Friday 2nd June 2017

In Line With Executive Order, NPA to Make Ports’ Business Cheaper Concessions with terminal operators to be reviewed, tariffs made public Eromosele Abiodun In line with the executive order issued by acting President Yemi Osinbajo, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman has stated that the agency will do what is

necessary to make business easier and cheaper across the nation’s seaports.

Usman who stated this yesterday during an interview with the Nigerian Television

Authority (NTA), added that the NPA under her leadership will review the tariffs charged by terminal operators in order to reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.

The NPA, she revealed, was working on a review of the concession agreements entered with terminal operators about 11 years ago, to align the agreements with global best

practices.

According to her, “Our port concessions have been a success story; we need to acknowledge that the Landlord Model that has been in place

Trump Pulls U.S. Out of Paris Climate Accord... Page 42

over the last 11 years has been successful.

“But we are working to review the concession agreements, as we’ve said, there are various sections of the agreements that are not Continued on page 9

Friday 2 June, 2017 Vol 22. No 8078. Price: N250

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Outrage over Mandela Washington Fellow’s Abuse of Special Needs Toddler Nigerians demand her recall from U.S. programme We are aware of the disturbing allegations, says American Embassy

Chiemelie Ezeobi

A Nigerian physiotherapist and Mandela Washington Fellow, Ms. Bisola Anthonia Abayomi Ojo, who is currently in the United States for her

programme, has elicited national outrage after she was caught on CCTV abusing a special needs toddler left in her care in Nigeria.

Ojo was caught on camera abusing the toddler with

cerebral palsy at the crèche where her parents had enrolled her.

The footage, which was obtained by the girl’s parents, showed the physiotherapist beating her repeatedly, after

twisting her arm severally and hitting her with a phone, and generally abandoning the toddler when she was not busy abusing her.

The case was reported to the Medical Rehabilitation

Therapists Board in Yaba, Lagos, leading to her suspension for three months, with a clause that she must get treatment, which she agreed to do.

However, she later turned

up at the board alleging that she was going for treatment in the U.S. and was given permission to travel. But unknown to the board, she Continued on page 10

House to Pass PIB to Include Host Communities’ Interests, Fiscal Regime

Senate confirms 15 INEC RECs

Damilola Oyedele with agency report

The House of Representatives has said it will pass a more holistic Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that will encompass the interest of host communities and fiscal regulation of the oil and gas industry.

Chairman of the House Committee, Petroleum Upstream, Hon. Victor Nwokolo (Delta-PDP), said this yesterday while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a workshop organised by the committee for House members on the bill.

Should the House pass its version of the PIB, it will be a major departure from the Petroleum Industry

Governance Bill (PIGB) passed by the Senate last week, which was limited to the proposed governance structures for government institutions in the oil and gas sector, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Before the passage of the PIGB, the Senate had argued that it would be easier to get the legislation passed on the omnibus PIB if it was balkanised.

Accordingly, the upper chamber in the legislature left out critical issues governing licence awards and renewals, the fiscal regime for oil and gas operators, gas supply Continued on page 9

Russia to Supply Nigeria Military Hardware, Helicopters for Fight Against Boko Haram... Page 9

CALABAR GARMENTS, PROUDLY NIGERIAN…

R-L: Acting President Yemi Osinbajo; Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade; and Special Adviser to the President and Niger Delta Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig.-Gen. Paul T. Boroh (rtd.), during the commissioning of the Calabar Garment Factory by Osinbajo, in Calabar, Cross River State… yesterday

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Russia to Supply Nigeria Military Hardware, Helicopters for Fight Against Boko Haram Alex Enumah in Abuja The Russian government has promised to supply Nigeria with military hardware and helicopters to assist Nigeria in its fight against the Boko Haram sect, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama has said.

The deal, which is already in the pipeline, is part of the efforts aimed at deepening co-operation between Russia and Nigeria.

Onyeama who disclosed this yesterday in Moscow, said both countries were stepping up their co-operation in the efforts to tame Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the world.

Russia also commended Nigeria’s exemplary role in ensuring peace and stability in Africa and the rest of the world, the minister said.

“Of course terrorism is

an area we also want to co-operate with Russia, it’s a global challenge. They also face terror challenges and we look forward to stepping up our co-operation with Russia in the fight against terrorism.

“They have agreed to deliver some military equipment, some helicopters. They are very much in the pipeline,” Onyeama said.

He stressed that “Russia has shown great solidarity with us, and we really look forward to a vibrant and very dynamic relationship between our two countries”.

“We face a lot of conflict in Africa and also our country Nigeria, and we are looking to Russia for co-operation.

“Russia is showing great solidarity with us in confronting some of our security challenges in the area of terrorism, which has now become a global challenge.

“And we appreciate very much the importance of working together and sharing intelligence and we are delighted that Russia is on the same page with us,” he added.

The minister stressed that a strong Russia was a good thing for the world, explaining that a strong Russia will give the world balance.

“You might likely have balance, because if you have one country that is totally dominant, it might not always necessarily make for a balanced approach towards issues.

“We believe in multilateralism. We believe that the big issues of the day, global issues, should be addressed on a multilateral framework.

“That is the framework of the United Nations. And you are more likely to have that

when you have different poles of strength and influence.

“If you have a unipolar world, you are also most likely to have a process that does not really have to have the consensus of many other countries,” he said.

Onyeama also stressed that Russia should engage with Africa, given the European country’s achievements in all human endeavours.

“We believe that such a great country that has achieved wonderful things in all sectors, should engage with Africa,” he noted.

Speaking on the gains of his visit to Russia, Onyeama said: “Russia is ready to engage more with Nigeria and engage more with Africa in the areas of priority to us and that is security and the economy and this is a very good thing.

“We are trying to diversify our economy and

diversification is not just in strengthening various sectors, but also in engaging with every partner and Russia has unique value that they can add to our economic relations in the area of oil and gas, power, agriculture and also science and technology.

“These are areas they are particularly strong in and could help in our industrialisation drive.

“And for Africa too, in peace keeping and their role in the United Nations, as one of the key five permanent members of the Security Council, they will have influence in the resources the United Nations will make available for peacekeeping in Africa.

“Most of the peacekeeping duties undertaken by United Nations are in Africa and we will certainly need the support of Russia, as we know that there is a call by the other

key four members on the Security Council to reduce the amount of money available for peacekeeping in Africa.

“So we look for Russia’s support in terms of the reform of the United Nations and also to support Africa in the UN, as a permanent member of the Security Council,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has been commended for its leadership role in the socioeconomic and political growth of the African continent.

The commendation was re-echoed at the Africa Day celebration held in Moscow as part of the programme lined up for Onyeama’s visit.

The presentation of the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Sergey Lavrov and other African Ministers of Foreign Affairs reflected the great positive role Nigeria has been playing in global diplomacy.

“This is because it has been three or four weeks since it went through the first reading,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday confirmed 15 of the Resident Electoral Commissioner-nominees of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), out of the 27 nominations submitted to the chamber by the presidency.

It however deferred the confirmation of the nominees from Lagos and Katsina States, Mr. Rufus Akeju and Asmau Sani Maikudi, and 10 others.

The confirmation of the 15 followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on INEC. The committee, however, noted that all remaining 12 nominees were still undergoing the screening processes and may be cleared if all issues surrounding their nominations were sorted out.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, last February, had forwarded the names and details of the 27 nominees for confirmation by the Senate, in line with Section 14(3)(a) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution.

The commencement for consideration of their nominations however suffered a setback, when the Senate suspended the process for a period of two weeks.

The suspension was

to protest the inaction of President Muhammadu Buhari on the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, despite his rejection as the substantive chairman of the commission by the Senate.

However, the Committee on INEC finally commenced screening of the nominees on May 10.

Presenting the report of the screening exercise yesterday, the chairman, Senator Suleiman Nazif said all the 27 nominees had been cleared in the security reports on them.

He added that the report for the screening of the remaining 12 nominees would soon be presented to the Senate for adoption.

“The REC nominees fulfilled all the necessary pre-requisites needed for their confirmation.

The confirmed 15 fall within Batch 'A'. The remaining 12 REC nominees fall in Batch ‘B’,” he said.

The nominees who were confirmed yesterday are Prof.

Godswill Obioma (Abia), Mr. James Apam (Benue) Dr. Nwachukwu Orji (Ebonyi), Dr. Iloh Joseph Valentine Chuks (Enugu), Dr Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda (Plateau) and Mr. Umar Ibrahim (Taraba).

Others are Mr. Emeka Ononamadu Joseph (Imo), Mr. Obo Effanga (Cross River),

Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu (Anambra), Dr. Briyai Frankland (Bayelsa), Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa), and Mr. Agboke Mutiu Olaleke (Ogun).

Mr. Hussaini Halilu Pai (FCT), Alhaji Ahmad Makama (Bauchi) and Sadiq Abubakar Musa (Kaduna) were up for reappointment and were confirmed by the Senate.

The nominees yet to be cleared for confirmation are Mike Igini (Delta), Jibrin Ibrahim Zarewa (Kano), Asmau Sani Maikudi (Katsina), Mahmuda Isah (Kebbi), Samuel Egwu (Kogi), Rufus Akeju (Lagos), Mustapha Zubairu (Niger), Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun (Ondo), Abdul Ganiyu Olayinka Taju (Oyo), Riskuwa Shehu (Sokoto), Kasim Gana Geidam (Yobe) and Ahmad Bello Mahmud (Zamfara).

Presiding, Senate President Bukola Saraki congratulated the cleared nominees and charged them to be patriotic in the discharge of their duties.

that there are areas that the terminal operators are not complying with such as notifying and obtaining approvals of government agencies before increasing any tariff.

“So these issues need to be addressed with a temporary regulator and also with the Nigerian Ports Authority. We’ve notified the terminal operators of the need to review these hikes of the terminal fees that they’ve done over the past few years.

“To the extent that they did not get the necessary

approval of government agencies, we would revert to the last terminal fees that got the necessary approvals of the government agencies.

“These are areas that attribute to the seeming cost of doing business in our ports. These are the areas that attribute to the assertion that our ports are more expensive.

“So, having our tariffs becoming transparent, ensuring that the terminal operators also have their tariffs published is the next stage, so that everybody is aware of the tariff regime.”

HOUSE TO PASS PIB TO INCLUDE HOST COMMUNITIES’ INTERESTS, FISCAL REGIME obligations, a commission for E&P activities in the Lake Chad basin and Benue trough, and the host community fund, among others, as proposed in successive versions of the bill by past administrations.

However, Nwokolo said the lower chamber of the National Assembly would begin consideration of the bill in a few days and it would be given accelerated hearing.

He confirmed that the bill recently passed by the Senate was only one-third of the entirety of the document before the National Assembly.

According to the lawmaker, the committee decided to organise the workshop to bring the lawmakers up-todate on what the House has done in respect of the PIB in the past.

He said: “The bill has gone through its first reading and by next week, it will go through the second reading and will be given the accelerated attention that it requires.

“It is true, like you said, it has been passed in the Senate, but what the Senate has done, they have only taken a fraction of it, only one-third of it – what is referred to as the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) is what they have passed.

“But, in the case of the House of Representatives, we are taking it holistically.

“Like you read in the newspapers, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and Ijaw National Congress (INC) have stated that they do not agree with what the Senate has done, because the issue of host communities has not been addressed.

“If you are also following the proceedings in the House of Representatives, you will agree with me that we are taking it holistically, because we have dealt with the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).

“We have also gone through the fiscal and the host community bill, so we are taking it holistically, so that no section of it will be left out.”

Nwokolo explained that the House resolved to treat the bill holistically in consideration of what had happened and what obtains in other parts of the world where petroleum is a natural resource.

He listed Alaska, Mexico and Venezuela as jurisdictions that the House used as case studies, where host communities were all stakeholders.

He said: “Coming home here, look at the case of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company. Have you ever heard that NLNG is being shutdown for a day?

“The basic reason is because they have taken care of the

host community; this is what we want to address.

“The essence of this workshop is to broaden members’ knowledge for them to go home to begin to think; this contentious issue of the host community fund, is it going to be restricted to oil-producing communities, because when you are talking about mineral resources today, it is not only petroleum that we are talking about.

“By the grace of God, the government is trying to drive mining towards other mineral resources like coal that you find in Plateau, Kogi and other areas.

“So, when you talk about host communities, it is going to be applicable to all parts of the country so that it will not be seen as empowering only the Niger Delta region or oil producing communities.”

The lawmaker called on the media to provide the right information on the host community fund to Nigerians.

“We thank God that you journalists are here in your numbers; you will help us to pass the information to Nigerians, because they have a different view when you are talking about host communities.

“So what we are doing here today is to refresh members so that by the time we start discussing the bill, it will move faster than we expect.

IN LINE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER, NPA TO MAKE PORTS’ BUSINESS CHEAPER being adhered to.

“There are various areas of obligations that both parties have not adhered to. To the extent that the Nigerian Ports Authority has critical obligations within the concession agreements that we need to abide by.”

She added that the concessionaires also have critical obligations, which in certain instances they have not complied with.

“Both of us are in agreement on the need to review the concession agreements, and we are

working to do that in 2017.

The revenues being raised by these terminal operators are beyond what the NPA was raising when it was operating the terminals.

“So, indeed, the concessions have been a successful story but there are areas that need to be addressed. We need to sit around the table and dissect critical components of the concessions.

“One of the important things is around regulation.

We need to have a clear regulatory framework. We need to ensure payments

are monitored efficiently,” Bala Usman clarified.

She said the NPA has established that the terminal operators have increased their charges over the last 10 years, adding that the NPA wants to ensure that the increase in tariffs met the terms of the concession agreements.

“We’ve notified them on this. While there is indeed a temporary economic regulator, the Nigerian Ports Authority feels that within the concession agreement, as we are a signatory to the agreement,

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NEWS

Court Grants Ajumogobia, Obla’s Request to Travel Abroad for Medical Treatment

Akinwale Akintunde

The embattled Federal High Court judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia and her co-defendant in an alleged fraud trial, Mr. Godwin Obla (SAN) have been granted leave to travel to the United States of America for urgent medical treatment.

Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court granted the duo permission to travel at the resumed hearing of their trail yesterday.

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is standing trial alongside EFCC prosecutor, Obla, on a 30-count charge bordering on perversion of the course of justice, graft, unlawful enrichment, providing false information to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and forgery.

The EFCC had alleged that about $793,800 passed through the judge’s domiciliary accounts between 2012 and 2015.

The judge allegedly used the money to buy a house in London.

In the charge, the anti-graft agency insisted that the defendants also allegedly committed an offence on May 24, 2015, when they conspired to pervert the course of justice with the sum of N5 million.

The said sum, according to the EFCC, was reported to have been transferred to one Nigel & Colive Limited.

The commission maintained

that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is the sole signatory to Nigel & Colive, adding that both defendants conspired to pervert the course of justice, in contravention of the provisions of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The EFCC alleged that the N5 million paid by Obla, through his company’s account, was to restrain a public officer from acting in exercise of her official duties.

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia was equally alleged to have made a false statement to the EFCC that she was on admission at one Gold Cross Hospital at Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi in Lagos, which statement was later found to be false.

The anti-graft agency insisted that the offences were contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011, as well as the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.

At yesterday’s proceedings, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia had through her counsel, Mr. Olawale Akoni (SAN) sought the leave of the court to travel to the U.S. for urgent medical attention at Morris Height Center, Bronx New York.

The embattled judge, in a 17-paragraph affidavit in support of her application, said she has been suffering from high blood pressure, hypertension, heart palpitations, and stress-related issues.

But EFCC counsel, Mr.

Rotimi Oyedepo opposed the application, contending that if Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia was granted leave to travel, she might jump bail and not come back to face her trial.

Oyedepo also contended that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia’s request to travel for thirty days was a ploy to stall the trial.

Ruling on the application, Justice Oshodi pointed out that the court has judicial discretion to rule on the application.

“The prosecution failed to give evidence to counter why the applicant’s sickness cannot be treated in Nigeria. Also, how the prosecution came to the decision that the defendant would jump bail is best known to him.

“I believe that the 1st defendant as a Federal High Court Judge has a lot to lose if she considers the idea of jumping bail.

“The Chief Registrar is hereby ordered to release the international passport of the 1st defendant to enable her travel abroad between June 7th to June 13th, 2017. The defendant must return the passport to the Chief Registrar on or before July 1, 2017,” Justice Oshodi ruled.

Justice Oshodi also granted the 2nd defendant, Obla permission to travel to Houston, Texas in the U.S. for medical treatment.

“The 2nd defendant is also granted leave to travel for medical treatment and must also return his passport to the

Ofili-Ajumogobia Chief Registrar on July 4,” the judge ruled.

After the ruling, the EFCC called its 10th witness, a legal practitioner, Charles Musa who told the court that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia who was his classmate and friend, called him to help draw up a deed

of agreement.

“I sent her an email about the terms of agreement and she did not get back to me again,” he said.

Oyedepo, however, tendered the deed of agreement between Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia’s company, Nigel and Colive,

and another company, County and City Bricks, purportedly drawn by the witness, Musa, who denied signing or drafting the deed of agreement between the two companies.

Justice Oshodi thereafter adjourned the matter till July 7 for continuation of the trial.

her licence officially for a mere three months?

“She went back to the Registrar at Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board to ask for permission to travel to U.S. to get treatment.

“I called to check on the case and I was told she had travelled for treatment.

I was told not to worry, as she cannot practice anywhere else in the world without a letter from the board.

“Some months later, I was told by a reliable source that she was not taking any major treatments but attending a Masters programme in the U.S. “So she got away with child abuse, assault, battery, in fact attempted murder. This is only possible in Nigeria right?

“I went back to Medical Rehabilitation Board, I was shocked to find out that the case had gone cold. What stops her from coming back into the country and working with other children?

How many Nigerians ask for practicing licence before employing a professional?

“I strongly believe that the least the board should have done was to declare her unfit to work with children.

“In respect to my daughter, the signs were there: she had been withdrawn for a while. In fact, she had stopped smiling, interacting with anybody in the house, or attempting to answer questions in school.

“I kept asking the care giver that followed her to school about the sudden change.

The caregiver said she had

no idea. I came up with my own theory and I brushed it aside.

“How would I have known that a health worker, someone I trusted with my child could be so cruel? The physiotherapist had been with us for over two years. I can only imagine….

“Well, I pulled my daughter out of school and started her own mini-school at home. I let go of my current caregivers for good reasons and got new ones.

“With care and love, she added weight, came out of her shell and got better. Right now, she attends a school three times a week and we are making progress.”

Responding to an email sent by THISDAY on the steps taken by the U.S. embassy to send the abusive physiotherapist back to Nigeria, the embassy, through its Cultural Affairs Officer, Larry Socha, acknowledged that they were aware of the allegations.

However, Socha, while admitting that U.S. government believes in the protection of children from abuse and neglect, referred THISDAY back to the Nigerian authorities.

His response read: “We are aware of these disturbing allegations. The United States believes strongly in the protection of children from abuse and neglect.

“We would refer you to the Nigerian authorities regarding action taken in response to the reported incident.”

OUTRAGE OVER MANDELA WASHINGTON FELLOW’S ABUSE OF SPECIAL NEEDS TODDLER was actually going for her fellowship in the U.S. Already, a petition has been started on change.org for her to be recalled from the fellowship on the grounds that she is undeserving of the programme. As of press time, it had garnered thousands of likes.

In her post on Bellanaija, a lifestyle blog, the devastated mother of the abused child, Mrs. Bukola Ayinde, who is the founder of the P4:13 Foundation and author of Diary a Special Needs Mum, narrated her daughter’s ordeal.

According to Mrs. Ayinde, they came in contact with the physiotherapist because they had a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

She said: “Getting a diagnosis which says your child has cerebral palsy is a parent’s worst nightmare. I had my period of living in denial; wishing the problem would go away, like it was all a dream, but the reality stared me in the face.

“My husband and I decided to face the challenge before us squarely. We engaged different specialists – neurologist, paediatricians, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, special needs care givers.

“At one point, we were scouting for a very good physiotherapist. A parent of a special needs child recommended a young lady to me. I mentioned her name to one of my daughter’s therapist who confirmed that the lady

was very good at her job.

“However, she also confirmed that the lady could be arrogant. I spoke with another therapist on the field who also confirmed that the recommended physiotherapist was good at what she does but she could be rude.

“Well, at that point of my life, I didn’t mind if she was going to be rude to me or arrogant as far as she was as good as everyone had said, I was fine with that.

All I wanted to see was my child’s improvement, I could take any sh*t in between.

“She came on board as my daughter’s physiotherapist.

She was very professional and dedicated, but she didn’t come cheap. She didn’t come cheap at all.

“My daughter attended a mainstream school that allowed her to use the sickbay as her pullout room for her physiotherapy session.

“In June 2016, my daughter’s school proprietress requested that my husband and I should make out time to see her. When we eventually did a week later, she told us that the physiotherapist had manhandled our daughter and she was going to show us a CCTV recording to prove it.

“At the back of my mind, I felt the woman was exaggerating because therapy could be demanding at times. My child may cry, if she didn’t like the exercise or if the exercise was tasking.

“However, when I watched the video, I was shocked beyond words that someone

I trusted with my daughter could treat her worse than an animal. I believe that even an animal shouldn’t be treated that way.

“I mean, she came highly recommended; she is a Masters degree holder. She is not an illiterate.

“Apparently, she didn’t remember that there was a CCTV in the room or she felt nobody would be checking the TV at that particular time.

“It was heartbreaking to see my daughter treated by a health worker in such a barbaric act.

“I watched my daughter as she fell down several times hitting her head on the tiles.

There were times she hit her head on the edge of the wooden bed before falling to the ground.

“Her physiotherapist slapped her three times; the third time with her cell phone.

She left her head hanging upside for five minutes. She twisted my daughter’s hands several times; at a point she sat on her hands, at another point she tied her hands behind her head.

“I watched as my daughter fell from her chair while her neck was stuck in between the space at the vertical back rest and the flat wood used for sitting down.

“I watched on as this lady typed on her phone 90 per cent of the time, only taking some time off to torture my daughter. Did I mention that she took out time to take her selfie? Up to five times.

“After we watched the

recording, my husband could not control his tears.

My heart bled.

“My daughter’s neurologist said we cannot ascertain the level of damage to her brain because we did not bring her immediately it happened.

“He said an MRI would have to be done to ascertain any damage.

“I got her arrested. She said she was sorry. She claimed depression and ill health. I did not believe her then, I don’t believe her now.

“I had to make a decision, to leave my daughter in the hands of her nannies at home (which may be another source of abuse) and follow through to ensure the physiotherapist was duly punished. (Bearing in mind the justice system in Nigeria) or drop the charges lodged at the police station and allow the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board at Yaba to handle the matter.

“I dropped the police charges. I decided to stay with my traumatised daughter. I handed the physiotherapist over to the Registrar at the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board at Yaba.

“Her punishment was three months withdrawal of her practicing licence. Three months work in a General Hospital under supervision without pay. She was to undergo a psychiatric test “Like seriously? Are you kidding me? She had been practicing for a year without renewing her licence and all you could do was to withdraw

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NEWS

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

FG: New Investments in Sugar Sufficiency Valued at N157bn Importation of commodity threatening local production, says lawmaker

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The federal government has said latest investments by stakeholders and investors towards sugar selfsufficiency in Nigeria by 2023 is valued at about N157billion.

The Executive Secretary of National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Latif Busari, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at the mid-term review of the Implementation of National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

Busari, while presenting the status report on the implementation of the NSMP, spanning 2013 to 2016, said there was about 400 per cent increase in terms of projects but 80 per cent increase when it comes to

Backward Integration Programme (BIP) with the federal government.

He also listed among the other key performance indicators, the establishment of a new 50,000tonnes/annum sugar estate at Sunti; 9,000ha of land under cane as at 2016 (250 per cent increase from 2013 when the plan commenced); and 481ha of out grower farms supplying cane to sugar estates (up from 81ha in 2013) (600 per cent increase).

He said the industry has created 7,850 jobs, up from a total of 3,500 employed by all the refineries as at 2013 (representing 224 per cent) with about 25,000MT of sugar delivered in the 2016 crushing season (up from 6,000MT recorded in 2013

Barkindo: Too Early for Oil Output Caps on Libya, Nigeria

season); “Expansion of sugar cubing and packaging investments with five new packaged sugar brands introduced into the market; all the refineries established sugar packaging and/or cubing units while two new companies (McNichols and Dogan’s) began operations at this downstream segment of the sugar value chain, leading to the founding of a Packaged Sugar Producers Association of Nigeria (PSPAN),” he stated.

Speaking further, Busari said all the three major local refining companies that were signed in the federal government’s BIP in July 2013, including: Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, BUA Sugar Refinery Limited, and Golden

Sugar Company, had 40.3 per cent performance average.

According to him, the new estate and factory established FMNL, Sunti, appears to be the key significant achievement under Phase 1 of BIP implementation.

He said: “Other expected developments particularly the expansion of factory operations at DSR’s Savannah Sugar Company, Numan, developments at Lau/Tau and installation of factory at BUA’s Lafiagi Sugar Company, all of which would have impacted positively on the local sugar production, dimmed the performance of the sector.”

The NSDC Executive Secretary, however, blamed the poor performance on some major challenges including constraints

of land acquisitions/acess to land, elite interference, community hostility, communal disruption and conflicts with/in host community, incessant flooding of sugar estates, stealing and smuggling of sugar cubes.

As a way forward, Busari called the “release of revised guidelines for BIP performance evaluation and Raw Sugar Quota Administration; adoption of new monitoring templates for SURMIC and SIMOG; strict administration of sanctions for NSMP infractions; intervention by federal government with states and local governments on land and communal issues; and discussions with relevant MDAs on specific constraints viz: FMPW&H; NAFDAC; NCS among others.

He also called for collaboration between NSDC/NOA and sugar operators on the sensitisation of communities hosting sugar projects Also speaking, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Industry, Hon. Abubakar Husaini Moriki, said: “Another issue that may threaten the realisation of 2023 target of the NSMP as observed during our routine engagements with the NSDC is the fact that in the last four to five years, those companies having exclusive right to import raw sugar for local refining have performed oprimally, to the extent that the import quota of between 1 million and 1.7 million metric tons per annum of raw sugar importation had been met 100 percent.”

Nigeria’s crude exports to China slides to nine-month low Ejiofor Alike with agency report The Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mr. Mohammad Barkindo, has stated that it is too early to say when crude oil production caps could be imposed on Libya and Nigeria.

This is coming as China’s crude oil imports from Nigeria and other countries in the West African sub-region is expected to fall to just over 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in June, some 20 per cent below May’s level and their lowest since September 2016.

Speaking yesterday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia, Barkindo pointed out that both countries still had issues to resolve, stressing also that the cartel had no issues with people taking positions in the oil market.

Nigeria and Libya were exempted because their outputs had been curbed by conflict.

According to Barkindo, OPEC would continue to focus on the fundamentals of the oil market.

Barkindo told the sixth high-level of the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue that the continued joint efforts of the OPEC and participating non-OPEC nations, had proven to be effective and had led to signs of market rebalancing and a generally more positive mood in terms of market sentiment.

“And, now, with the last week’s decision of the OPEC and non-OPEC countries to continue their cooperative efforts, we have seen further momentum in the right direction, indicating a steady re-balancing of the market. We all know the benefits this will bring to stakeholders across the industry: a stable and growing oil market, a healthy, robust and expanding world economy and security of oil supply to future generations.

This is something worth fighting for,” Barkindo said.

Barkindo met with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, where the Russian leader emphasised the

importance of the advancement of the energy dialogue with OPEC in recent years.

“The good relations between OPEC and Russia have helped the oil market to recover. Our coordinated efforts have resulted in a better economic situation for all,” Medvedev said.

Barkindo noted that there were clear signs that the market rebalancing was taking place, adding that: “Without the high authority and strong support of the Russian Federation, we could not have reached the consensus needed to sign the Declaration of Cooperation.”

In a related development, China’s West African crude oil loadings are on track to slide to a nine-month low in June as buying in the key outlet wanes after months of voracious, Reuters has reported.

Competition to supply China is also fierce, with top producers Russia and Saudi Arabia fighting for market share in the world’s number two oil consumer as Iran also stepping up supply.

West Africa’s total loadings for Asia are expected to slip to 1.995 million bpd, down from 2.084 million bpd in May, but above the June 2016 level of 1.647 million bpd.

However, Indonesia, a South East Asia emerging economy, has indicated interest to purchase more crude oil from Nigeria.

Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Harry Purwanto, who stated this in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, explained that his country’s President, Joko Widodo, had instructed Indonesia National Oil Company, Pertamina, to direct its attention to Nigeria in its quest to meet his country’s surging energy needs.

According to a statement by the NNPC, the call by the ambassador signifies the prospects of soaring Nigeria’s market share in Asian emerging economies, including China and India, having lost grounds in crude oil sales in the US due to advances in shale oil exploration in recent years.

BANKING MADE EASY

L-R: Head, Fintech, GTBank, Deji Oguntonade; Managing Director, Segun Agbbaje; Executive Director and Head, Digital Banking, Bolaji Lawal; and Chief Technology Officer, Sina Ayegbusi, at the launch of GTWorld Mobile App in Lagos...recently Abiodun Ajala

Nigerian Airports Record Drop in Passenger Traffic in First Qtr Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja A total of 2,505,612 passengers have passed through Nigerian airports in the first quarter of 2017, 67.3 per cent of them being domestic passengers, travelling within Nigeria, while the rest were international air traveller entering or exiting the country.

The National Bureau of Statistic (NBS) in its Q1 Air Transportation Report released yesterday, said the figure represented a considerable drop compared to the previous quarter (31.3 per cent), and compared to the same quarter of the previous year (34.5 per cent) based on revised 2016 Q1figures).

According to the statistical agency, part of the reasons for the decline was that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had data for several additional airports, which were not available for the current period.

However, the report noted that comparing the same airports, the sharp decline was valid..

Relative to the previous quarter, there were 983,705 fewer passengers, a fall of 28.2 per cent, and relative

to the first quarter of 2016 there were 1,165,482 fewer, or 29.4 per cent drop.

This, it added, was largely due to the closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from March 8 to April 18, 2017.

On domestic passenger traffic, the data indicated a quarterly fall in the number of domestic passengers by 32.2 per cent, or 801,013 passengers, and a year-on- year fall of 31.9 per cent or 789,757 passengers when considering the same set of airports.

“With the closure of Abuja Airport, 311,261 fewer domestic passengers traveled through Abuja relative to the previous quarter, and 321,952 relative to the first quarter of 2016”, it explained.

For international passenger traffic, the data showed the number of international passengers that travelled to and from Nigeria declined, but not as steeply as the number of domestic passengers.

“Lagos was the airport to account for the largest number of international travelers, with 627,406 passengers passing through in the first quarter of 2017. However, Lagos dominates international travel far

more than domestic; in the first quarter of 2017 Lagos accounted for 76.5 per cent of international passengers, or over three quarters.

“This was a higher share than in the previous quarter, when it was 71.9 per cent, and when compared to the first quarter of 2016, when the share was 72.1 per cent “In both cases, the increase was largely at the expense of Abuja, as may be expected due to the closure. “Nevertheless, Lagos airport recorded the largest declines in absolute terms, with 93,775 fewer passengers than in the previous quarter, and 146,900 fewer than in the first quarter of 2016. These are equivalent to quarterly and year on year declines of 13.0% and 19.0%,” NBS’ report noted.

Similarly, the Abuja airport remained the second busiest international airport in the first quarter of 2017, and accounted for 124,578 passengers, or 15.2% of the total while Kano International Airport remained the third largest in the first quarter of 2017, with 38,501 passengers to pass through.

The Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, according to report ,

was one of the only international airports to record a quarterly increase in passenger numbers, accounting for 6,240 passengers or 19.3 per cent.

Year-on-year , the number of passengers travelling through Kano international fell by 7,002 passengers, or 15.4 per cent.

A total of 41,932 aircraft also arrived at or departed from Nigerian airports, with a total of 13,024 aircraft travelling through Nigerian airports during the period under review, indicating a decline of 23.7 per cent “This decline was considerably smaller than the decline in the number of passengers, of 28.2 per cent, indicating that aircraft carried fewer passengers on average.

“Flight companies partly make decisions on how many aircraft to operate based on anticipated demand for flights; it is possible that the decline in the demand was more substantial than they expected. “Most major airports recorded a smaller decline in aircraft numbers than passenger numbers. Year on year, there was also a decline.

FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

13

NEWS

Drama as House Rejects S’East Commission Development Bill James Emejo in Abuja There was drama yesterday in the House of Representatives after a bill for an Act to establish the South-East Development Commission was rejected by the House.

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Chukwuka Onyema and 42 others, had been presented for second reading, having scaled the first reading.

The proposed commission was to be charged with the responsibility, among other things, of receiving and managing funds from allocations of the Federation Account for the development, reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructure in the South-east.

It further seeks to tackle the menace of poverty, ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the South-east states and other related matters.

The bill started on a controversial note. however.

When it was first called up by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, the mover was not around to introduce the bill for subsequent debate.

As a result, the Speaker had to step down the bill, but the was met with fierce protests by other sponsors who argued that it was unfair because it had been step down on Tuesday when Onyema had left the chamber.

Dogara’s action caused confusion and threw the House into a rowdy

session for about 15 minutes before the Speaker, after brief consultation with some principal officers of the House, including Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yussuff Lasun resolved that the bill be reinstated for debate.

But before that, a motion for the bill’s rescission was subsequently moved and seconded to allow the bill’s attention.

However, the defeat of the bill came as a huge surprise because it looked set to sail through from the beginning of the debate.

Leading the debate, Onyema, who is the Deputy Minority Leader in the House, had stated that the South-east states, comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, were under the eastern region which fought the Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970, a development, which according to him, had led to the massive destruction of critical infrastructure in the region including roads, houses, and environmental degradation.

He said the deplorable situation partly explained why the zone is currently ravaged by gully and coastal erosion, bad roads, nonfunctional railways, an abandoned seaport and Second Niger Bridge.

Onyema further expressed the concern that the three “Rs”, representing reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the zone, as proclaimed by former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), after the war, had not been honoured.

Among other things, he

clarified that the bill did not intend to usurp the authority of any existing arm of government or agency but was drafted to help articulate specific interventions aimed at reintegrating the zone into the national discourse on development and growth in line with the constitution.

He further contended that people from the South-east had been largely affected by the insurgency in the North-east, including their investments but nobody bothered about their welfare.

The lawmaker said the proposed commission arising from the legislation shall formulate policies and guidelines for the development of states in the zone, and conceive and implement economic development plans in accordance with the set rules and regulations, among other things.

The funding of the commission was expected to come from 15 percent of total monthly statutory allocations due to member states of the commission from the federation account, as well as three percent of total budget of any oil producing company operating onshore and offshore in

the South-east states, including gas processing companies.

It will also claim 50 per cent of the revenue due to member states of the commission from the Ecological Fund among others.

During the debate, Hon. Nkem-Abonta Uzoma (PDP, Abia) expressed total support for the bill, arguing that it would cushion the effect of long time neglect of the zone.

He said the initiative offered an opportunity to get funding for sustainable development, adding that “we must be united in the sovereign welfare of Nigerians. Poor conditions have led to insurgency in the country”.

Hon. Henry Nwawuba (PDP, Imo) said the bill represented a legislative solution to recurring problem of agitation in the country.

Hon. Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu) described the commission as a special purpose vehicle needed to bridge lack of direct government funding and development.

However, Hon. Sunday Karimi (PDP, Kogi), though not against the bill, expressed concern that a similar bill on the North-central Development Commission was recently halted by the speaker who

asked that it be left out for now.

However, members of northern extraction, who voiced opposition to the bill, frowned at the reference to the North East Development Commission by the eastern lawmakers, arguing that their positions tended to suggest competition among the geopolitical zones.

Others who also felt uncomfortable with the reference to the Nigerian civil war felt it was not the proper time to make such allusions.

Eventually, when question was put to vote by the speaker on those who supported that the bill be read for the second time, the “Yeas” initially appeared to carry the day.

But not sure, the Speaker, again put the question to the House and this time, there was an overwhelming “Nay” vote.

Immediately, this happened all the South-east lawmakers staged a walk out from the plenary, complaining bitterly over the outcome, with some of them blaming the Speaker for the defeat of the bill.

But other northern legislators who spoke to journalists amid the tension, absolved Dogara of

blame and instead asked the eastern lawmakers to “put their house in order and be united.”

The lawmakers from the Southeast were particularly disturbed that the proposed commission, which will be funded from the respective states’ resources and not from the Federation Account was not allowed to see the light of the day.

They also referenced a similar initiative for the North-east which proposes funding from the national treasury, and wondered why it was passed expeditiously without opposition.

Meanwhile, the President Emeritus of Aka Ikenga, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, has said the rejection of the bill to redevelop the South-east was a petty action that borders on myopia.

“This rejection of the bill to redevelop the South-east is purely a petty action that borders on myopia.

