AVM Shinkafi said: “The CAS has directed the medical services to take deliberate actions which we have done. Virtually all medical units have conducted enlightenment lectures on meningitis.

“We have also secured good quantity of vaccines, which we have been using on our personnel to prevent them from contracting it. Before I left the headquarters, virtually all personnel there have been immunised. “Those in training at Kaduna both recruits and cadets have also been immunised.

We have gone a step further by making deliberate efforts to protect even those coming for recruitment interview. “We do not want a situation where any of the persons called could have the disease and infect any of our personnel, who would transmit it to the barracks.”

Speaking on the cancer awareness lecture, Air Commodore Okunola said it was borne out of the service’s desire to educate its immediate community on the need for screening. He said: “Cancer is real and in our society. We want people to be aware of that fact. They should also be aware that if quickly dictated, it could be treated. We want people to be open to screening, so that they could get treatment on time. “After the lectures, we would conduct screening for breast, cervical and prostrate cancers. Those diagnosed with any of them would receive free treatment.”

FOR HIV PREVENTION

Head of Communications Unit, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Mrs.Toyin Aderibigbe (3rd left); Director General, Taraba State Agency for the Control of AIDS (TACA), Alhaji Abba Saleh Ibrahim (m); and Health Correspondents during the media tour of selected HIV intervention sites in Jalingo, Taraba State ...recently

HMO to Demystify Health Issues through Radio Show Martins Ifijeh As part of its campaign to promote healthier living among Nigerians, Avon HMO has embarked on a radio advocacy programme that will offer practical everyday tips to help Nigerians make healthier lifestyle choices.

Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Avon HMO, Adesimbo Ukiri, stated that the company has concluded discussions with Lagos-based contemporary lifestyle radio, Smooth FM, for the sponsorship of its drive-time health programme, the Smooth Health Show.

Ukiri said, “accordingly, the programme is now repositioned to demystify the seemingly complex health issues that Nigerians are otherwise forced to contend with in their day-to-day living as well as proffer practical solutions they can both relate to and apply immediately.

“One major problem that has mitigated against the goal of achieving healthy living among

Nigerians is the lack of access to readily usable information.

Many people do not have the basic knowledge about how their everyday lifestyle affects their health. Then, there is also the perception that health matters are complex, this makes people keep away from such discussions until their particular situation becomes dire, which then creates an attendant high demand on their finances.

“What we have done with the Smooth Health Show is to bring in a doctor as facilitator who will break down and give practical tips on issues like male and female sexual and reproductive health, mental health, stress, maternal and infant health and weight management - issues that form part of the daily experience of the contemporary Nigerian but which we are typically too shy to talk about. The facilitator will break down these issues in an engaging manner using practical, relatable and readily applicable tips that today’s increasingly ‘endangered population’, can easily use,” she continued.

Group Develops Mobile Applications to Improve Healthcare Delivery Ugo Aliogo As part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the country, Best Rated Hospitals (BRH), an e-solutions and a subsidiary of Aesculapius Health has developed four mobile applications to help safeguard Nigerians especially at hospitals and restaurants.

Speaking to journalists at a media briefing in Lagos recently, the Chief Executive Officer of the group, Dr. Olufemi Aina, said the focus was to improve service experience of Nigerians, whether as patient in the hospital, healthcare service buyer or as a customer in a restaurant.

He also stated that the first two applications made by the group were Rate Your Hospital (RYH) and Hospital Quality Manager (HQM),stating that RYH is a patient empowerment tool that can assess patient experience across the customer facing points in the hospital using the average of user responses to score and

rate hospitals in a locality.

“Rating hospitals per locality forces a competitive rivalry amongst hospitals in a defined geographical area. Healthcare stakeholders including governments, HMOs and corporate organisations should use the ratings and improvement in ratings to justify funding for Hospitals,” he noted.

Aina further stated that HQM evaluates, improves patient safety and quality management in hospital by tracking patient safety scores and quality management scores for the hospital, while calling on patients and other hospital users to demand for the patient safety scores and HQM scores before undergoing any procedure or service in hospitals.

Continuing, he said another innovative solution is the Healthier Mobile Application, which is a specialised healthcare e-commerce platform that showcases and sells top-notch healthcare service from carefully vetted service providers.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

HEALTH

Bringing Healthcare to Lagosians As Lagos government commences an all round free medical mission across the state to reduce various health conditions, not less than 60,000 persons have so far benefited from the gesture.

Martins Ifijeh reports It is no longer news that the economic situation in the country has forced most poor Nigerians to avoid accessing healthcare due to the increase in cost of service. But the Lagos State Government through its Eko Health Mission Programme is determined to change the narrative. It is taking free healthcare provision straight to homes of Lagosians, especially the poor ones who are unable to afford it.

The mission, which started March 1st and will end June 8 has so far reached not less than 60,000 residents from seven Local Government Areas and 12 Local Council Development Areas, comprising Ojo, OtoAwori, Iba, Badagry, BadagryWest, Olorunda, Oshodi, Isolo, Ejigbo, Amuwo-Odofin, Oriade, Ajeromi, Ifelodun, Apapa, Iganmu, Ikeja, Onigbongbo and Ojodu.

The residents have so far been screened and managed for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, common ailments, eye diseases and dental problems, among others.

The programme also offered antenatal care services as well as family planning services to persons of reproductive age.

HIV screening and counseling sessions were part of the health package.

Speaking at the official flag off ceremony of the on-going health mission Tuesday, the state Governor, AkinwunmiAmbode said by June 8th, the exercise would have reached residents across the 20 Local Governments Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.

He said the Mission was in furtherance of his administration’s objective to take healthcare to the grassroots and underserved areas in the state.

Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. IdiatOluranti Adebule, explained that the programme

was introduced as a strategic initiative and comprehensive medical outreach programme to complement the established healthcare system in the Lagos for the attainment of sustainable development goals.

He added that the health mission programme will avail residents the opportunity of being screened and managed for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, common ailments, eye diseases and dental problems.

“I would like to enjoin all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to know their health status and receive treatment from our team of qualified medical personnel.

These experts are equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools to provide the appropriate care you need by applying global best practices, ensuring equality and professionalism at all points of contact,” the governor said.

Ambode while commending members of the Health Mission team for their commitment to the success of the initiative, noted that it was gratifying that beneficiaries of the programme include elderly, pregnant women and people living with disabilities.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, while speaking on the importance of the programme noted that the state government was continuously finding ways to improve the health status of its ever-increasing population adding that the plan for achieving this was based on the Health Policy Thrust of the state which is guided by the noble goal that every Lagosian enjoys unfettered access to qualitative healthcare without any barrier whatsoever.

Idris disclosed that the strategies adopted in implementing these policies includes the introduction and provision of various programmes that have direct impact on the health outcome of Lagosians

Members of the Eko Health Mission team attending to some Lagos residents

stressing that these programmes are geared towards promoting health, detecting diseases early and offering treatment and rehabilitation.

He posited that the overarching goal now is ensuring that residents have access to Universal Health Coverage adding that the Ministry of Health is working tirelessly to develop and implement strategies, programmes, interventions and initiatives to improve the health outcome of all Lagosians.

“One of these interventions is the Eko Health Mission, which the state government has used over the years to complement health service delivery in the state. This was put in place, as part of the state government’s quest to find ways to take healthcare to the grassroots and underserved areas of Lagos State, by addressing pressing health issues of the rural communities in the state,”

the commissioner said.

While noting that the Health Missions were short-term interventions, Idris stated that the programme was geared towards the Strategic Development Plan of ensuring Universal Health Coverage, adding that the Missions provide services that take healthcare to the doorsteps of its citizens at no cost to the people.

“These health missions are significant because they enable this administration provide healthcare services to all who come irrespective of their age, gender, socioeconomic status and affiliations,” he added.

The commissioner while stating that services offered under the programme were provided free of charge, and will include medication for presenting complaints, eye glasses and prompt referrals to the State Health Facilities, where necessary, noted that

the medical teams providing these services were competent professionals committed to ensuring that the mandate of the state government is fully realised.

Idris stated that the vision of sustainable healthcare and universal coverage demanded that the state adopted an approach that was not only efficient, but also effective in addressing the growing health demand of Lagos megacity.

Expressing appreciation to the Lagos State Government, one of the beneficiaries of the programme, Mrs. Aishat Adeleye; who was screened and managed for hypertension said that the intervention offered through the medical mission is a form of succour especially to poor residents who cannot afford the cost of accessing medical care at health facilities.

“With initial doubts in my

mind, I came here after I heard about the programme from my neighbour but I was amazed at the level of coordination I saw here. I was ushered well to the section where I was attended to and got my medications at no cost,” she added.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Chidozie Onyewuchi who was seen and treated at the Dental Unit, gave kudos to the team of medical personnel who attended to him.

He added that the relief that came with extraction of his tooth was awesome.

For Alhaji Niniola Muyideen; a 65-year-old beneficiary who was treated at the General Out-patient Department for complaints of body and joint aches stated that the free health services offered by the state government could not have come at a better time than now where the cost of accessing care is very high.

PSN-PACFaH Calls for Improved Management of Childhood Diseases

SKG Pharma Launches Rulox Tablet, Rewards Loyal Partners

Martins Ifijeh

SKG Pharma Ltd, a pharmaceutical brand in the West African sub region has introduced into the Nigerian market its Rulox brand of antacid tablets. The new product was unveiled to the public during the just concluded SKG Pharma Annual Trade Partners Conference, held in Lagos recently.

Rulox antacid which already has oral suspension in the market is used in the management of Peptic ulcer, Dyspepsia, Reflux oesophagitis and gastritis, heartburns including heart burn in pregnancy, gastro intestinal flatulence and discomfort due to excess stomach gas. It is chewable and comes in handy

Considering the high incidence level of pneumonia and diarrhea in children of under five years in Lagos, the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health, PSN-PACFaH has called for proper management of pneumonia and diarrhoea through the inclusion of Amoxicillin DT and Zinc- LO-ORS (Co -pack) as first line treatment for the two childhood killer diseases.

Speaking during an advocacy visit to the State Central Medical Stores recently, the Chairman of the coalition, Mr. Henry Adenigba, said Lagos ranks third with high burden of pneumonia and diarrhoea in

the South-west.

He said for every 100 under five deaths in Lagos State, pneumonia and diarrhoea, jointly account for 19 per cent.

Calling for upward review of the state budget, Adenigba who looked at the state’s health budget since 2011 said: “WHO recommended 15 per cent to health, none of the states including federal have done that and without these funds the children will continue to die.

“In 2011, Lagos State allotted 7.3 per cent, in 2012 a total of 6.8 per cent which is a reduction, in 2013, it was 8.5 per cent, 2014 it went down to 4.5 per cent, probably due to agitation for increase it went

up to 9.1 in 2015, in 2016 it went to 9.8 per cent but in 2017 now it went back to 6.3 per cent. This is unacceptable.

It is not a good pointer that means there won’t be enough money to manage some of these child killer diseases despite the increase in the state budget from N663 billion to N813 billion in 2017 if the budget is increased why the reduction in health budget.”

Handing over the advocacy requests to the management of the store, Adenigba appealed to the Director of the medical store to provide them with the update of procurement and distribution of Amoxicillin DT and Zinc- LO-ORS in Lagos State.

transparent sachet enclosing the pink tablets making it easier to carry when going out of home. Trade partners and other guests who sampled the product during the launch testified to the pleasing taste and instant relief it gives.

The Trade Partners Conference is a platform by SKG Pharma to reward distributors who play major role in the company’s overall distribution value chain.

Among key distributors who were rewarded in this year’s event include Jonaco Pharmacy Ltd, Onitsha who emerged overall best Trade partner of the year, Simba Pharmacy Ltd, Lagos and Tanimola Pharmacy Ltd Ibadan who took second

and third positions respectively.

In his remark during the conference, Managing Director, SKG Pharma, Mr. Okey Akpa, expressed deep appreciation to the company’s trade partners for their tenacity and resilience in ensuring that the company’s products get to the consumers in all towns and villages in the country in the midst of national economic meltdown last year.

Akpa said that the essence of the annual conference was to interact with their partners in business, feel their pulse, note their challenges and fashion out modalities of meeting their needs for the overall growth of the company and profitability of the trade partners.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

NEWS

El-Rufai Applauds UK Medical Experts Canvass for Healthcare Revolution spend at least $1 billion yearly go abroad for cardiovascular areas of implementing quality Govt, Inspects MNCH2 Martins Ifijeh on medical treatment in various related diseases such as routine management systems, patients’ health check, hypertension, satisfaction surveys, effective experts have urged countries of the world.

Renovated Solar Powered Medical He said: “India is attractive heart failure, stroke, arrhyth- consequence management the public and private sector institutions to come together because of its experience in mias, angina, coronary artery and patient reported objective PHC In Badarawa to radicalise the health sector high technology especially in disease, vascular heart disease measures.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai has commended the Department for International Development for making a difference in the livelihoods of the people of the state especially mothers and children through their health investments.

The Governor made the remarks recently during an inspection visit to the Badarawa Primary Health Centre in Kaduna, renovated with funding from the UK government through the Maternal Newborn and Child Health programme (MNCH2) in collaboration with Solar Nigeria programme.

The 29-bed facility is equipped with solar panels to provide 24 hours electricity and comprehensive health services to about 30,000 people living within nine communities in the Badarawa ward of Kaduna North Local Government.

