Friday 18th August 2017

FG Concessions Narrow Gauge Railway Lines to GE Chika Nwachukwu-Amanze The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved an interim agreement for the concession of the Lagos-Kano and Port

Harcourt-Maiduguri old narrow gauge railway lines to a consortium led US engineering conglomerate, General Electric (GE).

According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed,

who briefed State House correspondents, the interim concession agreement would allow the consortium to immediately commence improvements in the operational capacity of the rail network.

The approval, Mohammed added, would aid the completion and full utilisation of the narrow guage system from October this year.

He said the development “means that with effect from

October this year, there will be new locomotives with about 17 wagons that will be in use; we’ll be able to move a million tonnes of our goods, and by this, preserve the lifespan of our roads”.

The consortium that the

concession has been handed to comprises General Electric, South Africa’s Transnet and Sino Hydro from China.

The government said the Continued on page 9

FG, ASUU Meeting Deadlocked, Postponed Till Next Week…

Page 12

Friday 18 August, 2017 Vol 22. No 8156. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Van Hits Crowd in Barcelona Terror Attack, Kills 13…

Page 47

Buhari Wants Govs to Support Acting President, Says Yari Saraki, Dogara visit president in London Onyebuchi Ezigbo, James Emejo and Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded with state governors to continue to support his administration and to cooperate with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in running the affairs of the country.

SMILES ALL ROUND AS SARAKI, DOGARA VISIT… President Muhammadu Buhari (centre), seated with Senate President Bukola Saraki (left) and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, when the two leaders of the National Assembly met with the president in Abuja House, London… yesterday

Continued on page 9

Hate Speech Will Be Treated as Terrorism, Osinbajo Vows Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday in Abuja described hate speech as another form

of terrorism, which employs violence and intimidation to

achieve certain political objectives, vowing that the federal government

would henceforth treat it as an act of terrorism.

Osinbajo issued the

warning while addressing the state governors at the opening of National

Over 50 Die of Unidentified Disease in Kogi… Page 49

Economic Council (NEC) security retreat at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

Continued on page 9

2

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

3

4

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

5

6

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

7

8

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

9

˾ FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

PAGE NINE

FG Selects Two Investors to Build 217,000bpd Refineries in PH, Warri To provide financial support to modular refineries Ejiofor Alike The federal government has stated that two private Nigerian firms have been selected to build 217,000 barrels per day refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri under the co-location concept initiated by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

Modalities are also being worked out by the federal government to offer financial support to operators who were licensed to build modular refineries in the country.

Kachikwu had initiated the concept of co-location of refineries to ensure that new refineries are set up to share infrastructure with Nigeria’s existing refineries in Kaduna,

Port Harcourt and Warri, to boost domestic petroleum products refining capacity.

The minister had told journalists at the 2017 edition of the annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, that the take off of the scheme was being delayed to enable the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which owns and operates the three existing refineries that would host the new ones, time to understand and subsequently come to terms with it.

Kachikwu had added that the corporation was initially uncomfortable with the idea of having additional refining units at its existing complexes, which it still had challenges fixing.

But speaking yesterday in

Lagos at the conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria, the Chief Operating Officer in charge of Refining and Petrochemical at the NNPC, Mr. Anibor Kragha stated that the NNPC has actually identified two private companies that will build two refineries under the co-location arrangement.

Ten investors were said to have shown interest and competence to build new refineries near the existing ones.

Kragha said one company identified as LRR Group will build a 117,000 barrels per day refinery near the existing Warri refinery, while a different company identified as JALEMBA will build a 100,000 bpd refinery near the present

Port Harcourt refinery.

“The reality of the situation is that studies have been done and by 2025, the actual projected petrol consumption in Nigeria is estimated to be about 41 million litres per day.

“Now the three refineries at full capacity will deliver about 50 per cent of that. Dangote Refinery, I understand, will deliver about 95 per cent of that when it comes on stream.

“That is where the whole idea of becoming a net exporter of petrol is coming from – if the three refineries operate at full capacity and Dangote also comes on stream,” Kragha said.

He said the NNPC was searching for financiers with technical expertise to rehabilitate the existing refineries within the

next 24 months.

“On the co-location, a 100,000 barrel per day refinery will be colocated in Port Harcourt Refinery; there is also a 117,000 barrel per day in Warri,” he added Also speaking, Kachikwu, who was represented by a Deputy Director in charge of Engineering Standards at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Olumide Adeleke said that the federal government was working out modalities to provide funding to promoters of modular refineries.

He identified funding as the major challenge that has hindered the take off of the construction of the new refineries.

“On the concept of co-location of refineries, we have moved from our initial model, which

involved co-locating brownfield refineries with the existing refineries to the co-location of brand new (greenfield) refineries.

“The overall concept remains the same – pipelines, jetties, and where possible, storage tanks would be jointly invested in and shared,” Kachikwu added.

Kachikwu insisted that to become net exporters of petroleum products, the existing refineries needed to operate at nameplate capacity and all private and modular refineries must contribute their quota.

“To promote local content, we need to ensure Nigerian companies participate in the process and the host communities must be taken into cognisance as they have a role to play in achieving this goal,” he said.

Governors’ Forum, the Imo and Kaduna State governors, Chief Rochas Okorocha and Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai had visited Buhari along with other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This was followed by a visit of the chairman of the NGF and six other governors to Buhari in London on July 26.

While explaining how the

initiative for the visit came about, Yari said: “I was invited to select six governors, one from each geopolitical region, to visit Mr. President and I led them to London. The governors were that of Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Ebonyi, Kano, Benue and Borno States.”

Yari described Buhari as being in “very good health”, adding that he delivered the forum’s message of goodwill

to the president.

He said the president thanked the governors for “holding Nigeria together in his absence”.

The statement read: “This would be the first time anyone visiting the president is delivering any word from the president or revealing anything that they discussed

in which GE will rehabilitate and run it over that duration,” Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi had said.

“With the agreement being

signed, we expect that they (GE) commence operations immediately. They will operate and repair the narrow gauge.”

It is believed that the

concession deal with GE is the first of many to come as part of the government’s drive to revitalise Nigeria’s ailing infrastructure.

impunity are the three sides of the same coin which ought to be taken together holistically if we are to move the country forward.

“I want us to think about that and to carry this through, we need the support of Nigerians, particularly the Nigerian on the street who feels deprived in one way or the other, rightly or wrongly.

“It could be imaginary but it ought to be attended to, as where his problems are coming from may not necessarily be the source of his problem.

“But it is necessary for us to look in that direction incase he is right. If we have security and justice, then many of these agitations will equally die down,” Onnoghen stated.

Speaking on behalf of the governors, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari, said even though nearly all the problems confronting Nigeria today had arisen from the states, the governors were doing their best possible to fix them.

He disagreed with the CJN that there are three sides to a coin, insisting that they are two, which he classified as security and the economy.

He said both of them are inseparable, even as he highlighted the resurgence of terrorism in the North-east, noting that if at all government fails to achieve anything, it must guarantee security.

He observed that whereas agriculture has the capacity to provide employment to 75 per cent of Nigerians, various

governments had paid scant attention to agriculture, disclosing that in the last two years, only N23 billion has been invested in the sector.

“The issue of insecurity largely, 99.9 per cent, emanates from the states. Only a few issues are from the centre here in Abuja. It is the primary responsibility of government to secure the lives and property of its citizens.

“The governors are doing their best and the security chiefs can attest to that. We have been shouldering so many responsibilities of logistics in our separate states.

“If government will not achieve anything, it must achieve two things – fighting corruption and ensuring that it stems insecurity. We are still having some pockets of issues in the North-east which is worrisome.

“In the last 12 months, we were experiencing some kind of progress but all of a sudden, it resurfaced again, and also you will agree with me that the issue of security has two sides of a coin, although the CJN said it has three sides.

“Security and the economy have to work together. The issue of insecurity is being supported by our teeming unemployed youths in the streets. Government needs to deploy resources and encourage those in the centre to employ those youth on the streets and take them out of the streets so that they can have something worthwhile to engage them in.

“We have not been paying much attention to agriculture.

My reason: in the last 10 years,

only N400 billion was invested by either the Central Bank of Nigeria or commercial banks or the capital markets in the sector.

“But in 2010, AMCON came to rescue banks with bad debts and over N4 trillion was injected into AMCON and not much impact was made on agriculture. N23 billion has been invested in 200,000 farmers across the nation in two years. But N23 billion can do nothing for the sector that we believe can give employment to 75 per cent of Nigerians. So more investment is required in the sector,” he stated.

Present at the meeting besides the CJN and governors were the ministers, service chiefs, heads of the anti-graft agencies, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), among others.

BUHARI WANTS GOVS TO SUPPORT ACTING PRESIDENT, SAYS YARI The ailing president, who has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment in the United Kingdom for more than three months, also commended the governors for holding together the country in his absence.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar

who briefed other governors Wednesday night on the visit of the NGF delegation last month to London to see Buhari, said from a “first-hand assessment of the president’s state of health, he is in very good health”.

A statement issued by the NGF spokesman, Abulrazque B. Barkindo said for the first time Buhari was able to exchange messages of goodwill with the

forum’s delegation led by Yari.

The statement quoted Yari as having told the governors that the president also “thanked the governors for their concomitant cooperation with the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and urged them to continue to put their faith in his leadership”.

Before that visit by a delegation from the Nigeria

Continued on page 10

FG CONCESSIONS NARROW GAUGE RAILWAY LINES TO GE concession arrangement with GE would see investments of over $2 billion in the country’s major narrow-gauge railway lines.

The US firm was announced as the preferred concessionaire in May by the federal government after it had emerged as the preferred bidder for the railway

lines.

“We are giving the narrow gauge system to GE as a concession. The concession will be for about 30 years,

HATE SPEECH WILL BE TREATED AS TERRORISM, OSINBAJO VOWS He recalled that the Terrorism Act defines hate speech as an act done with malice, which has the capacity not only to harm a country but also intimidate the population.

Reiterating that hate speech would not be condoned but taken as an act of terrorism, which he said would also be met with the punishment for terror acts, the acting president appealed to religious, business and political leaders, irrespective of their political, ethnic or religious backgrounds to condemn hate speech in strong terms, even if it emanates from their constituents.

He also recalled how hate speech led to the crisis in Nazi Germany, the extermination of Jews in Europe, monumental genocide in Rwanda and silenced influential voices, warning that if leaders failed to speak up against terrorism, it would amount to a disservice to the unity of the country.

“Please permit me a comment on hate speech. The federal government has drawn a line on hate speech. Hate speech is a specie of terrorism, as it is defined popularly as the unlawful use of violence or intimidation against individuals or groups of persons especially for political aims.

“The law on hate speech, Terrorism Act, 2011, defines hate speech among other definitions as an act deliberately done with malice and which may seriously harm or damage a country or seriously intimidate a population.

“The intimidation of a population by words or speech is an act of terrorism and this government intends to take this matter seriously. As I have said,

we have drawn a line against hate speech. It will not be tolerated.

“It will be taken as an act of terrorism and all of the consequences will follow.

“I call on business, political and religious leaders, whatever your political leanings or religion or tribe or faith, to condemn in the strongest possible terms at all times hate speeches.

“Speech that promotes violence against an individual or a group, especially when such speech comes from people of your own faith, tribe or group. Your silence in such situations can only be seen as an endorsement.

“Hate speech and promotion of the same throughout history, from Nazi Germany, to the extermination of Jews, to the Rwandan genocide, succeeded in achieving their barbarous ends by the silence of influential voices from the aggressor communities.

“When leaders in communities that speak in such a manner to create dissection or intimidate the population are quiet, they do a great disservice to our unity.

They do a great disservice to our nation.

“This is why I urge all political leaders, religious leaders, business leaders and all of those who truly want a united country, a country where there will be peace and security, to ensure that we do not tolerate by our silence, the hate speech that we hear every day in our communities.

“Let me remind all of us that our constitution states that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of our people. And as President

Buhari used to say, ‘We cannot administer a country you have not secured’.

“We will not relent in our vision of a secured country in which all citizens can confidently aspire to achieve their means and ambition. And I am confident that today marks an important milestone in achieving that vision,” he said.

In his remarks at the event, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, who pledged the commitment of the judiciary to doing things differently in the country, assured the gathering that the judicial arm of government was committed to the entrenchment of peace and justice in the country.

According to him, “Whereas it is commonly believed that there are two sides to a coin, in the true sense of events in Nigeria today, there are actually three sides to a coin,” listing them as insecurity, corruption and impunity.

He said if Nigeria must move forward, these three issues must be addressed holistically, pointing out that the support of all Nigerians must be secured if this must be achieved this.

“The commitment of the judiciary is to do things differently and in a good manner.

Our commitment is to have a good Nigerian society where peace and justice reign.

“I want to tell you also that though we also say that there are two sides to a coin, in reality, there are three sides to a coin.

“In our condition, in terms of where we find ourselves today, it is my personal view that insecurity, corruption, and

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN FIDSON 0.15 3.15 MAYBAKER 0.14 2.95 FLOURMILLS 1.36 28.89 LIVESTOCK 0.04 0.85 CONTINENTAL 0.06 1.30 TOP LOSERS NGN NGN ETERNA 0.22 3.44 MOBIL 11.84 225.06 NAHCO 0.16 3.12 CCNN 0.48 9.67 CUTIX 0.09 9.67 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦ 1,210.00 Volume: 225.140 million shares Value: N5.479 billion Deals: 5,110 As at 17/08/17 See details on Page 44

% 5.0 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.8 % 6.0 5.0 4.8 4.7 4.7

˜ ͯͶ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵ ˾ T H I S D AY

10

PAGE TEN

FG Cedes Ownership of Nigeria’s First Presidential Lodge to Lagos Gboyega Akinsanmi The federal and Lagos State governments yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) officially ceding the ownership of the State House, Marina, also known as Nigeria’s first Presidential Lodge, to the latter, in fulfillment of President Muhammadu Buhari to entrust the historic building to the state.

The duo of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello and Permanent Secretary in charge of the State House (Abuja), Mr. Jalal Arabi, signed the agreement at the State House, Marina.

The agreement was signed nine months after Buhari formally approved the release of the building to the state government.

Reacting, the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode commended Buhari, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola for fast-tracking the process leading to the handover of the lodge.

After signing the MoU yesterday, Arabi said history was being rewritten with the hand over of the State House, adding: “But we are not losing the fact that it is still with us.”

He said he received clear instructions from the president that the edifice should be officially transferred to the Lagos State government.

He said the federal government had handed over

State House, Marina the State House to Lagos State government in the spirit of oneness, unity, posterity and interest of Nigerians and Nigeria.

He added that it was nothing special or extraordinary, noting, however, that the transfer was in the interest of one Nigeria.

“We believe it has gone to the right hands. Most of us have been involved in maintaining this place.

“We never wanted any distraction. There is difference between old age and

statesmanship. I believe we are now in an era where we have a principal, who believes that your word should be your bond.

I received instruction to kick start the process,” Arabi said.

After the signing, Bello said the official handover of the building “signposts an affirmation of the healthy inter-governmental relationship the exists between federal and Lagos State governments”.

He added that the historic building “represents one of the landmarks of the city of Lagos.

So the successful handover is an eloquent testimony to the new dawn of politics and inclusiveness the All Progressives Congress (APC) has brought to the political landscape of Nigeria”.

He assured the federal government that the Ambode administration would put the pre-independence building to the best and most judicious use, while ensuring its transformation without compromising its structural integrity and preserving its

architectural finesse and beauty.

Bello added that the state government would maintain the building to become a tourist attraction, which residents of Lagos and other Nigerians would not only be proud of but would compare to similar ones in other countries.

The State House, Marina was built in 1896 by the British colonial administration and went through a number of transformations; the version most recognised was built on time for Lord Fredrick Lugard

to occupy as Governor-General in 1914.

It housed figures such as Sir Hugh Clifford, Sir Donald Cameron, Sir Bernard Bourdillon, Sir John Macpherson and the last Governors-General, Sir James Wilson Robertson and – after independence – Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was kidnapped from the State House, Marina, and later killed during the January 15, 1966 coup.

South Africa Policemen Strangulate Nigerian to Death The Nigerian Union in South Africa yesterday said another Nigerian, Mr. Uchena Eloh, had been killed in the Western Cape Province of that country.

Kanayo Onwumelu, Chairman, Western Cape chapter of the union, on the telephone from Cape Town, said that Eloh was strangled to death by South African policemen.

Eloh hailed from Eziagu in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, reported

the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“We want to call the attention of the Nigerian government to the senseless killing of innocent Nigerians by the police in South Africa.

“At about 11.00 a.m. South African time on Wednesday, a Nigerian, Uchenna Emmanuel Eloh, popularly known as ‘Monkey’, was killed by a South African police officer.

“He was walking out of his house towards the bus station

when a police van stopped to search him, suspecting that he might be in possession of an illegal substance.

“Three policemen accosted Eloh, one of them, by the name Williams, held him by the neck suspecting that he swallowed a substance, while another police officer held him by the legs,” he said.

The union official alleged that the policemen dragged Eloh on the ground until he started foaming and suffocated

to death on the spot.

“This is not the first time such a senseless killing of an innocent Nigerian has been carried out by South African police officers.

“We have reported similar killings to the South African government and Nigeria High Commission in South Africa and nothing was done to bring the culprits to book.

“We want the Nigerian government to intervene to stop this brutality against

innocent Nigerians and stop killing Nigerians out of hatred, racism or xenophobia,” he said.

Ikechukwu Anyene, President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, who also confirmed the incident, called for an end to the incessant killings of Nigerians in South Africa.

“Our government needs to do something urgently to make it clear that Nigerian lives matter.

“We have made suggestions on what can be done, but it is

now clear to us that the endless talks cannot yield any positive result,” Anyene said.

He said that the union had engaged a lawyer to take up the case against South African Police Service.

“But this kind of legal service should form part of consular services to provide legal services to victimised Nigerians,” Anyene said.

The union said the police have opened an inquest into the case.

Yobe, Nasarawa, Rivers, Enugu, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti and Cross Rivers States.

guests were clad in dark suits and light blue shirts.

Adesina’s Facebook page did not offer any further information on the visit other than the date and the location – Abuja House, London.

However, a statement from Dogara yesterday attested to the significant improvement in the president’s health, saying his health has “improved tremendously”.

Dogara made this known via his official Twitter handle @Yakubdogara, adding that he was glad seeing that the president was doing well.

He also urged Nigerians to continue to pray and offer thanks for answered prayers for the safe return of the president.

According to him, “Today, we visited His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari.

I am glad that he is doing well.

“His health has improved

tremendously. I urge all Nigerians to continue to pray and offer thanks to God for answered prayers and for the safe return of Mr. President.”

There had been speculations that the president’s illness had left him incapacitated, prompting visits by different groups with pictures released by the State House to the public.

Most of the pictures were however received with skepticism and criticism.

But the president’s media team, following its visit on August 12, released videos of Buhari walking, speaking and smiling.

In a statement released

by Adesina after the visit, the president stated that he felt that he could return to Nigeria, but was waiting for his doctors to give the final go ahead.

BUHARI WANTS GOVS TO SUPPORT ACTING PRESIDENT, SAYS YARI with President Buhari who is on his 103rd day out of the country.

“Although President Buhari was reported to have felt fit enough to return and continue his duties of presiding over the affairs of the country, it wouldn’t be until his doctors give him the nod, reports said.

“However, those who had previously visited the president in London, including the Minister of Information and the president’s own media team had only returned to the country to narrate the status of the president as of the time they met him, but did not deliver the well wishes of the president or what he discussed with them regarding the Nigerian people.

“Governor Yari is therefore the only person to deliver a message to his colleagues from President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Even the governors who went along with Governor Yari had in their earlier statements only spoken about the president’s stability and were mute about a message.

“Before that visit by a delegation from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum – Imo and Kaduna State governors, Chief Rochas Okorocha and Mallam Nasiru el Rufai – had visited President Muhammadu Buhari along with other top functionaries. But mum was the word.”

Also, during Wednesday’s NGF meeting, the Executive Director/CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib had solicited the governors’ cooperation in the payment up their counterpart funding quota by Aug 23 to enable his agency embark on a nationwide

immunisation exercise.

In response, the chairman of the forum asked the agency to allow all the governors to meet that obligation by September 10, saying that the deadline was too short, as most governors were in Abuja and may have to be here till today.

Shuaib stated that the federal government was contributing N3 billion to the agency’s coffers for the exercise.

Earlier, the Director General of the NGF Mr. Ashishana B Okauru had presented to the governors an update on the polio status in the country, stating that Nigeria would be delisted from the global polio map by 2019.

In attendance at the meeting were the governors of Borno, Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Imo, Osun, Plateau States and a host of deputy governors, among who were those of Kaduna,

Saraki, Dogara Visit Buhari Yari’s statement came just as the presidency revealed that the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara visited Buhari in London yesterday.

A picture of the visit shared on the Facebook page of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina showed the Saraki and Dogara seated with the president and smiling.

The president was wearing a light brown kaftan and matching trousers, with a black cap, and what seemed to be black slippers, while his

11

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

!9H & .

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017Ëž T H I S D AY

12

NEWS

Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Davidson Iriekpen Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081

FG, ASUU Meeting Deadlocked, Postponed Till Next Week Govt demands accountability of N30bn expenditure, insists on TSA Senator Iroegbu Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Damilola Oyedele Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The hope of early resumption of academic activities on university campuses by students and their parents was dashed yesterday as the conciliation meeting between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) remains deadlocked.

The parties have agreed to resume meeting in a week’s time.

The meeting which was conveyed yesterday  by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, in his office, had in attendance; the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, and his team, the Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze; Chairman of the Salaries and Wages Commission, representatives of the National Universities Commission (NUC), members of ASUU led by its National President, Dr. Debo Ogunyemi, and senior staff of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Ngige in his opening remarks  accused ASUU of not following the proper procedure before embarking on strike.

According to him, “There must be a mandatory letter of 15 days to labour ministry, to education before going on strike.�

He insisted that all agreements were supposed to be domiciled in ministry of labour in order to track implementation as agreement gives room to renegotiation.

The minister said: “Two days ago, we met here on the ban of ASUU by the Kogi State Government and thereafter, on the sideline, we touched the

current ASUU strike which has led us to where we are. Today, we are going to discuss the issue of that strike. We don’t want to apportion blames because if we do, we will not resolve the issues. Also, we don’t want to be legalistic because if we do, the strike should not have occurred without the mandatory notice as required by the Trade Dispute Act. “If we want to apportion blames, certain things have also been done by the government side that went to do the negotiation in the National Assembly and made political agreement with them, and that collective bargaining agreement was not domicile in this ministry.

This is the ministry which is the only agency that has the mandate to resolve labour issues between employers and employees as per the Nigerian constitution. In all, government is desirous to attend to the issues raised and is not trying to show any bad faith.

The issues are well known to all of us because they are a product of the 2009 agreement whose fallout was the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2013 with which government was supposed to release some funds. “Last November, we all agreed that the funds released should be audited forensically and that why that is going on, some amount of money should be released. One or two things happened and due to laspses to Labour administration, there were some trajectory that made it impossible for some of the conditions not to have been fulfilled. “The Babalakin committee is working on those issues and I know that ASUU members, as knowledgeable men are

aware that ILO conventions permits that there should be renegotiation and that was why we allowed the Ministry of Education go ahead with the renegotiation of the CBA.�

However, before the parley went into a technical session,  Ngige noted that government is desirous to many of the issues raised by ASUU, hence the decision to call the conciliation meeting to look into a possible renegotiation between the two sides in line with the International Labour  Organisation Convention.

He said it was based on this that he, as the chief conciliator, urged the Ministry of Education to go ahead with the renegotiation so that students can go back to school and conclude their examinations.

He gave an insight into the modality of the meeting that

it will not leave any room for apportioning of blames, and that it would not be legalistic for a melting point to quickly be reached.

But Ogunyemi, in his response, disagreed with  Ngige, stressing that the minister had taken side with his education counterpart,  Adamu.

He insisted that ASUU informed relevant ministries before embarking on strike, noting that there was a letter dated July 10 to inform the major stakeholders.

The ASUU president said in the last 10 months, the union had written 10 letters trying to reach out to relevant stakeholders after suspending the seven days warning strike in November last year.

He clarified that  the strike is not a fresh action and that they are open to suggestions.

After their opening remarks,

the meeting later went into a technical session, which lasted for hours.

While briefing the media afterwards, Ogunyemi said there was progress in the discussions but that it was unfortunate that it was not finalised because the leadership of ASUU had to go back and brief its members on the terms given by the government and come back in a week’s time when the meeting would resume with a further resolution of the universities teachers.

He, however, did not give a hint of government’s proposal but said the strike would continue and that the union would revert to the government next week.

On whether the strike will be called off before then, he said: “The leadership of the union did not call the strike, our members called the strike and they will decide when to suspend the strike.

“So, when our members decide otherwise, it will be off,� he said.

On his part, Ngige said: “Within the last 48 hours, government has been working. The Minister of Education, Minister of Finance, Attorney General of the Federation and we have taken some government positions which we have communicated to ASUU for them to take back to their members to see if that can be adequate enough for them to call off the strike. “The major issue is that we want the strike called off so that our children in school can write their degree and promotion exams. ASUU graciously said they will come back to us on a date within the next one week. It will not be later than one week so that we then take it from there.�

Cont’d on Pg 53

Spanish Government Pledges EXECUTIVE BANTER L-R: Adamawa State Governor, Jibrilla Bindow; Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom; Support for Nigeria’s Fight Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; and Minister of Interior, General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd), during the National Economic Council (NEC) security retreat at the Presidential Villa in Abuja‌.yesterday.

Ë› against Terrorism “Spain strongly condemns Chidinman Okonkwo Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Tuesday’s terrorist attacks Chineye Nduka Dambazau: FG Considering Establishing National in the Nigerian city of The government of Spain Mandarari in Borno State, Guard has declared its support and in the North-east region solidarity with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism in the West African country, just as it reiterated its commitment to the search for peace and stability in the country.

This followed last Tuesday’s terrorist attacks on the Nigerian city of Mandarari in Borno State, killing at least 30 people and injuring 83, when three women blew themselves up in a local market and in a refugee camp.

The Spanish Government in a statement yesterday, expressed sympathy to the families, friends as well as the government of Nigeria over the unfortunate incident.

The statement explained:

of the country, killing at least 30 people and injuring another 83, when three women blew themselves up in a local market and in a refugee camp. “The government of Spain expresses its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims, as well as the people of Nigeria and the country’s authorities. Spain also wishes those injured a speedy and full recovery. “Spain declares its support for and solidarity with Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and reiterates its commitment to the searc h f o r p e a c e and stability in the c o u n t r y. â€?Â

The federal government is considering the establishment of a National Guard to address emerging security threats and emergencies in the country.

The Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja when the Adjutant General of the California National Guard, United States, paid him a courtesy visit.

The minister however stressed that a lot of consultations would be done before any decision is taken in that regard.

He recalled that several years ago, the government had planned the establishment of a National Guard, but the idea did not come to fruition due to some challenges.

Dambazau, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), explained that the National Guard would help to fill the gap between the operations of the military and the Nigerian Police in tackling security challenges and emergencies.

He said the military was becoming increasingly involved in dealing with some security threats in the country which is outside their constitutional mandate while the police might be overstretched in dealing with such issues.

The minister said Nigeria would continue to collaborate with the international community, including sharing experiences with the US Army in the training of Nigeria’s security personnel.

He said the visit of US military officials would help strengthen the cordial relationship between both countries, especially as regards security.

Earlier, the Adjutant General, Maj.-Gen. David Baldwin, said he and his team were in Nigeria to foster partnership between both countries.

He said California as one of the biggest states in the US had its own National Guard like other states which is responsible security and emergencies.

The Adjutant General said the California National Guard would be involved in the training of Nigeria’s security agencies under the Ministry of Interior such

as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, NSCDC and Prisons to deal with security challenges/emergencies.

Baldwin said the training was designed for two to three years to equip the security personnel with modern trend in security and emergency operations.

On the establishment of a National Guard in Nigeria, he said it was up to the Nigerian Government to decide the modalities for the establishment of any security outfit.

He however said the National Guard is a very strategic and cost effective outfit that has helped the US in tackling security challenges and emergencies such as flood, fire and other natural disasters.

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

13

14

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͶ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

COMMENT

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

RESTRUCTURING AND THE NORTHERN LEADERSHIP (1) Emma Nwosu argues that it is time to restructure the political system for the benefit of all

C

o-existence should make the parties better off - and not worse off - than they would otherwise be. This should be the first principle of federation of groups. The second is equal citizenship and rights. But the Nigerian federation is the opposite. It is lopsided and in disequilibrium. Few are smiling while many are shortchanged. For example, the occupation and environment of the people of Niger Delta have been devastated by crude oil exploration to finance the whole country, without remediation while, for some, educational advancement has been decelerated by the quota system of admission to public schools.

In truth, this condition has its origin in the mission of the colonial master, Britain, to under develop Nigeria for exploitation which dovetailed into the ambition of the favoured Northern leadership to bring the entire country under its political and religious control, overtly and covertly.

The lopsided design of the federation; the suppression of minorities of Northern Region and the 1962 to 1966 political crises of Western Region that largely prompted the January 15, 1966, coup d’etat; the repudiation of Aburi Accord that precipitated the civil war; the suppression of tribe and religion in census parameters to minimise certain groups; the crippling of federalism by over-centralisation of political and economic controls on the federal government; the annulment of the election to the Presidency, for the first time, of a Southerner in 1993; the Northernisation of security, internal affairs and other critical agencies of state as well as manoeuvres on school curriculum, the bid for grazing reserves all over the country and the activities of militant herdsmen who rape, kill and sack communities without being squarely interdicted by the federal government which controls both security agencies and judiciary; among other issues, are attributed to the mission and ambition. It will be very pleasing if proved otherwise.

Both predator and victim must now come to their senses to arrest the ominous trajectory of Nigeria, which could only lead to mutual perdition, before it is too late. The basis of beneficial co-existence mutually agreed by her founding fathers - freedom of religion, resource control and devolution of fiscal responsibilities and legislative powers to federating units - to take their fate in their hands, look inwards and put Nigeria back in business by diversifying the economy and revenue sources away from crude oil needs to be restored to re-ignite healthy competition in good governance, education and social welfare, etc., in which there will be no choice than to become merit and people-oriented and accountable in order to succeed, as was the case in the First Republic.

Not much can be done about corruption and nepotism until you return power to the people and resources to the owners and motivate them to be accountable, productive and fend for themselves. Corruption largely derives from the dependency, greed and ‘sharing’ mentality towards crude oil revenues, at the expense of economic diversification. We are spoilt children of a polygamous home, squabbling over limited food in the kitchen, instead of each mother daring the weather to the fertile fields with her children to compete and harvest food in abundance. The manag-

THE BASIS OF BENEFICIAL CO-EXISTENCE MUTUALLY AGREED BY OUR FOUNDING FATHERS - FREEDOM OF RELIGION, RESOURCE CONTROL AND DEVOLUTION OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND LEGISLATIVE POWERS TO FEDERATING UNITS - NEEDS TO BE RESTORED TO RE-IGNITE HEALTHY COMPETITION IN GOOD GOVERNANCE, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE

ers of the kitchen (those in power and authority) and their collaborators in the private sector then manipulate the system to favour themselves and their enclaves and cronies, at the expense of objective measures that can move the country forward. The system is more to blame than the person and should be first to be changed.

Let the Nigerian federation be restructured into six or eight semiautonomous regions, divided equally between the North and the South, to minimise ethnic and religious domination, foster self-actualisation of individuals and groups; reduce material incentives for political office and state power and reduce the cost of government to less than 10 per cent of public revenues, among others. Let us have a unicameral legislature. Let ministers, legislators and other public officers live among the people, drive their own cars and collect modest allowances, etc., as is done in progressive societies and in the service of professional and social organisations, not as it was done for the colonial master. Let the Armed Forces and the Police each be re-organised into equal regional formations, with a central command appointed by all the regions. Let there be a central contributory stabilisation fund for national emergencies and for bailing out deficit regions which meet certain prudential criteria. The overall purpose of restructuring is to make Nigeria more egalitarian, united in diversity, productive and stronger, without shortchanging anybody.

It is ominous for Northern leadership to pretend that it needs time to digest the concept of political and economic restructuring whereas it was the protagonist of regional autonomy and even outright confederation and secession until it became glued to Nigeria by crude oil and by over-centralisation of political and economic controls on the federal government which it has seemingly cornered for all time. Britain favoured it against Southern Nigeria before stepping aside. Then it got everything demanded from its southern counterparts to remain with the federation. It ought to consider the plight of others.

For example, whereas other principalities in pre-colonial Nigeria (such as the Aros and the Binis) confronted the colonialist as interloper, it deftly collaborated with him by the system of indirect rule. In return, Britain, before stepping aside, conferred huge bargaining advantage on it by, among other measures, refusing a separate region for Northerners who are neither Moslem nor Fulani nor Hausa, leaving it a behemoth constituency; locating all critical military and coercive infrastructure in the region and allocating it more population and parliamentary seats than the three Southern regions, combined.

Two, then, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Premier of Northern Region, made it a special project to swamp the Nigerian armed forces with Northern youths (some with lower qualifications than their Southern counterparts) who were given accelerated training - as if he foresaw the prolonged military rule. His foresight helped Northern leadership to win the Nigerian civil war and to remain in control in both military and civilian dispensations. The baton is still on, with the Nigerian security services largely Northernised as at today.

CHANGE IN THE AIR

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has demonstrated leadership by trimming the numbers of his aides, writes Abdulwahab Oba

T

he number of political appointees working for the average Nigerian politician has always depended on and couched in utmost secrecy. Typically, there is no information as there are no pointers as to how much tax payers sacrifice to their daily, weekly allowances or monthly wage bills.

Worse still, where town hall meetings which are often a scarce occurrence happen, those subject matters never always earned a mention. No one but the politician knows. And, inquests into such matters, considered an exclusive preserve of the public office holder, who more often than not seems accountable to no one and law unto self, have always hit the brick wall. That has been the Nigerian public office experience over the years.

However, recently, following the sliding naira exchange rate to world currencies, public office holders were once more reminded of the need to trim down the number of their office hands. The call earned prominence as it became public knowledge that some states were still unable to pay salaries as a result of continuous dwindling monthly federal allocations. Unfortunately, skewed delineation of state boundaries constrained a few states from generating sufficient internal revenues to augment their allocations. Interestingly, too, it was not just the states that were caught in the financial drought. The federal government apparently, bleeding financially, was buckling down as most premium projects across the country suffered. No thanks to the falling national revenue as per barrel oil sale bottomed at $50 in the international market.

Obviously, the nation needed much more than mere talk. It was in desperate need of leaders, particularly public office holders, who can practically demonstrate patriotism by heeding to calls to trim down their office hands in remedial response to the prevailing economic mesh. As often is the case, such calls had always been pooh-poohed without hairraising protests. But last week, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, proved what could probably

qualify as a classic case of exemplary leadership by trimming down the number of his office hands.

Coming barely four months after ordering a comprehensive staff audit, Saraki, by his move, demonstrated leadership and set a rare standard in the way public office holders should go. Curiously, however, in a country and society where leaders, who put the nation first and above personal gains are hard to find, one had expected Saraki’s rare act of patriotism to grab newspaper headlines and buzz without end on the social media, but not. In fact, the few newspapers that binged on it clearly thinned down its importance, but the number of office hands affected. And a friend whispered to me, “bad media politics”.

Indeed, like other senate presidents before him, including senior top political office holders, Saraki had a choice to ignore the calls and act as though nothing was amiss. But seemingly nudged on by public and national interest, he set himself apart by identifying with posterity. This explains why he deserves commendation for pointing the way to how responsive a public officer should behave, and more so, as the nation clearly was under financial knife and needed practical and far-reaching redemptive measures to whittle down its huge financial burden.

Interestingly, it was not the first time the Senate President was sign-posting responsible leadership.

The former governor, like many of his colleagues still receiving pensions in their respective states, had equally ousted the statutory pension as stipulated by the third schedule paragraph D (i) of Governor and Deputy Governor (payment of Pension) Law, number 12 of 2010 of Kwara State. The State Pension Law empowers the state government to pay pension to former governors and deputy governors of the state. But, in an act of selfless service, Saraki wrote the Kwara State Government and requested immediate stoppage of such payment to his account and refunded all previous credits to his account back to the Kwara State government.

The senate president explained that though they

were lawful entitlements, his decision was based purely on morality as he was still serving the nation. Again, to further demonstrate responsible leadership, Saraki approved the sack, last week, of no fewer than 98 out of the estimated 300 aides attached to his office and by so doing, setting a new direction in an acceptable standard behaviour expected of a public office holder in a country where contrary behaviour would not have affected the status quo.

Apart from strengthening optimum service delivery in consonance with the agenda of the Eighth National Assembly, Saraki’s directive points to a new dawn in way and manner, including the need for, and who qualifies as part of productive team in the office of the Senate President. No doubt, the development would largely and positively impact on his office monthly wage bill, especially as most National Assembly Service Commissions staff seconded to his office would revert to bureaucracy where they were from the beginning and thereby freeing up funds for other crucial needs. Not only that, the best hands would be left to run the office and ultimately shut down human financial waste pipes that needlessly have the weevil effect on the nation, willy-nilly.

But more than anything else, it signposts a wakeup call to all public office holders to act responsibly in the interest of the nation. With oil, the only revenue source for Nigeria selling at abysmally beggarly price of $50 per barrel, Saraki’s move should prototype standard public service behaviour so the nation can mop up funds and crawl out of the woods starting from within. Records show that Nigerian lawmakers and their aides count among the best paid in the world, pointing to how largely funds mopped up by trimming down the size of aides to public office holders could help fix some premium projects that would otherwise stall due to dearth of funds. It is even more important considering that in a dying economy as Nigeria’s, funds so saved could help inject life into the economy and

ease up the vicious poverty and hardship in the land.

Saraki’s leadership style has not only separated the Eighth National Assembly from those before it, but given hope that though the road might have been tortuous and wavy, a glimmer of light sets in the horizon. In the last two years of Saraki’s Senate Presidency, the nation has witnessed what could safely be described as anxious responsibility towards public good and interest. Saraki’s NASS among others bills, has successfully passed into law more than 20 premium bills, including the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, which aims at introducing new operational and fiscal terms for management of revenue from the sector. It had also passed the Customs Service Management Act, which aims at enforcing unconditional compliance to global best practices, as well, as the Ports and Harbours Reforms Bill which focuses on protecting the rights and interests of service providers at the port, including but not limited to commercial port users.

Again, the Saraki’s Eighth Senate, it would be remembered, also passed the Secured Transactions in Moveable Assets Bill, to create a new species of capital that can be used in our financial system, as well as, moved to reduce the risks involved in doing business with companies that have the history of not paying back through the Credit Bureau Services Bill; the Witness Protection Bill, Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, and, the Whistle Blowers’ Protection Bill, among others.

Apart from the constitution amendment bill in which the Senate adopted 29 bills, the amendment of the Universal Basic Education Act which extended the right to free education across the country from nine years to 12 years for all children, and which the youngest Nobel laureate, Malala commended Bukola Saraki and the Eighth Senate, is most fundamental.

Oba is the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

15

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

EDITORIAL OIL THEFT AND MARITIME INSECURITY The National Assembly should strengthen the laws relating to oil theft and maritime insecurity

A

t a period when oil theft and maritime insecurity have become issues of global concern, statistics revealed that rather than the problem abating, they are actually increasing in Nigeria. According to a recent statement by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Nigeria is losing about N7tn annually to maritime insecurity and other revenue leakages arising from oil theft.

Dogara noted further that to arrest leakages and insecurity, the country must strengthen its maritime sector by addressing the issues of lack of capacity and weak laws.

Dogara’s statement was sequel to the Court of Appeal’s judgment upholding a Federal High Court sentencing of nine foreigners - ďŹ ve Filipinos and four Bangladeshi - of stealing Nigeria’s oil to ďŹ ve years each in prison. That was only one instance as there are so many unreported cases since ilCOLLABORATION AMONG legalities in Nigeria THE SECURITY AGENCIES waters are perRATHER THAN WORKING petrated virtually AT CROSS PURPOSES WILL every day. In fact, ALSO HELP TO ADDRESS the stealing of our oil is not limited to THE PROBLEM foreigners. Some unscrupulous Nigerians are also neck deep in the nefarious act. It is a business involving so many actors within and outside the country.

The situation is not helped by the fact that Nigeria’s territorial waters have a yet-to-be enumerated river craft. Several pertinent questions remain unanswered about this vexatious situation. Are there ways out of the challenges posed by oil theft and maritime insecurity in the country? Is there any solution to the rampant theft of our oil? Will it ever come to an end?

It must be noted that one of the factors responsible for the continuous stealing of our oil is the dearth of adequate laws to address headlong the problem of oil theft and maritime insecurity.

Letters to the Editor

Those involved in the nefarious acts have often exploited the loopholes in the existing laws of the land to escape justice. Therefore, one of the ways out of the problem is for the National Assembly to enact a fresh bill that will address the present loopholes in the existing laws relating to oil theft and maritime insecurity.

The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside attested to this fact when he assured Nigerians that his agency would soon present what he called “Anti-Piracy Bill� to the National Assembly. Collaboration among the security agencies rather than working at cross purposes will also help to address the problem.

This will help in no small way to enhance cooperation and intelligence gathering mechanism that will give the government agencies an edge in the ďŹ ght against oil theft.

T T H I S DAY

EDITOR

DEPUTY EDITORS

˜

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL

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

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ˜

˜

˜

GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS ˜

˜

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS ˜ CONTROLLERS

˜

˜

GENERAL MANAGER

GROUP HEAD

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION

TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

he identiďŹ cation of all river craft in our waterways also needs to be pursued vigorously. If this is achieved, it will curb the present situation in Nigeria waterways where many vessels cannot be accounted for in terms of the cargo and the crew, port of origin and port of destination. Moreover, an intensive enlightenment campaign should be carried out by the relevant government agencies, especially in the coastal communities so that they can be in a better position to give support in the ďŹ ght against oil theft and maritime insecurity.