This South-east and South-south areas that was devastated by the civil war have never been rehabilitated. I know that General Yakubu Gowon on paper created the 3Rs (Rehabilitation Construction and Reconciliation) but that was mere word and no action.”

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Completes Upgrade of Executive Floors Transcorp Hilton Abuja yesterday announced the reopening of its Executive Floors and Lounge following the completion of the renovation of the floors.

The reopening of the highly coveted floors marks a milestone in the ongoing $100 million renovation project of the five-star hotel.

The executive floor rooms and suites, redesigned by award-winning Swedish interior designer, Living Designs, have been upgraded with an extra touch of luxury to the furnishing, fixtures and equipment.

The design and furnishing concept, strong, bold and fresh with a certain softness, harmony and comfort, is inspired by the resilient Nigerian spirit.

In order to enhance the guest experience in every aspect, the allnew rooms have been fitted with the latest amenities and technology, including high definition interactive television and a dock that instantly transforms mobile phone into a sound system.

Everything has been put in place to ensure the ultimate comfort of the guests.

Valentine Ozigbo, the Managing Director/CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc, while speaking on the reopening said: “Our guests have grown to expect nothing less than the very best from us. That includes the pinnacle of customer service, overall comfort, and a level of aesthetical appeal rivalled by no other hotel in Nigeria.

The complete overhaul of the Executive Floor and Lounge is a testament to our commitment to delivering extraordinary experience

to our guests.”

According to Etienne Gailliez, General Manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, “The renovation is more than just an upgrade of a physical hotel. It is a complete overhaul of the experience. If you are one of many guests that already enjoyed what the Transcorp Hilton Abuja had to offer, you are in for a pleasant surprise when you revisit our new executive floors.”

The all-new executive floors would continue to deliver exclusive experience to the guests with the introduction of access control to the Floor and Lounge.

The Chairman Transcorp Plc, Tony O. Elumelu, while sharing his first impression of the new executive floors, said: “I am extremely proud of the commitment and attention to detail our team put into getting the job done. Our well-travelled and discerning guests will quickly come to realise that Transcorp Hilton Abuja is delivering a quality that can rival any other five-star hotel anywhere in the world. We are committed to upgrading the hotel’s facilities and services to meet the expectations of our guests.”

The unveiling of the new Executive Floors at Transcorp Hilton Abuja is only one phase of the on-going $100 million renovation project.

All 667 rooms and suites would be upgraded innovatively and aesthetically with a variety of new features.

The restaurants and bars are being redesigned for an upgraded experience in the hotel’s food and beverage offering.

WORKING TOGETHER

L-R: Head, Ministries and Parastatals Team, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Ali Haruna; Regional Director, Abuja and North, Mr. Mustapha Lukman; Group Head, Public Sector , Mr. Hamid Joda; Managing Director, Mr. Adam Nuru; and Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment Programmes, Mrs. Maryam Uwais, during a visit by FCMB team to the acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to present the Home Grown School Feeding programme portal it developed to the federal government in Abuja...recently

South-east Group Rejects Doherty as PenCom DG Asks senate not to clear him Tobi Soniyi A civil society organisation, South East Advocacy Group (SEAG), has urged the Senate not to confirm the appointment of Mr. Funsho Doherty as the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

The group in a statement described the appointment as a violation of the provisions of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014.

SEAG said the contraventions of Section 20 and Section 21 (a)-(j) of the Act in the removal of the former Director-General (DG) of PENCOM, Mrs. Chinelo AnohuAmazu, and flagrant breach of Section 21 (2) of the Act for a second consecutive time in the appointment of her successor

was an affront on rule of law.

It said the actions had further confirmed a deliberate discriminatory policy against the South-east by the federal government, noting that such actions were responsible for the resurgence of Biafra agitation in the zone.

The statement signed by a legal practitioner and the Deputy National Coordinator of SEAG, Mr. Francis Nwodo, said: “Section 21 (2) of the Pension Act, 2014 clearly provides that ‘In the event of a vacancy, the President shall appoint a replacement from the geo-political zone of the immediate past member that vacated office to complete the remaining tenure’.

“But the presidency first

appointed Alhaji Aliyu Dikko from Kaduna State in the North-west as replacement for the removed DG, who hails from the South-east.

This resulted in outcry among pension industry stakeholders and the South-east since that appointment was in breach of Section 21(2) of the Pension Act and Section 19 (5) (a).

“We feel more disappointed that whereas Nigerians expected the acting president to uphold the rule to protect the pension industry as a Professor of Law, what he did after his sweet sermon at the colloquium to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Biafra war on the need to build a country that does not ‘discriminate or marginalise in any way’ was to appoint his brother from the South-west,

Funsho Doherty, as the DG of PenCom in clear and continued contravention of the law and exclusion of South-east.”

The group wondered why it was so difficult for the government to appoint a qualified person from the South-east to complete the tenure of Mrs. Anohu-Amazu.

“If this is Osinbajo’s way of building a nation that ‘does not discriminate or marginalise in any way’and sustaining the gains made by the disbanded PenCom leadership, which raised pension assets from N2.9 trillion to N6.5 trillion and won the African Pension Award for three consecutive years, then there is little hope for the Igbos, the pension industry and our progress as a nation,” SEAG emphasised.

14

T H I S D AY FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017

COMMENT

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

TRANSFORMING THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN LAGOS LAMATA is committed to transforming the transport sector beyond its current challenges, writes Tola Odusote

I

t seems that all too often, many Lagosians are more than familiar with the unending presence of gridlock and traffic congestion along roads in Lagos State. This causes commuters to be more strategic in planning their movements within the state. In many cases most Lagosians will not want to be caught on the Lagos Island from 4pm for fear of getting stuck in the popular Third Mainland Traffic snarl.

Considered the sixth largest city and one of the most rapidly urbanising metropolitan areas of the world with a population of over 20 million inhabitants and an annual growth rate of nearly six per cent Lagos State is one of the world’s mega cities. This rapid urbanisation and exploding population combined with the poorly executed development plans and poor infrastructure is one of the major reasons for the numerous transportation problems and continuous traffic gridlock in most parts of the state.

Geographically, the metropolitan area of Lagos is also fast spreading, now extending beyond the borders of Lagos State into the neighboring Ogun State in the north. Commuter trips are therefore growing both in length and number.

This population compared to the infrastructure in the state makes it a difficult task for the government to continue maintaining and providing adequate infrastructure for every resident within the state as the sprawling urbanisation has pressurised existing infrastructure to breaking point. The resultant effects have been increasing traffic congestion, worsening state of roads disrepair, deteriorating physical attractiveness and comfort of road-based public transport and high transport fares. The absence of effective rail and water mass transit system and the over reliance on road-based transportation system has contributed to the number of road accidents recorded, increasing rates of traffic-related emission and atmospheric pollution.

However, this has not deterred the Lagos State Government from addressing and improving the complex transport situation in the state. One of the cardinal and strategic efforts made was the creation of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to coordinate transport policies, programmes and actions of all agencies at different tiers of government within the state.

LAMATA is envisioned to provide a strategic planning platform to address long neglected transport needs of the metropolis and co-ordinate activities of the different executing agencies to provide a common and consistent basis for implementation.

This led to the formulation of the Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP) aimed at transforming the Lagos transport sector beyond its current challenges. The plan identifies possible transport infrastructure and services required to meet growing travel demand for Lagos State by 2032. This plan will be achieved under the Lagos Urban Transport Project (LUTP) one and two, which is the phased implementation of the Lagos State Government transport sector policy and strategy designed to resolve main issues identified by various studies conducted by the state government in conjunction with the World Bank between 1988 and 1996.

LAMATA IS ENVISIONED TO PROVIDE A STRATEGIC PLANNING PLATFORM TO ADDRESS LONG NEGLECTED TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE METROPOLIS AND CO-ORDINATE ACTIVITIES OF THE DIFFERENT EXECUTING AGENCIES TO PROVIDE A COMMON AND CONSISTENT BASIS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

The LUTP one, the first phase of the project was implemented between 2005 and 2010. It had five major components, which roughly correspond to the six-point transportation strategy of the government. These include institutional strengthening and capacity building, urban road network efficiency improvement, bus services enhancement, water and non-motorised transport (NMT) promotion and rail mass transit. One of the landmark projects implemented under LUTP one was the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Lite system, a 22km partially segregated BRT corridor from Mile 12 to CMS. The LUTP two, a follow-up of phase of LUTP one, has as its major objective to improve the capacity to manage the transport sector in the Lagos metropolitan areas and enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the public transport network, through a combination of traffic engineering measures, management improvements, regulation of the public transport industry, and expansion and enhancement of BRT system. It has four major components, which include institutional development and capacity building, improvement of public transport infrastructure and enhancement of traffic management, improvement of Lagos State metropolitan road network and project management and monitoring.

The implementation of LUTP two led to the extension of the BRT corridor from Mile 12 to Ikorodu and the launch of 434 new air-conditioned BRT buses in November 2015 by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Thus far the BRT extension project has transported over 60 million passengers between its launch in November 2015 and April 2017 creating more than 1000 more jobs in the state. Another feat achieved under this project is the upgrade of 44 bus shelters including the newly constructed Ikeja bus terminal, rehabilitation of WEMPCO road in Ogba and Akin Adesola road on the Island.

The BRT extension project yielded specific results which include average public transport waiting time reduction from 30 minutes to 10 minutes, journey time savings from 120 minutes to 30 minutes, road traffic journey time reduction from 120 mins to 55mins, bringing average transport cost down from N300 to N190.

The Wempco and Akin Adesola roads projects solved the annual perennial road flooding along the corridors. Under these projects, an affordable transport fare has been created for the populace; also infrastructure provided is socially inclusive with ramps and stairs for the different classes of public transport users, reduction in carbon dioxide (Co2), reduction in public transport related accidents and increased satisfaction with public transport.

LAMATA is committed to the delivery of the STMP, the road map towards providing an integrated multi-modal public transport system for the state.

The improved transportation infrastructure and services delivered by LAMATA under LUTP One and two have significantly contributed to the overall achievements and successes recorded by the Lagos State Government.

Odusote wrote from Lagos

STARING DOWN POLLUTION

I

Amusa T. Victor argues the need for quick intervention with regard to waste management

n the running of a community in a hitch-free way, everyone has a role regardless of the nature of jobs they do: be they physicians, nurses, teachers, street cleaners, plumbers, farmers or traders. In like manner, each has a role in ensuring a smooth running of nature.

The major constituents of our environment are: water, land and air. These constituents are endowments which are gratifying so much that the way nature co-ordinates its activities are matchless.

One seldom wonders at the way all that exists in nature are designed to complement one another.

The regulations surrounding how life is sustained in all are simply mind-blowing. Ecological balance is the ability of natural conditions of the earth and its inhabitants (animals and plants), to remain stable on their own through variations over time which can be described as the coexistence of organisms and their environment in a harmonious manner.

This naturally existing balance is threatened by human activities; the rate of destruction has outweighed the rate of construction. For example, the number of trees felled daily is much more than the amount planted. The volume of Carbon daily released to the atmosphere exceeds the volume of oxygen generated daily. It is evident that our planet now survives on a reserve bank of resources that nature is endowed with. How long these reserve banks of endowed nature’s resources will sustain the planet is a question left for all to answer.

A major problem we confront daily as a result of human activity is pollution - the introduction of unwanted constituents or impurities into the environment that causes an adverse change and truncates the natural existing balance of nature. All

the constituents of the environment are affected by pollution - from water to land and even air, no part of the environment is immune. It, therefore, goes to show what risk the activities of man poses to the three major aspects of the planet.

The cost of civilisation has always been pollution.

Air pollution dates back as when men lit fires in caves and rock grooves, even the burning of nature’s existing fuels: coals and woods, as well as the concentrated presence of pre-industrial transportation animals like donkeys, camels, and horses in certain areas, made the evolving cities a store bank of pollution.

On the front burner of most alarming human activity is the industrial revolution which gave rise to environmental pollution at a very troubling rate. The excesses of carbon emissions released by fossil fuel burning industries which need fuel to power their turbines is a disaster actively waiting to happen. The once fresh air is now filled with tiny soot particles which are now choking to breathe in, thanks to the emergence of giant industries which only rely on fossil fuels for their operation and are not conscious of the effects of these carbon emissions on the ecological balance of the planet.

The waste effluents from big factories are channelled into rivers truncating water salinity and the dissolved oxygen levels, throwing marine life off balance and resulting to killing fishes and other marine creatures. Regrettably, these rivers flow through rural settlements which lack access to safe drinking water. Many community members consume these polluted waters and stand the risk of the breakout of epidemics like Cholera and other waterborne diseases. Plastics are designed to last

for a very long time; it takes an average of 500 years for plastics to decompose. According to World Bank Urban Development Series Knowledge Paper, What-a-Waste published in 2012, it is estimated that world plastics consumption will grow by 1.9 % yearly (4.86 million tonnes) by 2025. Now at 256.2 million tonnes for 2015, up from 241.4 million tonnes in 2012.

Man’s hunger for plastics is damning. From plastic water bottles to beverage bottles, plastic shopping bags to plastic water sachets, all are meant to make the life of man easy on the go. Little do we understand that if the rate of land pollution owing to growing inorganic waste continues at the current pace, even man shall be choked out of his habitat by waste. Our steadily growing population has stressed the grossly inadequate waste management infrastructure put in place to manage urban waste.

The management authorities are overwhelmed by waste generation as evident in the indiscriminate disposal of waste in major city centres in Nigeria.

The populace cannot cope with the nuisance caused by having litters around their homes; the landfills are filled and no one wants any site around their homes. Some people result to burning of waste which eventually releases hazardous gases into the atmosphere, some of which causes cancer and other deteriorating health conditions. Others prefer to dump the waste in drainages: when it rains it leads to blockage of the drains and giving rise to pockets of dirty water ponds which in return serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

There has to be a quick intervention as regards waste management in the country. Climate change should be combated by staring down pollution,

from North to South, East to West in Nigeria and indeed the world. Active steps should be taken to reduce pollution to the minimum, cleaner energy sources must be explored.

As recommended by Frances Beinecke, putting a tax on carbon could be an effective approach to curbing global warming pollution. Giant industries should pay more tax for burning more fuels, urban mass transit channels should be encouraged. Fewer cars on our roads would translate to reduced carbon emissions from automobiles; electric cars should be considered as they seem to explore greener sources of energy. Serious sanctions should be placed on industries without effluent treatment units and a more objective approach should be employed by environmental protection agencies in monitoring and regulating the activities of industries as regards the environment.

Every manufacturer that uses plastic packing must be mandated to use materials which are easily recyclable and must be ready to take back their waste; consumers must also choose to live responsibly by reusing their shopping bags, upcycling their plastic bottles and recycling their plastic wastes. Proper waste disposal should be encouraged in emerging cities, climate actions should be advocated at cities level as they seem to be more efficient in combating climate change and its attendant consequences. By taking these conscious steps we would walk the talk as regards staring down pollution. The eco-balance of our planet will be set in recovery mode and our environment will be safe for all human and animals alike.

Victor is an Environmentalist, Social Entrepreneur and Zero-Waste Advocate

15

T H I S D AY •FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017

EDITORIAL CARNAGE ON THE EXPRESSWAY The authorities should enforce usage of the speed limiter

N

o fewer than 36 persons died recently on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when two passenger buses had a head-on collision. Except for a baby who escaped death because the father threw him out through the window of one of the buses, all the other passengers were burnt beyond recognition. Yet as unfortunate as that incident was, it didn’t attract much attention from Nigerians, essentially because they have become accustomed to the story of tears and blood on our major highways.

Perhaps because of their frequency and the high toll in human lives, some persons have started attributing the accidents to the antics of evil forces operating on our highways, especially the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. But there is no need for any recourse to superstition because it is easy to locate what the problems are. Most of the accidents occurred at points of diversion due to road construction activities. Yet, to the extent that hardly a day passes without at least one fatal accident on TRAVELLING BY ROAD the Lagos-Ibadan ExIN NIGERIA—WHICH pressway, such a state IS A NECESSITY IN of affairs requires THE ABSENCE OF A urgent attention FUNCTIONAL NATIONAL from the appropriate RAILWAY SYSTEM—HAS authorities.

However, the BECOME A NIGHTMARE challenge is more widespread, indeed, national. According to the figures recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 11,363 road accidents were recorded in the country last year alone. Meanwhile, in its 2016 road transport data released in March this year, speed violation accounted for 33.86 per cent of the total road accidents reported within the period. Loss of control and dangerous driving followed closely as they both accounted for 15.43 per cent and 8.53 per cent

Letters to the Editor

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of the total road accidents recorded respectively. A total of 5,053 Nigerians were killed in road accidents recorded in the period under review - 4,696 adults and 357 children. Some 30,105 Nigerians reportedly got injured.

These dismal statistics are enough for the government at all levels to begin to work on efforts to put an end to the road carnage. The planned introduction of the speed limiting device could help, and there is urgent need by the appropriate authorities to call for a technical session with all stakeholders to enlighten them on the workability of the device. More so, several Nigerian roads across the country have deteriorated. This has become one of the chief causes of road traffic accidents in Nigeria. That is not to say that mechanical factor and carelessness in the form of oversight in checking and maintaining vehicles as at when due are not also causes of road accidents. But they are not the critical factors.

T H I S DAY

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

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOlA BEllO, KAYODE KOMOlAFE, IsRAEl IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OlUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS pETER IWEGBU, FIDElIs ElEMA, ANThONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEh ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS hENRY NWAChOKOR, sAhEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOlA TAIWO, UChENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOsERI GENERAL MANAGER pATRICK EIMIUhI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOlUFAshE DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION ChUKs ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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ndeed, the rate of carnage on our roads has become a major national security issue. Besides, the dangerous spots along them have also become convenient operating centres for highway robbers who lay siege on unsuspecting motorists and other road users. So, whichever way one looks at it, travelling by road in Nigeria—which is a necessity in the absence of a functional national railway system—has become a nightmare.

Therefore, we insist that the government, contractors working on our highways and road managers must be alive to their responsibilities in order to save lives on our roads. As a matter of urgency, it is important that the on-going constructions, especially on the Lagos—Ibadan Expressway, are given prompt attention to prevent many of these avoidable accidents and deaths. The authorities, at all levels, must work towards making our roads safe. As things stand today, most of them are no better than death traps.

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

AFRICAN PARENTS AND GENDER SLAVES

read the letter by Nimi Princewill on how African parents teach girls to be gender slaves. There are basic lines I agree with, such as the fact that there is a lot more to a female than solely being of sexual and domestic service to her husband or how a female is being raised and reminded of her future wifely roles.

He speaks of African parenting not being bosom friends with the feminine gender because she is considered a future property of her potential suitor. This is a vague assumption to make. African parents don’t set out to raise their daughters for marriage as the be-all and end-all. They obviously recognise the beauty of forming a family and the virtues that come with the dignity of male and female in starting a family and even in daily existence. I think it is rather proper to say that the female and male are raised more in keeping with roles that are expressions of feminine genius and masculine genius respectively. In most cases, the males have the fathers for their direct role models while the females have the mothers for their direct role model.

Mr Nimi speaks about gender responsibility which is true.

We all have to be responsible in accord with our status and state. In a family everyone has a role to play in keeping with their dignity and keeping in view the roles others play and this is not determinism or ideological.

However, the responsibility of the female line was exaggerated in the wrong direction. He speaks of “speedily bearing his children and attending to a scary heap of domestic chores”, while the role of the male is limited to just the huge

responsibility of providing satisfactorily for the household.

This exaggeration leads him to reduce this responsibility of the female as gender slavery and how African parents aid the proliferation of this gender slaves in keeping with their way of parenting.

He speaks of the female being raised to have no “traits of laziness”. Are we to be raised lazy or what? In the proper sense, will you define laziness or hard work as slavery? Laziness has to be slavery, because a lazy one falls under the sad dictatorship of his whims and passions. So how does African parenting then raise gender slaves?

The way males and females are raised is not grossly different when it comes to house chores. They take on equal and different roles and different times. Male, like female, sweep and do the dishes. The female cook more, add decoration to the living room because they find it more a hobby and disposition than slavery or drudgery. For the male, the generator, replacing a flat tyre or washing the car, changing bulbs and hammering a loose nail is more in keeping with their dispositions too. This is not slavery in any form. If you tag the female path slavery then what will you call the male?

I think it is a parenting that keeps to the centripetal forces of unity in both the female and the male. If we pay attention to the centrifugal forces of disunity in both the female and male we will see the imposition of masculinity on femininity and vice-versa and this is where slavery falls in.

Let us look closely at the role of a mother and see how it compares to slavery and in contrast to males.

Not all men are bosses or can be bosses in their offices and those that are bosses are under the dictates of laws of market or their various fields. A man lays a dull brick on another as Chesterton would suggest, rolls a paint brush on the wall repeatedly, or spends the whole day inputting figures into a computer software. In all these actions, there is no call for initiative, just repeated actions. But for the woman in the living room she is free to match the curtain colour to that of the sofa or the rug, to alter the ratio of the ingredients of the meal she is preparing and also the meal programme of the family. This doesn’t sound like slavery at all. Slavery does not give that amount of freedom or the expression of such initiative.

It then seems that it is men that are raised as gender slaves and not the other way round as portrayed. In reality, no one is raised a slave as long as they are raised in accordance with their gender genius.

He said that African parents require a new wave of enlightenment against gender discrimination. I beg to ask what he means by discrimination. Male and female are equal in dignity but not equal in duties they carry out. A male cannot conceive a child neither can a female take on the natural role of the male. The fact that a female is raised to take up the role that she finds suitable does not mean she is discriminated, and applies also to the male. The task of working in the home of which people have called domestic-engineer or home-maker, is not a lesser role and cannot be considered inferior or a form of discrimination.

Vitus Ntube, ntubevitus@gmail.com

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

Professionals to the Rescue As politicians continue to fail the nation, the National Coordinator, Alliance for a New Nigeria, Dr. Jay Osi Samuels believes it is time for technocrats and professionals to step in and rescue the nation. Do they stand a chance? Segun James went in search for an answer

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igerians are actually tired of politicians who make promises but always fail to deliver. May be it is time to cede the political space to professionals and technocrats.

But in the words of Dr Chidi Odinkalu, the political space will never be conceded, you have to fight for it. This is the reality that is dawn on Dr Jay Osi Samuels, the brain behind Alliance for a New Nigeria (ANN).

Political reality really began for Jay Osi Samuels, a medical doctor and international health development expert and technocrat when a young man in his neighbourhood who had never bothered to further his education beyond the school certificate level was voted the chairman of his local government council area.

Until then, Samuels, like most professionals or technocrats from across the national spectrum had never cared about politics, a situation which gave rise to the likes of his new local government chairman and other never-do-well to become political leaders and persons who determine the political future of the educated and obviously more experienced technocrats.

What irked him most was that the new chairman, who had never own a business in his life soon enacted a bye-law that was clearly anti-business and downrightly unrealistic. A team of business owners who complained to the chairman were not only rebuffed but ordered to comply or have their premises sealed off and the men charged to court for refusing to obey the bylaw. It was at this point that reality dawned on Samuels. He came to the conclusion that to make a difference, you must be actively involved in the process of governance.

It was this scenario that has prompted the University of Ibadan and Harvard University trained medical practitioner to venture into politics. His belief is that unless professionals and technocrats venture into politics, participate fully in order to be the change they profess, they will forever remain at the mercy of thugs, the never-do-well dregs of the society who are today controlling the political space.

Today, Samuels is the national coordinator of ANN, a political association seeking to get registered as a political party. The association aimed at attracting technocrats and professionals to participate in politics.

The ANN ideology is simple: Nigeria First!

But it has the primary mission of getting professionals to leverage on their antecedent, their experience and knowledge through education to move the nation to the next level.

According to him, ANN planned to storm the political stage within the next few months while also trying to raise its membership strength to at least one million before the next general election.

He contended that the change ANN sought was crucial and critical at this stage of the national polity. He is not deterred that the next general election is less than two years away; to him, it is much more essential to bring in the apolitical professionals aboard the moving train now than wait for another six years while leaving the political future of the country in the hands of politicians who can’t deliver on their promises.

To some technocrats, the move being championed by Samuels, is a rude awakening, but to the discerning minds, it is the start of a revolution to take over the soul of the nation

Samuels....mobilising professionals for politics

and put its destiny in the hands of those who have the competence, capacity, capability and the love of the nation for the benefit of all.

Dr. Jay Osi Samuels was born on January 3rd, 1968 at the University College Hospital

He is not deterred that the next general election is less than two years away; to him, it is much more essential to bring in the apolitical professionals aboard the moving train now than wait for another six years while leaving the political future of the country in the hands of politicians who can’t deliver on their promises

(UCH), Ibadan to parents from Fugar in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo state. He attended St. Brigid’s Boys Primary School, Mokola, Ibadan before proceeding to St. John’s College, Fugar for his secondary school education.

After his A Level studies at Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife, he proceeded to the University of Ibadan where he received his medical and surgical training and graduated with the MBBS degree in 1994.

Samuels began his professional medical career as an intern at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Kaduna.

His next stint was at the General Hospital, Lagos Island where he did his mandatory NYSC. He worked for a couple of years at the General Hospital as a medical officer before proceeding to the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) for his post-doctoral training fellowship in Molecular Epidemiology under an award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2001.

In recognition of his exceptional abilities, he was conferred with the Fogarty International Award of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for an MS in Epidemiology from HSPH in 2005. While recognising opportunities offered by the United State’ President Emergency Programme on AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to

mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS in Africa and in Nigeria in particular, Samuels returned to the country in 2006 to join the PEPFAR programme.

Samuels has over 15 years experience managing and implementing HIV/AIDS programmes in Nigeria, including over 10 years in management roles. He focuses on health systems strengthening with particular interest in the design, development and management of clinical laboratories.

He has been involved in the upgrade and development of more than 100 clinical laboratories in Nigeria. Today, he is a medical entrepreneur and currently manages the pioneer medical aesthetics and cosmetics dermatological supply and distribution in Nigeria with his wife.

As Samuels proceeds in actualising his dream of making the ANN as the credible alternative in the national polity, he however is guided by the fact that not all Nigerians are technocrats, according to him, the idea is to bring them out of their docile and apolitical state and make them join hands with other to make the nation great.

Good as the idea of technocrats taking over governance may sound, the task ahead isn’t going to be very simple. The political elite running Nigeria will not let go so easily.

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POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Tambuwal-Ihedioha: Friendship Across the Niger Two former leaders of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and Emeka Ihedioha, have proven that permanent friendship is a possibility among politicians of different ethnic backgrounds, writes Aic Akwarandu

Tambuwal

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here is no doubt that one of the most interesting human endeavours is true, sincere and committed friendship.

An enduring friendship availiable for each in every circumstance. Such frienship is scarce to find, but it has happened in a very strange circle- political circle, where it is believed that permanent frienship is impossible and that only permanent interest is permanent. The Tambuwaal - Ihedioha friendship has, however nullified the relevance of this age long axiom. Rather than a divisive factor Tambuwaal - Ihedioha friendship has proved sceptics and cynics wrong about politics which evidently has shown that one of the greatest bridges that can link one region, tribe and even religion to the other is politics. No great nation moves forward with only politicians who do not have something in common.

But thrives with politicians who have mutual respect for relationship.

The Tambawal/Ihedioha example is one of such examples that the younger generation must emulate if they aspire to go far building a strong network across the states and the country at large.

While in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambawal served as the deputy chief whip to Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. During this period, one would have expected the normal boss to deputy relationship which is rampant among the political class in Nigeria. I could remember during the burial of Ihedioha’s sister, Da Chioma, Tambawal, the then Deputy Chief Whip in his condolence message addressed his then boss- Ihedioha as ‘My Dear, Boss’. While going through the message then, one could not have imagined that the then Deputy Chief Whip would one

Ihedioha

day become the speaker and not just a speaker but a speaker who has his former ‘Dear Boss’ as his deputy. There is no gain saying that if Ihedioha had used his position as speaker maltreat Tambuwal or to show him that the easterners were wiser than the northerners, the duo could not have made a perfect match when the call for the leadership of the seventh House of Representatives became imminent.

Ihedioha as speaker used his position to build not just a good working relationship between the boss and the deputy and demonstrated the fact the that the East, West, South and North can have peaceful coexistence once there is sincerity of purpose. He raised the bars of leadership, power and trust. He placed an average Imo and Mbaise man in the history book of trust, equity and fairness.

As the table turned, Tambawal became the Speaker of the 7th Assembly having his former boss as his deputy. This situation is uncommon in our clime where a boss will agree to deputise his former deputy though in a different capacity. One would have

The Tambuwal/Ihedioha example is one of such examples that the younger generation must emulate if they aspire to go far building a strong network across the states and the country at large

expected common saying that “once a boss is always a boss” not just in name but in all ramifications. However, Ihedioha placed service to fatherland, trust and friendship ahead of everything and deputised his former deputy and this they did to the satisfaction of everybody. Despite the issues that happened in the 7th Assembly the relationship between Ihedioha and Tambawal was never at any time threatened. That however does not mean that they didn’t disagree, it does not mean that they are perfect, but what it signifies is that you have two vibrant Nigerians who have decided to place national interest, selfless service, sincerity, truth and strong bond of friendship first above every other thing.

They demonstrated that for us to have a strong nation, leaders must jettison the saying that in politics there is no permanent friends and permanent enemies to believing in the new order that politics should have permanent friends and in some cases permanent enemies. There is no need pretending to be with some one who does not share the same ideals with you in terms of development, selfless service to fatherland and sincerity just because you want to prove a point that everybody should be your friend in politics.

While commissioning the Sokoto Bye Pass-KeyStone road and the Furniture Factory Road built by the administration of Tambwal as governor, Ihedioha did not hide his feelings in making it known to the good people of Sokoto State that their friendship was sustained by the strong ideals they believed in. In his words, “I once again commend Tambawal for believing in the ideals of our friendship which is to render services to the people when ever we find ourselves in any position of authority and even outside the corridors of power”. He

described Tambawal as a man of quality who would not “embark on any project that will not be of standard”.

What this has shown is that friends must at all times be sincere with themselves and not only that, set up personal goals in line with their areas of intrest.

Remembering a book I read while in school ‘The Triumphant Burial for Uncle Nwambe and Other Stories’ a collection of short stories written by Prof. Jasper Ahaoma Onuekwusi, I recall a particular story titled ‘I Love the Ants’. The ants in that book are referred to as the most sincere creatures who understand what it means to maintain friendship, build together and also fight together when the need arises. In the concluding part of the story, the omniscient narrator in an emotional ladden expression posited that “I love the ants. They do not pretend, they do not fight one another, they are real and they do not bear grudge against one another”. The bond of friendship between Tambawal and Ihedioha could be described as that of ants who are so real when they should be and so passionate when the need arises. In them you see brothers, in them you see friends, in them you see play mates, in them you see leaders, in them you see technocrats and in them you see politicians of repute who believe that the essence of politics is to serve the people.

While the youth clamour to take over leadership positions across the world, it is important to choose our role models right because they have great impact to make in our day to day activities. A role model inspires, educates, cautions and motivates our day to day life. The impacts of a good role model can not be over emphasised.

Akwarandu wrote in from Abuja.

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BUSINESSWORLD R A t E s NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

A s

NIBOR

15.3333% 17.0332%

A t

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

20.1621% 23.1621%

M A Y 1 9 , NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

2 0 1 7 13.0970% 14.0684%

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

15.7898% 19.6644%

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

Quick Takes MMIA Holds Mock Emergency Exercise

TheMurtalaMohammedInternationalAirport(MMIA)onWednesday held emergency mock exercise to evaluate the readiness of the airport personnel during emergencies. Speaking after the exercise, the Director of Airport Operations, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Capt Rabiu Yadudu, said that the agency was working in line with the aerodrome emergency plan at the airport in readiness towards the certification of the airport by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). He said that FAAN personnel were always ready to the response time as stipulated by the ICAO, noting that the exercise would expose their possible weaknesses so that they would take their training seriously. The Airport Manager of MMIA, Nehemiah Auta said the essence of the exercise was to test the capability of the personnel and the equipment on ground to ensure that they conform with airport emergency requirements.

SAA Donates to Orphanage

FIDELITY BANK INDUCTS NEW STAFF

L-R: Executive Director, Shared Services and Products, Chijioke Ugochukwu; 3rd Best Graduating Student, CREST Academy, Amadi Chinedu Darlington; 2nd Best Graduating Student, CREST Academy, Komolafe Samuel Babatunde; Best Graduating Student, CREST Academy, Akinbode Azeez Kunle and Managing Director, Nnamdi Okonkwo all of Fidelity Bank Plc at the CREST Academy graduation ceremony ... recently

FG May Spend N35bn on Airports Landing Aids Chinedu Eze It has been projected that the total cost of the planned upgrade of landing facilities including instrument landing system, (ILS) installation of airfield lighting, uninterrupted electricity supply, automation of aeronautical information service as well as radio communication would cost the federal government about N35billion.

The Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika stated recently at the College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria that airlines would not cancel flights due to Harmattan haze anymore as the federal government plans to install Category two ILS in many of the airports to enable flights operate in low visibility during the dusty Harmattan season.

Only two commercial flights

AVIATION operated from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on December 22, 2016 due to the Harmattan haze.

But an informed source from one of the agencies told THISDAY that installation of such landing aids and other equipment needed, could gulp as much as N35 billion. This he said is aside equipment upgrading by airlines and training of their pilot who would undergo currency lessons on how to operate under the new ILS Category two regime.

So far, only Kaduna airport has got the Category two ILS but government plans to install them in other major airports, including Kano, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Jos and Enugu.

A source in the aviation industry confirmed the proposed installation of the equipment, which would enable airlines land at low visibility in Nigeria but stated that it would take some time as the fund for such huge project has to be budgeted for.

This, according to the source, is because the equipment has to be ordered and it would take some time to manufacture them and ship them to the country for installation.

THISDAY learnt that the federal government through NAMA has ordered some of this equipment, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would see to the installation and upgrade of airfield lighting at some of the airports.

“Yes, government is determined to ensure that the

equipment is installed and before the end of this year we shall make sure that we install the equipment at five airports, but we have to get the equipment on the budget; it has to be signed and passed and money has to be made available.

We are determined to achieve this but do not expect miracles.

We have already finished the installation in Kaduna; the next airport is Kano,” the source told THISDAY. He explained that although government was determined to improve the landing system at the airports but there are other corresponding requirements that must be fulfilled by other aviation agencies and the airlines, noting that a Category two ILS needs uninterrupted electricity and Continued on page 20

FG: PSSP Will Make Nigerian Ports Regional Trade Hub Eromosele Abiodun The federal government has said that the launch of the Standard Operating procedures (SOP) and Port Service Support Portal (PSSP) will ultimately make the Nigerian ports regional trade hub.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi who stated this at the launch of SOP and PSSP in Calabar port, Cross River State stressed that the PSSP will enhance efficiency, cost effectiveness and speedy clearance of vessels and cargoes in accordance with the best international standard.

According to the minister, “In

MARITIME the face of the current global economic recession, there is no better time to make our seaports more user friendly and internationally competitive.

We must promote transparency, accountability as well as eliminating impediments to greater economic performance in Nigerian ports.

The 48 hour duration target for cargo clearance is realistic.

All that is required is the collective support of the major stakeholders at the ports and genuine commitment to the implementation of the integrity

plan.”

He added that an important component of the project that facilitates the patronage of the nation’s seaports is anticorruption.

Amaechi said the SOP and PSSP have inbuilt provisions to prevent leakages and remove impediments against trade and investment.

“These documents state the functions of various agencies at the ports; define their relationship with port users and proffer both online and by telephone calls to register their complaints or commend agencies for efficient service delivery from any part of the world. In

order to enhance the smooth flow of maritime traffic and trade issues of joint boarding of vessels, joint examination of cargoes and empty container return, among others have been adequately addressed.

Consequently, only competent and experienced officers with high level of integrity and professionalism will undertake board and examination of vessels. This is part of efforts to align port operations with provisions of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions.

Amaechi added that it was Continued on page 20

South African Airways has put smile on the faces of the children of Arrows of God Orphanage home in Lagos to mark the annual Children’s Day celebration. The South African national carrier said the gesture was part of its corporate social responsibility. It provided food items including rice, soft drinks and special gift packs to over 70 children of the orphanage. According to South African Airways National Sales Manager in Nigeria, Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, the airline was glad to bring joy to the faces of the less privileged kids while celebrating their special day like their counterparts in more fortunate homes. “South African Airways is always happy to contribute to the well-being and happiness of the less privileged in our society.

Therefore, we are all here at the Arrows of God Orphanage home to show the airline’s support and commitment to bringing smiles to the faces of children, particularly in this special occasion of Children’s Day,” Kemi explained. For over seven years, South African Airways have adopted Arrows of God Orphanage to specifically care for the children as well as the guardians of the home through food and material donations; special movie outings; celebrations and more. Aside the food and other gift items presented by the airline, the kids were also engaged in several fun activities including dancing, thug of war, mannequin challenge, bouncing castle and more. The Director of Arrows of God Orphanage, David Ogo, while thanking South African Airways for its continuous support said South African Airways has contributed immensely to the home as year after year the airline keeps providing us massive support.