Conducting the governor around the facility, the Matron in Charge, Jumai Haruna, disclosed that the facility has witnessed increased demand

for services since the renovation exercise was completed, adding that the governor should provide security for the solar panels and a borehole for the facility.

“Without this collaboration we would not have achieved impact,“ said the Project Manager with Solar Nigeria, Tinyan Ogiehoi.

“MNCH2 assisted us with the selection of the sites.”

According to him, the solar panels are guaranteed to last for 25 years.

In his remarks, the Nigeria country head of DFID, Ben Mellor, thanked Governor el-Rufai for his commitment to improving health outcomes in his state. He disclosed that the Badarawa PHC is one of over 115 facilities supported by DFID. He noted that the facility has witnessed increased turnout and utilisation of the services provided.

The Badarawa PHC recorded increased turnout of antenatal care attendance by 7.7 per cent deliveries by 35.5 per cent, routine immunisation by 11.9 per cent and 25 per cent for family planning acceptors within the last three months.

in Nigeria and ensure it is fit.

This was the position of speakers at the Doctors’ Forum, organised by The Bridge Clinic and Pathcare Laboratories in Lagos recently.

The programme which focused on ‘Addressing the Fallout of Medical Tourism in Nigeria’ had an experienced panel anchored by the Founder and Medical Director, First Cardiology Consultants, Dr Yemi Johnson and the Clinical Director, St. Nicholas Hospital, Dr Ebun Bamgboye.

Bamgboye, speaking on ‘Nephrology and the Success Recorded in Renal Transplant in Nigeria,’ revealed that Nigerians

diagnostics and also for the relatively lower cost of treating patients. Nigerians visits India for cancer, spinal cord, plastic and neuro-surgery as well as fertility and transplant tourism.”

He identified the problem associated with renal transplant in Africa as manpower, facilities, literacy level, poverty, and lack of access to transplantation centres, lack of dialysis facilities and other infrastructure, quality and safety issues.

According to Johnson, Nigeria needs to upgrade its health infrastructure as a nation and invests in health education and training for its medical professionals. “Patients who

and so on; do so because of the poor infrastructure and non-availability of high-tech equipment, shortage of manpower and medical supplies.”

Moreover, he also noted that registration of products was cumbersome and expensive and government policies were confusing and oftentimes counter-productive. “Medical tourism started with patients from the developed world seeking high quality less expensive medical care in less developed countries.”

In his own intervention, Ajayi declared that for Nigeria’s healthcare to be fit for purpose, more needs to be done in the

He said that Nigeria would only thrive when the right personnel were put in place to run the healthcare system and that a lot needed to be done to improve the health structures and institutions, especially in the area of standards and quality.

During the interactive session, many speakers emphasised the need for adequate budgetary provision for healthcare. They also spoke about increasing the availability of funds with low interest rates for private practitioners to enable them easily source for latest medical equipment for diagnosis and treatment.

PSHN Graduates First Cohort of Health Innovators As part of its efforts to save millions of lives from preventable diseases, the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHN) has graduated the first cohort of the Health Innovation Development Accelerator Programme (HiDAP) who have distinguished themselves in the health innovative marketplace in saving the lives of millions of Nigerians theough healthcare innovation.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer, PSHAN, Dr. Muntaqa Umar Sadiq said the program was to make sure one million lives who were supposed to be lost in the country yearly to diseases were saved.

He said although healthcare innovations exist within the country, poor capacity/support system for innovators have been one of the constraints to achieving scale.

“This is why in 2015, PSHN through the innovation marketplace, conducted the first ever in-country health innovation challenge to identify, reward and support promising innovations addressing key challenges in the health sector –specifically focus on saving the lives of mothers and children in Nigeria.

“The team identified over 300 applications in its initial assessment stage of which 42 were selected to go through a design thinking and business development boot camp to strengthen the innovator’s capabilities.

“11 innovators were selected as finalists, of which nine winners emerged receiving grants ranging from $20,000 to $100,000.”

He said he was glad that the

program has in one year saved one million lives, adding that the program will continue to help in reducing the number of preventable deaths in the country.

On his part, the Co-Chairman, PSHA, Mr. Jim Ovia, said with the incidence rate from diseases, the program was timely, as it has disrupted the over one million deaths from preventable disease in the country.

“I applaud the innovators who have gone through the health innovation development accelerator program, for their passion and effort thus far. The Private Sector Health Alliance is proud and honoured to be part of your journey. Through the accelerator program, we believe you have been set on a great path to pushing your innovations forward as you strive to improve health outcomes and save lives.

“To partners and friends of the Alliance present today - fellow private sector organizations, development partners, and others; we call on you to join this movement to see that promising healthcare innovations are primed and supported to achieve market readiness, scale and ultimately contribute immensely to saving one million lives,” he added.

Mr. Ovia said he considers the initiative by the PSHN team as a laudable programme, adding that it was to healthcare what Mark Zuckerbag’s Facebook is to social media. “As this initiative continue yearly, we are optimistic that it will continue to save at least one million lives of Nigerians who would have otherwise died from preventable illnesses.

FOR HEALTHCARE INNOVATION

L-R: Executive Director, Child Health Advocacy initiative (CHAI), Mrs. Lola Alonge; Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc and Co-Chair, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHN), Mr. Jim Ovia; CEO, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq; and Principal Sub Saharan Africa Coverage Barclay Africa, Mr. Bayo Adeyemi, at the Health Innovation Development Accelerator Program (HiDAP) held in Lagos yesterday.

RB Restates Commitment to Clean Healthy Nigeria Reckitt Benckiser (RB), a consumer health and hygiene company has restated its commitment to a clean and healthy Nigeria that will boost the capacity and productivity of the citizens. Speaking at a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, the Senior Vice President for Africa, RB, Mr. Ataur Rashid Safdar, as part of activities marking the World Health Day, said it was poised to tackling preventable diseases like diarrhea and malaria through clean environment.

He noted that Ogun State was very critical to the nation’s development because of its investment friendly climate and policies, which he said can propel the development of the state and the nation at large.

The “Clean Healthy Naija” initiative, according to Safdar is aimed at reducing child mortality from preventable diseases like diarrhea, malaria in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of 2030.

The programme will improve public health and sanitation and end the menace of open defecation in the country.

Sadfar also informed the

governor that the company will later in the year, inaugurate a world class redistribution warehouse as part of the new marketing strategy to distribute their products across Nigeria and West Africa.

Also, speaking on the occasion, Rahul Murgai, Managing Director, RB, West Africa, stated that the company has been in the country for over five decades and described Nigeria as one of the most important growth markets and the reference point for other African business development growth strategies.

Murgai maintained that celebrating the 2017 World Health Day in Ogun State is paramount to the company because the state remains the gateway to the nation and the West African sub-region.

He reinforced the company’s commitment to Ogun State, where RB has invested in a state-of –the-art manufacturing facility and is now building a world class warehouse that will increase the ability to service markets and create opportunities for employment in the state that will help further the economy.

Paralysed Broadcaster Needs 25M to Treat Spinal Cord Injury Martins Ifijeh If nothing is done, Jude Ikegwuonu, a broadcaster, who was involved in a ghastly car accident in July, 2013 may not walk again. The accident affected his spinal cord (c5/ c6), rendering him paralysed on all four limbs (quadriplegia).

Doctors handling his case say he requires $50,000 (N25,000.00) to get his life back. Accepting his fate as a quadriplegic, bedridden with excruciating pains, the ace broadcaster, is in need of assistance to raise the money to enable him acquire mobility aids such as stairsclimbing wheelchair, mobile ramps, and wheel chair van.

Ikegwuonu, who wishes to practice journalism again, also requires physiotherapy as he is going through severe pains in his spinal cord. Driven by his passion for broadcasting and believing that his paralysed state is not an obstacle to achieving greater heights, Ikegwuonu has recorded many inspirational videos that have touched many lives and he also does part time broadcasting job to make ends meet. Ikegwuonu who worked with Nigeria Info FM 92.3 Port Harcourt, Channels Television,

among others until his accident, said, “I need the support of Nigerians to enable me live a productive life again. I don’t believe that I cannot function even in this condition. I believe that even in my condition, I still have the ability to function optimally like every other person; touch lives and make impact in the society.

“There are certain therapy I should be undergoing, such as MRI, medical check up in my spine and brain, but because there is no money, I have not gone for the tests. My doctor said therapy is essential in my condition, just like the one I underwent when I was transferred to India in 2015 where I underwent occupational therapy sessions for seven months, which helped me in moving my hands, even though my fingers are not working. I trust God to touch the heart of all those that would read my story and support me in any way they can. “If I get these mobility aids, I can go back to work, earn a living and get other needs. Please you can donate to Jude Ikegwuonu, Guaranty Trust Bank, , Account number: 0016988982 or call 08028294451.

40

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NESG Optimistic about Nigeria’s Economic Recovery Obinna Chima Despite the challenges facing the economy, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has expressed optimism that the economy would grow by 0.6 per cent this year.

The Chairman of the NESG, Mr. Kyari Bukar stated this in a speech he presented at the 2016 annual general meeting of the group held in Lagos recently.

According to Bukar, there are few reasons to be hopeful about 2017.

“First, it is our hope that the current peace in the Niger Delta will be sustained so as to guarantee improvement in government revenue, which is crucial for payment of salaries and infrastructure development.

We also hope that efforts to simplify and ease the business environment would yield

positive outcomes following the inauguaration of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

“In addition, the recent launch of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which deserves commendation, is a bold step in the right direction. However, implementation of the plan is the key to getting the economy back on the path of economic growth and sustainable development,” he explained.

Furthermore, he pointed out that as stated in the NESG macroeconomic outlook for 2017, the belief is that any economic recovery achieved outside the scope of supporting the productive base of the economy would not be sustainable.

This, according to him, would only depict a typical case of postponing the “evil day.”

“Nigeria therefore must realise that looking inward remains the

sustainable way to create jobs and enhance foreign exchange earnings through the increase in net exports,” he added.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the NESG, Mr. ‘Laoye Jaiyeola, stressed the need for all stakeholders to support the federal government so as to achieve the objective of economic expansion.

“In particular, there is an important complementary role that the private sector needs to play in order for us to stem the tide if decline. Let me reiterate NESG’s commitment to remain at the fore of advocacy and intervention on all issues regarding the adoption of policies conducive for good governance and sustainable private sector led economic development in 2017,” Jaiyeola said.

German Multinational Injects N7bn into Nigerian Economy Gboyega Akinsanmi German multinational, Beiersdorf Global has said that it has invested N7 billion in the domestic economy of Nigeria in the last 18 months despite heinous economic crisis and intractable security challenges the country has been contending with recently.

Also, the global skin-care giant has disclosed that over 150 jobs have directly been created while more than 1,000 indirect jobs created indirectly with the injection of N7 billion into the Nigerian economy.

An Executive Board member for Americas, Russia, India, Middle East & Africa, Mr. Stefan De Loecker disclosed this at the unveiling of the firm’s Nigerian office and production centre in Alausa, Lagos recently.

De Loecker unveiled the company’s Nigerian office alongside Country Manager of

Beiersdorf Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Harrison and Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Ms. Yewande Sadiku among others.

After the inauguration, De Loecker disclosed that Beiersdorf “has invested N7 billion in Nigeria. We have also created over 150 direct employment placements. We are going to create more jobs in the future.”

The board member explained that the fund was basically invested in setting up a subsidiary of Beiersdorf Global in Alausa, Ikeja and constructing its production centre in Matori, Mushin.

He said Beiersdorf “has set its production centre in Nigeria already. The production site is ready. We have done test-running.

Currently, we are importing our products. But by September, we will start production. “Beiersdorf Global has been in Nigeria for over 50 years as a brand. But we believe that the best way to

serve our consumers is really to be in Nigeria. The market size of Nigeria is huge.

“Nigeria will become 14th largest market in the world by 2050. What we do now is commercialise the international range of Nigeria here in Nigeria.

We can look at the right range or the right format. We can assure Nigeria of good quality,” the board member explained.

At the inauguration, Harrison said he was excited about the prospect the future holds for Beiersdorf Nigeria, thereby promising to delight its teeming customers with strong brand and product innovation.

The country manager said the investment emphasised how important the Nigerian market “is for Beiersdorf. The government has continuously supported us as part of the industrialisation initiative, and today we will like to express our gratitude to all those responsible.”

MoneyTrust MFB Commences Operations MoneyTrust Microfinance Bank Limited (MFB), a newly licenced multi-purpose MFB approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that is located in Lagos has commenced operation.

The bank was licenced as a unit MFB to accept deposits from members of the public (except public sector institutions) and to play a key role in ensuring that the CBN’s financial inclusion policy is supported.

Speaking during the branch opening ceremony in Lagos on

Tuesday, the Chief Executive Officer of MoneyTrust MFB, Chike Memeh, said the bank would add value to its customers by being a dependable partner they can rely on.

Memeh listed the product offerings of the financial institution to include mom-prenuer (MP), which is targeted at women empowerment; youthpreneur, which is targeted at innovation and enterprise; pool funds management; cooperative partnership plan; as well as micro health scheme.

He said MoneyTrust has

tailor-made account types suited for various cadres in the public, adding that the bank’s operations would be largely driven by innovation.

“We believe banking should be more of reforms, innovation and enterprise. We are not one of those cut out for traditional banking that waits for customers to come to the bank. We are restless in those types of situations. We like doing things differently.