There is also need to get those who are highly knowledgeable about the ďŹ ght against oil theft and maritime insecurity at the helms of affairs. This is not unconnected with the fact that a professional calling the shot will not only take the right decisions in terms of good policy initiatives in addressing the problem but also pursue the implementation with vigour and precision. This is imperative in the search for solution to what has become a national security concern. And until the federal government sees it as such, there will be no solution and Nigeria will continue to lose on all fronts.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciďŹ c 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.

NIGERIA, OPUTA AND 100 DAYS IN LONDON

F

inally the movie is out, 100 Days in London. What a movie, the definition of what we had become in just 100 days. A movie about so much noise daily made, with many things left unsaid. A movie we all had pretended to see as corruption fighting back, preferred to regard as the dying declaration of the opposition, but one that nonetheless found its way into the cinema of our minds. A comedy, a tragedy, but a movie nonetheless with a cast that can only be collected in a nation where truth is an abomination and hypocrisy has come of age.

When the Chibok girls were abducted under an ungodly government, it took Mrs. Obi Ezekwesili and a few. They laboured for weeks, for months, until the year rolled over.

Among the lot, she was called names, insulted, and mocked as being jobless and in search of a political appointment.

That circle ended and Ezekwesili retired into silence. The President has been imprisoned by his own moral deficit and now it is Charles Oputa. Suddenly he is an outcast for trying to see with one eye in the land of the blind. He has

been scorned, cursed and even attacked by exuberant ethnic zealots, for daring to ask a question that 170 million people should. Very soon, he would be emptied and retire with Ezekwesili into yesterday. The same group that took to the streets when former President Umaru Yar’Adua refused to abdicate power, the same is today looking the other way because this is their government. The prophecy is fulfilled – never mistake authority as the truth, but rather take the truth as authority. Shame everywhere and no one is covering up. A nation prudent in courage, extravagant in hypocrisy.

Suddenly, CHANGE is dead, 15 million votes gone down the drain, and it is all about praying abstract prayers for Buhari. Some $30 million spent on an ailment unknown to the people, a Presidential jet grounded like forever accumulating fees in a foreign land, and unending weekly pilgrimage going back and forth on ‘ran ka de de’ in London. All in an age when slavery has ended. Our season of pictures!

Give them photos whenever they cry. The lowest form of knowledge in governance. A president on props, masqueraded in garments, packaged and presented in psychedelic

slides. Rationality is thrown to the bins, intelligence aborted and a return to 1984. All hail the One Eye King! The Man of Integrity who cannot be wrong!! The best President Nigeria cannot replace!!!

In other climes, the social media is known as a powerful tool bringing down governments, in our land it is where government children defecate under a round of applause.

Every nation deserves whatever it gets, every people deserve whatever chariot they are driven in. If at every corner of our national life, hypocrisy is lavishly having a beer over chicken with ethnic bigotry, we should not blame strangers for our eventual destination. The countries that make valuable progress know what sacrifices they make; the countries that beg know what garbage they take. Charly Boy Oputa you have my respect as well as my pen which is my voice. I am persuaded you will not succeed in this endeavour of yours, but that you spoke is all that matters. All I want is to be satisfied by history.

Olusola Adegbite, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

16

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

17

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

Edo Lawmakers: One Crisis Too Many The Edo State House of Assembly, in a dramatic turn of events, impeached its speaker, deputy speaker and majority leader. Adibe Emenyonu who witnessed the drama, unearths the reasons behind the forceful removal of the leaders

S

ince 2015 when the 7th Edo State House of Assembly was inaugurated, it has changed leadership four times. First, it was Victor Edoror presenting Esan Central constituency. He was removed and Elizabeth Ativie (Uhunmwode constituency) came on board.

Thereafter, she stepped down to pave way for Dr. Justine Okonoboh (Esan South East) who was removed suddenly Monday, August 14.

He was replaced by Kabiru Adjoto representing Akoko-Edo I constituency. Before his elevation, he was the majority whip.

Trouble began for Okonoboh in May when his colleagues attempted to remove him. He however, survived the plot because of the intervention of the state governor, Godwin Obaseki.

His colleagues had accused him of running a 25-member assembly in an assembly of 24 members. He was said to have made his wife the 25th member.

Having survived the botched attempt to impeach him, his colleagues expected Okonoboh to turn a new leaf. But he was said to have continued in his old ways. Not able to bear this any more, 16 members, constituting 2/3 majority, struck.

He however, did not go down alone. Also removed were his deputy, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie (Uhunmwode) and the Majority Leader, Foly Ogedengbe (Owan East) for allegedly aiding and abetting the excesses of the speaker.

In their place, Kabir Adjoto (APC) representing Akoko-Edo constituency I was elected as the new speaker, Victor Edoror, a former speaker representing Esan Central constituency was made the new deputy speaker, while Roland Asoro, (Orhionmwon II ) became the majority leader.

Speaking to journalists after the impeachment, Adjoto said 16 members impeached the three principal officers and that after the impeachment the numbers rose to 19 members.

He said the impeached principal officers had been suspended for three months. Also suspended was Magnus Izehi-Igbas (PDP) representing Esan North-East constituency II. Adjoto alleged that the impeached speaker ran the house as a private entity in conjunction with his wife.

He said: “The impeached speaker converted the house to a private estate. We are supposed to be 24 members in the house but he now co-opted his wife as the 25th member, who was now privilege to know all the operations before the members.

“He also awarded contracts to himself without recourse to the house standing rules and due process.” However, the impeached speaker denied the allegation.

The plot to remove Okonoboh began at about 11:30 am that Monday morning when the house resumed sitting as the clerk commenced the proceeding of the day with a roll call of members.

While that was on going, the member representing Akoko-Edo II, Emmanuel Agbaje interrupted the clerk and informed the speaker (Okonoboh) that there was an impeachment notice signed by 19 members.

At this stage, crisis erupted and a free for all fight ensued. The pro Adjoto lawmakers over powered supporters of the embattled speaker and immediately elected Peter Eruaga (Etsako II) as the protem speaker, thus forcing Okonoboh to step down.

As Eruaga took over, lawmakers loyal to Okonoboh walked out of the chambers. At that stage, Adjoto was elected speaker while Eruaga handed over the baton of leadership to him.

The new speaker thanked his colleagues for electing him, saying: “We have 19 signatures and all we did today was according to the law.

“We did not know initially that we voted in an incompetent speaker. He (Okonoboh)

The new speaker

had continued to adjourn proceedings in the assembly for selfish reason without due regard to our sitting calendar.

“In the months of June, July, we went on holidays for six weeks without any reason. In the month of August, we had another holiday for two weeks. Now we went for holidays for three weeks just because his son graduated from Covenant University and he wanted to go there and celebrate with the son.

“Secondly, we are 24 members in the Edo State’s House of Assembly we are not 25. His celebrity wife turned herself to number 25. Any decision we take in the house, the wife who is the 25th member will thwart. He now raised a memo and they travelled to celebrate a party in America for their son that graduated from Covenant University. They used the speaker’s vehicle in convoy within Edo state and outside Edo state. The children who are home here used siren with full speaker’s regalia.

“So we need somebody who will respect the sanctity of the office. Somebody who will take Edo people first, who will make laws for the people of the state and I think I will not disappoint our people” he stated.

However, Okonobo described the impeachment as illegal, adding that those who purportedly impeached him have been suspended.

Giving his own version of event, he said: “This morning, we started plenary when the member representing Akoko Edo II, Hon. Emmanuel Agbaje stood up and asked me to vacate my seat and I refused. That was when confusion started, and they started fighting.

“This cannot happen at this time that we need peace in Edo state for development. All they said about me was rubbish. These people have been very ambitious just because of their selfish interest. They don’t want peace in our state. They don’t want the governor to work and that is the issue. I remain speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly.”

To assert his authority, Okonoboh declared

However, this impeachment has resulted in a cry of marginalization by a section of the state.

Kabiru Adjoto, Victor Edoror, Monday Ehalua, Roland Asoro, Peter Erhuaga, Sunday Aghede, Emmanuel Agbaje, Osaigbovo Iyoha suspended, according to him, “ for peace to return to the house”.

Aligning with the impeached speaker, the embattled majority leader, Ogedengbe described the action as null, void and unconstitutional.

Ogedengbe said they were allegedly impeached by only eleven members which he said was not up to two-third majority required by law. He said 16 members have the constitutional right to impeach the principal officers.

The governor was said to have summoned the lawmakers to a meeting at the Government House with a view to resolve the crisis. However, sources said the members of the house initially turned down the governor’s request but later agreed to meet with him at the APC secretariat.

Even at that, the meeting, which lasted close to two hours, was deadlocked as the lawmakers insisted the impeachment must stand. At this point, the governor left the meeting, leaving the APC state chairman, Anselm Ojezua to address the media.

Ojezua said talk was still ongoing to resolve the matter. “We are talking. As soon as we finish talking, we will let you know of the outcome.

But know that we are still talking”, he stressed.

He however pointed out that the party was still in consultation with members of the state assembly to ensure that the new speaker’s election conform with the party’s power sharing arrangement.

He explained that although members of parliament have the right to choose their leaders, Ojezua however, said that the process must conform with the political framework of the state.

Apart from the dialogue at the APC secretariat, it was gathered that further overtures were made to persuade the lawmakers to change their minds but that such efforts did not produce the desired result. Okonoboh’s fate appeared sealed. The following day the newly elected speaker assumed duties and ordered the former speaker and his deputy to return their official vehicles or face the wrath of the law.

“I must equally urge the clerk of the house to please take steps to implement to the letter the orders given from the red chair to retrieve vehicles in possession of the former speaker, the deputy speaker and the majority leader for the new officers to take off effectively” he stated.

Be that as it may, one thing the change of leadership in Edo State House of Assembly has succeeded in doing is that it has altered the political tripod of the state.

Ordinarily, the latest impeachment would have been regarded as one of those rascalities that are seen in legislative assemblies. However, this impeachment has resulted in a cry of marginalization by a section of the state.

Edo State stands on a tripod arrangement based on the three senatorial districts that make up the state namely; Edo south, homeland of the Binis, Edo central, comprising of the Esan speaking area, and Edo north, where the Etsakos, Owans and Akoko-Edos hold sway.

Before the impeachment, Edo south has the governor, the deputy governor is from the north while the speaker was from the central. Now, Edo north occupies the positions of both the deputy governor and the speaker, Edo south has the governor and majority leader, while the central district has now been schemed out of the power sharing arrangement. Only the deputy speaker comes from there. This has left to a disenchantment among the APC family in the state as those from the central district perceived the latest change of leadership a ploy to marginalize them. It may also have implication for the fortune of the ruling party.

An APC chieftain in Esan Central Local Government Area of the state, Mathew Emiohe, said this much when he warned that except the party urgently takes steps to correct the anomaly, it may be the beginning of the end for the ruling party.

He expressed disappointment over the impeachment of Okonoboh who is from Edo Central Senatorial district and noted that the Esan people have been completely edged out of the political tripod in the state.

He also identified lack of genuine political leaders in Esanland as one of the factors which have continued to work against the district urged leaders to be selfless on issues that concerns the people.

He called on Obaseki to reconsider some of his policies which he described as anti-people to douse the growing discontentment in the party.

“We the Esan people are not happy about the impeachment of the speaker who was replaced with an Edo north lawmaker. We want the speakership position to return back to Esanland.

However, what happened at the assembly goes to show that all is not well with Edo APC” “And that is why am concerned that something urgent needs to be done because election will soon come if not, we are going to have serious problem because we cannot afford to allow this problem lingers”.

Also commenting, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) led by Dr Samson Isibor saw the entire development as a welcomed one.

He said: “It is unfortunate but it is a welcome development. In the sense that this is democracy at work. The members have the right to choose their leaders. It has not resulted to violence so we are happy. This house has been a rubber stamp. We have seen several decisions which are anti-people that this government has started executing but the lawmakers are not saying anything about it. They have not passed any bill that has benefited the people.

“Since this government came into place our people cannot not feed three square meals a day.

The masses have thought that the lawmakers would be able to check the excesses of the executive but they have not been doing that.

And we hope this time around the leadership will be on the side of the people and not on the side of the governor who is bringing the model of Lagos state to Edo state where we have no industries like Lagos state.”

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

18

POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Why APC is Jittery over PDP’s Overtures to Atiku Ahmed Abba-Aji argues that there is nothing wrong with former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar becoming the flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 presidential election

Atiku..ready to take on Buhari

It seems the resolution of the recent issues within the Peoples Democratic Party by the Supreme Court and their successful Congress last week, in the midst of the chaos in the ruling All Progressive Congress, has set off alarm bells within the government.

At a time when President Muhammadu Buhari is celebrating his 100 days in London, his spokesman, Garba Shehu was telling THISDAY that Buhari is good enough to run in 2019. Does he mean good enough to run for the job of Mayor of London?

That the APC and the Presidency is confused and desperate is not the issue.

The issue is that they are trying to cure their malady by enlisting faceless intellectual imps to run beer parlour analysis that stands logic on its head.

One such that we have recently had to endure was by Abu Najakku in the Daily Trust of August 15th 2017 entitled ‘The many PDP myths’.

In that piece, the faceless Najakku shared a number of ill-considered theories that he wants the public to believe are reasons why the PDP is not an option in 2019.

The only theory that he came up with that sounds remotely plausible is the one where he identified former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the PDP’s best route to power, but then goes on to say that that route isn’t viable because, as he puts it, “Atiku is in and out of political parties seeking their tickets to contest the presidency and he has been running since 1992!”

However does Najakku not realise that if changing parties and a long-term desire to serve his country invalidates

Buhari, will he run again?

Atiku Abubakar as a candidate then that argument is even more potent for the love of Najakku’s life, President Muhammadu Buhari?

As he rightly said, Atiku Abubakar has been running for the Presidency since 1992 making him the most experienced Presidential candidate in Nigeria.

In his 25 years as a Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has contested as an aspirant under the banner of four political parties - the Social Democratic Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, the Action Congress and the All Progressive Congress.

In the case of the SDP, the party was dissolved by General Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993 so Atiku Abubakar had no choice to leave the SDP. In the case of the PDP, he was chased out of the party and his followers were denied re-registration, so his departure was not

At a time when President Muhammadu Buhari is celebrating his 100 days in London, his spokesman, Garba Shehu was telling THISDAY that Buhari is good enough to run in 2019. Does he mean good enough to run for the job of Mayor of London?

of his own choice. In the case of the Action Congress, the party folded up and became the Action Congress of Nigeria, and finally, Atiku Abubakar joined the All Progressive Congress precisely because on December 18, 2016, the APC led by its then interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and its leadership including President Muhammadu Buhari, visited him in his house and begged him to join their party to save democracy in Nigeria.

At this juncture, I must note that Atiku Abubakar did not join the APC because he left the PDP, rather he joined because the PDP had become factionalised on August 14th 2013 after its Special Delegates’ Convention produced two parallel national executives.

So if that is the extent of Atiku Abubakar’s political movements in the past 25 years, then I will not be so bothered especially when you compare his to the journey of President Muhammadu Buhari, who only began to participate in democratic politics in 2002 after Senator Kanti Bello (who now says he regrets inviting him to enter politics) convinced him to join his party, the All Nigerian People’s Party on whose platform he contested the 2003 and 2007 Presidential elections.

In March 2010, Buhari left the ANPP for the Congress for Progressive Change, a party that he had founded because he could not control the ANPP. And then again in 2013 he left the CPC and joined the All Progressives Congress.

With such a pedigree, President Buhari and his lackeys like Najakku (if that is his or her real name) should consider stepping out of their greenhouse before

casting stones in the direction of Atiku Abubakar.

And when Najakku says that the “the Peoples Democratic Party (is) still smarting from the beating it received at the 2015 general election” he betrays a very shallow knowledge of politics.

It is true that in 2015, the PDP lost to the APC by two a half million votes. In a country of 170 million, I would not call that a beating. If Najakku wants to know what a beating is, he should examine every election between 2003 and 2015.

In 2003, President Olusegun Obasanjo defeated Muhammadu Buhari by 11 million votes. That’s not a beating. That is a walloping.

In 2007, the late President Yar’adua defeated Muhammadu Buhari, by 18 million votes. That was a technical knock out.

In 2011, Buhari was defeated by former President Jonathan by 10 million votes.

That was a trouncing.

The fact remains that in 2015, Muhammadu Buhari only won because strong elements of the PDP, like Atiku Abubakar helped him secure his mandate. On his own, he would have suffered another massive loss. The key difference between 2015 and 2003, 2007 and 2011 was the input of Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu.

So please Abu Najakku, return whatever money you were paid for uttering such unsubstantiated clap-trap on behalf of your paymaster and use your time to study some facts about Nigerian political history before you inflict your ill-thought out diatribe on the public.

Ahmed Abba-Aji, a public affairs analyst, writes from Kaduna

19

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍśËœ 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

ÍŻ Íś Í° ÍŽ ÍŻ Íľ NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

NIBOR 3-MONTH

21.3750% 21.0038 %

6-MONTH

22.5331% 24.6856%

NITTY 1-MONTH 3-MONTH 3-MONTH

20.1827% 19.3855% 16.2693%

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

21.3861% 21.5058% 22.4006%

EXCHANGE RATE N305.35//1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes Arik Migrates to Hitit CS

CAPACITY BUILDING

L-R: National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chief (Mrs.) Alaba Lawson; DirectorGeneral, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Muda Yusuf; and Chief Technical Adviser, Investment and Technology Promotion Office, UNIDO, Mr. Stanislaw Pigon, at the UNIDO ITPO Nigeria’s investment and technology promotion workshop for the non-oil sector, in Lagos ‌ recently

Nigerian Airlines Spend N50bn Annually on Aircraft Maintenance Overseas Chinedu Eze The low value of the naira has increased the cost of overseas aircraft maintenance to over N50 billion annually, Nigerian airline operators have said.

They noted that the cost would have been higher if many of the airlines did not shut down their operations in the last five years. There are relatively fewer operating aircraft as the number of aircraft on maintenance has decreased by about 35 percent.

Senior official and engineer in Aero Contractors, James Ominyi recently told THISDAY that aircraft maintenance on C-check could cost between $600,000 to $1 million and there are other associated costs, including cost of ferrying the aircraft, pilot’s allowances and accommodation

AVIATION and loss of revenues when an aircraft taken overseas stays longer than necessary waiting for slot at the maintenance facility. “You need to seek the over flight permit of the country. And then, depending on the distance, you have to pay for fuel. But I know it will not be less than $50, 000. You also will have to pay for landing and fueling, which is called technical stop, Ominyi said.

He explained that generally, MROs could charge $600, 000 for C-check, depending on the scope of work, but noted that at the end of the day, the airline may end up paying up to a one million dollars or more because

there could be findings that would be beyond what was captured in the agreement in the C-Check and then the airline would have to pay for it. “When they open the engine and they open the side wall panels they may see cracks that are beyond what is agreed on, which they have to rectify and this will be at extra cost. I have seen a C-Check that had cost up to a million pounds in UK. That is possible because the moment they open up the aircraft, they will see so many things that ought to be done that was not tracked before,�

Ominyi explained.

The cost of aircraft maintenance would have reduced by at least 30 percent if Nigeria has maintenance facility in the country, but the crash of the naira has upped the cost

of maintenance said the head of flight operations, Air Peace, Captain Victor Egonu.

He noted that while the cost of aircraft maintenance is the same in dollar terms, it costs Nigerian airlines more since the devaluation of the naira because the airlines now have to exchange more naira for the same amount of dollars to pay for maintenance.

Unfortunately the cost of airfares has not increased due to the prevalent economic recession, which has drastically reduced the citizens’ purchasing power.

Egonu admitted that there are three major factors that have led to the death of many Nigerian airlines and these are cost of maintenance, bad management Continued on page 20

Customs Agents Kick against Practitioners Operating Fees Collection Eromosele Abiodun Customs agents in the country have declared war on the Federal Ministry of Transportation over the proposed collection of Practitioners Operating Fees (POF) at the nation’s seaports, airports and border stations by the ministry.

In a petition to the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo, the umbrella body of customs agents in the country, the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), said the collection is in contravention of the statutes that established the Council of Regulation of Freight Forwarding, the High Court ruling as well as the letter from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the dissolved Council since

MARITIME November 2012. The action, the body noted, negates the concept of the Ease of Doing Business.

The National President of NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, who signed the petition, denied the existence of POF in the council of regulation of freight forwarding in Nigeria Act. “The Financial Provision as contained in Part II section 6 specifically states: “The Council shall establish and maintain a fund for the purpose of this Act, the management and council of which shall be in the hands of the Council. By the provision of section 6-(1) the proposed collection contravenes the Act, that authorised the management and control of

such fund in the hand of the Council , which has been dissolved since 2012 based on the Federal High Court ruling and the letter from the office of the Secretary of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which outlaws the Register/ Staff to perform the function of the dissolved council. “The specific payment by freight forwarders as provided in Section 6-(2) (a), is the annual practicing fees payable by every freight forwarder determined by the Council, which contravenes the proposed collection and negates the provision of the Act by extending such collection to the seaports, airports, border stations. In line with the provision of Section 30, the fees for collection by Council of Regulation of Freight Forwarder, is clearly specified in Section 30,

states, “fees “include annual subscriptions. As contained in section 30 of CRFFN Act, the freight forwarder function is to arrange the carriage or movement of goods along international boundaries and not the seaports, air ports, but along international boundaries as specify in the Act.�

He explained that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s letter addressed the statutory provision of the expired/dissolved council, “which function cannot be exercised by the Registrar / Staff who are not elected as member of the Council under section 2-(1) a-g (2) 7(3),which cannot manage and control the fund without a council.�

Amiwero said: “The power of the minster as contained in Continued on page 20

MajorNigerianairline,ArikAirhasannouncedthatithascompletedthe migrationofpassengerservicesolutiontoHitit’sCraneSolutionSuite.

The airline said in a statement that with the migration, it has become theeighthAfricanairlinetosigntotheCraneSolutionSuite,notingthat HititCSactivelysupportsairlines‘operationsinNigeria,Tanzania,Tunisia and Namibia having prioritised Africa as an area of strategic focus.

In 2016 Hitit’s reservation systems processed more than 55.5 million passengerbookingsworldwide,Ariksaid.Accordingtotheairline,sequel tothesuccessfulmigration,ArikAirwouldenjoyaccesstothepremium suiteofHititCraneSolutionofinnovativeproductscoveringpassenger reservation,departurecontrol,website,operationsplanning,customer care and revenue accounting. Arik said it successfully completion the migration since June this year, so the airline has started using the new system. “Hitit CS has a clear strategic focus on Africa. Since 2015, the airline and travel ITsolution provider fromTurkey has convinced eight African airlines as new customers to beneďŹ t from its innovative IT solutions. Hitit CS has been renowned for its close partnership with its customers. Arik Air, the latest new customer for Hitit CS, is West Africa’s leading airline operating domestic and regional ights,â€? the statement said.

Ethiopian Refurbishes Its Boeing Aircraft

EthiopianAirlinesGroup,thelargestairlineinAfrica,hasannouncedto its pasengers that it has fully refurbished its Boeing 767-300 ER eet andavailedforserviceonitsIndia,MiddleEastandAfricadestinations.

The airline said the newly refurbished airplane is ďŹ tted with brand new full at-bed seats in Cloud Nine, modern IFE with high resolution 17 inches screen and in-seat power outlets (in-ight entertainment), lightingandothermoderncabinproducts.Customersinthemaincabin will also enjoy new seats, multiple channels of in-ight audio and video entertainments accessible with their own mobile devices /tablets.

Ethiopian Group CEO, Mr.Tewolde GebreMariam said, “As a customer focussed and market driven airline, we are always committed to avail unmatched travel experience for our customers. We have invested more than $6 million to retroďŹ t our B-767-300 ER eet, which will surely provide more choice and greater comfort to our customers. By December 2017, all our B767 eet will be ďŹ tted with at-bed seats in Cloud Nine with access to a range of video programming available for wireless streaming in all cabins. “I would like to congratulate our engineering and maintenance team at Ethiopian MRO for the job well done and wish to pledge to our customers that we shall always strive to ensure their extra comfort every time they y with us.â€? Availing the right eet mix for the mission, Ethiopian Airlines has currently deployed 92 of the youngest (ďŹ ve years average eet age) and most modern eet, with future plans to receive nineteen A350-900s, four B787-900s and ďŹ ve Q400s.â€?

Institute Rates Air Peace High

The Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) has rated Air Peace airline high and endorsed its management style, saying that the airline’s Chairman/Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Mr. Allen Onyema has led the airline to make huge contributions to the development of Nigeria’s economy.The institute, which recognised Onyema as one of the recipients of the “Management Excellenceâ€? award of the 2017 Management Summit of the South South Zone held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, said it was satisďŹ ed with the job creation and corporate social responsibility projects of the airline. Justifying its decision to honour Onyema, the institute said it had “observed, with keen interest, your strict adherence to the application of best management practices in the running of Air Peace airline since its inception. In addition, we have noticed the immense contributions which Air Peace has made towards the physical and socio-economic development of states in the (South South) zone through the provision of employment and its palpable corporate social responsibility.â€? Speaking at the Gala Night of the South South Zonal Management Summit, the Deputy President of NIM, Prof. Olukunle Iyanda and the Chairman, South South Zone of the institute, Sir Emmanuel Okafor praised the recipients of the awards for contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation through their dierent ventures.

“In the face of security and economic challenges, no responsible government will fold its hands while unpatriotic elements continue to engage in illegal activities that will further compromise national economic and security well-being of her people“ Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service

Col Hameed Ali (RTD.)

20

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

BUSINESSWORLD NIGERIAN AIRLINES SPEND N50BN ANNUALLY ON AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE OVERSEAS

and high cost of aviation fuel. “Most of the reason why airlines are dying is cost of maintenance because we don’t have Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria. The decrease in the value of the naira has drastically affected the airlines because the cost of maintenance is still the same, but Nigerian airlines earn less because of the devaluation of the local currency.

Airlines also spend more on aviation fuel. Although it is sold in naira but the product is imported so Nigerian airlines pay more for it,� Egonu said.

He noted that the crash of the naira affected all aspects of the economy, adding that investment in the country is very low presently and noted that even if MRO facility is built there is no expertise to manage it because Nigeria does not have aeronautical engineers that would work there. Egonu urged government to facilitate the training of more Nigerian aeronautical engineers to manage MRO if it is built in the country.

CUSTOMS AGENTS KICK AGAINST PRACTITIONERS OPERATING FEES COLLECTION Section 5-(1) specifically states, the minster may give to the Council direction of general character, which limits the function of the minister to only when the Council is in place. Section 5-(2) clearly states, prior to given a direction under Section (1) of this section, the minster shall serve a copy of the propose direction on the Council and afford the council opportunity of making representative to him. “As provided in section 5-(1) 2 &7, the minister cannot interfere in the affairs of the Council without a properly constituted council elected under the provision of section 2. The council ceases to exist since November 2012 that limits the minister to issue any directive concerning an expired council, which has been decided by the high court and the letter from the secretary to federal government that house the decision making body of federal government of Nigeria.

NEWS

Telecoms Stakeholders Differ on Tenure Limit, Sanctions in Corporate Governance Code Emma Okonji Telecoms stakeholders Tuesday differed on the 15-year tenure limit stipulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for directors of private and public quoted companies, as contained in the Code of Corporate Governance document.

Aside the tenure limit, they also raised concerns on ethical issues, sanctions and rewards as well as risk management, enshrined in the document.

The NCC had in 2012, released a voluntary Code of Corporate Governance for the telecommunications sector, but commenced a mandatory implementation phase of the code from November 1, 2016. The commission on Tuesday, engaged the stakeholders in a sensitisation workshop in Lagos, where the stakeholders raised their concerns about some areas of the code.

While some stakeholders argued that the NCC might be infringing on the rights of a private company by stipulating 15 years tenure limit for its director and chief executive, others argued that the 15 years tenure should be reduced to allow fair play in such organisation. In a contrary view, some supported the 15 years tenure limit, which they argued, would allow for the injection of fresh

people with fresh ideas to run telecom organisations.

Some insisted that telecom organisations must maintain ethical values that allow shareholders and investors to have fair idea of the running of the organisation where their interests lie. In the area of sanction, most stakeholders supported the idea to sanction any organisation that will not comply with the implementation

process of the code, while some called for encouragement and education, instead of sanction.

They all however commended the NCC for introducing reward for those organisations that will comply with the rules of the code. Other issues raised were risk management policy and whistle blowing policy.

Discussants during the panel session, included the Executive Commissioner,

Stakeholders Management at NCC, Mr.Sunday Dare, who led the panel discussion; President of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Olusola Teniola; Chairman, Diamond Bank, Prof. Chris Ogbechie; Director, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mrs. Irene Robinson-Ayanwale; and Chairman, Financial Reporting Council, of Nigeria, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, who also

presented the keynote paper at the sensitisation workshop.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said the sensitisation workshop was designed to engage all stakeholders and to get their feedback on the matter. He however assured the audience that NCC would collate all views and impute them during review of the document.

WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS

L-R: Director Industrial Inspectorate Department, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mr. Battah Ndirpaya; Chiarman SONA Groups of Industry, Mr. Arjan Mirchandani, Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on One-Stop-Shop, Mrs. Babi Subair, during the unveiling of Shanghai Packaging Limited Plastic Pallets for export in Ota ‌recently

Access to Funds: UNIDO Introduces COMFAR App to SMEs Chika Aamnze-Nwachuku The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office is set to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria with its Computer Model for Feasibility Analysis and Reporting (COMFAR) tools and methodologies for project appraisal.

Chief Technical Adviser, UNIDO-ITPO, Mr. Stanislaw Pigon, noted that lack of access to funds was not the only factor hindering the growth of the SME sector, adding that operators’ inability to present a proper accounting system was a major issue.

Pigon spoke in Lagos on Tuesday, at the UNIDO ITPO Nigeria’s Investment and Technology Promotion Workshop for the non-oil sector in Nigeria.

COMFAR is a software that facilitates short and long-term analyses of financial and economic consequences for industrial and non-industrial projects.

The innovation, which is accompanied by manuals, teaching materials and interlinked software for project identification and preparation, also offers specialised modules on Clean Development Mechanism and on Environmental Management Accounting, among others.

Pigon explained: “With the app, SME operators can prepare their financial appraisals in few hours after they have downloaded the application online either on their laptop computers or smartphones.

COMFAR, which is already available in 19 languages, will expand its product offer to include more specialised versions that are compliant with the

latest International Accounting Standards and the International Financial Reporting standards. “UNIDO is set to train trade groups and organised private sector on the development of a trainers’ certification scheme and the establishment of national and regional training hubs. We will also create a centre of excellence that will work with financial institutions and regulatory bodies. Our objective is to train the trainers as they are expected to train others across the country.�

Pointing out that Pigon said the training would be extended to operators across the six regions in Nigeria, added that the workshop was introduced to help the country meet future challenges, connected to its growing population. “The United Nations projected that the country’s population would increase to 200 million in two years and most of these

people are entrepreneurs. If we train them now, it will affect the economy positively, especially when the population increases further,� he said.

Speaking at the event, National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chief (Mrs.) Alaba Lawson, lauded the efforts of UNIDO for being a consistent and dependable partner in the creation of a conducive business environment and promotion of free trade enterprise in Nigeria.

According to her, the sustainable economic development innovations of the organisation, which are technologically driven, are focused on industrialisation, poverty alleviation, women and youth development, Foreign Direct Investment generation and SME development.

Lawson said: “Its workshops serve as a starting point for

future work between NACCIMA and UNIDO in tackling these important issues, and further development of NACCIMA-ITPO projects to promote gender equality, skill acquisition and improved market access with an emphasis on quality.�

Lawson urged the Federal Government to boost its capacity, competence, and legitimacy to mobilise and interact with all stakeholders, thereby creating an attractive investment climate. “The necessary reforms will open the way for public-private partnerships, which can provide investment for infrastructure development and maintenance.

Government should also facilitate cooperation with other international organisations and development finance institutions that can provide additional funds, while helping countries like Nigeria upgrade their productive capacities.�

Group Business Editor

Ă’Ă“Ă•Ă‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă¤Ă?Ě‹ ĂĄĂ‹Ă?Ă’Ă&#x;Ă•Ă&#x; AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ äĂ?

Comms/e-Business Editor

Ă—Ă—Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă“ Capital Market Editor

ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?

Senior Correspondent

Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă— Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă&#x; (Advertising) Correspondents

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ ĂœĂ™Ă•Ă? (Labour) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Cap Mkt) ÔÓÙĂ?Ă™Ăœ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? (Energy) Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?ÔÙ (Nation’s Capital) ĂŒĂ“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă“Ă—Ă‹ (Money Mkt) Chineme Okafor (Energy ) Reporters

Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (Maritime)

Airtel to Empower Customers with Unlimited Data Offering Emma Okonji Airtel Nigeria has assured its over 34 million subscribers that its newly introduced Unlimited Data plans would boost mobile broadband connectivity.

Airtel gave the assurance on Wednesday in Lagos, when it officially rolled out its unlimited data broadband service, which allows customers to share data with colleagues, friends and family members with a promise that the new

package will empower telecoms consumers to have access to unlimited internet service at reasonable cost.

The new Airtel home broadband delivers superfast broadband service via data terminals such as dongle, MiFi and routers as it comes in various packages and affordable price range to suit the lifestyles of different customer segments.

Customers can get unlimited data on packages such as Unlimited 10, Unlimited 15

and Unlimited 20, which are offered at N10,000, N15,000 and N20,000 respectively and valid for 30 days.

Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Ahmad Mohkles, said: “Airtel is changing the paradigm, breaking new frontiers and inspiring new behaviour in relation to data sharing and delivering seamless data to improve customer lifestyle and enable them take charge. “Airtel is committed to

pioneering innovation, superior data experience and affordability.

Our new Unlimited is truly unlimited as we have stretched the threshold to deliver up to 100GB to telecoms consumers so that they can empower more people within their circle of influence.�

Mohkles added, “With this new offering, we have initiated and inspired a paradigm shift that will promote community, deepen friendship bond and

eventually lead to a more productive and prosperous society. We are proud of our new unlimited data package and the positive change it will create in the home broadband segment.�

Airtel brand ambassador, Gabriel Afolayan who played the role of Bayo in the Unlimited Home Broadband TVC, while speaking at the launch commended Airtel Nigeria for bringing affordable data to customers.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

21

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

NSC Partners Ogun, Private Sector to Develop Ogere TTP Peter Uzoho The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has urged Ogun State Government and the private sector to work together in a strong public private partnership (PPP) arrangement to facilitate the development of the Ogere Truck Transit Park (TTP).

The park located at Km 67, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, is one of the TTPs in the country mapped out for establishment in line with the federal government’s plan to address the infrastructure deficit in the country, provide short-term resting place for truck drivers on long distance travels and reduce loss of life and cargo caused by accidents arising from fatigue.

A TTP is a public rest area located off the road, designed to provide temporary location for truck drivers, primarily intended

for short-term breaks having long-term parking services where truck drivers can get fuel, food, restrooms, and basic supplies like oil and spare parts as well as servicing and repairs of haulage vehicles.

Speaking during a working visit at the Ogere TPP, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello, said the park, which is presently used as mere parking lot for trucks needed to be developed up to modern standard. He said with such upgrade, the park could be used as linkage to Lagos ports, or as transit trade. “If well-developed it has to be paved to convey facilities here.

This is just a park. What we need is a truck transit park with hotels or hostels or restaurants, and when we say restaurants it has to be the famous ones like Chicken Republic, Mr. Biggs and those kind of things, and

of course petrol station,� Bello said.

He stated that the council had been talking with the investment section of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and currently with the NEXIM Bank to make them interested in the project. “We have to talk to the state government to see what arrangement will be. It’s going to public private partnership so that we can involve the private sector. Because of the proximity to Lagos it could be a staging area for port operations�, Bello added.

Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator, South West, NSC, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose, disclosed that letters had been written to the intended partners for them to visit the park to kick-start the PPP process, noting that the Council was hoping to receive feedback from them in the coming weeks.

Sokoto Begins Commercial Cultivation of Select Economic Trees Sokoto state government said it has allocated lands for commercial cultivation of some important economic trees comprising Gum Arabic, Moringa, Dates and Shea tree.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this on Wednesday when he flagged off the state’s annual tree planting campaign in Bodinga LGA. “Studies have shown that some of these trees not only improve nutrition and boost food supply, they enhance economic condition of farmers especially in the rural areas and importantly bring in needed cash for sustainable development,� he said. Tambuwal said in addition to these benefits, cultivating the trees helps in sustaining care

for land in particular and the environment in general.

According to the governor, in allocating lands for the cultivation, government will also encourage individuals to take the lead and ensure that the benefit gets to as many people as possible. “We’re opening up a new corridor in fighting poverty and unemployment. We will support our farmers with improved seeds and technical expertise to ensure the state derives maximum benefit from the venture. “Planting trees will stimulate agricultural integration policy in a sustainable way as such this new policy is anchored on providing healthy environment in our localities,� he added.

The governor said the state government is concerned about illegal encroachment of farmers into constituted forest reserves, a situation that has led to increase in farmers/herdsmen clashes.

He also warned government officials, community leaders and other individuals to desist from encroaching into reserves.

On the various policies introduced through the ministry of environment, Tambuwal vowed that everything possible will be done to ensure successes. “We have signed an agreement with the World Bank under its NEWMAP project.

We have already paid our N1 billion counterpart funding so we’re waiting for them for implementation to start,� he said.

APM Terminals Denies Ownership of Empty Containers Blocking Apapa TrafďŹ c Eromosele Abiodun The Management of APM Terminals has said that it is not responsible for controlling traffic in Apapa and hence cannot be held liable for the gridlock in the area.

The company in a statement signed by its General Manager Communications, Augustine Fischer, stressed that like other stakeholders, it is a victim of the menacing Apapa gridlock.

Speaking against the background of a 14-day ultimatum issued by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) asking it to rid the port access road of trucks bearing empty containers, APM Terminals said it neither controls traffic on the roads nor owns the trucks or empty containers on the road.

APM Terminals said its

employees, service providers, contractors and customers have to go through the harrowing traffic experience every day, like every other person.

The company said: “We are aware APM Terminals is being accused as the cause of the traffic gridlock in the Apapa area and we would like to set the record straight.

APM Terminals Apapa is as much of a victim of the traffic gridlock as everyone else. Our employees, service providers, contractors and customers have to go through the harrowing traffic experience every day. “These employees are the ones that operate the equipment that service the trucks and would not by any means delay or stop servicing trucks unnecessarily as it would equate to ‘shooting ourselves in the

foot.�

Several stakeholders have blamed the traffic gridlock on bad roads, poor traffic management, lack of truck parks and the lack of holding bays for empty containers by shipping companies. Following the chaotic situation caused by empty containers blocking intra and inter-city roads in Apapa, maritime workers in the country had given a 14-day ultimatum to APM Terminal to clear the roads of its empty containers.

In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the Company signed by the Deputy Secretary General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Edwin Sambo, the union said the blocking of the roads with empty containers had caused untold hardship to maritime workers and Nigerians.

RISK MANAGEMENT WATCH Robert Mbonu

Emerging Risks – Know Them The myths around emerging risks are numerous and would have us believe that there are all sorts of emerging threats with potential negative consequences. The press and internet tell us that there are new and emerging risks all the time, yet, it could be argued that these are actually new and unpredictable causes to predictable impacts, or new and unpredictable impacts to known causes.

The economic outlook in Nigeria is currently facing head-winds due to vulnerability to the continuous decline in the price of crude oil, volatility in the stock markets, tight monetary & fiscal policies, rising inflation, currency depreciation, insecurity & insurgency across the country. All these together with increased regulatory pressure have created uncertainty and constantly unfolding emerging risks for many Nigerian businesses.

Drawing from a Risk Management survey (‘the survey’) conducted by KPMG Nigeria in 2016 aimed at identifying the key risks that will impact organisations in the nonfinancial sector, the Macro-economic risk arising from changes in economic factors such as currency exchange rates, interest rates, equity price, inflation, recession, and unfavourable fiscal policies was rated the highest.

Respondents to the survey (mostly CEO’s and CRO’s) were asked to select key factors that have given rise to the increased risks they face. The top three (3) factors were: 1. Uncertainty due to recession and financial crisis; 2. Unstable geo-political environment; and 3. Pressure from regulators and regulatory compliance requirements. Varying degrees of emerging risks are the result of these factors and/or a combination therefrom. =But do those emerging risks matter? Well actually many of them present opportunities as well as threats. The impacts of these are what need to be reviewed and appropriate responses designed.

A cursory reading of just a few of the publications on the topic of emerging risks quickly resembles a crash-course in risk aversion therapy. We have been subjected to a bewildering and ever lengthening series of lists of emerging risks.

For a better understanding, emerging risks can be classified according to those risks that are ‘new’, those that are ‘crystallising’ and those where the impact is getting more pronounced – identified as ‘aggravating’ risks.

New risks include uncertainties due to Technological innovation. They are those that are genuinely new, which emerge from new technologies and processes. Technological change has always presented a challenge, but when addressed correctly it has also presented an opportunity such as with satellites and the ease it has brought to communication.

The response here is to develop technological competence and construct risk management responses that are fit-for-purpose.

Cyber-attacks of all varieties are now top of mind for governments, utilities, individuals, medical and academic institutions and companies of all sizes. Because of the increasing global interconnectedness and explosive increase in use of mobile devices and social media, the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches have increased exponentially.

Hackers can shut down a company’s network or steal customer and employee personal and financial information.

Crystallising risks are those that are not

new, but whose manifestation and implications are emerging. In this context we are looking as much at emerging losses, as emerging risks. Crystallising risks, by contrast, will by their nature always operate to a large extent outside the bounds of current knowledge.

The only response is therefore to establish business practices that aim to detect “weak signals� and monitor them in case they become “clear tendencies with a high potential for danger.� The important issue here is that organisations and governments should set in place a set of early warning indicators to monitor the nature of change and speed of change of these types of risk.

Aggravating risks are relatively well known, but where their incidence and impact are becoming potentially more aggravated. This category would include climate change, and pandemics. Terrorism developments could be argued as being an example of an aggravating risk.

Aggravating risks are by their nature fairly well understood. The difficulty arises from mis-estimating their scope and extent, particularly with regard to the impact of the risk. The response is very similar to that for technological change in terms of building expertise and knowledge.

Above all there is a need to build credible models of potentially accumulating incidents so that risk appetites can be aligned with the exposures being faced.