Johnson Joins Mouka Limited Board

Johnson to Join Mouka Limited as New Board Chairperson A former Minister of Communication, Dr. Omobola Johnson, would join Mouka Limited this month as its new board chairperson.

Confirming the development at the opening of the Customer Service Centre in Lagos, the Managing Director, Mr. Raymond Murphy, said Johnson expressed delight with the new appointment and commitment to work with the new board. “I am excited to be joining the Mouka board at a time when there are tremendous opportunities to grow a wholly Nigeria brand and support the Mouka management team in building world class institution with Nigeria antecedents delivering high quality, affordable products to Nigerians”, a statement quoted Johnson to have said.

Speaking on the newly inaugurated customer service center, Murphy stated that the centre would promote convenience for the company in the area of service delivery, while offering customers a pleasurable experience in their dealings with the company.

He also stated that the customers would have the opportunity to interface with technology and orders would be efficiently executed, adding the firm foresees a future where customers would be ordering products online or they prefer to visit the customer service centre, “there would be green technology in place for them to process their orders themselves.” Murphy further stated that as one of the leading mattress brands in the country, the company is committed to ensuring its offices in Kaduna and Edo States have the customer service centre.

“In the face of the current global economic recession, there is no better time to make our seaports more users friendly and internationally competitive “

Minister ofTransportation

Rotimi Amaechi

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD FG MAY SPEND N35BN ON AIRPORTS LANDING AIDS also corresponding equipment in the aircraft, which would enable the pilot to utilise the ground equipment.

“There are certain infrastructures that would go with the Category two ILS, which must be provided and these include approach light; the airplane must have the right equipment to be able to land in very low visibility and the pilots have to get the currency that would enable them to effectively operate and land in low visibility,” the source stressed.

He also noted that for the new landing system to work effectively, “there must be perimeter fencing at all the airports where the equipment would be installed; there must be uninterrupted power supply; there must be approach light as mentioned earlier, then the corresponding equipment in the aircraft.”

FG: PSSP WILL MAKE NIGERIAN PORTS REGIONAL TRADE HUB necessary to create a sufficient condition for the ports sector to efficiently support the economy to enable faithfully deliver of ports services in a friendly environment devoid of conflict of interest and corrupt practices.

According to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2015 review of maritime transport, the total volume of cargo carried by sea-borne trade in 2014 was $9.84 billion. The World Shipping Council 2016 report show that ships transport carry approximately 60 per cent of the value of global seaborne trade representing more than $4 trillion worth of goods annually. This is underscores the importance of the maritime sector to the global economy and Nigerian economy. The minister noted that the Maritime Anti-corruption Network (MACN) and UNPP had prior to 2013, noted that the prerequisites for the effectiveness and efficiency in Nigeria were in short supply and recommended an intervention by government.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

NEWS

Lagos Saves N217bn in Employees Retirement Saving Accounts

•Pays beneficiaries of deceased employees N170m Gboyega Akinsanmi The Lagos State Government (LSG) said it has saved over N217billion in the retirement savings accounts of all public servants in its employment.

LSG, also said over N11.75billion has been paid to contributors in 10 years the state started complying with the Pension Reform Act, 2014.

Similarly, the state government, said it has paid beneficiaries of deceased employees the sum of N170 million as insurance benefits, noting that the insured, at death, is by law, supposed to be paid such rites to named beneficiaries to alleviate the immediate needs of their family members.

The Commissioner for Establishment, Training & Pensions, Dr. Akintola Oke disclosed this at a recent ministerial press briefing he addressed alongside his information counterpart, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Folashade Ogunnaike.

Oke said there “has been regular deduction of 7.5 percent from the salaries of staff and corresponding 7.5 percent by the state government into the retirement savings accounts, explaining that the accounts are maintained with their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs)” He noted that the deduction from staff members had cumulatively risen to N78.59 billion since the state government started complying with the Pension Reform Act in 2007.

He, also, pointed out that the state government, had funded

employees’ pension rights under the contributory pension scheme in a period of ten years to the tune of N138.413 billion, thereby bringing the state’s retirement saving accounts to a whopping sum of N217 billion as at March.

The commissioner also said that the state government, had through the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) paid a sum of N11.754 billion into

the Retirement Saving Account (RSA) of 2886 retirees.

According to him, 1,291of the retirees were from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); 697 from Teacher Establishment Pension Office (TEPO); 887 from the mainstream service and 11 from parastatals.

He, therefore, said the administration of Governor

Akinwunmi Ambode has not relented in the bailout of the local government and SUBEB retirees, adding, the governor, magnanimously gave instructions for state government funds to be utilised to pay retirees from local government.

The commissioner explained that the estate of a deceased staff is also entitled to receive the balance in the retirement

account and accrued rights due, if the employee had joined service before the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme.”

On training, he said over 5000 employees had been trained in the last one year, noting that 3160 officers benefitted from 72 in-plant/tailored made workshops and training programme.

MEDIA PARLEY

L-R: Head, MSME Sterling Bank Plc, Omolara Akinfolarin; Founding Partner, Hartford Green Consulting, Mr. Adebayo Akinwunmi; Founder, LEAP Africa, Ndidi Nwuneli and Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Henry Bassey, at the press conference on the 12th Annual CEO’s Forum in Lagos...recently

Wapic Insurance Misses Premium Growth Rate Target Wapic Insurance Plc recorded huge drop in its underwriting profit from N1.5billion in 2015 to N381million in 2016.

Announcing the company’s financial performance for the period under review to shareholders at the company’s 58th annual general meeting, which held in Lagos recently, Wapic Insurance Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said the company had targeted a premium growth rate of 20percent for the period, but failed to achieve it owing to increase in claims rate.

He explained that the claims rate rose to N2.9billion in 2016

from N1billion in 2014 and N1.6billion in 2015.

This, he said, negatively affected underwriting profit of the company.

“This significant jump in underwriting expenses, negatively impacted underwriting profit, which closed at N381 million”, he said. The company also recorded a loss in its profit for the year 2016 as it declared a profit after tax of N586.1 million for the 2016 full year ended December 31 as against N1.3billion it achieved in 2015. Similarly, profit before tax stood at N1.2billion compared

with N1.7billion the company declared in the year 2015, indicating a decline by 28 percent.

During the period under review, the insurance firm used N4.2 billion as operating expenses in contrast to N3.5 billion it spent in the year ended December 31, 2015.

Aig-Imoukhuede said despite the shortfall in the targeted premium growth rate of the company, which he said was the first in three years, Wapic Insurance maintained its strong performance in investment area.

He informed the shareholders that Wapic associate company,

the Coronation Merchant Bank limited, during the period, delivered outstanding earnings growth adding that Wapic Insurance share of the bank’s profit, contributed strongly to the group’s profit before tax.

On the outlook of the company, Aig-Imoukhuede, emphasised on the relevance of the underwriting firm’s Ikoyi based new corporate office.

He said: “Our newly commissioned head office, signposts our vision of transforming and illuminating the Nigerian insurance sector. Your company has been graced by visits from

leading figures in the private and public sector affording us valuable opportunities to strengthen our relationships and networks towards increased business.”

On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Adeyinka Adekoya, said despite the challenging macroeconomic situation in the country during the period, Wapic Insurance was able to deliver on its three key imperatives of sustaining capital strength, maintaining strong financial position and improving growth in market share.

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor Capital Market Editor

Cocoa Processors Allege Neglect, Unfair Competition

Senior Correspondent

Sunday Okobi

Emma Okonji

Goddy Egene

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

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

Cocoa processors have lamented the huge neglect of Nigeria’s cocoa industry, noting that local processors are still faced with the challenge of competing with foreign exporters who do not add value to the nation’s flagship commodity.

The Chairman, Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN), Mr. Akin Olusuyi, explained that the processing sector of the cocoa industry which he described as a vital

link for cocoa value chain in Nigeria is yet to be given the necessary attention it requires.

Olusuyi, during a press conference to express the association’s concerns over the poor state of the nation’s foremost non-oil export earner, added that it is not rocket science that industrialising the nation’s agriculture is the only way to go for Nigeria to join the league of industrialised nations of the world.

He noted that the nation’s agriculture sector has remained

in its rudimentary stage because active players in the industry do not add any value to Nigeria’s agricultural commodities.

COPAN boss however called on the federal government to create an intervention fund for agricultural industries while also providing new working capital, saying the same model was deployed in the textile industry.

According to him, “There must also be a mechanism in place to checkmate charlatans from accessing this fund. People with no business in value ad-

dition must not get access to this fund. This is the area where employment can be generated and where capital investment can be deepened.

“If we do not add value to our agricultural produce we will become and remain a commodity supplier to factories abroad thereby exporting the jobs we have localised. It is disheartening that even up till now that attention is not being paid to industrialise our agricultural sector. No nation can develop by exporting its job

opportunities to other nations.

Cocoa is the singular agricultural product that contributes more than any other commodity into the non-oil export earning into this nation.” Olusuyi noted that Nigeria with a current installed capacity of about 250,000 metric tons per annum, only processes 15 per cent of its installed capacity while the other 85 per cent are exported. He lamented over the decay of processing factories in the country, saying that the only functioning processing plant in Nigeria is foreign-owned.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Glo Restates Commitment to SMEs Growth Emma Okonji Globacom has reiterated its commitment to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), describing them as the backbone of the economy of leading nations in the world, contributing positively to development across all sectors.

The telecoms company made the resolve, when it sponsored the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 African Foods and Products Conference in Lagos recently.

The company at the two-day event, themed Unlocking Market Opportunities for Global Competitiveness, specifically restated its commitment to the growth of SMEs in the country through the

deployment of its cutting-edge products and services.

In its presentation before a gathering, including small and medium business owners from various sectors of the economy that cuts across agriculture, manufacturing, information and communications technology (ICT), Globacom said SMEs would continue to drive technological change and growth in productivity, if given the right support. It noted that SMEs remained the real catalyst in private sector development.

One of the managers at Glo Business Solutions, Mr.Tega Agofure, stated in a presentation at the conference that 90 per cent of the manufacturing and industrial sector in the

country falls under SMEs, adding that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has also affirmed that 96 per cent of total businesses in Nigeria were driven by the SME sector.

He explained that SME Flexi is one of the company’s cutting-edge solutions that could assist the growth of SMEs in Nigeria. He noted that the company would soon energise other core business solutions that would engender revolution in the SME sector. Agofure described Glo SME Flexi as one-of-its-kind integrated plan ‘with unmatched value’ that gives users the flexibility to call and use the internet without having to separately buy data bundles.

Total Provides Free HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Screening in Onitsha Nosa Alekhuogie Total Nigeria Plc and Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria in partnership with Nigeria Business Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) have provided free screening of no fewer than 10,000 persons for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Onitsha, Anambra state.

Speaking at the official launch of the programme which was held in Onitsha recently, the Managing Director, Total Nigeria Plc, Mr. Jean Phillipe-Torres and Managing Director, Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria represented by Executive Director (Strategy), Mr. Jeff Nnamani explained that the screening was in line with the companies’ social responsibility programme.

He explained that the exercise commenced since 2006 and had been extended to 20 states across the country including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He said that free VCT

has been deployed to various locations across Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi, Ekwuluobia and Ihiala in Anambra state since May 15 , which ended on May 29, 2017.

According to Nnamani, “Total group in Nigeria with her partners-NNPC/NAPIMS over the past 11 years has consistently made concerted effort under the public private partnership (PPP) initiative at responding to the HIV /AIDS pandemic in Nigeria. The Total Group is committed to positively impact the lives of Nigeria’s through health education on preventive measure and awareness creation on HIV/AIDS management.

Our fight against HIV/AIDS is a fight to protect our host communities, employees, families, organizations and society at large from the infection. This initiative has been adopted by the total group as an essential component of our Group’s Sustainable Development policy and has been fully integrated

into our global strategy.

“For us, the watchword is prevention which is far less expensive and less expensive and less complicated than cure.

Today, the only known cure for HIV/AIDS is prevention. In light of this, we are confident that with consistent efforts geared towards prevention, we can indeed have a near HIV/AIDS-free society.”

The acting Executive Secretary, NiBUCCA), Mr. Gbenga Alabi expressed happiness to have forged a synergy with Total Group since 2006 to help in achieving the lofty goals for which the body was set up.

He said that world over, the last three decades has faced with HIV/AIDS, a public health issue that has threatened and is still threatening the fundamentals of human development especially in developing countries which include Nigeria, saying that the current HIV prevalence in Nigeria was 3.0 per cent.

Adeshina Appointed into Board of Premium Pension Ltd Premium Pension Limited, a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), has announced the appointment of Mr. ‘Bade Adeshina into its Board of Directors.

A statement by the company’s Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Paddy Ezeala, said that Adeshina’s appointment was ratified during the firm’s recently held annual general meeting (AGM).

Adeshina, who is currently Managing Director, Goldfield Group, is expected to bring his wealth of experience from working in the private and public sectors to bear on his new appointment.

He holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Finance from University of Lagos and obtained a diploma in Information Science/Systems from University of Ibadan.

He is an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, a Fellow of Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria, and Association

of Investment Advisers & Portfolio Managers, member of the Institute of Directors and Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

Adeshina started his career as a Graduate Assistant/Senior Information Officer with the University of Lagos from where he moved to the banking sector.

He has over 30 years’ experience in Financial Management services in both commercial and investment banks amongst which are Afribank Nigeria Plc (formerly Mainstreet Bank and now part of Skye Bank Group), Afribank International Bank Limited (Merchant Bankers) and Access Bank Plc. From Access Bank, he resigned his appointment as General Manager to join CDL Asset Management Limited as the pioneer Managing Director/ CEO. He was Special Adviser (Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget & Development) to the Executive Governor of State of Osun.

The 58-year old Osun Stateborn technocrat has attended several local and international training programmes during the course of his career at renowned business schools including the prestigious Harvard Business School.

He is currently on the Board of Apricot Investments Limited as well as being the Chairman, Board of Directors, Crownhead Capital Limited and Aremott Banwill & Co. Limited, a reputable insurance brokerage firm of over thirty years operation.

Because of his wealth of experience and proven record of performance, Adeshina is acknowledged as a professional with the Midas touch.

Before his resignation from CDL Asset in 2013, he ensured that he the firm better than he met it. Hear him: “As the Managing Director of CDL Asset, I provided overall direction, leadership and guidance, which positioned the company at the forefront in the industry.”

RISK MANAGEMENT WATCH Robert Mbonu

Back to the Basics

T

raditionally, risk has been viewed as negative consequences and unfavorable events. The consideration of risk from the negative perspective is restrictive and misleading for two main reasons. First, uncertainty may manifest in either negative (threat) or positive (opportunity) form, or both; and second, the way a risk is perceived influences the manner in which it is handled. Managing risks from a negative perspective may result to complete omission of opportunities (benefits/gains) in the event being considered.

The risk definition depends on and is affected by the risk observer, hence the reason why perspectives differ. Moreover, risk sometimes entails some economic benefits, as firms may derive considerable gains by taking risk.

Business grows through greater risk taking.

So what is risk? Well, that depends on your perspective. But in simple terms, risk is the uncertainty that might change an expected outcome. Risk management is about being prepared to take action against risk.

Risk can be good, and of course, can also be bad, and that’s mainly how we think of risk.

In many Nigerian languages risk translates as danger or havoc.

There is also a sense sometimes, when we are talking about risk, that we might confuse it with likelihood, chance or probability. Like saying that there is a risk of thunder tonight, or that there is a risk of the stock market falling.

In the risk industry, risk is couched in terms of a combination of likelihood and impact, or consequence. So a highly likely and high impact risk is a big risk. Most big risks that make the news tend to be big in impact but small in likelihood.

Was the risk of a recession in the Nigerian economy due to a drop in oil prices (high impact) considered low because it was a low likelihood?

Why do we drive cars knowing that the accident rate is high? We think that it’s unlikely that the impact will be serious, or it won’t happen to us, or can it?

We operate in an uncertain world. Whenever we try to achieve an objective, there’s always the chance that things won’t go according to plan. Every step has an element of risk that needs to be managed and every outcome is uncertain.

Uncertainty (or lack of certainty) is a state or condition that involves a deficiency of information, and leads to inadequate or incomplete knowledge or understanding. In the context of risk management, uncertainty exists whenever the knowledge or understanding of an event, consequence, or likelihood is inadequate or incomplete.

Here are my ten rules about risk:

•Life’s uncertain – we don’t always know

what will happen.

•

Stuff happens. The overall pattern of events can often be predicted surprisingly well but not the detail.

•

Rare events are more common than we think. There are so many possible rare events we know some will happen but not which ones.

•Runs of good/bad luck happen. Positive

outcomes might be as a result of good risk management, or it might be just good luck.

•

The past is past. Things change. Should we rely entirely on predictive models that rely entirely on past data to predict the future?

•

Should we be concerned? How does the risk event relate to our circumstances?

• Can we do anything about it?

• What’s in it for them? Reflect on who is

bringing us the news about the risk. Is it in their interest to create fear and uncertainty?

What’s in it for them? It’s easy to jump to conclusions.

•

What are we not being told? The full story is about the opportunities as well as the threats. Whilst we may be being presented with realms of doom and gloom scenarios, what are the opportunities?

•

Size matters. A big increase in a very small risk may not be important – twice almost-nothing is still almost-nothing. So if we are presented with statistics that state that the threat of a risk event is increased by say 50%, is that 50% of a very small number or of a significant number?

This is why risk management is becoming more and more important – it’s about dealing with rising uncertainty.

According to Bloomberg, eight out of 10 entrepreneurs who start businesses fail within the first 18 months. A whopping 80% crash and burn.

But why? What can we learn from the colossal amount of failure with small business that we can apply to our own business aspirations?

In my 25 plus years in banking and later consulting, and through my interactions with thousands of entrepreneurs, I have observed that the common thread that runs through business failures and success boils down to the management of opportunities and threats – risk management.

And yes, at surface level the primary reason businesses fail is they simply run out of cash. But trust me -- the cracks in the foundation start well before the brutal day of financial collapse.

This column will provide answers and demonstrate how to get clarity on complicated situations, how to decide between options, but most of all how to embrace opportunities and to minimise threats.

Life is about taking chances and making difficult choices. Risk management provides the framework to enable difficult decisions to be made in a managed and structured way.

We call this risk based decision-making.

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

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

AIR WATCH

Group Organises First Agency Forum Ugo Aliogo In a bid to sensitise and appreciate its non-International Air Transport Association (IATA) agents in the airline travel business, Touchdown Travels Limited recently organised its first agency forum with focus at encouraging new and existing businesses in the sector.

Speaking at the event in Lagos with theme; ‘Business Opportunities: The Travel Industry in the 21st Century’, the General Manager, Touchdown Travels Limited, Ibukun Adenuga, said as the premier agent in the travel business sector, the event was aimed at enlightening their agents about their products and encouraging them to continue the partnership.

She also stated that with its

23 years presence in the sector, the company has moved from a 30 percent retail client service management to in 70 percent corporate and travel activities in the last few years, adding that the retail business cannot be ruled out.

Adenuga further stated that in a bid to improve service delivery in the sector, they began the Sub-Agent Programme (SAP) to encouraged top IATA agents and those without resources to register in IATA, stressing that they also encouraged them to come and purchase 80 percent what they (touchdown travels) got from the airlines.

“This has helped people to go and develop other agencies to become IATA. In the last 23 years, we have been able to

register 147 agencies through IATA and help them get their licenses. We helped them secure their licenses. Those 147 started with us from the grassroots.

When we started the BSP which was then the settlement plan, it was the technical aspect from which the travel business evolved 10 years ago.

Normally, the way things were done before was manual. But with the BSP settlement plan it is a way for airlines to get their money as at when due from the agents,” she added.

Adeuga added that the BSP settlement plan has helped to stabilise that the challenges of the manual system and encouraged people to continue with the business, by assuring them safety and value for their money.

Travel Agency Holds Mentorship for Youths Chinedu Eze Finglow Travels recently organised mentorship training for young Nigerians who are interested in the travel industry.

The CEO of the agency and President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA), Bankole Bernard, told THISDAY that the company dedicated the four weekends in May to train the youths.

Like all the other previous sessions, the last in this year’s edition of the programmes was held at the office complex of Amadeus, the international GDS company that is supporting Finglow on this initiative.

Bernard disclosed that about 30 youths benefitted this year from the Bernard Mentorship Programme, adding, he wanted to encourage young Nigerians to establish their own businesses instead of seeking for paid employment, adding that when he was struck with the

desire to be an entrepreneurs, he resigned from banking to set up Finchglow Travels.

While addressing the beneficiaries of the programme, Bernard told them about the numerous opportunities that exist in the travel industry and encouraged them to find their niche and develop their capacities in the areas of their choice.

“When we opened in 2006, I started attending travel exhibitions and trade shows. It was after attending those exhibitions that I realised that I needed to know what I really wanted to become in the industry. Do I want to be a travel agency, a tour consultant, a travel management company? I realised that with the kind of brain I have, I will do well in business travel. I started following up on global travel market companies that focus on business travels.

I approached the likes of HRT, BCD and others. Unfortunately, they had been taken up by

other companies. I searched for the one that was untaken.

That’s how I laid my hands on FCM Travel which is a subsidiary of a flight centre management that is based in Australia,” Bernard recalled.

He encouraged the youths to believe in themselves, saying that determination, constant search for knowledge, flexibility, which gives the humility to defer to superior arguments, integrity and constant communication and deference to God as some of the principles that saw him through his career in the banking industry and have sustained him as an entrepreneur.

“No two journeys are the same. They may look alike, bearing a lot of similarities, but everyone has a different destiny, a different purpose and we must work towards finding that through trust in God and working on the things that we have passion for,” he said.

Turkish Airlines Enhances Passengers Security Screening A major European carrier, Turkish Airlines has added another feature to its fantastic global offerings through its new agreement with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Members of a Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler programme may now experience TSA pre expedited screening at airport security checkpoints in the United States.

Light jackets, shoes, and belts may remain on.

In TSA pre lanes, laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids remain in carryon bags. Children 12 and under accompanying a parent or guardian with TSA Pre also receive expedited screening. In April 2017, 97 per cent of TSA Prepassengers waited for less than 5 minutes.

TSA Prescreening is available

to members of Global Entry and the TSA Precheck Application Program. TSA Prescreening is also available to U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents enrolled in NEXUS or SENTRI, and to Canadian citizens enrolled in NEXUS. To experience TSA pre members enrolled in a trusted traveler program must add their Known Traveler Number to reservations with Turkish Airlines at the kiosk or check-in counters. When checking in, a TSA Preindicator will appear on each boarding pass.

TSA pre allows travellers to save time and stress by going through security faster without having the need to remove many of their personal accessories.

Turkish Airlines’ Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officr, Mr. Bilal Eki, said, “The

comfort and convenience of our passengers is the first priority for Turkish Airlines. Through this collaboration we are constantly striving to create a smooth and comfortable flying experience for them.

“TSA Preis a highly reputable program which always works with the leading airlines in the world. We are confident that this new agreement will support us in further enhancing the overall quality of our ground handling services to our passengers depart from U.S.” According to him, Turkish Airlines continues to improve its in-flight offerings and airport services, as it strives to provide the world’s best passenger experience and will stay committed to its aim and goals in always providing its passengers with the best possible overall service.

Poor Communication in Nigeria’s Airspace

T

here was a time the word “blind spot” was in the front burner in Nigeria’s aviation lexicon and it was used to explain the part of the airspace where the pilot in a flight was unable to receive or send out messages to the Air Traffic Controllers (ATC).

These days that expression has lost currency; not because communication hitches have seized to exist but because pilots and Air Traffic Controllers have agreed that there has been an improvement compared to the past.

However, THISDAY learnt that there have been allegations by officers in charge of Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network (AFTN) that they have been neglected by the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) over the years. They also alleged that the equipment they need to do their work has become obsolete and needs to be replaced with modern ones.

The AFTN officers are supposed to be in charge of the two flight information regions in Kano and Lagos, manning the communication system and ensuring effective radio communication in the airspace.

The officials told THISDAY that there is lack of enough staff and the equipment was supposed to be upgraded to a level that it could blend with the ones in use worldwide. These, according to them, include radio communication equipment and other equipment such as SATCOM system.

They are also asking for the upgrade of AFTN to Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS), which is a standard for aeronautical ground to ground communication for the transmission of Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), flight plans or meteorological data. AFTN said it needs a telephone system that can serve all the airports in Nigeria simultaneously for effective communication.

Also the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) complained of obsolete equipment and demand automation of their system. The officials also requested for periodic training and retraining of AIS personnel in order to bring staff up to speed with modern trends. It stressed on the need for NAMA, through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to ensure that qualified AIS personnel were licensed as this would bolster them towards hard work, commitment to duty and enhanced productivity.

THISDAY investigations have revealed that unlike in the past, the NAMA management is doing something about these complaints. There have been efforts to improve communication system in the airspace since the new Managing Director of the agency assumed office. THISDAY learnt that last year, a request was made to government

by NAMA, requesting funds for the upgrade and automation of communications equipment to be in tandem with modern technology.

But the fund, which was put at N1.5billion was not available last year; it was this year that it was provided. According to a NAMA source, the new management of the agency has deployed this fund to procure equipment for the upgrade of communication system in the airspace.

The objective of the upgrade, THISDAY learnt, is to ensure that any possible blind spot in the airspace is eliminated. NAMA has also ordered for modern equipment, which would replace the obsolete ones, which have been in use over the years. The President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Victor Eyaro confirmed to THISDAY that NAMA has ordered for new equipment.

“Yes we have obsolete equipment but they are working on it. The new MD has ordered the procurement of new equipment to replace what we have,” Eyaro said.

Captain-Fola-Akinkuotu-Aq

Like most of the facilities and equipment in aviation, these communication equipment are not bought off the shelf; they are ordered and paid for before they are produced, which takes some time.

THISDAY learnt that the equipment is expected to arrive in August and by September, the installation must have been completed and pilots would experience effective communication system in the airspace.

Besides providing safety, which is a very critical factor, NAMA also earns revenue from communicating with over flyers, which are international flights that fly over Nigeria’s airspace. As they fly over Nigeria, they demand weather report update, guidance in terms of altitude and other necessary information that guides pilots in their flight. These services are paid for in foreign currency and NAMA generates high percentage of its revenue from over flyers. So with effective communication, NAMA is bound to generate more revenues.

THISDAY learnt that in the past when communication in Nigeria’s airspace was very poor, international flights used to avoid Nigeria’s airspace and Ghana and Niger were earning the revenues from such international flights.

On manpower development and training, an informed source in the agency told THISDAY that the major challenge facing manpower development in NAMA and other agencies is that workers who had retired want to be re-engaged. The source said that most earnings in the agencies are spent on recurrent expenditure, which is mainly salaries but government expect that substantial part of the revenue is spent on projects.

“Retired workers want to be re-engaged. Most aviation agencies spent their income on recurrent expenditure; not on capital projects, but government expects you to devote high percentage of your income on capital projects. Retired ones don’t want to go, so how do you recruit the young ones when people who are 65 years said they are not tired?” the source asked.

So the recurrent training and employment of new workers to boost manpower in AFTN and AIS departments of NAMA is dependent on income and the ability of the management to send home those who are retired but who continue to nibble at the revenue of the agency through reengagement and refusal to quit the organisation.

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Aviation Sector Stable amidst Challenges Although Nigerian airlines faced daunting challenges in the last two years of Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, there was some measure of stability in the sector despite the hiccups, writes Chinedu Eze this because I don’t know any other way we can go about it. That is the only way to go because government does not have the resources to continue to invest in these airports. We want to make sure that all the things at the Abuja airport are fixed and the airport returns to normal operation.

However, I think that the ultimate end and solution to all of these is the concession of these airports. I have maintained this. It is the only solution, I don’t know any other way we can do it because government no longer have the resources to continue to invest in these airports,” Sirika said.

However, many industry observers are sceptical about the actualisation of these goals, as no concrete action has been taken two years into the four years administration.

There were two key incidents that defined the aviation sector in the last two years. One was the protracted scarcity of aviation fuel, known as Jet A1, which price rose as high as N280.00 per litre and the second was the resurfacing of the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which forced the relocation of air operations in the capital city to Kaduna airport for six weeks.

While the rehabilitation of Abuja airport runway was a big plus for the Buhari administration; it received heavy knocks for the scarcity and high cost of aviation fuel.

But beyond what the administration could do or could not do, the domestic airlines lost over N2.3 billion during the peak Christmas season last year when hundreds of flights were cancelled at different airports in the country due to harmattan haze.

Forex Scarcity The high price of aviation fuel was caused by the low value of the naira. As the dollar began to rise in value against the naira, prices of imported goods and services spiralled. This was what caused the scarcity and high price of aviation fuel. Marketers faced difficulty sources foreign exchange at lower price below the parallel market price to import the product.

The airlines faced further challenges because they could not source the scarce dollar to import spares, send their pilots to simulator training overseas and even take their aircraft overseas for routine maintenance checks.

But after a long outcry by the airlines to the federal government to give them access to FX, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) created a special window for them and manufacturing concerns to access FX. But the modalities were still cumbersome and the airlines could not withstand the long wait as airline business is critical about time. An aircraft engine that suffered bird strike cannot wait for three months before the engine could be replaced and for the aircraft to become airborne again. The airline would suffer heavy financial losses and may not be able to meet its flight schedules and financial obligations when one aircraft is left as aircraft on ground (AOG).

In late 2016, the Managing Director and CEO of Medview Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole summed the CBN policy on FX to the airlines thus: “The CBN came out with a design which they call future, forward, spot; what it means is that you put your money for the next two months, three months, four months and you will be given allocation. In doing that you commit all your operational cash so everything has to cease until that two months; that is what it means.

But we are hoping that things will improve.

So when you look at the business of aviation it is all in dollars and I believe we are now looking at government to tell them what to do.

Somebody right there needs to advise them to see aviation as a priority.”

Things really improved by 2017, when government began to supply dollars to ease the tension on the naira. But the airlines still faced problem sourcing the dollar at a good price.

Abuja Airport When in March the federal government closed the nation’s busiest airport, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for the repair of its runway, which had become a death trap, many Nigerians were not happy about it because they believed that there could be an alternative to closing the airport, as examples began to emanate where airport runways were rehabilitated while they were still in service.

The closure of the airport led to loss of economic activities in the Federal Capital Territory but the runway rehabilitation saved lives and improved the safety of flight operations to the capital city. Above all, what made the rehabilitation of the runway memorable was the fact that government delivered as promised. The Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika kept to his promise and etched his promise that he would

Questionable Appointments The appointment of new directors for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), early this year, had been greeted with severe criticism by the labour unions.

The unions excoriated government for appointing outsiders without experience to do jobs that would be effectively done some people in the industry who have better experience and knowledge of the sector.

But the government was earlier commended for appointing professionals in the industry to head the aviation agencies, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), the College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

Minister of State for Aviation, Sirika

resign his job if the airport was not reopened at the targeted date in the memory of many Nigerians. The airport was closed on March 8 and reopened officially on April 19, 2017.

To prepare Kaduna airport as an alternative to Abuja for the six weeks the closure of the later would last, government had to upgrade many facilities at Kaduna airport at huge costs.

That became a win-win situation because the obsolete facilities at the airport and uncompleted passenger terminal, which the six weeks relocation of Abuja flight operations facilitated their completion, was akin to killing two birds with one stone.

“It is no longer news that the federal government made considerable financial provision to ensure that the Kaduna airport was adequately prepared to play this alternate role including the provision of adequate aids and other relevant infrastructure that the airport did not have. The Minister of State, Aviation, who has been in the forefront of driving this difficult transition, met with initial challenges associated with the movement, but one after another, those challenges were dealt with appropriately in the last four weeks,” said an official of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Airport Terminals In the last two years, the federal government has continued to work on the new terminals, which were started under the past administration, at the five international airports in the country, including Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Enugu and some of them are over 80 percent completed. In fact, almost all of them would be made operational before end of this year.

The government also introduced a policy mandating Aviation Security (AVSEC) of FAAN to carry arms in order to improve security at the airports. It also reinforced the policy on waiver of Customs duties on aircraft parts and efforts are being made to cut down the prices

of aviation fuel despite the fact that the product is still being imported.

Arik Take Over The major upheaval that has taken place in the aviation industry in the last two years was the takeover of Arik Air by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) for its failure to service its debts. Since after the takeover, the new management of the airline seems to be at crossroads about how to turn the airline around amid the challenges of paucity of funds and low passenger traffic occasioned by the current recession. The workers are also in a dilemma about tomorrow, while government is yet to make definite pronouncement on the future of the airline.

But the new management of the airline has brought back some of the aircraft in the fleet on AOG to operations, just as the workers who feared at the beginning of the takeover have continued to retain their jobs.

Airports Concessions There are three cardinal things this government said it would achieve in aviation in the four-year tenure. One is establishing a national carrier; two is building Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and the third is concession major airports.In the last two years, none of these set objectives had been accomplished. However, the government has initiated steps to actualise them through the establishment of transaction advisers. But government explained that the airports would remain underperforming with obsolete facilities until the private sector injects and modernises these airports.

The Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Sirika recently noted that concession might be the only choice government has now to modernise nation’s airports.

“I think the ultimate solution to all of these is to concession these airports. I have maintained

Funding Challenges Reviewing the two years of the Buhari administration, a former Commandant of the Lagos airport and the Secretary of Aviation Round Table (ART), Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd) said: “It has opened the decays and the decadence in the sector which for too long have been shielded from the public view.

We have come to know that a lot of the private operators have been living on bank loans and government intervention funds yet they remained in acute debts to the services providers. They get concession on Customs duties on aircraft importation and spares and on foreign exchange rate, yet they are indebted to banks, insurance, staff salaries in multiple arrears.

“In all these, they sell tickets on cash basis and not on credit; the question to ask is, what do these airlines do with their earnings?”

Ojikutu said in spite of the indebtedness of these airlines to the government services providers, and invariably the low revenue accrued to government, it has been able to sustain operations in the sector, noting that Abuja that accounts for about 35 percent of air and passengers traffic, whose runway that needed to have been repaired seven years ago was repaired within six weeks. Similarly, many navigational aids and runway approach aids that needed calibration and had exceeded their tolerance emergency were calibrated and have been kept serviceable to sustain operations.

Ojikutu however, did not talk about the high charges levelled on the airlines, the lack of airfield lighting in many airports, which force airlines to operate only six hours and the high cost of aviation fuel, but on airport concession he said: “My advice to government on this path is to concession only the non aeronautical facilities and infrastructure such as the passengers and cargo terminal buildings; aircraft aprons, car parks and toll gates. “These have little concerns to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). However, government must retain the aeronautical services and facilities including airport security. Others will include air traffic control and information services, runways and taxiways, perimeter and security fences, emergency and rescue services, etc. These are the concerns of ICAO and these are the State’s obligations to the Chicago convention in all its 19 Annexes.”

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Babalakin: Concession Must Be Done in Accordance with Rule of Law Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Wale Babalakin reasons that for the private sector to invest in infrastructure in the country through public, private partnerships, the government must be ready to honour its agreements. Babalakin spoke to journalists during the 10th anniversary celebration of Murtala Muhammed Domestic Airport terminal (MMA2) .Chinedu Eze was there. Excerpts: went on appeal dismissed. All the appeals were dismissed. Arik horridly went to the Supreme Court; the case was dismissed in five minutes because as soon as the judges looked at it they said this is a total insult on Nigeria and dismissed it. Since 2012, the same authority has been accumulating this money, which is now N200billion.

Then our lawyers said AMCON (Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria) is a federal government agency and they are owing you (me) so much, approach the court and tell them to give you balance.

So, they went to court and the court ruled that whatever debt they (MMA2) owe should be set off against the credit it has with federal government. We have a net credit in excess of N100 billion which we have not received but they still continue to say we are indebted to AMCON. Based on Nigerian Law, Bi-Courtney owes no dime to AMCON.

One would have thought that it is through dialogue that the issue of the concession agreement between the federal government and BASL would be resolved?

The former President of Nigeria, the late Umaru Yar’Adua presided over the issues concerning the MMA2 concession. All the issues were resolved, minutes of meeting were issued and copied, so as far as dialogue is concerned, we have done the dialogue and will continue to dialogue. We appeal to the media to let those who are in charge to do the needful.

What are the challenges or constraint that you are still facing today as regards regional flight operations from MMA2?

We got approval to conduct regional flight in 2006/2007. We built a place for regional flight and till date you will be surprised that we are still not using up to two-third of the terminal, about one-third is completely idle and a substantial part of it is for regional flight. Two years ago, the federal government signed an agreement for us to commence regional flight immediately but to our shock, we have not been able to commence. We are told that it is between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), that they are stopping us. We are ready, willing and able to commence regional flights. We actually sympathise seriously with the airlines here that use the same planes for local flight and regional flight. When they land at the domestic runway and their next flight is a regional flight, they have to taxi to international burning fuel that no one compensates them for. So, it is up to you, the media to bring this issue out and let the government do what they are supposed to.