Even when things are good, we would like to spoil it and do it in a different way.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

DECEMBER 2016 Broad Money (M2)

23,840,392.42

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,520,166.67

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,820,415.90

---- Demand Deposits

9,699,750.76

-- Quasi Money

12,320,225.75

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,353,504.03

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,486,888.39

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,774,684.47

---- Credit to Government (Net)

4,595,579.89

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

7,436,917.79

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

-2,841,337.90

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,374,718.08

--Other Assets Net

-12,483,409.58

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,837,322.41

--Currency in Circulation

2,179,174.28

--Banks Reserves

3,318,344.71 • Source - CBN

MONEY MARKET INDICATORS (%) December 2016 Inter-Bank Call Rate

10.39

Monetary Policy Rate (MPR

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.96

Savings Deposit Rate

4.18

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.53

3 Months Deposit Rate

8.80

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.23

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.76

Prime Lending rate

17.09

Maximum Lending Rate

28.55

‘Ghana Performing Better than Nigeria in PoS Adoption’ Ghana is performing better than Nigeria when it comes to using Point of Sale (PoS) channel for payments during transactions, a report has revealed.

According to Indexmundi, Ghana ranks second in Africa regarding PoS adoption as reflected by the proportion of transactions made via PoS machines while Nigeria ranks seventh.

Paxnigerian.com, which quoted the report, noted that while 80 per cent of all transactions in Ghana are via PoS, only 21 per cent of total transactions in Nigeria are via PoS. “South Africa is leading in Africa with 91 percent followed by Ghana 80 percent while Tunisia is third with 79 percent. Other countries ahead of Nigeria are Egypt,

Morocco and Kenya in that order,” it added According to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the PoS density per 100,000 people in Nigeria is 13, while India’s is 67; Uganda, 453; Namibia, 338. The target for Nigeria, according to the bank, is to meet Brazil’s PoS deployment rate of 2,247 per 100,000 people by 2020.

• Monetary Policy Rate - 14%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY 11, APRIL 2017

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $53.36 a barrel on Tuesday , compared with $53.13 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

41

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

MARKET NEWS

AXA Mansard, IFC, Others Plan Hospital Investment Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

in a notification made available yesterday.

According to the company, the proposed investment is a greenfield integrated medical facility comprising a 150-bed multi-specialty hospital and two 10-bed primary health centres/ polyclinics. “The project once approved will be managed and operated by Healthshare Health Solutions Limited, an experienced

hospital management company with headquarters in South Africa. AXA Mansard and IFC are still at the preliminary stage of discussions and their boards are yet to pass final resolutions approving the investment,” the company said. Meanwhile, the Nigerian equities market returned to positive territory yesterday after two days of bear trading. Profit taking had dominated trading

sessions on Monday and Tuesday following last week’s gains by some stocks.

However, the market rebounded yesterday on bargain hunting, pushing the NSE All-Share Index by 0.07 per cent to close at 25,496.71. Similarly, market capitalisation added N6.5 billion to close at N8.8 trillion, while year-to-date decline stood at 5.1 per cent.

The positive performance was majorly driven by gains in GTBank Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc and FBN Holdings Plc. But Trans-nationwide Express Plc led the price gainers’ chart with 4.6 per cent, trailed by Fidson Healthcare Plc, which went up by 4.3 per cent.

Transcorp Plc and AIICO Insurance Plc appreciated by 4.1 per cent and 3.7 per cent respectively,

just as FBN Holdings Plc, Oando Plc and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc 3.2 per cent and 3.1 per cent in that order. Conversely, Unilever Nigeria Plc led the price losers, shedding 5.0 per cent, trailed by Lafarge Africa Plc with 4.9 per cent. Ashaka Cement Plc, Nigerian Aviation Company Plc and Jaiz Bank Plc declined by 4.9 per cent, 4.8 per cent and 4.5 per cent respectively.

DAILY STOCK MARKET REPORT

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc is in the process of partnering International Finance Corporation(IFC), a member of the World Bank Group and some companies on the possibility of investing in a hospital project.

The insurance firm disclosed this to the Nigerian Stock Exchange

T H E

N I G E R I A N

STO C K

E XC H A N G E

42

T H I S D AY THURSDAY APRIL 13, 2017

43

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Stanbic IBTC Pension Pays N261bn in 10 years

Ebere Nwoji Stanbic IBTC Pensions Managers Limited has paid a total of N261 billion to retirees under its management since its inception in 2006.

The company, which said it currently has over 1.5 million Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders nationwide with total assets of N1.88 trillion , also said it pays N1.8 billion to 44,000 retirees under its management every month.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Eric Fajemisin,

who disclosed these at the recent employers’ forum organised by the PFA in Enugu, said the company is keen in having the over 73 million employed Nigerians enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to enable them benefit from its provisions, especially to plan for retirement, which is inevitable.

He also said the role of employers is very critical in the success of the scheme.

The Stanbic IBTC Pensions boss, who was represented at the forum by the Executive Director, Operations of the company, Mr. Steve Elusope, said the role of employers in the

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

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

success of the scheme is pivotal as the Pension Reform Act specifically mandates them to help their workers have retirement plans through the opening of retirement savings accounts, funding of those accounts and regular remittance of their pension contributions.

“There is a clear need to ensure the rapid growth of the CPS increasing its uptake by Nigerians. Latest figures from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics showed that the country has 73.4 million working Nigerians. Of this number, only about 10 per cent (7.3 million) are captured in

Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Guide to Data: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 11-

the CPS. This forum is designed to bring together employers and pension experts where knowledge and information can be shared on the pension business and how to increase participation in the scheme,” Fajemisin said.

He said the employers’ forum, themed: ‘Partnering to Deliver Excellent Pension Administration Services,’ will be held in eight cities across the country this year.

According to him, the first edition, was held in Benin, Edo State in March, adding that the initiative, was launched in 2014 as a platform to engage with employers,

as a crucial anchor of the pension scheme, to sign up to the CPS. He said this year’s forum is focused on derivable benefits of participating in the pension scheme such as safeguards put in place to protect pension funds; expected participants in the pension scheme; ways to enhance collaborations to move Nigeria’s pension industry forward; the role of an employer/ employee in the CPS; the challenges and the opportunities in the pension industry; and how pension assets can be deployed to support sustainable development in the country.

He said other important issues

to be examined are contributors’ access to their RSAs, claims processing, withdrawal from the pension scheme,and returns on investment on pension funds, annuity and regulatory oversight, among others.

Also speaking, Head, Computation and Remittance, National Pension Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, who described the session as a positive experience, said the defined contribution accounts as defined in the PRA 2014 has become a very important income source for post-retirement comfort which must be embraced by all.

Apr-2017, unless otherwise stated Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF Yield/ Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment.

Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return NAV: is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 129.96 130.58 2.37% Nigeria International Debt Fund 218.84 219.73 1.71% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.72 0.72 2.29% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.50% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 12.59 12.97 1.95% ARM Discovery Fund 295.06 303.96 2.75% ARM Ethical Fund 23.00 23.69 2.95% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.54% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 106.39 107.14 1.15% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 17.47% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.00% Paramount Equity Fund 9.59 9.84 2.48% Women's Investment Fund 87.91 90.16 3.92% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.41% FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,058.91 1,060.03 4.89% FBN Heritage Fund 113.51 114.25 1.71% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.15% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $107.67 $108.39 3.49% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $107.36 $108.08 3.90% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 116.66 118.17 3.53% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 0.98 0.99 4.79% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.68 2.68 4.16% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,251.14 2,278.26 1.92% Coral Income Fund 2,210.39 2,210.39 5.04% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.54% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 17.16% Vantage Balanced Fund 1.74 1.76 3.40% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 16.53%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.02 1.04 3.25% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,033.31 1,033.31 3.02% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.99 10.07 3.35% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 16.40% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.08 1.10 2.91% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.47 10.52 0.71% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 16.42% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 113.05 113.98 11.04% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.28 1.28 2.82% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 1,871.39 1,880.83 2.17% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 157.05 157.05 2.01% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.78 0.79 1.95% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 194.31 194.31 3.97% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 133.33 135.18 2.74% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.67% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,455.60 7,542.30 -1.68% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.16 1.17 11.56% United Capital Bond Fund 1.28 1.28 15.45% United Capital Equity Fund 0.66 0.68 1.82% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.15 1.15 11.35% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.17 10.36 5.55% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.50 11.62 5.34% Zenith Income Fund 17.50 17.50 5.90%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 125.87

1.01% 1.53%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.23 72.68

8.33 74.03

-6.23% -4.10%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.70 6.20 11.37 16.69 129.43

2.74 6.28 11.47 16.89 131.43

-1.79% -11.74% -5.16% 4.61% -0.34%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY APRIL 13, 2017

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INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Borussia Dortmund Attack: ‘Islamist’ Suspect Held German police have detained a suspect with “Islamist links” following a bomb attack on the bus of the Borussia Dortmund football team.

Prosecutors also said one of the

three explosive devices contained metal strips.

Two letters claiming the attack on Tuesday evening were being investigated, they said.

Prosecutors are treating the blasts

Suicide Bomb Attack in Heart of Kabul Kills Five At least five people have been killed and 10 wounded in a suicide bomb blast near government offices in the heart of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, according to police.

The incindent on Wednesday happened when a suicide bomber on foot detonated his explosives about 100m from the gate of the presidential palace and close to where the Afghan finance ministry is located.

Al Jazeera’s Qais Azimy, reporting from Kabul, said both the location and the timing of the attack were very important.

“It happened in District N.2 almost at the heart of Kabul and one of its safest parts,” Azimy said.

“It also happened at the end of the working day, when most of the government employees working in the presidential palace and the finance ministry were rushing to go to their homes.”

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) armed group claimed responsibility for the attack in an online post.

Azimy said ISIL’s emergence in Afghanistan and its ability to launch

such attacks raised further concerns in a country already struggling to deal with an offensive by the Taliban armed group.

“The people of Kabul and Afghanistan are now more worried because the Afghan security forces are really having a hard time to fight the Taliban, and no one is looking forward for a new group to emerge in this country,” Azimy said.

ISIL’s offshoot in Afghanistan in Pakistan, known as the so-called Khorasan Province, was created in 2015.

The Afghan Taliban, who are trying to overthrow the US-backed government in Kabul, is opposed to it and the two have clashed as they seek to expand territory and influence.

US officials say intelligence suggests ISIL is based overwhelmingly in Nangarhar and neighbouring Kunar province.

Estimates of its strength in Afghanistan vary. US officials have said they believe its has only 700 fighters but Afghan officials estimate it has about 1,500.

as a terrorist attack but say the precise motive is unclear at present.

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said the attack was “an appalling crime” and praised the fans of both teams for coming together.

A spokeswoman for Germany’s federal prosecutor, Frauke Koehler, said: “Two suspects from the Islamist spectrum have become the focus of our investigation.

Both of their apartments were

searched, and one of the two has been detained.”

The blast radius of the attack was about 100m. Prosecutors said it was lucky the casualties were not worse.

Ms Koehler said a piece of shrapnel had embedded itself in the headrest of one of the seats on the team bus.

She said three copies of the same letter were found near the site of the blasts,

indicating that the attacker had links to so-called Islamic State (IS). IS had said it carried out the attack on a Christmas market in Berlin in December that killed 12 people.

Ms Koehler said the letter demanded “the withdrawal of [German] tornado fighter jets from Syria and, I quote, the closure of Ramstein airbase.”

The text is being analysed to see if it is authentic.

The Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper said the letter began with the phrase “in the name of Allah”.

But it said it was possible the perpetrators were deliberately trying to mislead the investigation.

A second letter was published online, in which left-wing extremist groups claimed to have carried out the attack, but prosecutors had reason to believe this letter was not authentic.

African Govts Urged to Increase Investments in Youths Obinna Chima Creating economic opportunities for young Africans is the most urgent challenge facing the continent, the Chairman of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Mo Ibrahim, has said.

Ibrahim noted that young people in Africa were becoming disillusioned, and that this was threatening to undermine recent progress and creating widespread instability, “What will happen if we do not provide jobs when the tsunami of young people currently in education start looking for work? We will see further migration out of Africa and an increased threat of extremism.

“African governments and businesses must come together, as a major of urgency, to ensure that we are equipping our young

people with the skills they need take control of their futures,” he added.

Ibrahim said this while speaking at the 2017 Ibrahim Governance Weekend, a three-day series of special events hosted by the Foundation in Marrakech recently.

On his part, the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, stressed the importance of policy stability for investment and growth, and in creating jobs for young people.

He added: “In business, unless you plan, there’s no way you’re going to execute. Nobody will go into a country where there is no stability and invest their money there.”

Also, the Chair of the Board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines

and Immunisation and Nigeria’s former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, highlighted Africa’s vast potential.

She added: “If you look at the evidence, what we do not lack on the continent is aspiration.

We are always about potential.

What we need to do is make that aspiration real for our youth.”

At the heart of the weekend was the Ibrahim Forum that brought together leaders from across Africa and around the world to discuss “Africa at a Tipping Point,” new research from the Foundation that reveals a “defining moment in Africa’s progress”.

The report, launched earlier this month by the foundation called on African nations to harness the energy, and meet

the expectations, of their young people to ensure that the progress of recent years was maintained.

The Ibrahim Forum explored three areas of particular concern for young people in Africa. The first session focused on the link between governance and terrorism, highlighting how the vacuum created through weak governance can create fertile ground for violent extremism.