Whatever the category of emerging risk, a challenge may lie in modelling and quantifying their potential impacts. Only in this way can organisations leverage their key capabilities, which is the creation of sustainable value using risk management.

With the right enterprise risk management strategies, organisations and governments stand a chance of transforming emerging risks into a competitive advantage and sustaining performance in the face of significant changes in the operating environment.

Thus future developments in risk management will be concentrating on the ability to forecast changes in risk causes and impacts.

Key Risk Indicators and Early Warning Indicators will become much more important and prominent in enabling governments and organisations to make strategic decisions, and many businesses will profit by being alert to the opportunities and being prepared for the threats. The need for organisations to strengthen their Enterprise risk management (ERM) practices cannot be over-emphasised, given that the present and future business environment will be quite challenging for all sectors of the economy. An effective ERM programme can help drive informed decision-making for better performance and greater rewards. As a critical management science, ERM methods help empower public and private sector managers to tackle their risk potential head-on – proactively identifying, understanding and managing uncertain outcomes for sustainable long-term growth. .t.CPOV '&31 $*3. 6, )$*# .T3. 4UFSO TUVEJFE &OHJOFFSJOH JT BO FYQFSJFODFE #BOLFS BOE &OUFSQSJTF 3JTL .BOBHFNFOU QSPGFTTJPOBM &BSOFE B QPTU HSBEVBUF EFHSFF JO 3JTL .BOBHFNFOU GSPN /FX :PSL 6OJWFSTJUZ 4UFSO 4DIPPM PG #VTJOFTT BOE JT B NFNCFS PG UIF *OTUJUVUF PG 3JTL .BOBHFNFOU 6, $BO CF SFBDIFE PO 4.4 0OMZ FNBJM SN SJTLNHU!HNBJM DPN

In w w

22

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Ethiopian Airlines Targets $10bn Revenue, 146 Destinations by 2025 Stories by Chinedu Eze Known for over-reaching its targets, Afica’s most successful carrier, Ethiopian Airline has said it is working to be a 10 billion dollar profit making organisation, fly 120 international and 26 domestic destinations by 2025. But the airline, which has remained the most profitable operator in the continent, has actualised its set target in the past years before the target date.

The Manager of Ethiopian Airlines Holidays, Mrs. Seble Azena, who disclosed this while addressing Nigerian journalists and tour operators, during a tour of the airline’s facility at the airline’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, noted that the airline would continue to record milestones of achievement.

Azena said the airline’s current revenue for 2016 unaudited stood at 2.71 billion dollars with 100 international destinations and 17 domestic destinations, noting that the airline currently transported

8.8 million passengers annually with a total of 92 aircraft in its fleet while 59 aircraft have been ordered. The manager said during the period the airline airlifted about 238,000 tonnes of cargo annually using 39 wide body freighter aircraft across the globe. “Today, Ethiopian airlines is the second fastest growing carrier in the world. We transport 8.8 million passengers and about 338,546 tonnes of cargo per year.

The revenue is $2.71 billion revenue, our current fleet is 92 and we have 59 aircraft in order.

Beyond the number of aircraft that the Ethiopian airlines have, the most interesting element is that the average age of aircraft is five years. “We use Addis Ababa as our main hub and as such there is more congestion at the airport.

To alleviate this and facilitate passengers’ movement within the continent and the globe, the airline has established two more

hubs, one in Lome in west Africa and the other is in Lilongwe in Malawi in south Africa. We currently have 100 destinations, for cargo, we have 39 dedicated cargo freighter and 19 dedicated domestic destinations,’’ she said.

Azena said the airline’s new cargo terminal in Addis Ababa was the largest in Africa and second in the world, adding that the terminal would become the world’s largest by 2025.

She said the cargo terminal was designed as an automated terminal with the capacity to process 600,000 tons of cargo annually, adding that the airline was currently contributing 11 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, remarking that the country had invested so much in aviation industry.

According to her, the airline is willing to assist any African country to develop their aviation sector especially in setting up a national carrier through partnership.

Expert Backs Govt’s Plan to Establish National Carrier Secretary of Aviation Round Table (ART), industry think-tank and a former Commandant of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd) has thrown his weight on the plan of the federal government to establish a national carrier.

Ojikutu said after the demise of the defunct Nigeria Airways, never has the call by Nigerians for a national carrier been given a serious attention by successive government than the desirous of the present government to establish one within the lifespan of its first term. “However, discerning minds

among the stakeholders in the industry and others within the general travelling public would prefer that whatever the nomenclature that would be given to the planned carrier, be it national carrier or flag carrier, the government must not have a controlling ownership.

Government therefore, is very much aware of these wide ranges of views from the various interest groups. For most Nigerians, a national carrier is a flag carrier and a flag carrier is a national carrier. The general interest therefore in my view would prefer National Flag Carriers,�

Ojikutu said.

He said that what Nigeria needs is a national flag carrier that would operate outside the Nigerian territory that must serve the interest of all Nigerians.

Therefore all Nigerians must be stakeholders and shareholders in it, he stressed.

Ojikutu however posited that individual or private airline should not be given the status or designated as national flag carrier by government in so far, if they would operate on the Nigeria Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs), commercial agreements and other treaties which are Nigerians commonwealth.

Sabre Network Boss to Speak at Akwaaba The President /CEO, Sabre Network NMC, West Africa, Mr. Gbenga Olowo has confirmed his willingness to participate at the second edition of Akwaaba Travel Market Aviation Day scheduled to hold in Lagos at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island from Sept. 10-12 2017.

A statement from the organisers of the event, Jedidah Promotions said Olowo, who is also the President of Aviation Round Table (ART) and the guest speaker at the event would be speaking on the topic: “2016: Commercial Aviation Accident Free Year.

What Did Africa Do Right�, a topic that is germane to the African aviation sector.

Olowo is an Economist and Business Administrator with uninterrupted cognate experience in Aviation sector.

According to IATA, “Last year some 3.8 billion travelers flew safely on 40.4 million flights. The number of total accidents, fatal accidents and fatalities all declined versus the five-year average, showing that aviation continues to become safer. The good news is that in

2016 Africa had no air crash.

This is against the backdrop of decades of problematic safety level in Africa.�

The organisers stated that Olowo, an erudite professional in the sector, would be bringing his versatility in the global aviation industry to bear on the topic at the 2017 Aviation Day. “Olowo’s deep and wide aviation industry experience has made him an acknowledged expert in airlines and aviation business management. He has provided varied consultancy services in these areas and is an author of many aviation industry related publications.

He’s currently the President Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative. “He has attended several professional training courses and served on several expert groups, committees, and panels including the Ministerial Committee on Restructuring of Nigeria Airways Limited in September 2001, Ministerial Technical Committee on the Establishment of a new Flag Carrier in August 2003, Chairman of the Agency

Investigation Panel (A.I.P) for Western Africa, and Member of Ecowas Parliament Committee on Implementation of Yammousoukro Treaty,� the statement said.

The organisers also said the event aims to stimulate valuable discuss from renowned industry players that would add impetus to the sector and improve and sustain the safety level in the industry, adding that this year’s Aviation Day event is expected to have aviation professionals from global aviation organisations, like IATA, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and Chief Executives of airlines in the continent. The 12th edition of the travel and tourism conference with the theme ‘The State of Aviation in Africa Why do Airlines Fail,’ which was well attended by travel experts, examined the challenges bedevilling African carriers with a view to proffer solutions to the problem inhibiting the growth of airlines in the continent. At the event it was revealed that 37 Airlines collapsed in Africa within a decade.

W

AIR WATCH

Why Ghanaian Aviation is Thriving

I

t is an indubitable fact that Nigerians are the most travelled in Africa; that while passenger traďŹƒc is higher in South Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ëœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ă?Ă?Ăž number of indigenous travellers in the Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ëœ Nigerian travellers drive the highest number of traďŹƒc in the sub-regions. So both international carriers and regional airlines that operate in these sub-regions target the Nigerian passengers.

Ironically the country that is beneďŹ tting hugely from the Nigerian passengers movement is Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ëž Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă?ĂĄ ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă™ĂŽËœ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă?rican airlines have built their West and Central Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă&#x;ĂŒ Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëœ all targeting Nigerian passengers. Ù×Ă? Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂžĂ?Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ’ĂŁ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ăž situation does not favour Nigeria posited that Nigeria is yet to evolve aviation policy that is geared towards developing a hub at the Lagos or Abuja airport. They noted that there has been lack of visionary plan and execution to put Nigeria’s airports ahead of others in the continent through the attraction of international and African airlines.

In a recent breakfast conference organised by Ă Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ě™ ĚšËœ Ă‹ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă•Ě‹ĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ă• ĂŒĂ™ĂŽĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁËœ Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ ĂšĂ™Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂž Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ–ĂŁ Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă— Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ personnel have made Nigerian airports unattractive to some international airlines. Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ëœ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂžĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹ ÑÙËÖ Ă™Ă˜ ÒÙå ÞÙ Ă‹ĘľĂœĂ‹Ă?Ăž international airlines to its Katoka airport in Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ăž ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂžËœ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĘŽĂ?Ă˘Ă“ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁËœ Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă– Ă‹Ă Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ reduced the price of the product. The airport personnel they said are friendly as sometimes in the evening a pianist would be serenading passengers as they disembark and board their ĘŽĂ“Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ?Ëœ ÞÒĂ&#x;Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă“Ă Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă“ĂœË› Compared to the Lagos airport “our airport Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ëœ ÞÒËÞ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“ĂžĂŁ ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÙʊĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ–ĂŁËœ Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă’ and hostile that when you enter our airports you notice that some of the security personĂ˜Ă?Ă–Ëœ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă— ÞÙ Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ù×Ă?ĂŒĂ™ĂŽĂŁ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă˘ĂžĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽËœ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă•Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă?ËœËŹ Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă?Ăœ ÞÙ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ë›

Ă?ÚÙÕĂ? ÞÙ ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă Ă?Ă– Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ă? Ă•ĂĄĂ‹Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ‹Ă Ă?Ă– Ă‹ĂœĂ•Ă?ĂžËœ Ă•Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă“ Ă•Ă™Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ ÞåÙ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? airlines but has created an atmosphere through exible policies that have attracted international and African carriers to the extent that some African airlines have decided to use the Katoka

Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă“ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂžËœ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ‹ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă’Ă&#x;ĂŒ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ăž and Central Africa. ËŤ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ ÞåÙ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă?

Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă?Óâ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ™ Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂœĂŁ Ă‹ ÖÙÞ Ă™Ă? ÚËĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă“Ă?Ăœ ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;ĂžĂ? ÞÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ Ă’Ă&#x;ĂŒËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă—Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ʨʰÒ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?ÎÙ× ĂœĂ“Ă‘Ă’Ăž ÞÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ̙ʨʰÒ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?ÎÙ× allows an airline to carry revenue traďŹƒc between foreign countries as a part of services connecting ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁĚšËœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă˜Ă™Ă˜Ě‹ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ airlines. This increased the viability of that airport Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă’Ă&#x;ĂŒ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ù×Ă? ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă“ĂŽĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ“Ă?ĂœĂ?ËœËŹ Ă•Ă™ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽË› It is this exibility and the fact that deepened ĂŽĂ?Ă—Ă™Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂŁËœ Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ— ĂšĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă‹Ă Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ÚÙÖÓĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă‹ĘľĂœĂ‹Ă?ÞÓà Ă? ÞÙ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ even foreign citizens who wish to live in West Africa. In the past decade many multinationals and international agencies have moved their West Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ›Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ?ĂœĂ? ÞÙ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ë› ËŤ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă’Ă&#x;ĂŒ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÒ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă“ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ?Ëœ

Ă?Ă˜ĂŁĂ‹ Ă“ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ? ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă“Ă?ÞÒ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?ÎÙ× Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ëœ ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă‹Ăš Ă™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă‹Ă–Ëœ ÙãËÖ Ă“Ăœ Ă‹ĂœĂ™Ă?Ëœ Emirates and others. The country is inviting more airlines which want to use Accra. This now opens Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă—Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă’Ă&#x;ĂŒ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁËœ Ă?Ă™ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ ÒÙÙÕ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ë› Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ? Ă“Ăœ Ă&#x;ĂœĂ•Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ëœ Ă“Ăœ ÙÞĂ? ĂŽËŞ Ă Ă™Ă“ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? ĂžĂœĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ʨÞ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă? Ă?ÚÙÕĂ?Ă? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă&#x;ĂŒËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?ËœËŹ Ă•Ă™ Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽË› So while Nigeria is still ruminating over whether to build a national carrier or not; whether to prià ËÞÓĂ?Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ËŞĂ? Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă? advanced in creating a hub by providing incentives to airlines to operate from the country. The Katoka airport in Accra is simply described as functional; ÒÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂžËœ which would be completed in few months to accommodate increased passenger traďŹƒc and Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ę° ×Ùà Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Industry observers also said that it is ironical ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ which largely target Nigerian passengers chose ÞÙ Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă?Ă’ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă’Ă&#x;ĂŒ Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ë› ËŤ Ă’Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÒ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă“ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ? ĘŽĂ“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă&#x;Ă— ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ?Ă—Ë› Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ëœ Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒËÞ Ă“Ăž ĂŽĂ™Ă?Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă?ĂžĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ created the space and opportunity for others to operate from its airport. This is so because there is no dominant player in the West Coast. The nearest place to the United States of America and South Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ëœ Ă?Ă™ ÞÒÓÙÚÓË Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜ĂŁĂ‹ Ă“ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă‘Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ?Ë› Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëœ Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă‘Ă‹Ă– and to an extend Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire) should be hubs for West Africa. There is no dominant player Ě™Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ěš Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ăž ÙËĂ?ĂžËœËŹ Ă•Ă™ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽË› He remarked that Nigeria may lag behind now in aviation because many things are not working well Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁËœ Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒËÞ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ ĂšĂœĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂŽ that things are okay but the foreigners who are moving their airlines are just seeking for clement ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă˜Ă Ă“ĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ ÙʼĂ?ĂœĂ? it to them in West Africa.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͶ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

23

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Bankole: Air Transport Environment in Nigeria is Worrisome The CEO of Medview Airline, Muneer Bankole reasons that a lot more needs to be done by the federal government to improve air travel in Nigeria. He spoke to select journalists recently in Kaduna. Chinedu Eze brings the Excerpts: do you think the indigenous carriers have the capacity to airlift all the pilgrims?

I will tell you that it is not correct. Today we have a strong partner; Max Air. The airline has about three airplanes which carry almost 500 passengers each. Med- View has three which carries about 1000 per day. If you put all these together and multiply by the number of days we have, the passengers are less than the capacity of Nigerian airlines. I repeat, it is less than what we can carry. But we are always open to competition which makes us to believe our partner, our friend from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We heard that your operation to London has been infringed upon because of issues concerning certification. What is the true position?

There is no issue. What you have heard in the past, which is not for me to tell you lies, is that when you have issues of safety, you don’t discuss it on the pages of newspapers because it has to do with peoples’ lives. When the report is misinforming, it sends panic to travellers. Med-view has been known for safety compliance, Med-view has been known for the ruggedness, today we are 11 years on the hajj.

Today we are the only airline running London, we are still sustaining it, it is not easy to be with the big boys and I am proud to tell you, I was invited to Brussels (for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) meeting). I sat down to address the entire 28 EU nations and I want to thank them for listening.

Are you looking at doing international flights from Kaduna?

I was with His Excellency, the Kaduna state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and his team, we were in Beijing and Mumbai and I commend the Governor for his noble idea to develop this state with high commitment on aviation.

There is an interested party from China that is prepared to build a strong MRO (Maintenance Repair and Overhaul) facility. In the whole of Africa, we have only three MRO facilities. So we can save between 600,000 to $1 million we spend on maintenance abroad if we have our own MRO. The Governor has shown interest in this and that is why Medview is fully on ground here. We run daily flights from Kaduna and we have done Umrah flights from Kaduna and we are here again doing Hajj.

So why don’t we find a way to spend this money locally instead of repatriating it overseas through aircraft maintenance. This is why it is necessary that we build MRO in Nigeria and that is what the Governor of Kaduna state wants to do. We run daily flight to Kaduna. That is our commitment.

The maintenance, repair and overhaul if built will generate foreign exchange for Nigeria. We have seen some expatriates from China, Beijing precisely and they were here (in Kaduna) and have indicated interest to build MRO facility here and their company CCECC (China Civil Engineering Construction Company) is here to build the facility. We really need some of these things in this country. When completed, it will be strategic to both the north and the south.

But has the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved your operations to London in terms of Medview certification?

There is no EASA certification. What you have to understand and what we people need to know is that when you go to a country, UK authority, including EU communities said that for an airline to come from a third country; you must have a TCO (Third Country Operator Permit) and that TCO will enable you to fly within their airspace. It is just that when we fly in their airspace, we pay to Eurocontrol.

Eurocontrol is just lime the over flight charges we pay to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). So they take over flight when we fly to Algeria into France before you get to UK. So somebody is taking responsibility.

So the EASA certificate is one thing that bothers on European communities, the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certificate is the one that comes from IATA which is superior for all airlines. As an airline, we have been certified, including E-IOSA. What is up on your London route now?

As you are aware, Medview commenced operations into UK on November 20 2015.

We have airlifted close to 70,000 to 80,000 passengers. Our commitment today is to rebrand the London operations; that is why we decided to bring B777-200 aircraft. It is a brand new aircraft. We have reconfigured the Business Class with Air France seats, you sleep at the business class cabin and we ensure that what the customers are asking for in terms of in-flight entertainment has been provided; it is totally in-built. Every single economy passenger has his own screen. We are rebranding it and to be honest with you, between now and the middle of September, there is no seat on Medview for those who are coming home. So I seize this opportunity to commend Nigerians and all the passengers who have chosen the partnership with Med-view and who believe in this company.

Now with this brand new aircraft, are you looking at other routes?

We had the plan to commence Dubai July 4 and the challenge we are facing is that the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority tried to compel us to go to DWC (Dubai World Central), which we rejected and the case has been passed to the Nigerian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Consul General in Dubai and the Ministry of Aviation and they have written us a letter showing that they are handling the case. We have rescheduled our plan to 7th of November and I hope they will see reason.

How are you looking at the operational environment in Nigeria now? How are things working?

Bankole

In fairness, it is very worrisome. We are still sustaining our operation. If we want to ask ourselves, how many airlines we met on the way and where are they now? It is not a good omen for the country but we have to pray to God for the best.

On the international routes, it is like EU is using approvals to drive away African carriers?

Let me tell you the game. European carriers and the Nigerian carriers are the same.

We are governed by one body. Each country has one regulatory authority; you can call it different names. In Nigeria as you know, it is NCAA. In Dubai, you have DCAA. They are all under ICAO (the International Civil Aviation Organisation) safety control and the commercial side of it is under IATA. The basis of everything is for government of any country to create the enabling environment to let each airline survive. In the other parts of the world, you see government subsidising so many things. Here you know the problems we have with charges. We have talked about creating an environment for us to thrive. It is very challenging here and that’s why you are seeing decline in our number. Membership of AON (Airline Operators of Nigeria) was 26 before. Today you can see only six or seven.

How prepared is Medview for this year’s airlift of pilgrims to the Holy Land?

We give thanks to Almighty Allah. 2017 airlift has started and we wish all our intend-

ing pilgrims a safe Hajj Mabrur and all the carriers that are participating in this exercise a successful airlift operation. For Med-view, we have three aeroplanes that we have slated for this exercise. The first is Boeing B747-400 which has capacity of 463 passengers. The second aircraft is B777-200 which is joining the fleet and it is equally the new aircraft that Med-view is introducing this year for this exercise. And the third one is B767-300 with extended range. That shows the seriousness and commitment of the airline and we are fully ready.

You have been involved in this operation for many years, will you say the number of pilgrims is increasing or decreasing?

The airlift exercise in the past, because of the construction work in the two holy houses of Saudi Arabia, the number was cut down. But today that number has returned and Nigeria has about 95,000 quota. So the economic situation and the dollars affect the pilgrims and everybody has tried to appeal to government that this is a commitment for the government to assist these people to fulfill their righteous obligations, both Muslims and Christians because this is the only window that people go for spiritual things and bring blessings to the country. We need it so much.

Are you worried that another foreign airline is involved in the Hajj airlift and

Are you elated that NCAA is certifying the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and other three airports in the country?

When I was coming to the Lagos airport this morning I saw the project going on at the right hand side and I told somebody with me in the car that we should appreciate efforts being made in this country. Somebody was a Minister Senator Stella Oduah) and did this project and we have now seen that it is getting ready. So we are happy that the airport is growing and you can see a lot of development being put in place and we hope we will continue to put our energy in the continuous development of these airport facilities. It is in line with this development spirit that we in Medview have decided to support the International Aviation College, Ilorin.

Since Medview has been quoted in the Nigerian Stock Exchange last year, what has been the experience?

I wish to thank the shareholders who believe in us and invested in the company. We just came into the market and gave out dividend of about N301 million. So we are building a solid airline that is disciplined and is always in compliance in payment of our financial obligations to the aviation agencies and others.

We fulfill our obligations and show commitment in the development of the aviation industry. You must be diligent, sincere and build integrity and people will always respect you

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

24

End of the Road for Smugglers Eromosele Abiodun posits that the efforts of the Federal Operating Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service to battle smugglers in the zone responsible for half of the NCS revenue will no doubt boost the nation’s earnings A report by the World Bank on the level of illegal importation of goods into Nigeria from neighbouring Benin Republic and other West African countries showed the alarming rate of smuggling and its impact on the nation’s economy.

Experts believe this should be a major concern to the federal government and the agencies responsible for management of the nation’s economy. According to the World Bank, an astonishing $5 billion (N1.45 trillion) worth of assorted goods are smuggled into Nigeria through Benin Republic alone every year.

This amount represents about 15 per cent of total smuggled goods through that border. The World Bank report also claims it has enough evidence that over $400 million (N116 billion) representing about 25 per cent of the total current annual revenue collected by the NCS is lost through nefarious smuggling across the sub-regional borders.

The report, which was prepared by two of the World Bank’s leading experts on the African Transport Unit, also noted that smuggling into Nigeria would further hamper the operational efficiency of the Customs Service and cause more revenue losses if urgent steps are not taken by government to tackle it. The report recommended a liberalisation of trade policies which encourage smuggling across the borders.

Experts told THISDAY that the report is troubling but not surprising, considering the increasing rate of smuggling across our borders, especially along the Benin republic axis. “A combination of factors account for this unhealthy trend; One of them is the high cost of clearing goods in our ports and the laxity of enforcement of anti-smuggling laws by those charged with responsibility in the country. It is not unkind to say that the integrity of some of the customs and immigration officials statutorily charged with policing our borders is suspect.

Many compromise their positions. Bad eggs among them are more concerned with lining their own pockets than checking smuggling activities, thereby denying government muchneeded revenue. “Therefore, the World Bank report should not be ignored. It should be treated as a wake-up call to address systemic difficulties in checking smuggling through the Benin Republic borders, and others in the region. In this regard, information exchange is vital. This has become crucial because available statistics reveal that 13 per cent of traffic of goods from the port in Cotonou, the capital of Benin Republic, is destined for Nigeria, while about 75 per cent of the containers that land at the Cotonou Port are headed for our country,� said President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero.

He added: “We also believe that the current rate of smuggling through the West African sub-region is encouraged by tariff differentials.

This has made it more economically viable for importers to patronise other ports in the subregion rather than Nigerian ports. Government should seriously look into the problem with a view to formulating better policies to redress the situation, “said a top player in the maritime sector who do not want his name in print. “Also, government should take a hard look at some of the treaties of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Some of these treaties encourage free movement of people without addressing its harmful effects. Often, this freedom of movement undermines the economy of other countries through unbridled smuggling of goods. “All in all, the World Bank report should be seen as a roadmap for designing new strategies for our country’s trade policy initiatives with neighbouring countries. This is crucial because inability to adequately check smuggling into Nigeria can undermine both national and economic security of the country, with attendant broad political implications.�

Fighting Smuggling The NCS has, however, made some efforts to tackle smuggling, which led to loss of lives

Mohammed Garba

and seizures worth billions of naira.

Recently, Comptroller General of the NCS, Col Hamid Ali (rtd.) lamented how the Service has lost 70 of its officers in various battles with smugglers along Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic.

Equally, the NCS has made giant strides in dismantling smuggling cartels and recorded huge seizures in the process. Leading the charge is the Controller, Federal Operating Unit (FOU) Zone A, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba.

Garba, who was appointed in May this year, has in the last three months become the nemesis of smugglers in the zone.

Just last week, he announced the seizure of 37 assorted vehicles, 12, 081 of smuggled parboiled rice and other contraband with a duty paid value of N1.611 billion.

He disclosed that the goods were seized between August 2 and 3 by the CGC compliance team and the roving team of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A. Armed with credible information, he said the team trailed and evacuated the 37 assorted vehicles smuggled into the country through unapproved routs. The smuggled vehicles, he added, included: eight Lexus Jeep LX570 (2017), 12 Land Cruiser Jeep (2017), 17 Toyota Hilux (2016, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 respectively). For the general goods, he said four persons were in detention while two persons were in detention for the vehicles smuggled into the country. “Apart from the seizure of vehicles and rice, the reinvigorated anti-smuggling operations yielded another 156 assorted seizure including bales of used clothing, Indian hemp and used tyres. For the avoidance of doubt, the federal government policies banning the importation of rice and vehicles through the land borders are still in force. Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its determination to enforce these policies. NCS will continue to work towards crippling smugglers and getting them out of the illegitimate business,� he said.

He added: “In the face of security and economic challenges, no responsible government will fold its hands while unpatriotic elements continue to engage in illegal activities that will further compromise national economic and security well-being of her people. The NCS as one of the enforcement agencies of government will continue to work towards ensuring compliance with all extant laws governing imports and exports in Nigeria. “For those who use violence as instrument of intimidation, let it be known that going forward, the NCS operatives will not hesitate to use appropriate force to deal with any threat that is intended to obstruct performance of statutory functions. I commend

Col Hamid Ali, (RTD.)

the comptroller FOU, Zone A and Comptroller in charge of the compliance team for effective collaboration and co-ordination of their officers to achieve this feat.�

Parcels of Indian Hemp That is not all. In his very first week on the job, his command seized 384 parcels of Indian hemp that was imported from Ghana and concealed inside six bales of second hand clothing. Garba, who disclosed this while showing newsmen around seized contraband goods, said the items were impounded along Iyana-Ipaja road based on information.

He disclosed that the Unit also recovered a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N607,717,533.55 million from intercepted contraband and interventions on duty payment/Demand Notices on general goods that tried to beat the system from the airports, seaports and border stations under the guise of false declaration, transfer of value and short-change of duty payment meant for the federal government between April 1 and June 12, 2017.

According him, “Ten suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, and a total of 152 different seizures were recorded comprising of vegetable oil, foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products, smuggled vehicles, Indian hemp, used tyres, and various general merchandise. “In the spirit of inter-agency relationship, the suspect concerning the seized Indian hemp will be handed over to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction.�

He added: “We also seized five containers based on information and after physical examination.

This containers contravention Customs law by means of false declaration and breach of import prohibition list by trade. A breakdown of the five containers seized are: one 1x40ft container with number ACLU967372/1 containing 2,322 pieces of used tyres and two unit of used vehicles. A 1x40ft container with number CMAU437648/0 containing 2,660 pieces of used tyres. “The third, a 1x40ft container with number CMAU717109/9 contains 170 cartons of piston ring compressor. The fourth, a 1x20ft container with number TGHU141216/5 contains 12 pallets of general calcium/vehicle batteries of 108 pieces per pallet. The fifth, a 1x40ft container with number TCLU753359/2 contains log of unprocessed rough wood ready for export.�

This act of false declaration falls under section 46 (f) of CEMA Cap C45 LFN 2004 which is tantamount to outright seizure.�

Fake Drugs from India He has also made effort to fight smuggling of fake drugs. Last month, the FOU, Zone A,

announced that it has arrested a 40ft container load of fake drugs imported from India.

Garba, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos stated that the 1,442 cartoons of drugs (Tramadol225/120mg) in container number MSKU 98895 1X40ft and a MAN Diesel truck with reg no. RRU 513 XA, were intercepted along Apapa-Oshodi and Ijebu Ode express way.

He said his anti-smuggling effort also led to the seizure of seven other containers that contravened customs law by means of false declaration and breach of import prohibition list by trade. “While three of the containers carried 5,014 pieces of used tyres, used fridges, used double electric burner, the other containers carried 499 cartons of Eva soap as against Poultry Incubator declared in the SGD. This act of false declaration falls under section 46 (d), (e),(f) of CEMA Cap C45 LFN 2004, which tantamount to outright seizure. “You can see how clearly the government loses revenue to these economic saboteurs.

Just recently, we intercepted one DAF Truck with Reg No. DAL 543 ZX carrying 1,200 cartoons of smuggled poultry products along Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Similarly, container No. BOMU 588006/6 1X40ft conveying 400 bales of second hand clothing was also seized,� he said.

He disclosed that 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with these seizures.

He said the various contraband with a duty paid value (DPV) of N200.99 million were seized between 13th June and 10th July 2017. “In the same vein, the unit through our interventions recovered N28.95 million from duty payments and demand notices on general goods that tried to outsmart our officers at seaports, airport and border stations through wrong classification, transfer of value, and short-change in duty payment that are meant for the Federal Government of Nigeria, making a cumulative of N229.95 million from 13th June to July 10th 2017, making it another spectacular breakthrough in anti-smuggling operations under my watch. “Within this period, 40 different seizures were recorded comprising vegetable oil, foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products, smuggled vehicles, medicaments, used tyres, and various general merchandise. You will agree with me that the fight against smuggling can only be won if all hands are on deck. The commitment, doggedness, resilience and diligence of the Officers and Men of the FOU A for foiling the antics of smugglers who used different methods for concealment cannot be over emphasised.�

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͶ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

25

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

As Africa’s Creative Community Gears Up for Contest John Ajayi writes on the forthcoming Loeries Creative Week competition billed to hold in Durban “As the creative community in Nigeria, we should be bold and ready to showcase our work for the world to see and also attend Loeries Creative Week in Durban, August. Winning may not be automatic, but valuable lessons from the week-long event will be gained. I hope to welcome a bigger Nigerian contingent this year”.

Above quoted were the inspirational words of Andrew Human, Chairman Loeries Awards Company (LAC) organisers of the forth-coming continental creative week, when he came on a road-show trip in Nigeria early this year.

The Loeries are Africa and the Middle East’s premiere initiative that recognizes, rewards, inspires and fosters creative excellence in the brand communication industry. In line with the admonition of Human, the Nigerian creative community and indeed their counterparts from across the African and Middle East markets are leaving no stone unturned to slug it out amongst themselves in the creative competition billed to hold 17th – 21st August, 2017. If feelers emanating from the organizers are anything to go by, this year’s creative contest will surely surpass popular expectation as entries so far received are already in hundreds of thousands from across African and the Middle East countries.

Emerging facts from the Nigerian creative community have revealed that advertising practitioners under the aegis of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, (AAAN) are hopeful that the country will emerge winners of the various categories in the 38th edition of the continental contest. So far, no fewer than nine advertising agencies have put forward some of their best creative works in the different entry categories while no fewer than twenty-five agencies will be part of the Nigerian contingent due to depart this Saturday in readiness for the event.

As the creative competition gathers momentum, Nigerian contingents have expressed optimism on their winning chances, stating that most of the advertising campaigns produced in the country in recent times were of international standards.

“We have done international standard work”, disclosed, Mr. Taiwo Agboola, Chief Operating

Officer 7EVEN INTERACTIVE Limited. Though he expressed reservation about the ways some agencies entered their works for the awards, he nonetheless believes that there has been consistent growth in the advertising industry in Nigeria as most advertising practitioners that handle client’s briefs now ensure that they conform to international standards.

His views were corroborated by the immediate past president of AAAN Mr. Kelechi Nwosu who noted that Nigeria advertising practitioners had a great chance of winning at the 2017 this month.

“Our chances are good at Loeries, but I don’t think many Nigerian advertising practitioners entered for it”, he noted but observed Loeries is beginning to gain ground in the continent.

For Steve Babaeko, Managing Director of X3M Ideas, the Loeries 2017 award win is a sure bet for his 5year old agency which has radically revolutionised the creative landscape in the country since it debuted. Although he hinted that this would be the first time that his agency would be entering its works for the contest, he stated that X3M Ideas will emerge winner in Loeries Awards contest considering the quality of work it had entered for the contest.

Besides, Babaeko, a debonnaire, soft-spoken advertising expert stated that he has no doubt about the standards of his works which continue to make winning creative awards and laurels a key DNA of the creative shop.

His words: “We are hopeful that we will win at Loeries this year, as you know X3M Ideas is a top advertising agency in Nigeria and we are known in Africa for winning last year’s Crystal Awards in Morocco”. A similar view was expressed by the Managing Director of Peacock Media Ltd, Mrs. Adaora Adheke who said she has no fears about Nigerian creative agencies winning at Loeries in South Africa. According to her, “Nigerian advertising agencies have been participating in awards like Cannes Lions and the Loeries, so, I see no reason why our creative agencies won’t come tops in their entry categories”. The media strategist, who incidentally is a member of

Loeries Jurors said her main mission and focus at this year’s event was to ensure that media buying agencies also take part in the Loeries awards next year.

As Nigerian creative community looked forward with hope in emerging winners at the contest, other participants from across the continent would be hoping on winning laurels at the award. Besides the creative competition, a series of activities have been lined up for the pleasure and excitement of participants at the awards. To be sure, no fewer than top ten exciting and fun-filled events have been slated for the weeklong event. Outside of the usual master classes, DStv Seminar and Awards Ceremonies, MARKETING EDGE can authoritatively confirm that participants are due to have a swell time with a potpourri of entertainments and fun.

One of such is a DStv Café which offers participants a fantastic networking hub on the Elangeni beachfront. It is a welcoming activity for meals and drinks on Friday to Sunday. This will be followed Saturday with Be Smart – take a ride in a smart forfour. This event is courtesy of Mercedez-Benz-the official car of 2017 Loeries.

Smart cars will be offering a hop on-hop off service along the beachfront on Saturday and Sunday.

In between the fun, is a well planned and coordinated student Portfolio Day. The event offers delegates the opportunity to pop in to the Durban ICC to view the work from talented students at the education initiative between the Loeries and the best schools in South Africa. Other events that will make this year’s Loeries awards talk of the industry across the continent are: Gagasi FM Chairman’s Welcome Party, Unilever Brunch, Heart Loeries Market, Joe Ride, Loeries Finge Festival Durban early morning swimming on the beaches and channel O party. The Channel O Party, it was gathered is the ultimate way to round off Loeries Creative Week. With these loaded activities, the 2017 Loeries awards promise to be a great festival and collection of the bests in the continent of Africa. As a non-profit organisation, the Loeries contribute to development within the industry by investing into programmes such

as the creative industry’s richest bursary – the Creative Future Scholarship. To maintain the integrity of its accolade, it has kept to its low fees, and the entry criteria strict. Driven primarily by the Creative Circle, the Loeries is powered by industry through its board and committee, making it an organisation by and for the industry.

As the highest accolade for creativity and innovation across the region, the Loeries promote and support creativity by helping marketers, agencies and consumers appreciate the value of ideas and fresh thinking.

Culminating in the biggest creative gathering in Africa Middle East, Loeries Creative Week Durban brings together the best innovative minds from the industry for a festival of networking, inspiring minds and recognising great work.

“Our region’s creative economy is world-class and has great potential to grow and to offer employment both to our talented youth. The growth occurring throughout Africa Middle East is very exciting, and a major focus of the Loeries is to increase the standard of brand communication in the region.

The Loeries continues to grow each year, remaining the region’s primary measure of excellence”.

The Loeries were first held in 1978, as a mechanism to support and grow television advertising. Since then, the Loeries have become the most prestigious award in Africa Middle East and have expanded to reward & inspire both innovation and relevance across all spheres of brand communication. In 2013, it introduced the Effective Creativity Award to recognise great ideas that have delivered business results. Entries into this category must have won a Loeries in the past two years. The Shared Value category, aims to recognise sustainable marketing – by rewarding brands that do good while doing good business. In 2015, Service Design and Music Videos were added as new categories. rAjayi, is publisher MARKETING EDGE Magazine, a leading brand focused publication based in Lagos

Fadama Guys Programme: A’ Ibom Govt Promises to Engage Trainees Okon Bassey in Uyo In order to boost agricultural development in the state, the Akwa Ibom State Government has promised that none of the 300 graduands from the Fadama Undergraduate Youths and Women Agro-prenuer Initiative, popularly referred to as Fadama-Guys programme would be abandoned during the empowerment exercise.

The state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel gave the assurance at the graduation and certificate award ceremony, which marked the end of a two-week training session of the Fadama-Guys programme in the state.

Being the very first batch to have been floated across the state and the country at large, the governor pointed out that his administration would do

everything within its powers to ensure the programme succeeds in the state. “This is the beginning of a new generation of farmers. Government is impressed by the wonderful report on your excellent conduct and is prepared to assist you with everything within its powers to enable your success. We are happy with you, but will be happier with your bumper harvest”, he declared.

The governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Sufficiency, Dr. Uduak Udoinyang advised the participants not to trivialise the opportunity accorded them, but maximise same for best results. “It all starts with having a good intention, sacrifice where necessary; prepare to face challenges and think beyond the box. Every one of you will

be empowered,” he stressed.

Fadama-Guys is an innovation by the National Coordination office of Fadama, which seeks to promote the interests of more youths between the ages of 18 – 35 by encouraging them in different fields of agriculture through training and empowerment to practice agriculture.

Following the selection of the 300 participants out of 476 who had applied online for enlistment into the programme in Akwa Ibom, a two-week capacity-building course to train participants on the basics and rudiments of their choice fields of agricultural endeavour was organised for them.

By the arrangement, at the end of the capacity-building programme the Fadama Office would empower 200, while the rest of the participants’ fates were not defined, hence the

state government’s intervention.

Also speaking at the event the chairman of the technical committee on agriculture and food sufficiency, Prof. Edet Udoh congratulated the graduands on their successful completion of the session and wished them well in their practice of agriculture.

He confessed that “when we started this programme, I was very apprehensive because I felt most of you would abandon it half-way, but you have proven me wrong,”.

Adding that, “this is another feat by Akwa Ibom records, starting and completing the programme with the 100 percent participants intact.”

Udoh who paid glowing tributes to the state governor, for keying into the Fadama partnership programme, maintained that the state government’s support had

culminated in the superlative performance of Fadama III Additional Financing activities in the state, which had earned her rating as among the most rated across the country, inspite of the state’s relatively new entry into Fadama AF programme.

He lauded the participants for their good conduct throughout the training session, pointing out that officials of the National Coordinating office of Fadama, who were on ground to monitor the exercise in the state, had expressed satisfaction with the trainees’ behaviour.

He advised the graduands to be hardworking and adventurous as they proceed with their agricultural practice. “We are training all of you to be certified farmers; don’t stay at home but go out into the fields for best results”.

On his part, the state Fadama

coordinator, Mr. Richard Sam described the programme as one of the greatest things government had done towards reducing youths unemployment, as he thanked all the participants for demonstrating zeal and commitment throughout the duration of the programme.

“The template for disbursement, monitoring and tracking of the empowerment packages would be very strict, as high technology standards such as GPRS, etc would be used to verify location of beneficiaries’ farms to ensure that the funds are used for the purposes intended,” he submitted.

Responding on behalf of the graduads, Mr. Nkereuwem Bassey Okon thanked the state government and the World Bank for the opportunity given them and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them.

NAICOM Approves Universal Insurance 2016 Financial Report Ebere Nwoji The insurance industry regulatory agency, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has approved the 2016 audited financial report of Universal Insurance Plc. The letter of approval dated 25th of July 2017 and signed by the Director (Supervision) of the commission, Mr. O. Oba,

stated that the Commission has no objection to the publication of the audited financial statement for the year ended December, 31, 2016 as submitted. The statement maintained that an approval was granted after confirmation that Universal Insurance has substantially complied with regulatory requirements.

While the audited financial

summary indicated that Universal Insurance assets grew to N11.896billion, its shareholders’ funds stood at N8.855billion as at end of December 2016.

In the same vein, the firm’s solvency margin increased to N4.740billion as net operating result grew to N121.680million.

The company paid out claims amounting to N125.764million within the period under review.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, of Universal Insurance, Ben Ujoatuonu attributed the company’s performance in 2016 to strategic focus and determination by the management in ensuring that the firm continues to grow on the path of profitability in its various portfolio underwriting.

He stressed that the Universal brand has come to stay and

would continue to delight its stakeholders at all times.

“I make bold to say that Universal Insurance has not only returned to mainstream underwriting as a competent risk management firm but a delight to shareholders and the sundry. The 2016 financial result is an attestation to this in spite the harsh business terrain inflicted by harsh

macro-economic challenges. Our able team is determined and focused to take the Universal brand to its pride of place in Nigeria’s insurance industry”, the Universal Insurance boss said.

Ujoatuonu, noted that customer satisfaction is pivotal to the company’s recorded achievements and this inevitably builds brand loyalty.

26

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

Obiano Has Changed Anambra’s Food and Industrial Profile Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Communication and Strategy, Chief Tony Nnachetam, spoke with Jonathan Eze on how Governor Willie Obiano is revolutionising different sectors in the state Governor Obiano has shown special interest in agriculture. Is that his administration’s way of diversifying the economy?

The governor was able to put up his vision and strategy very early in the administration, and part of that was to create a stable environment for investments. In the course of that, he was able to put out the roadmap, to have what we call the enablers and pillars. The pillars are agriculture, industrialisation, trade and commerce, oil and gas. And some of the enablers are security, education, roads, health.

The enablers support the pillars.

I also think that he chose a very balanced team, in terms of competence, gender and diversity; so one of the qualities of this team is that there are about six senior bankers, about five chartered accountants; so the team was open to debating issues, ideas and initiatives.