What steps do you think the government should take to move infrastructure to the next level in Nigeria?

Concession should be done appropriately and according to the rule of law. You cannot wake up and allocate terminals on a subjective basis to anybody without recognising those who pioneered this issue. But whether this will happen or not, depends very much on how you, the custodian of information sell it to Nigerian public. Let me let you know that anyone who puts money in infrastructure loves Nigeria. Everyone who runs an airline loves Nigeria because if the same amount of money were invested in trading, they will make more than they do today. We need to let the public know that these are men making great sacrifices. I wish you know how much efforts the airline operators need to make to make a margin. I wish you know how big our margins are, that is if there are any margins at all.

Is it possible to expand the share hold base of your company by going public?

We are ready willing and able to expand our share hold base. But when we have a few of you, we then go public but there are no massive returns but if you are committed to it, you can move on.

You claimed that government owes you N200billion debt. Can you throw light on that?

MMA2 was built on a premise which was that all domestic flights from Lagos state must come from airport operated by MMA2. It was signed. In furtherance and in obedience to this provision, as soon as MMA2 was ready, government closed the

I would like to know if you are making profit or not and the level of investment over the last few years?

If government owes you N132 billion and you have to keep the terminal running, pay for electricity all the time, ensure the service providers are paid; it is very difficult to make profit.

Babalakin

GAT completely. One day we woke up and Arik airline began flying from GAT in deterrence of this clear provision of the law.

How lawyers had anticipated this issue so the agreement provides that if there is a need to increase the capacity of MMA2 to accommodate domestic traffic, government hereby guarantees and assures that MMA2 will be the operator.

So, they had anticipated that it was possible that somebody will try to break the law, even if you break that law, the agreement is the all revenues must come to us. When this

MMA2 was built on a premise which was that all domestic flights from Lagos state must come from airport operated

by MMA2. It was signed. In furtherance and in obedience to this provision, as soon as MMA2 was ready, government closed the GAT completely

happened, we complained. We now went into arbitration; this arbitration was by the federal government. The Attorney General of the federation set up an arbitration panel of three members from Bi-Courtney and three members of the federal government. The arbitration unanimously was all in favour of Bi-Courtney stating that one, the concession is for 36 years; two all revenues from domestic traffic is for Bi-Courtney; three, general aviation terminal in its entirety belongs to Bi-Courtney and four if there is deviate person operating from GAT, he should pay directly to MMA2.

This was the tribunal set up by the federal government. We had no choice than to go to the court, when this persisted. My first action was dialogue because in 2009, the court ruled that the development going to GAT is an embarrassment to Nigeria as it violates every principle of the Nigerian law.

Those who felt they could ignore it, ignored, then we approached the court presenting a case for damages. After considering all the submissions, the court awarded us N132billion damages in 2012, which remains unpaid till date.

Furthermore everybody went on appeal. Federal government went on appeal dismissed, Arik went on appeal dismissed, FAAN went on appeal dismissed, NUATE (the National Union of Air Transport Employees) went on appeal dismissed, ATSSAN (Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association)

What do you think will be the right ways to approach concession?

Let us be frank, government cannot develop infrastructure. The number of challenges we have, makes infrastructure development something we should give to private sector.

We are still at the stage where there are no proper health care. We are still at the stage where power is a challenge, where education is an issue, where so many things require the government’s input. What we need to do is to give it to private sector but the private sector operates when there is rule of law and where there is pursuit of justice. When you bring another airline give him billions of naira to function, have you not been unfair to Medview Airlines? Has it not been unfair to Dana airline? Those who have been there from the start? If you give them the support, they will be great airlines that will be the envy to airlines in the whole of Africa.

You can wake up today and say because you have the money, you say you are building a big airline; you will now be using government money to compete with innocent people, the way GAT has been competing with us with government’s money. We have to labour, sweat, beg, they have the enormous resources. Let the concession be done in accordance to the rule of law. If this is done, the 22 airports can be turned around completely in less than three years.

But if it is going to be done with man know man mentally, we will not develop.

What does the lack of respect of the rule of law portend?

Bi-Courtney has tried. I was delivering a lecture after one of the panelist made a statement. He said Donald Trump, with all his might as President of United States bind all the wanted to. One federal high court told him it was unconstitutional and that was it. Within five minutes all the airports in America obeyed it, waiting for an appeal. He went to the court of appeal and lost again.

Do you know the power of the President of America? Enhance our judiciary properly and obey the rule of law.

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Maritime Sector: Still Doom and Gloom Eromosele Abiodun writes that despite the creditable performance of the NPA and NIMASA in the last two years of the administration, unfavourable government policies and low patronage resulted in the exit of 20 shipping firms from Nigeria, resulting in thousands of job losses There was a time when all players in the maritime sector were smiling to the bank. The numbers on all fronts were looking up and good despite the many challenges in the sector. It was the time when dockworkers, customs agents, and terminal operators had so much to do and they thought the trend would continue.

Their optimism was even higher when President Muhammadu Buhari became Nigeria’s president two years ago following his promise of change and reform. While it must be said that some agencies, like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Security and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have performed creditably well, the federal government has failed in many respects.

While all the ills in the maritime sector cannot be blamed on the Buhari’s administration alone, the administration has, with a few bad policies, left the maritime sector worse than it met it. For instance, a recent report by top global accounting and audit firm, Deloitte revealed that Terminal Handling Charges (THC), which is the main revenue stream of terminal operators, declined by 22.4 per cent between 2006 and 2016 as a result of depreciation of the naira and rising inflation.

The report revealed that at the beginning of port concession in 2006, THC collected by the operators stood at $232 per TEU but declined to $180 per TEU by 2016.

According to Deloitte, “The THC is the main source of revenue for the terminal operators.

This is the payment received from transferring cargo from ship/quay side to the yard for release to clearing agents/customers.”

The report titled, ‘Public Private Partnership (PPP) as an anchor for diversifying the Nigeria economy: Lagos Container Terminals Concession as a Case Study,’ noted that during the same period between 2006 and 2016, the terminal operators business was adversely impacted by the rise in Consumer Price Index (CPI)/Inflation, with the CPI Nigeria rising to over 177 per cent since 2006. It said foreign exchange (FX) fluctuation also impacted the value of the THC with over 224 per cent FX depreciation between 2006 and 2016.

According to the report, which was released

by Deloitte Nigeria’s Director of Strategy and Operations, Bola Asiru, Senior Manager, Oladotun Bamigbetan and two others, stated that if the terminal operators were to adjust the THC yearly in line with changes in foreign exchange and Nigerian CPI, the rate should have increased to N185,112 per TEU. “In real economic terms, the operators are losing revenue by not adjusting their THC in line with market realities, ”Deloitte stated.

The firm said the FX challenges that Nigeria faces as a result of the fall in global oil prices is further pronounced for terminal operators as a large part of their (capital expenditure(capex) and operational costs are in US Dollars. It said the operators’ dollar denominated costs includes equipment acquisition and maintenance costs and payment of lease fees to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

“Eighty three per cent of Terminal Operators revenues are received in Naira, 17 per cent is received in US dollars. Terminal Operators have to constantly source for US Dollars through the parallel market at very high rates in order to meet their statutory and operational cost obligations,” the firm said.

The firm further stated that terminal operators face huge challenges in the area of storage as the terminals are used as “cheap storage warehouse alternatives” by cargo owners.

“The current policy provides for a free three days storage after which a charge of N900 is applied per day and regulated by the NPA. Importers take advantage of the low storage charges offered by the terminal operators to store their imported goods at the terminal as opposed to offsite warehousing facilities that charge as much as N60,000 per day. This leads to congestion at the terminal and hinders the productivity and storage capacity of the terminal,”

the report added.

Deloitte further stated that during the 10-year period under review, terminal operators made huge investments on the acquisition of modern cargo handling equipment; development of port infrastructure such as buildings, quays and storage yard; lighting; automated tracking system; trainings and supply of electricity.

Shipping Companies Desert Nigeria Before the Deloitte report was released, 20 shipping firms had left Nigeria over low business and intense hardship imposed by poor government policies. Also, 1000 maritime workers lost their jobs with Maersk, the leading operator in the sector, reducing crew by 400.

In the same vein, dockworkers have continued to groan under threats of $7 billion cash call and deficient import policies This is just as Dockworkers Union of Nigeria (DUN) lamented that over 3,000 workers have already been laid off by various shipping companies, terminal operators and logistic companies, owing to lack of financing and poor import policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The workers also blamed the massive retrenchment on the inability of the federal government to meet its joint venture obligation with the international oil companies which are major partners with the marine logistic companies.

Some of the companies that have already left the country are: Mitsui O.S.K Line; Nippon Yusen Kasha; Taiwan’s Evergreen Line; Messina Line; Hapag-Lloyd and Gold Star Line (GSL).

They were forced to withdraw from the West Africa route due to growing losses as a result of declining volumes.

At a recent news conference in Lagos, former President, Dockworkers Union of Nigeria (DUN), Anthony Emmanuel Nted, bemoaned the poor state of the ports, terminal and work environment in the maritime industry.

Nted revealed that about 20 shipping firms have left the shore of the country because of low traffic occasioned by government importation policy. According to him, Nigeria as an import-dependent country cannot suddenly ban the importation of the principal goods being generally consumed in the country.

“Hence, the current government policy on importation though with the best intention seems to be wreaking more havoc on the economy and ought to be reviewed urgently,” he said.

He, therefore, urged the federal government to review the ban on the importation of rice, wheat, vehicle spare parts and industrial machinery until the nation is able to produce for local

consumption. He added that the failure to do this would encourage smuggling, diversion of ships to neighbouring countries, idle ports, retrenchment of workers, unemployment and general loss of revenue to government.

According to him, some of the employers of Intels and other logistic companies, which render services to the IOCs are being faced with financial challenges and therefore forced to retrench workers.

Non-payment of Cash Calls Nted said: “The non-payment of cash calls by government to these oil companies as per their joint venture agreements has been a major setback to the funding of the service of our employers (the logistic companies) and consequently responsible for the massive retrenchment of our members.”

He decried the alleged moves by the NPA to sack a section of dockworkers, tally clerks and onboard security men.

He also lamented that the volume of vehicles imported into the country through ports has collapsed to an all-time-low, with the consequent loss of thousands of jobs in the industry.

This was attributed to the duty regime introduced since 2014 and the implication of the new exchange rate for duty calculation, which has made the importation of cars and trucks too expensive.

“In the last two years the number of vehicles in Nigeria has shrunk by almost two-thirds, while the volume of cars smuggled through Cotonou continued unabated,” he said.

Also, the Maersk Supply Service, a part of Danish shipping and offshore energy conglomerate Maersk Group, has since adopted austerity measures as it moves to reduce its Offshore Supply Ship Vessel (OSV) fleet by 20 in the next 18 months, even as it plans to reduce its crew pool by 400 offshore positions.

The company said that the divestment plan was a response to vessels in lay-up, limited trading opportunities and the global over-supply of offshore supply vessels in the industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of Maersk Supply Service, Jorn Madsen, said: “We are facing unprecedented market conditions, and regrettably we have to further adjust our crew pool. It is an unfortunate, but necessary step to safeguard the future of our company”.

He said: “One of Maersk Supply Service’s prime objectives is to attempt to restore the supply demand balance in the offshore supply market. This is why the vast majority of the divested vessels will be recycled or modified

by their new owners to compete outside their present segments.”

Madsen said as a consequence of the fleet reduction and the flagging of existing project vessels to the Isle of Man registry, around 400 crew members would be made redundant as a “necessary step to safeguard the future” of Maersk Supply Service.

“The decision was taken in an attempt to improve the efficiency of the company and to stabilise the liquidity and cash flows. The redundancy process is expected to be completed by the end of September 2016,”he stated.

Deplorable Port Access Road While all stakeholders in the maritime sector are struggling with the challenging operating environment, licensed customs agents and amalgamation of trucking associations, shut down operations at Lagos ports two weeks ago to protest the failed port access road, which has hampered operations at the Apapa port.

The associations were also protesting arbitrary charges and alleged extortions by some operators.

The shut-down prompted the Managing Director of the NPA, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), to pay an unscheduled visit to the Tin-Can Island port to placate the protesters. Bala-Usman had appealed to them to go back to work while she met with other stakeholders in the maritime industry and leadership of the protesting groups with a view to finding a lasting solution to their grievances.

She assured them that the Authority would take over the construction of the failed portions of the access roads even though it is not the responsibility of NPA. The NPD boss however noted that the full construction of the road which includes proving full utility provision of drainage among others was placed at N4.3 billion, but promised the stakeholders that their demands shall be forwarded to the presidential committee on ease of doing business.

However, the stakeholders were not pleased with the NPA boss’ assurances. They demanded that immediate and concrete steps be taken to embark on palliative measures on the roads.

Situations at the various ports in Lagos showed that all cargo delivery processes were put on hold pending the outcome of the meeting between the protesters and representatives of government.

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Tin-can Customs Command, Mr. Uche Ejieseme, told THISDAY that Customs officers were waiting to attend to agents.

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30/COVER

02.06.2017

Parenting in the 21st Century Parenting has changed completely from what it used to be in the past, most especially as more women are taking up time-consuming careers and going into business. This makes parenting in the 21st century much more challenging. Mindful of this, a group of mothers came together to chart a way forward at a recent forum in Lagos organised by La Pax Nigeria, a global project management company, headed by Emem Nwogwugwu, a certified project manager and international speaker. Mary Ekah who covered the event, reports Obviously, children are growing up in a world utterly different from the world we used to know and a world that is changing even more.

Regrettably, today’s mothers are often burdened with commitments to work, family, household, and social life, activities which make it difficult to find the right balance in bringing up a child.

However, the most important thing, as discussed at the forum put together by Emem Nwogwugwu, the Project Manager of La Pax Nigeria, is that regardless of the type of career mothers are engaged in, they should instil positive messages in their children. Tagged, ‘Let’s Chat Moms’, it was basically a forum created to afford young and hardworking mothers of the 21st century an opportunity to discuss and learn how to teach the next generation exceptional values. Therefore, the deliberations at the forum focused basically on thought-provoking topics like: Role of the 21st Century Mom, Managing Challenged Children and How to Develop Interpersonal Skills with your Child.

The brain behind the concept, Nwogwugwu, who explained that ‘Let’s Chat’ is an interactive initiative founded by her to discuss different topics, made it clear at the beginning of the deliberations that the meeting was not to find faults in the ways young mothers of today bring up their children but, rather, it was to share knowledge, encourage and help one another on the best way to nurture and bring up the next generation of people She said: “Our insecurities are not supposed to hold us down but should be a source of motivation to break through those strong holds.

When we know better, we do better. In spite of what women go through on their parenting journey we can rise up and bring up excellent humans, who will identify their gifts through our love and guidance to make their world a better place.

“We know better not to allow our kids speak rudely to our domestic workers and people in general, but they watch us closely. They will do what we do, not only what we say. We know better to teach them the act of giving at an early age. We are not coming to raise perfect kids. There is no such thing as perfect human beings. We want kids who have empathy and a sense of responsibility in their lives and their environment. We want kids who will own their actions and be responsible for their decisions in life, people who understand consequences and benefits, people who have a balanced way of thinking.

“We are here because of love. The world needs love. Despite the parental competition in the world, we are hoping to bring up balanced confident and loving people who will be faithful leaders of tomorrow, who will shine their lights in areas where there is darkness and kids who will learn how to forgive because they will need that on their interpersonal relationship journey now and in the future. We want to be better, we want to network with like minds to reach a common global goal of raising excellent examples in all aspects of life, now and in the future.”

Parenting in the 21st century is much more challenging, particularly as the world is changing and we are walking a pathway that is new in many ways. It is needless to say that the decision to become a parent is much easier than the journey itself.

Nwogwugwu, therefore was quick to note that the forum would afford mothers the opportunity to share their experience about parenting, time management, child routine, how to manage support structure, who is a mother, the role of the 21st century mother in today’s world to make our kids better human being.

“I also thought this was a good opportunity to launch my company La Pax Nigeria, a global project management company where we provide project support through planning

A mother sharing her personal experience and challenges

L-R, Inegbinedion, Nwogwugwu and another mother, listening with rapt attention to one of the speakers at the forum

Inegbinedion addressing mothers at the forum

of different projects in different industries,” she said. “We also do events management, business and personal advisory; we also do training for companies and brands.”

Nwogwugwu, who has been a career woman and also a mother for a while, noted that what particularly inspired her to come up with the forum for mothers was her own very tasking experience as mother and career woman. “I

had to reach out to other mothers on social media, my sister in-law, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu and other family members and who gave me good advice and have been very supportive,” she said. “So I felt that if more women had good support structures they would learn better and also know that they are not alone in this journey but that they can get advice and encouragement from other mothers. So the

whole idea came up from all the experiences I have had as a mom.”

Other mothers who also made inputs at the forum were of the view that children are special gifts and each child has a talent and how it is harnessed is entirely dependent on the parent, whether the child is physically challenged or not. They explained further that there was a window of between 0-3 years and 3-6 years and that these periods were when the core values and foundations are built in children, as it was also the periods that are easiest to assist with any developmental challenges a child may have.

The mothers particularly stressed on the fact that parents should examine what kind of parents they were, which will help also in determining how they can relate with their children and confront difficulties they may exhibit, adding that parenting style also has a huge influence on how a child behaves or confronts different situations.

Proprietress, Arcadia Montessori School, Victoria Island, Lagos, Mrs. Enimien Inegbinedion who spoke at length, first explained why she chose to be part of the event.

“I’m very interested in mothers learning about parenting, chatting and having conversations on how to bring up children and learning from one another.

So I found it very interesting when Nwogwugwu invited me to talk to some of these mothers and share ideas on how to bring up the next generation.

For me, it is more interesting because I have that background knowledge on child's development so I decided to be part of this forum.”

She explained that a lot of mothers need to know the things that are required to give their children holistic upbringings, adding that many mothers were not aware of the background information that comes with child development and the different stages that children go through.

Speaking on the topics, ‘Developing Interpersonal Skills with Children’ and ‘Discipline and Home Schooling’, Inegbinedion explained that children need to learn how to communicate with their peers and the world around them.

“They need to learn about conflict resolution, how to manage their anger and other things that they need to deal with people in the world basically because in these days and age, it is not enough to learn just ABC, if you don't have good inter-personal skills you can't even work anywhere,” she said.

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02.06.2017

A cross section of participants at the event

“You need to be able to relate with people and that is far more important than the ABC. For example, when you go for an interview, they are not only going to ask you about your technical knowledge. They would also want to know if you are going to fit into the team or whether you would be one of those that will bring the company’s culture down because you are just such a terrible person who is always fighting and antagonising others.

So interpersonal skills are very important for children and you need to start teaching them when they are really young – how to interact with their friends, how to share, how to be nice to one another and how to have empathy,” she added.

On disciplining your child, she said, “It is very important that parents learn how to maintain discipline in their children and the next generation.

“The way we discipline the next generation is probably not the same way our own parents disciplined us but we still need to learn how to live ordered and structured lives and also how to choose between good against evil. A lot of time we expect children to have certain knowledge that they do not have. For example, we expect a one year and two years old child to share their things with others, but in reality, at that age, it is too difficult for them to share because it is not in their make up yet. They start sharing at age three. So we need to know at what age a child is expected to do certain things that are expected of them so that we do not start beating them unnecessarily thinking that they do certain things deliberately.”

She stressed further that parents need to be sure that a child has enough tasks to engage in so that he/she does not get involved in vices, noting that when children are idle they tend to become destructive.

Inegbinedion, who also spoke on ‘Home Schooling’, noted that Nigerians are still not conversant with the concept. She explained that Home Schooling is when parents take full responsibility of teaching their children at home. “Here, parents don’t send their children to formal schools till a certain stage. They are interested in being part of their children’s education and actually educating the children themselves at home till they are ready to

Mothers taking a selfie after the deliberations

take the eternal exams or till they get to the university stage. In America and England, there are curriculum for home schooling but in Nigeria home schooling is just picking up, but we just need to set structures in place and may be those home schooling in Nigeria should come together and create a Nigeria Home Schooling curriculum. But it is important that parents who home-school their children also make sure that the children are gaining the interpersonal skills that we mentioned earlier to actually meet up with other children and also the outside world.”

Inegbinedion, who has been a mother for four years, admitted that it is not easy to be a mother and a career woman at the same time in the 21st century. “It’s been the grace of God to balance these things,” she said. “I just take it one day at a time and most importantly, I have a schedule I work with, because if you don’t have a schedule you would just be floundering in the wind. I structure myself

in a way that I am able to do everything that I need to do each day. It is a matter of time management and that is a skill as well, which I had to go and learn myself. Once you are able to manage your time, you would be able to get a lot more done. And a lot of times, it entails creating goals and for me, I have long and short terms goals I create for myself. Once you have a plan for anything you are able to achieve it and that is what I do.”

The Arcadia Montessori School, she said, is where children between the ages of 0 to 5 are groomed for primary schools. “Montessori education is very important to me because it teaches children independence and independence is something that we really need for our children because with that children are able to think for themselves, they are able to think creatively and they are able to think practically as well,” she said. “When they have independence, they are not going to wait for people to help them do things always but can do things themselves

and this gives them a lot of confidence and self-esteem and for me that is the most important thing that a child needs to have so that as they grow up to adulthood, they would still maintain that self-esteem and confidence to do whatever they want to and also to face the world and conquer it.”

For mothers at the event, Inegbinedion urged that their take home message should be for them to know that every child is different and parents should learn to know who their children are. “You can’t use the same experience from another child’s life to bring up the other child,” she said, “and at different ages a child is different, so there are some things that they should know and also not know at certain age, so that you don't keep punishing them for what is not their fault. So know what your child is capable of at different stages of his/her development, so that in that way, you can help your child develop into whom he/ she should be.”

33/ NEWS

02.06.2017

Ondo First Lady Celebrates Children’s Day Provides free medical check-up for 1000 children

Catholic Women Get Free Gas Cylinders

Mary Ekah The wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu –Akeredolu played host to over 1000 children at a colourful event held at the Government House to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration.

Top among the callers at the event was the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his Deputy, Barr.

Agboola Ajayi and his wife, Mrs. Ajewole Ajayi. Mrs. Akeredolu, while declaring the event open, observed that the event was organised to celebrate the good children of Ondo State.

“All the good children of Ondo State being represented here – this is my little way of marking today for you. We are here to make sure that you are okay. We are here to make sure you develop and grow up to be responsible citizens. Akeredolu also went round the medical stands to observe the medical team conduct dental checks, body weight and measurement checks as well as administration of drugs on the children.

In a chat with newsmen, the Head of the Medical team, Dr. Falana Olumide observed that the goal of the medical check was to ensure that the children enjoy medical intervention while also enjoying themselves.

Catholic Women receiving cylinders during the event

Ondo First Lady at the children's medical outreach

“It is the Children’s Day celebration and Her Excellency decided to celebrate with the children and as part of what she organised for this occasion is the medical check which consists of a medical team that would look into the various health challenges of the children. “We have the Paediatric and Dental team on ground.

While the Dental team is conducting dental checks and intervention where necessary, the Paediatricians are looking into common

ailments.” The climax of the event was the cutting of the cake while children had lots of food and enjoyed among other things dancing competition, children’s varieties where lots of prizes were won. One of the parents at the event, Mrs. Muyiwa Balogun, used the opportunity to thank the First Lady for the gesture, noting that the children had fun and would always remember the day because of the gifts showered on them.

Chigul Dazzles in Banana Island Ghost On the heels of the movie teaser of Chigul’s (Chioma Omeruah) hilarious prayer for ‘Sumtin BIG’ that went viral a few weeks ago, Bam-Nemsia Pictures recently released the first official trailer of its highly anticipated movie, Banana Island Ghost (B.I.G), written and directed by BB Sasore. The movie trailer was unveiled at the iMax Cinemas in Lekki, Lagos, to a very eager press audience, media practitioners and industry enthusiasts who all hailed the trailer as “the best from Nollywood yet!”

In the movie, Chioma "Chigul" Omeruah, as Ijeoma Chigul, takes on her first leading role with a bang. Playing the boisterous Ijeoma, a down-on-her-luck woman with a big heart, she brings the expected laughs that she is known for but she also takes on incredible physical stunts in the action sequences. In the trailer, the cantankerous firecracker, Ijeoma (Chioma Omeruah) wakes up to find a Ghost (Patrick Diabuah) next to her. He has three days to fall in love and she will do anything to save her father’s house in Banana Island from the bank coming to reclaim it in three days.

This exceptional sneak peek guarantees an action packed and comedy filled viewing

Banana Island Ghost cast, Lala Akindoju, Patrick Diabuah, and Chioma Omeruah

experience when it is released in theatres on August 4, 2017.

Commenting on the trailer release, Biola Alabi, Executive Producer of the movie, said: “Banana Island Ghost is unprecedented in many regards, and we believe that this trailer will excite viewers, across Nigeria and beyond, to look forward to a rib cracking experience when the movie hits the cinema screens in August.”

The movie also features international Superstar Tomiwa Edun, and stars several Nollywood heavyweights including, Uche Jombo, Saheed Balogun, Ali Nuhu, Bimbo Manuel, Damilola Adegbite, Lala Akindoju and Dorcas Fapson.

Banana Island Ghost (B.I.G), is the first from a slate of five films by BAM-NEMSIA Pictures, a co-production partnership between Biola Alabi Media (BAM) and Nemsia Films - headed by BB Sasore and Derin Adeyokunnu. The two companies are combining their creative capabilities and wealth of experience to produce a slate of five ground-breaking films set to redefine Nollywood. BAM-Nemsia has also brought on strategic partners and sponsors for this project; Dr. Ayo Osunrinade, Michael Ugwu, the founder of FreeMe Digital, Adenike Adekanbi of HTB Entertainment Studios, Mr. Niyi Toluwalope and Basheer Tosin Ashafa of Tri-Equity Capital who are all Co-Executive Producers. Lipton, Sunlight Dishwasher, Coldstone Creamery, HelathPlus Pharmacy and Kilimanjaro Restaurants are all sponsors of the movie. The movie was co-produced by Tolu Olusoga, Head of Productions at Biola Alabi Media (BAM).

Honeywell Marks Children Day with Orphans Donation of products and cash worth over a million naira to orphanage homes in Lagos and Ogun States was the hallmark of activities, at the weekend, by Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, as part of programmes to mark this year’s Children Day celebration.

The foremost producer of wheat based products also described the gesture as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, even as it restated its commitment to positively impact on humanity by giving back to the society through effective CSR activities. Managing Director, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, who stated this during a visit to the Homes noted that Honeywell Flour Mills will continue to support good cause in the society especially those that have direct impact on human development.

Honeywell, according to him, will continue to seize opportunities to make its impact felt in the society, listing such opportunities to include support provided through sporting events, entrepreneurship programmes, vulnerable groups, etc. “It is our own way of adding value to the people that we believe should have needs within the society, and our own way to alleviate poverty, suffering in the land,” he said.

Among beneficiaries of the latest gestures are the SOS Village, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Little Saints Orphanage and Bethesda Home for the Blind, in Lagos where the company

L-R: Head Girl, Bethesda Home for the Blind, Miss Faith Ihediwa; Home Tutor, Mr. Felix Ikpeameze; Brand Manager, Ball Foods, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mrs. Seyi John-Okoh; Media Manager, Mrs. Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho; and Head Boy, Bethesda Home for the Blind, Master Chizoba Orji, during Children’s Day courtesy visit and donations to the Home

donated its products and cash. Jaiyeola, represented by Brand Manager, Ball Foods, Mrs. Seyi John-Okoh, said “every good organisation should have a corporate social responsibility on its objectives because we cannot do anything without the people we are serving. Everything is not just about buying our products, we should also be seeing to be improving the welfare of the

people we are serving. We should be giving back to the community and there are so many ways we have been doing that.”

He added: “In Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, we believe in giving back to the society we live in, giving back in our little way, to support the less privileged and needy in our society, that is in line with our own corporate social responsibility goals and objectives."

More than 20 people have benefitted from free gas cylinders distribution and safety awareness programme organised for low income members of the Catholic Women Association of Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Lekki area of Lagos.

This was made possible through the collaboration of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI and Gas Terminalling and Distribution Limited.

The company’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager, Michael Olajide emphasised the benefits of using clean fuels like LPG for cooking and how to safely use LPG cylinders in a better way to prevent any undue accident. Beneficiaries went home with filled cylinders alongside accessories like the mesh, regulator and the cooker ring.

Managing Director of Gas Terminalling and Distribution, Felix Ekundayo said the gesture to the association is a way of encouraging low-income earners to switch to using cleaner and cost effective fuels like LPG. The 25 beneficiaries were happy with the cylinder set and expressed gratitude to the company for providing them with a better way of cooking and also asked for a demonstration on how to safely install the cylinders in their homes. They happily stated that they are now aware of the safe usage of LPG cylinders and have been convinced on the advantages of using LPG. The programme is in line with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibilities and to also support the government of Lagos in enhancing a safe State for all its residents

Ambode to Attend NDDIS 2017 Godbless Eduviere Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has joined the list of government officials who will attend the fourth Nigerian Direct Diaspora Investment Summit (NDDIS) in London on July 13 and 14. Put together to help Nigerians in the Diaspora connect with the country and enable them set up their businesses in Nigeria, NDDIS is aimed at mobilising a very resourceful but silent business class. It is also an opportunity to identify potential sources of finance, technology and technical skills that could boost the promotion and stimulation of enterprise and the creation of jobs in Nigeria.

Being organised for the fourth time, NDDIS 2017 is focusing on developing the government's plans to diversify the Nigerian economy and end the dependency on oil. As part of this drive, the likes of Governor Ambode, Senator Lanre Tejuosho and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Special Assistant to President Buhari on Diaspora Affairs have all agreed to address the two-day summit.

NDDIS chairman, Chief Bimbo Afolayan, said: "We are delighted to have had several prominent government functionaries agree to attend. However, we are not relenting in our efforts to attract more and we are expecting at least five state governors, the heads of several parastatals and representatives of the private sector. "Even the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has said he may attend subject to the dictates of his schedule." It is believed that Solid Minerals Minister and former Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi is also considering attending the event to woo investors into the solid minerals sector. About four other governors are also considering making the trip to attend the event and exploit the investment opportunities NDDIS offers. Taking place at the School of Oriental Studies in Central London on July 13 and 14, NDDIS has identified 250 existing Diaspora businesses that will like to set up their models in Nigeria to provide employment. Among those supporting the summit are UK Trade and Investment, the Business Council for Africa, the British African Business Alliance and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

34/LIVING

02.06.2017

African Fashion Week Nigeria Opens Tomorrow at the National Theatre Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN), opens tomorrow, June 3, at the iconic National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. After three successful years at the Eko Hotel, AFW Nigeria has moved its venue to the National Theatre, in a bid to continue to promote and showcase the African culture and heritage to a global audience. According to AFWN founder, Ronke Ademiluyi, the 4th edition of the fashion week will be holding on the 3rd and 4th of June at Nigeria’s iconic National Arts Theatre Lagos, where Africa’s culture was showcased in all its grandeur and splendor 40 years ago when Nigeria hosted the world at the African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77), in staying true to our African heritage.

She stated further that the long term growth of the fashion industry is grounded in developing initiatives to ensure that Nigeria remains in the forefront of creativity, centre of fashion, style and innovation, which is why the best of Africa’s emerging and established fashion talents will be showcasing at this historic monument to reflect the dynamism of African fashion and our roots.

This year's AFWN will feature 56 designers and 40 exhibitors selected from various parts of Nigeria and the African continent. They are all in Lagos to celebrate and showcase

African Fashion Week Nigeria Founder, Ronke Ademiluyi

creativity on a platform that turns creativity into sustainability.

Some of the designers showcasing include Modella, Kola Kuddus, Maufechi, Regalia

by FAL, Blingshiki, Zizi Cardow, Marobuk, Tash by Tasha, Linda Ngwi (Cameroun) Sally Bawa, Alex Akande (Cameroon), Afrikawala (Zambia), Del Africa (Jos), and Eve Design (Senegal).

For this edition AFWN selected fast rising 53 extra presenter, Amira Ibrahim Alfa, as the face of AFWN 2017 and she will be co-hosting the Red Carpet with ‘Derenle Edun of Lip Sync South Africa. Amira was chosen because she’s a model representation of today’s young African woman, who is vibrant, vivacious and unafraid to dream by stepping out of the norm to contribute her quota and make her mark.

AFWN’s strongest pillar of support its development is its grand patron, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and then its chairman, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi who said he is honoured and delighted to be associated with AFWN . They will both be gracing the event with their royal presence. Other dignitaries expected to attend include Princess Abiola Dosunmu Erelu of Lagos, The speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Funmi Tejuoso, Acting Commissioner for Transport Lagos State, members of the diplomatic corps, The Nigerian Export Promotion Council and Executive Management Bank of

Industry.

“Our 2017 focus is on education in the fashion industry and we are currently in the process of developing qualifications in African fashion with the ATHE, supporting the growth of emerging talent into the fashion industry. We believe that for creativity to grow there needs to be a platform that supports and promotes its growth”, Ademiluyi added.

In exploring the multifaceted achievement of Africa fashion globally, the adoption of African fabric and designers’ creativeness into the heart of IKEA (the world’s biggest furniture and homeware store) is an undeniable testament of the untapped potentials of Africa fashion as a catalyst for economic development, bilateral engagement, cultural potency, and intellectual superiority of the African continent. As IKEA’s design manager Marcus Engman stated, “‘the creative explosion which is taking place in several cities around Africa right now is something IKEA is curious about and we want to learn from this and spread it to the rest of the world.

Working together with these designers and creatives gives us the opportunity to do so”.

That is why AFWN will continue to be in the forefront of promoting and nurturing Africa talents to fulfil their potential.

‘Our Goal is to Support African Fashion Industry’ Funke Olaode What does it take to stand out in a saturated market you may ask? Consistency, integrity, not compromising on standard and above all, placing emphasis on quality above quantity. These are the attributes that have stood Nichemtex House of Brands; maker of brands such as Da Viva, Excellence, Nichem VIP, Akosombo Textile House-ATL, Inspirations, Qspice and ABC in a stiff competitive market where piracy is the order of the day. Recently, the Nichemtex House of Brand team, led by its Group Marketing Manager, Mr. Steven Dutton, had an in-house interactive session with journalists at the company’s head office in Lagos.

Going down memory lane, the British-born Dutton took journalists to the brand’s trajectory while he talked about the vision and mission of the brands as well as its readiness for the future.

Without doubt, Da Viva, since its entrance into the Nigerian market has captured the attention of fashionaistas and designers alike because of its quality. ABC Wax, formerly known as English Wax, which has been around for over a century, is also still waxing strong by keeping abreast of the fashion world through innovation. And, of course, Excellence has played its role well in Aso-Ebi arena while Nichem VIP has satisfied its customised customers beyond expectation.

Throwing more light on the purpose of the media chat, Dutton said his company has four things in mind: introduction of his group in Africa, the group’s purpose, key events and

Group Marketing Manager, Da Viva and ABC brand, Steven Dutton

business initiatives and brand news.

He said: “We are currently upgrading our ABC selections for the Nigerian market and the first arrivals of ABC will include classic designs and hand blocked designs (unique to ABC Wax) bearing our new selvedge, designed in England, made-in-Ghana. We also have innovative new ABC product lines for future production schedules.

We are constantly working on improved quality standards for all products and we employ rigorous quality control mechanisms at our wax facility in Ghana.”

While the company is not ready to take things

for granted, Dutton said its well locally trained and knowledgeable staff and sales force will furnish its head office and design centres with consumer feedback.

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) will also see the launch of their latest collection of Da Viva designs showing the constantly improving design handwriting that has made Da Viva the leading fashion brand in Nigeria.

The introduction of Excellence Plus, he said, brings another exciting range of innovative designs with an African touch with influences from wax traditional design styles. “This year will see increased marketing support for Excellence as the leading Aso-Ebi brand and as a fashion brand in its own right. We also plan to expand our export market share with Excellence in Ghana and other destinations in the ECOWAS sub-region. Because we share common goals – our mutual aims to develop the African fashion industry by supporting both established and up-coming designers.

On his company’s move to build a relationship with its customers through its brands, Dutton said they are on the top of the game by using its known brand. “This is a long lasting relationship and a good example of the kind of relationships we intend to build with stakeholders in the Africa fashion industry,” he said.

“It is a great opportunity for Da Viva and ABC Wax to celebrate our brands with our wholesale/ retail distributors and loyal consumers. Our Group objective is to be at the forefront of these developments and to be in a position to meet the increasing expectations of our consumers and

to champion the fashion business in Africa and beyond. Higher consumer expectations make quality of design, production, innovation and service vitally important.