Stressing the need for early intervention in areas of failing governance, the President/ CEO of the International Crisis Group, Jean-Marie Guéhenno said: “Over time, chaos begins to set in and then terrorism prospers on chaos. Terrorism comes after a long period of neglect, and it is that neglect that prevention must address.”

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THURSDAY APRIL 13, 2017 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

PDP Crisis: How Jonathan’s Peace Accord Crashed

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Fresh facts have emerged on the reasons for the failure of the stakeholders’ meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened by former President, Dr. Goodluck

Jonathan, last week to reconcile the dispute among the warring parties in the PDP. The peace initiative, which raised a lot of hopes for members of the party that the nearly one year-old leadership crisis would

Again, CBN Sells Fresh $250m through FX Forwards Obinna Chima The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday offered $250 million through seven to 30-day foreign exchange (FX) forwards for agriculture, airline, petroleum products and raw materials.

The bank also called for bids for wholesale spot auctions of $100 million for business and personal travel allowances, medicals and tuition fees.

Confirming this, CBN spokesman, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, disclosed that the bank has also commenced heavy injections into the spot market in addition to the settlement of requests for wholesale spot bids for invisibles like school fees, medicals and personal travel allowance.

However, the naira maintained its previous day’s value of N410 to a dollar yesterday while the country’s external reserves increased by $28 million to $30.394 billion as of Tuesday, compared with $30.366 billion on April 7.

The central bank has intervened in the FX market to the tune of over $3 billion for both retail invisibles and wholesale forwards since February this year.

SMEs on Tuesday got some relief when the CBN offered $100 million to small and medium businesses through spot sales from its new FX window for them.

Also on Tuesday, the CBN released its results of seven to 30 days forward auctions of $100 million, just as it disclosed that authorised dealers subscribed fully to its offer on Monday.

Also, some authoritative sources at the CBN disclosed that as part of efforts to boost FX supply, the CBN would soon not only begin FX auctions on the spot market, but also open a special window for investors to trade freely for certain eligible transactions, particularly dividends and investment remittances.

A CBN source was also optimistic that with the current level of foreign reserves, the CBN has the capacity to sustain supply even if it has to keep doing so for the next three months.

Early this week, the central bank had disbursed $20,000 each to the Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in two tranches of $10,000 each, which according to Okorafor underscored the commitment of the bank to ensure liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

FG Confirms Further Negotiations with Boko Haram to Free Chibok Girls The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has said negotiations are ongoing for the release of more Chibok schoolgirls still in the custody of the Boko Haram terrorists.

He also expressed optimism that the dialogue would yield the desired result in due course.

Osinbajo made this known on Tuesday evening at an interaction with journalists and activists at the State House in Abuja.

“There is a lot of negotiation going on,” he said.

He said the government has “gone quite far” with negotiations to free more girls, but did not provide details of the negotiations for apparent security reasons.

The vice-president, according to Premium Times, hinted that one of the challenges of freeing the girls was the existence of two factions in Boko Haram, with each faction holding on to some of the girls.

One of the factions is led by Abubakar Shekau, the erstwhile leader of the group, while a breakaway faction is led by Abu Musab al-Barnawi, believed to be a son of the late founder of the group, Mohammed Yusuf.

Osinbajo, however, said the Buhari administration was very committed to the release of the remaining Chibok girls and other captives held by the Boko Haram.

“It is a matter of conscience

and it’s a matter that concerns everyone,” he said.

Boko Haram had seized 276 pupils from the Government Secondary School in Chibok on the night of April 14, 2014. About 57 of the girls managed to escape in the immediate aftermath of the abduction.

Negotiations between the federal government and Boko Haram had led to the release of 21 of the girls while another three were freed by soldiers. Dozens of others had escaped on their own.

Despite losing most of the territory they controlled at some point, including the dreaded Sambisa forest to Nigerian troops, the insurgents have kept hold of an estimated 195 girls, with some of them already feared dead.

About 2,000 teenagers have been reportedly abducted by Boko Haram since 2014, with many of the women used as sex slaves, fighters and even suicide bombers, according to Amnesty International, the London-based human rights organization.

On Tuesday, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), said at least 27 teenage girls have been used as suicide bombers in Borno within the first quarter of 2017.

There is no evidence that any of the Chibok girls is among the suicide bombers.

be resolved, crumbled like a pack of cards when Ali Modu Sheriff suddenly walked out on the leaders during the meeting.

Sheriff walked out of the meeting in protest over the refusal to allow him make opening remarks as the PDP National Chairman.

However, a source at the meeting disclosed that party elders felt insulted by the conduct of the chairman, whom was alleged to

have verbally insulted the former president.

According to the source, Sheriff felt betrayed by Jonathan who allegedly told him that the purpose of the meeting was to endorse the Governor Seriake Dickson report to allow him preside over the forthcoming national convention.

“The meeting was to legitimise Sheriff’s chairmanship, using the name and platform of the former

president to attract credible leaders of the party. But when the governors saw the programme, they refused to allow such to happen.

“They told Jonathan that since he was the one calling for the meeting, no other person should make a remark after he finished addressing the gathering.

“That was why Sheriff felt betrayed and verbally insulted Jonathan. But Governor Nyesom

Wike cautioned him, telling him that this man was a former president,” the source added.

The party blamed the failure of the peace meeting on inadequate consultations with critical stakeholders by the convener.

It was learnt that Jonathan worked with some of his former ministers, but excluded the governors and National Assembly caucus.

YOU ARE WELCOME

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) presenting an Eyo plaque to the Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc., Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh, during a courtesy visit to the Governor by Unilever Executives at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday

$17bn Oil Probe: House C’ttee Overrides Agencies Pleading Subjudice Says it has powers to forge ahead

James Emejo in Abuja The Chairman, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the missing $17 billion oil funds, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas, yesterday warned agencies and companies currently pleading subjudice and refusing to appear before the committee to give evidence of consequences, adding that it has the powers under the constitution to forge ahead with the probe irrespective of whether the matter is in court or otherwise.

Citing Section 89 of the constitution, which he said was superior to any other contravening regulation, he said the committee, through the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, was already aware that some of the oil companies invited had cases in the court but that the investigation into the missing oil

money must continue in public interest.

His warning followed an objection by an Executive Director of Standard Chartered Bank to the committee’s request that he supplied details relating to suspicious transactions in some accounts managed by the bank and determine what the payments were meant for between 2011 and 2014.

The executive director had argued that there could be legal implications by such account holders against the bank for such disclosure without their consent or legal rights.

But his argument was weakened by the Section 89 of the Constitution which was read out to him.

However, indications also emerged that the committee might be making a headway in its findings as many company representatives have proved evasive in giving

Investigation making headway

answers to issues raised by the committee at the resumed public hearing yesterday.

In an interview with THISDAY, Namdas said: “Most of these companies have made payments to the CBN accounts and even when you confront them on the payment they themselves made and we show them payments, they are not in a position to tell you am not sure, I will get back to you.

“We expect that if you are in oil and gas for several years and you’ve made some payments within this period, by the time you are shown a document, you should be in a position to at least, confirm.”

According to him: “Though some confirmed this is from them buy they don’t know what the payments stand for- and that’s why we are investigating because we realised there are some payments that have been made: for example, they’ll tell

you we will pay for petroleum profit tax and FIRS will tell you that from their own records, they’ve not paid and we’ve cause to even show them FIRS records for 2014.

“A company said they’ve paid to FIRS the petroleum profit tax but FIRS has shown us the number of companies that have actually paid their names are not on the list. And we then ask, where is the assessment notice given to you and they said they can’t produce it.

“But I think truly, we are making a headway; people can’t escape paying royalties. We’ve realised that we have issues, but this committee is not just set up for the sake of setting up, we can confirm certainly that people are evading answers because this has to do with oil and gas and, Nigeria is their core area in terms of generation of revenue and therefore would not continue to play with that.”

Five Killed as Herdsmen Attack Benue Community George Okoh in Makurdi Five persons are feared dead in a fresh attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on farmers in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to an eyewitness, the suspected Fulani herdsmen had besieged Inundugh

village in Yaav council ward, late Tuesday night, shooting sporadically and setting houses and huts ablaze.

“The people ran for their lives as the attack lasted till Wednesday morning, we feared that about five persons might have been killed though several persons are still missing and

unaccounted for.

“Our worry is that the invaders have been using the mobile phones they recovered from the homes of the victims to call the people informing the victims of their intension to launch further attacks on the community.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public

Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the attack, explained however that the police recorded two deaths in the crisis.

Yamu further said the command had deployed its men to the area to restore peace and stem an escalation of the crisis.

THURSDAY APRIL 13, 2017 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Northern Leaders Kick against Restructuring Want FG to deploy more resources into oil exploration in north Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja Northern leaders yesterday rejected the calls for restructuring of the country.

They also called on the federal government to vote more resources for exploration of oil in the region.

The northern leaders who were members of the 2014 National Conference gathered in Abuja on the platform of the Northern Delegates’ Forum (NDF) stated these during their meeting in Abuja.

According to the forum, “The North was not given fair representation in the conference with 189 delegates despite its

landmass of 70 per cent and 55 per cent of the country’s population while the south that has 30 per cent of the country’s landmass with its 45 per cent.

“Therefore, we were not happy with the report and have come out with this second report and communiqué.”

Mr. Bashiru Dalhatu, who was a Minister ofPower and Steel in the Gen. Sani Abacha government, while presenting his keynote address, said: “The 2014 national conference had 492 members and the north which constitutes about 70 per cent of the country’s landmass and 55 per cent of its population was

allocated 189 delegates while the South with only 30 per cent of the landmass and 45 per cent of its population was given an incredible 305 delegates.

“This went against sensible demographics, law and practice; which could have hardly been done in good faith. Certainly it was designed to put in particular our delegates and the North in general at a disadvantaged.

“All attempts to get the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, including pleas by well meaning Nigerians who genuinely wanted a national conference to reflect the diversity

and complexity of the Nigerian society, fell on deaf ears”.

The leaders also noted that it has become fashionable these days for all manner of people to clamour for the restructuring of Nigeria along some undefined contours and outside, in some cases, contrary to the existing constitutional order.

“To reiterate and maintain our position that the report of the confab is of questionable legal validity, the outcome of a process that lacks popular mandate or support and major decisions were arrived at by undemocratic means or at variance with due process.”

“To disassociate the NDF from any attempt by any group to seek to implement or force the federal government or any of its institutions to use the report of the conference, under any guise for the purpose of restructuring Nigeria.

‘To call upon any group of sponsors or individuals agitating for any form of restructuring of the federation, first and foremost, to respect the existing constitutional order and to seek to do so within the bounds and parameters stipulated under our constitution and law. To suggest otherwise would lead to chaos

and anarchy,” the NDF said.

The forum further urged members of the National Assembly to be wary of and not rely or act upon a report which is full of flaws and not enjoying national or popular support.

They also resolved to initiate all necessary steps and take all lawful measures to engage the stakeholders, such as governors, opinion leaders, civil society groups within the region and across the nation with a view to disseminating and canvassing the support of the report produced by the Strategy and Legal Committee of the NDF.

FG Declares Friday, Monday Public Holidays to Mark Easter Celebration The federal government has declared Friday, April 14 and Monday, April 17, 2017 as public holidays to mark the Good Friday and Easter celebrations.

The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, enjoined Christian faithful and Nigerians in general to extend the spiritual benefits of Easter, which are love, peace, justice, sacrifice and kindness to their daily living, and through

this contribute to unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

In a statement by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, Dambazau further urged Nigerians to co-operate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his sustained efforts to build a strong and virile nation.

The minister wished all Nigerians a Happy Easter celebration.

Osun Assembly Set to Announce Aregbesola’s Commissioners, Advisers Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Strong indications have emerged that the Osun State House of Assembly is set to announce the names of the commissioners and special advisers appointed by Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Aregbesola was sworn into office for a second term in 2014 and since then, he has refused to constitute the state executive council.

The issue has raised a lot of concerns among a cross-section of analysts.

THISDAY gathered that all things being equal, the assembly might make the announcement any moment from now.

It was gathered that the list of the commissioners and special adviser-designates was submitted to the state parliament yesterday morning.

A top lawmaker in the state who confided in THISDAY, said the assembly is likely to make the announcement next week Monday.

Some of the former commissioners who have made the list according to a source are Dr. Basiru Ajibola, Biyi Odunlade, Ismaila Jayeioba Alagbada, among others.

It was also gathered that most of the former commissioners and special advisers were dropped by the governor.

Ambode: We Reflated Our Economy to Surmount Recession Gboyega Akinsanmi Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, disclosed that his administration has to exponentially increase capital expenditure at the height of economic recession in order to reflate the state economy.

Ambode,also,revealedthatlikeother states in the country, the state’s economic situation was really deplorable, noting that the internally generated revenue was nose-diving, companies plugging down and a good number of people were losing their jobs.

He gave insight into how the state survives economic meltdown at the State House, Alausa at a meeting with the Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Yaw Nsakor and the firm’s top management staff.

At the height of economic

recession that crippled almost all states in the federation, Ambode said the state government reflated the economy by embarking on more capital projects and created conducive environment for small and medium scale businesses (SMEs) to thrive.

He acknowledged that the situation of things was deplorable and inflow from the federal government “to the states was not just there. Also, the internally generated revenue was dropping.

A lot of companies were plugging down and taking people out of employment.”