That debate helped the team to be able to correct performance, look at deadlines and achieve results. So, in 40 months or thereabout of this administration, we can see some silver lining, some progress, some of them appreciable, some of them still in the infant zone. And it is clear that you cannot build Rome in a day; 40 months is a long time, but there is so much more to do, For instance, for the first time in Nigeria, we have digitised the land area of Anambra; and we have been able to set the agenda. Hopefully, Nigerians and Anambrans have taken note. That is why a second term is imperative to take most of these initiatives to conclusion. We’ve already changed the GDP of the state. Anambra was almost shock-proof against the recession. We have changed the state’s food profile, the security profile and we have secured the environment and energy of our people. In 40 months, there have been 140 hotels built in Anambra. We have street lighting and so on. So we are very proud of the work that has gone on, but we know that so many more work is left to be done.

Obiano

What is Obiano doing to make agriculture attractive to youths?

What we have done in agriculture is a revolution. We have created a land bank – to know every available piece of land in Anambra and to know what it is best used for, whether for sorghum, corn, tomato. Because we are professionals, we set up a team to do this. So what happens is that you take your project to ANCIMMA, where it is dissected and an investment analysis is carried out. It has made our agricultural program create many beneficiaries. We have many farms now; some of them have gone beyond project evaluation stage and they are now producing; we have Coscharis farms, and quite a number of them producing cassava, rice, maize, yam. By the time they come on stream fully, we will surpass our rice quotation for the year. When this government came up, Anambra had 80,000 metric tonnes of rice and now we are producing 500,000 MT. This increase is not just in rice, but all other cash crops. Many people now see the benefit of going into commercial agriculture.

Government has put up roads and bridges to many parts of Anambra, where for the past 50 years; they just saw their food waste. The longest bridge in the south-east – 298 metres – was built by this administration. It opens up an entire arable land across the Anambra River. It is a revolution, and we are grateful to be not just witnesses to it, but to be sitting at the table.

What are incentives the government is dishing out to attract investors?

The most important security that an investor

needs is the security of his life, of his property and of his investment. By law, we have created the Anambra Investment Promotion and Protection Agency. Your investment is protected under Anambra laws and Nigerian laws. We have also ensured that there are no land issues, because the communities become stakeholders in a triumvirate relationship that includes the government, the community and the major investor. The government will guarantee your investment, give you land, give you the enabling environment to work with the community; the community takes about three per cent equity.

We are now moving on to training our young men and women. On a PPP basis, the Chinese are putting up a massive airport. And we have provided scholarships to students in universities who are going to study Mandarin.

The idea is that in three years, we should have more than 100 fluent speakers of Mandarin, available at the right level to join the workforce and management of this Chinese corporation.

What is your opinion on the executive bill on ease of doing business?

That is where to go, because in our experience, we created a simpler way of doing business.

When you come to Anambra, you don’t spend six months running around for land and approval.

We have a one-stop shop. So, from beginning to start, it can take you a maximum of two working weeks to get your project approved.

If 30 states in Nigeria can operate that way, they will see their GDP change within one year, because investment flows. We applaud that

initiative and we will continue to support it.

What are some of the state’s challenges?

The challenge of inadequate inflow of funds; taxation is not the easiest way to go by; IGR has its own hiccups. And the government, in reaction to the recession that hit the country, forfeited some income. We removed taxes for the low-level operators – hawkers, road transport workers – to cushion the effects of the recession.

Another is the fact that we don’t have enough support to deal with our erosion problems.

Anambra is the largest erosion site in the world.

We have about 900 erosion sites. The World Bank is working with us on about 12 of them, but we wish we had more than that.

Then, until our neighbours are crime free, we still have to deal with criminals.

We have also not been able to get the health sector running at optimum level. We hope that before the end of the year, we will have some massive progress in that area. Already, we have parliament approval for an health insurance scheme.

Also, we don’t have enough work for our young people. We have carried out some initiatives, but we wish we had 90 per cent employment. It would help.

What is government doing to encourage Onitsha and Nnewi businesses since they are the commercial hub of the state?

Government has done so much, but they are a work in progress. We have been able to sanitise the market; helped them to get their

governance right, helped to reduce multiple taxation and provided security for their livelihood. This year, government decided to improve infrastructure in the markets. Some opted to do their halls, some tarred their roads, some to improve their warehouses, some to buy generators and improve power supply. The response and enthusiasm has been enormous. ] Where do you see Anambra State in four years, in terms of industrialisation and agriculture? ]In four years, a lot of project would have gone beyond the definition state. We will have several of the farms in full bloom; we will have many of the facilities and utilities running smoothly, from the motor parks to the trailer parks. We will have the aeropolis, rail lines; Anambra will have changed times three, i.e, GDP will be tripled and we will say goodbye to poverty in this state and people will be happier. ]How well do you know Willie Obiano or what are his selling point?

He is a trained manager with strong business skills. He is an accountant, an auditor, a banker.

He has 28 years of corporate experience under his belt. He is able to allow debate, to consider views that are contrary to his, because he is used to that. That has helped us to think and innovate. Also, he has a very soft human touch.

His approach to the common problems of the common man is striking. He holds values – Christian and professional – that make working with him interesting.

WEEKLY PULLOUT

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

LIVING | P31

COLLAGE | P36

THISLIFE | P37

FILE

'MY BOOKS IGNITE A UNIQUE PASSION IN CHILDREN’

ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

28/COVER

18.08.2017

'My Books Ignite a Unique Passion in Children’ The entry of a new set of children-focused books authored by Kathy Brodsky, an American writer, into Nigeria, has brought about a high level of interest in the appreciation of children's literature. The author, in this interview with Mary Ekah, says her books ignite passion in children parents, as well as children themselves, have told me they love the discussion questions that follow each story. Teachers are especially interested in that aspect because the questions help them with their lesson plans, and they also get to know students better after they engage in the questions.

Tell us about your childhood experience?

I had Polio as a young child. My mother worked with me, helping me exercise, and enrolled me into many fitness activities. That became the basis for my book ‘My Bent Tree’, but I didn’t realise that until I had written the story. Growing up, I lived in a house, with my family and grandmother. I went through high school, and moved away to go to college and graduate schools. My life growing up was very different from most children growing up in Nigeria. I grew up outside of New York City where most fathers commuted to work. My father took the train while my mother and grandmother took care of all of the household tasks. In most families, the man drove, but in my family my mother was the driver. My parents and grandmother were from Germany, so I’m first generation American.

What inspires you to write and who are your role models in the literary world?

I may see something, or hear something, and then the next thing I know I’m writing a poem about what I just saw or heard. As a child I read all of the time. I think all of the hours and hours I spent reading were the basis for what I write today. When we read, our imagination plays a much greater role than when we’re watching a movie. A movie springs from someone else's imagination, while when we read a book - we “picture” the settings in our own mind.

Why did you donate books to the founder of Magical Book Club, Oluwaseun Aina?

I met Aina at the International Literacy Conference in Boston in July 2016, and gave her my newest book at the time - High Wire Act. Several months later, she emailed me and asked if I would Skype with her literacy programme students. We did, and after that, I decided perhaps she would like the rest of my books for her programme. That was how it all began. When we Skyped, it was so much fun to see how excited the kids were when they were reading High Wire Act and discussing the questions. Since then she and I have stayed in touch. What Aina is doing is really remarkable because reading is the foundation for advancement everywhere, and Aina is helping this become a reality in her own country.

Award-winning American author, Kathy Brodsky, displaying two of her numerous books

Do you think age restricts one from veering into writing?

A person can start writing at any age. Even little children can tell a story to an adult, who will write it down. That becomes a story. In the same way - older people can write as well.

Writing is really an oral story that is written down - and anyone can do that. Graphic novels are basically pictures with words. Writing has no age restrictions.

Do you also donate books to other book clubs in Africa?

No, I haven’t yet but I am certainly open to the possibility of donating books to other book clubs in Africa.

What are your other areas of interest?

I’m a psychotherapist, specifically, a clinical social worker. I help people deal with many different problems in their lives. I love to write, read, get together with family and friends, and I feel fitness is important. I try to swim almost daily, I walk with my dog, and I work out at the gym. I love movies and theater, and I’m very interested in people.

Have you won awards so far?

Brodsky's books have won multiple awards, including Book of the Year from Creative Child Magazine in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016. She was also voted into the Top 10 in the International Literacy Association and Children's Book Council’s Children’s Choice Reading List. Each year, 12,500 school children from throughout the United States read newly published children’s and young adult books and vote for their favorites — Brodsky was selected for this elite list in 2014. Additionally, her books have won several national citations from the Green Book Festival, which honours books that contribute to greater understanding and positive action on the worldwide environment. ‘Girl Scouts Magazine’ also awarded a Brownie Badge to Brodsky under the category ‘My Best Self’ for promoting self-esteem awareness.

What are your impressions about Africa and Nigeria?

I find the Nigerian people to be warm, friendly, curious, intelligent and gracious. My interactions with the people of Nigeria have been a wonderful experience. For a continent that is an ocean away, I quickly came to realise that people are not so different from one another.

We all have the same basic human emotions.

We laugh, cry and love in the same ways.

I feel like my books help build a bridge of understanding and in turn, transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. Interestingly, my son Jeffrey Brodsky interviewed former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo in 2011 in New York City. Jeff shared his insights from that interview with me and I learned so much on a personal level about the people and the government of Nigeria than I ever imagined possible. Jeff was working on an oral history project at Columbia University where he was interviewing Heads of State from around the world. President Obasanjo was one of the many fascinating leaders Jeff spent time interviewing.

Can you share your other achievements and recognition so far?

I’ve won several awards for my books: My Bent Tree, The Inside Story, The Winner Is…, Stover, A Horse Named Special, A Cat Fish Tale, High Wire Act, and A Cat Fish Tale Spanish edition - El Cuento de Don Gato Pez. Creative Child Magazine recently announced El Cuento de Don Gato Pez won 2017 Book of The Year.

How does your book address the issue of illiteracy in reading among African children?

When you tell an interesting or funny story and people are captivated by it, that’s the beginning.

You have to get people interested. African children are like any other children - something needs to spark their interest or curiosity. My books ignite a unique passion in children of all ages and cultures. Each story I write stimulates intellectual characteristics that are inherent in all children. Things like curiosity, imagination, wonder and playfulness.

Do you have a book club or belong to other literary organisations?

What is your interest or motivation for donating books?

I felt this programme was especially important, because it’s bringing something about literacy to a population that is underserved. Also, reading is the basis for every type of learning, and if a person can read, “the sky is the limit” in terms of their knowledge.

Nigerian literary critic and literacy coach and Founder, Magical Books, Mrs Oluwaseun Aina with Brodsky during a literary festival in Boston, USA

I have been a member of a Writers’ Group, and the Society for Children’s Writers and Illustrators and the Children’s Literacy Foundation. I feel that getting feedback from other writers is an important aspect of writing. In a Writers’ Group, writers help one another become better writers. The Children’s Literacy Foundation helps bring books and programmes to low-income populations. As a presenter for the Children’s Literacy Foundation I help bring books and reading programmes to low-income populations

in my state. I talk about writing and read my stories to these groups of students because I realise how important it is to reach people at a young and impressionable age.

How do you get feedback from your readers?

I get feedback mostly through letters and in person at book signings. Readers or their parents may tell me that my books are their child’s favourite, or that their children request my books over and over. Grandparents and

How can African narratives become more appealing to global media?

I think the more people understand other cultures, the more peaceful the world will become. It’s up to each country to work on this as well as it can. Africa has a rich history of storytelling and that needs to be shared with the world. In particular, more children’s stories need to come out of the nations of Africa. There are thousands of verbal stories handed down generation to generation that need to be captured in writing as the continent of Africa is unique to the world in so many ways.

29/PERSPECTIVE

18.08.2017

What If Oil is the True Ideology of Boko Haram?

Richards Murphy writes that Boko Haram is the brainchild of some powerful interests targeting the untapped natural resources in Northern Nigeria

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo

The curse of natural resources is apparently real or more accurately, cursed interests in resource exploration are real.

This evil often goes about masked as something less sinister. Take for instance the insanity that is today’s Afghanistan, which began in a fashion not too different from what Boko Haram is acting out in Nigeria today. Somewhere in the convoluted mix of transitions and mishmash of Mujahedeen, Taliban and al-Qaeda was UNOCAL, an oil multinational and its effort to construct pipelines through Afghanistan from the petroleum-rich Caspian Basin in Central Asia. By the way, that guy that went on to be handpicked as Afghan President upon the routing of the Taliban in 2004, Hamid Karzai was a consultant to UNOCAL before that appointment, something he and the company continue to deny and the records have been purged to make the denial easier. He happened to have also been a deputy Foreign Minister for the Taliban.

A pipeline dream set another country on fire. Syria is today the scene of multiple proxy wars, which is senseless if only for the bizarre alliances that are engaging on industrial scale human slaughter. It might have been given different names to hide the true intent but nothing can subtract from the fact that the crisis revolves around two proposed gas pipelines that would traverse Syria; some have referred to that ugly scenario as “Pipelinestan”.

Afghanistan remains fresh in the mind.

In April of 2012, Tuareg rebels overran northern Mali under the name of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), French state broadcaster, France 24 ran ahead of others to give extended airtime to Mossa Ag Attaher, a spokesperson for the rebels, with a chest caption that stopped short of recognising Azawad as a country. France

24 continued its attempt to report Azawad as a sovereign nation for several days. It even christened an ambassador for the enclave at some point. In a volte-face France later supported the government in Bamako to contain the rebels. The then French President Francois Hollande sold the story of how his country’s interest was about stopping the rebels in West Africa before they become a threat to Europe.

It has never been about terrorism for France. "In the long term, France has interests in securing resources in the Sahel - particularly oil and uranium, which the French energy company Areva has been extracting for decades in neighbouring Niger," said Katrin Sold of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) one year after in 2013.

There was additional incentive for France to give up the Azawad misadventure at that time. It merged that group was not acting in isolation but was part of a larger ambition to fuse modern day Mali, Algeria, Libya, Chad, Northern Nigeria, Northern Cameroon, Central African Republic and Sudan into one vast wasteland controlled by fanatics.

What France has not given up, however, is the obsession for the energy possibility in the Sahel and Sahara. It held a security summit to discuss Boko Haram which resulted in the launch of Sahel Force in June this year. If that force is of any use it was to catalyse the near rebirth of a terrorist group that Nigerian military had decimated to the point of defeat.

Nigeria’s militia fighting Boko Haram – the Civilian JTF, Internally Displaced Persons and several survivors of Boko Haram attacks had recounted in the past how they witnessed airdrop of supplies to the terrorists across Nigeria’s borders with francophone neighbours - Cameroon, Chad and Niger. In 2015, eight French nationals were apprehended by Camer-

oonian forces for fighting on the side of Boko Haram. They were promptly handed over to former colonial master France once the then French Foreign Minister, Mr. Lauren Fabuci, who simply ordered for the transfer of the suspects. Nothing was heard afterwards by way of trial.

It is not surprising that Boko Haram fighters that earlier fled into these neighbouring Francophone countries have slinked back to renew attacks in Nigeria shortly after the French summit that was supposed to have fashioned a solution to their madness. If the authorities in Nigeria get their homework right they should have observed by now that something has changed. The true intent of Boko Haram is emerging and doing so fast. A pointer to this is the July attack on the team of researchers that went prospecting for petroleum in the Lake Chad Basin area (the name does not signify Chad ownership).

Some things stand out. One, the attack was major, not one of those skirmishes where Boko Haram fighters want to inflict damages, instill terror and flee back into their hideouts. The intention was apparent annihilation on a scale that will ensure no scientist would be willing to return to the area for any prospecting. Secondly, the intensity of the attack was possible with a combination of sophisticated weaponry and accurate intelligence that made the ambush deadly. Both considerations suggest state backing for the terrorists and only one country has demonstrated interests that correspond to such capacity in the past. It has the resources to match. Furthermore, not much is heard anymore of Boko Haram’s desire for strict implementation of Sharia, which implies that the crux of the matter is about cornering resources and not the creation of a theocratic state.

A possibility that has not been openly

discussed is that the same Francophone trio that have not done enough to combat Boko Haram would easily overrun the planned theocratic state, install a proxy government, stabilise the region and then turn over the real estate to their colonial master, France, for the exploration of crude oil and Uranium to begin in earnest. Advances in fracking technology make oil exploitation viable in this area once commercial quantities are confirmed.

The Nigerian Government must therefore ensure it is not caught napping.

Afghanistan and Syria are warnings it must pay heed to since things can stay bad for a long time once they are allowed to degenerate beyond certain points. The era of thinking it is fighting only Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh) backed Boko Haram terrorists is past. These ones are propped up by another sovereign state and this is even more glaring now that the cover of religious fundamentalism no longer holds.

It is time to confront the relevant international groups and supranational bodies with facts. France must not be allowed to create its own version of Afghanistan or Syria in West Africa and Nigeria is definitely the worst place to activate such insanity not in the least using Boko Haram, made up of sociopaths and psychopaths. The toll would be high not just on the region but on Europe as well. As it was with the Middle East destabilisation and the refugee crisis it unleashed on Europe, only the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean stand to filter the refugee flow to Europe and Africans are getting better at beating these hostile barriers. Nigeria cannot burn for another country to light its cities and the world would think there would be no consequences.

Murphy, a conflict resolution expert writes from Maryland, USA.

30/ NEWS

18.08.2017

Ikpeazu Mourns Late Chief of Staff, Chijioke Nwakodo says Nwakodo gave everything for Abia

The Next Titan Season Four Begins Next Week

Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has said that his late Chief of Staff, Chief Chijioke Nwakodo, was the engine room of his administration who “gave everything in service of Abia State.”

He gave his effusive eulogy when he paid a condolence visit to the family house of the late Nwakodo at Umuana Ndume Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government, saying that his administration has lost one of its strong bastions.

Ikpeazu who expressed his profound sorrow in the condolence register wrote: "This will perhaps be my most difficult assignment as a governor to have to write this for my brother, friend, leader, and compatriot.”

Nwakodo was appointed Chief of Staff to the governor immediately the administration of Ikpeazu took off but he later took ill and eventually he lost the battle for life last week Thursday at a United Kingdom hospital after a protracted illness.

Ikpeazu recalled the life and time of his departed CoS, describing him as “a man, so pure and hearty so loving and caring,” adding, “Chiji, you gave your all for our dear state and I assure you that your effort will not go in vain. My Caesar, my Cicero, my hero is gone, when will another come?

He further stated: "You live in our hearts and on behalf of Abia State and my family, rest in the bosom of your maker, who you loved and served. Adieu Nwanne m."

Earlier on arrival the family house of the

Ikpeazu (right) condoling with Mr. Obidike Nwakodo, elder brother to his late Chief of Staff, Chijioke Nwakodo, in their home town Ndume Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA

deceased at Ndume Ibeku the governor, who was received by the brother of the deceased, Chief Obidike Nwakodo, expressed deep sadness at the death of his friend and associate who passed away on August 10, 2017.

While condoling with the family of his late Chief of Staff the Abia chief executive said that the “the news of the demise of my brother and friend, came as a shock to me.

Never imagined such at this time," he said.

According to him, the death of Chief Nwakodo was "a very damaging blow to Abia State Government and people, Ndigbo and all progressive minded individuals in Nigeria."

He noted that the late chief of staff “was committed and fearless in the fight for those things he considered fair. He was there for the common people. His efforts to write a good story are well known to everybody.

The visibly distraught Abia governor said: “He (Nwakodo) threw in his money, resources and intellect to support this present administration. He was an engine room upon which this administration came on board. The bullets I could not take, Chijioke took and he fought like a lion to his last breath. He died for the state.

"We will mourn and cry because there is a big vacuum to fill. It is difficult to duplicate his courage and vigour in fighting for the things he believed in. But there is hope here after. I will not tell anybody not to cry but whatever be the circumstance, he has left responsibilities on all our shoulders.”

Ikpeazu said that the best way to immortalise the late Nwakodo “is to do all those things he would've wished to be done if he were alive."

Nestle Rolls out Global Youth Initiatives for Nigerians Mabel Benson As part of efforts to celebrate International Youth Day 2017, Nestle has rolled out the Global Youth Initiative across all its operations for young Nigerians.

Through the initiative, the organisation is providing training and job opportunities to ensure young people can gain skills and make positive contributions.

Stating this in a statement made available to THISDAY, Nestle says it aims to deliver 45,000-50,000 apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities, and 20,000-25,000 jobs for people aged under 30 each year, by 2020.

“Here in Central and West Africa, our youth training programme at the Technical Training Centre in Agbara in Nigeria and

Nestle Nigeria's Managing Director, Mr. Maurico

Yopougon in Côte d’Ivoire is part of the initiative, which is helping to develop and

train young engineers. This year, more than 40 young people were recruited as full time employees and over 100 interns were given opportunities under Nestlé CWAR’s internship programme.

“Additionally, our effort to support youth in the region by creating job opportunities, have continued through the ‘My Own Business’ (MYOWBU) street-vending programme and ‘pushcart’ initiative, led by our out-of-home business Nestlé Professional.

The initiative provides young people across the region with the skills and expertise they need to run their own successful small businesses,” the statement reads.

To mark the day, Nestle organised a Career Seminar for National Service Personnel and Interns, a youth employment seminar for its current National Service Personnel/Interns.

Betty Akeredolu Inaugurates BRECAN Lagos Chapter, Seeks Joint Support for Breast Cancer Victims The wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has charged government, stakeholders and the society at large on the need to provide the needed support system to save more breast cancer patient across the country.

Speaking with journalists at a Press Conference organised by the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Lagos Chapter ahead of its official launch at Cromwell Courtyard Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu who came close to tears as she shared in the pain of breast cancer victims, noting that it breaks the heart to see that many women suffer in pain and hopelessness when diagnosed with the disease.

“It breaks one’s heart when you know that there are lots of women out there, experiencing breast cancer and they are not sure whether they will make it. They have no money to access care and even when they have it, on getting to the hospital, the Radiotherapy machine is not working.

“What is the pharmaceutical company’s in Nigeria doing? The dysfunctional state of our health system most especially when it comes to breast cancer is worrisome. The government, the society at large, have failed us totally. With a population of about 200million people, we have 7 radiotherapy machines and they are not working. So what are you telling the people? Simply – Go

Mrs Akeredolu (middle) in a group photo.

home and die and this is unacceptable," she added.

While calling on more women to join BRECAN in the cause, the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, emphasised the place of awareness and advocacy in the fight as people need to know what to look out for and how to access help.

“I think it behooves on women to join BRECAN in this cause. It is our burden.

We want more women to be part of this cause. If we really want to fight breast cancer, awareness is the entry point," she stressed while affirming that Ondo State is already taking the lead to build a Cancer

Treatment Centre.

In her welcome address, the chairperson of Lagos Chapter BRECAN, Mrs. Vivian Okorie noted that the goal of BRECAN is to create awareness and advocacy that will go a long way in curbing ignorance and encourage early detection. She affirmed that living a healthy lifestyle will go a long way in reducing the scourge.

In her own remark, the National President of BRECAN, Mrs. Juliet Ogbogu, noted that the presence of BRECAN is already being felt across the country through different chapters and clubs being established all over the country and its numerous activities.

L- R: Marketing Manager, Hero Lager, Mr. Obum OkoIi; Next TitanSeason 2 Winner; Mr. Davies Okeowo; Executive Producer, Next Titan, Mr. Mide Kunle-Akinlaja; Season 3 Winner, Marvis Marshal Idio; Chief Marketing Officer, Heritage Bank Plc, Mr. Fela Ibidapo; and Manager,Corporate Affairs, Sifax Group, Mr. Muyiwa Akande, at the PressConference for The Next Titan Season Four in Lagos

Peter Uzoho and Mabel Benson The Fourth Season of Nigeria’s biggest entrepreneurial reality television show, The Next Titan, commences next week with its first audition holding in Abuja.

Ahead of the battle to win the N5 million grand prize and a brand new car at stake, provided by Heritage Bank Plc and Ford Motors respectively, thousands of young entrepreneurs with great business ideas have successfully registered to partake in the competition.

The show sees contestants who are required to be university or polytechnic graduates pitch their business ideas through auditions at different zones in Nigeria, where the Top 16 with brightest business ideas are shortlisted to live together and compete with one another in carrying out weekly business tasks and challenges around the city of Lagos for 10 weeks.

Speaking in Lagos, at a press conference ahead of the show, Executive Producer, Next Titan and Managing Director, Bravopoints International, Mr. Mide Kunle-Akinlaja, said the season four would be more exciting as auditions had been slated to start in Abuja before moving to Port Harcourt and Lagos with the usual exciting Pre-show activities - Top 50 Boot Camp in Lagos, Premiere Show/ Gala Evening among others.

He announced that with the support of Hero Lager Bear, the season four auditions had been extended to Enugu State to enable Nigerians in the South-east witness and relish the impact of the great show.

“For this season, we have already received thousands of entries which are admitted through free registration from young Nigerians and who will pass through the auditions in order to search for the best business minds and ideas,” Kunle-Akinlaja said.

Girls’ for Sale: A Pivotal Plunge into Girl-child Construct Mabel Benson On 14th June 2017, seven formidable and distinguished Nigerian artists, of the Nigerian movie industry embarked on a 3-day script- conference in Lagos on the story – ‘Girls’ for Sale’. ‘Girls’ for Sale’ is a story written by Kehinde Omoru, a freelance journalist for THISDAY Newspaper, a UK registered Omoru and practising nurse, one of Nigeria's upcoming story tellers and movie producers.

Conferring to critique, analyse and filter this great work of entertainment and advocacy were Fred Amata - story critique, actor and director , Kate Henshaw actor, story critique and production designer, Aghogho Akpoyibo - medical adviser, CRS advocate , Abiola Tayo-Afolabi - story critique, script writer with romantic slant, Damijo Efe Young - script writer, director, casting director, Stanley Isokoh - script writer with comedy slant, Sikaa Udiak - film watcher and cinema goer and Opa Williams - conference convener. Production facilitator - Girls’ for Sale.

Omoru explains that this story is a "double whammy" in that it is firstly an entertainment work of art. Secondly, and not in the least less importantly, it burrows into the many ways our girls have long gone on sale!

The movie, Girls’ for Sale masterfully manipulates the plot to journey into some whys of this. It explores an increasingly common consequence of this "buy one get one free" sales phenomenon and gently intones the ways out, for posterity sake.

31/LIVING

18.08.2017

Gaurapad Charities: Providing Permanent Abodes for the Common Man Mary Ekah In a renewed effort to better the living condition of the numerous distributors of its products and the common man on the street, Gaurapad Charities, a foundation which has the mission to provide holistic well-being to society through unique and highly effective healthcare products, recently launched another means of rewarding Nigerians when it launched a home scheme initiative tagged, ‘Sack your Landlord’. This by design means that with this home launch anyone at the grassroots can actually have his or her own home.

Astonishingly, renowned Nigerian entertainers and other prominent Nigerians gathered at the headquarters of the Gaurapad Charities in Maryland Lagos, where the launch was held, to give credence to initiative. In attendance were Prof. Pat Utomi, Jide Kosoko, Tee Mac, Patience Ozokwor and of course members of the international community who would be coming on board with Gaurapad as an NGO to support the process of giving ownerships to Nigerians to have their own homes.

Gaurapad Charities, a transdermal specialist company, in partnership with Ionics Research (USA), specialises in the research and development of transdermal products for supporting various health issues. Gaurapad products have provided succour to many people who are languishing in physical and financial pain.

Over the years, the organisation has provided platform for thousands of unemployed, widowed, students and professionals to establish their own independent sources of income.

Founder, Gaurapd Charities, and former President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Mr. Bolaji Rosiji who over the years have had an overbearing passion to create an enabling environment for healthy living and help people achieve financial freedom through Gaurapad Charities’ unique business plan, said, “We all know that the country has been going through a cycle of growth and we have had our ups and down and a year ago, our country keeps exploring the available resources to augment our source of livelihood. We have come to realise from experience that in every low point, there is a high point. And there are people who believe that every down fall is an opportunity to rise. So what I have done is to look at the nation’s economy and then look at Gaurapad as being on the rise. So we have come to a point where we have to rise and rise despite the economic recession and at this point we have come to a point where you, ‘Sack your Landlord’ and that is what we are launching today.”

On what informed the choice of the personalities invited to be part of the project, Rosiji said, “The main reason why we have Pat Utomi, Jide Kosoko, Tee Mac and Patience Ozokwor on the board of Gaurapad is because largely,

Gaurapad Charities' “Sack your Landlord” stakeholders, Bolaji Rosiji, Tee Mac and Jide Kosoko at the event

they are our Gaurapad ambassadors and they have been here severally and for Pat Utomi, he has worked on budget monitoring and other issues related to anti-graft over the decades, so these are all time partners in development and we are so happy to have them here as we launch our programme ‘Sack Your Landlord’.

Rosiji whose programmes at Gaurapad are usually geared towards well-being, awareness and humanitarians services, attributes a lot of people take for granted, noted, “Health is considered by the United Nations as one of the primary objectives of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), therefore in Gaurapad, we have health as the foundation of our projects and that is our main project – we are focused on holistic wellness, which involves body, mind and soul. And what we are doing here today is dealing with financial wellness, which is this home launch.”

The home ownership scheme, Rosji said would be of utmost benefit to the grassroots people in that it would be providing opportunity for people to own their own houses without much stress. He said further that the housing scheme will be executed in areas like Ibeju Lekki, Ibafo and Ikorodu, areas where a multitude of Gaurapad members will be able to smile to their own homes.

“Now if you could afford 50 per cent of the value of a home, we would find means of cutting cost, we would invest for you, we would work with NGOs and local NGOs collaborators to contribute their talents and whatever else their expertise is, into the project to compensate for the 50 per cent that you do not have. That is what the project is all about,” the Gaurapad boss noted.

Rosiji said foreign collaborators are coming in

to be part of the project in different ways, adding, “We would be working with very experienced companies in order to continue with this and that is why this dream is happening today and that is why we are sacking the landlords today. Secondly, we have those who would be providing consultations in various other technical areas and thirdly we have those who are going to be providing us with mechanical hardware that we would otherwise have paid so much money on spot. And then next thing, we are going to make sure that we do away with the banks and in this way, we would bring the cost of living down for Nigerians.”

A partner on the Gaurapad Sack your Landlord project, Mr. Vikas Kane of Shapoorji Pallonji Limited, a construction firm, said his company was proud to be associated with the initiative. “Actually this project is part of CSR for our company. We have been into construction for 150 years now. So as a part of Corporate Social Responsibility, we want to help the needy and we want to associate with organisations that help the needy. As a company, we believe that it is not only right to make money but to also use the money we make to impact on the lives on people around us and that is what we do in all the places we operate in all around the world.

Currently we are working on two hospital projects and these are modern hospitals, which are today’s requirement in Nigeria in the healthcare sector. Nigeria needs to improve a lot in the healthcare sector. Nigeria spends more than $600 million every year on foreign hospitals and that is why we are proud to be associated with Gaurapad which focus on health and well-being of Nigerians.”

Speaking on why his company is partnering

with Gaurapad on this particular project, Kane said, “We have been associating with Bolaji Rosiji of Gaurapad for a couple of years now and when he told me about this project since last year, I told him that whatever support he needed from us, we are ready to offer it. But if we have to build the houses for this project, it will not be affordable anymore because the cost implications are high and we are known for our quality services. So this Gaurapad Sack your Landlord project, we will come in as associate consultant, we would give them advise on what type of quality and resource they need and instead of going for big names in the industry, they can go for petty contractors and it is like skill development for the petty contractors and at the same time, the houses will be affordable for the target audience. And we would monitor and ensure that quality is maintained and the requirements for legislation and the government are taken care of.

Speaking on his connection with Gaurapad Charities, Nigerian famous flutist, Tee Mac said, “I have known Rosiji for quite a long time. His father and I were amongst those that built the MUSON Centre. I was the founder of the Classical Music Society and so we decided to build a music school. And Rosiji was the PMAN president before me, so we have known each other for a very long time. Also I use his Gaurapad products, which is why at my age, you can see that I am quite fresh and that is because they work. And again I like to be supportive of very good causes and Rosiji has dedicated his life to do good by helping the less-privileged and those who have health problems, so I am very supportive of his foundation. When your life is blessed, you just have to give because if you do not give, you cannot receive. That is my philosophy and so I tend to make time out whenever I’m in Nigeria to participate in events like this.”

Kosoko, who said he has been associating with Rosiji for a long time noted, “I must confess that I appreciate the Gaurapad products. I have tasted them and I can attest that they are trusted.

So when he came up with this new idea for encouraging the Gaurapad distributors, I feel proud to participate in such project.”

Speaking further, he said, “From the programme of Gaurapad, you realise that from a very small amount, you start climbing the ladder and with time, you get there as long as you are dedicated and hardworking and I’m particularly excited about Gaurapad encouraging people to get their on houses.”

Another renowned Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor, who was also part of the project, said, “Gaurapad is to be reckoned with because their products are what they say they are. You know some people find it difficult to swallow drugs and these are products that will heal you or prevent something from coming to you and you don’t need to swallow them.

It is so easy like that.”

Covenant University Graduates 1,426 Students Mary Ekah The 12th Convocation ceremony and conferment of Honourary Doctorate Degrees as well as the presentation of Prizes to graduates of Covenant University, witnessed a lot of excitement as a total of 188 students bagged First Class degrees out of 1,426 students graduated in the 2016/2017 academic session while, 568 had Second class upper honours and 322 with Second class lower, 47 with third class and 301 post graduate students of Covenant University recently.

The ceremony which took place at the school premises in Ota, Ogun State had a former Vice President and Secretary General of African Development Bank(ADB), Ms Cecilia Aykintomide as the Guest Speaker. She presented a paper on ‘Leadership by product, the role of University’, saying that the resources available for public universities to thrive is limited and products from such environment usually do not get enough knowledge, equally not equipped to meet up the challenge provided by technology and it becomes difficult to proffer solution to the emerging challenges.

Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof.

Aderemi Aaron Atayero, said the university has

Covenant University graduate, Uzoamaka Okoro (middle) flanked by parents, Chief and Mrs. Meckson Okoro during the graduation ceremony.

continued to be at the cutting edge of innovation and research-oriented programmes that have distinguished the students and make them compete with their counterpart at world class level. He cited some of the achievements of the school and success recorded by students at both national and international level, setting the pace

for other public and private institutions he stated.

One of the graduands, 21-year-old Uzoamaka Pauline Okoro is one of the 188 students who graduated from convent University in the 2016/2017 academic session with a first class, having scored 4.73 CGPA. She and other students represented Nigeria at the Annual Nuclear Energy

Summit in Mexico in 2017. She spoke on how the social media could negatively impact on students.

Speaking on what inspired her to read Industrial Physics and how she managed to graduate with a first class degree, Okoro said, “Initially, I planned to read Petroleum Engineering but was offered another course of study: Industrial Physics. As a person I believe in God's grace and handwork as well. I will say that the grace of God has been upon my life because going through school, I was not the only intelligent student around but I had to put in some effort as a person. Although, some students who graduated with a second class upper or lower division and even a third class could be more brilliant. The difference is persistence, more especially God's grace. At that time the margin was broad, I had to invest in myself to meet up with other students’ academic performance.” On what is expected of her she said, “The world should expecting me to cut a dent in the energy space because that is what I am looking at. I would change the Nigeria energy sector. It is not all about certificate but I can defend my certificate though I am not a book smirk and not too smart but God always design things for me.”

32 / XTRA

18.08.2017

‘Nigerian Market is Poised for Explosive Growth’ Over 15 years ago, Kirusa, which is today, reckoned as one of the leading mobile social media and value added service providers in the world, was established with the aim to transform people’s experiences with their mobile phones. With its range of mobile services, Kirusa is helping people in the evolving markets take full advantage of the value they derive from their cell phones.

The company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Inderpal Singh Mumick, a serial entrepreneur, in this interview with Mary Ekah, talks about the company’s strength, challenges and what has kept it on top of its game over the years You were recently named one of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business 2017, amongst other awards. What philosophies drive you?

I always strive towards excellence in everything I find myself at, and attempt to bring out excellence in people around me. I believe in bringing together a great team with great aspirations, aligning them to a singular vision, and setting a platform where the team can plan, execute and win. Experience has taught me that people have dreams and they have the capability to work and realise them, if given the opportunity. If we can match the business goals to individual dreams, we have a winning team. This philosophy works everywhere – whether it is Africa, India or USA. I believe, to develop business in a country, one should hire locally and grow the local talents to build strong businesses in their countries.

The success of Kirusa’s Nigerian team is a fine example. At each of Kirusa’s international offices, we have ensured there is a country leader, who understands the pulse of the market and was hired to take the business in the country multiple notches above. It may also interest you to know that Kirusa is a global leader in providing communication solutions that enable customers to have a voice and connect seamlessly. We provide the technology and platforms through which our partners in the mobile telecommunications, entertainment and enterprise space provide innovative services to their customers. Kirusa started in 2001. Armed with experiences and skills honed from companies such as AT&T Labs and Bell Labs, a few people came together to revolutionize the experiences people have with their mobile phones. We invented Voice SMS, and have since filed 70 patent applications covering a broad array of multimodal and voice technologies. With 50 carrier partnerships in emerging markets and our portfolio of mobile innovations, Kirusa is helping people maximize the value they derive from their cell phones.

Kirusa obviously has a global footprint. What drove the decision to set up a Nigeria office?

The African continent is of great importance to us. We set foot in the Nigerian market, because of its size and opportunity. Our partnerships with the Nigerian operators, and incredible adoption of our services by the Nigerian consumers, have driven the need for local support and business development in Nigeria. This led to a strong local team and office being set up.

What is the level of reception of your services by the Nigerian populace?

Fabulous! InstaVoice is used by over 50 million people in Nigeria every month. Beyond numbers, we are excited about creating a voicemail culture in Nigeria. We are thrilled to see people utilise this new messaging medium to communicate with each other.

The service is available on MTN, Airtel, and 9mobile (formerly Etisalat), and our user base continues to grow with each passing month.

The mobile VAS space in Nigeria is a growing one. Are there any peculiarities in the Nigerian market, compared to other markets?

The market is similar to neighbouring markets, especially that of Ghana. Mobile VAS in itself, is undergoing a transition. Internet penetration and affordable smartphones, point to a future where content, messaging and other services are largely consumed over smarter devices, and data. Nigeria is at the

Mumick

cusp of this transformation. It’s interesting to note that banking is well entrenched in Nigeria, which has led to slower adoption of new mobile money wallets. The regulator, NCC, is strong in regulating telecom services, and has set up a strong approval process in place for all players.

As an operator within the telecom, mobile and VAS space, what are the potentials of the market and where do you see it headed?

Increasing Smartphone and data penetration will play the pivotal role in this space, and provide huge opportunities. While West Africa today has a smartphone penetration of 27 per cent, this is estimated to double by 2020, as per GSMA reports. While the OTT services will continue to grow, new services based on hybrid-OTT will become available and provide opportunities for growth. InstaVoice App is a stellar example of hybrid OTT in messaging, which takes advantage of internet, while still utilizing the existing messaging modes. The enterprise communication solutions, will see a transformation with new technologies like chat bots, voice bots finding their way to making enterprise-customer communication more enriching and meaningful. With this, ‘customer engagement’ will find a new definition all together.

What would you say are the challenges facing operators like Kirusa in the Nigeria market?

The Nigerian market is a very dynamic market. Though there is a peculiar economic situation in Nigeria currently, occasioned by the falling oil prices on the one hand, and reducing tonnage on the other, these realities (both international and local) have brought about huge devaluation of the Naira, and this consequently creates repatriation issues.

Constant change in regulatory framework has been an issue for concern for operators in the Nigerian market, as well as technology partners like Kirusa. Like every dynamic market, there is also the situation of increasing competition and declining margins for the operators.

What are the long term plans for Kirusa in Nigeria?

We believe the Nigerian market is poised for explosive growth, and we are excited about the possibilities the market opens up Kirusa to. The Nigerian consumer seeks strong value in his/her purchases/ experiences, and appreciates innovation.

Winning the hearts of the powerful Nigerian consumer has been our benchmark success bars, and this pursuit has always been highly

rewarding and motivating. In line with our growth plans for Nigeria, we will proliferate the communications and enterprise market with new products, which are in sync with our vision as well market expectations. An exciting new range of unique services will be made available to mobile operators, which can be leveraged by the networks for customer loyalty.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I co-founded Kirusa with colleagues from Lucent, and Airtouch. I am a serial entrepreneur; I previously co-founded Savera Systems, where I was the CEO and the CTO. Before Savera, I was a Principal Technical Staff Member at AT&T Laboratories. I have a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from the IIT, Delhi, India. I have a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University in 1991. Currently I have authored eighteen issued patents, over ten patent pending applications, and over 40 technical papers in leading journals and conferences. I’m also the co-editor of a book on Materialized Views. I like reading novels, especially legal thrillers by John Grisham and medical thrillers by Robin Cook. I am a fan of Kindle and iBooks, they have made reading so much more convenient especially when travelling.

33/ TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

18.08.2017

Foremost Aviation Expert, Gbenga Olowo to Speak at 13th Akwaaba Travel Market Mabel Benson The President and Chief Executive Officer, Sabre Network NMC, West Africa, Mr. Gbenga Olowo, has confirmed his participation to speak at the second edition of Akwaaba Travel Market Aviation Day scheduled to hold in Lagos at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island between September 10-12 2017.

Olowo who is also the President of Aviation Round Table (ART) and the guest speaker at the event will be speaking on the topic: ‘2016: Commercial Aviation Accident Free Year. What Did Africa Do Right’, a topic that is germane to the African aviation sector. Olowo is an Economist and Business Administrator with uninterrupted cognate experience in aviation sector.

According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), “Last year some 3.8 billion travelers flew safely on 40.4 million flights.

The number of total accidents, fatal accidents and fatalities all declined versus the five-year average, showing that aviation continues to become safer. The good news is that in 2016 Africa had no air crash. This is against the backdrop of decades of problematic safety level in Africa.”

Olowo’s who is erudite professional in the

Olowo

sector will be bringing his versatility in the global aviation industry to bear on the topic at the 2017 Aviation Day. His deep and wide aviation industry experience has made him an acknowledged expert in airlines and aviation business management. He has provided

varied consultancy services in these areas and is an author of many aviation industry related publications. He’s currently the President Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative.

He has attended several professional training courses and served on several expert groups, committees, and panels including the Ministerial Committee on Restructuring of Nigeria Airways Limited in September 2001, Ministerial Technical Committee on the Establishment of a new Flag Carrier in August 2003, Chairman of the Agency Investigation Panel (A.I.P) for Western Africa, and Member of ECOWAS Parliament Committee on Implementation of Yammousoukro Treaty.