“We aim to build a portfolio of strong African fashion brands through a brand driven, consumer focused, design led and fashion minded approach to our business. With our vertically integrated manufacturing units, our creative design studios and our dedicated distribution networks we are in a unique position to transform our business from being a supplier of quality fabrics into a company that will be increasingly aware of and relevant to the dynamic of the African fashion industry.

“In order to achieve this, we plan to embark on a programme to build long lasting relationships with stakeholders in the African fashion industry and facilitate the creation of a West African fashion system that will help the development of micro-small-medium fashion design enterprises in an ethical manner through skill improvement, education, personal development and growth.

“One of our first initiatives includes the establishment of a new Application Centre with our strategic partner Swarovski, where designers can learn to apply crystal embellishments to fabrics. “We are not resting, just as African fashion is evolving. The change we have seen in the textile industry in the last 50 years in Africa is rapid; there is increase in urbanisation.

Majority of population is under 25 years and more and more are moving into the city and that influences consumers’ lifestyle."

Atlantic Hall Holds 25th Valedictory Service The Atlantic Hall Class of 2017 has ended its secondary school carrier with the annual tradition end of year valedictory service, award and prize giving to the outstanding students.

The event, which took place at the school hall in Poka, Epe, Lagos, featured creative performances of Atlantic Hall students and brought together parents, teachers and stakeholders in education.

The principal of the school Mr. Andrew Jedras charged students to be humble and to carefully reflect about their lives before moving to the next level of education.

According to Jedras, students over the years are now recognising the paradigms shift from the traditional education the old people are conversant with to a new way through innovation, creativity, leadership, perseverance.

He further advised the students to be truthful, trust in God and be determined as to achieve what they want to be come in life.

The principal also noted that students are tracked through an alumni association, which is good for the graduating students as it creates a platform were they will learn

L-R: Principal Atlantic Hall, Mr Andrew Jedras and member Board of trustees , Mrs Bode Thomas giving an award to Valedictorian Chukujama Maya Lotanna In Poka Epe Lagos

from their predecessors.

The Valedictorian Class of 2017 Chukujama Maya Lotanna, said hard work is key to success.

“Everything I did to become the valedictorian is

encompassed in the word 'sacrifice'. I never fed my body what it desired because I knew I'd be towing the path of my worst enemy- procrastination. Although, distractions surrounded me

like air, I had to build an almost impenetrable barrier around myself to repel such because I knew my destination. You see, I had a vision before embarking on this mission so, when things seemed to look blurry, I persevered because that extra push on myself brought me one step closer to my goal.”

According to Maya, diligence helps one to achieve greatness, “I maintained the tempo of my concentration in my studies because I managed to balance my academics with other extra-curricular activities such as sports, socials and choir. Hence, I was given an award as the 'all-rounder' in my final year. In addition , I had a mind of my own, I was not negatively influenced and finally, I never underestimated the power of diligence because I realized it helps one achieve the greatest things in life as it helped me become the valedictorian of Atlantic Hall 2016/2017.”

Expressing delight, the outgoing Head boy of the school, Okoli Chukwudifu Jason, said learning at Atlantic Hall was a very wonderful experience. He said learning at Atlantic Hall was a very wonderful experience.

35 / XTRA

02.06.2017

Buhari

Modest Gains Although the headlines have been dominated by the president’s health and a contracting economy, the Muhammadu Buhari administration Mid-Term Factsheet report paints the picture of an administration striving to make a difference, writes Solomon Elusoji On May 7, President Muhammadu Buhari boarded a flight to London, for medical checkup. This was the second time in 2017 the President would be embarking on such a trip, and public opinion was not good; millions of Nigerians took to social media to express their disappointment at the president’s ailing health, which has disrupted his capacity to govern, a responsibility he was elected for in 2015.

Buhari’s health and the fact that the Nigerian economy is yet to fully recover from last year’s recession, triggered by the decline of global oil prices, has dominated the perception of his administration by the public. But, two years into office, is that all there is?

Recently, the administration released a Mid-Term Factsheet report that tried to summarise its achievements over the past 730 days. The report painted the picture of an administration trying to make a difference amid severe economic and fiscal difficulties, and Nigerians deserve to know about some of them.

According to the report, the number of sub-sectors of the economy experiencing negative growth has almost halved; falling from 29 sub-sectors for the whole of 2016 to 16 in the first quarter of 2017; growth in manufacturing has also returned to positive territory after five quarters of negative growth.

It grew by 1.36 per cent in the first quarter of 2017 after falling to -7.0 per cent in the first quarter 2016.

Equally, the country’s agriculture and solid minerals sectors have also seen improved performance, under this administration, a fact to be celebrated noting the need to diversify from oil related revenues.

Agriculture grew by 4.11 per cent in 2016, while solid minerals recorded a 7 per cent increase. The contribution of the Ministry of Solid Minerals to the Federation Account tripled to about N2 billion in 2016, up from N700m in 2015.

Under previous administrations, government

have been criticised of not saving enough for rainy days, choosing to indiscriminately disburse national wealth. But, even at a time when oil prices are low, Nigeria’s External Reserves have grown by US$7 billion, since October 2016. The Sovereign Wealth Fund also saw inflows of US$500m in 2016 and 2017, the first inflows since the original US$1bn with which the Fund kicked off in 2012; and the Excess Crude Account has seen an inflow of US$87m, in 2017.

To support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the country, the Buhari administration has launched a series of funding and capacity development initiatives such as the new Development Bank of Nigeria, which is finally taking off with initial funding of US$1.3bn provided by the World Bank, German Development Bank, the African Development Bank and Agence Française de Development.

The bank will provide medium and long-term loans to MSMEs. In August 2016, Buhari inaugurated the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, which has since implemented an Ease of Doing Business Reform, a move that is bound to warm the hearts of local and foreign investors who do business in the country.

Now, intending business owners can search for company names on the website of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and upload their registration documents directly to the CAC website. The reform has also eliminated the need for SMEs to hire lawyers to prepare registration documents and has introduced a single form for Company Incorporation to save time and reduce cost.

On rail Infrastructure, the administration is pushing ahead with the revitalisation of Nigeria’s 3,500km network narrow-gauge railway. In March 2017, a consortium led by General Electric, and comprising Transnet of South Africa, APM Terminals of the Netherlands and Sinohydro Consortium of China submitted the sole bid for the concession of the LagosKano Railway narrow-gauge Line. In May

2017 the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the commencement of negotiations with GE to conclude the concession.

In addition, Abuja’s Light Rail system will go into operation (test-run) in 2017. The first line to be launched will connect the city centre with the airport, with a link to the Abuja-Kaduna Railway Line. The test-run will start in November 2017, ahead of full commencement of operations in the first quarter of 2018.

It is also worthy to note that this administration successfully completed the reconstruction of the Abuja Airport runway within the scheduled six-week period (March – April 2017).

On Housing, the administration is scheduled to kick of a new Social Housing Programme, ‘Family Homes Fund’, this year. The fund will take off with a 100 billion Naira provision in the 2017 Budget. The rest of the funding will come from the private sector. According to the Mid-Term Factsheet report, a pilot component to construct the first set of homes for the programme has already kicked off.

Meanwhile, 1.2 trillion naira was released for capital expenditure in the 2016 budget, since implementation started in June 2016.

This is the largest ever capital spend within a single budget year in the history of Nigeria.

This investment has enabled the resumption of work on several stalled projects — road, rail and power projects — across the country.

This administration has also deemed it fit to invest massively in social security, launching the largest and most ambitious social safety net programme in the history of Nigeria – the Social Investment Programme (SIP). Components of the SIP include the N-Power initiative, the Governmeent Enterprise and Empowerment (GEEP) scheme, the Homegrown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) and the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, all of which have kicked off.

One of the most prominent achievements of this administration, however, comes in the area of anti-corruption and transparency.

With the help of the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), a body set up by Buhari to strengthen controls over government finances, more than 50,000 erroneous payroll entries have been identified, with payroll savings of 198 billion naira achieved in 2016.

In May 2016, President Buhari attended and participated in the International AntiCorruption Summit organised by the UK Government. At that summit he pledged that Nigeria would join the OGP, an international transparency, accountability and citizen engagement initiative.

In July 2016, Nigeria became the 70th country to join the OGP. Following this, Nigeria constituted an OGP National Steering Committee (NSC), which went on to develop a National Action Plan (2017–2019) that aims to deepen and mainstream transparency mechanisms and citizens’ engagement in the management of public resources across all sectors.

Meanwhile, the new Whistle-blowing Policy introduced by the Federal Ministry of Finance yielded, within its first two months of operation, $160m and 8 billion naira in recoveries of stolen government funds.

Lastly, it is not presumptuous to conclude that security has improved in the country, especially in the North-east, during Buhari’s administration. Relative normalcy has returned to the region, while more than 12,000 Boko Haram hostages have been freed from Boko Haram captivity, including 106 of the Chibok Girls abducted in April 2014.

The administration has mobilised International Support for the War against Boko Haram, forging strong partnerships with key countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, ECOWAS, the AU, the UN, and others. It has equal revamped the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) comprising troops from Nigeria and Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Benin; this revamp has contributed significantly to the weakening of Boko Haram.

36/COMMUNITY REPORT

02.06.2017

Battling for Supremacy In a classical power play, traditional rulers in Ibeju-Lekki are presently in a feisty tussle to determine superiority and justice, writes Michael Enoette About five years ago, the Onibeju of Ibeju-Land, Oba Salami allegedly imposed one Mufutau Olamiji Sefiu, his former personal assistant, as the Baale of Okegun Odofin Ladeseso, a community he created within Okegun Odofin community that has an existing Baale, Ismaila Ogunkoya, who was also installed by the same Oba Salami on April 1, 2008.

Surprisingly, the Okegun Ladeseso and Okeogun Odofin are just about 500 metres apart. While the former is by the waterfront where serious and massive dredging is ongoing, the latter is by entrance of the community.

Ever since then and till now, there has been nothing like peace between the communities.

However, the unrest took new shape when Ogunkoya, the Baale of Okegun Odofin, got wind of news that the Oba who installed him as Baale is also planning to topple him by making Baale of Ladeseso the Oba of the entire Okegun Odofin and Ladeseso.

According to sources around him, Ogunkoya has put in so much effort into the community, uplifted the face of the community, equipped the community primary school with books and other facilities befitting of a school, installed boreholes and ensured electricity for the community. By the estimation of the elder brother of Baale of Okegun Odofin, Chief Shamsudeen Ogunkoya, Ismaila should be the rightful person to be prepared for the Oba of the community.

“My brother, who is the Baale of this community has a cordial relationship with the Oba and has contributed immensely to the well-being of this community,” Shamsudeen said. “I am surprised that the Oba could plot with certain people to install and force another person against my brother. To the best of my knowledge, if the plot is not checked immediately, the consequences may be disastrous.”

Shamsudeen and the Head of the Ogunkoya family, Alhaji Wasiu Ogunkoya, also pointed fingers at the Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Musiliu Folami, part of the brain behind the disturbances of the peace of the community.

Wasiu said there has not been peace within the community since the Oba imposed the other Baale on them. He wondered why, because to the best of his knowledge, the Okegun Odofin community pays all of its dues to the Oba. “We made several payments to the Onibeju of Ibeju Land whenever any land is sold as a way of paying homage to paramount ruler within the Ibeju Lekki Community,” he said.

He however pleaded with the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to urgently intervene in the crisis before it escalates.

Already, he said the matter has been taken to Lagos State House of Assembly two months ago, where they petitioned against Baale Mufutau Olamiji of Okegun Ladeseso; but he urged the governor to move speedily against the looming danger over the ruling Houses.

On September 5, 2014, the Aladeseso Royal Ruling House, one of the ruling houses in Ibeju Lekki had written a petition addressed to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of Lagos State and complained about the plan to foist Olamiji in a unknown empire within the community.

The petition signed by Prince Alade Ogunlana and Alhaji Taoreed Kazeem, on behalf of the ruling house was copied to the Committee on Chieftaincy Matters of the Lagos State House of Assembly, one Honourable Fatai Mojeed of the Assembly and the Speaker of the House.

In it, the royal house denounced Olamiji, whom they said was not a member of the family of the ruling house. They also held that Aladeseso was a ruling house, not a village with a Baale. Titled ‘Complaint against the representation of one Mufutau Olamiji as the Baale of Okegun-Ladeseso, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos State’, the petitioners were clear that no such village existed in their community.

Rather, they said that Okegun has two villages, Okegun Odofin and Okegun School. They

Oba Salami

Olamiji

wondered where Olamiji and Oba Salami got the Okegun-Ladeseso Village from.

The letter informed and explained in details to the Lagos State Government that the Onibeju of Ibeju-Lekki that Olamiji does not belong to any of the three ruling Houses since the existence of Ibeju Lekki Kingdom.

The three ruling Houses are known as Aladeseso Ruling House, Abejoye ruling House and Oniwolu Ruling House. These ruling Houses, the Ogunkoyas explained, have the right to the throne of the Onibeju of Ibeju-Lekki.

“We therefore inform you that the ongoing actions have unnecessarily charged the entire Aladeseso Descendant Families of the Aladeseso Ruling House of Ibeju-Lekki in the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State and made us bitter and enraged about the affront impersonation of our Family herein, whilst the said Mufutau Olamiji has subjected us to threats and danger to our lives should we further oppose him,” the letter stated.

The letter was received and stamped in the office of the Commissioner on September 15, 2014. The community also resent the same letter of complaint to the current Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Musiliu Folami in a letter dated June 17, 2016. The letter added: “The entire descendants and members of the Aladeseso

ruling House of Ibeju-Lekki resolved that the said Mufutau Olamiji is not a member of our family and that there is no place in the entire Ibeju Lekki Kingdom known as Okegun Ladeseso and that it will be a direct affront on us for someone to impersonate and use our family name to commit fraud.

Hence, we submit that he is not qualified and thus request that the foregoing facts be investigated and the said Olamiji be told to stop parading himself forthwith as the Baale of the so called Okegun Ladeseso.”

They threatened to go to court to seek further redress. The letter was copied to the Permanent Secretary for Chieftaincy Affairs and the Director for Chieftaincy Affairs of Lagos State. It was received in the ministry on June 17, 2016.

They alleged that Oba Salami connived with the commissioner, Folami to recognise Olamiji as the Baale of the said Okegun Ladeseso Village. “We have our papers for the gazette of our community by the Lagos State Government. Ask him who gazetted his own community,” said Shamsudeen, an elder brother of Baale Ogunkoya.

However, Oba Salami has described the Ogunkoya family as those who want to reap where they did not sow. He said that he installed and crowned both Ogunkoya and Olamiji but in separate zones.

He explained that both of them wrote ap-

The water front

plications for an upgrade of their positions, meaning from Baale to Oba. “Again, they both have the right to upgrade to Oba and they have paid the necessary dues. It is also possible for both of them to become Oba in their respective zones. One thing remains certain, I am their father,” he said.

Oba Salami admitted that Olamiji was his PA but also his first cousin. He added that he appointed both: “My kingdom started way far from Abijo, before Ajah till a little far beyond Akodo. My kingdom is almost one quarter of Lagos State, about the biggest,” he said.

Oba Salami revealed that the tussle among them all is on land issue. He alleged that the Ogunkoyas want to take total control of the lands in Ibeju-Lekki and its environ.

“There is actually no problem with us all.

They are the ones who want to Lord themselves over on the people,” he said. Where they are both Baales, the traditional explained that the Okegun is into four parts, which they are just occupying only two parts. The Okegun is just a compound name, according to the traditional ruler.

Going by history, Oba Salami explained that they, the Aladeso, migrated from Benin, Ife land to the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos where they met an existing Oba. According to culture and tradition, there cannot be two Obas in a place; so, they were directed to the Okegun, where Aladeseso began ruling. The traditional ruler explained further that the Odofin was just a chief who was installed

by Aladeseso.

“Ogunkoya was a just chief under the Aladeseso. In fact, their fathers borrowed lands for cassava-peasant farming from us,” he said.

Reacting to the accusation of Land grabbing and selling, the Oba swore that he has never sold a piece of land and that he has never got involved in land issues in his 10 years existence as Onibeju-Lekki. “By December, I will be 10 years on the throne and by the grace of God, I have never sold a parcel of land,” he said.

Meanwhile, Olamiji claimed that it was the Ogunkoyas that were fomenting trouble between the two communities. He said they framed him up, got him arrested and taken to Federal SARS where he was kept underground for several days.

He pointed accusing fingers at the Ogunkoyas and especially the Baale Okegun Odofin of rather being interested in the waterfront that is some minutes away from the Free Trade Zone.

Regarding the issue of how his paper was first approved by the Lagos State Government, he said, “It is the issue of nepotism. It is who you know in government. I did nothing to stop his paper but I actually used whom I know to push forward my paper.”

37/XTRA

02.06.2017

Ugwuanyi Before the Hills In the past infrastructural and strategic development was concentrated in the urban cities, but the Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has adopted a new strategy of taking development to facilitate economic development and also empower the rural dwellers who have suffered neglect over the years, Mark Mbam writes The Holy Bible told us the story about David and Goliath. In Ist Samuel, chapter 17 from verse 1 of the Holy Bible records “Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoha in Judea. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoha AZEKAH. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another with the valley between them.”

A champion named Goliath who was from Hath came out of the Philistines camp. His height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armour of bronze weighing 5000 shekels, on legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weavers rod, and its iron point weighs 600 shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him.

Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servant of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects: but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.”

Then the Philistine said this day I defile the army of Israel, give me a man and let us fight each other. On hearing the Philistine’s word, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.

Now David was the son of an Ephrathite named Jesse, who was from Bethlehem in Judea.

For 40 days the Philistines came forward every morning and evening to take stand challenging the Israelites.

Above biblical extract described the situation

Ugwuanyi

of Israelites when they were challenged by the Philistine Goliath and there was tension in the land of Israel such that even the king was terrified by the presence and utterances of the Philistine giant. Goliath’s terror was so fierce that the king of Israel promised to give great wealth and also his daughter in marriage to anybody who will kill him (Goliath).

But angered by Goliath’s boast, David said to Saul, “Let no one loose heart on the account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him. Saul could not believe David and advised him not to attempt fighting the Philistine, for he, the Philistine, according to Saul, has been a warrior from his youth.” But upon the insistence of the young David, King Saul allowed him to go and showered his blessings upon him.

And now the Philistine with his shield bearer in front of him kept coming closer to David.

He looked David over and saw that he was a little more than a boy, growing with health and handsome and he despised him. He said

to David, “Am I a dog that you come to me with stings”. And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. “come here,” he said, “And I will give your flesh to the birds and wild animals.”

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands and I will strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine Army to the birds and wild animals and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves. For the battle is the Lord’s and He will give all of you into our hands.”

This Bible extracts noted that as the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran closer towards the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking up his stone. He slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead and he fell on the ground and died. And David triumphed for the people of Israel.

Enugu State is not far from the symbolic war between the Israelites and the Philistines. The hills facing Enugu State are scattered all over the rural areas, the capital city and suburb towns within the state. The hills have for so many years posed threats to the welfare of the people of the state. These are in form of infrastructural decay, lack of quality facilities in the schools and general economic degradation. But on his arrival in May 2015 to answer the clarion call of the people of Enugu State, Governor Ugwuanyi who was angered by the boast and threat of these infrastructural decay, like the Goliath, the

symbolic hills may have said to Ugwuanyi, “Why do you come out and line up for battle, Am I not the poor road network, which has defied all efforts of the past administrations in this state, Am I not the Inyaba Bridge which has caused the people of Amagunze not to cross over to their neighbours for many years. I am the hill and whoever tries to climb me will not succeed.”

In answering this clarion call, Ugwuanyi said to the people of Enugu State “Let no one loose heart on account of all these hills (infrastructural challenges), your servant will go and fight them.

The people believed him and no wonder they turned out en masse to vote for him in the 2015 governorship election and today he is successfully climbing the hill.”

To many, what is the secret of this tremendous achievements, the answer may not be far-fetched.

Here is the man.

His first name is Ifeanyichukwu meaning – Nothing is above God. He is the son of Ugwuanyi meaning – One who cannot be threatened by any hill. His friends and associates nicknamed him “Gburugburu” – meaning being everywhere.

And when he came, as the governor of Enugu State, he relied in the words of David in 1st Samuel verse 17 when he was confronting Goliath. Thus David said, “You come against me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied.” In actualising this Ugwuanyi simply dedicated Enugu State in the hands of God. Hence, the popular slogan in Enugu, “Enugu State is in the hands of God”. This particular slogan is celebrated in the nooks and crannies of Enugu State such that in all axis into the Enugu State capital, one would see a visible bill board bearing the aforesaid slogan.

Oluwarohunbi: Anglican Church is a Mother Church in Yewaland The Diocesan Bishop of Yewa Anglican Diocese, Ogun State, Rt. Rev. Michael Adebayo Oluwarohunbi in this interview with Femi Ogbonnikan, talks about the vision of the Diocese, the state of the nation, among others Diocesan challenges There is no organisation that does not have challenges, and there is no individual on earth that does not have his or her challenges. So, as the Bishop and the Diocese, as a whole, we also have our own bites of challenges. And largely, it is a bad image that has been created by the little crisis that engulfed the Cathedral. The other folks tried to use propaganda to get support, but we felt that, we should not join issues with them.

What is before us now, is that, we are trying to redeem the image of the Diocese built, in order to get the Cathedral back to its normal status or, even to make it better. So, that is what we are trying to battle with now, to bring the glory of the Cathedral back and God is actually helping us. And one of the things, that we are putting in place, to buy back the glory of the Cathedral, is this issue of the synod that is to be hosted. And we thank God, that the people of the Cathedral are on top of all the arrangements and the preparations for the synod. Humanly speaking, they are pulling their weight, and people are pulling resources left and right and they are making sacrifices of their time and energy, to see that the forthcoming synod, which is the fourth session of the third synod of the Diocese of Yewa, comes out successfully. So, that is just the impact of it. The other challenge is, something that is universal, so to say. And that has to do with funding. Our Diocese is about 27 years old and considering the age, one would have felt, yes, we should be self - financing or sustaining but we need to look at the environment that we operate. It is a rural-urban community, and largely our members are outside the Diocese.

Those who are well-to-do, many of them in Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan and a few of us, that are at home, majority of them are retired teachers, and considering what has been happening, when it

Oluwarohunbi

comes to payment of salaries and when we talk of payment of entitlements, it has not been that easy. So, we have been faced with that challenge of funding the Diocese, because we had a lot of things, we want to do. The projects, we want to embark upon, physical and some economical, but without funds, these cannot be done. So, these are the two major areas of challenge that I would say, we are trying to battle with. God being on our side, it is done.

Vision for the Diocese As I told you, we are not leaving anything unturned. We want the Cathedral to bounce back, even much more better than what it was before this little crisis came up. And so, we want to buy back the glory of the Cathedral, we want the Lord to intervene and so, we are approaching this spiritually. And at the same time, we have also adopted, so to say, a legal approach. We

are trying to restructure the Cathedral and that is ongoing. But I want to quickly tell you, that the starting of the Cathedral, the new one, the amended one, the Constitution of the Diocese as a whole, has been approved by the Church of Nigeria Standing Committee that was held in Abeokuta in February. We have got approval and so, we are trying to study the constitution, as it affects the Cathedral, trying to restructure the Cathedral and put both the pastoral and the administrative structure of the Cathedral back in shape. That we are working on. And by the grace of God, the Cathedral is coming up at a very good way. As we are trying to do that, there is still a physical aspect of it. If you go to the Cathedral now, you would see that the developmental programme of Governor Ibikunle Amosun will soon commence in Ilaro. He has introduced an expansion of the road that passes through, in front of the Cathedral. And we feel that in as much as it may not affect it, we feel that, may be, some parts of it, can give way to that road construction. And if you are looking at that Cathedral also, you would see that, we should give thanks to our parents that God used at that time, to put up that kind of edifice. We must commend their efforts. It wasn't a child's play. Because looking at the massive structure, that we have there, they had laboured, and that they had made a lot of sacrifices. As I was just trying to reflect on some of our fathers, then, they would be carrying on their heads, materials to build this structure. So, we want to commend them, for having that vision at that time. That structure is still serving, that the building is still serving, as the Cathedral up to this moment. It was a great vision that God gave them. And to continue from where they stopped, we are also making frantic efforts to build a new Cathedral

that will be an ultra-modern Cathedral. And if you look at Yewaland, as a whole, the mother Church is the Anglican Church. And so, we want to give that leadership, both spiritually and every other aspect, and that is one of the things that is leading us, to put up a new Cathedral. We have applied to the State Government, and Governor Amosun has promised us, that he would give approval to our request and we are still waiting for that approval. And as soon as, we obtain that, we will set a machinery in motion, to start the pre-construction arrangement and work, and we want to use this platform to appeal to our members, both at home and outside Yewaland. Yewa in diaspora. Anglican members in the diaspora, those God has blessed and we know that God has blessed them and He is still blessing them, to please identify with this project. It is not an Ilaro project, it is Yewa project. It is a project that belongs to everyone of us, not even just Anglicans. And like I told you, the Anglican Communion is a mother Church for this Yewa community. And we want to say, that every Yewa will be proud of it. And we want everybody to also be onboard with us and mobilise resources for this great thing that is coming up very soon.

Theme of the 2017 annual synod Since I came onboard in the year 2014, that was when I was enthroned. I was enthroned in March 2014 and I almost immediately had my first synod. And it has been a series and we want to continue with that series. We had our first synod and theme was ‘obedience to heavenly vision’. And we used that opportunity to let people know, what is our focus and direction, the men of God that God has given us to provide leadership for this Diocese. And we used that to open up, what God has sent us to do here.

38/THISLIFE

02.06.2017

Omotosho: Remembering an Enigmatic Humanist 50 Years After J.O.B. Omotosho Jnr ‘When beggars die there are no comets seen but heavens themselves blaze the death of Princes’- William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar Life is but a chapter of mysteries which every known religion in the world offer satisfying and never satisfactory answers. The complexity and intricacies of life make it a difficult subject and one that is obviously beyond the ken of mere mortals. Obviously, the capacity of the human brain and mind to capture, in any proportion, the mysteries of life is not just limited but grossly inadequate. Ancient and contemporary philosophical traditions, order and religions could at best offer peripheral postulations, never a complete picture of the jigsaw that life is certainly is. Each of the 48 years lived by Comrade J.O.B. Omotosho was chequered, impactful, exemplary and worthy of more detailed study in dedication to humanity as a cause, purposefulness and resourcefulness. The life and time of Comrade J.O.B. Omotosho should provoke and encourage contextual and incisive interrogation of the meeting points of humanity, community service and career of Nigeria’s national and professional leadership. It is equally an attempt to understand, appreciate and reconstruct the leadership of a man who arguably represented the best tradition of grassroots social engineering, mass participation and effective mobilisation for ‘bottom-top’ development. For the labours of our heroes past not to go down the drains, the legendary contributions of such men and women as J.O.B. Omotosho must be properly studied and documented to afford the next generation the opportunity to know that there is no sacrifice too much in advancing the cause of humanity and that our professional callings are to equip us for service. The quality of life is indeed best measured by how much and well it impacts humanity. J.O.B. Omotosho and his comrades in the Nigerian Socialist/ Communist Forum laid the foundation for a more purpose driven, scientific and intellectual leftist ideology. In spite of the volume of literature on the leftist ideology in Nigeria, it would seem that enough has not been done to document and analyse the scientific and intellectual foundations of contemporary practical socialist traditions in Nigeria.

Comrade J.O.B. Omotosho represented a socialist tradition and exemplified a public service culture which could be described as typically humanistic, collectivist or communal.

His nuanced definition and conceptualisation of democracy, the nature and character of his orientation and the preferred ideological persuasion, necessarily encouraged the emergence of populist leadership traditions. By his professional training as a legal practitioner coupled with his attitude to life as a humanist, J.O.B. emerged as an enigmatic, practical and effective leader whose passion for the general good of all was never in doubt. The uncanny ability and natural endowments of J.O.B. Omotosho to conceive progressive ideas, articulate complex viewpoints on important social matters and effectively mobilise the citizenry in the execution of novel projects easily made him a natural leader and champion of progressive development.

In the midst of the ignorance, uncertainties and blind euphoria of the pre-independence and immediate post independence eras in Nigeria, J.O.B. Omotosho had a clear understanding of the problems and prospects of development in Nigeria. He had a bewilderingly bright foresight to realise the limited possibility of success in Nigeria’s adoption of neo-liberalism as a developmental agenda. By identifying with and soon after, providing leadership for the Nigerian socialist intelligentsia, J.O.B. became a champion of a cause that was almost antithetical to the mood, aspirations and popular sentiments of his age and elitist contemporaries. His writings and positions on important national issues brought the best out of him as a dogged and determined fighter and defender of the cause of the masses of the people. One major advantage of this egalitarian tradition was that it provided a solid platform for his engagements with

Late Omotosho

people across ethnic, national, religious and geographical boundaries.

Comrade J.O.B. Omotosho was born on the 21st of May 1918 and died 20th of May 1967 just as the Nigerian civil war was starting.

Indeed, his death was tragic and defied all rational explanations. Having trained as a legal practitioner in the United Kingdom and accepted by the Council of Legal Education, he enrolled and was called to the British Bar as Barrister and Solicitor in Lincoln Inns.

His impressive academic qualifications and attainments included LLB. University College, London, (1945-1948), Diploma in International Affairs from the London Institute of World Affairs, University College, London (1948-1950) BSc. Economics, Regent Street Polytechnic (1951-1953) and Diploma in French and German from the Language Tuition Centre, London (1954). He had hoped that this impressive list of academic laurels would put him in better stead to serve his people. While in London and in addition to his pursuit of academic excellence, J.O.B. Omotosho became very active in the affairs and activities of the Pan African Movement, the West African Students Union which had been established earlier in the century by Ladipo Solanke to protect and promote the welfare of West African Students in the United Kingdom and awaken nationalist consciousness in West African countries. His involvement with WASU provided a great opportunity to build a network of friends and fellow ideological travellers, articulate and enlarge his vision for egalitarianism and a more inclusive African development. There also seems to be no doubt that the WASU experience equally exposed him to theories and praxis of the communist ideology which eventually became the bedrock of his engagement with society as a legal practitioner and captain of grassroots development agenda.

He was also associated with the production and publication of the Daily Worker which was the mouth piece of workers and the proletariat.

In 1957, J.O.B. Omotosho returned to Nigeria to take up appointment in the Western Region as Secretary of the newly created Western Region Production and Development Board which was then at Ibadan. He however opted out of the civil service blaming its conservatism, obscurantism, bottlenecks and over bearing influence of the political class for his decision to quit. By 1958, he had already become involved in private legal practice as an enrolled barrister and solicitor up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. From his base in Ibadan, J.O.B. Omotosho had a co-extensive practice covering virtually the entirety of the country and beyond. He was committed to using his mastery of the law, procedure

and evidence to protect the interest of the ordinary man against the atrocities of the state and privileged individuals. It is remarkable that J.O.B. Omotosho represented Dr. Victor Allen who was a British citizen, a sociologist, historian, economist and Professor at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Victor Allen was accused of sedition against the Nigerian State in 1964 and was eventually convicted 1965. This high profile case advertised the arrival of J.O.B. in Nigerian legal community. The paper, fireworks and the international attention generated by this case which went into appeal were such to make J.O.B. Omotosho a celebrity lawyer in Nigeria.

In spite of the seriousness of the charges, Defence Counsel succeeded in securing a very light sentence of 12 months imprisonment for the accused. Indeed, the British House of Commons had good reason to commend the efficiency, diligence and brilliance of J.O.B. Omotosho as defence lawyer to Professor Allen.

He also successfully defended Celestine Bassong of the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon who otherwise would have been executed by firing squad. The first true nationalist party in French Cameroun was the Union des Populations du Cameroun (UPC). Its leftist oriented leaders such as Felix Moumié and Um Nyobe demanded a thorough break with France and the adoption of a socialist economic model for the new state. The agitation for what was considered a dangerous ideology ordinarily marked the party out as a potential threat to French interest in the Cameroons. This organisation with socialist tendencies and sympathies from the International Socialist Forum was eventually proscribed and forced underground on 13th July 1958. Some of its radical members who continued with principled agitations for a socialist order were arrested and would have been eliminated if not for the heroic legal defence provided by J.O.B. Omotosho.

J.O.B. Omotosho offered his time, brain and brawn to the service of humanity with conviction and passion. He was a principal financier of leftist and progressive causes and provided access to education for an army of indigent children and youth across the country.

His initials, J.O.B. soon became a recurring decimal in socialist circles in Nigeria which paraded stalwarts like Dr. Tunji Otegbeye, Comrade Niyi Oniororo, Baba Oluwide among others. J.O.B. founded and was the first editor of the Advance, the Nigerian Workers’ Newspaper and arguably, the first socialist news bulletin in Nigeria. He was a member of the editorial board of the Nigerian Socialist which was the first publication that espoused scientific socialism in Nigeria. J.O.B. was also

legal adviser to many trade unions, to the Nigerian Tenants Association and member of the Nigerian Academy of Scientific and Technical Workers. His concern was how best to use the agency of law as shield in the protection of basic human rights and freedoms of citizens and also employ it as sword in the struggle against poverty, ignorance, squalor and disease imposed by unequal and inequitable access to national wealth typified by neo-liberal and capitalist arrangements.

The cruelty of death was again, demonstrated on Saturday 20th 1967 at Sotubo Village near Shagamu when an unidentified and troubled driver rammed his vehicle into the stationary Volvo Saloon Car in which J.O.B. Omotosho was travelling. According to eye witness account, J.O.B. was coming from Ibadan and heading towards Lagos which was then the capital city and seat of power in Nigeria on Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode-Shagamu-Lagos highway.

The purpose of this weekend trip was to join other nationalists in resolving the Nigerian crisis and prevent the outbreak of the Biafra/ Nigerian civil war. He had earlier been to Ipoti-Ekiti his home town where he was constructing and supervising a collectivist development agenda for his people. He had thought that he would return to base after the meeting to complete the project and give his people a lifeline and a quantum leap forward in grassroots development.

J.O.B. had noticed the recklessness of the dare devil driver and had instructed his own driver to pull over so that he could warn the other driver and give him a lesson in safe driving. By the time he got down and was waving the driver to stop, the agent of death came after J.O.B. and pinned him into his own car, without a chance of survival.

The death of J.O.B. Omotosho on this same road on which Chief Adegoke Adelabu (Penkelemesi) died in 1958 and Segun Awolowo subsequently, under curious circumstances, leaves a bad taste in the mouth. One hopes that Nigerian history would be further enriched by a more trenchant examination of the nature, motives and circumstances of these high profile accidents and deaths on this road and within the same section of the road.

At his burial on Saturday 27th May 1967 at Ipoti-Ekiti, it was indeed evident that Nigeria had lost a shining light and a progressive leader. In a tribute, the Ipoti Community said of J.O.B. ‘He encouraged all our noble activities for the progress of our town and spent his hard earned money and efforts on us’. By the time of his death the Ipoti Community was executing certain communal projects under his inspirational leadership. These included: A fish Pond, Rest House, Recreation Gardens, Parks, Nursing Homes, Dam, Industrial Estate and a Saw Mill. The Oshun Division Branch of the Nigerian Labour Congress remarked that by his death, Nigeria lost one of the strongest pillars and one of the strongest fighters in the cause of freedom.

In the words of the United Labour Congress: Mr. Omotosho impressed the working class in Nigeria by his apparent sincerity, forthrightness, sense of justice and patriotism.

As a leader of the working class, he served his country with devotion. He was an outstanding administrator and a devout communist. He has let a vacuum which is difficult to fill.

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Comrade J.O.B. Omotosho, let us all be reminded of his heroic contributions to the emancipation of the common man, his devotion to his people and country, his forthrightness and principled positions on national matters, his sacrifice to make the world a better place for all, his diligence, commitment to excellence and distinction in national service and his passion for the eradication of all forms of discrimination and injustice. His address at the Nigerian Bar Association Conference which turned out to be his last important academic outing spelt out the duties of a lawyer in a developing nation and provided a blueprint for the use of law to liberate and ennoble our minds and societies.

Dr. Omotosho Jnr wrote from Lagos

T H I S D AY FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017

T H I S D AY FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017

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INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Trump Pulls US Out of Paris Climate Accord Okechukwu Uwaezuoke with agency reports US President Donald Trump on Thursday made good on his threat by withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, thus disregarding the pressure from allies in the Group of Seven nations during a meeting last week in Italy.

This latest decision by the US president deals a major blow to global endeavours aimed at curbing climate change and putting the country at odds with many allies abroad.

Pledging that the U.S. would try to negotiate re-entry on better terms, he said at a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden: “As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris accord.”

Hinting that renegotiating the U.S.’s re-entry was not a major priority, he said, “If we can, great. If we can’t, that’s fine.”

Trump had also decried the Paris accord’s “draconian” financial and economic burdens.

He said American withdrawal “represents a reassertion of American sovereignty. His latest action was consistent with one of his main campaign pledges. Thus, he rebuffed the efforts of leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Britain at the G7 meeting last week.