Amid the economic turbulence, the governor said his administration “applied judicious use of resources with our ability to appropriate as to where needs are. Technically, our IGR was going down and nose diving and nothing was coming in.”

ARTS AND CULTURE BOARD MEMBERS

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adeshina Odeyemi; Mr. Kolade Oshinowo; Mobee of Badagry, Chief Patrick Yodenu Mobee; Joke Silva; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Chairman, Board of Arts and Culture, Mrs. PollyAlakija; member of the Board, Kunle Afolayan; and acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola, during the inauguration of the board in Alausa....yesterday

Senate C’ttee Discovers N30tn Forex Fraud by Banks in 10Years Says fraud perpetrated by abuse of Form ‘M’

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The Senate Committee on Customs and Excise has disclosed that it has uncovered foreign exchange fraud amounting to about N30 trillion, allegedly perpetuated by commercial banks in Nigeria, in the last 10 years.

Following the discovery, the committee has issued queries to all the commercial banks to provide verifiable details on the non-utilisation of forex. The banks were directed to respond to the queries in three weeks.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Chief Executive Officers of the commercial banks have also been invited to appear before the committee, over the matter, next month.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Hope Uzodimma speaking during a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria yesterday, said the documents which revealed the fraud were obtained from the Nigeria Customs Service.

Emphasising that all Nigerian banks have been involved in the scam, including banks that have

collapsed or have been acquired, Uzodinma added that the fraud was perpetuated through the abuse of customs Form ‘M’ and vessel liabilities of importers.

“We have been able to also go into the database of the operating system in the Nigeria Customs Service. And we identified Form M by Form M, import by import, vessel by vessel, liabilities of importers and commercial banks that are yet to be handled. We are talking about monies in regions of over N30trillion.

“There is no bank that is exempted. All the banks are involved. Both the banks that are dead and the ones living. The ones that are no more operating were acquired by some banks. So, the activities of those banks that are no longer in operation we have been able to tie them to those that acquired them as part of the liabilities,” the chairman added.

Uzodimma accused the banks of forex manipulation, and alleged that they do not properly utilise the forex given to them by the CBN for importers for the purposes of importation.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Uzodimma said the investigations was mandated by the Senate at plenary, adding that the committee has therefore been taking its time to thoroughly

examine relevant documents.

“The committee started investigation and took time to enter into the import and export value chain and identified supposedly areas of leakages and malpractices, ranging from unutilised Form ‘M’, abandoned Form ‘M’, partially utilised Form ‘M’, abandoned assessments of custom duties and foreign exchange allocation manipulation,” he said.

“And we have been able to give all this information to the various banks who purchased foreign exchange on behalf of the importers to go home and come back to show us evidence utilisation of the forex, failure of which they will be compelled to refund those foreign exchange they bought from central bank or inter-bank, purposely to be used for import. What we are saying in essence is that the amount of foreign exchange government is giving out to commercial banks and importers for the purposes of importation are not being utilised as agreed. In essence making the foreign exchange scarcity scarce in the market,” the senator added.

The development, he said, is unhealthy, as some foreign firms now take advantage to repatriate money out of the country without due process, contributing to the scarcity of forex in the market.

He further explained why his committee queried banks alone, without recourse to the importers stating that the Foreign Exchange Utilisation Manual prepared by the central bank as a regulation guiding import and export, has entrusted commercial banks with the quantum of responsibilities, because they purchase forex on behalf of the importers.

“So, once you are acting on behalf of somebody, the offence or the inaction of that person is your own inaction. So, we are now calling the banks because they are supposed to be the gateway for us to enter into the stream.

So, by the time the banks who must have carried Know Your Customer programme, they know the address, the places of these importers and they are the people that opened Form M for them.

They are the people that purchased these foreign exchange for them.

And the regulation requires them to monitor to ensure that these importers pay the correct custom duties on the importation.

“And also, there is what we call Bills for Collection. It is the responsibility of the banks to know, ascertain, confirm that the documents sent as Bill for Collection that will warrant the release of the forex to the exporter are genuine,” Uzodimma added.

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NEWSEXTRA

AI: Chibok Girls’ Anniversary a Chilling Reminder of Scourge of Boko Haram Calls for abolition of death penalty in Nigeria

Paul Obi in Abuja and Goddy Egene and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos As Nigeria marks the third anniversary of the kidnapping of the Chibok girls, Amnesty International (AI), yesterday said the kidnapping of the girls is a chilling reminder of the increasing scourge of abductions by the Boko Haram sect.

Amnesty International Country Director, Makmid Kamara, stated that government must expedite action towards the release of the remaining Chibok girls.

He said: “Nigerian authorities must ramp up efforts to secure the release of the remaining Chibok girls and thousands of others abducted across the northeast by Boko Haram, said Amnesty International on the third

Kachikwu Continues Oil Investment Overtures, Woos ExxonMobil on Local Refining Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has continued his drive to have International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria deepen their investments in the country with a visit to United States oil firm, ExxonMobil.

The minister according to a statement from the ministry yesterday in Abuja, met with top executives of ExxonMobil at its headquarters in Irving Texas, where he requested that they consider investing in refining of petroleum products in Nigeria.

Kachikwu, said ExxonMobil has had an enduring partnership with Nigeria, and should deepen its commitment to develop the country’s oil and gas industry, especially in domestic refining of petroleum products.

He reiterated the commitment of the federal government to reduce importation of refined petroleum products into the country, adding that this would be improved on if major IOCs operating in Nigeria invest in building signature refineries to be run on joint venture basis with the government.

According to him, the government would also provide the necessary incentives to accomplish this.

While reiterating the gains that have been made in the sector through the signing of the repayment agreement for the Joint Venture (JV) cash call in 2016, Kachikwu further clarified that the initial payments to the IOCs would be made by the end of

April 2017.

He noted that it would be expedient the IOCs reciprocate the government’s gesture and commitment to paying off the cash call debts by ensuring that they ramp up investments in the country’s oil sector.

Kachikwu, equally encouraged ExxonMobil to invest in more practical deliveries in human capital development and local skills sets required in the oil sector.

The statement noted that ExxonMobil in response, recognised the valued partnership it has with Nigeria, as well as Kachikwu’s efforts to further develop the oil sector.

ExxonMobil also reiterated its commitment to help deliver power to Nigeria and support the country’s gas commercialisation programme.

According to the ministry, the meeting is part of Kachikwu’s ongoing investment drive to get IOCs further commit to developing Nigeria’s oil sector. The first of such was with Italian oil firm, Eni in January 2017, where Eni pledged to work with Nigeria to revamp the Port Harcourt Refinery.

It explained that the minister would also visit Shell, Chevron and Total, and then lead Nigeria’s delegation to the upcoming Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, with the intention of persuading more investors to invest in Nigeria’s oil industry.

Also, THISDAY had recently reported that Kachikwu would be at the May OTC to showcase Nigeria’s soon-to-be launched marginal oil fields bid rounds.

Justice Ngwuta to Face Tribunal Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court is to be arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on April 20, an official said yesterday.

The tribunal’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ibraheem Alhassan, said in a statement in Abuja that Ngwuta would appear before a two-man panel over alleged false asset declaration.

Alhassan said summons had already been served the judicial officer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the federal government had preferred a 10-count charge against Ngwuta before the tribunal.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), said Ngwuta contravened Section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Laws

of the Federation of Nigeria.

According to Malami, false declaration of assets is punishable under Section 23 (2) of the Act. Ngwuta is one of the judges from whose residences, the Department of State Service (DSS) claimed it uncovered huge sums of money in various denominations.

The DSS raided the judges’ residences in October, 2016.

Ngwuta is currently standing trial before Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on an amended 16-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The federal government which preferred that charge, said that Ngwuta contravened Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012 (as amended).

It added that the offences are punishable under Section 15 (3) of the Act.

anniversary of the armed group’s chilling abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls.

“Boko Haram continues to abduct women, girls and young men who are often then subjected to horrific abuses, including rape, beatings and being forced into suicide bombing missions.

Sadly, many such abductions go unnoticed and unreported by the media. This has left many parents and relatives without any hope of being reunited with their loved ones,” Kamara added.

According to him, “these appalling abductions and other attacks, some of which constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, are carried out by Boko Haram on an almost daily basis. They must stop. Today we remember and lend solidarity to the families of the Chibok girls as well as the thousands of other women, girls and men abducted, killed or displaced by Boko Haram.”

“Amnesty International, which stands in solidarity with #BringBackOurGirls campaigners, is also urging the Nigerian government to ensure that all other abductees are accounted for and their families given adequate

support.

“The organisation has documented at least 41 other cases of mass abductions by Boko Haram since the beginning of 2014.

“While the Nigerian government is making considerable efforts to recover the 195 girls remaining in Boko Haram’s custody, victims of less-publicised mass abductions have not benefitted from similar support.

“The Nigerian government is making progress in recapturing territory held by Boko Haram but more needs to be done to prevent further abductions, bomb attacks and provide proper support to all those who have already been rescued or escaped Boko Haram captivity,” Kamara stressed.

“This bloody Boko Haram insurgency and the security forces’ efforts to end it, has displaced more than two million people across the north-east and brought many to the brink of starvation. It is vital for the Nigerian people that those responsible for atrocities in the conflict are brought to justice.

“Since 2009, Boko Haram has been carrying out a violent campaign against civilians in North-eastern Nigeria through

almost daily killings, bombings, abductions and looting.

“Towns and villages have been pillaged. Schools, churches, mosques and other public buildings have been attacked and destroyed. Boko Haram is brutally mistreating civilians trapped in areas under its control and has disrupted the provision of health, education and other public services.

“Amnesty International’s research shows that Boko Haram has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity with impunity.”

Kamara, explained that “in April 2014 Boko Haram fighters kidnapped 276 girls from the Government Secondary School in Chibok. Abductions are a consistent part of Boko Haram’s attacks and on April 14, 2015, Amnesty International released a comprehensive report which documented 38 cases of abduction

by Boko Haram.

“Since April 2015, thousands of women, men and children who were abducted by Boko Haram have escaped or been rescued, but thousands more remain in captivity.”

Also, Amnesty International has urged the federal government

to abolish death penalty, saying it would not deter criminal activities.

In its annual global report on the death penalty, the human rights group had on Tuesday said death sentences in Nigeria rose to 527 in 2016, from 171 in 2015.

It had described the development as a “massive and worrying spike,” placing Nigeria second only to China.

Speaking on the report on ARISE Television, THISDAY’s sister television network, Mrs. Esther Ikubaje, who is one of the researchers who worked on the report, yesterday said death penalty should be discontinued in Nigeria because it is cruel and inhuman.

According to her, the rise in the number kidnappings and other criminal activities in the country’s oil-producing south and the ongoing fight against Boko Haram Islamist group in the North-east was responsible for the spike in death penalty in 2016.

Although people are being sentenced without being executed, Ikubaje said three people were executed last December.

I BRING YOU PEACE

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, with Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, during a courtesy call in Government House, Calabar....yesterday.

House Passes National Transport Commission Bill Shippers’ Council ceases to exist James Emejo in Abuja The House of Representatives has passed a bill for an Act to establish the National Transport Commission (NTC) as an independent multimodal transport sector regulator.

The bill, which is now up for concurrence in the Senate, would transmute the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) into NTC and transfer the staff, employees, ownership of land, assets, properties, rights, debts, liabilities, obligations, functions and powers currently vested in the NSC to NTC. Essentially, the main objective of the bill is “to provide efficient economic regulatory framework for the transport sector, mechanism for monitoring compliance of

government agencies, transport services providers and users in the regulated transport industry with relevant legislation and to advise government on matters relating to economic regulation of the regulated transport industry.”

The bill, prepared by Chairman, House Committee on Land Transport, Hon. Aminu Sani Isa, and sponsored

by Hon. Osai Nicholas Osai had identified critical areas requiring urgent reforms to reposition the sector and add value to the economy.

It argued that though one of the cardinal objectives of the transport sector reforms introduced by the federal government was to bring about efficiency in the area of service delivery and reduce cost of doing business in the industry, charges have however,

continued to increase, thereby forcing many transport users to take their businesses to rival ports in the West African Sub-region, with consequent massive revenue losses to our nation.

Speaking on the transformation of NSC to NTC, Isa said: “It was highly observed that the thrust of the NTC Bill is economic regulation.

To a great extent this is also the main thrust of the NSC Act. For example, section 6 (1) (b), (c), and (h) of the draft NTC Bill 2015, and section 3 of the NSC Act, Cap N133, LFN 2004 have similarities of functions.”

He said: “The NSC has since its creation in 1978, established national spread and accompanying assets including a 12-storey twin towers that serves as its head office

complex in Lagos, a four-storey two wings liaison office complex in Abuja, well-equipped Library, and an expansive training room as well as a fleet of operational vehicles; “The council also has six zonal offices in the six geo-political zones as well as area and port offices spread across the states of the federation; by virtue of its experience and the fact that it has been performing similar economic regulatory functions in the port sub sector of the transport industry, the council is most suitable and easily adaptable to perform the role of an economic regulator.”

The transformation is also aimed at cost saving, avoidance of duplication of agencies and easy adaptability among others.

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AMCON Justifies Takeover of Arik, Says It Has Negative Capital Ejiofor Alike The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has justified its takeover of Arik Air, saying that the company has negative capital that runs into billions of naira, while new claims on the precarious financial state continue to come to the fore on a daily basis.