The event aims to stimulate valuable discuss from renowned industry players that will add impetus to the sector and improve and sustain the safety level in the industry. This year’s Aviation Day event is expected to have aviation professionals from global aviation organisations, like IATA, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and Chief Executives of airlines in the continent.

The 12th edition of the travel and tourism conference with the theme ‘The State of Aviation in Africa Why do Airlines Fail’ which was well attended by travel experts examined the challenges bedeviling African carriers with a view

to proffer solutions to the problem inhibiting the growth of airlines in the continent. At the event it was revealed that 37 Airlines collapsed in Africa within a decade.

The 13th edition of Africa Travel and Tourism Conference is aimed at transferring knowledge covering travel, hospitality and aviation sectors from globally rated experts. Apart from the annual exhibition which offers participants the opportunity to expose their product to the Travelling Public and travel trends in a face to face format, the 13th Akwaaba African Travel Market will be imparting knowledge to its various participants through seminar, networking, exposure and provision of new skills.

The CEOs of successful African airlines have been invited to share their experience in running a successful airline in Africa. Other speakers and panelists invited will include representatives from IATA and AFCAC. Leading aviators from exhibiting countries are expected from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Togo, Dubai, Tanzania, Liberia, Rwanda, South Africa, Seychelles, Namibia and Nigeria.

Also, Nigerianflightdeck.com, NigerianFranknewsng.com, Afritraveller.com, and Thetravelport.com.ng have been named as official partners for the 2017 Akwaaba Aviation Day.

Ethiopian Marks Star Alliance 20th Anniversary with New Flight to Kaduna Ethiopian Airlines Group, a Star Alliance member, has colourfully marked the 20th anniversary of Star Alliance, the largest global airline network, while also inaugurating its maiden flight to Kaduna, Nigeria at a reception held at Ethiopian main hub Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on August 1st, 2017.

Ethiopian Group CEO, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam and Star Alliance CEO, Mr. Jeffrey Goh have graced the event; discussing on-going developments and the Alliance’s strategy for the next decade with Ethiopian employees.

While addressing attendees of the celebration, Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, GebreMariam remarked,” We are glad to celebrate this momentous occasion at Ethiopian and wish all members of the Alliance a Happy 20th Anniversary. We are sincerely honoured and are very thankful for Mr. Jeffrey for joining us here today.

Dedicated to innovation for a thriving customer experience across the Alliance’s network, Star Alliance has benefited member airlines and customers with its worldwide reach and seamless connectivity. In a historic coincidence, the inaugural ceremony of our fifth destination in Nigeria,

Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam with Star Alliance CEO, Mr. Jeffrey Goother and other dignitaries, cutting the cake to mark the opening of the International flight from Kaduna

Kaduna has matched with the 20th anniversary celebration. As a Pan-African airline and a proud member of Star Alliance, we are pleased to avail seamless connectivity to 55 African cities. I strongly believe that the future holds better collaboration and growth for all of us in the Alliance.”

On his part, Goh said: “One of the founding pillars of Star Alliance is our global network, which strengthens continuously as our 28 member airlines grow their individual networks.

Ethiopian Airlines’ new flight to Kaduna in Nigeria adds a further destination to over 1,300 already on offer to our customers. As we move into our third decade, our strategic focus is shifting from adding new member airlines to digitalization. We are steadily enhancing our product offering to include the complementary digital services today’s customers expect.” Created in 1997 by five airlines as the first global aviation alliance, Star Alliance delivers the world’s finest Alliance network experience and Ethiopian Airlines, the largest Aviation Group in Africa joined Star Alliance on December 13, 2011 being the Alliance’s third carrier based on the African continent.

New Alignment of the Lufthansa Group Leads to Significant Profit Improvement The Lufthansa Group has increased its total revenues by 12.7 per cent to EUR 17.0 billion in the first six months of 2017 (prior-year period: EUR 15.0 billion). Traffic revenues were up by 14.2 per cent to EUR 13.3 billion (prior-year period: EUR 11.6 billion). And the key earnings indicator Adjusted EBIT was roughly doubled to over EUR 1 billion (prior-year period: EUR 529 million), giving the Lufthansa Group its best-ever first half year earnings result.

The earnings performance is attributable primarily to strong demand and lower unit costs at the Group’s passenger airlines. Unit costs excluding fuel and currency effect declined by 1.2 per cent in the first half-period, and by 3.4 per cent in the second quarter alone. Unit revenues at constant currency were raised by 0.5 per cent, and by 1.8 per cent in the second quarter. Load factors were up on their prior-year levels in all traffic regions, despite increased capacity. The Adjusted EBIT margin of 6.1 per cent was a 2.6-percentage-point improvement on the prior-year period. Higher fuel costs burdened the result with EUR 223 million: at EUR 2.6 billion, first half-year fuel costs were 9.5 per cent up on their prior-year level. All the Group’s first half-year performance figures and fuel costs include the impact of the first-time consolidation of Brussels Airlines and of the aircraft wet-leased from Air Berlin.

“We have achieved the best first half-year result in our company’s history,” says Ulrik Svensson,

more than half – 57.8 per cent – to EUR 1.1 billion (year-end 2016: EUR 2.7 billion). Pension obligations stood at EUR 8.1 billion as of 30 June 2017, some EUR 200 million below year-end 2016.

The special contribution of EUR 1.6 billion into the new defined contribution pension scheme for the flight attendants of Lufthansa will now start in the third quarter and will continue in various installments until the end of the year.

“Our key financial performance indicators have been significantly improved further,” Ulrik Svensson confirms. “Our free cash flow has almost doubled, and our net financial debt has been more than halved. Higher revenues and lower costs have enabled us to soundly finance the investments required for new aircraft and an attractive product. All of which is vitally important in keeping our company the number one in Europe.”

Lufthansa

Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. “In addition to strong demand and a robust pricing environment, this is attributable to the fact that we achieved a further structural reduction in costs. Our hard work in cutting our costs is reaping its rewards. But we must continue these endeavors: this is the most important way that our margins can be improved sustainably.”

Tangible improvements in key financial indicators

Net profit for the first half of 2017 amounted to EUR 672 million, a 56.6 per cent improvement on the prior-year period (prior year: EUR 429 million). Cash flow from operating activities rose more than EUR 1 billion to EUR 3.2 billion. The increase was driven by the good result and more advance bookings for the third-quarter period.

With capital expenditure basically unchanged at EUR 1.2 billion, free cash flow rose by 87.0 per cent to EUR 2.1 billion (prior year: EUR 1.1 billion). Net financial debt was reduced by

The Network Airlines of the Lufthansa Group raised their total first half year revenues by just under EUR 700 million to EUR 11.1 billion, thanks to stronger demand in all traffic regions. The Network Airlines reported an Adjusted EBIT of EUR 757 million for the period (prior year: EUR 487 million). All airlines have lowered their unit cost compared to the same period last year.

Lufthansa German Airlines and Austrian Airlines also saw their unit revenues increase.

34/XTRA

18.08.2017

‘How TETFUND is Killing Local Entrepreneurial Skills’ Executive Trainers Limited, an arm of Executive Group, is one of the few consulting firms in Nigeria that adopts strategy and dynamism in its value added services, while providing a range of definite solutions to numerous clients in areas of leadership, management, marketing, strategy, innovation and change. It’s Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Ogunsan in this interview with Mary Ekah, talks about his passion for the educational sector in Nigeria while he unravels the myth behind the establishment of Tertiary Education Trust Fund and how its operations are thwarting the growth of businesses in Nigeria What does Executive Trainers stand for?

Executive Trainers Limited came into place in September 2008 to address a gap in the education sector. We are primarily into higher education consulting. We train higher education professionals – academic and none academic, we train them locally and overseas at their various campuses. And most importantly, we take them out of the shores of this country to foreign land to train them and so most people call us international trainers and consultants.

We dwell so much on the international arm of the training because of the preference and the delight of Nigerians in foreign education why because they want to travel out and explore other land and see how things are done overseas, especially in the education sector. Most of them feel that there is nothing much to learn from their local counterparts, so they need to go outside to learn from those they think are superior to them.

We travelled wide to establish this organisation; I remember vividly when we were about starting the programme the very moment we identified the gap, and we saw that the Nigerian higher education professionals needed this training. We went around the world and met with well trained professionals all across the globe. We picked notable business schools and universities around the globe and we signed MoUs with many of them and kick-started that programme in 2009. I remember that the first training we had was with Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom. We advertised the conference and virtually all notable institutions in Nigeria scattered across all the religions participated in the conference in England. And that was the birth of a great movement. What I am talking about today is not just a business, it became a movement, that if you were higher education practitioner in Nigeria, be it academic or non-academic, and you have not tapped into this movement, then you are not reckoned with. Everybody wanted to be part of this programme – the vice chancellors, the provosts and the rectors of Nigerian institutions were all struggling and at some points in this history of this company, you would think these the vice chancellors, provosts and rectors were applying for our programmes as students who run after their own institutions and want to apply for their courses. At that point our carriage capacity was quite high that we had break programmes into two just to ensure that we accommodated every one because they saw what they have not seen before.

What were the things they saw that made them believe so much in your programme?

For the first time, they saw a local consultant who have link with foreign higher institutions and who was so passionate about the education sector. They saw a group of passionate people who were taking them to places they have not been before. To us, it was a total education and not just about training, we were exposing some of them to opportunities they did not really explore before – some have not even travelled abroad before and through this opportunity, some of them were able to travel outside of the country. Through the process, we were able to come up with exchange programmes with foreign institutions while some of these institutions started signing MoUs with us. Some of these foreign institutions were able to sign MoUs through us on technology transfer and other things.

We had a lot of opportunities that opened up.

But suddenly, the new administration at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) lost touch with reality.

How do you mean by TETFUND losing

if they really paid for the training and also attended the programme.

Most importantly, must you come into a system and kill local consultants. In other nations of the world, for example, just in nearby Dubai here, there is no business you want to run in Dubai that would be approved except a percentage of your business is given to their locals. So we want TETFUND to encourage local entrepreneurial skills rather than killing them. We employ a large number of people and there are also people that are not directly on our employment but that are attached to us. Apart from that, we have several other people who run these programmes, who have not been able to have the voice, which are already dead due to TETFUND present policy. Some of them are grounded all because somebody came into the system and the first thing he could do was to tell all local consultants who have foreign affiliations to quit the stage that Nigerians will go back to patronise those who are abroad.

How do they justify that? They are killing entrepreneurial skills, passion and interest in Nigeria and in very short while, we will have no entrepreneurs in the country. This is our grievance and we are so passionate about it – TETFUND is killing local initiatives that have been able to address the Nigerian higher education problems to a reasonable extent. We are one stop shop in this country for higher education matters today in terms of training and consulting. We want TETFUND to know that we remain the best partner that they can work with. They can’t work with those guys who are abroad because they cannot regulate the foreign intuitions as they would regulate us.

Ogunsan

touch with reality?

Now, one of the things that this present administration of TETFUND has done that it’s killing local consultants with foreign affiliations with is its new policies. I want TETFUND to see reasons in what I am saying, I am not attacking the organisation in the real sense of it, but I want TETFUND to come back to its senses. You don’t just come into a system and destroy what have been on existence but rather, you make it better. Most importantly, we want TETFUND to encourage local consultant to survive because this government said it was ready to fight any agency of government that kills local businesses. But with what TETFUND has done now, they have killed so many businesses in Nigeria. If Executive Trainers did not have some other business interests, we would have gone down too and because it is a movement and a dream, we are still surviving it. So we do not want any one to come into a place and just within four years, kills a dream of a life time that we have had. And if it is not agreeable and if they don’t reach a compromise on this, because it is a movement, we would fight it, sing it aloud and may turn it into a civil movement. Perhaps TETFUND may feel that some people are using that opportunity of training abroad to siphon money but that is not a justification to out rightly disqualified everybody. I think the onion is on TETFUND to establish a mechanism to actually know those that are aiding and abetting fraud and those that are doing their jobs legitimately and then encourage them. And it may interest you to know that we just signed a MoU with a notable anti-corruption agency in Nigeria, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to join them to train professionals in Nigerian institutions on academic integrity. If we have been found wanting, ICPC will not

find us worthy of being our partner.

You describe yourself as a local consultant, can you expatiate on that?

We have to get the definition clear when we say local consultant. We are local consultants with foreign affiliations and we deliver international standard programmes on foreign soils and we also certify participants there too. One of the benefits of our international programmes is that we do a sort of programme mix, we have the foreigners talk to our delegates when they are abroad; while delegates are abroad, we locate Nigerian professionals that are experts in their fields who reside abroad, to come and speak to their Nigerian counterparts in the language they would understand better and it has been very interesting. Even at some point, we signed up with Nigerian embassies in those various lands, we are able to relate well with them and they have had very lasting impacts on the local domain. So the point we are trying to let people know, especially TETFUND, is that whatever output people want, even of international standard, we are able to deliver such. We are just like intermediary, through which these things could be done. And carrying us along and making us intermediary, means TETFUND is putting food on our tables. It is still the programmes that you want our people to do at the institutions in overseas that they are still going to do through us; they would still be certified by those foreign institutions but we are saying that those foreign institution can’t just come to our soil and be relating directly with our people. Talk to us and we would talk to them and the country, especially TETFUND, has a lot of advantage, if they have us on their side. For example, organisations can checkmate their delegates attending for training to ascertain

What exactly is Executive Trainers’ focus as an international consultant on education?

Executive Trainers Limited is one of the rare few consulting firms in the sub-Sahara Africa in Nigeria that adopts strategy and dynamism in its value added services. We provide a range of definite solutions to our numerous clients in areas of leadership, management, marketing, strategy, innovation and change. Our edge is the unparalleled solution driven approach we adopt towards the need of our clients. Over the years, we have sustained high-quality methodologies in our services – right facilitators, right venue, and right solutions together with our local and foreign partners.

What exactly is this policy they are replacing you with?

I refuse to accept that they have replaced us.

What we have noticed right now is the fear on the part of the Chief Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Dr. Abdullahi Bichi Baffa. Before he came on board, he had this belief that international training is a medium through which Nigerian’s higher education professionals are sent abroad just to waste government resources and most of the time they are not monitored enough because those concerned regard it as a jamboree and so they come back home with nothing to show. The problem is most of these people have not been on the trip, especially the Chief Executive Officer and so they don’t know what this is really about. So I am challenging TETFUND Chief Executive Secretary to come and attend this programme free of charge and then after coming back, he can then make his own assertion about these programmes. Or TETFUND should just consult widely before taking this kind of step.

They should call for a stakeholders meeting before they reach any decision. This present policy has disadvantages that far outweigh the advantages in the present policy.

35/ENTREPRENEUR

18.08.2017

The Glamorous Finisher Master Vehicle detailer, Gideon King is the Chief Executive Officer of Big Foot Detailing, an international company that meticulously cleans and refurbishes exotic automobiles.

With centres in Qatar and other parts of Europe, King has worked with huge brands like Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini. In this interview with Solomon Elusoji, he shares insights on how to build a global business You seem to have had a breakthrough doing this job in other parts of the world.

Have you ever thought of coming down to Nigeria to set up this business?

It is supposed to be a secret and my master plan but as you have asked I will share it with you exclusively. Yes, Nigeria is in my horizon! Six years ago I spent six weeks over there when I did market research and the results were mind-blowing for me. I worked with a major car importer and dealership of premium brands in Lagos and also travelled to Kano where I worked on vehicles owned by some prominent figures in Nigeria. We plan to roll out the same model and service into Nigeria and we are currently working out the best strategy that will enable us to make a smooth transition into the Nigerian Market. Again, we are aiming not only for the detailing cars segment but also to cover all ranges of transportation such as motorcycles, yachts, planes, alongside training and education centres. We want to contribute towards creating entrepreneurs, employment and building skills sets for Nigerians who can go on contribute to the economy.

You opened your detailing service centre in Doha, Qatar about a year ago and you seemed to have found your way into the minds of the top brands in automobile as we learn that there are more than 150 inquiries for your franchise worldwide. How did you achieve this feat?

I am contented and satisfied about where we are today; based on our time plan we are on schedule. However, I have many more aims and targets to attain within this business. Also I would not say we wormed our way in as this sounds like we deceived our esteemed customers into our offerings. I would prefer to say that we demonstrated the value and service we bring to their businesses and their recognition of our alignment with their vision was well received and accepted.

We are expanding all the time and receiving many enquiries from a lot of countries and we are studying them carefully. The team behind me are doing an excellent job in rolling out our clear plan that we laid down right from the beginning, which will enable us to stay strong; and this is why it is important to have the right people on board giving us a great team that believes in the vision and executing it to the best of their ability.

Your services include paint correction, consultation, smart repair, international seminar, post production among others, what inspired your decision to take up a job like this and how challenging has it been for you?

My reason for entering this industry was purely for financial gain, at first. It was where I saw most potential for earnings. As most of us can relate, it is every man’s wish to earn and provide the best possible future for his family and live the short life we have as comfortably as possible. This was my main reason for entering the detailing industry and it was this industry that destiny presented before me to potentially achieve my goals in life.

How would you rate the success of the company over the years and who are your clientele?

Success can be looked at in many ways. The Bigfoot and Mayvinci brand is a synonym to the most exquisite name and system used in the detailing world today. And now for us to have created a Centre of Excellence and then named it, ‘The Bigfoot Detailing Centre’ is an honour in itself. Starting from Qatar we have managed to take it global with enquiries for our centre coming in great numbers. We have had the Europeans, Australians, Americans and people from the Far East visit our centre;

King

so, to be able to use our platform to inspire others to do great things is satisfying without limits, and receiving frequent messages from detailing and non-detailing individuals that our drive, our model, our business and growth, inspires them to want to achieve similar goals cannot be summed up in my words.

Teenagers and young men alike being coached and nurtured towards entrepreneurship, this is success for us.

Detailing in the United States of America alone is a 17-billion-dollar industry. It was always my goal to start an international company and I remained faithful to my ambition. With a lot of foresight, action and no talk, we now currently have detailing centres in Italy, Norway, France. Our Network is now in more than 10 countries in Europe, and some with also more expansion in the pipeline to South East Asia. Running and staying ahead in the industry comes with innovation, understanding paints, climates and working closely with our partners in research and development, continuous improvement programmes, understanding our client’s desires, and going the extra mile to fulfil them. We are dealing with our client’s pride possessions so I would say we are in the “People’s Business” first and then Detailing Business second. This motto and vision has continued to add success upon success and we will hold tight to this, as it is the way of success for us from the past and also far into the future.

Coming into the business couldn’t have come easy, how have you managed to stay in the game for this number of years and staying afloat in the business?

A saying goes “a man who masters patience masters everything else.” We patiently studied

the market. I have a great team and the best business developers around me. We executed brilliant marketing strategies. We have a continuous learning attitude and incorporate science, chemistry and physics understanding to perfect our craftsmanship.

I always believed that if one is in a business, it is beneficial to be knowledgeable and skilled in it also.

There are other contributing factors to our success and sustainability. It is our unprecedented support from the leading tool manufacturer from Europe, who are a company with 70 years experience in innovation and over 60 recorded patents. They understood my vision, came on board and are now a lifetime partner. I have constantly worked on the best cars to ever hit the road. This caught the attention of the industry to the point where I was getting flown in by clients to different countries to work on their vehicles, private jets, yachts and to also train their staff and conduct seminars. I truly believe that these were some of the elements that kept my business not only afloat throughout the years but to grow rapidly beyond my expectations.

You are an exclusive detailer for Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini; these are international brands that have survived for years.

How did you come in contact with them and what was the first job that convinced them?

I have acquired a lot of knowledge and skills as a professional to be able to identify the problems faced with the finishes of various vehicles. My experience allowed me to be able to offer practical solutions for restoration, enhancement, beautification and long-term protection in order to maintain their integrity and value. Even if they are brand cars coming

off the production line, the wealth of experience that I have accumulated in such a short period of time in this trade is sufficient enough for me to be able to identify and magnify the defects and potential improvements to such clients cars and their service to their customer, hence giving them edge over their competition. This boosted my visibility and my reputation within the industry. I was now presented with the opportunity to showcase my eye for detail and to take defect analysis, treatment and protection to new heights. One of the turning points in my journey to fame and stardom within the detailing industry was when I worked on a Bentley for the Bentley Dealership, and a Bugatti belonging to a famous piano player whose car was flown to Qatar. And after seeing the results of my labour, all the rest became history.

What experience did you have in detailing before you gave it a shot?

I had no prior experience coming in to the industry and there is no amount of reading that can really prepare one for the real field application. However, after a lot of reading and research about the industry, I decided to attend technical training sessions by a 20-year veteran in the game. It’s almost a decade now but I still remember it like yesterday.

My trainer was an ex-military captain in the UK army, and with the excitement that I had mustered, I told him I was coming to the industry to be known as the game changer and to take my profession to a whole new level. Guess What? Here we are today now offering education and training courses in detailing and entrepreneurship globally and we have since trained individuals who fly in to us from the United States, Australia, Singapore, Norway and far beyond.

36/COLLAGE

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu condoling(right) consoling Mr. Obidike Nwakodo, brother to his late Chief of staff, Chijioke Nwakodo during his condolence visit to the deceased home town, Ndume Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA. of Abia State...recently

18.08.2017

L-R; Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha; founder, ELFREEDA Foundation, Mrs. Uloma Nwosu; wife of the Acting President/Special guest, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; and the Imo State first Lady, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocaha, at the Unveiling of ELFREEDA Foundation a non-governmental organization in Oweri Imo State...recently

L-R: Groom's father, Dr. Mufutau Iyiola Raheem; Bride, Aminat Raheem, her husband, Ibrahim, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; and groom's mother, Mrs. Ronke Raheem, during the wedding reception of the couple at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, lbadan... recently

L-R: Nollywood actors, Bolaji Amusan, a.k.a. Mr. Latin; Kanayo O. Kanayo; winner of a mock beauty competition, Master Kahlid Owolabi, Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola, and Glo subscriber, Chukwuma Ogujuiba, at the the mega comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest in lkorodu, Lagos..recently.

L-R: Michael 'MC Ogbolor' Uba; Mr Dowell's Friendship Party Winners, Cassie Onyejeike; Desire Igwe and Brand Manager, Mc Dowell's, Temitope Adenle; at the presentation of the N1,000,000 cash prize to the winners in Port Harcourt...recently

Dr. Obiora Obiagwu (L) and wife, Mrs.Nkiru Obiagwu (R) with their son, Mr. Obiora Obiagwu (Jnr), who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) Second Class Honours Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom...recently

L-R : Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Youth & Social Development, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasumu; CSR Lead, Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie and Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Youths & Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile – Yussuf at the 2017 International Youth Day Celebration organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development in Lagos...recently

37/THISLIFE

18.08.2017

‘I’m Running on the Power of Ideas’ Friends, supporters as well as members of opposition parties gathered recently in one of the serene resorts along the Airport Road in Lagos recently to have a clue of the Engr.

Barth Nwibe's manifesto for Anambra State. Peace Obi who covered the event, reports As the people of Anambra State prepare to go to the polls that will usher in the next governor of the state precisely in November, the task of sieving through the deluge of aspirants gunning for the exalted office can be challenging.

While a lot of engagements have been ongoing, however, a step further with the presentation of an articulated visions, aims and objectives will certainly aid the people for easier assessment of each aspirant.

Determined to keep the people truly connected to his vision, Engineer Barth Nwibe a.k.a Ugo Igbo-Ukwu, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, recently threw his vision open to a wide audience. Nwibe, a technocrat believes that time is ripe for Anambra to have a taste of quality leadership that is based on ideas.

Renowned for his competent management of human and material resources which is said to be the bedrock of his success story in the oil and gas industry, Nwibe believes translating same to the management of his beloved state. Driven by the vision "to provide leadership that will make Anambra State the second leading in Nigeria based on the global critical indices of development."

Nwibe noted that his mission is "to propel Anambra State to excellence through purposeful and visionary leadership that would harness her human capital, natural resources and entrepreneurial spirit for secured, just prosperous and knowledge-based state, with her own energy supply for sustainable economic activities and job creation."

And to achieve this, he mapped out a 10-point development plan that will enable him strategise to realise this purpose. Thus at the public presentation of his manifesto in a well attended campaign in Lagos, Nwibe highlighted his major policy focus as: "To provide the enabling environment, critical supports and guarantees that will revive all major employment creation, production and service facilities and create new ones, especially in agriculture and industries. To provide the enabling environment, critical supports and guarantees for the full development of the oil and gas reserves in Anambra State to include the refining operations, gas production for domestic use, power and export, petrochemical industry development, fertiliser and other spin off therein.

"To provide the enabling environment, critical supports and guarantees for the full attainment of a medical tourism leader in Nigeria, in partnership with our diaspora brothers with specialist skills and managerial expertise all over the world, the World Health Organisation and their partners, as well as other international investors in health. Our target is to build a world class hospital for every senatorial zone with linkages to existing hospitals."

Speaking further, the governorship aspirant said that he believes that genuine leaders with clear ideas and commitment to achieving same, present same ahead of time to their people to make them partners in their vision. According to him, "nothing should be left to chance."

And for the technocrat who believes that the process of getting the ticket for an election is more important than the election itself, said it is at this stage that wrong candidates can be weeded out. According to him, if good candidates are missed at this point, "you have wrong candidates contesting for election." To help Anambrarians make a wise a choice, Nwibe said, "That is what I am doing today.

I am running on the power of ideas. I am not running because I am the richest man or that I have all the money to throw around, but I believe in good governance, purposeful and visionary leadership. And I believe that I have the capability, the commitment, having achieved success in the energy and construction sectors, I believe it is time to make a greater leadership sacrifice for the society,” he said.

Nwibe

Presenting the 10-point development programme which he described as a better plan for a better future to include: Power generation and industrialisation of Anambra State; eradicating wastage in government; security of lives and property; integrated infrastructure development; make Anambra the health city of Nigeria; Anambra women micro finance bank; Anambra agricultural hub (integrated); tourism and cultural development, transportation and Think-home Trust: Diaspora Participation, Nwibe said it is "my roadmap to a prosperous Anambra of our dream."

Enumerating on them, Nwibe said that if elected, he would make power generation and industrialisation his signature project. "We shall also support the development of the oil and gas resources in the state's Basin to generate power necessary to drive the industrialisation and economic development of Anambra State." To eradicate wastage in government, he hinted that his administration will ensure prudent management of state resources, such that no kobo will be spent without a commensurate benefit to the people. According to him, the rich experience garnered from the private sector on resource management and optimisation will become a huge asset. Stating that "every government governs by the will of the people. This will is only freely given, guaranteed and perpetuated by mutual trust between the people and government. This trust will not be betrayed as it is critical in governance,” he said.

Stressing that growth and sustainable development will remain a mirage for a society faced with the challenges of insecurity, the APC aspirant said he would make security a top priority as well as consolidate on the existing security infrastructures in the state.

"By enhancing inter-agency cooperation and collaboration with greater participation by the communities. We will massively, deploy technology, as far as practicable, including installation of CCTV cameras in strategic spots across the state. Our security model to be couched as ‘Operation Know Your Neighbour’ will be community based, with emphasis on

the early detection and prevention of crimes."

And on the integrated infrastructure development plan, he hinted that an inventory of all inaugurated projects in the state from May 29, 1999 to March 17, 2018 will be undertaken to identify, prioritise and complete any abandoned projects. Nwibe however noted that his administration will only embark on strategic infrastructure development that will ultimately meaningfully impact the lives of the people. Other initiatives to be pursued include, developing Anambra as a mega city through the Anambra Urban Renewal Initiaitive, creation of service industries, deployment of technology in the control and prevention of erosion menace in the state, ensuring there are no taxes without presentation, among others.

Speaking further, Nwibe reminded the audience that Anambra State is richly blessed with various medical facilities like teaching hospitals, schools of medicine and pharmacy, nursing and medical technology, he however noted that the facilities are underutilised and poorly managed. "Under my watch, Anambra will become the preferred medical tourism destination and the healthcare city of Nigeria and Africa. We will engage with our medical and financial experts in the diaspora through public private partnership (PPP) initiative to develop three world class hospitals, one in each senatorial zones. Our investment in this regard will turn the health industry into a major contributor to the IGR of the state."

With a development plan of making Anambra as an agricultural hub, the APC governorship aspirant said his administration will change the misconception of agriculture as being merely for subsistence by creating wealth along the agric value chain. Stressing that agriculture is the greatest employer of labour across the globe as well the bedrock of industrialisation and wealth creation, Nwibe hinted, "we shall, just like most wealthy nations, lay strong emphasis on agriculture and uplift the practice using the value chain approach to create healthy and wealthy farmers.

"We shall aggressively promote mechanisation, invest in optimised agricultural methods and processes including scientific research, food processing and manufacturing, packaging and shipping, dedicated marketing, community speculation and trading, specialised banking and financing; consumer protection and advocacy."

Describing education as the foundation for manpower development, Nwibe said that his administration's goal will be to create and improve on academic excellence at all levels across the state. And that for a state known for its academic potential and has produced professionals who have excelled in their various fields, that the state under his watch will re-walk the path to greatness.

And it will be achieved by complete handover of schools to mission management with a robust and sustainable funding plan for the continuous improvement of all schools - mission and government. Other plans include "to ensure solid foundations for pre-school and kindergarten, build infrastructure for class size at primary and secondary levels; attract highly qualified teachers through better welfare packages and build living quarters for teachers in secondary schools; fund research practices in universities and technology schools; improve technical and vocational schools, make education a revenue generator by creating two model schools in the state and apprenticeship programmes, re-introduce inter-collegiate football and athletics competitions to identify and develop talents at young age."

According to the technocrat, tourism and cultural development will also receive the administration's transformational touch with a paradigm shift that will make them significant revenue earners and employers of labour as obtained in some African countries like Ghana, Gambia, Kenya, South Africa, among others.

And in transportation, he noted that part of the attraction to some of the developed countries to be their efficient transportation systems.

And that beyond building roads, bridges, and railways, the inland water ways will be developed to serve as revenue generating means, "as we take advantage of the Agulu Lake, Omambala and Idemili Rivers to provide socio-economic opportunities."

Finally, on his development plan for the state, Nwibe asserted that, "we constitute the majority of Nigerian professionals in Europe, United States and the Far East. These include doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers, scientists, pharmacists, estate managers, as well as janitorial service providers. The socioeconomic incentives have not been available in Anambra State to bring these human and capital assets home. My government will work from day one to attract these investments and professionals back home by radically improving the business environment and the ease of doing business in the state."

Charging the people of Anambra not to lose the golden opportunity to move the state on the path of growth and development with their votes, Nwibe said, "Our state has come to a crossroads once again, and now you have the power to change the political fortunes of our beloved state. Elections are about choices.

But this election is not just like any other. It is about deciding whether to switch to the right path to prosperity and good life for our people, or to continue in the aimless journey to nowhere our state has set out since this government came to power.

"I am ready to be your governor and I fully understand what this means. A governor's job is to ensure that government works for every citizen of the state, and not for his kinsmen alone. A governor should bring people together and build bridges between urban and rural areas and harness the different points of views which exist in the state, for the effective development of all the parts of the, not a section of it,” he submitted.

38/OPINION

18.08.2017

Nigerians Still Malnourished Two Years After Biosafety Law Odimegwu Onwumere writes that hundreds of Nigerians are malnourished two years after the National Biosafety Agency Bill was signed into law, because of the authorities’ lackadaisical approach to the innovation Some four years ago, attaining the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) was what occupied the mind of many Nigerians but especially that of a chief scribe of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Arc Kabiru Salman.

Nigeria had signed and ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2000 and ratified it in 2003 in obligation to Global Biodiversity Management, but was yet to sign it as a law in Nigeria. International bodies believed that countries that adopt a better approach to biotechnology, genetic engineering, biomaterials and informatics being the four novel technologies in using agriculture to fight malnutrition would not lag in economic and social capacity development.

It was in October 2014, and Nigeria was faced with tremendous food questions just as she is faced with today. The country was under strain to produce added food for its mounting population. The GMO was needed.

Countries like Kenya, Togo, Tanzania and Mali had their Biosafety laws. Also, Republic of South Africa, Burkina Faso and Egypt already had Biosafety laws and were growing and consuming GMO crops.

Salman was showing uneasiness that what was remaining of Nigeria to boost her agricultural production that was staying behind on an infinitesimal dimension and chiefly reliant on rainfall which at most periods was not foreseeable was to imbibe GMO. Salman wanted a law regulating biotechnology in the country so that farmers in the country would not be deprived of GMO which was reliant in most African countries.

“As farmers, we embrace biotechnology and the passage of the bill will make whatever we do legitimate. GMO will lead to high yields and safety of what we do,” Salman said.

It was believed that Biosafety would help address hunger on the continent of Africa by the year 2025, when the Heads of State and Governments of Africa gathered in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, during the Twenty Third Ordinary Session.

Hunger on the increase It was believed that the Biosafety would address hunger in Nigeria when on Monday, April 21, 2015, the then President Goodluck Jonathan signed the National Biosafety Agency Bill into law after the National Assembly passed the bill. But this is yet to happen.

Only in 2016, Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), MSF, in a declaration, alerted that about 24,000 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, were in calamitous health conditions of which 30 people, who were children, were dying every day in their camps due to hunger.

That was coming after two weeks the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima paid a visit to Bama camp leading to reports that hundreds of malnourished persons recently rescued from Boko Haram confinement were dying in a camp in Bama.

Those who know better said that without a doubt, Nigeria still gaps for breath to curb her indices of malnourished persons with available statistics indicating that over two billion people in the world undergo diverse forms of malnutrition.

According to an April 2016 statement by Dr. Rose Gidado, the Coordinator of the Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Nigerian Chapter, “Nigeria is a signatory to this declaration but as at date, 10 per cent of the nation’s population is still unable to meet their daily calorific needs due to affordability, effective mass food production, storage and distribution.”

Dr. Gidado added, “Nigeria tops the list of 11 ECOWAS countries that have over one million people affected by hunger and undernourishment while 63 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line of less than one dollar per day.

“The challenges are bare. There is no solution in sight other than a very pervasive agricultural practice that will make food abundant and available to the generality of the masses.”

Experts worried of malnutrition

A malnourished child

widen their Biosafety laws.

NEPAD-African Biosafety Network of Expertise project had been launched to bolster the development in member states.

The ECOWAS Commission was as well working a widespread Biosafety Regulation in row with National Biosafety laws/Regulations for the sub-region.

In 2013, participants at the 10th anniversary of African Agricultural Technology Foundation, AATF, seminar had shown anxiety, saying that Nigeria’s quest of accomplishing food satisfactoriness in proceeding years could only be hinged on the implementation of biotechnology in the agricultural sector.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh...should save Nigerians from hunger

Nutrition experts GA Nkwocha, KU Anukam, ON Oguoma, and VI Nkwocha were worried that the fundamental causes of malnutrition in Nigeria were poverty, inadequate food production, inadequate food intake, ignorance and uneven distribution of food, poor food preservation techniques, improper preparation of foods, food restrictions and taboos, and poor sanitation of which the Biosafety was supposed to address, but the authorities have not been serious to give the innovation the attention it needed.

In an analysis, they relayed that there’s an increase of mild to moderate symptoms of malnourished persons in Nigeria, making the country to be suffering from a near crumple of nutrition health freedom services. Different surveys, according to them, of nutritional evaluation in Nigeria divulged low intakes of protein, energy, iron, calcium, zinc, thiamin, and riboflavin in almost all age groups and in both sexes.

Hence, they were worried that malnutrition and related diseases such as diarrhea, measles, anemia, and gastroenteritis were the cause of most deaths in infants and young children.

The nutritionists opined that their fear was that with the estimated increase of the world’s population from six billion to more than 7.5 billion by 2020, Nigeria may be suffering untold malnutrition if increase in meat intake is not taken seriously.

What African bodies were doing Already, the African Union had ballooned a sculpt Biosafety law to help Member States

Supposed benefits of GMO Institutions such as the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike; Institute for Agricultural Research, Zaria (IAR); the Federal University of Technology, Akure and, the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), were said to benefit immensely from the development. ‘‘The GMO would ensure Nigeria is self sufficient in the production of rice and would boost the countries revenue in other areas of agriculture,’’ the then Minister of State for Agriculture, Alhaji Bukar Tijani said in his remarks.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina who was then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development said in Addis Ababa at the High Level Meeting of AU Heads of State and Government on “unified approach to end hunger in Africa by 2025” that the Nigerian Government had announced plans to swell the use of bio-fortified crops, such as pro-vitamin `A’ cassava and orange-flesh sweet potato to address the hunger situation being faced by some 13 million people.

“Much progress is being made, we are mindful that we still have challenges of malnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies to tackle. Nigeria still has 13 million people suffering from hunger, and malnutrition is still high,” Adesina said.

The need for biotechnology It’s gathered that biotechnology seeks out to harness agricultural practices by making it cost successful, productivity increment and lessening gaps that are not favourable to agriculture.

Views are that the initiative is a gateway to competence building, job creation, poverty eradication and alleviation of malnutrition.

In some views, “In 2014, a record of 181.5 million hectares of biotech crops were grown globally, an increase of more than six million hectares from 2013, according to a report released by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA). With the addition of Bangladesh, a total of 28 countries grew biotech crops during the year.

“The 20 developing and eight industrial

countries where biotech crops are produced represent more than 60 percent of the world's population.”

Seeing the importance of biotechnology, the United Nations Economic and Social commission for western Asia Cooperation with International Labour Organisation (ILO) were at the forefront in crusading that countries should adopt the technology.

Conviction for GMO A Director-General of NABDA and Chairman, Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology, Professor Bamidele Solomon was of the observation that the development would positively answer the question that the country was looking for to arrest “food security, job/wealth creation, affordable healthcare delivery and sustainable economic environment.”

The professor added that with the Biosafety Bill, “The law will also facilitate risk assessment exercises, monitoring and enforcement measures relevant to import, export, trans-boundary movement of the products of modern biotechnology, laboratory, and field testing/use of modern biotechnology including handling, control, monitoring and release of biotech products.’’

It’s understood that not only the development, but also sustaining agriculture through the deployment of biotechnology tools such as culture, molecular breeding and genetic engineering to a wider audience would take the country so far in curbing malnutrition.

According to Tijani, “One of the international bodies’ key projects in Nigeria is the development of nitrogen-use, water efficient and salt tolerant rice. This is key, because Nigeria is the second largest importer of rice in the world, about two million metric tons of rice from countries like Thailand and China.

“The project would ensure Nigeria is self sufficient in the production of rice and would boost the countries revenue. Another key project AATF has in Nigeria is the Cassava Mechanisation and Agro-processing project.

“Being the largest producer of cassava in the world, the project would boost farmers’ capacity for production thus, showcasing a local product globally and boosting the economic growth for the country.”

Nigeria must be serious with GMO Dr. Gidado was much concerned that the law would foster in the creation of employment, food production if the GMO was given the attention it needed by government. She however advised, saying that in Nigeria, the espousal GMO products, was a step in the right direction.

“Nigeria must promote and support this technology that is efficient, inclusive, climatesmart, sustainable, nutrition-and health-driven, and business-friendly in order to ensure that no Nigerian goes to sleep hungry by 2025,” she advised.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͶ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

39

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Abioye: Financial Institutions Should Adopt Local Software The Chief Executive Officer of FinTrak, a global financial technology company, Mr. Bimbo Abioye, spoke to journalists on the need for Nigerian financial institutions to adopt homegrown software solutions. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts: As an indigenous financial software development firm, what motivated you into financial software business?

We were motivated by some factors. We started the business over a decade ago as a consulting firm, majoring in finance and technology consulting.

As we evolved, the technology business grew beyond financial advisory, so we incorporated FinTrak Software Co. Limited to take over the technology consulting business in July 2013. We did this for two reasons: one is to establish a company that is very well known in the areas of software development and delivery services and also to harmonise the brand with the name for effective business communication and better corporate visibility.

You are well known in the Nigerian software and financial space, what about the regional space?

We have actually developed solutions that have been proven in the Nigerian market and they have been deployed in many financial institutions and some non-financial institutions. Presently, we have about 13 commercial banks, seven mortgage banks, five insurance firms and manufacturing firms using our software. Our solution offering comprises core banking software for commercial and non-commercial banking entities, underwriting systems for insurance companies and enterprise business process applications suitable for virtually any organisation, private and public. Also, the suite includes: enterprise reporting and business intelligence platform to drive strategic insight and enterprise decision support. There is also enterprise budget planning processing and control platform to drive strategic and operational planning processes and evaluation of results in comparison to planned corporate goals. FinTrak Software applications will radically transform business processes globally in a few years to come.

We have built indelible track records especially in the Nigerian financial services. We intend to expand this to other public and private sector organisations in Africa and globally. We observed that most organisations in African countries invest much in software and yet do not get the commensurate value due to disconnect between technology and their business dynamics and processes. Our goal is to offer platforms that connect with their businesses. We currently have technology implementations in Nigeria, Ghana, Congo, Gambia, Rwanda, Zambia, Kenya and Sierra Leone and some other African countries.

When you say you are in these countries do you have a physical presence or franchise?

In terms of physical presence, we are in Ghana, Gambia and Kenya. In Congo DRC, we have a business partner. We intend to expand further both locally and internationally leveraging on business partnership.

Despite your track records, most organisations in Nigeria still prefer foreign software to local software. What could be responsible for this?

It has been challenging over the years, but now, we are making considerable progress. When we started, no serious organisations wanted to touch local software especially banks and other financial institutions. Some had ‘unwritten laws’ prohibiting local software patronage. When you introduce local software to them, you would meet a mind-wall. But today, our solutions are being used in some of those organisations.

We accomplished that feat by consistently delivering quality products and services to organisations that are receptive to local options while those that are fixated on foreign options have suffered many failed implementations and poor local supports. This has positioned our products and services above foreign options.

A good case study was the adoption of Inter-

Abioye

national Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Nigeria in 2012. Some financial institutions who believed that technologies for implementation of IFRS being a global standard could only be sourced from foreign countries, bought foreign solutions to solve the problem – In short, a lot of banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions in Nigeria bought these solutions and it was mass failure for them. It was gathered that over N3 billion was lost on failed implementation of IFRS solutions in the industry. One of the banks believed in us and it became the only bank that reported its financial statement on IFRS for 2012 electronically. Since then, we have re-implemented IFRS for many of these banks and other financial institutions.