Trump had consistently bellyached about the 2015 agreement signed by the former President Barack Obama, which he said disadvantaged the U.S. “to the exclusive benefit of other countries,” leaving American businesses and taxpayers to absorb the cost.

Under former President Barack Obama, the U.S. had agreed to reduce emissions to 26 percent to 28 percent of 2005 levels by 2025 — about 1.6 billion tons.

Scientists fear that this decision may up the already dangerous levels of warming to alarming levels because the U.S. is the world’s second-largest emitter of carbon, thus contributor to rising temperatures, after China. Hence, this withdrawal could result in emissions of up to 3 billion tons of additional carbon dioxide in the air a year — sufficient to melt ice

sheets faster, raise seas higher and trigger more extreme weather.

Beijing, however, has reaffirmed its commitment to meeting its targets under the Paris accord, recently cancelling construction of about 100 coal-fired power plants and investing billions in massive wind and solar projects.

White House talking points obtained by The Associated Press said the Paris accord was “a BAD deal for Americans” and that the president’s action would keep “his campaign promise to put American workers first.”

“TheAccord,” the document went on to say, “was negotiated poorly by the Obama Administration and signed out of desperation.”

“The U.S. is already leading the world in energy production and doesn’t need a bad deal that will harm American workers,” it read.

White House aides, the AP further reported, were divided on the topic and had been deliberating on “caveats in the language” as late as Wednesday, according to one official.

The White House had signalled earlier in the week that withdrawal was likely, but Trump has been known to change his mind at the last minute on such major decisions.

Trump had even with the announcement said the U.S. would begin negotiations either to re-enter the Paris accord or to have a new agreement “on terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people, its taxpayers.”

The pull-out aligns the U.S. with countries like Syria and Nicaragua, which are the world’s only nonparticipants in the accord.

Expressing regrets over the pullout, Obama said: “The nations that remain in the Paris agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created. I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack.

“But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; I’m confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we’ve got.”

Other supporters of the accord condemned Trump’s move as

an abdication of American leadership and an international disgrace. Among them was former Secretary of State John Kerry, who said: “This choice will rightly be remembered as one of the most shameful any president has made”, adding: “the president’s abdication of responsibly complicates the US climate efforts, but it doesn’t kill it.

“Today is the day for cities, states, and businesses of all sizes to publicly commit to ‘Live by Paris.’”

Unimpressed with Trump’s announcement, the likes of former Democratic Party’s presidential aspirant Bernie Sanders, Tim Kaine and Mitt Romney are refusing to give up just yet, calling on the country to continue in its fight against climate change regardless.

Former Vice-President Al Gore, who directed climate-change documentary An Inconvenient Truth, said in a statement:”Civic leaders, mayors, governors, CEOs, investors and the majority of the business community will take up this challenge.

“We are in the middle of a clean energy revolution that no single person or group can stop.”

Meanwhile, the White House has sent out a memo citing “widespread praise” for the decision.

It quotes Trump cabinet members and some Republican members of Congress. Curiously, even the Russian President Vladimir Putin had expressed support for the accord, which he said would be less effective without the participation of major countries.

While world leaders were trying to dissuade Trump from pulling the U.S. out of the accord, German Chancellor Angela Merkel saw the deal as an “essential” pact and said she was pleased that many other governments took the same view.

French President Emmanuel Macron also spoke to Trump on the phone to explain to him that the Paris deal was not something he could renegotiate, according to Reuters. He invited America’s climate change scientists to move to France after Trump threatened to cut funding to climate budgets earlier this year.

Kabul Reels after Deadly Truck Bombing Kabul was reeling Thursday from its deadliest attack since 2001, with anguished families burying their dead as authorities cleared away mangled wreckage and public anger mounted over the government’s failure to protect citizens in the heart of the capital.

No group has so far claimed Wednesday’s attack, launched from a sewage tanker packed with explosives, which tore a massive crater in the ground and killed at least 90 people, mainly civilians, while wounding hundreds.

The brazen attack during the holy month of Ramadan

highlighted the ability of militants to strike even in the capital’s most secure district, home to the presidential palace and foreign embassies that are enveloped in a maze of concrete blast walls. Angry citizens demanded answers from the government over the perceived intelligence failure leading to the assault, which underscores spiralling insecurity in Afghanistan.

“For how long will we have to tolerate this bloodshed in our country?” a sobbing resident asked on local Tolo News.

“I have lost my brother in the blast and the government

is constantly failing to provide us with security.”

Authorities swept off debris and shards of glass littered across the streets, and cleared away the charred carcasses of blown-up vehicles, as shocked residents held emotionally charged funerals.

With more than 400 people wounded, the injured spilled over into hospital hallways as huge crowds gathered outside waiting for news of their loved ones or searching for still missing relatives.

Health officials warned some victims may never be identified as their bodies were torn into pieces or burned beyond recognition.

FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

43

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

UN: $1tn Stolen from Africa in 50 Years The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) says an estimated 50 billion dollars leaves the shore of the continent illicitly mostly to the Western countries, every year.

Mr Adeyinka Adeyemi, a senior adviser at ECA, told our Correspondent in New York that illicit financial flow had serious negative development impacts on the continent.

Adeyemi also said that at least one trillion dollars had left the continent illicitly over the last 50 years, saying the figures were arrived at after decades of research on the issue.

The UN official said African countries did not need aid from developed countries if the illicit

assets from the continent over the decades are repatriated.

He, therefore, challenged the destination countries to hold their in exchange for the return of these illicit assets to their countries of origin, mainly from Africa.

“The issue of illicit financial flow is very serious in terms of the negative development impacts on Africa.

“If you look at when we say 50 billion dollars leaving Africa every year illicitly, in the last 50 years we estimate that one trillion dollars left Africa illicitly.

“This is roughly equal to the total amount of so-called aid that Africa received at the same time.

“So if you do the math, hold on

to your aid, we would still be okay and we would keep our money and we would our priority,” he said.

Adeyemi, who was the Focal Point for the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), said the issue of illicit financial flow was very important to the international community, they are talking about it.

He added that the Financing for Development meeting in Addis Ababa spoke about it but stressed that the pace of action currently was not yet where Africa wanted.

“We think that if we have the necessary action today, we can stop a huge chunk of these flows because what it thrives

on is very simple – it’s secrecy.

“Secrecy knowing that you will not get it; that’s why it’s illicit; you will not know it.

They do it with the complicity of government officials and all these other stuffs.

“Our study, however, shows that only five per cent of the flows can be traceable to official corruption,” he said.

Adeyemi, who is in charge of the Regional Integration and Infrastructure Cluster in the Capacity Development Division, blamed the developed countries and other international financial institutions of complicity illicit financial flows.

The UN official also rejected the

idea that returning stolen wealth from destination countries to countries of origin on conditionality.

“Every time we go somewhere and speak, we hear ‘you people are corrupt’, ‘Africa is corrupt’ but this is not supported.

“About 75 per cent of these illicit flows are directly traceable to the behaviours or actions or inactions of our trans-nationals.

“When we look at only trade mis-invoicing, we found that this is huge and weighty.

“So if the international community wants to help Africa, let us stop this unnecessary conversation that’s going nowhere on why we should link illicit financial flows with other things,

with governance, with aid.

“These things are very important but this is not where the issue is.

Africa is the only region in the world that has African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

“This is a governance mechanism where Presidents tell themselves ‘you have been bad, go and improve yourself’.

“My point is that the World Bank and the IMF have very little to teach Africa in terms of governance in this kind of stuff because we are already doing something,” he said.

APRM, founded in 2003, is a mutually agreed instrument voluntarily acceded to by the Member States of the African Union as a self-monitoring mechanism.

More Than 40 Migrants ‘Die of Thirst’ Philippine Friendly Fire Airstrikes Kill in Niger 11 Troops Babies and women were among the 44 migrants found dead after their vehicle broke down in the desert of northern Niger while on the way to Libya, local officials said on Thursday.

Six survivors walked to a remote village where they said those they were travelling with, mostly from Ghana and Nigeria died of thirst, according to Lawal Taher, the department head for the Red Cross in the Bilma region.

The Red Cross also said it has dispatched a team to the site “to gather information” on the circumstances.

Rhissa Feltou, the mayor of

Agadez, a remote town on the edge of the Sahara that has become the smuggling capital of Africa, confirmed the death toll of 44, “for now”.

The journey from Niger to Libya is a primary route sub-Saharan African migrants take when trying to reach Europe.

In one of the most perilous parts of the trip across the Sahara desert, thousands of migrants each week are crammed into pick-up trucks for the days-long ride, often with only enough room for a few litres of water.

Authorities and aid organisations say while they are able to keep

track of the thousands of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean Sea between Africa and Europe, it is almost impossible to know how many have died in the vast and unpoliced Sahara.

In early May, eight migrants from Niger, five of them children, were found dead in the desert while on their way to Algeria.

In a separate incident, soldiers on patrol in northern Niger rescued about 40 migrants from various west African countries who had been abandoned in the desert by people-smugglers while travelling to Libya.

Philippine airstrikes aimed at Islamist militants who are holding hostages as human shields killed 11 soldiers, authorities said Thursday, as they conceded hundreds of gunmen may have escaped a blockade.

The friendly fire deaths bring to 171 the number of people reported killed since militants waving the black flags of the Islamic State (IS) group began rampaging through the Muslim city of

Marawi last week.

Shortly after the violence erupted President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law across the southern region of Mindanao, home to 20 million people, to quell what he said was an IS bid to establish a base in the mainly Catholic Philippines. But the government’s narrative of being in “full control” of Marawi took a hit Thursday when defence chiefs said 11

soldiers were killed in a misguided bombing mission.

“It’s very painful. It’s very sad to be hitting our own troops,” Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters in Manila.

“It’s sad but sometimes it happens in the fog of war.”

Lorenzana also warned that many militants may have escaped, despite checkpoints throughout the city and surrounding it.

US: Noose Found in African American Smithsonian Museum US police have launched an investigation after a noose was found in a public exhibition space of an African American museum in Washington, DC, the second such incident in less than a week.

David Skorton, secretary of the Smithsonian Institute, said in a statement that the rope was found by tourists on Wednesday on the

floor of the Segregation Gallery of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

NMAAHC, which opened last September in a ceremony that included then-President Barack Obama, is the only national museum in the US devoted exclusively to documenting African

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EDEBEATU GRACE IFEYINWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UCHENNAEDEBEATU IFEYINWA GRACE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHUKWU OLIVIA OGOMEGBUNAM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MADUKWE OLIVIA OGOMEGBUNAM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS VICTORIA MWANZONG now wish to be known and addressed as VICTORIA DAVOU JATAU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note

I formerly known and addressed as MR, OGBILORI OLUWAFEMI FARUK now wish to be known and addressed as MR. OGBILORI OLUWAFEMI FRANK. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note I formerly known and addressed as IDOWU SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as IDOWU SUNDAY GANIYU. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ODUBANJO ODUTOLA ALABA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNNIYI ODUTOLA ALABA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note This is to confirm that MISS HELEN FRANCIS and MISS HELEN FRANCIS AKPAN is one person. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, OGUNRINDE OLASHILE OLATUNDE, am the same person as OUNRINDE OLASHILE OLATUNDE; OGUNRINDE OLASHILE KINGSHIZZY. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEDOYIN REBECCA ADEWOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEDOYIN FOLA-OLUDIRAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note

I formerly known and addressed as MRS. EKPETI GRACE EGOYIBO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EKPETI GRACE EGO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note

American life, history and culture.

Museum Founding Director Lonnie Bunch III said in a statement that the noose represents “a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity” and serves as “a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face”.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MORUFU GANIYU AKANNI now wish to be known and addressed as MORUFU GANIYU OLAIDE GANIYU-AJANI. All former documents remain valid.

General Public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME Wrong Name: CHUKU FELICIA ONYEGELOHUWA. Correct Name: FELICIA ONYEGELONU CHUKU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGBONNAYA CHINYERE STELLA now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs ONUZURUIKE CHINYERE STELLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note I formerly known and addressed as LAMIDI MONSURU AREMU now wish to be known and addressed as OLASUPO MONSURU LAMIDI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADESOLA ADESUGBA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADESOLA NINALOWO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note

44

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Nigeria’s Manufacturing Index Expands in May Obinna Chima The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stood at 52.5 index points in May 2017, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the second consecutive month.

According to the PMI report for May released by the Central Bank of Nigeria yesterday, 10 of the 16 subsectors reported growth in the review month in the following order: primary metal; petroleum & coal products; plastics & rubber products; paper products; electrical equipment; appliances & components; textile, apparel, leather & footwear; cement; food, beverage & tobacco products and chemical & pharmaceutical products.

The remaining six sub-sectors declined in the order: transportation equipment; nonmetallic mineral products; fabricated metal products; printing & related support activities; furniture & related products

and computer & electronic products.

Furthermore, the report showed that the production level index for manufacturing sector expanded for the third consecutive month in May 2017.

The index at 58.7 points indicated an increase in production at a faster rate, when compared to the 58.5 points in the previous month.

Fifteen manufacturing subsectors recorded increase in production level during the review month in the following order: primary metal; electrical equipment; petroleum & coal products; cement; chemical & pharmaceutical products; plastics & rubber products; computer & electronic products; food, beverage & tobacco products; textile, apparel, leather & footwear; appliances & components; paper products; nonmetallic mineral products; furniture & related products; printing & related support activities

and fabricated metal products, while the transportation equipment sub-sector recorded decline in production.

Also, the new orders index for the month of May stood at 50.5 points, indicating a faster growth in new orders for the second consecutive month.

Eight sub-sectors reported growth in new orders in the following order: appliances & components; plastics & rubber products; textile, apparel, leather & footwear; paper products; chemical & pharmaceutical products; food, beverage & tobacco products; petroleum & coal products and primary metal.

The cement and electrical equipment sub- sectors remained unchanged, while the printing & related support activities; nonmetallic mineral products; computer & electronic products; transportation equipment; fabricated metal products and furniture & related products sub-sectors recorded declines.

MARKET INDICATORS

BoISupports FarmersinPlateau,Benue,Nassarawa with N580m Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Bank of Industry (BoI) has provided the sum of N580 million credit facility to farmers in Benue, Plateau and Nassarawa States through Oxfam’s Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLA) scheme, Oxfam Nigeria Media and Communication Officer, Kunle Olawoyin disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja. He said BoI approached Oxfam sometime ago on how to support the scheme financially.

However, the meeting between both parties culminated in the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide the facility to farmers in selected States.

According to the MoU signed by both parties and a copy made available to THISDAY, BoI stated: “We are pleased to advise that the BOI Limited has approved a short term facility for qualified members of Oxfam’s VSLA under the

Government Enterprise and Empowerment (GEEP) scheme.

“The purpose is to disburse GEEP MarketMoni to qualified members of VSLA in Benue, Plateau and Nassarawa State .

Qualified members will be able to access loan amounts to N50,000. For six months and payeable monthly ,” it added.

It noted that GEEP would disburse N580 million among 762 VSLA members in three tranches, and a sum of N194 million would be disbursed in each tranche.

BOI added that each VSLA would be credited up to the tune of N250,000 per tranche and up to a cumulative maximum of N750,000.

Olawoyin explained that Oxfam VSLA are self-selected 15 to 25 individuals who meet regularly- usually weekly or fortnightly, to save and, if desired, borrow for short periods, paying monthly interest at a rate set by the group. After approximately

12 months, all savings and earnings are distributed back to group members.

He said the earnings are usually distributed in proportion to their savings. VSLA are self-managed community-based groups that provide their members access to basic financial services. The scheme according to him, also respond directly to the unmet financial service needs of the remote and rural poor by providing: a secure place to save; the opportunity to borrow in small amounts and on flexible terms; and affordable basic social insurance services.

Olawoyin stressed that the scheme also aimed at increasing household financial assets and to decreasing household vulnerability to financial and other shocks and stresses.

Oxfam is working with her partners to implement the VSLA initiative in 25 local government areas of five States of Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kebbi and Adamawa.

BET Project: Diamond Bank Gives Out N90m to Young Entrepreneurs Diamond Bank Plc has supported more emerging entrepreneurs in its empowerment initiative called Building Entrepreneurs Today (BET).

The bank recently presented a cheque of N3 million each to five budding entrepreneurs in the BET sixth series. It had previously given out N75 million to winners under the project.

The Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, while speaking at a ceremony organised for the BET winners, said each of the five winners, who spread across different sectors of the economy and the six geopolitical zones, received N3 million to invest into their respective businesses.

He explained the financial support by the bank was expected to help strengthen

manpower, expand the product lines and create increased service and product values that would make the MSMEs competitive.

“We had over 500,000 applications and after several screenings, were pruned to the final 15; this is just to show how creative Nigerians are.

We decided to support small businesses because we know how difficult the business environment is, and it is the only way we can guarantee sustainable economic growth and development in this country,” Uzoma.

On his part, the bank’s Head, Emerging Business, Mark Ifashe said in all, a total of 30 entrepreneurs have emerged over the period and N90 million has been made available to them.

According to him, Diamond

bank in partnership with enterprise development center is working towards empowering emerging business to become a full corporate and anchor corporate in the economy.

He added: “We are here to exhibit what we are doing in the field, how we are empowering them both institutional capacity and financial capacity. Some seed capital were made available to successful entrepreneurs.

That is the financial aspect of the empowerment but institutional empowerment is the training they undergo.

It is journey that has taken some miles which involves training and finally selecting from successful entrepreneurs who now got some capital from us to commence their various entrepreneurial activities.”

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

DECEMBER 2016 Broad Money (M2)

23,840,392.42

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,520,166.67

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,820,415.90

---- Demand Deposits

9,699,750.76

-- Quasi Money

12,320,225.75

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,353,504.03

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,486,888.39

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,970,297.97

---- Credit to Government (Net)

4,595,579.89

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

7,436,917.79

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-2,841,337.90

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,374,718.08

--Other Assets Net

-12,483,409.58

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,837,322.41

--Currency in Circulation

2,179,174.28

--Banks Reserves

3,318,344.71 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Month

December 2016

Inter-Bank Call Rate

10.39

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.96

Savings Deposit Rate

4.18

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.53

3 Months Deposit Rate

8.80

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.23

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.76

Prime Lending rate

17.09

Maximum Lending Rate

28.55 • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WED, 31 MAY 2017 The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $48.69 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $49.39 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

45

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, 2 JUNE, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Seplat Assures Shareholders of Improved Results, High Returns Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie The Chairman of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Dr. ABC Orjiako, yesterday assured shareholders that the company has put in place strategies that would improve its financial performance and deliver better value going forward. Several economic headwinds and the shut-in of the Forcados terminal resulting

in lower production, lower oil price realisations and higher costs, made Seplat’s revenue to fall from N113 billion in 2015 to N63.7 billion in 2016, while a loss of N45.4 billion was recorded compared with a profit of N13 billion in 2015.

However, speaking at the annual general meeting of the company held in Lagos, Orjiako said with the diversity of export solutions in place and “our increasing gas process-

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

ing capacity, Seplat has the potential to deliver material production upside with less risk of significant constraints from any infrastructure disruption.” According to him, the company is actively pursuing alternative crude oil evacuation options for production at OMLs 4, 38 and 41 and potential strategies to further grow and diversify production in order to reduce over-reliance on one particular third party operated

N I G E R I A N QUANTITY TRADED

STO C K

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Daily Summary as of 22/02/2016 Printed 22/02/2016 14:36:10.010

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

export system in the future.

“In line with this objective, Seplat successfully implemented, in 2016, an alternative export solution during the second quarter whereby crude oil production from OMLs 4, 38 and 41 is sent via the company’s own 100,000 barrel of oil per day (bopd) capacity pipeline to available storage tanks at the Warri refinery,” he said.

Explaining the challenges

6 6 12

30.00 34.00

12,629 11,640 24,269

374,530.15 421,345.20 795,875.35

19 19 31

1.25

1,078,511 1,078,511 1,102,780

1,358,964.30 1,358,964.30 2,154,839.65

5 68 13 86 86

0.77 1.13 20.47

33,500 6,740,423 65,995 6,839,918 6,839,918

25,070.00 7,635,453.96 1,344,425.15 9,004,949.11 9,004,949.11

13 13

41.50

31,970 31,970

1,409,214.78 1,409,214.78

5 5 18

5.20

28,901 28,901 60,871

154,716.48 154,716.48 1,563,931.26

6 24 7 98 135

2.85 118.85 20.00 99.00

190,900 53,000 15,200 429,541 688,641

528,079.00 6,201,924.95 293,757.00 42,728,789.84 49,752,550.79

9 9

168.50

166,476 166,476

28,285,937.95 28,285,937.95

54 38 6 12 1 29 140

5.61 19.00 1.37 6.86 6.65 1.27

2,120,306 314,421 40,000 119,863 433 3,285,739,119 3,288,334,142

11,610,520.13 5,953,792.96 55,716.00 842,442.48 2,736.56 4,074,348,894.07 4,092,814,102.20

11 54 65

17.86 700.00

18,825 98,360 117,185

329,518.50 68,567,962.00 68,897,480.50

11 11

4.46

99,050 99,050

420,455.00 420,455.00

13 21 34 394

21.90 28.00

36,887 133,117 170,004 3,289,575,498

820,034.75 3,737,067.92 4,557,102.67 4,244,727,629.11

82 51 21 25 200 41 16 147 11 15 67 676

4.10 1.49 15.60 1.21 16.70 1.07 1.76 2.95 5.30 0.63 0.98

3,962,506 2,163,396 278,470 790,900 4,847,312 1,969,858 1,204,932 8,586,418 39,752 501,617 5,920,564 30,265,725

16,210,255.82 3,314,106.88 4,136,459.40 958,864.34 80,963,793.44 2,115,552.11 2,087,767.85 25,302,954.71 205,645.40 316,018.71 5,813,502.17 141,424,920.83

14 8 2 3 7 10 1 1 46

0.80 0.90 0.50 0.50 2.06 0.76 0.50 0.50

200,107 276,500 5,004,000 1,000,000 351,540 327,285 37,708,135 10 44,867,577

160,838.67 251,350.00 2,502,000.00 500,000.00 720,728.80 245,325.31 18,854,067.50 5.00 23,234,315.28

1 1

1.08

4,760 4,760

4,950.40 4,950.40

31 7 105 7 20 170 893

2.46 4.00 0.85 14.15 1.31

1,149,464 27,041 31,257,120 38,035 708,255 33,179,915 108,317,977

2,830,722.84 104,002.06 26,613,309.20 537,985.34 931,556.31 31,017,575.75 195,681,762.26

27

2.69

614,065

1,572,223.05

faced by the company in 2016, Chief Executive Officer of Seplat, Austin Avuru said: “In addition to a difficult global oil market backdrop, our business had to contend with unprecedented operational challenges due to interruptions and these are reflected in our full year results.”

He disclosed that the company has now established a longer-term alternative export route via the Warri

refinery jetty and is nearing completion of upgrade works to the infrastructure enabling a doubling of barging volumes to a steady 30,000 bopd gross during Q2 2017.

According to him, alongside this, the company is collaborating and supporting government on completion of the Amukpe to Escravos pipeline that will offer a third export route through the Escravos terminal.

E XC H A N G E

MAIN BOARD GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES Totals EQTY Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals ASeM Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32 4 6 69 69

25.33 0.94 0.69

551,998 16,020 597,000 1,779,083 1,779,083

13,903,164.18 15,299.40 412,110.00 15,902,796.63 15,902,796.63

1 1 1

1.69

500 500 500

805.00 805.00 805.00

16 9 4 6 10 31 76

24.00 9.30 35.78 8.62 3.36 80.50

110,727 40,229 26,700 142,300 299,900 14,373,223 14,993,079

2,707,053.97 362,501.29 992,680.00 1,227,076.00 966,480.00 1,157,057,077.16 1,163,312,868.42

6 6

1.51

134,500 134,500

204,240.00 204,240.00

5 5 87

50.00

24,529 24,529 15,152,108

1,165,135.50 1,165,135.50 1,164,682,243.92

2 2

0.50

24,262 24,262

12,131.00 12,131.00

90 90

3.47

3,827,573 3,827,573

13,288,632.05 13,288,632.05

21 7 8 21 7 64

18.34 1.84 342.00 150.00 145.00

81,125 100,300 20,300 16,295 13,699 231,719

1,505,034.50 182,832.00 6,595,470.00 2,396,080.60 1,959,692.96 12,639,110.06

33 33 189

318.00

389,934 389,934 4,473,488

124,037,602.56 124,037,602.56 149,977,475.67

1 1

0.50

941 941

470.50 470.50

5 5

3.80

32,870 32,870

127,756.40 127,756.40

13 13

0.89

624,500 624,500

538,430.00 538,430.00

1 22 23

2.29 4.00

4,588 251,094 255,682

10,001.84 1,001,583.80 1,011,585.64

1 1 43 1,811

1.68

10,000 10,000 923,993 3,428,226,216

16,000.00 16,000.00 1,694,242.54 5,785,390,675.15

2 2 2 2

1.21

270,464 270,464 270,464 270,464

327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44

306 306

11.45

13,929,679 13,929,679

159,605,439.23 159,605,439.23

278 278 584

3.74

10,438,552 10,438,552 24,368,231

39,515,087.18 39,515,087.18 199,120,526.41

35 35 35 619 2,432

139.83

38,770 38,770 38,770 24,407,001 3,452,903,681

5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 204,425,192.41 5,990,143,129.00

2 2 2 2 2 10 10 10

2,330.00 2.33 6.02 11.09 18.07

3,000 20 20 20 15 3,075 3,075 3,075

6,986,000.00 46.70 120.20 221.80 270.65 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals ETF Board Totals ETP Activity Totals

46

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Local Vaccine Production Excites May & Baker Investors

Goddy Egene Shareholders of May & Baker Plc yesterday expressed excitement at the news that the federal government has ratified the 12-year old agreement with the company for local vaccine production.

Managing Director/CEO of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor announced the good news while addressing shareholders at the 66th annual general meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos on Thursday. He said with

the action of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the partners will immediately take steps to reconstitute the board of Biovaccines Nigeria Limited, the company set up for the purpose of vaccine manufacturing in Nigeria through the May & Baker partnership with the federal government.

Local vaccine production will save Nigeria a huge part of over N10billion spent on vaccine importation every year as well as prevent hundreds of deaths and incapacitations associated

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

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

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

with vaccine preventable diseases. Okafor said that with local vaccine production capacity, Nigeria will be better placed to arrest epidemic diseases outbreak such as celebro-spinal meningitis, Lassa fever, polio among others. He said the company will commence operations with basic human vaccines.

The shareholders have welcomed the development, saying the investment in local vaccine production would certainly multiply the turnover and profitability of May & Baker.

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 31May-2017, unless otherwise stated

May & Baker increased its turnover in the 2016 financial year by 12 per cent, rising from N7.5 billion in 2015 to N8.5 billion in 2016, while profit stood at N346 million, up from N142 million in 2015. The board of directors recommended a dividend of six kobo per share.

The shareholders commended the performance and dividend payment, saying the company has done well despite harsh operating environment. He commended the company for being consistent in declaring

dividends.

Addressing the shareholders, Chairman of May & Baker, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) said the company was already looking forward to a more efficient and impressive performance in 2017.

According to him, some of the key steps being taken to actualise the improved performance are: process re-engineering and business restructuring.

He said the board had mandated the management to review all business units

and undertakings of the company with a view to pruning all non-performing and non profitable ventures.

He assured stakeholders that the future outlook of the company is bright as it plans to consolidate on its great pedigree as the leading pharmaceutical company in Nigeria to conquer the sub-Saharan African market.

He said the company plans to acquire new competencies in new business areas , expand product portfolio and deepen its market beyond the country.

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 151.62 152.58 19.53% Nigeria International Debt Fund 219.46 220.77 3.52% 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 0.74 0.75 5.23% 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 18.16% 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 14.19 14.62 14.94% ARM Discovery Fund ARM Ethical Fund 23.18 23.88 3.74% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 16.04% 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 120.68 121.53 14.74% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 17.90% 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 10.82 10.89 14.50% Women's Investment Fund 90.76 93.09 7.29% 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 18.70% 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 1,076.18 1,077.31 6.47% FBN Heritage Fund 125.34 126.26 12.36% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.75% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $109.13 $109.51 5.84% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $108.34 $108.72 5.81% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 128.93 130.70 14.47% 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 1.12 1.14 20.21% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.74 2.74 6.52% 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 2,426.95 2,458.82 9.93% Coral Income Fund 2,259.70 2,259.70 7.39% 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 16.79% 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 17.78% Vantage Balanced Fund 1.89 1.91 12.32% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 17.66%

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 1.05 1.06 5.77% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,030.83 1,030.83 4.76% 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 11.33 11.43 17.28% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 17.13% 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 1.11 1.13 12.51% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.57 10.64 1.73% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.86% 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 118.00 118.69 15.76% 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 1.30 1.30 4.71% 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 1,971.00 1,981.63 7.62% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 158.78 158.78 3.13% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.84 0.85 9.74% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 198.88 198.88 6.42% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 140.93 142.89 8.60% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.54% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,173.79 8,260.36 7.73% 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 1.26 1.28 11.71% United Capital Bond Fund 1.36 1.36 18.51% United Capital Equity Fund 0.76 0.77 4.12% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.17 1.17 11.14% 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 11.32 11.52 16.99% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.97 12.09 9.50% Zenith Income Fund 17.91 17.91 8.33%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 126.92

1.01% 2.38%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.99 86.69

9.09 88.29

2.38% 14.38%

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

3.68 7.19 14.08 16.94 129.86

3.72 7.27 14.18 17.14 131.86

33.21% 2.26% 17.05% 6.17% -0.02%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

47

NEWSEXTRA

Independence Day Bombing: Court Strikes out Treason Charge against Okah Trial to begin July 5 Alex Enumah in Abuja with agency report Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday dismissed a treasonable felony charge filed against a member of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Charles Okah.

The federal government had brought charges of treasonable felony and terrorism against Okah and the second defendant, Obi Nwabueze, for masterminding the March 15, 2010, bombing in Warri, Delta State, as well as another bomb explosion on October 1, that same year at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

They were also charged with treasonable offence bordering on alleged threats to the lives of former President Goodluck Jonathan and governors who held a meeting in Delta State.

In a no-case submission application filed before the court after the prosecution concluded and presented its case, Okah and Nwabueze had asked the court to strike out the charges against them, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove its case.

They asked the court to dismiss the charges against him and to discharge and acquit him as well.

But in a lengthy ruling delivered in three hours, dismissed the treason charges against the defendants, Justice Kolawole dismissed the charge of treasonable felony against the accused person, saying the prosecution was not able to provide enough evidence to prove it.

He said he was dismissing the charge because evidence cited in court did not prove that

President Jonathan, who was at Eagle Square, the target of the blast, was intimidated by the attack.

The Judge said the evidence before him failed to prove that Jonathan was sneaked out of Eagle Square, venue of the 50th anniversary celebration of Nigeria’s independence.

He said the evidence did not prove a case of treason as contained in count one of the charge.

Justice Kolawole also said the evidence cited by the prosecution failed to prove that governors who attended a meeting on March 15, 2010, in Warri, Delta State, where another blast occurred, were also intimidated.

The judge, however, said the allegation of terrorism brought against the defendants could not be dismissed as the prosecution had succeeded in linking the accused with the offence of collection of funds to aid terrorism.

Kolawole noted that according to law, a person found guilty of aiding and abetting terrorism is liable to a sentence for life.

He, therefore, called on the defence to give reasons why the court should not accept the evidence brought forth by the prosecution.

Kolawole explained that his reason for postponing the ruling, earlier scheduled to be delivered on May 16, was to attend to the burial of his late brother.

He, however, dismissed the no-case submission application of the defendant and ordered him to open his defence.

The judge consequently adjourned the case to July 5 for the defence to open its case.

While explaining the reason for the dismissal of treason charges

Benue Assembly Orders IG to Arrest Fulani Herders’ Leadership George Okoh inMakurdi The Benue State House of Assembly has called on the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, to immediately effect the arrest of the leadership of the cattle breeders under the aegis of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore for treason and inciting public unrest in the state.

The Speaker of the assembly, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange, gave the ruling after a debate on a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Majority Leader, Benjamin Adanyi, who drew the attention of the assemly to the uncomplimentary remarks made by the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore during a media conference.

Adanyi explained that their comments amounted to treasonable felony, saying it has become clear that the attack on Benue communities is not as a result of quest for grazing but an agitation to takeover the state.

The National President of the Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello. and Secretary, Mr. Saleh Alhassan, last Tuesday, addressed a world press conference in Abuja where they did not only kick against the Anti Open Grazing Law recently enacted in the state but vowed to mobilise their members nationwide to resist the implementation of the law.

The group also erroneously attributed the herdsmen-farmers

crises in the state to the struggle for natural resources and laid claim to be the real inhabitants of the Benue valley.

Ikyange equally mandated the state Governor, Samuel Ortom, to lead a high-powered delegation comprising all the senators and members of the House of Representatives from the state, the Speaker of the state assembly and other prominent indigenes of the state to meet President Muhammadu Buhari to brief him on the grievances of the state as contained in the publication.

The assembly also condemned the spurious allegations and threats made by the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders, describing it as capable of breaching the peace in the state.

According to the Speaker, the assembly will support the state governor to fully implement the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, saying the law is aimed at protecting both farmers and herders contrary to the allegations of the leadership of the cattle breeders.

The assembly called on the people of the state to remain calm and law abiding in the face of this provocative outburst of the Fulani Cattle Breeders Association as government would not fold its arms and watch a Fulani association intimidate and harass them in any way.

against the defendants, the prosecution counsel, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), said the court interpreted the prosecution’s pattern of handling the matter to mean that it lacked evidence against the accused.

“There were two separate charges

filed. One bothered on treason while the other bothered on terrorism.

When I was assigned to the case, both of them were supposed to be going on at the same time.

“We decided to follow one of the two, because we cannot

pursue two rats at a time. All our witnesses were brought based on the terrorism charge. That’s what prompted the ruling on the no-case submission today.

It does appear as if we have not started the case involving

treason.

“That does not mean that we cannot go back to the matter. It is left for the office of the Attorney General of the Federation. If they decide to focus on the other charge,” Izinyon said.

TRAUMA CENTRE IN SOKOTO

L-R: Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; former Military Administrator of the state, Navy Captain Adisa Raji (rtd); Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Salihu Maidaji; and the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Balarabe Kakale, at the opening of the Emergency Operations Complex at the state Specialist Hospital.....yesterday

Governors Accuse Jonathan’s Govt of Importing Substandard Rice during Electioneering The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) yesterday expressed concern over the substandard rice imported into the country during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, lamenting that the rice is sometimes harmful to the human system.

They said huge consignment of rice still finding its way into the market was imported into Nigeria since 2014 when the Jonathan administration issued a very liberal import licence regime to its election financiers who were able to bring a substantial quantity of rice into the country using a waiver from the presidency at the time.

The 36 governors spoke in a statement issued by the Head, Media and Public Affairs of the NGF Abulrazaque BelloBarkindo, which called on the

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to expeditiously take measures to arrest the situation.

The governors claimed that while some bulk of the consignment was stale, others were either rejected in other countries or had overstayed in various warehouses before they found their way into Nigeria through the activities of some unscrupulous elements.

While summoning the customs to shed light on the matter, the governors expressed concern that Nigerians were either falling sick or losing their lives to the consumption of these substandard produce even though some states have commenced elaborate efforts to produce rice in commercial quantity with a view to halting Nigeria’s over-reliance on staples that can be produced locally.

The governor, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) frowned at the situation where Nigerians snubbed locally-produced commodity in preference for foreign ones which were most of the time, stale, contaminated or even fake.

Meanwhile, in a brief to the governors’ forum, the NCS Comptroller-General through the Deputy Comptroller-General, Dangaladima Aminu, stated that although there is an upsurge in the smuggling of rice through the nation’s land borders, there has been no alteration to the prohibition on the importation of rice through Nigeria’s land borders and that any quantity of rice which finds its way into Nigeria through land routes was smuggled.

He noted that rice was usually smuggled into the country through

unauthorised border routes which span more than 4,000km and that the smugglers were aided by border communities who alternated between motorcycles, canoes and rafts to smuggle contraband rice into the country.

Aminu added: “Your excellencies, it may interest you to note that a motorcycle can make up to 30 trips with six 50kg bags of rice per night depending on the distance and when the border communities are not smuggling the produce themselves, they are aiding or providing cover for smugglers.”

He, however, added that rice merchants had recorded huge losses as a result of seizures by the customs. He disclosed that in 2014 customs seized 12,000 metric tons of the commodity, 4,503 tonnes in 2015 and 14,000metric tons in 2016.

Armyworm Infection will Reduce 2017 MaizeYields, FG Warns Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government yesterday painted a negative outlook in the form of armyworm scourge ravaging many states in the country and likely to reduce maize production outputs.

The red flag was raised at a meeting between the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and the 36 states commissioners and FCT on issues of mutual concern.