In an affidavit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos by the Vice President and Team Lead, Transport and Aviation Unit of Arik Air, Mr. Gbolahan Odutayo, on behalf of AMCON and the receiver/ manager, Mr. Oluseye Opasanya (SAN), the plaintiff averred that the magnitude of Arik’s financial problem was much worse than anticipated.

In the suit number FHC/L/ CS/175/17, Oduntayo alleged that when the second plaintiff

– AMCON took over Arik on February 9, 2017, the insurance policy for Arik’s airplanes was to lapse on February 10, at which date, Arik was owing N418,893,067.97 as arrears of unpaid premium.

Oduntayo added that Arik had also failed to remit pension contributions of its employees, despite making the necessary pension deductions from the workers’ salaries and attached a demand letter from the National Pension Commission for the sum of N4,586,860,471.50,beingtheoutstanding pension remittance.

ArikAir,hesaid,was also indebted to Lufthansa Technik Group, the company responsible for the maintenance of its airplanes, to the tune of 31 million Euros; while Zenith Bank and Access Bank were being owed N28, 346,678,438.00 and N9, 447,673,924.00, respectively.

AmadeusMarketingNigeriawasalso owedN632,490,151.40;whileMariotand Best Western Hotel was indebted to the tune of N3.8 million by Arik Air, according to the affidavit.

Oduntayo also accused the management of the airline of fraudulently obtaining N2billion from AMCON for retrofitting of two passenger airplanes to cargo airplanes without carrying out the said configuration, adding that there was no documentation to back up the N2billion.

He also accused Arik of

misrepresentation and falsehood to trade and financial creditors and also inflating the cost of travel tickets of employees.

AMCON took over the management of the airline by appointing a receiver manager as a result of its indebtedness to the tune of N263.7 billion.

But the Chairman of the airline, mr. Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide had insisted that the total debt exposure the airline owed AMCON was N90 billion, admitting that the airline also owed Zenith Bank N35

billion, Access Bank N7 billion and Ecobank N12 billion, bringing the debts to N140 billion.

He had acknowledged that N90 billion was the debt the airline owed the government agency and wondered where it got the extra N56 billion it added to the earlier debt, which both parties agreed on and endorsed.

Other debts he mentioned included debt owed Lufthansa Technic, a maintenance company that provides technical support to the airline, which is about

$9.8 million, and the one owed Eurocontrol, which the he said was less than one million Euros.

Arumemi-Ikhide insisted that the airline had been paying debts owed aviation agencies and noted that when there was a disagreement over the total amount owed FAAN, the agency took Arik to court, in a case that is still subsisting.

He had also said the crash of the naira in value made it extremely difficult to generate enough revenues in the local currency to offset overseas debts in dollars.

Senior Oil Workers Picket General Electric over Debts Owed Arco Group Ejiofor Alike

Senior oil workers under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) yesterday sealed the offices of General Electric in Lagos and Port Harcourt for several hours over the company’s indebtedness to Arco Group.

Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) joint venture had awarded a multi-million dollar maintenance service contract for gas turbines and related equipment for OB/OB, Ebocha and Kwale Gas plants in Delta State to GE International Operations Nigeria (GEION) Limited, with Arco Petrochemical Limited as local partner.

It was gathered that a dispute arose after GE directed Arco to demobilise from the multi-million dollar maintenance service contract without paying for the job done, but the indigenous services provider spurned the directive.

However, following the intervention of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, GE was said to have made a commitment to issue procurement invoice, which would mature in 30 days to Arco if the indigenous firm showed evidence that it had demobilised from the site.

With the strong commitment of GE to pay the debts, Arco was said to have withdrawn in January 2017 but GE allegedly failed to fulfill its own part of the bargain in line with the agreement reached with Ngige.

THISDAY gathered that the refusal of GE to pay Arco prompted the intervention of PENGASSAN to protect the interest of the indigenous firm and its workers who are all members of the union.

The members of the Lagos Zone of the union, who picketed the company’s office in Lagos, gathered at 7a.m. yesterday to seal the Lagos office of GE, which is located in Mansard Place at Bishop Aboyade Cole Street in Victoria Island.

The placard-carrying protesters, who insisted the GE’s management should come and address them, prevented

the company’s workers from resuming work as they blocked the entrance with their union vehicles, preventing workers from entering or leaving the premises.

THISDAY who monitored the protest, observed that apart from cleaners and security guards, who were already in the office before the protesting workers arrived, no other staff of GE was allowed entry by the protesters.

Addressing the union members, the Lagos Zonal Chairman of PENGASSAN, Abel Agarin, said the refusal of GE to pay Arco had inflicted hardships on both the company and its staff, with eight of the workers bed-ridden in Port Harcourt.

According to him, Arco workers are being owed five months salaries as the company cannot pay its staff as a result of the huge debt owed the company by GE. “GE is not a member of PENGASSAN and none of their workers is our member.

But Arco is our member and the workers also belong to the association. Ngige asked GE to pay and in the last meeting with the minister, GE promised to give Arco procurement invoice that would mature within 30 days if Arco showed evidence that it has demobilised from the site.

Arco has demobilised since January but GE has refused to pay. We sent letters to GE and also requested for a meeting but they ignored us. GE made a commitment before a minister but they feel that they can do anything in Nigeria and get away with it because they are an international company. For five months, Arco has not paid its workers,” Agarin explained.

Some of the placards read: ‘GE should respect Nigerian workers,’ ‘GE respect contractual agreement,’ ‘Our wages is our right,” “GE pay us,’ General Electric, a debtor is a traitor,’ ‘Work no pay is a crime against humanity,’ and ‘General Electric return our dignity in labour,’ among others.

Efforts to speak with GE were not successful as an official of the company told THISDAY on condition of anonymity that they were in a management meeting.

RUBBING MINDS

L-R: Former Governor, Cross River State, Donald Duke; Chairman and CEO, Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh; and Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, discussing at the Kaduna Investment Summit in Kaduna...recently

Ekweremadu Wants Whistle Blower Policy Extended to Arms Proliferation Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has called on the federal government to expand the whistle blower policy for the anti-corruption war, to arms proliferation, in the bid to stop the rate of killings in various parts of the country.

He however harped on the need to ensure that fundamental human rights are upheld in the implementation of the policy.

Ekweremadu who spoke when he received a delegation of the

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) on a courtesy visit yesterday, expressed worry at the rate of insecurity in the country, which he noted would continue, if illicit arms are not mopped up.

“We just considered the report of the Senate Committee that investigated conflicts in many parts of Nigeria, especially the killings in Southern Kaduna. We asked the committee to go back and do more work because the matter is such a very serious one. I also made it clear that it is important that just as we have addressed the issues of

money laundering and corruption with the whistle-blower policy, it is time for us to bring that to bear on the issue of arms proliferation in the country,” he said.

“People keep arms all over the place and some people know where they are. It is time that those who know where these arms are, to be able to blow the whistle on them so that the security agencies will be able to go after them and ensure that they are seized and destroyed. So long as we have arms all over the

place, the killings will continue” Ekweremadu added.

Deploying the whistle blower policy should however not be used to abuse citizens’ rights to privacy, Ekweremadu warned adding that invasion of privacy without concrete evidence and due process is unacceptable.

He lamented that magistrate courts allegedly collude with security agencies to invade citizens’ homes with some spurious warrants, a development which takes the country back to the dark ages.

Bayelsa Begs as Daewoo Threatens to Quit N’Delta Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Government has pleaded with Daewoo Engineering and Construction Company Limited, one of the firms operating in the Niger Delta, not to make good its threat to quit the region.

The company which cited severe “constraints and challenges” as reasons for wanting to leave the state, noted that by June this year, if nothing was done about the situation, the management would be left with no choice than to shut down operations.

But the government which made a passionate appeal yesterday through its state Partnership Agency, called on the management of the construction firm to approach its help desk for a resolution to its

problems instead of planning to leave.

It noted that this would enable the government appraise their challenges and proffer solutions that would improve the company’s operations.

Director-General of the Agency, Mr. Stanley Braboke, who visited the State Project Manager of Daewoo Operations in Yenagoa, Mr Nak Choi, told the management that security had greatly improved in the state.

“The agency is delivering on its mandate to build peace around operational areas occupied by oil multinationals, construction firms and in the various communities in the state.

“We do not want communities, oil multinationals and construction companies to be at loggerheads

with communities or be exposed to hazardous militancy in the state” Braboke assured.

He said if the company has germane issues, the agency would act appropriately and urgently refer such matters to Governor Seriake Dickson for immediate action.

“The government is investing in educating the youths to outlaw restiveness and militancy which is due to lack of education,” he added.

The DG advised Daewoo to send representatives to the joint desk that would feed the agency with their concerns and not wait for problems to emanate before solving them.

While disclosing that Daewoo remits about N90 million monthly as taxes, he lauded the management for providing employment for

several unemployed Bayelsans and for living up to its corporate social responsibility with their host communities.

Earlier, the state Project Manager, Mr. Choi had told the DG that the company currently engages over 300 persons from the state and also contributes to the development of over 20 communities.

Choi expressed the company’s regret that the its recurrent expenditure remains high, noting that if Daewoo is not allowed to “operate fully” it would quit in June.

He reminded the government that if the company shuts down operations, it would create unemployment that could lead to insecurity as well as loss of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

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Meningitis: Northern Leaders to Meet Buhari over Health Agenda Adewole charges leaders to take responsibility for vaccines

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The traditional rulers and governors from the northern part of Nigeria have expressed their resolve to seek the support of President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle some of the dire health challenges facing the region, especially the Cerospinal Meningitis (CSM) outbreak.

The leaders also pledged to get behind the health agenda of the federal government in a bid to improve health outcomes of their people.

The group in a statement issued yesterday by the Head of Media and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Boade Akinola, reached the decision last Tuesday during the emergency meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Committee on Primary Health Care (PHC) delivery.

The meeting was jointly convened by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Saad III, and the Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole, in response to the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis.

According to the communiqué delivered by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, the committee will embark on a high level advocacy visit to the president to seek his leadership support to

ensure efficient mobilisation of resources for the health of the northern people who are the most vulnerable.

In his presentation, Adewole called on states to invest in the health of their people beginning with the PHC system. He called on the participants to work together to build a health system that is robust, resilient and the enabling situation where things happen.

He decried a situation where Nigeria has continued to depend on relations and donors for vaccines supply, calling on the participants to take responsibility for their people. He noted that subsidised vaccines provided by GAVI would no longer be available from 2025 and recommended the institution of an immunisation trust fund.

“Part of our suggestion is to have an immunisation trust fund. For too long, we have been immunizing our children using donations and so on. We must take responsibility; they are Nigerian children and we must provide resources to immunise them,” he said.

In the same vein, the traditional leaders expressed sincere gratitude to the minister and all front line health workers working to control the meningitis outbreak and promised to intensify advocacy to ensure resources are available

for public health.

They also resolved to step up awareness and mobilisation of their domain toward the adoption of preventive measures and health seeking behaviour.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, called for state governments to go back to the primary healthcare system.

He disclosed that the health minister has approved the stocking of vaccines against future epidemics.

According to him, Nigeria has initiated discussions with manufacturers to secure two million doses of meningococcal polysaccharide AC vaccine. He also disclosed that there is currently no shortage of the vaccines required to tackle the outbreak.

During the meeting, the traditional rulers, governors and state health commissioners were briefed by Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Sani-Gwarzo, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria

Whose Meal Ticket Hits the Air Waves Determined to improve on the health consciousness of Nigerians, Roxanne Care Options Project, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), will this weekend release a movie titled: ‘Whose Meal Ticket; aimed at driving home the message of health awareness.

A statement from the producer of the movie, Mrs. kehinde Omoru, noted that “for too long, many people have been dying silently or out of ignorance on health-related issues which are clearly preventable or curable or even manageable.”

Omoru who is fast creating a

niche on health movies, having produced and launched Deeply Cut, (which focused on Hepatitis B infection), explained that the present movie (Whose Meal Ticket) which will premiere on April 15, at 4p.m., at The Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, Palms Mall, Lekki, Lagos, as a full length movie, focuses on health concerns like diabetes, skin integrity and conception.

Shot with a vibrant and talented crew, the movie seeks to be a formidable guide in providing tips and counsel

Centre for Diseases Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, on the activity of the federal government in response to the meningitis outbreak.

The duo enumerated challenges faced especially as a result of weak health systems; lack of human resource, inability to detect and delayed reporting among others.

They also called on the states to put this system in place and for traditional rulers to help mobilise and educate their wards on some of the behavioural changes which

could have easily prevented this outbreak.

While fielding questions, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of health, Mrs. Binta Adamu Bello, underscored the important role of Health workers in providing quality care to the people.

Bello called on the health professionals to adopt the right attitude to work and support the effort of the government at all levels to provide qualitative

Ashafa: With Train, It Costs Me Only N1,500 from Kaduna to Abuja The senator representing Lagos East, Senator Olugbenga Bareehu Ashafa, has while doling out the advantages of travelling by rail, said it cost him just N1,500 to travel from Kaduna to Abuja in just a short time with much enjoyment onboard.

Ashafa said the Nigerian railway sector is so affordable and peoples’ friendly that it provides added luxury to be enjoyed

by Nigerians using the transport system.

He said the transport system also provides the passengers with opportunity to explore the vast lands Nigeria is blessed with while travelling.

The senator who spoke on the advantages enjoyed by the rail transport, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), also said he was very proud to be part of the administration that brought such dividends of democracy to the people.