What is the level of compliance with the migration to IFRS 9 on or before the January 2018 deadline?

Changes brought about by IFRS 9, affects mostly financial services industry players. We see a lackluster effort arising obviously from the challenges that financial services industry players, their auditors and regulatory bodies encountered during the implementation of the IAS 39 based financial reporting standards as mentioned earlier. Most stakeholders are adopting hyper cautious approach.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) seems to be unwilling to wield the big sticks to avoid a repeat of hyper pressure that led the banks into making erroneous choices of technical implementation of IFRS based reporting under IAS39. The auditors/ IFRS consultants are afraid of advising their financial services clienteles to adopt IFRS software to avoid reputational backlash they suffered recommending foreign IFRS tools that failed woefully.

There is no viable alternative to automation of IFRS 9 considering its complexities and linkage with risk management.

What would be the implication if any of the financial institutions in the country is

not able to meet the deadline?

Once you sign up to IFRS, there is no stopping, no parking and no loitering. You just have to keep moving. That means January 2018 is sacrosanct. One way or the other, organisations will comply, but how they will comply is a different ball game. It could be through manual methods using spreadsheets and those currently using FinTrak IFRS solution are able to leverage on FinTrak IFRS 9 Upgrade to achieve their objectives in terms of technology implementation. It is practically impossible to achieve full fledged IFRS 9 implementation using manual methods. Somehow everyone believes that they are doing IFRS, but very few organisations are actually doing true IFRS based financial reporting especially those using spread sheets.

How are you able to achieve competitive pricing?

This has been a serious challenge, but we are trying to correct this erroneous impression that solutions developed locally are inferior to the foreign option and as such, should attract low pricing. A typical Nigerian firm could be ready to pay about N250 million or more for foreign software that might not solve the required needs of their organisation, but for a local option, they would want to pay about N25 million or less even though, this better meets their needs. We are doing everything to change this unfortunate situation as it can potentially impact on our capability to invest adequately in research and development (R&D), recruit adequate personnel to sustain brand quality and deepen market penetration globally.

What level of security implementations have you carried out on your products and services?

Talking about security, we have among us, information security expertise holding gold standard and ISO rated credentials in Information System

security. Certifications like Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditors (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). These body of experts well versed in systems vulnerabilities and countermeasures have designed and built in robust security implementations to make it difficult for any hacker to break in or cause disruption of service. We have built-in security by architecture and by design to provide multi-layered defence indepth in our solutions.

How about financing?

Software being an ‘intangible’ product (not physical), has been challenging getting banks to finance software development efforts. Bank of Industry (BoI), for example, does not see software development industry as an industry they could support; instead, they are busy pursuing tailors, fish sellers and brick makers. Though, through the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), we are engaging BoI to fashion out ways of supporting the software industry, just like they currently support Nollywood. Currently, we are only able to source loans from some banks secured with our project receivables.

Do you have enough government support?

Past governments have been paying lip services to local software developments. There was a directive in 2006 during the Obasanjo/ Atiku regime that all MDAs should patronise indigenous software and hardware services where they exist. Today, Buhari/Osinbajo administration is preaching ‘Buy Nigeria’ and recently, Acting President Osinbajo released an Executive Order to ensure MDAs patronise locally available solutions. We are hoping that the current government will muster the needed political willpower to ensure that local software firms are given the opportunity to thrive. We are also in discussion with all relevant government agencies such as NITDA, NOTAP, BPP and others.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

40

CITYSTRINGS

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

Empowering Girls and Women Through Skills The director of a non-government organisation, Star of Hope Transformation Centre, is empowering female orphans and women in rural areas with the needed skills, writes Funmi Ogundare

Adebowale (right) receiving the Voice Power Pack from a representative of Last Mile4D

E

mpowering women economically, particularly female orphans and those that have experienced anguish, is sure a crucial aspect of any significant push to make them full and equal participants in their communities.

So strengthening the economic role of women is also imperative to reducing poverty and education outcomes, as well as achieving other broad development goals.

Thus, a non-government organisation, Star of Hope Transformation Centre, decided to take up this feat to train these groups of women in the area of hat and bag making, newspaper craft, tie and dye, re-washable sanitary pads, foot mats, cooking bags, among others.

The Director of the NGO, Mrs. Olutosin Oladosu Adebowale told THISDAY what led to the establishment of the organisation, saying, “my father died when I was just three years old and my mother was everything to all her children and she ensured that she trained us.

It was very hard, we were five; three girls and two boys. I am the last of five. During that period, my mother was getting older and there was little or nothing she could do anymore, so she took to farming. I always follow her to the farm on Fridays and come back on Monday, so I knew how hard it was

for me.

“So when I looked at my story, it was sad and agonising and thinking of orphans, I know it will be worse for them. So I decided to work with female orphans and women who are abused, or have stories to share as a result of the unique experiences they have gone through,” she explained.

So when I looked at my story, it was sad and agonising and thinking of orphans, I know it will be worse for them.

So I decided to work with female orphans and women who are abused, or have stories to share as a result of the unique experiences they have gone through

Adebowale (wearing blue) during a training session with the women

She said her organisation started working in Ibasa riverine community in Lagos, four years ago where she lived among the people for a period of 18 months training them until they were empowered enough to become trainers in other communities.

Asked how it has been empowering these group of women and girls in the last four years, she said, “It has not been easy and I was not expecting it to be easy, but it is better because I have women who trusted and still trust me till now. I don’t have any support from anybody except a TV Talkshow host Ms. Funmi Iyanda.

“I don’t have any mentor who is in Nigeria, but I met women online who helped me to shape my dream and sent me abroad to undergo different kinds of training on women strides, gender, transformation, social entrepreneurship and leadership and it was on scholarship. To the glory of God since I started I have sent 40 Nigerian women to access these opportunities too.”

Emphasising on her unique skills, Adebowale, who noted that she studied English Language at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), said, “I do not learn art in anyway, but I sat down and I was thinking of how to use the smallest pieces and that was how I came up with the art with my youngest daughter who inspired me with an assignment she was given at school on creating a map with the face of Africa.

“If I am someone who has enough support, what we are doing is something the government should be proud of. If I go to other countries, they are always very proud of me today and you will see some people who will really appreciate your work. I started with the face of Africa and when I finished with it, it was awesome. I made three and that was the beginning and afterwards, I started creating so many beautiful things, it’s awesome.

“I was afraid of what I could create and now there is nothing I cannot create with trash and things that people would have ordinarily thrown away. I want Nigerian women to come online so that they can receive support through the platform in order for them to move forward,” she said.

She said aside having their own dreams, the women her organisation has been training, also believe in what she is doing, adding, “that is why when we go to communities, we see ourselves as sisters, call ourselves treasures and we continue to remain as friends. Every December, we have a way of converging together. Every community that we have trained always comes to Ibasa. S.Tee School, Festac Town, have a programme that they organise usually in December 20 or 21, when they give us food items. So we invite all the women that we have trained to come and distribute those items.”

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

41

CITYSTRINGS

Adebowale in her studio

Adebowale displaying her bags

The Director said she had been sent for training in Dublin, U.S. and South Africa by World Pulse, a non-profit organisation that works to connect women worldwide, where she also received awards for her activities in impacting humanity.

“When they give you award, they also train you. They have a platform where women come to share their pains, I joined because I was depressed. So when I joined, I saw an opportunity for training on gender and the organisation recommended me for another one. At that training, I learnt of a school in Cape Town, where I was taught transformation for one year. They will teach you in a way that you will learn how to solve your own problems too.

“I told them I would love to go but I do not have the money. It was $5000 per semester, so at the end of the day, I got a scholarship to go to South Africa and I graduated. Three years down the line, I have been recommending and sending women there on scholarship.

“As we speak, three Nigerians are there on scholarship, it is on trust. The cost of training is now about $7, 000, but since it’s on trust, it’s a scholarship because they believe so much in what I am doing. There are people who want to be like me and be transformed,” she noted.

On how the organisation has been monitor-

ing those it has trained, she said, “we work with matured women. I don’t monitor them because when we talk to them, we let them know that nobody will monitor you. At the beginning, we were talking to one another and building the trust. We talk everyday and counsel them because we know that we will not continue to be there. When we

I was afraid of what I could create and now there is nothing I cannot create with trash and things that people would have ordinarily thrown away.

I want Nigerian women to come online so that they can receive support through the platform in order for them to move forward

Adebowale...empowering girls and women through skills

start talking in the morning, we end in the evening and we stayed with them, so they know what we are doing, they are free to always come to us.

“Most of the time, they also send their representatives and when they create a piece of artwork, they show it to me and I continue to encourage them. Already, we have trained them on more than 10 skills, but we cannot continue to monitor them. We are very serious and we bring them together as one. If you have a problem, you can always call us. Most of the time it’s voluntary and I don’t have all the money to solve everybody’s problem but we can always link them up.

“When we earn trust and we become sisters, we let them know that they can recreate their future. The community is watching you, everybody wants to become an asset.”

In order to make her work easier, and ensure that women who are living in remote communities have access to knowledge and information, the Star of Hope Transformation Centre boss said she was giving a Voice Power Pack, a backpack equipped with solar cells that power a high-definition camera and a tablet loaded with software running an ICT secure online portal/app for peer-to-peer dissemination of educational material to reach thousands of women who lack dependable sources of electricity.

She noted that the Voice Power Pack given

by Last Mile4D, an innovative social enterprise that develops community-designed health, education and economic empowerment solutions which had partnered with World Pulse to empower their impact leaders who live and work in the world’s most remote areas.

“The power backpack is a reactor charged with solar energy, but it is not for sale because they know that you cannot afford it. It can charge 12 things at once. We are only two using it among sisters, I and one other lady based in India, but I want other women to know that you can travel to any village to connect with other sisters without waiting for electricity and bring them online which is filled with ample resources and opportunities for them to grow.

“If not for the internet, I would still be in petty trading and managing. What I had to do was write stories about myself and people will come. When they talk about female genital mutilation, people don’t know that it’s real, because I was cut too, it was normal in our days. If you have problem of domestic violence, there are opportunities anywhere in the world and scholarship for women that they can key into. Nigerian women can come online so that they can receive support through the platform in order for them to move forward,” she said.

T H I S D AY Ëž , AUGUST 18, 2017

42

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

African SMEs May Export Duty Free to US African businesses will get a chance to showcase the continent and improve economic relations between the United States and the regions.

This will be done with the possibility of exporting qualifying products into the USA duty free at the first ever Trade Expo Africa (TEXA).

The Cable quoted a statement by the organisers to have explained that TEXA aims to boost export opportunities in Africa by leveraging on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is a United States Trade Act, enacted on 18 May 2000 as Public Law 106 of the 200th Congress. “Forums such as this enable us to consolidate efforts to contribute to the growth and development of Africa’s economy by increasing trade relations among African countries and the USA,� TEXA

founder, Yinka Thomas-Ogboja, said while speaking of the expo scheduled to hold in Houston, Texas, in October. “We are proud of who we are as Africans, where we are and more importantly, where we are headed.

In April 2015, the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa predicted that over the next 20 years, sub-Saharan Africa will become the main source of new entrants in to the global labour force.�

Thomas-Ogboja said she hopes other African countries will reduce heavy reliance on importation and take advantage of the endless possibilities the trade expo offers as Botswana and South Africa are the biggest exporting countries in Africa. “We are excited about the opportunities inherent as participating SMEs with

export oriented products and services will find this expo rewarding. We are our greatest asset and together we can make a difference.

Let us stay focused and positive as we shape and reshape the future of AFRICA. “Project Prime International (PPI) is pleased to host this event, which is designed to showcase and promote Africa’s small medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking market penetration into the United States of America and other African countries. “African governments need to integrate entrepreneurship more fully into their industrialisation strategies (African Development Bank, 2017).

Foreign direct investment, attracted by the continent’s emerging markets and fast urbanization, stood at $56.5 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach $57 billion in 2017.

Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

NSE: Capital Market Still Strong Despite Recession George Okoh Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ“ The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has advised workers in the country to invest in stocks despite the current economic recession.

Addressing participants at a two-day workshop on ‘Financial Planning -The Stock Market Option,’ organised by the Benue state government in conjunction with the NSE, the Senior Manager of the Exchange, Mr. Oliver Achugbue said numerous measure had been put in place to prevent a re-occurrence of the crash.

Achugbue said: “Our rules

to assist Benue state civil servants better appreciate the Nigerian Stock and its investment opportunities.

Olofu assured that despite the current economic challenges the government was committed to paying the salaries, pensions and gratuities of its serving and retired workers to enable them take advance of the capital market to invest. “This training will also help them learn how to find the right balance of spending and saving from their hard earnings that could help them grow their money for tomorrow’� the Commissioner added.

have been strengthened, enforcement is assured and compliance is non-negotiable. We encourage those investors who left the market during the 2008-2010 crises to return. “I want to assure willing investors that the market has gotten to the level it can no longer fall, as a member of the World Federation of Stock Exchanges, WFSE, all rules and regulation are strictly adhered to in line with global guiding practices.�

Declaring the workshop open, the Benue state Commissioner of Finance, Mr. David Olofu, said the training was intended

PHCCIMA Harps on Generating Value for Members’ Businesses Eromosele Abiodun The President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji has said that his administration will continue to prioritise processes that will generate greater value for member businesses.

He made this declaration as part of his opening remark at the second quarter general forum of the chamber held in Rivers State. The PHCCIMA helmsman said he would continue supporting ideas that would encourage diversification from oil to agriculture, export

Membere-Otaji also announced the proposed visit of Singaporean Business & Investment Delegation to Port Harcourt.

The visit among other things was to engage, educate, network and seal business collaborations with interested PHCCIMA members.

He also reminded them that PHCCIMA is marking her 60th anniversary this year and an event will be put together to elaborately mark it sometime at the end of the year.

Also speaking, the Managing Director/ CEO Peirce Green Associates Limited emphasised the need to start recalibrating on other businesses beyond oil.

and agro allied products, and services, including advocacy for re-invention of our ports to ensure sustained business growth in the state and region.

He said PHCCIMA has grown substantially over the years and has been made more visible to potential local and foreign investors seeking healthy partnerships.

He urged members not to relent, but to always take advantage of relevant information provided by the secretariat, and the robust network of trade groups fashioned to help foster a conducive economic climate to thrive and add value to businesses.

Wema Bank Expands Operations Wema Bank Plc has reinforced its presence in northern Nigeria as it opened a new branch in Maraba, Nasarawa State.

Maraba is growing rapidly as an economic hub, feeding off the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a result of the continuous growth and expansion of administrative and economic activities of Abuja into neighbouring towns. The new branch is positioned to serve this burgeoning market.

The new branch offers a comprehensive range of banking services including

deposits and loans, trade services, and payment, as well as cash management solutions.

The branch also promises to offer customers the latest in banking technology through alternative channels offered

by Wema Bank.

Wema Bank has provided alternative channels to ensure those who are too busy to walk into the new branch can still bank with Wema using their electronic devices. “The digitally savvy can use our fully digital bank ALAT, while others can use

our USSD banking code *945# for several transactions from bills payment to money transfer,� the head Brand and Marketing Communications at Wema Bank, Funmilayo Falola, was quoted to have said in a statement. “ALAT is available for download on Google Play Store and Apple Store, while *945# works on all kinds of mobile phones,� Falola adds.

The new branch located at Kabai junction, along AbujaNasarawa Expressway, Maraba is now open to customers.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

Ě™

Ěš

DECEMBER 2016 Broad Money (M2)

23,840,392.42

Ě‹Ě‹ Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ™ĂĄ Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ě™ ÍŻĚš

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

Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ăž Ù×Ă?Ă?ÞÓĂ? ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž Ě™ Ěš

26,970,297.97

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž ÞÙ Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ě™ Ă?Þ̚

4,595,579.89

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ă—Ă™Ë? ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž ÞÙ Ùà Þ˛ Ě™ Ă?Þ̚ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?

7,436,917.79

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ă—Ă™Ë? Ă?ĂŽË› Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“ĂœĂœĂ™Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ě™ Ěš

-2,841,337.90

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž ÞÙ ĂœĂ“Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ě™ Ěš

22,374,718.08

--Other Assets Net

-12,483,409.58

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,837,322.41

Ě‹Ě‹ Ă&#x;ĂœĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜

2,179,174.28

Ě‹Ě‹ Ă‹Ă˜Ă•Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă?Ă?

3,318,344.71 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

MANAGED FUNDS Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

December 2016 10.39

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.96

Savings Deposit Rate

4.18

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.53

3 Months Deposit Rate

8.80

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.23

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.76

Prime Lending rate

17.09

Maximum Lending Rate

28.55 Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WED, 16 AUGUST 2017 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $48.69 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $48.45 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), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), 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

43

˾ FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

17-Aug-17 16-Aug-17

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

01 Dangote Cement Plc

219.80

214.00

2.71%

3,745,503,527,619.00

10.95

21.91

6.65

3.33%

5.13

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

184.00

185.00

-0.54%

1,458,954,563,392.00

3.58

53.02

4.80

1.89%

9.08

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

37.10

37.10

0.00%

1,091,896,749,210.40

4.49

8.91

2.84

4.42%

2.34

1,210.00

1,220.00

-0.82%

959,114,064,920.00

10.00

121.63

5.30

2.38%

31.22

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

05 Zenith Bank Plc

23.01

22.50

2.27%

722,433,322,015.86

4.13

5.81

1.48

7.50%

1.07

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers

06 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

37.00

37.03

-0.08%

370,000,000,000.00

2.85

14.03

2.56

0.25%

2.84

Stock

07 United Bank for Africa Plc

9.30

9.50

-2.11%

337,399,594,794.60

1.99

4.77

0.90

6.31%

0.77

08 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

18.00

18.00

0.00%

330,291,921,870.00

0.68

25.55

0.54

3.59%

0.51

09 Presco Plc

71.98

71.98

0.00%

285,794,937,699.10

0.03

2,461.71

4.01

1.81%

6.83

9.73

9.93

-2.01%

281,469,163,969.63

13.18

0.78

0.78

5.37%

0.65

482.00

482.00

0.00%

266,695,570,866.00 -82.02

-5.73

4.10

3.39%

0.69

58.50

59.00

-0.85%

266,461,755,885.00

16.17

1.24

5.00%

1.10

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc

10 Access Bank Plc 11 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd 12 Lafarge Africa Plc 13 FBN Holdings Plc

3.71

6.00

5.97

0.50%

215,371,756,752.00

0.21

29.40

0.41

2.46%

0.35

14 Unilever Nigeria Plc

45.49

45.49

0.00%

172,102,146,412.50

0.81

53.02

2.33

0.12%

13.93

15 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

13.00

12.80

1.56%

156,000,000,000.00

1.20

11.30

0.96

3.69%

2.46

16 Guinness Nig Plc

85.00

87.96

-3.37%

128,000,495,980.00

-3.06

-29.76

1.33

3.52%

3.48

17 International Breweries Plc

34.00

34.00

0.00%

112,004,475,520.00

0.02

1,508.97

4.21

0.74%

10.21

6.86

7.13

-3.79%

82,557,485,612.84

0.29

24.87

0.19

10.39%

0.45

19 Mobil Oil Nig Plc

225.06

236.90

-5.00%

81,155,569,665.72

22.61

10.48

0.91

3.04%

3.98

20 Total Nigeria Plc

228.11

227.00

0.49%

77,448,326,238.07

43.58

5.71

0.29

5.62%

3.59

21 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

28.89

27.53

4.94%

75,814,212,332.43

-1.19

-24.31

0.18

6.90%

0.76

22 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

72.72

72.72

0.00%

69,368,335,200.00

5.15

14.13

4.83

0.14%

4.08

23 Forte Oil Plc.

50.00

50.00

0.00%

65,124,055,150.00

2.22

24.23

0.47

6.42%

1.62

24 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

96.96

96.96

0.00%

62,111,641,596.48

-0.05 -2,145.59

0.67

2.24%

2.83

1.33

1.36

-2.21%

51,498,926,575.25

-0.03

-49.48

0.94

0.00%

0.64

35.99

35.99

0.00%

47,506,800,000.00

-2.89

-12.45

0.34

4.17%

0.68

1.26

1.29

-2.33%

36,492,857,971.92

0.39

3.49

0.26

11.85%

0.21

28 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

12.20

12.00

1.67%

32,323,148,211.60

0.91

13.79

1.82

4.38%

4.14

29 U A C N Plc

16.60

16.65

-0.30%

31,886,348,824.20

3.37

5.04

0.43

5.89%

0.43

30 Sterling Bank Plc

1.04

1.04

0.00%

29,942,034,851.04

0.18

5.74

0.27

8.74%

0.35

31 Diamond Bank Plc

1.15

1.19

-3.36%

26,634,447,313.20

-0.29

-4.46

0.14

0.00%

0.13

32 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

25.65

25.65

0.00%

25,650,000,000.00

5.69

4.75

1.88

0.37%

0.73

33 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

21.00

21.00

0.00%

25,113,406,248.00

3.51

5.69

1.66

1.50%

1.40

34 Cap Plc

34.40

34.40

0.00%

24,080,000,000.00

2.29

15.28

3.59

3.29%

10.73

35 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

12.70

12.70

0.00%

23,853,165,908.00

-0.16

-80.48

0.80

10.24%

2.16

36 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.80

3.75

1.33%

22,351,083,941.00

0.91

3.92

0.54

3.94%

0.69

37 FCMB Group Plc

1.12

1.15

-2.61%

22,179,036,074.72

0.72

1.68

0.14

8.20%

0.14

38 Mansard Insurance Plc

2.05

2.05

0.00%

21,525,000,000.00

0.25

8.37

1.06

2.38%

1.09

39 Wema Bank Plc

0.53

0.51

3.92%

20,444,467,022.93

0.07

7.89

0.38

0.00%

0.42

40 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.98

2.01

-1.49%

15,701,791,362.84

-0.40

-5.44

0.36

7.27%

0.53

41 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.30

1.24

4.84%

13,484,567,605.60

0.42

3.02

0.59

9.45%

0.70

42 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

9.67

10.15

-4.73%

12,152,073,997.22

0.22

48.92

1.21

0.93%

1.25

43 Skye Bank Plc

0.67

0.67

0.00%

9,299,801,944.70

-2.93

-0.24

0.06

43.48%

0.09

44 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.18

2.89

0.89

5.77%

0.42

45 Unity Bank Plc

0.56

0.57

-1.75%

6,546,029,247.52

0.19

3.27

0.08

0.00%

0.09

46 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

0.03

17.71

3.72

0.00%

1.94

47 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

3.12

3.28

-4.88%

5,067,562,500.00

0.36

10.46

0.76

5.35%

0.94

48 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

2.89

2.90

-0.34%

4,967,187,485.55

-0.90

-3.29

0.80

23.57%

0.15

49 Fidson Healthcare Plc

3.15

3.00

5.00%

4,725,000,000.00

0.21

14.68

0.61

1.61%

0.71

50 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.56

0.57

-1.75%

3,880,914,508.80

1.48

0.39

0.15

8.62%

0.46

18 Oando Plc

25 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc 26 Julius Berger Nig. Plc 27 Fidelity Bank Plc

TOTAL

11,942,735,559,623.70

TOTAL MARKET CAP

11,942,735,559,623.70

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

100.00%

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Open 16-Aug-17

Close Change % 17-Aug-17

36,102.38 12.44

36,316.58 12.52

0.59% 0.59%

152.40 11.87

153.38 11.94

0.64% 0.64%

Open Close Change 16-Aug-17 17-Aug-17 %

Fidson Healthcare Plc Flour Mills Nig. Plc Continental Reinsurance Plc Wema Bank Plc Dangote Cement Plc

3.00 27.53 1.24 0.51 214.00

3.15 28.89 1.30 0.53 219.80

5.00% 4.94% 4.84% 3.92% 2.71%

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open Close Change 16-Aug-17 17-Aug-17 %

Mobil Oil Nig Plc Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc Oando Plc Guinness Nig Plc

236.90 3.28

225.06 -5.00% 3.12 -4.88%

10.15 7.13 87.96

9.67 -4.73% 6.86 -3.79% 85.00 -3.37%

Market halts three day loss with 0.59% gain Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today - Thursday, August 17th, 2017 ended positive as the market closed green. This was further highlighted by positive performance from the NSE Subsectors: Banking and Insurance (Save Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas). Also, trading activities increased in volume as 225.14 million shares worth N5.48 billion in 5,110 deals exchanged hands today. This is an increase from the 224.77 million shares worth N5.09 billion in 4,822 trades carried out on Wednesday. Topping in volume terms are: Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc; while Nestle Nigeria Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with 0.59% (214.20) increase to close at 36,316.58 from 36,102.38 the previous trading day. Market capitalization appreciated in tandem to N12.52 trillion from N12.44 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index closes with an increase of 0.64% to 153.38 from 152.40 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N11.94 trillion from N11.87 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 15 stocks gained on the bourse today while 28 stocks declined, leaving 46 stocks unchanged.

Fidson Healthcare Plc emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 5.00% to close at N3.15 per share. It was again followed by Flour Mills Nig. Plc with a gain of 4.94% to close at N28.89 per share. Others on the gainers chart include: Continental Reinsurance Plc, Wema Bank Plc and Dangote Cement Plc. On the decliners’ list, Mobil Oil Nig. Plc led with a loss of 5.00% to close at N225.06 per share. It was followed by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc with a loss of 4.88% to close at N3.12 per share. Others on the decliners’ list are: CCNN Plc, Oando Plc and Guinness Nig. Plc.

REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ , AUGUST 18, 2017

44

MARKET NEWS

NAHCO Records N203m Profit in Six Months, Market Rebounds Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (nahco aviance) Plc has posted improved results for the half year ended June 30, 2017, raising investors’ hopes for higher dividend at the end of the year.

The company posted a revenue of N3.707 billion and profit before tax of N203 million

for the H1 of 2017. Although the revenue showed a decline compared with N3.674 billion in the corresponding period of 2016, the PBT was higher than the N125 million recorded in 2016.

Profit after tax similarly rose by 94 per cent to N176 million, compared with N90.5 million in 2016. Market operators said if NAHCO could maintain the trend in the remaining half of

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

the year, shareholders should expect a higher dividend.

The company had paid a dividend of 22 kobo per share for 2017, which was approved by the shareholders at the 36th annual general meeting (AGM) of the company in Abuja in July.

The elated shareholders commended the board and management for the improved results despite the challenging

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

6 6 12

30.00 34.00

19 19 31

operating environment.

Also, the shareholders pledged their support for better future results and urged the board and management to sustain the performance.

In his address to the shareholders, Chairman of NAHCO, Usman Bello said in spite of the recession and the global weakness in the aviation sector, the company’s performance was commendable.

12,629 11,640 24,269

374,530.15 421,345.20 795,875.35

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

“Our resilience as a company and our debt management strategies resulted in Bond 1 repayment of the N2.15 billion in the third quarter of 2016,” he said. Speaking on the diversification programme, Bello noted that NAHCO Free Trade Zone (NFZ), that was approved by shareholders in 2011 a subsidiary of the company has made some milestone.

“Some of the services offered by the NFZ include: cargo handling, supply chain management, logistics, equipment leasing and other value-added services.

Phase I of its development has been completed and now operating at almost full capacity. We are currently making preparations to start building phase 11 and phase 111 of the company,” he said.

E XC H A N G E

MAIN BOARD GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES Totals EQTY Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals ASeM Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32 4 6 69 69

25.33 0.94 0.69

551,998 16,020 597,000 1,779,083 1,779,083

13,903,164.18 15,299.40 412,110.00 15,902,796.63 15,902,796.63

1 1 1

1.69

500 500 500

805.00 805.00 805.00

16 9 4 6 10 31 76

24.00 9.30 35.78 8.62 3.36 80.50

110,727 40,229 26,700 142,300 299,900 14,373,223 14,993,079

2,707,053.97 362,501.29 992,680.00 1,227,076.00 966,480.00 1,157,057,077.16 1,163,312,868.42

6 6

1.51

134,500 134,500

204,240.00 204,240.00

5 5 87

50.00

24,529 24,529 15,152,108

1,165,135.50 1,165,135.50 1,164,682,243.92

2 2

0.50

24,262 24,262

12,131.00 12,131.00

90 90

3.47

3,827,573 3,827,573

13,288,632.05 13,288,632.05

21 7 8 21 7 64

18.34 1.84 342.00 150.00 145.00

81,125 100,300 20,300 16,295 13,699 231,719

1,505,034.50 182,832.00 6,595,470.00 2,396,080.60 1,959,692.96 12,639,110.06

33 33 189

318.00

389,934 389,934 4,473,488

124,037,602.56 124,037,602.56 149,977,475.67

1 1

0.50

941 941

470.50 470.50

5 5

3.80

32,870 32,870

127,756.40 127,756.40

13 13

0.89

624,500 624,500

538,430.00 538,430.00

1 22 23

2.29 4.00

4,588 251,094 255,682

10,001.84 1,001,583.80 1,011,585.64

1 1 43 1,811

1.68

10,000 10,000 923,993 3,428,226,216

16,000.00 16,000.00 1,694,242.54 5,785,390,675.15

2 2 2 2

1.21

270,464 270,464 270,464 270,464

327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44

306 306

11.45

13,929,679 13,929,679

159,605,439.23 159,605,439.23

278 278 584

3.74

10,438,552 10,438,552 24,368,231

39,515,087.18 39,515,087.18 199,120,526.41

35 35 35 619 2,432

139.83

38,770 38,770 38,770 24,407,001 3,452,903,681

5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 204,425,192.41 5,990,143,129.00

2 2 2 2 2 10 10 10

2,330.00 2.33 6.02 11.09 18.07

3,000 20 20 20 15 3,075 3,075 3,075

6,986,000.00 46.70 120.20 221.80 270.65 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals ETF Board Totals ETP Activity Totals

45

˾ FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Rewane Commends SEC on Promotion of Financial Literacy Goddy Egene The Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane has commended the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its efforts to promote financial literacy.

Rewane gave the commendation at the launching of Nigerian Journal of Securities Market (NJSM) in Lagos. According to him, it is important for Nigerians to be financially literate especially given the current economic recession.

He therefore, hailed the capital

market regulator for its efforts at ensuring that more Nigerians understand the capital market and other areas of the financial sector and urged SEC to sustain the efforts at educating Nigerians on financial issues.

Also speaking, the Director General of the SEC, Mounir Gwarzo, said the commission remained committed to improving the financial literacy of Nigerians as poor financial literacy has been identified as one of the factors responsible for the low level of financial inclusion in the country.

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

According to Gwarzo, the launch of the journal is one of the steps being taken by the Commission to address this gap.

He said: “As part of the SEC mandate to develop the Nigerian capital market and by implication the economy, the Commission is putting all energy, resource and time into implementing the Nigerian Capital Market Master Pl. The SEC has focused on several financial literacy initiatives as part of its market development drive.”

The DG said efforts are being made to boost financial literacy

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 16-Aug-2017, unless otherwise stated.

among young people with school programmes, literacy week and a capital market curriculum.

He said the journal represents another milestone in the endeavour of the SEC to fulfil its Capital Market literacy master plan whose major recommendation is developing a regular and up to date publication and journal on capital market operations.

Gwarzo said: “The NSMJ is a periodic multi-disciplinary journal that will serve as a platform for disseminating information and research on the Nigerian capital

market. The journal will publish original evidence-based papers on capital market activities.”

He added that the journal aims to revamp capital market information, serve as evidence point and re establish SEC as the knowledge bank of the capital market.

“The journal will provide an avenue to disseminate critical insights into some of the main problems facing the securities market. It will provide an avenue to present and analyse emerging trends and contemporary issues as they affect the Nigerian Securities

market,” the DG said.

Gwarzo had on Wednesday said that the market would continue to gain investors’ confidence and remain bullish.

According to him, the various economic policies of the federal government, the new foreign exchange management strategies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and efforts being made by the Commission and CMC would help sustain the bullish trading so far witnessed in the market this year.

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 171.50 171.87 34.92% Nigeria International Debt Fund 234.07 234.50 10.09% 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 0.80 0.81 14.87% 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 18.72% 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 17.27 17.79 39.88% ARM Discovery Fund 363.32 374.27 26.51% ARM Ethical Fund 26.01 26.79 16.42% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.00% 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 142.53 143.53 35.51% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.72% 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 19.60% Paramount Equity Fund 11.50 11.80 22.89% Women's Investment Fund 93.23 95.62 10.21% 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 19.61% 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 1,110.55 1,111.65 9.62% FBN Heritage Fund 139.35 140.57 25.01% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.23% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $109.79 $110.73 6.74% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $108.47 $109.41 6.20% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 152.02 154.22 35.01% 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 1.33 1.36 43.09% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.83 2.83 10.08% 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 2,899.23 2,952.03 31.66% Coral Income Fund 2,325.32 2,325.32 10.51% 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 14.44% 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 18.38% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.06 2.08 22.59% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 18.14%

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 1.11 1.13 12.65% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,031.26 1,031.26 7.30% 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 13.03 13.13 34.81% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 19.10% 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 1.13 1.15 14.18% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.72 10.78 3.13% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.83% 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 124.44 130.09 24.49% 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 1.35 1.35 8.33% 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 2,151.72 2,163.50 17.50% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 162.04 162.04 5.25% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.96 0.98 25.97% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 206.33 206.33 10.40% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 174.02 176.32 34.06% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.56% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,385.39 9,490.31 23.74% 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 1.30 1.31 16.14% United Capital Bond Fund 1.38 1.38 12.83% United Capital Equity Fund 0.86 0.88 27.77% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.10 1.10 16.07% 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 12.38 12.57 27.45% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.08 13.23 19.45% Zenith Income Fund 18.49 18.55 12.02%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 129.51

1.01% 4.47%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.93 104.67

11.03 106.64

26.61% 38.13%

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

4.42 9.68 17.43 21.85 131.67

4.46 9.76 17.53 23.00 133.67

59.64% 37.48% 45.74% 39.72% 2.13%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

46

T H I S D AY FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION HEADQUARTERS, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, BUKAR DIPCHARIMA BUILDING, ABUJA

ADVERTISEMENT FOR 2017 APPROPRIATION PROJECTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Federal Government of Nigeria has provided funds in the 2017 Appropriation Act for the Federal Ministry of Transportation for the provision of Capital Projects under Goods, Works and Services in various locations nationwide. In line with the provision of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the Ministry is inviting experienced and eligible Suppliers, Contractors, and Consulting firms to bid for the following projects:

any officer of the Ministry or Bureau is a former or present Director, Shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and confirm that all information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars; x. Evidence of Company's financial capability with inclusion of reference/ evidence of support from a reputable Bank. xi. Evidence of payment of Bid Document; xii. Company's Audited Account for the last three (3) years (2014, 2015 & 2016) xiii. Evidence of Acquisition of relevant equipment (For works) xiv. Adequacy of the bidder's proposed Methodology, Work plan and understanding of the assignment (for Consultancy). xv. Company's profile reflecting specific Track Record/Experience of similar nature and value successfully executed/on-going within the last five (5) years in provision of the assignment with evidence. xvi. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including professional and academic qualifications, relevant experience/ competence and availability for the assignment of key personnel. xvii. Evidence of Registration with the relevant professional bodies.

CATEGORY A: WORKS PROJECT DESCRIPTION Lot 1A: Construction /Provision of relevant Facilities along the Railway Station Buildings Lot 2A: Automation and Computerization of license & Inspection flight safety Lot 3A: Construction of National Freight Office Buildings at Jibiya, Katsina State Lot 4A: Remarking of Runway, Taxiway and other Pavement of International Airports Lot 5A: Automation of the Functions and Office Process of the Ministry Lot 6A: Upgrade and Refurbishment of terminal Building of Katsina Airport Lot 7B: Procurement and Installation of Air-conditioning System in Offices, Kano and Abuja Airports.

3.0 COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENT Interested companies should collect Tender Documents from the Office of the :Director of Procurement, 6th Floor, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Bukar Dipcharima Building, Central Business District, Abuja, upon the presentation of evidence of payment of non-refundable tender fee of N20,000.00 for projects issued in Bank Draft and payable into the Federal Ministry of Transportation Treasury Revenue Account.

CATEGORY B: GOODS PROJECT DESCRIPTION Lot 1B: Procurement of Project/ Utility Vehicles Lot 2B: Procurement of Desktop Computers, Laptops, Office Equipment and Consumables Lot 3B: Procurement of Surveying Equipment

CATEGORY C: CONSULTANCY AND NON CONSULTANCY SERVICES PROJECT DESCRIPTION Expression of Interest (EoI) is requested from reputable Consultants in the Transportation sector which shall include: Lot C1: Transaction Advisers to drive concession in Transport Sector and Consultants/Specialist in Railways, Marine, Aviation and Mass Transit; and Lot C2: Bathymetric Assessment of Dredged Navigational Channels Lot C3: Cleaning/Sanitary/ Fumigation Services of all Offices and adjoining Toilets in the Federal Secretariat Phases I and II

In addition, the General Public is also invited to note that procurements below the National Competitive bidding threshold would be carried out during the course of the year in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, PPA 2007.

2.0

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA; i. Evidence of Company's registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission ii. Evidence of Company's VAT Registration with Tax Identification with Tax Identification Number (TIN) iii. Company's current Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years (2014, 2015 and 2016) iv. Evidence of Certificate of compliance from PENCOM in accordance with the Pension Reform Act 2004 v. Company Profile stating registered Office and functional contact address {including e-mail address and telephone number(s)} vi. Evidence of Certificate of Compliance with contribution to Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) vii. Evidence of Certificate of Compliance with Industrial Training Fund (ITF) viii. Evidence of Registration with the Categorization and Classification in the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Website as provided in Part 1 Section 5(b) of Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2017; ix. Accompany every bid with an affidavit disclosing whether or not

4.0 SUBMISSION AND OPENING OF TENDERS: Original and two (2) copies of the Technical and Financial bid are to be submitted in two separate envelopes. Envelopes for the Technical and Financial Proposals shall be dully marked “TECHNICAL PROPOSAL” and “FINANCIAL PROPOSAL” respectively. The two envelopes shall then be enclosed in one single outer envelope and forwarded in sealed envelopes, marked on the TOP left hand corner boldly written “PROJECT NAME AND LOT NUMBER”. The inner and other envelopes shall: · Bear the name and address of the Contractor, (inner envelops); · Be addressed to the Client at the address specified (inner and outer envelopes); · Bear the name of the project (inner and outer envelopes); and · Bear a statement “Do not open with the technical proposal” (inner financial envelope).

The documents are to be dropped in the Tender Box in the Office of the Director of Procurement, 6th Floor, Federal Ministry of Transportation not later than 12:00 noon on September 29, 2017 and the opening of tenders will take place immediately in the presence of bidders' representatives and members of the public who choose to attend. Only those companies/firms that are technically qualified will be invited for financial bid opening.

5.0 Please Note that any submission of documents after the 12:00 noon deadline of September 29, 2017 will not be accepted. · All CAC, VAT, PENCOM, ITF, NSITF and Tax Clearance Certificate submitted shall be referred to security and other relevant Agencies for Authentication. · This invitation shall not be construed to be a commitment or obligation on the part of FMoT for award of any form of contract to any respondent nor shall it entitle any Company/firm submitting documents to claim any indemnity for the Ministry. · The Ministry also reserves the right to invoke the provisions of Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007 without incurring any liability to the bidder.

SIGNED:

S. Zakari

Permanent Secretary

47

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL WORLD OF ISLAM email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Ed-

ited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Van Hits Crowd in Preparations Before Barcelona Terror Leaving for Hajj Attack, Kills 13 IslamiCity

Thirteen people have been killed, and at least 50 injured, after a white a white Fiat van ploughed into pedestrians in Barcelona’s famous Las Ramblas tourist area late Thursday afternoon.

The vehicle sped along the centre of the 1km-long boulevard, which is usually swarming with people and sent many fleeing for cover in shops and cafes, until it hit a newspaper kiosk and stopped.

Witnesses said the van had deliberately targeted people before coming to a stop while television pictures showed people

lying on the ground with the crashed van that had stopped on top of a Joan Míro mosaic halfway down the boulevaard.

Spanish newspaper El Pais newspaper said the driver of the vehicle had fled on foot after mowing down dozens of people, as the police described the incident as a terror attack.

According to Spanish media reports, one or two armed men barricaded themselves inside a bar in the area after the attack.

Scores of people were sheltered in a church near the scene of the attack,

CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME

while many hid in shops and restaurants.

Meanwhile, police in Catalonia, where Barcelona is located, tweeted that they have arrested a man while releasing a photograph of a man, identified as Driss Oubakir, who was alleged to have rented the van used in the attack.

Pandemonium, according to eyewitnesses who spoke to the BBC, reigned at the scene of the attack.

Tom Markwell from New Orleans, who was just arriving in a taxi in Las Ramblas, told the BBC: “I heard a crowd screaming.

It sounded like they were screaming for a movie star.

“I saw the van. It had already been busted on the front. It was weaving left and right, trying to hit people as fast as possible.

There were people lying on the ground.”

Aamer Anwar, who said he was walking down the “jam-packed” Las Ramblas, told Sky News: “All of a sudden, I just sort of heard a crashing noise and the whole street just started to run, screaming. I saw a woman right next to me screaming for her kids. Police were very, very quickly there, police officers with guns, batons, everywhere. Then the whole street started getting pushed back. Police officers who got there just started screaming at people to move back, move back.”

I, formerly known and addressed as OFFONG UWEM EFFIONG now wish to be known and addressed as UWEM EFFIONG OFFONG. All former documents remain valid. The general should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OBODOECHINA CHINEDU VICTOR now wish to be known and addressed as OBODOECHINA CHINEDU RAPHAEL..

All former documents remain valid. The general Public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UWANOGHOR KENYETTA BOLOKOR now wish to be known and addressed as DZ^ h h ͳ UWANOGHOR KENYETTA BOLOKOR. All former documents remain valid.

The Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria ;W EͿ͕ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ /ŶƐƟƚƵƟŽŶƐ, and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AZEEZAT OLUWAWEMIMO ANIMASHAUN now wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZAT OLUWAWEMIMO OWOLABI. All former documents remain valid. The general should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EJALONIBU, LYDIA BOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BABASOLA BOSEDE LYDIA. All former documents remain valid.