The armyworm is projected to affect 700,000 farmers planting on 700,000 hectares of land.

The projected maize crops loss to the country is estimated at N2.8billion.

The armyworm infestation, which usually breaks out during the rainy season, is spread in other African countries of Zimbabwe, Senegal, Benin Republic, Mozambique, Namibia and Ethiopia.

Deputy Director, Horticulture, Mike Kanu, said the present outbreak in Nigeria came through next-door Benin Republic in 2016, from where it ravaged farmlands in Oyo State. Kanu said the pest which has spread to other parts of the country, massively destroying farms, could affect 90-95 per cent of maize output this year.

“The pupa is in the soil and it has a rapid development cycle of 25 days. It lays eggs in batches. One female adult can lay over 1,000

eggs. They move in mass within an hour and can travel as far as 100 kms per hour. If we don’t deal with it, maize production across the nation could be in jeopardy, “Kanu warned.

He said already there was a national gap of five million metric as the current national output is 10.5m MT, while the national demand is 15.5m MT. Kanu said the country would recourse to massive importation of maize grains if the current gap attained 50-75 per cent.

The infection can be controlled through the application of inorganic pesticides such as Laraforce Gold, Ematex, Zetacypermethrin, Deltametrin.and Magicforce.

Akin Olotu, the Senior Special

Adviser to Ondo State Governor, lamented that all farmers in the state were affected, while the Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Uzo Azubuike, admonished that if care was not taken and pesticides were not provided, the state would not harvest maize this year.

Ogbeh said a joint committee would be set up among the commissioners to monitor the situation and prepare contingency plans, adding that the Food and Agricultural Organisation ((FAO) had offered to assist Nigeria in tackling the scourge.

He also revealed that the avian bird flu has affected 26 states including FCT and 123 local government areas.

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AGF Asks Court to Dismiss Suit Seeking to Bar Interior Ministry from Solemnising, Registering Marriages Davidson Iriekpen The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister

of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss a suit seeking a declaration that the

Don’t Compromise Nation’s Unity, Osinbajo Tells Nigerians Lauds Ayade over Calabar garment factory Bassey Inyang in Calabar The Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday at the palace of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, advised against compromising the unity of the country, saying her greatness was derived from its diversity and population.

Osinbajo who paid a courtesy call on the Efik monarch as part of his working tour of Cross River State, said rather than engaging in tendencies that would reduce the status of the country before the international community, it was better for the ethnic groups that make up Nigeria to work together, and be supportive of each other.

The acting president was in the state in continuation of the federal government’s dialogue with the people and communities of the Niger Delta region.

“The country is only great because of its diversity. The reason why the country is great is because of its diversity. It is because we have here people of every race, people of every tribe, bringing in their different cultures, their different strengths; all of these things that make each one of our ethnic groups great comes together in one country.

“We are greater when we are together than when we are apart.

This country is greater together than apart. Everyone of our ethnic groups needs the support of the other. When people speak of Nigeria, and respect this country, it is because of the diversity,it is because of the strength in the numbers that we are considered great. That is why the whole of Africa looks to us for direction.

If we were one small enclave nobody will look at us with the seriousness they look at us today.

“And so unity is absolutely important, unity is absolutely important. We must be prepared to work with every other ethnic group and be united.”

Drawing example from the scripture to buttress his call for unity, Osinbajo said: “God himself wants us to be united. That is why in the scripture, He says there is neither Greek nor Jew, neither male nor female; all of us children of the Almighty God, and we must come together. If we are much stronger, we are greater when we come together than when we are apart.”

Osinbajo said he was convinced the state processes qualities that promote unity.

“And I know that Cross River State, possibly being one of the friendliest states, if not the friendliest of all that brings in everybody....

“Just coming through the city, one is so impressed by the

cleanliness, the friendliness of the people, and I pray that all will go well,” Osinbajo said.

The acting president who was accompanied by many dignitaries to the palace, promised that the administration would do everything possible to ensure the successful construction of the Odukpani Itu-Ikot-Ekpene federal road, and the control of various erosion sites in the state.

He also said the federal government would support the state towards the realisation of the proposed 260 kilometres supper highway, from the South to the North of Cross River State, and the proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port.

Commending the state Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, for the services he has so far rendered since assuming office as governor, Osinbajo said: “I think here is a very creative, a very forward-looking and great achiever of a governor. I want to commend him for a great work that I he is doing, but more importantly for inspiring a whole generation of young men’.

Speaking during the visit, the Efik monarch said the people were happy over the acting President.

The Obong appealed to the federal government to ensure all projects they have initiated in the state were completed.

“Your coming here will be something for us to remember.

All I am appealing to you is that let whatever project, let whatever promises that is made to the people be fulfilled”, Otu said.

The Efik King who gave pass marks to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, said it has brought a new sense of purpose, and hope to the country.

After the visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar, the acting president and his host, and members of their entourage proceeded to the President Goodluck Jonathan Bye-Pass where he inaugurated the Calabar Garment Factory constructed by the Ayade administration.

Osinbajo, also performed the ground-breaking of the Ayade Industrial Park in Calabar as part of his working visit to the state.

The acting president who described the park as an industrial hub in Nigeria and Africa, commended Ayade for initiating the product, and for embarking on aggressive drive to industrialise the state.

“It tells us of what the future holds for the people of this state.

It is really going to be a major industrial hub in Africa,” he said.

Federal Ministry of Interior does not have the power to solemnise and register marriages.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to rather declare that it is local government areas that have the exclusive right to conduct and register marriages.

The suit marked FHC/L/ CS/1760/16 was filed before Justice Chuka Obiozor by four local government areas: Egor Local Government Area of Edo State; Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State; Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State and Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The local government areas, through their lawyer, Mr. Michael Roger, are contending that by virtue of Section 1(5) Paragraph 1(i) of the 1999 Constitution, the Federal Ministry of Interior, an agency of the federal government, has no business registering marriages as it currently does.

Roger had exhibited before Justice Obiozor an earlier judgment by Justice Oyindamola Olomojobi of the Federal High

Court, wherein the court declared that only local government areas have the power to register marriages by virtue of Section 30(1) of the Marriage Act and Section 7(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

However, in the said judgment delivered on June 8, 2002, Justice Olomojobi clarified that other lawful authorities could “celebrate or contract marriages.”

Justice Olomojobi had held: “Lawful bodies or authorities, which can celebrate or contract marriages for intending persons, who are desirous of getting married as husbands and wives, are: 1. Registrars in places designated as an office 2.

Recognised ministers of religion in a licenced place of worship 3.

Marriages contracted under the licence granted by the Director General, Ministry of Internal Affairs; Director-General of a state government in charge of marriages; any officer in the afore-stated ministries and of course, the Minister of Internal Affairs.”

Relying on Justice Olomojobi’s

judgment, the LGAs are urging Justice Obiozor to declare that the Federal Minster of Interior has no power to register marriages.

Joined as respondents in the suit are the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, and the AGF, Malami.

In response to the suit, the AGF filed a preliminary objection, wherein he urged Justice Obiozor to dismiss the plaintiffs’ suit for being an abuse of court processes.

The AGF argued that the issue raised by the plaintiffs had already been settled by the judgment delivered on June 8, 2002 by Justice Olomojobi.

In a five-paragraph affidavit, a lawyer from the AGF’s chamber, Lawrence Ilop, said Justice Olomojobi “has settled, once and for all, the question of who can contract marriages and did not vest that right solely in the local government councils.”

Ilop added: “The marriage registries, as contemplated in the Marriage Act, are designated places of celebration of marriages and not strictly for keeping

registers of marriages as being erroneously averred by the applicants.”

He urged Justice Obiozor to dismiss the suit because, according to him, the plaintiffs were forum shopping and abusing the processes of court.

Justice Obiozor adjourned hearing in the case till June 8.

Meanwhile, the plaintiffs have alleged a misinterpretation of the May 15, 2017 judgment of Justice I.O. Harrison of the Lagos State High Court, saying the judge did not declare LGA marriage certificate illegal.

In the said judgment, Justice Harrison declined the prayer to perpetually restrain the Registered Trustees of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and their agents “from further issuing the Local Government Unified Marriage Certificate.”

Rather, the judge held that, “…all marriages conducted by the 1st and 2nd defendants (Ikeja LGA and ALGON) are lawful in which modified certificates are issued and deemed as being good valid in law.”

WHAT’S UP FOR SHAREHOLDERS?

L-R: Chief Finance Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Mr. Roger Brown; Chairman, Dr. A.B.C Orjiako; and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Austin Avuru, at the 2017 annual general meeting of the company in Lagos...yesterday

NNPC: Why Work on Greenfield Refineries was Stalled Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has given reasons why the federal government could not proceed with its plans to build greenfield refineries in the country, stating that the project was stalled due to the withdrawal of the foreign partners from it.

It, however, stated that feasibility studies for the government’s greenfield modular refinery project, one of which would be built in Bayelsa State have been concluded.

NNPC equally disclosed that it would partner Bayelsa to build a power plant in the state, as part of a joint effort to resolve Nigeria’s electricity challenge.

The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr.

Maikanti Baru, made this known on Thursday while receiving the Governor of Bayelsa, Mr. Seriake Dickson, in Abuja.

A statement from the Group General Manager Public Affairs of the corporation, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, stated that Baru said the power plant would be built at the state’s proposed industrial park.

It explained that the collaboration would afford the state and NNPC the opportunity to share technical knowledge that would attract investors to the Niger Delta region.

“We have a lot of areas of collaboration. The NNPC will support Bayelsa State Government every inch of the way to deliver on the power plant in the proposed industrial park, ensure security

of oil and gas infrastructure and siting of other inclusive projects that would improve the lives of the people in the communities,” said Baru in the statement.

Commenting on the delay on the Final Investment Decision (FID) of Brass Liquefied Natural Gas (BLNG), Baru stated that the project had not taken off because arrangements are on for a market window for the product.

“We have spent a lot of money on the Brass LNG project and we had planned the FID for 2012 but the shareholders were unable to secure the market due to new plants in East Africa and other developments in the industry.

What the shareholders in Brass LNG are doing now is to redesign the plant and secure a market because without the

market the project cannot go on,” he said.

He equally expressed interest in the state’s Brass Fertilizer Company, assuring that NNPC was prepared to invest in the project as a shareholder.

He pledged to rally NNPC and its Joint Venture partners to support the state trust fund in order to mitigate the incidences of pipeline vandalism which impact negatively on the efficiency of the operators as well as the environment.

Earlier, Dickson said the visit was to appreciate the efforts of Baru and his team and to solicit NNPC’s support for the state’s security, development and the oil and gas industry.

Dickson told Baru that his state would seek an Oil Prospecting License (OPL), whenever another bid round opens.

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Fayemi Goes to Court, Seeks Dissolution of Judicial Panel Seeks N500m damage from Fayose, speaker Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Former Governor of Ekiti State and Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has approached the court, seeking

the dissolution of the judicial panel set up by Governor Ayodele Fayose to try him for financial mismanagement.

Fayemi is challenging the competence of the judicial

Only 24% of Nigerians Have Access to Internet, Says Minister

FG plans ICT university Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, has said the size of the country’s population with full access to internet connectivity is just about 20 per cent.

Speaking on a national television yesterday, Shittu explained that internet connectivity in the country at present is restricted to only areas that has mobile telephone network service.

“We need to have sufficiency in satellite communication, for now we are still deficient in it in the sense that accessibility to internet throughout the country is about 20 per cent and until we have sufficiency in the laying of cables to connect every part of this country, that deficiency will still be there.

He said at present, network subscribers cannot only get access to the internet only where there are mobile telephone network.

The minister, who also spoke yesterday during the inauguration of 18-member committee on the establishment of an ICT University in Nigeria, said the drive was in realisation of the critical role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) could play in the sustainable growth and development of the nation.

The former Executive Secretary National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, is heading the committee whose mandate it is to develop a robust curriculum of the proposed ICT University of Nigeria, among other recommendations.

While giving the rationale for the venture, Shittu said one of the obvious ways to re-strategise our

ICT skills requisition and R&D to focus more on solutions to current and anticipated challenges in the sector.

“In response to the foregoing, the Ministry of Communications has identified the establishment of an ICT University as one of the ways to move to the next phase of the nation’s ICT growth by the enhancement of ICT learning environment that is geared towards the stimulation of creative thinking.

“To ensure that Nigeria keeps pace with the rapidly changing technological development in the global ICT industry, deliberate policy strategies must therefore be put in place within a nationally and globally defined agenda for sustainable ICT development,” he said..

The minister further explained that the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), which had served as ICT training facility with campuses in each of the six geo-political zones would be converted to serve as the ICT University with specialisation in various ICT fields and expertise.

He said the ministry has secured necessary endorsements from relevant stakeholders both within and outside of government including global leaders in the ICT industry such as Cisco, Facebook, Huawei, MTN, D-Links, Globacom, Lenovo, Samsung,Apple, Siemns, Nortel, Intel, Motorola, Ericsson, Dell, HP, ZTE and IBM. These industry giants according to the minister have expressed their unequivocal support for this project with pledges in the provision of faculty, library content, syllabus, logistics, including funds towards the realization of the ICT University of Nigeria

Former Cross River Commissioner, Patrick Ugbe Kidnapped Bassey Inyang in Calabar A former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Cross River State, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, was kidnapped yesterday night in Calabar by dare devil gun-wielding men.

Ugbe also served during the administration of Governor Liyel Imoke, from 2007 to 2015, as his Chief Press Secretary, and later Commissioner for Information, Though information about the kidnap of Ugbe is sketchy, it was gathered that Ugbe was abducted at about 8.30p.m. close to the junction leading to the Calabar International Convention Centre (CCCI), while driving back to town after attending a town hall meeting for stakeholders in the state, and the acting President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

It was gathered that Ugbe who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the only privately-owned radio station in Cross River State, Hit 95.9FM, was abducted in front of some personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) who attempted to foil the abduction, but could not rescue him because they were not armed.

A source at the station who responded to enquire on the development, craved anonymity, but in a depressed voice, said: “I am confused. I have also heard that our boss has been abducted.”

Attempts to get the police to comment on the issue failed as the spokesperson of the police in the state, Irene Ugbo, did not pick her calls, and did not respond to text messages to her phone number.

commission of enquiry set to probe his administration, suspecting that the membership composition had vitiated the integrity of the panel.

The suit was filed at the AdoEkiti High Court, where Fayemi sought an interlocutory injunction to restrain the state government and the commission from going ahead with the probe.

In the suit number HAD/57/2017, Fayemi is asking the court to restrain the state governor, the state AttorneyGeneral and members of the judicial commission of enquiry from taking any step, following the pendency of two cases on the planned probe in courts of competent jurisdiction.

Joined in the suit filed by the counsel to the minister, Chief Rafiu O. Balogun, are the state House of Assembly and Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Fayose had two weeks ago set up the panel led by former acting

Chief Judge of the state, Justice Silas Oyewole, to conduct unfettered investigations into how the state’s finances were run under Fayemi.

Fayemi is also seeking a declaration that the motion and subsequent resolution of the state House of Assembly directing the governor (first defendant) to set up a judicial commission of enquiry to investigate or probe his administration are unlawful, illegal and ought to be declared null and void, in view of the fact the resolution was passed during the pendency of a case involving him and the House of Assembly and its speaker, which touched on the legality of the summons and powers of the Assembly to conduct any investigation or direct any other person or body to do so without strict compliance with the tenets of the 1999 constitution.”

He is also seeking a declaration that the House of Assembly cannot

exercise its power under Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution, to direct the state governor to set up a judicial commission of enquiry to investigate his administration while the assembly had earlier conducted its investigation and submitted its report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) urging the anti-graft body to further conduct discreet investigation and prosecute him and some officials of his administration.

Other declarations being sought

by Fayemi are: “That the setting up of the panel after the conclusion of its investigation by the House of Assembly of allegations of financial malpractices and the submission of same to the EFCC would amount to oppression, double jeopardy and a clear abuse of legislative power.

Also being sought from the court are declarations that the judicial commission of enquiry set up by Fayose was not properly constituted

as the chairman, secretary and other members of the commission cannot be apolitical, neutral or unbiased because of their affinity with the governor of the state, “which therefore put the independence and impartiality of the panel into serious distrust.”

Additionally, Fayemi is seeking an order of the court nullifying the resolution of the state House of Assembly of May 10 directing the governor to constitute the panel of enquiry.

Fayemi further said he was convinced that the chairman of the commission, the secretary and all other members of the commission are cronies and stooges of Fayose and have been appointed to act a script already prepared by their appointing authority, as touted

by Lere Olayinka and Dr. Samuel Omotosho before the constitution of the commission of enquiry.

MARITIME SUMMIT

L-R: Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Ahmed Ogembe; Chairman, House Committee, Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside; andManagingDirector,NationalInlandWaterways(NIWA),Mr.BossMustapha,attheNor-Shipping2017inLillstrome,Norway.....yesterday

Taraba Flags off Construction of 5,000 Houses The Taraba State Government has taken the initial major step towards actualising its plan to build 5,000 units of houses in Jalingo, capital of the state.

Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku on May 29 flagged off the project at a ceremony to mark the second year anniversary of his administration.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony which was attended by Rev Jolly Nyame, a former governor of the state and many other prominent indigenes of the state, Ishaku said the project would comprehensively address the problem of housing deficit in the state.

The houses would be sold to civil servants and other members of the public who show interest at prices which the governor said would be pocket-friendly.

The houses which would be built on a site located on

Jalingo-Wukari road, will be in two-bedroom and three-bedroom categories and are meant for low income earners. According to Ishaku, the estate will be a community that would not be dependent on Jalingo for power, water, clinic and security.

All these facilities would be provided separately for the estate.

Ishaku advised civil servants, particularly new entrants into the service to register so that their salaries could deducted towards payment for the houses.

He also advised private individuals interested in the houses to feel free to book for them.

He advised civil servants in particular to take advantage of the houses because it will ease their problems after retirement.

The project wouldl be completed in one year.

A delegation of prominent

indigenes of the state led by Ishaku also toured major project sites in the state capital as part of the anniversary events.

One of the major stops during the tour was at the Green House project which is a model farm, the first of its kind in Nigeria, which produces a variety of green vegetables, cucumber, lettuce, tomato and pepper.

Speaking after a tour of the Green House project, Nyame commended the foresight of Governor Ishaku for initiating the project.

He said with the project, the revenue profile of the state would improve drastically and urged the governor to sustain the project for it to attain maturity and yield expected dividends.

He also commended the governor for remaining focused despite series of the court cases that had trailed his victory in the

2015 governorship elections in the state most of which lasted nearly two years.

“Court cases can be very distracting. As a former governor of the state, I know what it feels to contend with court cases while trying to concentrate of working for the state,” he said.

The second anniversary celebration also featured an interdenominational church service, a cultural performance and dinner. Ishaku used the events to re-assure the people of his commitment to the development of the state.

He urged them to remain steadfast on the side of peace and to work for its sustenance.

He condemned the recent cases of herdsmen attacks in some parts of the state and urged the people to be vigilant and to watch out for strange elements who come into their communities with evil intentions.

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Tension as Itsekiris Renew Claim of Ownership of Maritime University Site Gives 14-day ultimatum to IOCs, FG to change name of site Sylvester Idowu in Warri Tension is gradually building up in Gbaramatu kingdom as the Itsekiris yesterday renewed their claim of the ownership of the Nigerian Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Warri South West Local Government Srea of Delta State.

The establishment of the university is one of the conditions given for peace to reign in the region by the Niger Delta militants as presented to the federal government through the pan-Niger Delta Elders’ Forum led by Chief Edwin Clark.

In heeding the condition, the Senate penultimate week passed a bill for the establishment of the university while the people of the region are awaiting the same action from the House of Representatives.

The state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa had last Wednesday, at a press briefing in Asaba, assured the people of the state that the university would take off by October this year.

But the Itsekiri youths under the aegis of Niger Delta Omega (NIDO) yesterday issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal and state governments and all international oil companies

Lagos LG Polls: Forget Consensus Candidates, Aspirants Tell Tinubu Four out of the six chairmanship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have urged members of the party across the 57 local governments areas and LCDAs to remain calm and support the party to ensure victory in the forthcoming polls.

The four aspirants are Dr. Oluwasegun Mutairu Musa, Chief Gbenga Arulogun, Mr. Peter Ajayi and Mr. Habeeb Anibaba.

They urged the national leader of the party, Senator BolaAhmed Tinubu, and other major stakeholders to jettison the issue of consensus candidate in the forthcoming election in the state.

The aspirants said in the interest of all, the leadership of the party should urgentlymakeapronouncementonthe next line of action, saying no consensus was reached by them in any meeting.

The four aspirants under the aegis of Concerned Ejigbo LCDA Chairmanship Aspirants stated this in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday.

They stressed that they are ready to work with anyone who is picked among the four of them

as candidate.

The statement read: “In view of the nature of the primaries, and the fact that no candidate has emerged so far, to fly the flag of the party in the July local government polls in the state, it has become imperative for the party to make its stand known, so that people of Ejigbo and Lagosians in general, will know the party’s candidate in earnest, so as to shut the door permanently against the opposition. We hereby called on the members of our great party across the 57 LGs and LCDAs to remain calm and support the party to ensure victory for APC in the forthcoming LG polls.”

The aspirants hereby urged the party leadership not to relent in their efforts to ensure that the party would field someone capable of carrying the day in the forthcoming election.

While pledging their loyalty to the leadership of the party, they promised to abide by the decision reached by the party leadership which they are sure would be in the best interest of the party, Lagos State and Nigeria.

Zazzau Emirate Lends Support to Fight againstVandalism, Non-payment of Bills The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, has expressed his readiness to support Kaduna Electric in its effort to end vandalism, encourage prompt settlement of electricity bills and promote the conservation of energy.

The emir gave the assurance while receiving the staff of the company who paid him a courtesy visit in Zaria.

The emir directed all District Heads in the emirate to educate the people on the need to pay their bills, save energy and to stop the vandalism of the company’s equipment.

Earlier, the Business Development and Relationship Officer, Zaria Area Office,Masoud Salisu Abdulkadir, who led the team on the courtesy/community engagement visit, extolled the contributions of themonarch especially in the area of improvement of the lives of his people, noting that electricity is also a key part of development.

He lamented the recent spate of

destruction/theft of the company’s assets, which he said is hampering the provision of stable power supply to the area.

He appealed to the traditional ruler to assist in ensuring that electricity bills are paid as at when due, stressing that the company has financial obligations to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

The BDRO also called on the good people of Zazzau Emirate to make energy management their watchword, stressing that aside from being the responsible thing to do, it also saves them on electricity bills.

Responding, the District Heads promised to protect the installations of the company and to sensitise the communities on the need to pay their electricity bills.

On energy management, the community leaders pledged to educate the people on the need to switch off appliances when not in use and to stop the use of the yellow bulbs, which are considered energy drainers.

(IOCs) operating in their land to rename the location of the university, Okerenkoko as Okerenghigho as allegedly recognised by the laws of the country.

The group also demanded the immediate provision of licences to Itsekiris to own and operate oil blocks and modular refineries in their land, completion of the KokoOgheye-Lagos road project, pilling of all Itsekiri riverine communities, employment of Itsekiri indigenes by the IOCs, provision of light, potable water, hospitals as well as motorable roads with bridges to connect Itsekiri areas in the Niger Delta.

NIDO in a statement signed by its spokesman, Agbogunyo Oliriogun, warned that failure to meet their demands within 14 days would attract the wrath on all assets of the federal government

and that of the IOCs. It advised that it would be better for the IOCs to move all their personnel, equipments and installations before the end of the 14 days if they (IOCs) know that they won’t be able to meet up with the demands within the stipulated days.

The group lamented that Itsekiris cannot continue to sit and watch the wickedness, underdevelopment and oppression of their people by the government at all levels and the IOCs. “Though the Itsekiri nation produces about 30 per cent of the national oil production, it is sad to note that most Itsekiris from oil producing communities have not seen a tarred road, television, an hospital, electrical powered light, fan or a car as a result of the stealth wickedness by both

the government and the IOCs in under developing our land,” it said.

NIDO lambasted some Itaekiri youths who allegedly connived with the government and multinational oil companies in the underdevelopment of the communities for alleged selfish reasons.

“We note with dismay how both factions of the Itsekiri National Youth Council are using the present situation in Itsekiri to do their private self-centred business to the detriment of the tribe. The youth leadership of the Itsekiri people that is suppose to provide leadership have ended up been hijacked by politicians who now use it at will to satisfy their interest “It is most shocking that both factions of the INYC don’t care

about how the tribe is fairing, neither do they think of what their actions may cause the tribe in the long run rather they are only concern in power tussle and how to use the tribe to hustle for political relevance,” it added.

The statement warned that “in line with the foregoing we call on all Nigerians at large and Itsekiri in particular not to take any action from both factions of the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC) serious because they are both hustlers and jobbers who are not to be taken serious, hence all their threat and ultimatum should be ignored as it is merely a tool to gain government patronage. We warn the two factions of the INYC to keep clear from all activities for the survival of Itsekiri by NIDO or they should be ready to face our wrath.”

ICT MANAGERS

L-R: CIO, MTN, Randy Bikraj; Chief Technical Officer, Airtel, Awadhesh Kalio; Special Adviser on Digital Transformation to the Minister of Communication, Akin Yusuf; and Country Manager, Ericsson, Rutger Reman, at the lDC/Ericsson CxO Roundtable in Lagos....yesterday Abiodun Ajala

Ownership of Lagos: Smart-Cole Replies Okunnu Ugo Aliogo and Solomon Elusoji A veteran journalist and photographer, Sunmi Smart-Cole, has responded to the comments made by a former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, Femi Okunnu, that it is “absolute rubbish” to describe Lagos as no-man’s land.

Addressing a press briefing at his residence in Lagos yesterday, Smart-Cole said the territory of the Oba of Lagos ends on Lagos Island, adding that the name Eko belongs to the Binis (Edo).

He also noted that the comments made by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, that the Binis were conquered and their resources plundered might be correct, stressing that the name ‘Eko’ belongs to the Edo natives.

Smart-Cole lamented that at the just concluded Lagos@50 celebration, nothing was done to commemorate the memories of those who made significant impacts to what Lagos is today, adding that the ascendancy of the Yoruba nation can be traced to Sierra-Leone and Brazil.

According to him, “Okunnu

mentioned Brazilians and Cuban returnees, but he didn’t state the contributions they made. He also forgot to mention who came first.

The Brazilians were the first artisans then while the Sierra- Leoneans were the early teachers and missionaries. Meanwhile, the Binis conquered the Yorubas using irons and spears.”

Okunnu had stated that the Binis took over the reign of Lagos by conquest, but that the Aworis were there before them as the original settlers.

It was learnt in Okunnu’s statement that “Iga Idunganran

itself was a gift to Oba Ado by Oloye Aromire, a white cap chief.

He owned the land that the Lagos palace occupies till date, and up till now, we have some sections of IsaleEko with Bini connections. When you hear of Idumota, Idunsagbe, Idunmaigbo, Idun-tafa; the word idun had Bini origin. Then we had some chiefs who came with King Ado. That is another wide area.

“There is also Bajulaye, who originally was Bazuaye. So the Bini connection is very deep. As a matter of fact, the corpses of all the Obas, from King Ado t to Oba Adele I, who died at about 1834, were all

Tomori, Babayemi Bag NUJ Awards As part of its activities to mark the 2017 Press Week, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun Council, has honoured the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Titi Laoye-Tomori and Chief Executive Officer of Fort Knox Group Limited, Abuja, Prince Dotun Babayemi with the Golden Mother Award and Evergreen Award for Humanitarian Services respectively.

The duo were honored alongside

the CEO ofAce, MrAdeyinkaAfonja, who bagged the Entrepreneurial of the Year Award, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mallam Yusuf Ali, who won Man of the Year Award.

Babayemi, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), commended the awards’ organisers for the recognition, adding that the honour will spur his efforts in giving back to the

society.

“My life has been about service without expecting anything in return but this recognition by the forth estate of the realm has not only humbled me but has further made me realise that a lot still needs to be done and I am committed to doing that,” the Gbongan-born politician said in his acceptance speech.

The Chairman of the NUJ

council, Abiodun Olalere, said during the dinner and award night that the awardees were honoured for distinguishing themselves in various professions and contributing to humanity.

“Our union is committed to the cause of humanity while encouraging others who are doing the same and this has necessitated the need to honour the individuals,” Olalere remarked.

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FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Senate C’ttee Recommends N5 Fuel Price Increase for Road Maintenance Damilola Oyedele inAbuja The Senate Committee on Works has recommended a N5 fuel levy on every litre of petroleum or diesel imported into Nigeria, as part of financing for the proposed National

Roads Fund.

If the recommendation is adopted, it would cause an increase to the pump price of petrol from N145 per litre, to N150.

The committee, chaired by Senator Kabiru Gaya, also recommended

House C’ttee Summons Finance Minister, AGF over N17bn Office Equipment Procurement The House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement yesterday, summoned the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, over alleged payment of N17 billion for procurement of office equipment.

It also summoned the AuditorGeneral of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Ahmed Idris, and formerAccountantGeneral of the Federation Mr Jonah Otunla, over the transaction.

The three top government officials are to appear before the committee members on Tuesday.

Their invitation was sequel to their failure to appear at the public hearing on the allegation organised by the committee yesteday.

The minister, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), sent the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Isa Dutse, to represent her, but the lawmakers flayed it and refused to accept any excuse for her absence at the investigative

hearing.

Before issuing the summons, Chairman of the committee, Rep. Oluwole Oke, said that the three officials had violated the provisions of section 15 of the Public Procurement Act 2007 as it pertained to the role of procurement entities.

He told the permanent secretary that the minister must provide documents that included the president’s approval for the contract, agreement signed by the contractors and record of payment of the contract by the ministry.

He said the summons became necessary because there was a document from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation showing that they had paid N17 billion on the contract.

Oke added that public procurement regulation was the only way to curb corruption in the country.

NDDC MD Involved in Road Mishap, Three Persons Dead Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Three persons have been confirmed dead as the convoy of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, was involved in a road mishap.

A statement issued yesterday by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the commission, Mr. Toye Abosede, said the incident happened at Esiene Junction in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State when a trailer ran into the pilot vehicle carrying policemen attached to the NDDC Managing Director who was on his way to Calabar to receive the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Abosede told THISDAY that the

dead were two policemen in the pilot vehicle and a passenger on a commercial motorcycle, popularly called okada who was also hit by the impact on the patrol vehicle.

“The victims were immediately taken to a nearby hospital where they are receiving urgent medical attention for injuries,” he said.

He said members of the entourage in other vehicles were unhurt in the unfortunate incident.

He also told THISDAY: “As I speak to you now, I am at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo. I can confirm that two policemen in the pilot vehicle are dead while a civilian who was an Okada passenger also died.

Others are receiving treatment in the hospital.”

the deduction of 0.5 per cent on fares paid by passengers travelling on inter-state roads to commercial mass transit operators.

These recommendations are contained in the report of the committee on the bill for the establishment of the National Roads Fund.

Other recommendations include International Vehicle Transit Charges, Roads Fund Surcharge of 0.5 per cent chargeable on the assessed value of any vehicle imported at any time into Nigeria, 10 per cent from toll fees on federal roads and 10 per

away their tears and correct this mis-governance and sufferings that the people had been subjected to over the past years.

He added that Ogun voters are not passive or fools who cannot discern what is good for them and who they can trust absolutely to better their lots in life.

He urged the governor to act like a democrat that he professes to be by allowing for a fair playing ground where all aspirants would test their popularity and read out their manifestoes for the people to judge and make decision.

The statement read in parts: “I am amazed at the statement credited to our Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun attempting to denigrate and cast aspersion on aspirants whom he sees as a threat towards his anointing a successor who will serve as his puppet.

‘We are not in doubt that he

roads in the country.

“Inappropriate funding for the management of the road infrastructure leads to delayed or insufficient maintenance of roads, leading to the premature failure of assets and results in construction costs for routine and periodic maintenance,” it read. The report was listed for consideration, on the Senate’s order paper for yesterday.

It was however deferred to the next legislative day –Tuesday - due to time constraint.

It was endorsed by 12 out of the 15-member committee.

The members who endorsed the report are Senator Gaya, Senator Clifford Ordia, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa , Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Senator Ben Bruce, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Senator Ibrahim Danbaba, Senator Mustapha Bukar, Senator Sani Mustapha and Senator Buruji Kashamu.

The signatures of Senator Olusola Adeyeye, Senator Biodun Olujimi and Senator Ahmad Ogembe, were not appended to the report, which was distributed to lawmakers yesterday.

HoS Warns Civil Servants of Consequence of Executive Orders Infractions Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, has vowed to impose sanctions on civil servants found wanting in the implementation of the Executive Orders signed

by Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on May 18.

She issued the warning yesterday at a one-day workshop for directorate cadre in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs) titled: ‘The operationalisation of the Executive Orders on promotion of transparency and efficiency in the business environment.’

The workshop was organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

She urged civil servants to ensure the success of the Executive Orders designed to improve business environment in Nigeria and promote foreign direct investments through transparency.

She also advised the MDAs to adopt openness in the conduct of their functions, particularly in contracting procedures and the publishing of contracts.

Oyo-Ita mandated public workers to promote a vibrant local industry by ensuring at least 40 per cent local content in all procurement procedures.

Ogun 2019: God is the Ultimate Decider of Who will Govern, Aspirant Tells Amosun Against the backdrop of Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s comments on Tuesday that he would choose his successor and that for fairness and justice, Ogun West senatorial district deserves the slot as against those he referred to as ‘imported candidates,’ a top contender for the Oke-Mosan government house and political analyst in the state, Mr. Ojo Emmanuel, has replied the governor that power belongs to God and the people.

In a statement made available to journalists yesterday, Ojo urged Amosun not to heat up the polity with his utterances and grandstanding noting that God Almighty would be the ultimate decider of who becomes the governor ahead the 2019 election.

According to him, the good people of Ogun State deserves a man and a character who is adequately prepared to wipe

cent of revenue accruing from lease or license or other fees pertaining to non –vehicular road usages along any federal road collected by federal roads agency.

The report stated that the road fund is being proposed to address the poor and inadequate funding of road infrastructure in the country. It added that the fund would serve as repository of revenues collected from road user related charges, and others modes of financing of roads, which shall be managed and administered for routine and periodic maintenance works on

was referring to our leader and the people’s choice, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, a man who has garnered enough political experience at different levels and a man who feels the pulse of the common Ogun citizenry with a deep seated resolve to better their lives with meaningful and significant governance that centres on the people.

“May I remind him that power lies with the people who are keenly observing the ongoing political trend, with a deep observation and clear focus on certain individuals that have shown a great level of preparedness and determination to rule the state in such a way that will lead us out of the present socio-economic and political quagmire, to a more prosperous, befitting and better society than we presently have under the present dispensation.”

The Executive Order E01 is built around five main planks: transparency, default approvals, entry experience for travellers and visitors, ports operation and one government, collectively known in local parlance as ‘the ease of doing business’. Under the transparency column, all MDAs are bound to publish a complete list of fees, timelines, conditions

and requirements for obtaining permits, licences and approvals. ‘’The provisions of the Executive Order E01 is the focus of this gathering and I therefore enjoin you all to demonstrate commitment and support for the declared policy directives of government and expertise required to drive this policy direction of government to

fruition,” Oyo-Ita said.

The federal government signed into laws three ‘’Executive Orders E01, E02 1nd E03’’ to help promote efficiency, transparency, accountability in its daily business and.encourage foreign investment in Nigeria thereby, creating employment and increasing the nation’s Gross Domestic Prduct (GDP).

CCT Judge Queries Use of Public Funds to Buy Vehicles for Politicians Justice Agwadza William Atedze of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has queried the use of public funds to buy vehicles for politicians, and counselled the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to conduct a research into the issues to see how best can reconcile social and cultural values viz-a-viz the entire war against corruption and advise our policymakers accordingly.

Justice Atedze said this yesterday

at the launch of SERAP’s latest report titled: ‘Combating Grand Corruption and Impunity in Nigeria: An Agenda for Institutional Reforms in Anti-Corruption Strategies.’

The report is published under a project to promote justice sector and anti-corruption oversight mechanism reform, which SERAP is undertaking in collaboration with the National Endowment for Democracy

(NED), USA. Apart from Justice Atedze who represented the Chairman of the CCT, Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar, at the report launch, other anti-corruption agencies that attended the event were the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

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CRIME&PUNISHMENT

Building Collapse: Court Issues Bench Warrant against Lekki Gardens’ Contractor Fixes June 14 for arraignment of firm’s MD, others A Lagos High Court in Igbosere yesterday issued bench warrant for the arrest of a contractor of Lekki Gardens Estate Limited, Mr. Sola Olumofe for failing to appear before the court on two consecutive occasions to stand trial in connection with a building collapse in Lekki area of the state on March 10, 2016.

The Lagos State Government had filed criminal charges against the Managing Director of Lekki Gardens, Richard Nyong and five other contractors before Justice Sybil Nwaka over alleged negligence in the events leading to the building collapse which killed 34 persons.