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Ayade, Best Performing PDP Governor, Says Sheriff The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has described Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, as his party’s best performing governor.

Sheriff made the remarks when he led the leadership of the party on a courtesy call on the governor at Government House in Calabar yesterday.

Sheriff, who said he had earlier paid similar visits to Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi before arriving Calabar, said from every indices of governance, “if I am asked who is the number one governor, I will say Ben Ayade.

“You (Ayade) have worked and your people have attested to that.

Nigerians outside your state have also attested to that. Vanguard is a first generation newspaper and if it gives you an award, you will know that it is an award purely on merit. Therefore, I am very proud that our digital governor is not only digital but number one governor in terms of performance.”

He urged the governor not to rest on his oars, saying, “I want to encourage you to continue to do more for the people of Cross River. For in so doing, 2019 will be an easy ride for you. The party will be with you and there will be no challenge and no vacancy in Cross River State.”

He also lauded the governor for appointing an indigene of Kano State as his Special Adviser on Non-indigenes Matters.

According to him, Ayade by the appointment, has set the pace which is pleasing to the entire Hausa people in the country.

“The whole of the Hausa community in Nigeria will know and hear that in Cross River, the governor appointed a Hausa man as Special Adviser on Non-indigenes Affairs. We want to thank you on behalf of the people. I am happy and the party is happy too, hoping that other states will emulate as only this will bring unity among the ethnic divides in the country.”

Responding, Governor Ayade commended Sheriff for embarking on a peace mission across the country.

He said peace within the

party and Nigeria as a whole is a prerequisite for growth.

“There is indeed, no ideological difference whether you are in PDP, APC or belong to one faction or the

other. If truly you put people above your person, you must allow peace to reign. You must recognise that there is a process and procedure, you

must recognise that the challenges of the society has created in itself a structure that allows you to resolve conflict and that is why there is law,” he stated.

Bayelsa Govt Insists on Probe into Admiral Ikoli’s Death Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa To put to rest insinuations that Rear Admiral Daniel Ikoli, a senior naval officer who died in his Apapa home in Lagos, was murdered, the federal government must urgently find the cause of his death, the Bayelsa State government said yesterday.

The government urged all the investigating agencies to look at all the angles to the man’s death, including his avowed opposition to corruption and the role he played in the probe panel into

arms procurement set up by the federal government.

According to a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, “The Bayelsa State Government notes with regret and disbelief, the reported mysterious and untimely death of Rear Admiral Daniel Ikoli, in his official residence at Apapa in Lagos on April 5, 2017.

“A thorough investigation to ascertain the real cause of Admiral Ikoli’s death would go a long way in addressing words already making the rounds in certain

quarters that he was murdered because of his stance on corruption and his role in the ongoing arms procurement probe committee, which he served” The government further described the news of Admiral Ikoli’s death as most shocking and painful, “considering his enviable track record of service in the navy.”

While condoling with the family, the Peremabiri Community, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy, the government called on the leadership of the Nigerian military

and the office of the National Security Adviser to unravel the mystery surrounding Ikoli’s death through a proper investigation.

“The Bayelsa State Government further calls on the agencies of government not to treat the matter with levity. We note the circumstances surrounding the death of late Admiral Ikoli.

“The government prays God to grant his soul eternal rest as well as his family the fortitude to bear the painful and irreparable loss,” the statement concluded.

In Syria and Nigeria,Trump Faces the Limits of American Power President Donald Trump, inspired by TV images of faraway suffering to launch missile strikes against Syria, may be about to discover a lesson that has confounded presidents for 25 years: American power can only do so much.

That truth is also embedded in another set of disturbing images that Mr. Trump has not cited publicly: those from Nigeria’s conflict-torn northeast, where a very different crisis is drawing different American action toward different ends.

Those two conflicts, in both their contrasts and commonalities, reveal something of the role that Mr. Trump has taken on and its limitation.

Both are humanitarian disasters whose ground-level stories horrify and enrage. And they are both crises of a sort that the United States, since emerging from the Cold War as the world’s policeman, has repeatedly tried but often failed to resolve.

The range of American intervention efforts, as well as their often modest success, can be seen in those two crises that Mr. Trump inherited: Syria, whose civil war has become a global issue, and Nigeria, where fighting with Boko Haram rebels has killed tens of thousands and displaced an estimated three million people.

Syria and Nigeria The two wars could hardly be more different, as are the American responses. Yet they may still share the fundamental dynamics that make conflict-driven crises so resistant to outside resolution.

In Syria, the United States has sought to either mediate between the warring parties or tip the military balance through force, whether by the Obama administration’s efforts to arm certain rebels or Mr. Trump’s missile strikes. The scope of the United States’ involvement has been extensive and highly visible.

In Nigeria, American action appears more modest.

There, the United States is emphasizing political tools, pressuring the government to improve practices in the affected parts of the country and supporting any reforms. It has helped to coordinate a multinational force from surrounding countries. It is also providing military advisers, intelligence and other forms of military support, which Mr. Trump this week extended in the form of warplane sales, but nothing comparable to action in Syria.

The difference between the two approaches is partly explained by the scale of the suffering, which is more severe in Syria, and perhaps by an even wider gap in attention received.

It is also explained by Syria’s wider geopolitical stakes — its conflict touches on the European refugee crisis, Russia’s resurgence, global terrorism and Middle Eastern power struggles — whereas Nigeria’s is contained to a region that is less central to American interests.

But the difference is also caused by the contrasting

V I E W F R O M A B R OA D nature of the crises. Syria’s problem is seen, in part, as a deadlocked military imbalance that American force is meant to overturn. Nigeria’s problems are driven more by crises in governing.

Boko Haram has exploited, and been fueled by, long-held political tensions and grievances within Nigerian society, including neglect by the central government and abuse by its soldiers. American policy is aimed at helping Nigeria address the underlying issues that helped give rise to the insurgency, pushing for reforms to roll back corruption and military abuses.

Because the goal is restoring government control and local faith in it, military power plays a smaller role in American strategy.

Still, Americans sometimes see the degree of military intervention as a function of political will — if the president cared, he would intervene. This reveals a deeper assumption: that American power can solve any crisis, but only if it is sufficiently and correctly applied.

But while the United States has exerted far more effort in Syria than in Nigeria, and has used different tools, the outcomes have been similar to what it often finds in such efforts: disappointment.

Collapse and Intervention The conflicts in Syria and Nigeria, in their breadth of difference, reveal the common factors that make conflict-driven humanitarian crises so hard to solve: simultaneous breakdowns in governing and in the social contract by which a population agrees to exist in harmony.

Once these have collapsed, segments of society, whether divided by demographic tribe or political affiliation, come to see one another as locked in a zero-sum contest for survival and control. The result is chaos, a self-perpetuating cycle of violence with entire communities caught in the middle.

Syria and Nigeria also illustrate a common American response: intervention, military or otherwise, to resolve the underlying political breakdown that compels the fighting.

Since the early 1990s, when the United States took on the mantle of global leadership, it has acted in Somalia, in Afghanistan, in two different parts of Sudan, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Liberia and Sierra Leone’s overlapping conflicts, in East Timor and twice in the former Yugoslavia.

It has tried diplomacy and foreign aid, imposed political reforms and peacekeepers, launched cruise missiles and outright occupations. Sometimes the variance in policy was because of differing temperaments or worldviews of key American officials, or the amount of attention those crises received on TV, but the outcomes were consistently modest.

What Brings a Breakthrough?

The relatively few breakthroughs offer hints as

to why other efforts have faltered.

Successful interventions have often come in one of two forms: resolving a conflict between two states, or nudging local dynamics that were already aligning around peace.

The United States helped, for instance, halt the wars between the nations once united as Yugoslavia.

Because the problem was one of border-crossing forces, outside might could push them back.

This rarely applies, though, in an era when interstate conflict is rare and most wars come from political breakdowns that do not fall along neat borders.

Where outside intervention has succeeded in such crises, it has typically been not by changing those dynamics from the outside, but by capitalizing on major shifts toward peace that arose from within.

In East Timor, which Indonesia claimed as its territory, years of diplomacy and political pressure faltered until Indonesia’s economy collapsed and its hard-line president was replaced by a reformer.

The breakthrough, as is almost always the case, had come from the conflict’s participants, whose calculus was driven largely by local factors and not the threat or promise of outside action.

George J. Mitchell, the former senator who led Northern Ireland peace talks, frequently emphasized this. In a 1999 address, he said, “Peace and political stability cannot be achieved in sharply divided societies unless there is a genuine willingness to understand the other point of view and to enter into principled compromise.”

That can be a difficult message for Americans accustomed to seeing themselves as deciders of major global issues.

The United States assumes this leadership in part because it is the guarantor of the international order and the power of last resort, leading the world to look to American involvement.

Jeremy Shapiro, the research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, has argued that the United States is also driven by what he calls “the

American omnipotence problem.”

A string of military victories in the early 1990s, Mr. Shapiro told The New York Times in October, established an assumption “that any problem in the world is basically solvable by American power if there is sufficient political will.”

As a result, when a crisis emerges, and Americans are confronted with images like those Mr. Trump saw from Syria, the question raised is often not whether the United States is capable of imposing a solution, but why it hasn’t.

Success and Failure in Baghdad The United States has long tried to impose such shifts from the outside. If success were primarily a matter of American will or commitment, it would have come in mid-2000s Baghdad.

The United States, responsible for a crisis largely of its making and driven by a president whose legacy hung in the balance, committed the full force of its might and diplomacy to resolving the city’s sectarian bloodletting.

It imposed block-by-block order through blast walls, patrols and checkpoints. It held high-level peace talks and local neighborhood meetings. It won relative calm, but even proponents said this served only to create space for Iraqis to resolve the deeper issues that divided them, which many tried to do.

Once American troops drew down, it became clear that outside force could restore order to a neighborhood. But it could not resolve the social and political breakdowns that had made it dangerous in the first place, and would do so again once the vacuum reopened.

Syria and Nigeria, in their own ways, carry this same dilemma. American policy options are aimed at alleviating the suffering and violence that are symptoms of deeper problems. But resolution can come only when the war’s participants once again see peaceful coexistence as worth the compromises and risks — a task harder than any American mission.

• Culled from The New York Times

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY APRIL 13, 2017

THURSDAYSPORTS

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

Enugu Govt Denies Sacking of Rangers Coach, Amapakabo In a twist of fate the Enugu State Government has debunked reports in the media suggesting that Rangers International FC coach, Mr. Imama Amapakabo, has been sacked.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the state, Mr. Charles Ndukwe, made this clarification to journalists at the end of the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Enugu yesterday.

He stated that Amapakabo was only suspended by the state government based on the club’s recent run of poor performance which was also evident in their home match, last Sunday, against Zesco United Football Club of Zambia. The match had ended 2 - 2 despite Rangers earlier taking a two-goal lead.

Noting that a sack letter could not have been issued to the coach without the state government’s consent, the commissioner said, “the general manager has no right to sack a coach, and Enugu State government cannot take an abnormal action”.

He informed journalists

that Chukwuma Agbo is presently the chief coach of the club, adding that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is interested in the welfare of the club and will do everything possible to restore its glory.

Amapakabo, at the end of last season became the beautiful bride of many prominent clubs both within and outside the country, but chose to remain with the Enugu side whom he piloted to break the long standing jinx of Enugu Rangers trophy drought by wining the Nigeria league.

However the club as been a shadow of itself with poor run so far in the league and also dropped from CAF Champions League cadre to the Confederation Cup in which they are in the verge of been eliminated following a 2-2 home draw with visiting Zesco United of Zambia.

Not even the three-match ultimatum handed to him during the poor run could change the fortune of the team following one home draw and two losses making just one point out of nine.

Amapakabo

NPFL U-15:Rivers Pinnick, Aremu, Join Okpekpe Road Race Celebrity Cast United Clinton Hits Four Goals in Two Games Femi Solaja

Kenneth Clinton scored a brace for a second successive day as Rivers United moved top of Group A at the Owerri centre of the NPFL U15 Promises tournament yesterday.

Clinton whose brace propelled United to a 3-0 victory over Abia Warriors on Tuesday proved pivotal once again as he netted twice in a 3-1 win over hitherto table toppers, Akwa United.

Playing in front if Rivers United’s General Manager Okey Kpalukwu, Clinton broke the resistance of Akwa United two minutes into the second half when he latched on to a long clearance by defender Bassey Paul to give

his team the lead.

The Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri student added a second on 66 minutes when he tapped home after some neat work by winger Nathan Collins.

Midfielder Felix Ojuah made sure of victory when he rifled home from inside the box before Akwa United got a consolation in stoppage time through Archibong Archibong’s free kick.

“We were scared when we watched Akwa on Monday (when they beat Abia Warriors 5-0) but we prayed to God to help us and we are happy,” Clinton said after the game.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Melvin Pinnick and Labour leader, Comrade Isa Aremu have joined the growing list of celebrity runners confirmed for the fifth Okpekpe international 10km road race which holds next month in Okpekpe near Auchi in Etsako East local government of Edo state.

Pinnick,who is also an executive committee member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said he was thrilled to associate with a race that has become a big image laundrer for Nigeria. “ I want to congratulate the organisers of the race,especially my brother Mike Itemuagbor for placing Okpekpe in particualr and

Edo state in general as a destination point as far as international sports is concerned.