The general should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPHINE AMIMEHTEME ESIEMOKHAI now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPHINE AMIMEHTEME OLUTAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general Public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMI WILLIAN now wish to be known and addressed as JOHNSON DARE ORITSEJOLOMI. All former documents remain valid. The general Public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADESUYI HANNAH ANUOLUWAPO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMILOJU HANNAH ANUOLUWAPO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHINONSO PEACE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKEKE CHINONSO PEACE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, NJOWUSI ABIGAIL CHINWE AFOLAYAN stated that all these four (4) names are my names. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ANIEZE CHRISTY NKIRUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO CHRISTY NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHINONYE EUPHEMIA EZETOHA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHINONYE EUPHEMIA AJABUZUEZE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MAYUNGBE BUKONLA BUSOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MAYUNGBE BUKONLA IBUKUN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADESUYI HANNAH ANUOLUWAPO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMILOJU HANNAH ANUOLUWAPO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLOWO BUNMI ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AJAYI BUNMI ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADENIJI KEMI MULNTU, now wish to be known and addressed as ADENIJI OLUWAKEMI IDAYA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ANTHONY JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as ANTHONY JOHN IFENE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TERRY EJUOUKE IDAMA, now wish to be known and addressed as TERRY MICHEAL IDAMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as HABIB DANLAMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MAGAJI HABIBU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ATTAH SAMUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ACHIMUGU SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TOBI MASON, now wish to be known and addressed as TOBY GENTLE MANSON. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AFOLAYAN OPEYEMI OLUFUNKE, now wish to be known and addressed as AYODELE OPEYEMI OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS CHINELO CECILIA ADAMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHINELO CECILIA ADAMA JOACHIM. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

H

ajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. All Muslims who fulfill certain conditions must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. What are these conditions?

Are there any prerequisites of Hajj? The answers to these and many other similar questions can help you in making decisions, and in planning for Hajj in a better and more efficient fashion.

Who Must Perform Hajj Every Muslim who fulfills the following conditions must perform Hajj at least once in his lifetime: 1. He must be of sound mind, and in full control of his mental faculties.

2. He must be old enough, and mature enough to understand the full import, and significance of what he is setting out to do.

3. He must be financially sound enough to be able not only to bear all of his expenses for Hajj but also to provide adequately for his dependents during his absence and until his return.

Prerequisites of Hajj Since Hajj is an act of worship, it must be performed in peace, and with single minded devotion. There are a number of simple, yet important, things you can do to get in the right frame of mind for this unique experience. All of these are self-evident and are based on common sense. They are reiterated below for completeness of the discussion and as a reminder: 1. Your intention must be to perform Hajj solely for the sake of Allah. Considerations of pleasing or impressing others with your show of piety should never be a factor.

2. All Hajj expenses must be paid out of money obtained through legitimate (Halal) means. Money obtained through illegitimate or doubtful means is not acceptable.

3. All of your debts and financial obligations must be fully discharged before you start your journey and, where necessary, a written acknowledgement of the transaction obtained for future use.

4. You must make an honest effort to resolve your outstanding differences with others and seek forgiveness from those you may have hurt in any way in the past. This is based on specific instructions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and must be followed for the Hajj to be meaningful.

Preparations for Hajj Since Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people, the importance of early and adequate preparation cannot be over-emphasized. There is a considerable investment of money, time, and physical effort required for the Pilgrimage to be fulfilling and meaningful. Information has to be collected, itineraries must be worked out, and documents have to be readied. The purpose of these preparations is not only to minimize physical discomfort, emotional aggravation and monetary expenses, but also to enable you to perform Hajj in relative peace of heart and mind. Therefore, it makes sense to be as ready as possible for this momentous journey of self-discovery, self-appraisal, and spiritual enlightenment.

Arrangements must be started early enough so that you are not rushed for time in the few days before your voyage commences.

The paperwork, shopping, finalizing your travel and residential arrangements inside Saudi Arabia etc., consume a great deal of time. Three to four months ahead of your actual date of departure is a good estimate for starting your preparations. Your travel agent, or a knowledgeable friend who has performed Hajj recently, can also guide you in your preparations. Be sure to apply a “factor of safety” to their recommendations and allow yourself a somewhat greater period of preparation than they advise!

The following guidelines are intended to get you started in the right direction. Since individual needs and preferences vary widely you will, in all probability, add to the list as you prepare for the journey:

Travel Agent Choose a travel agent who offers a wide selection of “packages” for Hajj. There are a large number of travel agencies all over the country that offer Hajj services, and not all of their products are of equal quality and value. Choosing the right agent is of crucial importance. Hopefully, a representative of your travel agent will be your constant guide and trouble shooter during Hajj. Invest time and effort in this essential phase of your preparation.

Talk to friends and acquaintances who may have recently used the services of various companies and ask them for recommendations. The quality of service and commitment to the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims vary significantly among travel agents. Whereas a good and responsible agent can “make” your Hajj, a bad one can just as easily “break” it.

Be sure to ask the travel agent specific questions and have him give you specific answers: 1. What will be the duration of your stay in Mecca and Medina?

What dates? Is the program flexible or will it allow no

changes once it is made? Is there any additional cost to such changes? If so, what is it?

2. How far away will you be staying from Haram ash Shareef, both in Mecca and in Medina? If your place of residence is not within easy walking distance (10-15 minutes), what type of transportation to and from Haram ash Shareef will be made available? How often during the day will it be available?

3. Will a representative of the travel agent who is fully conversant with the rites of Hajj, and Saudi rules and procedures for customs, immigration, and travel be with you at all times?

Will he stay in Saudi Arabia for the duration of your visit?

You do not want to be left in Saudi Arabia without adequate guidance and assistance. The laws and procedures there can be very difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming.

4. Will the representative of the agent be conversant with the Arabic language? If not, will an interpreter be provided in Saudi Arabia? Most Saudi authorities do not speak English, and your command of Arabic is likely to be limited.

5. Will you have the option of travelling within Saudi Arabia, (for example from Mecca to Medina), in a taxi hired by you at your own expense instead of the prepaid bus provided by your muallim? How about possible return by air from Medina to Jeddah on your way out of the country instead of the usual prepaid bus? Get a good idea of this additional expense.

You may want to use the above options in view of the fact that the bus journeys during Hajj season can be nerve-racking. For example, a bus journey from Mecca to Medina (approximately 400 km or 250 miles) can take as long as twenty to thirty hours, whereas a taxi will cover the same distance in three to four hours. The small additional cost you will incur is well worth the money in terms of time saved and physical discomfort avoided.

If you choose to use any of the alternate travel options (and it is highly recommend that you give them very serious consideration), be sure to redeem your unused bus coupons at Jeddah airport on your way out. Your travel agent should be able to help you in this.

1. What kind of arrangements will be made for your stay in Mina and Arafat? How about the food arrangements in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah?

2. Does the price of your package include meals? See if the agents make an effort to vary the menu. You may have to supplement your meals with milk, fruits etc. Food supplied by the agents tends to be monotonous, and the lack of variety is likely to kill your appetite after a couple of days!

3. Will the agent arrange for a sacrifice on your behalf on the 10th of Zul Hijjah? This is a common service agents often provide for a small fee. They will inform you of the time of the sacrifice so that you may perform other rites accordingly.

Vaccinations You will need certain vaccinations for the issuance of a Hajj visa. The World Health Organization (WHO) issues annual guidelines and requirements concerning vaccinations for travel to various countries including Saudi Arabia. Your physician will have the necessary information or will be able to access it readily.

Check either with your travel agent or the Saudi Arabian Embassy for additional requirements. The Saudi Government requirements are usually stricter than the WHO recommendations.

For instance, whereas the WHO recommended immunization against only meningococcal meningitis for travel to Saudi Arabia in 1997, the Saudi authorities required immunization against cholera also.

Your doctor may recommend additional vaccinations in the light of his knowledge and experience. The writer’s doctor (a specialist in infectious diseases) recommended and administered immunization against typhoid fever, polio, pneumonia, diphtheria/ tetanus (D/T) and malaria.

This may sound like “over-kill” and it probably is in most cases. However, it can also save you a lot of worry and misery in those unfortunate instances where extra care is needed. To cite an example : in 1997 there was an outbreak of typhoid in India and some of the pilgrims in the writer’s group, who travelled to India after Hajj, became seriously ill with the illness while there. It is possible that they contracted the disease from carriers among the Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, or they may have contracted the disease in India itself. In any case, earlier vaccination against the disease would have saved them from much suffering and anxiety. Had they contracted typhoid in Saudi Arabia itself from the Indian pilgrims, they would have had serious problems completing their Hajj.

Be sure to obtain an official Vaccination Record Book (the “Yellow Book”) from your County or State Health Department.

Have your physician fill it out, sign it, and stamp it. Anything less may be unacceptable to the Saudi visa authorities, and you don’t want your visa application rejected for a small detail like this. Keep the vaccination record book with your other important documents and take it with you to Saudi Arabia. You never know when you may need it.

48

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

IBB Marks 76th Birthday in Germany Jonathan, Saraki, Dogara, others congratulate ex-military leader Laleye Dipo Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangid (rtd), yesterday marked his 76th birthday in Germany. THISDAY gathered that Babangida was said to have travelled out of the country about a week ago “for a welldeserved rest.â€?

However, some of his domestic staff were said to have been caught unaware by the decision of the military president to travel outside the country “this time around� because some of them, especially the women, were said to have bought and sewn special attires to celebrate the birthday of their boss.

The hilltop residence of the former military president was also devoid of the massive traffic of people usually associated with such celebration in previous years.

But despite his absence from the country, a cross-section of dignitaries yesterday congratulated him for a life well led.

For instance, former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, described the former military leader as a great leader and committed patriot.

In a message of goodwill to ex-military president, Jonathan prayed for God to continue to bless him “because our dear nation still has more to reap from your wealth of experience and deep wisdom in its journey

to greatness.�

The message further said: “I am pleased to join your family and other well wishers in thanking God for blessing you with the strength and wisdom to live a fulfilling life. “As a former President, your impact as a committed patriot and statesman has been of immense benefit in chatting the course of leadership, governance and development in our dear nation. “At 76, your contributions to national growth has remained undiminished as you continue to fearlessly lend your strong voice and strategic support to the genuine efforts towards making our nation great. “May the Almighty Allah bless you with more rewarding years because our dear nation still has more to reap from your wealth of experience and deep wisdom in its journey to greatness. Happy birthday Your Excellency.�

Also, Saraki described Babangida as a major part of Nigeria’s political history.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, to congratulate the former Head of State on the occasion of his 76th birthday, the Senate President described IBB as one of Nigeria’s most prolific Statesmen.

Saraki commended IBB for the role he has continued to play to bring about the development and progress of the country. “The former military president has played a key role in the history and development of our nation,� Saraki said, “IBB’s

leadership, commentaries and advice on the state of our polity and how to move our nation forward have been pivotal since he left office. “I wish him good health and many more years as he celebrates his 76th birthday ,� the President of the Senate said, “I pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to bless, guide and protect our former Head of State.�  Similarly, Dogara in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, said the former Nigerian leader has over the years displayed qualities of a true leader and elder statesman. “Over the years, you have displayed qualities of a true leader, most of all in the personal sacrifices you have made for the  betterment of Nigeria’s political environment and for the overall Unity, development and wellbeing of the country.  “As an elder statesman, you have made yourself accessible to us, the younger generation of leaders, in times when we needed advice from more

experienced elders for purposes of taking important decisions�.

He prayed almighty God to bless, protect, preserve and grant the former leader many more fruitful years of selfless and meritorious service to fatherland.

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, in his felicitation message, described Babangida as “a precious gift to mankind and to the country,� relating him to “a true champion of peace, unity and togetherness in Nigeria.�

Bello expressed gratitude to the former military president for his “relentless contributions to the growth and development of the state and country.�

In the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Jibrin Ndace, the governor said: “For over seven and half decades, he (Babangida) has lived an impactful life which has endeared him to many people across the country. “We are proudly celebrating a strategic and unrepentantly nationalistic leader and human manager with an uncommon passion in the service of our fatherland and humanity in

general. “Indeed, he holds his country very dear to his heart.�

According to the governor, Babangida had over the years become “a household political lexicon as a result of his impactful contributions to the socio-political and economic development of the country. His contributions have made him politically relevant decades after he left office. “Years after he left office, his socio-political wizardry and intelligence as well as the numerous, visibly useful people-oriented developmental projects remain monumental.

Some of the political reforms he introduced included the two party system, Options A4 and open ballots system as well as the establishment of Political Bureau, MAMSER, Code of Conduct Bureau, National Electoral Commission and the promulgation of the then (1989) Constitution among others.�

The state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Tanko Beji, while congratulating the former military leader, prayed for

long life and good health for him to continue to serve his fatherland.

Beji said Babangida’s contribution to the political development of Nigeria was immeasurable, adding that “Babangida has been a true believer of one Nigeria.�  On his part, former Governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, congratulated Babangida as he turns 76 and urged him to continue to work for the unity of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Special Assistant to Kalu, Peter Eze, the former Governor said: “It gives me great pleasure to share the joy of your birthday with you. As you mark your 76th birthday, I pray that God will still keep you longer to play greater role in the stabilisation of our country.�  Kalu said Babangida’s life has “been one of great sacrifice for the unity and progress of our country. From your days as a soldier, you visioned a great nation where everyone will be well accommodated and freely pursue their aspirations.�

Odekunle: NBS N400bn Bribes Report Not an Indictment on FG Emma Okonji The national corruption report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is not an indictment on the federal government, which has been fighting corruption in the last two years, a criminologist and member of the Advisory Committee on Corruption, Prof.

Femi Odekunle, has said.

NBS had yesterday, released a report on national corruption, stating that an estimated N400 billion or the equivalent of $4.6 billion in purchasing power parity (PPP), representing 39 per cent of the combined federal and state education budgets in 2016, is paid out as bribes to public officials in Nigeria annually.

Reacting to the report, Odekunle said the report did not in any way indict the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government as being widely speculated.

Odekunle who spoke yesterday on ARISE Television, the sister broadcast station of THISDAY Newspaper, said the Buhari-led government should rather be commended for vigorously fighting corruption since he assumed office in May 2015.

Citing the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), through which Nigeria has recovered a lot of money, Odekunle said the Buhari-led government met a corrupt

economy and had tried to save the situation in the last two years of his administration. “I am not surprised about the report of NBS on corruption because before the present government came into power, the economy was like a deep swamp in the ocean and the government has been trying to rebuild a befitting structure for the country, but the efforts cannot be noticed in just two years because the economy was already in a bad shape,�

Odekunle said.

He, however, said the fact that corrupt politicians are returning stolen funds, is an indication that the Buhari government is doing well for the country and should be commended, despite the NBS report on corruption.

Odekunle also said the report which claimed that nine out of 10 bribes were paid in cash, does not rule out the federal government’s effort to make Nigeria a cashless economy.

He said corruption cases were lost in courts because the judiciary still doubt the integrity efforts of government, and that the judiciary tends to dwell more on technicalities, rather than the negative impact of corruption on the society. Odekunle said residual corruption was deep-rooted among public officers and called on Nigerians to support government in malaise.

PROMISE KEPT

L-R: Permanent Secretary, State House, Abuja and representative of the federal government, Mr. Jalal Arabi; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, representing the state government, Mr. Tunji Bello; and the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Adeseye Oladejo, during the formal handover of the State House Marina to the Lagos State Government, at Marina, Lagos‌..yesterday

Suntai’s Corpse Arrives Nigeria Today Ahead of Burial Tomorrow Ishaku declares public holiday Wole Ayodele Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă™ The remains of the former Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, will arrive the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja today from the United States of America.

Suntai, governor of Taraba State from 2007 to 2015, died on June 28 at his residence in Orlando, Florida, US where he was recuperating from the injuries he sustained in a plane crash that occured at Yola on October 25, 2012.

The remains are scheduled to arrive Abuja by 7a.m. from where it would be conveyed to Jalingo where it is expected to be received by a mammoth

crowd of followers and indigenes of the state.

The state government, which has undertaken to give the former governor a state burial, has declared today as public holiday to enable the people of the state to receive his remains at the Jalingo airport as well as participate in the activities lined up for his burial.

As part of the burial activities, a valedictory session was held at the state House of Assembly, as well as a valedictory executive council meeting at the Executive Chamber of the government house in Jalingo yesterday.

At the valedictory meeting, which has in attendance present and past members of the state executive, the governor, Darius

Ishaku and all the members took turn to eulogise Suntai and pray for the repose of his soul.

Speaking on the occasion, Ishaku described Suntai as a very compassionate leader whose character and commitment to the development if the state was exemplary.

He said the late ex-governor would be remembered for the legacies of hard work, humility, dedication and generosity which were the hallmarks of his administration saying his good deeds far outweighs his short comings. “Suntai was a very great leader who dedicated himself to the service of the state and would be remembered for his compassion, humility and

generousity to mankind and all the people who came across him.�

Also speaking at the valedictory session held in his honour at the state Assembly, the Speaker, Abel Peter Diah described Suntai as a visionary, pragmatic and courageous leader who was envied by many but was loved even more by the vast majority of the people of the state.  “Late Suntai was a pragmatic, decisive and courageous leader who could not be taken for granted. He was undaunted in his commitment to peace which facilitated his unparalleled zeal for development. Though envied by many, he was loved by even more�

49

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Obasanjo Challenges Agbakoba to Seek Elective Position Laments failure of young Nigerians in political leadership Ejiofor Alike and Gboyega Akinsanmi Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has replied a human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, asking him to stop sitting on the fence and seek an elective position in the country.

Obasanjo also lamented the failure of young Nigerians in political leadership, noting that the young people “have in the recent past been a complete disappointment and failure in various appointed or elected positions they have been privileged to occupy.”

The former president’s letter, which was in response to an earlier letter written by Agbakoba, also reminded the

human rights lawyer that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe were younger than him (Agbakoba) when they contested elections.

Agbakoba, had in his letter to Obasanjo dated July 20, frowned at the quality of leadership in Nigeria, and called on the older generation to hand over power to the youth.

He appealed to Obasanjo to help Nigeria discover its own “Macron and Trudeau,” recalling that “modern history of Nigeria was shaped by young people,” referring to Obasanjo, Azikiwe, and Awolowo.

Agbakoba had noted that Nigeria is afflicted with the “crop of leadership that have outlived usefulness and effectiveness as a result of old age,” citing the works of the late Prof. Chinua

Achebe, which blamed the situation of Nigeria to leadership.

“It beggars belief that there is no culture among our political elite, to encourage younger people with new ideas to aspire to positions of leadership, in particular the office of the President,” the letter read.

“Your Excellency was 39 years when you became head of state.

Zik was 40 when he founded the NCNC. Awolowo was 43 when he became premier of western region. Ahmadu Bello was 40 when he co-founded the NPC. Ojukwu and Gowon were in their 30s when they took centre stage in Nigerian politics. It seems to me a great contradiction that after a young vibrant set of leaders got Nigeria off the ground in the early 60’s, Nigeria has steadily descended into chaos and is probably now

ranked as one of the most ungovernable countries in the world,” the letter added.

In his response, Obasanjo told Agbakoba that political leaders in his generation made “great efforts with determination, commitment, broad national outlook” to shoulder their responsibilities, adding, however, that he shared some of the sentiments expressed by the human rights activist.

Obasanjo pointed out some of them were thrown into limelight by circumstances not of their own making but were able to record varying degrees of successes.

According to him, it is saddening that the younger generation “have in most cases resorted to work avoidance in the quest for leadership.

“The point to ponder is how

have the successor generation positioned themselves to lead?”

Obasanjo asked.

“Most members of the younger generation of Nigerians are mostly contented with waiting for dead men’s shoes and are unwilling to beat an alternative path to leadership.

In such a situation, it is to be expected and actually it is human that those with some head start in life will not concede such advantages freely and based on their innate goodness. Some of these young people whose interest we canvass, have in the recent past been a complete disappointment and failures in their various appointed or elected positions,” Obasanjo said.

“So while these failed young men and women should not

be a disincentive to support other young people, I don’t think that the older people should be excluded in our leadership recruitment process.

For me if I find young men and women who have shown profound commitment and exemplary integrity in their various chosen careers and professions as well as zeal for the service of our fatherland, I will, of course, give such both my support and inspiration, not withstanding their age, circumstances or place of birth,” Obasanjo added.

“Late Chief Awolowo and great Zik were younger than you when they threw their hats in the ring. It’s time to take the hard road. Olisa, it’s time to jump down from the fence and the siddon look corner,” Obasanjo told Agbakoba.

Over 50 Die of Unidentified Disease in Kogi Yekini Jimoh ÓØ ÙÕÙÔË

on deck to make sure that we find out the definitive cause of No fewer than 50 people the mysterious deaths among have been confirmed dead in these children,” he added.

Also speaking, a Consultant Okunran, Okoloke and IsanluEsa communities all in Yagba at Evangelical Church of West West Local Government Area of Africa (ECWA) Hospital in Egbe, Kogi State following an outbreak Dr. Jannette Hathorn, said a child of two and half years of an unidentified disease.

Owing to the development, was brought to the hospital the World Health Organisation but later died after 12 hours.

“We had definitely had (WHO) has sent a medical team to the community to assess the misleading news about patients bleeding, so we tried to diagnose situation.

The state Commissioner for for viral hemorrhagic fever (Lassa Health, Dr. Saka Audu, disclosed fever), but the lab results came this yesterday after he visited the out negative.

“We are sure it is not Lassa affected villages on Wednesday.

According to him, the state fever, but on the other hand, government was assessing the our concern is that we do not situation that had claimed the know exactly the cause of lives of so many people in the what was happening. We had villages to determine the cause differences but we never came of deaths and then quickly to a definitive diagnosis. Two other adult patients were also address it.

“As part of the policies of brought in; one presented with this government, irrespective ulcer-viral illness but there was of the remote location of the no bleeding component of any communities, we must make hemorrhagic symptom.

“We isolated them and both sure that we take health care to the door steps of the rural were treated for malaria. So, when they started improving, we dwellers.

“We want to reassure them let them go. But our concern that the government is with was a couple who brought them, and whatever happens, their child to the hospital we will take full responsibility and pleaded with us for help of those who are already healed that about 40 to 50 people and to make sure that we arrest had died in their villages the spread of this unknown with similar symptoms as their child in the last three disease.

“For now, it is clear and weeks. “So, we called the has been confirmed that it is World Health Organisation not Lassa fever, but whatever and our local state officials, it is, we will carry out who came after the child further investigation with the had died yesterday to take information we have and come the samples. We must know up with a definitive diagnosis,” exactly what we are dealing with,” she said. he said.

The traditional ruler of The commissioner stressed that the information on the the community, Oba Joshua outbreak of the strange disease Ogunyanda, in the company got to his ministry last week of the commissioner, expressed and they immediately sent his appreciation for coming to a technical team to take the see them in spite of the difficulty samples which were sent to in getting to their communities the General Hospital in Irua, and the neighbouring Fulani settlements.

Edo State, for lab tests.

According to him, the “We are going further to find out what the real cause settlements were the worst hit, may be; we don’t know what including some of his people it is currently, but all hands are in the host community

VALEDICTORY SESSION FOR A RENOWNED JURIST

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, addressing the court during the valedictory court session held in honour of the late Justice Andrews Otutu Obaseki, in Benin City....yesterday

FG Blames Illegal Russian, Chinese Fishing in Nigerian Waters for Low Revenue Olawale Ajimotokan ÓØ ÌßÔË The federal government has alleged that low revenue, low output and dwindling demand for fish in Nigeria are because of the poor policing of the country’s territorial waters.

It similarly claimed that the development has allowed illegal Russian and Chinese companies free hand to fish illegally in the country.

The allegation was made last night by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during a meeting with the national committee on Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP).

Lokpobiri said out of the total fisheries requirement of over three million metric tonnes, Nigeria was only producing just about 1.1 million metric tons, living a gap of about two million

metric tonnes.

“Our territorial waters are not policed to prevent illegal unregistered fishing. The Chinese, Russian and others are coming to Nigerian territorial waters and freely fishing,” he said, adding, “Part of the reports we got is that you hardly will see vessels that are arrested and brought to Nigeria on account of fishing illegally without permit on our territorial waters.”

He expressed worries that, foreign vessels routinely come here with the wrong notion that, in Nigeria, they can bribe their way.

“So, they come with some dollars. They bribe your officers who are on the high sea, and then they fish as much as they want and they go back.”

Moreover, he said, the illegal fishing also posed a lot of danger to local fishermen and women.

He added that there was no

capacity to police or provide security for along the coastal waterways.

His view was corroborated by the chairman of the visiting committee members, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Shafi’i.

Shafi’i said there were so many illegal activities cutting across all the agencies that are represented in the HSOP. He stressed that there was a lack of coordination of activities, prompting the federal government to set up a body that would coordinate to produce document that everybody will be aware of, and involving all the agencies that have anything to do, either with arresting, or detaining or prosecuting persons that carry out illegal activities in our environment.

The committee on harmonised standard operating procedure was launched on January 26, 2017, with the mandate to seek

for cooperation, collaboration and coordination of activities on arrest, detention and prosecution of persons and vessels in our maritime environment.

Lokpobiri expressed delight in the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures document that was long overdue.

He said from fisheries resources alone, Nigeria should be able to earn billions of dollars in foreign exchange.

“Right now, we spend perhaps close to a billion dollars to import fish,” he observed, adding that, “in Liberia, on internationally agreed rates, vessels in their territorial waters that are arrested and detained because they don’t have requisite permit, will pay a minimum of $250,000.

Nigeria certainly needs a lot more dollars now that petrodollars are drying up.”

50

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Dangote Sets Sights on US, Europe with $20bn Investment Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, plans to invest $20 billion to $50 billion in the United States and Europe by 2025, in industries including renewable energy and petrochemicals.

The 60-year-old Nigerian cement tycoon aims to move into these territories for the first time in 2020 after completing almost $5 billion of agricultural projects and an $11 billion oil refinery in his home country, Nigeria, he said in an interview with Bloomberg Markets Magazine this month. “Beginning in 2020, 60 per cent of our future investments will be outside Africa, so we can have a balance,� Dangote, who is worth $11.6 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, said.

Dangote Group’s major investment will be in the US and Europe, he said. “I think renewables is the way to go forward, and the future. We are looking at petrochemicals but can also invest in other companies.�

Dangote has diversified rapidly in the last five years, both geographically and into

new industries.

He has expanded Dangote Cement Plc, which accounts for almost 80 percent of his wealth, into nine African countries aside from Nigeria.

In 2015, he began building a 650,000 barrel-a-day refinery near Lagos, Nigeria’s main commercial hub, and he’s constructing gas pipelines to the city from Nigeria’s oil region with US private equity firms Carlyle Group LP and Blackstone Group LP. He said in July he would invest $4.6 billion in the next three years in sugar, rice and dairy production.

Shares in Dangote Cement fell 4.9 per cent to N214 in Lagos last Wednesday, paring the advance this year to 23 per cent. “When you look at it — not just in Nigeria but in the rest of Africa — the majority of countries here depend on imported food,� he said. “There is no way you can have a population of 320 million in West Africa and no self-sufficiency. So the first thing to do is food security.

I believe Dangote Group is

in the right position to drive this trajectory.�

Dangote, who mostly lives in Lagos and counts Bill Gates among his friends, said he was a passionate industrialist, and ruled out moving into newer sectors such as telecommunications

or technology. “When I look at telecoms for instance, I think that would be very tough for us.� “Some players have been in this market for 17 years already.

There’s no way you can go and jump over somebody after 17 years of their hard work. So

I think we would pass when it comes to telecoms today.

There are other businesses that we understand better,� he said.

Dangote also said he wasn’t planning to join Nigerian politics. “I’m not interested,�

he said, adding that “I enjoy a lot of what I am doing, and I also love my freedom — and I don’t have too much. The little I have, politics would take away.

There are businessmen who are interested in politics.

I’m not one of them.â€?Â

Kano Lawmaker Gets Reprieve WELCOME BACK HOME Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Suleiman Yakubu, leading some of the 138 returnees from as Petitioner Withdraws Recall The Libya off the aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday....

Petition SURE-P Funds: Court Orders Perm Sec to Forfeit said following the Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The petition seeking the recall of Hon. Abubakar Galadima Kuki, a member representing Bebeji constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, has been withdrawn The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said yesterday that his constituents had written back to withdraw their petition.

In a statement issued by the Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Prince Adedeji Soyebi, the

commission withdrawal of the petition, it would also call off the recall process.

The statement said: “Further to the statement issued on August 14, 2017, on the above, the petitioners, through their representatives who presented the petition, have written to the commission to withdraw same. the “Accordingly, commission will take no further action on the matter, the petition having been withdrawn.�

Eight Feared Killed in Two Attacks in Plateau Seriki Adinoyi Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă?

Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has come under two gruesome attacks by gunmen.

The first attack led to the killing of a chief, Haruna Merren, theGaladima Manguna and three others, while the other, suspected to have been carried out by armed robbers, led to the death of another four.

It was gathered that in the first incident, gunmen numbering about seven laid siege and killed Marren who was recently installed as theGaladima of Manguna at about 9p.m. last Wednesday at his Pharmacy shop in Tadai village of the local government area.

A source from Tadai said the gunmen shot Marren and the three other victims identified as Mashat Bala, Benjamin Rafan and Idi Bucho at the Pharmacy premises and ensured that they were dead before escaping into

the night.

Bokkos communities that are predominated by farmers have since then been enveloped with fears and tension, as residents have abandoned their farms, and were seen discussing in low tunes and mourning the deceased. Â Â In a related scenario, the suspected robbery incident in the early hours of yesterday that led to the death of the other four, also left three others fatally injured.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Terna Tyopev, confirmed that some persons were reportedly killed in Bokkos, but added that the information before him as at press time was still sketchy.

Also confirming the incident, the Information Officer of the Special Task Force (STF) on security in the state, Captain Umar Adam, said the command was yet to get the details of what really happened.Â

N664m, $137,680 to FG Davidson Iriekpen A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of N664 million recovered from a serving Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Clement Illoh Onubuogo.

Onubuogo allegedly converted the funds from the N10billion released by the federal government during his supervision of the Subsidy Reinvestment programme (SURE-P).

Vacation judge, Justice Abdulaziz Anka, yesterday also authorised the Economic and

Financial Crimes commission (EFCC) to seize a property described as “Clement Illoh’s Mansion� located at Ikom Quarters, Issala-Azegba in Delta State and a hotel at No. 19, Madue Nwafor Street, off Achala Ibuzo Road, Asaba, Delta State.

The court has directed EFCC to notify Onubuogo to appear in court or face permanent forfeiture of the properties in his name.

The judge also directed the publication of the interim orders in any national newspaper for any interested person to appear before the

judge to show cause within 14 days why the order should not be made permanent.

He adjourned till September 6 for ruling.

Earlier, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo told the court that both buildings belong to the permanent secretary and were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of stealing.

Oyedepo, in the application of August 15, 2017, persuaded the judge that if the matter was not “urgently determined during vacation, the assets will be dissipated.�

He said the N664,475,246.6 consisted of N437,348,181.16,

N97,300,613.44 found in Onubuogo’s First Bank account No. 3033750243 and N129,826,452.00 found in the possession of 15 persons working under Onubuogo’s supervision at the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The persons are Salisu Bala Kura, Rabiu Said, Tonye Isokeiri, Buhari Maaji Dahiru, John Isokwa Kanku, Ahmed Mahmud Muazu, Muktar Sufian, Udoh Nnamdi, Umar Bello Mashi, Salogu Karo, Usman Bello, Ahmed Mohammed Makki, Umar Abubakar, Aliyu Abubakar and Enape Victoria.

House C’ttee Summons BoI MD over N11bn Unrecovered Loans BoA invited to defend queries James Emejo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts yesterday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Olukayode Pitan, to defend allegations of N11bn unrecovered loans disbursed to various customers. He risks arrest should he fail to appear before the committee by 11 am today. The deadline followed his inability to honour the lawmakers’ invitation to appear before it yesterday to defend the allegations contained in the report of the Auditor General for the Federation (AuGF).

Rather, Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Mr. Taiwo Kolawole, told the committee that Pitan could not honour the committee’s invitation as he was already scheduled for another meeting with some executives of the Enugu State Government.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), however, Â noted over N8 billion loan advancement had not been recovered while the bank had failed to make efforts to recover them, according to one of the queries by the office of the AuGF. The second query bothered on another N2 billion

unexplained expenditure.

He said: “Considering the enormity of the sum involved, over N11billion as contained in the query by the AuGF, and considering the fact that the MD has given more importance to a meeting with Enugu State Government, we are tempted to take action as appropriate but in the spirit of fair hearing, we want to give him another opportunity so that he can appear before us tomorrow, the 18th of Aug 2017 by 11a.m, failure of which we will order for his arrest�.

A member of the committee, Hon. Gabriel Onyewife (APGA, Anambra) said the initial excuse by the MD “ was

annoying as it was insulting to the effect that the meeting with the Enugu government officials supersedes that with the National Assembly and moved that the BoI chief executive be summoned. Nonetheless, Kolawole had admitted that the committee’s invitation was duly received on July 28, which the lawmakers believed should be enough space of time for Pitan to have prepare towards the meeting. Meanwhile, the committee also ordered the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Mr. Kabir Mohammed Adamu to reappear before it today to respond to queries against the bank.

51

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Illegal Telecoms Operators, Threat to GDP Growth, Says NCC Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned

that the gains of the $68 billion telecoms contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the last 16 years of GSM operations

Nnaji: I Voluntarily Resigned as Power Minister, Not Sacked Ejiofor Alike A former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, has described as false, a statement by the former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on New Media, Mr. Reno Omokri, that he (Nnaji) was fired over allegation of corruption.

Omokri had made the claim in response to the accusation by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, who said the former president failed “woefully� during his regime.  Omokri had dismissed Okechukwu’s claim as lacking in facts, claiming that Jonathan fired two of his ministers – Nnaji and Stella Oduah - over corruption allegation, while the current administration is shielding government officials accused of corruption.  But in a swift response, Nnaji told journalists in Lagos yesterday that he resigned honourably from the Jonathan administration to protect his integrity and without any corruption allegation hanging on his neck.

He revealed that Omokri as a “mere� presidential aide was inconsequential and was not present when he informed Jonathan in a private meeting about his decision to resign. “If you want to defend your boss, defend your boss correctly with facts. Do not go to impugn people’s character in order to defend your boss. I have not made any statement against anybody and I know exactly what happened in that place. “There have been numerous reports about what transpired and

I was very clear that those who were vested in the sector were out to get what they wanted. And all of you can see it today. Some of them did get what they wanted and I didn’t want to be part of any of that. That is why I resigned.

So, anybody saying anything else is trying to find a way to deflect issues and it shouldn’t be an innocent person – somebody who came to serve his country and everybody knows what I did and the quality of work I did in the sector. There is absolutely nothing like that. I resigned; I have a letter of resignation, which I tendered to the president and I issued a statement, stating why I was resigning; that I didn’t want my integrity to be tampered with. It was very clear; it is public knowledge; you people reported it,� Nnaji explained.  The former minister, who further stated that he was still in possession of a copy of his resignation letter, added that two days after his resignation, the former president confirmed publicly that he did not commit any offence. “It is actually quite funny.

First, the presidential aide was not there when the president and I discussed my resignation and I have my letter of resignation and I resigned. The president and I discussed it, and I even issued a statement on why I resigned. But to make matters even much clearer, two days later, the president was directly asked what I did that I left the government, and he said, and I quote ‘Professor Nnaji committed no offence.’ It is there; all of you reported it. It is not from my mouth; it was from the president’s mouth,�

Nnaji added.Â

UN Calls on Parties in Conict to Shield Civilians from Harm Michael Olugbode Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“ United Nations has called on all the parties in conflicts in Nigeria to desist from war crime by protecting civilians and preventing further pain and suffering on them.

Speaking at the Bakassi internally displaced persons camp in commemoration of the World Humanitarian Day yesterday, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Edward Kallon, said there was need to respect the law guiding war.

He said: “UN SecretaryGeneral, Antonio Guterres, has published his first report on the Protection of Civilians.

He calls for enhanced respect for international humanitarian and human rights law, and protection of civilians, including humanitarian and medical workers, as well as civilian

infrastructure. He also calls for the prevention of forced displacement, and durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons.�

He lamented the increase in suicide bombings in the North-east, noting that this has led to many civilian casualties.

He said: “Here in the Northeast of Nigeria, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.

Women, men and children face grave human rights violations and sexual and gender-based violence. “Since the start of the conflict in 2009 more than 20,000 people have been killed, thousands of women and girls have been abducted and children continue to be used on a regular basis as so-called “suicide� bombers.�

He said: “Thousands of families have been forced to flee their villages, rather than build their homes, livelihoods and communities.Â

may be eroded if the sharp practices of illegal telecoms operators are not checked.

Principal Manager, Enforcement Unit, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Department at NCC, Mr. Emeka Obi, gave the warning in Lagos yesterday during a clampdown exercise on illegal Automated Vehicle Tracking Services (AVTS), otherwise known as car trackers.

According to him, their activities do not only create poor service quality on the vehicle tracking network, but also divert government revenue.

Obi said: “If this is not checked and nipped in the bud, it will negatively impact on telecoms contribution to GDP. “The telecoms sector contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and when some companies are operating illegally without contributing their quota in terms of payment of taxes and other dues to the authorities, then the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP is threatened. Although it is

difficult to quantify the economic losses to illegal car-tracking, but we know that when people are doing business illegally, the economy suffers.�

Zonal Controller in charge of Lagos Zone at NCC, Mr. Kenneth Uzoekwe, who briefed journalists shortly after the clampdown, said the essence of the raid was to address non-compliance level among AVTS operators in the country, who had over time, been operating without licences and with impunity, thereby robbing government of huge sum of money. “By their illegal activities, they disrupt the network because they cause interferences on the networks of other licensees and this kind of illegal practice also affect the quality of service deliveries by the operators,�

Uzoekwe said.

According to Obi, NCC discovered over 50 illegal operators in the AVTS segment of the telecoms sector, and that between 13 and 18, out of the 50

were licensed but without valid licences, since their licences have expired. “After we issued preenforcement notice, those with expired licences came to us to initiate the process of renewal.

Why some without licences also came to us to initiate the process of getting licence. The ones we clamped down are the remaining operators who have expired licence and those without licence at all, and the commission is mandated to ensure that they comply. “One of the mandates of the commission is to ensure fair competition and promote investment in the telecoms sector.

So any operator found wanting, will be prosecuted and convicted. “Upon conviction, the operator will be liable for a fine or imprisonment or both.

We started the clampdown in Lagos on Tuesday this week and we have shutdown five illegal operators in Lagos and the raid will be continuous,� Obi said.

He further warned illegal operators to ratify their operational licences or face the arm of the law.

Obi also advised vehicle owners to patronise only licenced AVTS operators that are operating genuinely, and explained that the data of all licenced AVTS operators is on the NCC website.

He said customers could also call the NCC toll-free line and make enquiries about genuine operators or could even walk into any of the NCC zonal offices to make enquiries. “Most vehicle owners probably do not take into cognisance that they have to check the legality of the operations of the operator they want to patronise first, and that is why we are asking them to seek information from the commission. They are not liable, but the car-tracking firms operating illegally are those we hold responsible because they are our licensees. The vehicle owners are only running at a risk,� Obi said.

PRODUCT LAUNCH

L-R: Vice President, Direct Sales, Airtel Nigeria, Oladokun Oye; Vice President, Mobil Financial and Digital Services, Veronica Onoja; Nollywood Actor and Airtel Brand Ambassador, Gabriel Afolayan; and Vice President, Brand and Advertising, Enitan Denloye, during the introduction of the Airtel Home Broadbrand (Truely Unlimited Data Plan) in Lagos... Wednesday

Hunters Kill Top Boko Haram Commander in Adamawa Daji Sani Ă“Ă˜ ÙÖË

and made effort to extend their attacks to Bakin Dutse The Chairman of Madagali and Gadamayo villages last Local Government Area in Wednesday when they met Adamawa State, Hon. Yusuf a fierce opposition from the Muhammad, has confirmed the local hunters.

Muhammad revealed that death of two members of the Boko Haram sect, including a the insurgents usually lunched attacks on the areas whenever commander.

Muhammad disclosed the government brings relief yesterday to THISDAY that materials particularly food in an attempt to raid Bakin items. “They were on rampage to Dutse and Gadamayo villages of Madagali last Wednesday steal food and medical supplies night, the terrorists were when they raided Nyibango repelled by the local hunters, and other villages,� the council which resulted in the killing a chairman said.

He said although normalcy top commander and a member had come back to the areas, the of the terrorist group.

The council boss said the areas still require more security terrorists had last Monday night men to contain the activities attacked two communities of of the sect that has paralysed Nyibango and Mudubu in farming and business activities the Madagali council area in the areas.

The spokesman of the hunters in Madagali, Ali Hammajabu, said: “Yesterday (Wednesday) at about 11p.m., our hunters successfully averted attempted massive raid on villages of Bitu, Gadamayo and Bakin Dutse.

He said the insurgents were ambushed by the hunters on their way to attack some communities, and in the process, a Boko Haram commander who was in a military half-dress was killed. “The dead Boko Haram commander was wearing a vest belonging to one of our famous commanders, Bukar Jimeta, who was killed by the insurgents recently. “We saw their corpses this morning with signs of bloods indicating that their bodies were

dragged. ‘�We found two AK47 riffles and police teargas canister which we handed over to soldiers in Madagali,’’ the hunter said.

He said further that the insurgents stormed Gadamayo and Bakin Dutse to steal food and medical supplies after residents fled into the bush but failed eventually to fulfill their wish. “Our brave hunters deployed to assist soldiers engaged the insurgents who fled. Few weapons were seized from them. ‘’This came less than two days after the terrorists attacked three villages in the same area. However every attempt to reach the military authority proof abortive as at the time

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017˾ T H I S D AY

52

NEWSXTRA

NEMA, NAPTIP Receive 138 Returnees from Libya Chiemelie Ezeobi No fewer than 14 pregnant women, 24 children and 100 others were among the 138 returnees who yesterday evening arrived the cargo wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The comprehensive

breakdown of returnees were given as 106 female adults, three female children, eight male adults, 18 male children and three male infants.

The returnees were received by the Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Suleiman Yakubu

6.26p.m.