Aside Nyong and Olumofe, other defendants are Taiwo Odofin, Omolabake Mortune, Marius Agwu and Omotilewa Joseph. They are standing trial alongside their companies, Lekki Gardens Estate Ltd, GT Rich Ltd and HC Insight Solutions Ltd. Tragedy had struck on March 10, 2016 when a five-storey building under construction by Lekki Gardens in Lekki area of the state collapsed and killed 34 people.

The developer was said to

have added additional floor to the building against what was approved by government for construction.

Specifically, the defendants are facing six counts charges for failure to obtain building approval for the collapsed building and manslaughter, offences punishable under Section 75 of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of Lagos State 2010 and Section 224 of Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 respectively.

At the last adjourned date, Olumofe had failed to appear before the court, while the matter was adjourned to June 1 (today) for arraignment.

Again, when the matter was called, he equally failed to present himself for arraignment, a development which prompted Justice Nwaka to issue bench warrant for his arrest.

The judge specifically ordered that Olumofe be arrested and brought before the court on June 14 for arraignment alongside other defendants.

Lagos State Governor, Mr.

Man Jailed 14 Years for Raping Step Daughter Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti For allegedly defiling a four-year-old step daughter, a randy 57-year-old man, David Oluwatoba, has been jailed for 14 years by an Ado Ekiti High Court.

Delivering her judgment, Justice Toyin Abodunde held that the prosecution had proved the case of rape beyond reasonable doubt considering the weight of evidence before the court.

The judge held that the prison term started counting from the day of conviction.

The gory event occurred on August 12, 2013 at Odo Usi Street, Awo Road, Igede-Ekiti in Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area, while the convict was first arraigned in court on November 27, 2015.

During the trial, exhibits tendered to convict Oluwatoba included photographs, medical report on the sexual assault, statement of the accused at the police station, among others.

The convict is married to two wives including the mother of the victim who is the second wife. The victim was a product from a previous marriage before her mother married the convict.

On the day of the incident, the victim’s mother was not at home and the convict had a knowledge of the girl after bathing her.

The mother on arrival discovered blood stains on the victim’s cloth and also the bleeding from her private part which prompted her (the mother) to raise the alarm.

The incident was reported to the Igede-Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters and the convict was promptly arrested.

A source said: “We are not happy that he was jailed but this will serve as a lesson and deterrent to other elderly people raping minors in the society. It is difficult to explain why a man at his age who married to two women would condescend to having carnal knowledge of his stepdaughter.”

Military Task Force Parades Suspected Criminals in Jos Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Military task force in Jos has paraded 11 suspected criminals and also displayed cache of weapons seized from them in the month of May, 2017.

The task force Commander, Major General Nicholas Rogers, while parading the suspected criminals at the command headquarters in Jos, explained that seven suspected criminals were killed during recovery of the weapons because they engaged the troops of the command.

The rifles recovered included seven automatic guns, 17 pistols and other locally made guns.

Rogers said: “As you will recall we were in the bush for Operation Harbin Kunama II exercise, and in the course of the operation we were able to make the arrest of the suspected criminals and recovered these arms in Plateau and some parts of Southern Kaduna.”

The general imployed the public to give the security personnel strategic information to help it tackle crime in the area.

Akinwunmi Ambode, had expressed a strong commitment to the protection of lives and property

of all citizens in the state and the pursuit of justice for all victims of the collapsed building.

The governor had assured residents that nothing would be left to chance to ensure that cases

of criminal negligence and other forms of criminal activities were prosecuted.

MAGU MUST GO

Members of Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption (GLOCCOLAC) protest against the acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu’s pattern of fighting corruption at the EFCC office in Abuja....yesterday Enock Reuben

Soldiers Kill Four Suspected Pirates in N’Delta Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, (OPDS) Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, yesterday said they had killed four suspected sea robbers along the waterways of Awoba, Rivers State.

Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Major Abdullahi Abubakar, told journalists that several weapons were also recovered during the operation.

He added that a separate

raid by the troops led to the discovery of boats used by the suspected sea robbers which were destroyed on location.

“Troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) ambushed a gang of sea robbers along KM-45 AWOBA Waterways in Rivers State. During the ambush operation, four robbers met their waterloo.

“Items recovered include: 2× AK-47 rifles, quantity 3× AK-47 magazines, quantity 22 ammunitions and one speed boat mounted

with one 200 Horse-Power engine,” he said.

He added that soldiers on another operation along Bayelsa waterways acting on information, raided a sea pirates hideout along Forupa-Lobia waterways.

“However, pirates on sighting the troops advancing, fled the hideout, and left behind 3× fibre boats and one 75 HorsePower engine. The hideout was subsequently destroyed instantly while the troops continue their patrols.”

On behalf of the Commander OPDS, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, Abdullahi commended law abiding citizens for their support “by providing timely and useful information to troops.”

He appealed for more cooperation from inhabitants of the Joint Operation Area and assured the communities, oil companies and other stakeholders of their resolve to protect oil and gas infrastructure and prevent all forms of criminalities.

Two Killed as Armed Robbers Attack Passengers, Motorists Block Benin-Lagos Road in Protest Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Two persons have been reportedly killed by daredevil armed robbers who unleashed mayhem on passengers and motorists along the Benin-Lagos Road, Edo State, in the early hours of yesterday.

The incident, THISDAY gathered, created serious gridlock for more than 10 hours due to the blockade by commercial bus drivers to register their anger over incessant armed robbery attacks at a spot around Okada including that of yesterday morning which they said claimed the lives of two persons.

In the latest of the robbery attacks, a driver and his conductor were said to have been killed, making the commercial drivers to block the road to draw the attention of authorities to what was

described as regular armed robbery attacks in the area.

Johnson Saliu, a commercial bus driver who transports newspapers on daily basis from Lagos to Benin and was caught up in the traffic, said he arrived at the spot at about 3:30p.m. and left at about 1:15a.m., adding that newspapers coming from the South-west to Benin and other areas were held by the traffic.

He pointed out that people transporting chicken lost some of their birds in the traffic due to heat, while those transporting pigs battled to save the lives of the pigs.

Against this backdrop therefore, the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had to direct the state Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu; the state Director of Department of State Services (DSS), Ibrahim Hiliu, and the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Osarodion

Ogie, to relocate to the scene of the incident, around Okada junction.

Normalcy later returned to the road after the state CP, SSG and director of DSS and their security agents calmed the situation and assisted motorists in traffic control.

The driver of the Young Shall Grow bus with registration number Lagos AAA 283 XM, Mr. Obika Orakwe, who took the officers round his luxury bus that was riddled with bullet, identified the deceased conductor as Onyekwere.

He narrated that “we left Onitsha around 10:30p.m., and while we are coming, armed robbers attacked us immediately after Benin (Okada). We managed to escape, but we now decided to park somewhere because the shooting was unbearable, that

was when we discovered that the conductor of the bus had been killed. The robbers also robbed several vehicles close to where we parked, including Ezenwata bus and other buses while still shooting sporadically.”

Speaking on the incident, the SSG disclosed that the governor was worried with the situation, adding: “We received the report this morning about the traffic around Okada junction as a result of the armed robber incident. We got in touch with the director of DSS and the commissioner of police. We saw the thousands of stranded passengers and drivers.

On his part, the commissioner of police stated that the police authorities just received the information that morning of the gridlock from Benin to Lagos, and that one person was killed, so they had to contact the area DPO and commanders.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Nigeria’s Growing Influence under Rohr Continues, Ranked Fourth in Africa

Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria’s growing influence on African football continued as the Super Eagles moved up two places to 38th globally in the latest FIFA Ranking released yesterday.

Eagles amassed 730 points to also climb to the fourth spot in the continent.

The continued growth the country’s football is recording under FrancoGerman coach, Gernot Rohr, has ensured that Eagles remained unbeaten in the eight matches played under the watch of the former Burkina Faso gaffer. Nigeria has climbed almost 19 places since Rohr began his reign with the three-time African champions.

Interestingly, while the country’s fans are hailing Eagles new found form, Pharaohs of Egypt remain in the driver’s seat of African football. The Egyptians are the best-rated African team globally at the 20th spot.

The Teranga Lions of Senegal are second in Africa but 27th in the world ranking while Nigeria’s foes in the 2018 World Cup pairing, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, are third but 32nd globally.

Closely on the heels of Nigeria is Congo DR in the fifth spot while Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Algeria complete Africa’s Top Ten in that order.

Zambia who Nigeria will

host later in the year in the 2018 World Cup are ranked 98th in the world, gaining one place and having 334 points, while Algeria are joint 53rd in the world, gaining one spot.

Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opponents in Group E South Africa are 65th in the world with 547 points, having dropped down one spot but gained eight points.

Other Nigeria’s 2019 AFCON foes ranked on Thursday are Libya who dropped two spots to 92nd in the world with 351 points and Seychelles who climbed two places to 194th in the world with 57 points.

Nigeria’s opponents in yesterday’s friendly in Paris, the Hawks of Togo are the 106th best side in the world now.

The top ten in the world remained unchanged with Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Chile, Colombia, France, Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland and Spain at the top of the table.

The next FIFA ranking comes out on July 6, 2017.

AFRICA’S TOP 10 Egypt Senegal Cameroon Nigeria Congo DR Tunisia Burkina Faso Cote d’Ivoire Ghana Algeria

CBN Open: Babalola Battles Emmanuel for Final Ticket Five-time winner, Abdulmumuni Babalola yesterday set up a semifinal showdown with Spain-based Sylvester Emmanuel as the 39th Central Bank of Nigeria Tennis Championship reaches its home-stretch in Lagos.

Babalola, who was recently elected as players’ representative on the incoming board of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), dispatched Nonso Madueke 6-3, 6-2 and is expected to face his biggest test today in the last-four clash with Emmanuel. The later is Nigeria’s number one tennis player according to the latest NTF rankings.

Emmanuel, who was a finalist in 2016 was in top form as he coasted to a 6-2, 6-2 win over Emmanuel Idoko.

The other semifinal match will see Joseph Imeh take on Emmanuel Sunday with Imeh ending the great run of youngster Christopher Bulus of the Aces Tennis Academy 6-3, 6-2 while Sunday edged 2015 winner Thomas Otu in

a thrilling 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4) match that lasted over two hours.

In the women’s singles, prime seed, Christie Agugbom coasted to a 6-1, 6-2 win over Omolayo Bamidele, a wildcard entrant and will face a familiar foe in Sarah Adegoke, the fourth seed triumphed over Aanu Aiyegbusi 6-1, 6-1.

Second- seeded Blessing Samuel, a 6-2, 6-4 victor over Angel McLeod is to confront kid sensation, Marylove Edward, whose powerful hits were too much for Deborah Gbadamosi to contend with in a one- sided match that ended 6-1, 6-0.

The 11-year-old was on a short training programme at the prestigious IMG Tennis Academy in the United States before this tournament and has been the surprise element here. Her great form will come under huge scrutiny against Abuja-based Samuel.

The final of the tournament which featured over 300 players is slated for tomorrow.

Kelechi Iheanacho (left) and Ahmed Musa (Number 11) celebrating the 3-0 defeat of Togo in an international friendly in Paris…yesterday

I N T E R N A T I O N A L F R I E N D LY

Eagles Maintain Unbeaten Streak, Soar over Hawks Three goals in under half an hour, including a brace by Leicester of England’s Ahmed Musa steered the Super Eagles past the Hawks of Togo 3-0 in an international friendly in Paris yesterday evening.

Musa slotted past goalkeeper Fatao Alhassani as early as the third minute, after a marvelous job by English FA Cup champion Arsenal FC’s Alex Iwobi. Iwobi also provided the assist for the second goal by Musa 15

minutes later.

The Eagles dominated to near–embarrassing degree against the fellow West Africans, who featured at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon earlier in the year.

On a day that NFF President Amaju Pinnick, 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko and Aiteo Group chieftains Francis Peters and Andrew Onyearu had gingered the players and technical crew with assurances that money would no longer

be a problem, following the five-year partnership agreement between the NFF and the foremost energy solutions company in April, the ever –businesslike Oghenekaro Etebo got the better of goalkeeper Alhassani in the 27th minute and laid for Kelechi Iheanacho to tap into the net for Nigeria’s third.

Victory means the three– time African champions remain unbeaten in all their eight matches over the past

one year, winning six of those and scoring 15 goals while conceding only five.

The triumph also came on a day that Nigeria moved two steps up in the monthly FIFA ranking to 38th, and 4th in Africa.

English Premiership club West Ham’s target Kelechi Iheanacho has now scored seven goals in 10 matches for the Super Eagles, including scoring in seven of the last eight matches.

Chukwu Heads APC’s National Unity Soccer Championship Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Former Super Eagles Captain and Chief Coach, Christian Chukwu, is to head a football talent hunt competition tagged National Unity Cup Football Competition sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The football competition, which is targetted at youths and non-league players, will be competed for by all the six geo-political zone in the country.

Inaugurating the committee at the headquarters of the ruling party in Abuja yesterday, APC National Youth Leader, Dasuki Ibrahim Jalo, said that the competition, scheduled to begin next month is part of the promise to implement strategic programmes that would endear the party to

Nigerian youths.

He said competition is being organised in conjunction with zonal and states youth leaders as approved by the party.

Said Jalo: “The competition would be between states of the federation and be played at the six geo-political zones with two teams emerging from each zone for the next stage. The final game is scheduled to hold in Abuja.

He disclosed that the kickoff date for the competition, its format, as well as the prize money for the winning teams would be resolved by the Chukwu Committee.

“I would seize this singular opportunity to call on the leaders of our party especially the state chairmen and their governors to support this initiative for the benefit of

the party and our teaming youths in various states and LGAs especially the sports lovers,” he appealed.

Chukwu who was represented by a former Super Eagles Assistant Coach, James Peters, commended APC for the initiative, assuring stakeholders that the competition will produce abundant talents to feed the national teams.

“All Sports and Games Consult (AGC) has asked me to warmly welcome you to the epoch-making event comprising the inauguration of the National Organising Committee, unveiling of the Chairman’s Trophy and presentation of branded football for the APC National Unity Cup Tournament.

“Today’s event marks the high point of several months of hard work and

consultations to ensure the plan to stage the first edition of the APC National Unity Cup Football Championship is successful.

“The APC National Unity Cup project is on a rescue mission, to help untapped talents. It is an intervention programme aimed to restore youths’ confidence in government, national unity and assurances of means of decent livelihood.

“This is an open competition for nonleague players. Players in the professional NPFL and NNFL are exempted from this competition. It is a nationwide tournament attracting winning prizes, consolation prizes and career progression packages for exceptionally talented players to be discovered,” Chukwu concluded.

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FRIDAYSPORTS

T R A N S F E R . . .T R A N S F E R . . .T R A N S F E R . . .

Man City Agrees £35m Deal for Benfica Goalkeeper Manchester City has agreed a deal with Benfica for the £35million signing of goalkeeper Ederson Moraes, according to the Portuguese champions.

The 23-year-old broke into the Benfica team last March and has made 37 appearances for the club.

“Benfica has reached agreement with Manchester City for the amount of 40m euros,” the club told the Portuguese stock exchange.

They also confirmed 50% of the fee will be paid to “third parties”.

City sources say the transfer cannot be concluded until the third-party element is resolved to the Premier League’s satisfaction.

After Sunday’s 2-1 Portuguese Cup final win over Vitoria Guimaraes, Moraes said it was “probably” his final appearance for Benfica.

The Brazil Under-23 cap is yet to make his full international debut, but is in the squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Argentina and Australia.

City manager Pep Guardiola has been interested in Ederson for some time and made room in his squad by releasing Willy Caballero on Friday.

Earlier this week, the club’s England goalkeeper Joe Hart confirmed he would be leaving Torino after a season-long loan.

Ederson helped Benfica win their 26th Portuguese Cup... last Sunday Ederson’s arrival will place more pressure on Claudio Bravo, who has had a torrid

Toure Signs One-year Contract Midfielder Yaya Toure has signed a new one-year contract with Manchester City, the Premier League club announced yesterday.

Toure joined City from Barcelona in 2010 and has made 299 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 81 goals, but missed a chunk of the season after a public spat between his agent, Dimitri Seluk, and manager Pep Guardiola.

Seluk criticised Guardiola for leaving his client out of City’s Champions League squad, resulting in Toure being frozen out by City at

the start of September, only to be welcomed back a month later after issuing a public apology.

“I’m delighted. I told myself the journey at City is not done,” the 34-year-old Ivorian said in a statement on City’s website on Thursday. (www. mancity.com) “It is a great club, going in the right direction with new players who are coming in.

Our mentality is always to win week in, week out and I’m delighted with the fans as well.”

City finished third in the Premier League this season.

Fletcher Joins Stoke Scotland international midfielder Darren Fletcher joined Stoke City yesterday on a free transfer after rejecting an offer of a new contract from their Premier League rivals West Brom.

The 33-year-old former Manchester United star -who will join fellow former West Brom team-mate Saido Berahino at Stoke -- signed a two year contract with his new club ending a two-and-a-half year stay with West Brom.

His loss will be keenly felt by the club where he has been captain since he signed from United in 2015.

Fletcher, who during his 12 years at United won amongst other silverware four Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League, said he had enjoyed his time at West Brom but he felt he needed a new challenge.

“It’s all happened incredibly quickly, but I am delighted to be here,” the 78-times capped Fletcher told the Stoke City website.

“This is a fantastic Club with a top manager (Mark Hughes) and a great group of players and I am really looking forward to this opportunity.

“I loved every moment of my time at West Bromwich Albion and I loved every moment of my time with Manchester United, but this is a new challenge for me now, and I like to think I respond well to new challenges.”

Pulis for his part said he held no grudges against Fletcher.

“Of course there is a disappointment in seeing Fletch move on and we wish him well,” Pulis told West Brom’s official site.

time after arriving from Barcelona to take over from Joe Hart as City’s number one.

Guardiola made his first move of the summer with the £43m signing of Monaco’s

Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva on Friday.

He is also understood to

be interested in Monaco and France full-back Benjamin Mendy, 22.

Arsenal Takes Emirates FA Cup to Dubai Fresh from their victory over Chelsea FC, Arsenal took the Emirates FA Cup once again to Dubai after the team’s record 13th victory of the historic trophy.

The Emirates FA Cup made its way to Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai at the Sevens so that it’s lucky students could join in to take special individual and group photos with the trophy. Over 120 kids had their photo taken with the iconic trophy.

Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai is a joint venture between Emirates and Arsenal, open to boys and girls of all abilities, aging from five to 20 years.

Each year, more than 400 children are taught to “Play the Arsenal Way,’ based on the same principles taught to the first team. The training programme is also designed to help aspiring young footballers develop their skills on the pitch, ensuring they

have a platform to reach their potential.

Emirates has been a proud sponsor of Arsenal Football Club since 2004, and the partnership includes the club’s jersey sponsorship and naming rights to Arsenal’s home ground, Emirates Stadium.

In 2015 Emirates became Title Sponsor of the FA Cup, the world’s oldest and largest domestic football tournament, which is now globally known

as The Emirates FA Cup. The Emirates FA Cup also made a special visit to Emirates Group Headquarters, and employees were given the chance to take pictures with the trophy.

A number of Arsenal first team players have visited Dubai to train and coach students in addition to meet and greet sessions with recent visits by Mesut Ozil (May 2016), Nacho Monreal and Danny Welbeck (2015).

New LCC President Vows to Take Club to Next Level Newly elected President of the Lagos Country Club, Tajudeen Adegboyega Akande, has pledged to take the club to the next level following his victory in their election held last Friday.

Formerly a three-term chairman of Table Tennis section in the Lagos Country Club, Mr Akande saw off the challenge of former Vice president of the Club, Telesfore Trombi, to emerge

victorious in a landslide, besting his opponent by 417 to 172 votes.

Speaking to club members in his acceptance speech, a visibly excited Akande, who said he was accepting their mandate with humility and a deep sense of responsibility, thanked members of the premier family club in Nigeria for the trust and confidence deposed in him, while vowing to give nothing

short of his best in his bid to move the club to higher heights.

“This victory is a victory for Lagos Country Club, a victory for quality service and a victory for taking the club to the next level.

The work has just begun and I have no doubt in my mind of the enormity of the work that has to be done,” said Mr Akande who will serve a one-year but twice renewable term.

“The level of support I have gotten is a challenge and I want to assure that I will live up to the challenge and I’ll serve to the best of my ability,” he concluded.

Lagos Country Club has over the years grown to be regarded as one of the top social, recreational and sporting clubs in Nigeria with over 12,000 members, with membership cutting across nationalities, tribes and multi-cultures.

Ijaiye Housing Estate Wins GTBank-Lagos Principal’s Cup Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Secondary School, Ijaiye, has won the Season 8 of the GTBank Principal’s Cup after defeating Ikotun Senior High School 2-0 on Tuesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

In the female category,

Isale Eko Grammar School got the better of Government Senior College, Agege, 5-4, via penalty shootouts after both sides failed to find the net in regulation time.

The winning schools in both the boys and girls’ category won a sum of

N1million respectively while the runners up schools got N750,000 each.

Several dignitaries, which includes the Managing Director of GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),

Seyi Akinwunmi and the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sports, Deji Tinubu were present.

Others include, former international footballers like, Henry Nwosu, Waidi Akanni, Taiwo Oloyede among other football stars.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017

FRIDAYSPORTS F R E N C H

O P E N

Del Potro Consoles Injured Opponent Juan Martin del Potro consoled his 2017 French Open opponent Nicolas Almagro after the Spaniard quit their second round match in tears with a knee injury.

Del Potro helped a sobbing Almagro from the court and will now face Britain’s Andy Murray in the third round.

Argentina’s Del Potro is playing in his first French Open since 2012 having suffered a series of injuries.

“I wish you a speedy recovery. I can imagine what you are feeling. Strength,” tweeted Del Potro.

World number one Murray came from a set down to beat Martin Klizan.

Elsewhere, third seed and former champion Stan Wawrinka progressed to round three with victory over Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov.

The Swiss, 32, won 6-4 7-6

(7-5) 7-5 against the world number 89.

But 13th seed Tomas Berdych has been knocked out, losing 7-5 6-4 6-4 to world number 53 Karen Khachanov.

Controversial Australian 18th seed Nick Kyrgios is also out after he was beaten 5-7 6-4 6-1 6-2 by South African Kevin Anderson.

Seventh seed Marin Cilic reached the third round with a 6-3 6-2 6-2 win over Russia’s Konstantin Kravchuk.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori, the eighth seed, progressed by beating Jeremy Chardy 6-3 6-0 7-6 (7-5).

In the women’s draw, fifth seed Elina Svitolina came from behind to beat Tsvetana Pironkova 3-6 6-3 6-2.

Ninth seed Agnieszka Radwanska also dropped the first set but recovered to win 6-7 (3-7) 6-2 6-3 against Alison Van Uytvanck.

VAT Wonder Goal: Obaje, Ammeh, Murray Fights Back to Hit Third Round Ubong Chase Prize Del Potro (right) consoling Nicolas Almagro... yesterday

Last season’s top scorer, Godwin Obaje made it to the list for the VAT Wonder Goal Award and will be contending with Akwa United’s Friday Ubong and Wilfred Ammeh of Niger Tornadoes in the latest shortlist announced by the League Management Company (LMC) yesterday.

The three nominees made the final cut in a match day that recorded 23 goals and with seven other goals considered good enough for listing.

Obaje switched to FC IfeanyiUbah from Wikki Tourists after emerging the highest scorer last season and have so far netted nine times this term but it was his second effort against Kano Pillars that has earned him a chance to contest for the best goal of the week honour.

Showing huge predatory instincts, Obaje amidst tight marking from four defenders inside the box calmed his nerves to link up a cross from the left side and without controlling the ball, leaned to his left, then shot to the roof of the net with his right. It was a delightful ending to a move that was initiated from the half line involving just two players before Obaje dropped the ball in the net.

On a day Niger Tornadoes doused the fire from MFM, Ammeh made good a miscuing by a team made. A right footed player, Ammeh showed versatility of both legs when he deftly controlled the mis-kicked pass, pushed twice to displace two markers and position well for a right footed blaze that hit the upper inner part of the net. It was simply a goal no goalkeeper could do anything apart and this was without prejudice for the maze of legs inside the goal area.

Ubong’s goal is similar to the two other shortlisted goals only to the extent that it shook

the top end of the net. But his was a sheer effort in bravery and big heart. A stubborn ABS backline had on two occasions repelled moves by Akwa United through the left side and on the third time, the ball fell to Ubong who caressed with his left foot to release a rocket that sailed upwards into the net from 30 meters. The crowd rose in appreciation and his team mates piled atop him on the grass in celebration.

Video of the three goals have been uploaded on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) website, www. npfl.ng and social media platform @LMCNPFL on twitter.

Voting which started yesterday will end at 12noon on Sunday, June 4. The winner will receive N150, 000 half of which he is expected to contribute to a charity of his choice within the city where the club is based.

The VAT Wonder Goal Award is supported by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) which is collaborated with the LMC to use matches of the NPFL to create awareness for the importance of regular tax payment by citizens.

Obaje

World number one Andy Murray came from a set down to beat unseeded Slovakian Martin Klizan in the French Open second round.

The Briton won 6-7 (3-7) 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-3) and goes on to face Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro.

It was Murray’s 18th win of a season that has been interrupted by illness and injury.

British number two Kyle Edmund also progressed after beating Renzo Olivo 7-5 6-3 6-1.

The 22-year-old Yorkshireman will next play South Africa’s Kevin Anderson, who beat Australian Nick Kyrgios 5-7 6-4 6-1 6-2.

Del Potro, seeded 29th after his own injury struggles, went through when his opponent Nicolas Almagro retired at one set all.

Asked about facing former US Open champion Del Potro as early as the third round, Murray said: “It’s a tough match. In my opinion he’s

one of the best players in the world.

Murray needed three hours and 34 minutes to see off Klizan, the world number 50, and claim his second four-set win of the week.

The Scot, 30, could again be heard to complain he was struggling with his movement, but once again his form improved as the match wore on.

“I’m playing way better than I was two weeks ago, and today’s match will have done me a lot of good,” said Murray.

“Physically I pulled up well and felt good, so I will gain a lot of confidence from that.

And also, I hit a lot of balls out there today, more than the first-round match.”

Murray occasionally appeared frustrated with movement in the crowd in the early stages of the match It could have been a much quicker afternoon on the Suzanne Lenglen Court had Murray completed a comeback from a break down

in the first set.

Having weathered the expected early storm from his big-hitting opponent, Murray drew level at 5-5 only to play a poor tie-break and fall a set behind.

Klizan, 27, began the match with his left calf heavily strapped and it was no surprise that his level dropped in the second set.

Murray raced through seven straight games and when he made it 11 out of 13 to take a two-sets-to-one lead, there looked no way back for the Czech.

He was offered a lifeline early in the fourth thanks to a wayward Murray forehand and made it through to 5-3, only to fail once again when trying to serve out the set.

Klizan was broken for the sixth time when he framed a smash over the baseline and, despite brilliantly saving one match point, saw his challenge end in another tie-break.

Murray lunged to his right to send a superb volley past

the Slovakian on the second match point.

“Consistency is definitely what I’m looking for,” Murray told BBC Sport.

“I felt a little bit more in control of the first-round match than I did today. At times today I played some very solid stuff.

“The most positive things for me are physically I felt good after a pretty long match in tough conditions, and also I made some quite significant changes during the match to my tactics.”

Murray

Navratilova Tags Margaret Court ‘Racist, Homophobe’ Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova has renewed her call for the Margaret Court Arena to be renamed - describing the Australian as a “racist and a homophobe”.

Court, 74, has said she would not fly on Qantas “where possible” in protest at its support of same-sex marriage.

She then told a Christian radio station “tennis is full of lesbians”.

In an open letter, Navratilova said: “We should not be celebrating this kind of behaviour.”

The 60-year-old addressed

her letter to the Margaret Court Arena, one of the main show courts at the Australian Open.

She said: “It is now clear exactly who Court is: an amazing tennis player, and a racist and a homophobe.

“Her vitriol is not just an opinion. She is actively trying to keep LGBT people from getting equal rights (note to Court: we are human beings, too).”

In 1990, Court said Navratilova was a poor role model for young tennis players because of her homosexuality.

Navratilova said she had

forgiven Court for those comments, but had only just been made aware of remarks the Australian made about South Africa’s apartheid regime.

In 1970, Court said: “South Africa has the racial situation rather better organised than anyone else, certainly much better than the United States.”

Court won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, 11 of them in the Open era, which began in 1968 and allowed professionals to compete alongside amateurs.

Navratilova described Court’s actions as “bullying”

and said sporting venues are named after athletes for “who they are as human beings” and “not just for what this person did on the field”.

“The platform people like Margaret Court use needs to be made smaller, not bigger,” she said.

Navratilova believes the Margaret Court Arena should be renamed after Evonne Goolagong, a 14-time Grand Slam winner of Australian Aboriginal descent.

“I think the Evonne Goolagong Arena has a great ring to it,” she added. “Now there is a person we can all celebrate. On every level.”

Friday, June 2, 2017

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MISSILE PDP to Lalong “Lalong tried to disparage his predecessor by setting up a judicial commission of inquiry, but where is the result to show for his own flagrant waste of state resources? Two years into governance, Lalong’s report card shows him fall and low on credit” – Plateau State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Damishi Sango describing the All Progressive Congress led government of Governor Simon Lalong as developmentally bankrupt and a dismal failure.

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

Preacher, Professor and Politician T he dominant theme (apologies for those professorial sounding words) of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s stewardship is ‘compromise and healing’. I put those wordscompromise and healing in inverted comas because the characterisation is not original to me. It was recently employed to capture the essence of the Barack Obama presidency. Like Osinbajo, the latter is not only a professor but a law professor and of course both of them are politicians with special appeal to the younger generation. The paradox of Obama’s tenure is that his best efforts and noble intentions regardless, he left America a more divided society and tragically rendered it prone to the triumph of the racist baiting and demagoguery of Donald Trump.

A critical allied factor accounting for the defeat of Hilary Clinton was the backlash of the white supremacist rage provoked by the election of an African American as President-for which Clinton and the Democrats were held vicariously responsible. This backdrop was a gold mine for a reprobate and mercenary Republican Presidential contender and the rest as the saying goes is history. But evil will triumph so far as the world is held bemused at the unfolding spectacle of the unravelling of the Trump presidency albeit at a prohibitive cost to the American polity. The bad news is that there is a potential for the replay of a similar paradox here at home.

The Presidential rotation (conflict resolution) contrivance of swinging the Nigerian Presidency between the North and the South is fast degenerating into a political albatross for Nigeria. It has fallen prey to the Nigerian peculiarity of rendering and abnegating intended solutions into problems; a polity bound to a recurring vicious cycle of functionality and dysfunction. How to break this vicious cycle is the central question of Nigeria’s present and future.

The fallacy of mistaking the symptom for the disease was what led to the prescription of the rotation contrivance in the first place. The prescription catered to the instant gratification syndrome of gratifying our obsession with political power at the centre rather than render the obsession unnecessary and superfluous.

This was a crucial ingredient of the federalism that was bequeathed to Nigeria in 1960. ‘The federal constitution was designed in such a manner as to minimise the attraction of the centre and thereby preclude desperation in the bid to attain power at the federal government level’. Instructively, it was the logic at play in Ahmadu Bello’s choice to remain as Premier of the Northern region rather than become the Prime Minister of Nigeria.

The premature exit of President Umaru Yaradua before the completion of his first term in office resulted in the unintended consequence of cutting short the rotation prescribed tenure of the North. Following the dictate of the constitution and the concomitant assumption of the office of the President by Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, the reversal of the office back to the South aborted the full flight of the rotation formula and precipitated

Osinbajo a divisive crisis of succession. This error of omission would set the stage for the bitterness and polarisation that characterised the 2015 Presidential election.

As the health challenge of President Buhari increasingly borders on incapacitation, a similar scenario is beginning to unfold. At his latest departure for medical attention in London, the President set the ball rolling (on the enactment of the obsession with power) with a curious qualifier in his letter to the National assembly that “While I am away, the Vice President will co-ordinate the activities of the government,’’.

Yet in the relevant constitutional provision, Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, it is not the President’s prerogative to determine who should act for him let alone dictate how the delegated power would be exercised. He is limited to informing the Senate of his intention to temporarily take leave of his duties.

That section says, “Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives

I don’t need any Professor to lecture me on the advantage of Nigeria remaining as one big rainbow country and much less would I agree to the reduction and belittling of restructuring as tantamount to a bellyache for more food

a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the Vice-President as Acting President.”

Dr Junaid Mohammed, the otherwise vocational critic of the President, took off from where the loaded letter left. The significance of Mohammed’s intervention is that it is a reflection of a cross cutting Northern elite regional opinion (among supporters and critics alike) on a regional claim to political power with or without Buhari who is regarded as merely holding proxy for the North. In a rather well articulated submission, Mohammed argues “The zoning in the Peoples Democratic Party has not worked. Now it is trending in the All Progressives Congress. It is either we fix it or ship it out altogether. “If that is not done, then you have to go back and redress it by saying that in the course of zoning and rotation, (Umaru) Yar’Adua died in office.

Those who are claiming that Yar’Adua was theirs or that he came from their region did not get the compensation that was due to them”...

“We are now having a situation whereby Buhari is sick – whether he resigns or God forbid, something else happens, “We are going to have the balance of Buhari’s years taken over by someone else from outside the zone Buhari comes from. “What are we going to do? Are we going to say okay, nothing has happened, let’s carry on? “ Whereas you can ignore agitations from people who didn’t win an election, you cannot ignore agitations from people who won an election. I have no doubt in my mind that Buhari won an election. “ “But the fact of the matter is, those who see Buhari as their representative and are not being treated justly are going to claim their own rights and the only way you are going to resolve the issue is that after Buhari’s administration, you have it zoned to a certain part of the country for eight to 10 years. “Whether this makes sense in a democracy or not is beside the point, because I don’t support zoning and rotation. “You should ask those who support it and see whether they can continue with the system.”

Within the context of the desperado tradition of Nigerian power politics and its zero sum proportions, the argument of Junaid Mohammed is quite tenable. Given the same situation of perceived political adversity, other Nigerian politicians and political rapporteurs would mount a similar soap box. Weeks before the 2015 Presidential election and in anticipation of a fraught political aftermath, I had proffered the following counsel ‘In the immediate aftermath of the election, the foremost challenge that faces whoever is elected President is not fighting corruption or winning the war on Boko Haram - important as they are. It is going to be the challenge of draining the poison of divisiveness and incipient fratricidal bloodletting from the system.

It is going to be the challenge of sustaining Nigeria as a corporate entity. You have got to have a nation first before you can fight

corruption and Boko Haram. It is of little consolation getting wise after the event but it was true then as it is now that the Fourth Republic should have been predicated on a foundational national conference as proposed by the NADECO opposition consortium. If the idea of restructuring - generating national conference - was crucial before the elections, it is certain to become of urgent imperative after the 14th of February election. To avoid this response is to live in denial and opt for the strategy of postponing the evil day. May the good Lord give us the President who can heal the land’…

It is not derogatory to cite President Buhari as a man of war and not a healer. An echo of this observation is the consensus on his area of achievement as limited to the war on Boko Haram and corruption. And this is where he is roundly complemented by the compromise and healing character traits of the Vice President. Let us give Buhari his due.

Long before his intermittent incapacitation, he had recognised these qualities in his deputy and had charted a role for him as healer in chief beginning with his emissary to the Niger Delta. The regret here is that like the Obama and America parallel, there is a huge potential for Osinbajo to end up a similar paradox-where a man of intellectual compromise and healing spawns pronounced division and altercation.

This is the realpolitik to which Junaid Mohammed has adverted our attention-which brings us back to the question of how to break the vicious cycle of Nigeria’s political poverty. The short answer to this question is to render the central government less the object of power covetousness and desperationthrough devolution and decentralisation of power. Many would argue that Buhari has gotten the potential to be a good leader but see what the system has made of him. Hitherto, would anyone have believed that Buhari can be associated with the outright mischief implied in his letter to the National assembly?

I object to the tendency lately on display in the remarks of Osinbajo and former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the proposal for Nigerian restructuring (at the event on Biafra the other day). The remarks amounted to the strategy of giving the proposal a bad name in order to hack it down. I don’t need any Professor to lecture me on the advantage of Nigeria remaining as one big rainbow country and much less would I agree to the reduction and belittling of restructuring as tantamount to a bellyache for more food.

‘With malice to no one and charity for all’ we advocate restructuring as a rediscovery of the constitutional structure that optimally responds to the crying need for a development driven rather than a consumption driven Nigeria. I agree with Osinbajo that we are greater than the sum of our strengths but we are also weaker than the sum of our weaknesses. And this is precisely the point. What we are harnessing in our pseudo-federalist structure are not strengths but weaknesses and the resulting Nigerian aggregate is thereby doomed to be weaker than the sum of its weak internal components.

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