“What he has done with the race is incredible. He is organising a race the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) have considered good enough for a label rating. And to think that it is only one of two such races in Africa that has been so recognised has made it very huge indeed,’said Pinnick who is also a member of the prestigious FIFA organising committee.

Pinnick has however revealed he won’t be running for any of the top prize monies on offer at the race.

“I will be running for charity,” he said and revealed that he will be joining forces with some of the other

celebrity runners who will running to raise awareness about cancer. One of such celebrities is labour leader Aremu who will also be running for charity.

Meanwhile organisers of the race have warned those planning to cheat at the event on Saturday May 13 2017 to have a rethink as there are adequate measures to ensure all their efforts will prove futile.

“We are lucky we have not really had any major incident as far as cheating is concerned. We are aware road races in Nigeria are prone to this where athletes try to cut corners to achieve glory,’said race’s spokesman Dare Esan.

“The Okpekpe race is technology-driven and we are using transponders which will help ensure you cannot

beat the system. All Okpekpe road race runners will have a device on their numbered bib which tracks their location and this will be powered by MYLAPS Experience Lab, a division of MYLAPS Sports Timing,the internationally recognised automatic sports timing company based in Holland.

The Okpekpe international 10km road race is powered by Pamodzi Sports Marketing,leaders in sports marketing and hospitality business in Nigeria.

It is the first and only road race in Nigeria whose race course has been measured by an IAAF/AIMS accredited measurer and has been granted full membership of Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Lagos SWAN Commends LMC ZENITH B’BALL LEAGUE: Mark Commends Lords’ Support for Golf Nasarawa Amazons, Zamfara on Sanction to Erring Clubs Former Senate President, David Mark has applauded the contribution of Lords Dry Gin to the success of the Pro-Am Golf Tournament in his honour over the weekend.

Mark who also competed at the event said the makers of the Nigeria’s premium gin has redefined expectation at Pro-Am events with their offerings at St. Mark Golf Course, Otukpo, Benue State.

“The participation of lords at this event is highly appreciated and has added a lot to the fun and participation this year. We are eagerly hoping that this is sustained for future events.

We appreciate the innovation they brought.” He said.

Over 120 players from different parts of the country participated at the event over

five days.

Lords Dry Gin’s Brand Manager, Bojuwade Adebowale said that the event provided for them a platform to drive down Lords commitment to continually support for the games development nationally.

According to him; “Lords and golf have come a long way, both at professional and amateur level and we are using this to communicate the depth of our commitment to the game throughout the country”.

UCL RESULTS

Dortmund 2-3 Monaco Bayern 1-2 Real Madrid Atletico 1-0 Leicester

Babes Win First Ties

Nasarawa Amazons who lost woefully in their first outing in the ongoing Zenith Bank Women basketball league going on at the Abuja National Stadium yesterday recorded the first victory with nail biting 55-51 victory over AHIP Queens from Kaduna.

The AHIP girls were almost coasting home to win victory when the Amazons turned the game around and won the game with only two minutes left of play.

Earlier in the day, Zamfara Babes who also lost their first game also tasted victory with a 47- 16 victory over Coal City girls from Enugu before the rampaging Inspector General of Police Queens

demolished weeping team of the competition Oluyole Babes with a awesome 61-13 points victory.

The league continues today with Plateau Rocks taking on Taraba Hurricanes, Delta Force playing Zamfara Babes, Ekiti Angels facing Oluyole Babes, AHIP Queens confronting power house and defending champion, First Bank, Sunshine Angels daring youthful Dolphins side and Benue Princess testing the strength of Nigeria Customs Babes.

Speaking on today’s clash, First Bank Coach, Peter Favour Ahmedu said he was already looking beyond the first phase and focusing on the next phase.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos chapter, has commended the League Management Company (LMC) for its decision to sanction Remo Stars FC for the assault on a sports journalist by supporters of the club during the Nigeria Professional Football League match day 16 game in Sagamu.

The journalist, Ekerete Kelvin of Sportsville Production which runs on Channels Television was manhandled by supporters of the club who also deleted his recordings and smashed his phone.

In reaction, the LMC, in a summary jurisdiction announced on Tuesday ordered the club to pay the sum of N250,000 as compensation for injury and damages suffered by the reporter, in addition to other

fines imposed on the club for related acts of violence during the game.

The LMC also announced varying punishments for Kano Pillars, Katsina United and Enyimba FC for various violent conducts committed on match day 18.

Welcoming the LMC decision, Chairman of Lagos SWAN, Fred Edoreh, said in a statement on Tuesday evening that the LMC demonstrates it’s commitment to the protection of all stakeholders and participants in the game.

“We are very pleased with the LMC for this decision.

Journalists at work need protection to enable them perform. The same applies to players, coaches, match officials, supporters, fans and indeed anybody that is part of the game in any way.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY APRIL 13, 2017

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Thursday, April 13, 2017

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MISSILE Jonathan’s Spokesman to Journalists

“The report relied on hearsay evidence from a man of questionable character who provided no substance to back up his false claim. The man quoted by the report said he ‘assumed’ that Dr Jonathan would be bribed. Since when has the assumption of a crook been enough to smear the reputation of a patriot and international statesman like Dr Goodluck Jonathan?” – Ikechukwu Eze, denying media reports that former President Jonathan received a $200 million bribe from the Malabu deal

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

What Can We Learn from Malabu?

How will you deal with Malabu? hen I posed that question to the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu last week Wednesday afternoon, I was watching out not only for what he would say but also for how he would say it. I had my reasons. As someone who rose to the top in one of the multinational oil companies operating in Nigeria, Kachikwu must know a lot about the management of our oil and gas sector. But he did not dissemble. “Malabu is a mess”, he volunteered, “But it has also presented us opportunities to deal with a lot of issues. We will not destroy the project but clearly, the terms have to be renegotiated.”

My interaction with Kachikwu was at his office, having been invited to meet him by a mutual friend. I listened as he explained the challenges he has had to confront in the sector ever since he was appointed, first as the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director in August 2015 before he got the additional responsibility of a ministerial portfolio four months later in November. He said when he assumed office, things were going smoothly such that by the 29th of January 2016 the national oil production peaked at 2.38 million barrel per day.

However, trouble started on 14th February 2016 when the Forcados oil export line was attacked by some Niger Delta militants under the name “Avengers”. Despite a 30-day ceasefire brokered in the course of the crisis, the next target of attack was the Nembe Creek Trunk line resulting in further shut-in such that by May 2016, the national oil production had been brought to an all time low of 1.4 million barrel per day. That translated into a shut in of a million barrels per day at a time the price of crude had gone down with Nigeria practically brought on its knees.

With that, Kachikwu developed the Niger Delta Development Action Plan involving dialogue sessions with critical stakeholders while collaborating with the security agencies which, with the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari, became the roadmap for achieving a temporary truce. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has played a critical role in that effort to restore peace in the Niger Delta.

From the issue of militancy in Niger Delta, (including what to do about Tompolo) to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to the management of the Federation Account to the infrastructural decay in the oil and gas sector, I had an interesting chat with Kachikwu who explained the challenges that plague the sector as well as the efforts being made to redress them. But against the background of the revelations now coming from the international media about the controversial OPL 245 otherwise known as Malabu, it is evident that Kachikwu has his job cut out for him and he knows.

According to Kachikwu, given the international scandal that the deal has thrown up, it is in the interest of Shell and ENI to sit down with the federal government of Nigeria to chart a clear path forward. “I believe that at some point, the Petroleum Ministry, the Ministry of Justice, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

W

Kachikwu as well as representatives of Shell ad ENI would have to sit down in the bid to put a closure to this sordid matter. But to do that, the federal government must extract not only a better deal but some payments”, said Kachikwu.

That the Malabu scandal is back in the news is no surprise to me. In my piece titled, “Malabu & the $1Billion Bazaar” published on this page on 15th August 2013, I made three important points. One, I predicted that the fight over OPL 245 would be long-drawn, messy and dirty because of the interests involved. With the case now instituted at a Federal High Court in Abuja that has the fingerprints of Mohammed Abacha who was outplayed by Dan Etete, it is clear that this battle has only just started. Two, I said that if after receiving the settlement claims from the Federal Government escrow account at JP Morgan, Etete was found to have paid out bribes to some people, it will not be difficult to establish those ivolved since money trail is very easy to trace. Three, I argued that Malabu was not an exception in an industry that lacks transparency, it was the rule. In fact, had Abacha not died, there probably would have been no story about Malabu today.

Unfortunately, while the Malabu scandal should compel a rethink on the way we manage our hydrocarbon, I have not seen evidence of that, especially if snippets from the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that may soon be passed by the National Assembly are any guide. And because of that, I am republishing my earlier intervention on Malabu with minimal editing, not only because it explains what the entire deal is all about but also because it raises fundamental points about why it could yet happen again, essentially because as a nation, we hardly learn from our mistakes.

While the Malabu controversy remains a business deal gone sour in a sector that is lacking in transparency, the circumstances surrounding a tri-partite transaction involving

the Federal Government, Shell/Agip and Malabu Oil and Gas Limited in respect of OPL 245 is what has generated the current furore. At the centre of the deal is former Petroleum Minister, Chief Dan Etete and Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep (SNUD), a company incorporated in January 2001 for the sole purpose of operating OPL 245 as a fully-owned subsidiary of Shell. The block in question is located directly between the two major commercial oil discoveries of Agbami (OPL 216/217) and Akpo (OPL 246). OPL 246, for the uninitiated, was awarded also by Abacha in March 1998 to South Atlantic Petroleum (Sapetrol) of which Lt General T.Y. Danjuma is the major stakeholder.

The story began in April 1998, about three months before Abacha’s death when he decided to manipulate the Indigenous Exploration Programme Policy to award certain oil blocks to cronies who would act on his behalf and themselves. By the filings at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on 18th April 1998, the share capital for Malabu Oil and Gas Company that was handed OPL 245 was N20 million, divided into 20 million ordinary shares of N1 each. The shareholdings were distributed as follows: Mohammed Sani, better known as Mohammed Abacha, son of the late Head of State: 50 per cent or 10 million ordinary shares; Kweku Amafagha, representing the interest of Dan Etete: 30 per cent or 6 million ordinary shares and Hassan Hindu, wife of the Wakili Adamawa, Alhaji Hassan Adamu: 20 per cent or 4 million ordinary shares.

However, with Abacha’s death and the emergence in 1999 of a “Pharaoh that knew not Joseph”, to borrow a Biblical expression,

the story became interesting in 2000. At a period Olusegun Obasanjo was now President and Atiku Abubakar Vice President, the entire documents for Malabu got missing at the CAC and a new one surfaced: Enter Munamuna Siedougha and Fasawe Oyewole with the shares redistributed as follows: Munamuna Sidougha, 10,000,000 and Pecos Energy Limited, 10,000,000. It was at this point that Mohammed Abacha’s name disappeared from the Malabu manifest and Etete more or less became the sole proprietor.

While I enjoin readers to visit the online edition for the complete version of my 2013 piece, the OPL 245 deal which led to the payment of $1.092 Billion to Malabu was the result of a systemic abuse of discretion in which an oil minister and his late boss, taking powers from military decrees, subtly allocated a fruitful oil block to themselves even though Etete has succeeded in playing a fast one on the Abacha family. But the core question in the Malabu deal lies in the process of awarding oil licenses and leases which is placed at the discretion of the Oil Minister or President. That is the critical issue we must deal with.

If the PIB merely transfers the powers of the Minister in the 1969 Petroleum Act to the President who can now grant licenses outside the bid round, then nothing has changed. The President should not have such transactional powers which he/she could then easily delegate to the minister who acts on his/her behalf anyway. The lesson we must learn from the Malabu scandal is that NO ONE SHOULD HAVE discretionary power to grant oil licenses and leases outside a competitive and transparent bid round.

Prof Anya @ 80 “It was the first moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, the very Reverend James Ukegbu who observed at the Independence Day Interdenominational service in Lagos in 1987 that if God did not judge Nigeria, He, the Sovereign Lord, may have to apologise to Sodom and Gomorrah. It was a powerful and apt dramatisation of the then fast deterioration of the social and moral situation in Nigeria. More than 15 years later, I believe most of us will agree that things are much worse in our country.”

When Professor Anya Oko Anya said the foregoing in 2002, he could not have imagined that in another 15 years, the situation in our country would be far worse than at the time he was quoting the cleric. Like many of the few men in his generation who can boast of making positive contributions to our country without being part of the rot, Prof Anya was always agonising about Nigeria in all the private sessions I have had with him since 1997 when his son, Chidi, and I met at the University of Lagos and became close friends. With that, I

also became a member of their family.

A Chartered biologist and one of Nigeria’s foremost intellectuals, Anya had a distinguished career as a University lecturer before his remarkable stints in both the public and private sectors where he played pioneer roles. He is also one of the first set of intellectuals to bag the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) which rewards “citizens for their demonstrated ability to innovate and invent for progress of the country, and also for the promotion of excellence in the academic system towards that end.”

He was awarded his NNMA 25 years ago in 1992 and was for several years chair of its governing board.

Incidentally, Prof Anya actually clocked 80 on 3rd January this year and I missed being at Abriba in Abia State, for a family event. I felt bad that I also could not be in Lagos last week for the ceremony, especially since I am sure Prof would say that confirms my status as a “prodigal son”. But he has many more years to celebrate and I promise him that at 90, by the grace of God, I will lead the celebration.

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