After the returnees disembarked from the flight, the agencies on ground profiled and fed them before giving them the allocated stipend approved by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

This batch of returnees has increased the total of returnees that came back from Libya this month to 318 persons.

The first batch of 180 persons were on August 10 received at the airport in accordance with the figures quoted in a previous interview with party was not going back on the Director General NAPTIP, the dissolution of the Acting Julie Okah-Donli.

State Working Committee (SWC) Okah-Donli who was in in Anambra State, describing Lagos last week, had disclosed it as unfortunate and senseless that for the month of August, rebellion. a total of 540 Nigerians were He said: “It expected from Libya. is a common knowledge that She had also disclosed that the NWC of our great party this year alone, over 2,000 in an extraordinary meeting Nigerians have been deported in Abuja on August 15, 2017 from Libya alone. at the national secretariat in One of the returnees, Salimat Abuja considered the report of Ibrahim, who swore revenge unfortunate and senseless of her trafficker, said she was rebellion by some misguided lured to Libya with the promise members of the acting SWC of getting a job as a hair stylist. of our party in Anambra State.

She said: “We suffered a “The rebellious acting SWC of lot, especially at the detention our party led by Dr. Sylvester camp. I spent five months there Igwilo was dissolved and a before I was brought back to caretaker committee shall be Nigeria. constituted immediately to take control of the SWC. “The UPP governorship primary election scheduled to hold on August, 2017 at Emmaus House complex 47, Arthur Eze Avenue Awka as was communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), via a letter signed by the National Chairman of our great party Chief Chekwas Okorie and received on July 10, 2017 shall proceed unhindered. and the Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Joseph Famakinwa.

Although the flight was delayed for hours, the aircraft, 5A-ONO Afriqiyah with flight number Brq-189/190, finally touched down at about

UPP Crisis: Don’t Fight for Me, Offodile Tells Chekwas Okorie Party insists ex-lawmaker, Chidoka remain aspirants David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka An aspirant of the United Progressives Party (UPP), Hon Chudi Offodile, has told the national leadership of the party and its National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie, not to fight the Anambra State chapter of the party for him, but to work hard to mend fences with the executives of the party in the state.

The state chapter of the party had on Tuesday announced the suspension of Offodile and his co-aspirant on the platform of the party, Chief Osita Chidoka, for allegedly engaging in anti-party activities.

Addressing journalists in Awka yesterday, Offodile, a two-time member of the House of Representatives, said he had no case to answer before the state chapter of the party as some of the allegations levelled against him were alien to him.

He said: “They accused me of paying money into the private account of the national chairman and that I did not resign from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the UPP. These are all false, and I have forwarded to them documents to show that I did not pay money into any personal account, and that I duly resigned

from PDP before joining the party.

“The crisis you are seeing in the party is one that had started three weeks ago between the national body and the state executives of the party.

I was thinking that they would have resolved it amicably, but they let it degenerate to this level.”

He threatened to take a legal action against the state executives of the party if it failed to retract their accusations against him, saying as for the suspension, it was dead on arrival.

Offodile also called on the national leadership of the party to quickly resolve the crisis it has with the state chapter, while also condemning the purported sack of the entire executive of the party at a time when it had a role to play in the election of the party’s candidate.

Meanwhile, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ogbuehi Dike, has reaffirmed that Offodile and the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, remain cleared as aspirants for the party’s primary election which holds tomorrow.

Dike who announced the reaffirmation of the aspirants said the National Working Committee (NWC) of the

Lawyers Set to Honour Akwa Ibom CJ, Ex-Law School Chief, 16 Others at Class 85 Reunion Christopher Ike and Chiamaka Akumka A group of lawyers under the auspices of Class of 1985 at the Nigerian Law School will on Monday honour their teacher and former Secretary of the Council of Legal Education (CLE), Oba D.V.F. OlateruOlagbegi at their annual reunion luncheon slated for Lagos.

Oba Olateru-Olagbegi will be honoured alongside a member of the class and the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Godwin Abraham and other deserving members of the class who have distinguished themselves in various spheres of the legal profession.

The popular annual reunion of the set will hold on the sidelines of the 2017 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) taking place in Lagos.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the class, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), five judicial officers, five senior advocates, a professor of law,

five top executives in the federal bureaucracy and another traditional ruler will also be honoured at the annual reunion holding at the prestigious Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Among the judges to be honoured are US-based jurist, Judge Adetokunbo Fasanya of Family Court, State of New York; Justice A. B. Mohammed and Justice Angela Otaluka, both of the High Court of FCT, and Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of the High Court of Lagos State.

Among the senior advocates to be honoured are Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, Chairman of Multi-Choice Nigeria; Mr. Elisha Kura, a Kaduna-based trial lawyer; Mr. James Ikeyi and Mr. Ayo Akintunde. The only scholar in the honours list is Prof.

Jerry Agbo Madaki of School of Law, Catholic University of East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

Also to be honoured are the National Commissioner at Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and former

THISDAY Lawyer Editor, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu; the newly appointed Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Hadiza Mustapha; Executive Secretary of Pension Transition Arrangements Directorate (PTAD), Ms. Sharon Ikeazor, and Group Legal Adviser of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Hajia Hadiza Coomassie.

Also to be awarded are Dr. Alexander Adeyinka, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Canadian National Insurance Crime Services (CANATICS) in Ottawa Canada; Mr. Alex Ugwuanyi, Company Secretary, Capital Hotels Plc, owners of Abuja Sheraton, and the Onogie of Ihieve-Ogben in Owan East Local Government of Edo State, Chief Andrew Otokhina.

The leader of the class, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) is expected to chair the occasion.

Ngige enjoined members of the class to turn out in their large numbers for the exquisite reunion luncheon.

“Sadly, it was a Nigerian and a fellow woman like me that did this to me and hundreds of other young girls. Knowing that I was a hair stylist back home in Kogi, the woman promised me that I will continue it over there with better pay.

“After I agreed, I and several others were brought to Lagos from where our journey began.

Contrary to what we were told, we were put in a Hilux van.

“We were packed like cattle and we spent one month crisscrossing our way to Libya.

Again, contrary to what we were told, immediately we got to Libya, the story changed.

“All the promises turned to ashes. We were suffering and arrested and taken to the detention camp where another round of suffering began.

“At the detention camp, the officials treated us like animals. The water we drank was deadly. We the females suffered countless infections.

It was joy galore when we were finally prepared to come home.”

Speaking on the incident, NEMA zonal coordinator, who represented the Director General of NEMA, Mustapha Maihajja, said the federal government had constantly

warned all those who engage in any type of trafficking at any level in and out of the country to desist from such.

He said: “Parents and relatives of returnees have been discovered to be fully involved in aiding their wards in their illegal and deadly journeys.

“The activities of the traffickers and their conspirators are getting too embarrassing. Trafficking can be equalled to corruption as those involved are misleading and denying young victims of brighter and promising future.

“Many parents and relations sold their belonging to send these young ones to the so-called greener pastures that do not exist and the young are bargained out because of the greed of their parents.

“Today, we have received a total of 138 returnees via Airbus A320 with registration number ONO and Flight BRQ 189/190.

“As at date, about 2,232 returnees have been brought back to Nigeria by IOM from March 2016 till day and NEMA alongside other stakeholders have receiving, rehabilitating and reintegrating the returnees back to society accordingly.”

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017˾ T H I S D AY

53

NEWSXTRA

Man Arraigned over Alleged Possession of Human Parts Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A middle-aged man, One Suleiman Babatunde of Eleran compound in Oloje area

of Ilorin, Kwara State, was yesterday arraigned before a Magistrate Court for allegedly exhuming human corpse and for unlawful possession of human

Justice Obaseki’s Burial Begins in Benin City Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Activities marking the burial of late Justice Andrews Otutu Obaseki, the Obaseki of Benin Kingdom, began yesterday in Benin City, the Edo State capital, with a special valedictory court session at the state High Court.

The Obaseki who was a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria between 1977 and 1991, and also served as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria at various times, died on July 13, 2017 at his Benin City residence.

Speaking at the special valedictory session, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, who was represented

by Justice Ejembi Ekpo, said Obaseki participated in 658 judgments comprising 126 lead judgments, 530 concurring judgments and two dissenting judgments while at the Supreme Court.

Justice Onnoghen said the deceased pronouncements set down ground breaking precedents in the area of the protection of citizens from extrajudicial acts of governments, the principle of fair hearing and natural justice.

Also speaking, Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Frances Ikponmwen, described late Justice Obaseki as a colossus and giant that bestrode the bench from the lower rung to the apex court in Nigeria.

Justice Ikponmwen who

was represented by Justice Ikponmwoba Ehigiamusoe also said late Justice Obaseki was a man of great letter and words.

Ikponmwen noted that it was fitting for Justice Obaseki to be honoured at the High Court complex because he ensured things were put in place for the judiciary when he was the Chief Justice of the Midwest-Western Region.

She further described him as a very calm and sober jurist who belonged to the golden generation of Supreme Court Justices.

“He was an administrator of the National Judicial Institute, a traditional chief. He had in his heart a compelling passion to accomplish justice. He possessed an indispensable mental capacity to translate that passion for justice into the actuality of fair, lucid and righteous judgement.

“He was on judge who showed this passion for justice so steadfastly and so indomitably. He revered the bench bringing to dignity. He took no short cut and made the full journey to the apex court,” she said.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who is also a nephew of Justice Obaseki, recalled how the man he called daddy found one of his cousins guilty in a case he presided over as a show of respect for fairness and justice.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GREATEST DIVINE COVENANT OF GOD MISSION

This is to inform the general public that the above named Greatest Divine ŽǀĞŶĂŶƚ KĨ 'ŽĚ DŝƐƐŝŽŶ ŚĂƐ ĂƉƉůŝĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƌĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ƵŶĚĞƌ ƚŚĞ WĂƌƚ ͞ ͟ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ůůŝĞĚ DĂƩĞƌƐ Đƚ ϭϵϵϬ͘ THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: ϭ͘ ƉŽƐƚůĞ ƌ ĚĞŵ :ĞƐƐĞ ĸŽŶŐ͕ (General Overseer) Ϯ͘ ZĞǀ ƌ ĚĞŵ /ƐĂĂĐ ĸŽŶŐ͕ ϯ͘ WĂƐƚŽƌ ďĂƐŝƵƌƵŶ ŶŝĞŬĂŶ 'ĞŽƌŐĞ͕ ϰ͘ WĂƐƚŽƌ /ŵĞŚ ƵŐƵƐƟŶĞ ĚĞƚ AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ϭ͘ dŽ WƌĞĂĐŚ dŚĞ 'ŽŽĚ EĞǁƐ KĨ KƵƌ >ŽƌĚ :ĞƐƵƐ ŚƌŝƐƚ dŽ ůů EĂƟŽŶƐ͘ ŶLJ ŽďũĞĐƟŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƌĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ďĞ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ZĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƌ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů͕ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ īĂŝƌƐ ŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ƉůŽƚ ϰϮϬ͕ dŝŐƌŝƐ ƌĞƐĐĞŶƚ͕ Žī ŐƵŝLJŝ /ƌŽŶƐŝ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ DĂŝƚĂŵĂ͕ ďƵũĂ͕ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ Ϯϴ ĚĂLJƐ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƵďůŝĐĂƟŽŶ͘ ^/'E ͗

GENERAL OVERSEER

parts.

Babatunde was said to have conspired with his two sons, Abdulwahab Folorunsho Olaitan and Aliyu OladimejiOlaitan who are at large to excavate and exhume the corpse of one Suleiman Saka who died July 26, 2017.

He was dragged before Magistrate Bio Saliu for Criminal Conspiracy and unlawful possession of human head and parts contrary to section 97 and 219 of penal code.

According to the Police First Information Report obtained from the court, one Aliyu Baba

of Onilu compound, Oloje, was said to have reported the matter at Oloje Police station before it was transferred to the Police Criminal Investigative and Intelligent Department in Ilorin.

“He was in his house when he received information that the grave of his late son, Suleiman Saka, who died on July 26, 2017 and buried on the same date behind the family house compound has been excavated, exhumed and taken away by unknown person.

In the course of police investigations, Saka’s body was traced to Babatunde’s house,

where the head, two hands and two legs which were cut off and hidden on top of the ceiling were recovered.

The remaining part of Saka’s body was reported to have been driven off by the accused person’s sons and one Jelili in a Honda Accord car with registration number, MUS- 150-ED to a yet-to-be ascertain place.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, the state prosecutor, Adewumi Johnson, prayed the court not to grant the accused person bail.

He said the offence, is not ordinarily bailable.

He argued further that granting the accused bail would jeopardise police chances to apprehend the other suspects who are still at large.

The accused person’s counsel, Sulyman Abdullah, who represented Toyin Onaolapo, prayed the court to discountenance the submission of the prosecutor even as he added that the issue of bail was at the court’s discretion.

The court however agreed with the prayers of prosecutor and remanded the accused in Oke-Kura prison in Ilorin while the case was adjourned to August 30.

FG, ASUU MEETING DEADLOCKED, POSTPONED TILL NEXT WEEK Meanwhile, the federal government has disclosed that it has demanded the details of the expenditure of N30 billion from ASUU, as a precondition for the release of N23 billion being requested for, by the striking union.

It also refused to back down from its insistence that the universities would not be excluded from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), despite the opposition of ASUU, which declared an indefinite strike last Monday, following the non implementation of the 2009 agreement.

The Minister of Education, Adamu, while, speaking before the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education yesterday, however expressed hope that the strike would be called off next week, as negotiations are currently ongoing.

“They (ASUU) asked for N23 billion to be paid. But we said the condition for that N23 billion to be released, was for them to account for the N30 billion they

had taken, and they were not able to account for it,” he said.

Adamu did not reveal when the N30 billion was given to the universities.

“The Minister of Finance undertook to do the audit from the ministry, and we agreed that the result will be known in six months. During that six months, government undertook to be paying them N1.5 billion each month during the time they are waiting for this. And their grouse was the forensic audit promised by the Minister of Finance had not been done and the money promised had not been paid,” he added.

The minister stated that at a meeting with the union early this week, some agreements were reached.

“So, at our meeting two days ago, our agreements were at follows. And we will pay them all and do forensic audit on the entire N53 billion. And that is what I tried to do yesterday

(Wednesday). I wrote to the Minister of Finance and she has already approved and this money will be paid. Probably,

by Monday, they will be able to receive the cheque,” “There are other issues which we didn’t agree. And that was their request to be taken out of TSA. I told them that it is not possible because this is s new policy and government is not going to change it for anyone,” Adamu said.

The Minister blamed the authorities of the universities for recruiting staff without due process, as causing the shortfalls in salaries.

“Concerning their salary short fall, we said a lot of the reasons spring from what they are doing wrong. They go and do a lot of employment without proper authority. For instance, a university can just decide to go and recruit 50 people. And IPPIS is not aware. What they are going to get is the money

they got last month, and it will not be sufficient for them. They normally spread it among the entire staff. Let’s say they pay 70 percent to 80 percent but that is their fault. So, institutions, we said, must now stop doing that.

And they accepted,” he said. ”There is the issue of the registration of their pension commission. I think they have one or two issues to iron out with PENCOM. And I believe they will also be able to solve the problem within a week. The issue of renegotiation is already going on. And it is unaffected by what were have said and it will continue. From the way they received it, I think it is possible that the strike will be called off within a week maximum,” Adamu disclosed.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Jibrin Barau expressed hope that the strike would be resolved next week, as stated by the minister, so students can return to school.

˜ ͯͶ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵ ˾ T H I S D AY

54

FRIDAYSPORTS Wenger a ‘Goner’ if Dangote Takes over Arsenal Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, 60, has renewed his interest in acquiring English Premier League giants, Arsenal.

And if the wishes of the Nigerian billionaire and President of the Dangote Group, comes true, Arsene Wenger’s days as manager of the North London club are as good as over.

The Kano-born entrepreneur reported to be worth £8.6billion is a known Arsenal fan and has never hidden his interests to acquire the club if owner, Stan Kroenke, is willing to sell.

D a n g o t e told Bloomberg yesterday that the first thing he would do on acquiring the club is to change the coaching personnel.

“The first thing I would change is the coach (Wenger). He has done a good job, but someone else should also try his luck.”

The Frenchman has been in-charge of the Gunners for 21 years and is the longest-serving manager of any topflight football club in Europe.

Until Arsenal defeated Chelsea to lift the English FA Cup last term, a section of Gunners’ fans were literarily at war with Wenger.

They wanted him out of the club for a new coach to take charge.

They loathe Arsenal’s inability to win trophies. Arsenal is going to miss this year’s UEFA Champions League after finishing outside the top four of the EPL last season.

But Kroenke and his directors appeared unfazed with the cries of the fans, preferring instead to

look at the profit Wenger’s policy (of miserly spending on players) was bringing to the club.

Instead of pandering to the wishes of the club’s fans the Frenchman was rewarded with a fresh two-year contract extension in May. Earlier this year, Kroenke turned down a one billion pound takeover offer of the club from his fellow shareholder, Alisher Usmanov.

However, Dangote who has his hands on almost every sector of the Nigerian economy, the latest being the oil refinery he is building in Lagos, believes at the right prize, Kroenke would succumb to the temptation of selling the club to him.

“If they get the right offer, I’m sure they would walk away,” he said.

“Someone will give them an offer that will make them seriously consider walking away. And when we finish the refinery, I think we will be in a position to do that.

“It’s a great team, well-run.

It could be run better, so I will be there.

“I will wait. Even if things change I will take it,” stressed Dangote in his resolve to own the London-based club Dangote, who counts former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein as a good friend, had earlier in September last year spoken of his desire to purchase Arsenal.

“Maybe three to four years.

The issue is that we have more challenging headwinds,” he had said back then.

“I need to get those out the way first and start having tailwinds.

Then I’ll focus on this.”

Irabor Calls for Urgent Reorganisation of Nigeria Sports Pioneer Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) and one-time Chairman of the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Hon Nduka Irabor, has called for urgent action for the revival of Nigeria sports.

Speaking on the topic “Nigeria Sports: Strategies for Revival and Growth”, at a seminar organised by the Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association Nigeria (SWAN) as part of activities to mark their Merrybet-Lagos SWAN Week, Irabor outlined a number of measures that should be taken to stem the ugly tide and build capacity to enable the realisation of the full potentials in of the sports sector.

He also decried the prevailing situation where the Nigeria business community has developed a penchant for association and sponsorship of foreign sports bodies to the negligence of such bodies in the country.

Irabor pointed out that while all the football leagues in Nigeria received only $10m in sponsorship in one year, the Nigeria corporate community paid out about N150billion to foreign football

leagues and clubs, an attitude which he stressed seriously injures and negates efforts at nation building.

Principal among the solutions proffered by Hon Irabor is that the government should properly re-articulate its policy for sports, taking into consideration the fact that sports has become a serious global economic and business factor.

Also, the former lawmaker said the government should as a matter of imperative develop new creative ways for the funding of sports.

He called for the involvement of businesses, communities, the public and individuals to contribute in tackling the critical deficit in sports facilities, equipment and trainers nationwide.

While pointing out that the sports trust and lottery system has been developed and applied for the funding of both grassroots and elite sports in countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, he regretted that the Nigeria version of the same set up has remained only so in name. He insisted that Nigerians do not know how much is raked in and where and how the income is applied.

Wenger

Finidi, Ogunbote, Maikaba, Others Listed for National Team Jobs Duro Ikhazuagbe The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has invited former Super Eagles winger Finidi George; Enyimba FC of Aba Manager, Gbenga Ogunbote; Akwa United Head Coach, Abdul Maikaba and 54 other Nigerian coaches for interviews into various vacant national team position.

Kennedy Boboye who is leading Plateau United to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title is also on the list of invited coaches along with Fidelis Ilechukwu whose MFM FC is second on the topflight log behind the Jos team.

The invited coaches are set to fill vacant positions of Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Trainer in the U17, U20 and U23 National Teams (men), the U17 and Senior National Teams (women) and the Beach Soccer National Team.

Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chris Green, said yesterday that the coaches are expected to report at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja on Tuesday, 22nd August 2017, with their original credentials and other relevant certificates/documents.

The list of short-listed candidates was drawn from the pool of applicants who heeded a public notice by the NFF for applications two weeks ago.

The football governing body has advised all the coaches that they would be responsible for their movement to and from Abuja, as well as their upkeep and other personal expenses in the Federal Capital Territory.

Meanwhile, the NFF has appointed Christopher Danjuma as Head Coach of the U-20 Women national team, also known as Falconets.

Danjuma will be assisted by Wemimo Matthew (1st Assistant Coach), Mansur Abdullahi (2nd Assistant Coach) and Abdul-lateef Yusuf (Goalkeeper Trainer).

The quartet is expected in the Federal Capital, Abuja on Wednesday next week to open camp for screening of players for next month’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Tanzania.

According to fixtures released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), two-time FIFA World Cup silver medallists Falconets will take on Tanzania in Nigeria on the weekend of 15-17

September, with the return leg in Dar es Salaam two weeks later.

The winner over both legs will then confront the winner of the fixture pairing Morocco against Senegal in November, before a final round of qualifying matches in January 2018.

The Falconets have played in every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, since it was launched as an U19 tournament in Canada 15 years ago. The team reached the quarter finals in Thailand 2004, Russia 2006 and Chile 2008, before finishing as runners –up at the 2010 finals in Germany and at the 2014 finals in Canada.

The Falconets reached the semi finals in Japan in 2012, but failed to reach the knock –out stage in Papua New Guinea last year.

THE INVITED COACHES Finidi George, Toyin Ayinla, Auwar Bashar, Maureen Madu, Adanna Nwaneri, Mary Godspower, Kennedy Boboye, Henry Oluwafiropo Abiodun, Fidelis Ilechukwu, Paul Aigbogun, Shola Ibrahim Adewuyi, Ajuma Peter Otache, Hassan Abdullahi Sharif, Jolomi Atoume, Bala Abubakar Mohammed, Ben Ogbe, Bunmi

Oluwasonmi Haruna, Godwin Okon, Danladi Nasidi Alala and Abdullahi Maikaba.

Others also listed for interview include, Haruna Ilerika, Peter Ijeh, Nduka Ugbade Manu Garba, Patrick Olalere, Iliya Buba, Abdullahi Tayabo Umar, Randy Waldrum Tama Aondofar, Ernest Teigbanyo, Suleiman Shaibu, Jide Dina, Adams Usman Elshama Yunus Musa, Nathaniel Ogunwale, Emmanuel Akwuegbu, Baruwa Olatunji Abideen, Abdullahi Abubakar, Nkiru Okosieme, Monday Odigie, Evans Ogenyi Kabiru Umar Baleria, Baba Ganaru Mohammed, Bala Nikyu, Etta Egbe, Christian Obi Ewulu Afam Innocent Fancy and Ogunbote Olugbenga Ayodeji.

The following coaches completed the list of gaffers invited for interview for the national team jobs. They include; Abdullahi Usman Biffo, Adeoye Obaseyi Onigbinde, Zachary Baraje, Morufu Najimu Adeyemi, Queendolyn Akpan, Atu Mamuzo Lucky, Taiwo Omobolanle, Adewale Laloko, Whyte Ogbonna and Usman Yinka Salihu.

AITEO CUP: Rangers, Tornadoes, Akwa Utd through to Round of 32 Rangers International FC of Enugu are through to the Round of 32 of the AITEO Cup competition after the Organising Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) threw out opponents Kogi United following Wednesday’s abandoned encounter in Lokoja.

The home boys were leading 2-1 before there was spectator

–encroachment on the pitch of Confluence Stadium after the referee awarded a penalty kick to the reigning NPFL champions.

Rangers have therefore joined the teams that will enter the pot for today’s draw for the Round of 32 games, during the Sports Tonight programme of Channels Television.

In other matches played yesterday, Niger Tornadoes edged an all-NPFL teams’ encounter against El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 in Lokoja, while Akwa United downed hosts Halfa FC of Jigawa 3-1 in Hadejia.

Adamawa United Feeders also reached the Round of 32

following a 2-1 triumph over Cynosure FC of Rivers, and FC Abuja thrashed Niger Tornadoes Feeders 4-1 in Lokoja.

RESULTS AdamawaUtdFeeders 2-1 Cynosur Niger Tornadoes 2-1 El-Kanemi Halfa FC 1-3 Akwa United Tornadoes Feeders 1-4 FC Abuja.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

55

FRIDAYSPORTS

Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, Others Nominated for FIFA Player Award Mourinho, Zidane, Conte listed for coaches’ top prize Omagbemi, Aubameyang only Africans listed Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo leads the nominees unveiled yesterday for the Best FIFA Men’s Player 2017 award. The 32-year-old Portuguese captain is favourite to retain the title he won last year after success in both the Champions League and La Liga.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons’ coach, Florence Omagbemi and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are the only Africans in contention for FIFA’s annual awards. There were no Africans at all among the nominations for the awards for men’s coach or women’s player that were announced by football’s world governing body yesterday.

Omagbemi was a pioneer member of the Nigeria’s Super Falcons which made an international debut in a 5-1 defeat of Ghana on February 16, 1991 and has become the first Nigerian to be listed for the prestigious FIFA awards. Coach Omagbemi led Nigeria to an eighth continental title in Cameroon last year. She is one of the 10 names on the list for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach.

The 27-year-old Aubameyang on the other hand was the top scorer in the Bundesliga last season with 31 goals for Borussia Dortmund Among the 24 men’s nominees for the best male player award are Ronaldo’s Real Madrid teammates Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Marcelo, Luka Modric, Keylor Navas and Sergio Ramos.

The list also includes Barcelona rivals Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, as well as Paris Saint-Germain’s record signing Neymar.

Champions League finalists with Juventus, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and teammate Paulo Dybala are also in the running, alongside former Juventus player Leonardo Bonucci, who has

since signed for AC Milan.

The other nominees include Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Tottenham), N’Golo Kante (Chelsea), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal) and Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich).

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane heads the list of 12 nominees for the men’s coach of the year award.

Other candidates include Antonio Conte, who led Chelsea to the English title, Manchester United’s Europa League-winning coach Jose Mourinho and Massimiliano Allegri of Juventus.

Zidane has enjoyed a glorious year in charge of Madrid as they successfully defended the European Cup – the first team to do so in the Champions League era.

Real also won La Liga, the first time they had been champions of Spain and Europe in the same year since 1958.

He has won seven trophies since succeeding Rafael Benitez as coach of Madrid in January last year, including the Uefa Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup this month.

Last year’s winner Carli Lloyd of the United States is one of ten nominees for the women’s award.

The winners are to be decided by a jury of club and international coaches, media representatives and fans.

The prize – one of a new set of awards organised by FIFA following their split with Ballon d’Or organisers France Football magazine – will be handed over in London on October 23.

N C C T E N N I S L E AG U E

Marylove to Play Farewell Match as She Starts Pro Career Sojourn Nigeria’s prodigious junior tennis talent, Marylove Edwards, will be playing what effectively will be her farewell match in Nigeria in the NCC Tennis League tie between Lagos-based Team CBN Features and Team Ndoma- Egba of Abuja taking place at the National Stadium Lagos tennis courts on Saturday.

Edwards, the national 14 & under champion who got to the finals of the CBN Senior Championships two months ago, will be leaving for America this month to begin what would effectively be her pro tennis sojourn with the famous Nick Bolletieri Tennis Academy.

Edwards, plays for the CBN Futures and will be showcasing her talent against highly rated Aanu Ayegbusi of the Abuja-based team.

Although Team Ndoma-Egba are making their debut in the League, they have a formidable line up that includes two former champions - Thomas Otu and Sunday Maku - and Mohammed Mohammed who is currently in the top 10 of the NCC Rankings.

Two other tennis league matches

will take place in Ado Ekiti and Jos. In Ado Ekiti where Team Yetade will be hosting Team Goshen of Ilorin in an evenly poised tie, the ladies singles between top 10 player Patience Onebamhoin of Goshen and fast rising junior Molade Bamidele, a quarterfinalist at the CBN Seniors has the potential to be the star match of the tie. The tie will take place at the Fountain Hotel tennis courts inside the Trade Fair Complex.

In Jos, defending champions Team Offikwu parading national champions Sylvester Emmanuel and Sarah Adegoke will be taking on newcomers Team Tech Vibe at the Elim Sports Club.

“It is going to be a great weekend for tennis and we shall use the opportunity of the Lagos tie to send-forth our future world star Marylove Edwards. We hope that tennis fans and stakeholders will come and watch the matches and bid her farewell, in all the senses of that word, with a prayer and a package,” observed Godwin Kienka, director of the International Tennis Academy which coordinates the league.

Aubameyang

Omagbemi

Ronaldo

KW E S E P R E M I E R B ’ B A L L L E AG U E

Falcons, Hoopers, Hoops and Read, Potters Book Final 8 Tickets Rivers Hoopers continued their impressive start to the Kwese Premier Basketball League Conference Six yesterday with a third victory in a row after a 76-69 points win against Oluyole Warriors.

The first quarter saw Hoopers lead with a single point (19-18) but the Port Harcourt side stretch the advantage to 11 points at the end of the second quarter.

After resumption for the second half, Ogoh Odaudu side stood firm as a they maintained their 11 points lead (59-48) going in to the last quarter of the game which eventually finished 76-69.

For Hoops and Read, they recovered from their Match-day 2 loss to beat Police Baton 87-69 points. The first stanza of the game saw Hoops lead with 53-44 after the opening quarter ended 22-21 in favour of Hoops.

A further 20 points was added

by Hoops and Read in the third quarter which ended 73-51.

Coach Charles Osho led side settled the game in the last quarter to dent Police chances of making the Final 8.

The last game of the day between Kwara Falcons and Nigeria Customs produced a top drawer performance from two teams.

Falcons quartet of David Godwin (24pts, 7 rebounds), Mojuba Oyeleye (16pts, 3rebounds), Anaiye Johnson (14pts, 7rebounds) and Godspower Ossai (10pts) hit double digits for the Ilorin side who made it three wins from three games with a 84-73 points Victory.

Nigeria Customs were heavily carried by the trio of Ayodele Sheyi, Zanna Mohammed and Solomon Igho who all finished the game with 21, 11 and 10 points respectively.

A 7-0 scoring run saw Customs finished the opening quarter with 26-24 point advantage.

Kwara Falcons made early surge in the second quarter to get themselves in the driving seat going into the break (43-37).

It was a close affair after intermission, but an 8-0 scoring run saw Coach Adewunmi Aderemi side finish with a three point cushion.

Solid defence proved to be Falcons’ strength in the last quarter of the game which gave them a final score of 84-73 points victory.

After day 3, Falcons, Royal Hoopers and Hoops and Read have clinched spots in the final 8. Today is rest day while action resumes tomorrow.

In the Savannah Conference Final Six, Niger Potters of Minna emerged as the first team to book a place in the Final 8, which is the grand finale of the play-offs of the Kwese Premier Basketball League.

They qualified after beating

Plateau Peaks 91-82 points at the Indoor Hall of the Murtala Square in Kaduna.

Winning all their three games to confirm their place at the Final 8 of the league to be played in Kano next month, Potters edged Plateau Peaks with 9 points at the end of the game. Potters and Peaks shared the spoils in the first quarter with 16 points each but took the game to their opponents in the second quarter and won it with a 43-35 points lead before consolidating with a 58-52 points win in the third quarter and ending the game 91-82 points.

RESULTS Kada Stars vs. Gombe Bulls- 53-90 PlateauPeaks vs. NigerPotters- 82-91 TODAY Bauchi Nets vs. Kada Stars Gombe Bulls vs. Plateau Peaks Kano Pillars vs. Niger Potters

Rivers Utd’s Emeka Ogbuh Wins VAT Wonder Goal12 Rivers United’s Emeka Ogbuh has become the first player to win the VAT Wonder Goal award twice over two seasons after he emerged with the highest votes for the Match-day 31 shortlisted goals.

Ogbuh’s goal against Wikki Tourists in added time of the fixture polled a total of 2,843 votes to beat Abayomi Adebayo of Shooting Stars to second place.

It was a close race between the two but FC IfeanyiUbah’s Isaac Loute earned the highest vote from the voters on twitter with 112 of the 311 votes. Ogbuh polled 106 while Abayomi polled 71 leaving the rest 22 votes for Destiny Ashadi of Katsina United.

In the website voting where a total of 5419 fans voted, Ogbuh polled 2,737 ahead of Abayomi

who picked 2336 votes to bring his combined total to 2407.

Ogbugh, while playing for Heartland FC of Owerri last season had won the Wonder Goal award but switched to Rivers United after the Owerri side was relegated.

Guy Kuemian Venance opened scoring for the hosts after 10 minutes and in added time of the first half of the match against Wikki Tourists, Ogbuh received a lob from the right flank at the edge of the box, controlled with his chest and fired a riser that sailed in for the second of their 3-0 win.

He became the 12th player this season to win the award which attracts a cash prize of N150,000 half of which will be donated to a Charity he will nominate from within the state. He also joins team

mate, Ayo Saka who won the award on Match-day 20. It also made Rivers United the second club to have two players winning the award this season after Remo Stars that has had Ochowechi Salefu and Victor Chidume.

The VAT Wonder Goal award is a community investment initiative of the League Management Company (LMC) to promote club and community engagement. It is supported by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) which seeks to promote tax education on the platform of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Votes are cast by fans for shortlisted players on the NPFL website, www.npfl.ng and the twitter handle, @lmcnpfl .

Ogbugh

Friday, August 18, 2017

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE CAN President to ASUU, FG “We are playing with the future of the younger generation, so let us show them love, don’t let us allow our children to grow up hating us and hating the nation. Strike today strike tomorrow…”

– Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) president, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, berating ASUU and federal government over strikes in universities.

IBRAHIMMAGU GUEST COLUMNIST

Nigeria Risks Imminent Expulsion from Egmont Group

I

t is longer news that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, has been suspended from the activities of the EGMONT Group of Financial Intelligence Units, and has been disconnected from the Egmont Secure Website, a platform used for the exchange of information by members.

The suspension of the NFIU though generally misconstrued, is not for the lack of effectiveness of the NFIU, or its failure to meet the EGMONT Group standard operation as an FIU; rather, the failure of Nigeria to address the legal frame work of the NFIU vis-a-vis its operational autonomy with the EFCC. For the records, the NFIU has over time performed creditably, a fact which is evidenced from the quest of FIUs within the West/Central African region to be mentored / sponsored by the NFIU. The EGMONT Group in recognition of the effectiveness and robustness in the activities of the NFIU approved the NFIU to mentor the FIUs of the GAMBIA, Liberia and Sierra Leone to EGMONT Group membership and equally appointed the Director of the NFIU, its regional representative for the West/Central African sub region. This is aside various other typology projects the NFIU coordinated and conducted on behalf of the EGMONT Group.

Considering the above, it could not be said that the NFIU has not been effective or not lived up to expectations within the EGMONT Group.

The genesis of the current situation dates back to 2013 when a former Director of the NFIU fraudulently petitioned the EGMONT Group and painted a gory picture of an FIU completely insecure and unfit to perform its mandate. Even though an on-site visit of the EGMONT Group conducted in the aftermath of the allegations gave a clean bill to the NFIU, a support and compliance process of the EGMONT Group was triggered, which has since put the NFIU under a search light, with the request that it defines its relationship with the EFCC. An FIU under the Egmont Group principle and protocols is expected to be operationally autonomous with a robust confidentiality policy. It should be discrete and insulated from any form of political interference that may compromise its ability to effectively perform its mandate The NFIU possess these characteristics. The EGMONT group recognizes that these characteristics exist in the NFIU. Its only concern has been that, the NFIU does not have the legal framework to guarantee that these characteristic will not be compromised in the future and as such insist that the Economic and Financial Crimes (Establishment) Act 2004 be amended to address these concerns.

Unfortunately very few people are informed about the modus operandi of the FIU. Yet, we have so many people masquerading as experts on the subject! The core characteristic of the FIU makes its activities and operations less known to the public. Except a person who had been a staff of the FIU or an officer of the Egmont group secretariat, most of these so called expert opinions are simply derived from open source information which should

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo

be subject to verification. The perception that the EGMONT Group insists that the NFIU must be separated from the EFCC is completely misconstrued, self serving and calculated to defeat and compromise the Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism (ANL/CFT) regime in Nigeria.

The EGMONT Group by its charter protocols and principles recognizes the existence of four types of FIUs - Administrative, Judicial, Police and Hybrid FIUs. The EGS adopts completely the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, (FATF) most particularly recommendation 29, which deals exclusively on FIUs. The interpretative note to recommendation 29(9) provides that, an “FIU may be established as part of an existing authority, when an FIU is located within the existing structure of another authority, the FIU’s core functions should be distinct from those of the other authority”.

Recommendation 29(10) states that the “FIU should be provided with adequate financial, human and technical resources, in a manner that secure its autonomy and independence and allows it to conduct its mandate effectively, countries should have a place processes to ensure that the staff of the FIU maintain high professional standards including standards concerning confidentiality and should be of high integrity and be appropriately skilled”.

Nowhere in the FATF’s standard recommendations provided that an FIU must standalone. A standalone FIU without the capabilities enumerated in Recommendation 29 (9) and (10) will lack the requisite operational autonomy to carry out its mandate. The NFIU as it stands today has 90% of these capacities and it has been functioning optimally in the discharge of its responsibilities.

The question will be: what is the guarantee that the standalone FIU being proposed will have these capacities soon enough to meet the requirements of the FATF and the EGMONT Group, which will convince the EGMONT Group to lift its suspension against the NFIU? It is worrisome that some individuals will deliberately undermine the achievements of the NFIU at this stage of its development. These individuals are doing the greatest disservice to Nigeria by failing to restrict themselves

to the core issues that are of concern to the Egmont Group, and projecting a misconceived position, with the sole intent of establishing a new FIU. The NFIU has recently been tagged inefficient, meddled upon and above all, not operating up to international best standards but surprisingly, no comparison has been made between the NFIU and other FIUs perceived to be operating to the best international standards as pundits have constantly propagated. To this extent, we can only draw the inference that the NFIU is being given a bad name so as to facilitate its destruction and diminish the country’s AML/CFT achievements. The backlash could be Nigeria being blacklisted by the FATF, a development that will rubbish the current administration’s economic recovery plans and set the Country back in its efforts to attract direct foreign investments.

The speed and industry employed by the Senate to pass the NFIA bill is commendable, but the bill to establish the NFIA and disband the NFIU is miss- guided and detracts seriously from the issues at stake. The intention of the bill is bogus. Viewed carefully, the NFIA bill is designed to set up another Law Enforcement Agency with regulatory and enforcement capabilities. The concern of the EGMONT Group has always been that, an FIU should not be saddled with responsibilities that will cause it to deviate from its core functions of receiving, analyzing and disseminating information. The NFIA bill, if allowed to pass will not meet the EG criteria and Nigeria will be back to point zero.

As mentioned earlier, the problem that resulted to the suspension of the NFIU from the EGMONT Group had existed from the establishment of the Unit. Overtime measures have been employed to address the deficiencies.

These measures included the issuance of the NFIU regulation of 2015, by a former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke. This regulation though addressed the concerns of the EGMONT Group, did not suffice, due to the provision of Section 1(2) (c) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004.

The EGMONT Group suggested that for the regulation to take full effect, the EFCC Act 2004 should be amended to specifically create the NFIU as a Unit under the EFCC or otherwise.

On the strength of this advice, the EFCC initiated the amendment of its Act, to address the Egmont Group’s concerns. Coincidentally, Honourable Oladele Kayode introduced a private bill, which equally sought to address the deficiencies inherent in the EFCC Act as well as incorporate the concerns of the EGMONT Group. The EGMONT Group was informed of this development at its plenary meeting of 29th - 3rdof February, 2017, in Doha, Qatar.

A copy of the proposed bill amending the EFCC Act and incorporating their suggestion was submitted to the EGMONT Group membership support and compliance-working group with a request from the NFIU, that the MSCWG review the bill and make comments and observations.

On the 2nd of March, 2017, the MSCWG forwarded its comments on the proposed EFCC

amendment bill suggesting only, that some provisions in the bill be redrafted to make them clearer. Interestingly, nowhere in their comments on the proposed EFCC Amendment Bill did the EGMONT Group suggest that this proposed amendment will not address their concerns, neither was it suggested that the EGMONT Group will not accept any other legal instrument concerning the NFIU except the one creating a standalone FIU. The only concern of the EGMONT Group had been the timely passage of the EFCC Amendment Bill. Indeed, a timeline of the 5th of July, 2017 was recommended to the NFIU. It was therefore the failure of the passage of the EFCC Amendment Bill that resulted to the suspension of the NFIU. In accordance with the EGMONT Group principles and guidelines all that is required of Nigeria is to address its concerns by way of the passage of the EFCC Amendment bill and report back at its January 2018 plenary. If this is done, the suspension is automatically lifted at the same plenary.

But if Nigeria chooses to tow the line not suggested by the EGMONT Group by creating a new FIU and relocates the FIU to the Central Bank or any other entity as being proposed, the EGMONT Group will consider this as a fundamental change in the structure of the FIU, and the resultant effect will be an automatic expulsion. This will subject Nigeria to the process of reapplication for membership, under the revised EGMONT Group membership procedure adopted in 2014.

It took the NFIU a period of 2 years to conclude its original membership application.

With the current requirements for membership, as cumbersome as there are now, for Nigeria to regain membership, it will take an estimated period of 3 years.

In my humble opinion, establishing a new FIU outside the EFCC would result to a situation that will aggravate the current situation which the NFIU is facing in the EGMONT Group.

The bill proposing the Amendment of the EFCC Act which has addressed the concerns of the EGMONT Group has been submitted to the EGMONT Group Membership Support and Compliance Working Group. It will therefore be preposterous to submit an entirely different law for consideration, as against what is already before them. Any attempt to do this will not only ridicule Nigeria before the international community, but Nigeria will be viewed as a very unserious, insincere and irresponsive country.

Following from the above and speaking from the position of knowledge, I recommend that the German experience should guide our decision. The German FIU was expelled from the Egmont Group in January 2017 on the grounds that there was a fundamental change in its structure by relocating the FIU from the German Police to the Customs. The EGMONT Group will not circumvent nor compromise its principles and protocols to favour Nigeria. r .BHV BDUJOH $IBJSNBO PG UIF &DPOPNJD 'JOBODJBM $SJNFT $PNNJTTJPO &'$$ XSJUFT GSPN "CVKB

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com