Wednesday 23rd August 2017

NBS: Nigeria Recorded $1.8bn Capital Importation in Q2 FDI increased by 30% over previous quarter Emefiele explains limits of monetary policy during recession Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja and Obinna Chima in Abuja The total value of capital imported into Nigeria in the second quarter (Q2) of

2017 has been put at $1.792 billion, indicating a $884.1 million increase over the figure recorded in Q1 2017 and a growing appetite by portfolio investors in Nigerian

securities.

This represented a 95.02 per cent growth, even as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) also increased by 29.8 per cent over the previous

quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

Analysing the capital importation figure in its report for the second quarter of the year, the NBS stated

that year-on-year this was an increase of 43.6 per cent from the $1.042 billion recorded in Q2 of 2016.

On the month-on-month analysis of capital importation

in the second quarter, the month of May recorded the highest capital importation of $616.5 million, followed Continued on page 9

Lai Mohammed Plans Audience Measurement to Catalyze Broadcasting Growth… Page 9 Wednesday 23 August, 2017 Vol 22. No 8161. Price: N250

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PRIVATE SECTOR PERSPECTIVE ON LEADERSHIP...

Chairman, Heirs Holdings and Guest Speaker, Mr. Tony Elumelu (middle); Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Air Vice Marshall Suleiman Abubakar Dambo ; and Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed ), flanked by the course participants of the Senior Course 40 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, during the Guest Lecture Series of the College where Elumelu delivered a paper titled “Leadership: Private Sector Perspective”, in Jaji, Kaduna... yesterday

Again, Court Orders Temporary Forfeiture of 56 Properties Linked to Alison-Madueke Davidson Iriekpen A Federal High Court in Lagos has again ordered that 56 buildings linked to the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-

Madueke and her associates be temporarily forfeited to the federal government The buildings located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Rivers States and valued at

N3.320 billion, were alleged to be proceeds of corruption.

The court presided over

by Justice AbdulAziz Anka gave the order yesterday while granting an ex-parte application filed and argued

before the court by the lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Anselm Ozioko.

Respondents in the suit are Alison-Madueke, Mr. Donald Chidi Amamgbo,

Chapel Properties Limited, Blue Nile Estate Limited, Azinga Meadows Limited, and Vistapoints Property Development Limited.

The properties ordered to be temporarily forfeited

to the federal government include 21 mixed housing units of eight numbers of four-bedroom penthouse apartments; six numbers of Continued on page 9

Buhari Orders Service Chiefs to End Insecurity Nationwide Boko Haram, IPOB, herdsmen, criminals targeted Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday ordered the service chiefs to rid the nation of the security threats confronting it and ensure the protection of lives and property of citizens in the country.

The president specifically

ordered the security chiefs to deal decisively with the threats posed to Nigeria’s corporate existence and its citizens by Boko Haram, the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), herdsmen and

kidnappers.

The president also warned the identified groups against anything that could tamper with Nigeria’s unity, insisting that the nation’s corporate existence was not negotiable.

Buhari issued the order yesterday when he held a three-hour meeting with service chiefs in the State House, Abuja.

Present at the meeting were the Chief of Defence Staff,

Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar. The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ekwe Ibok-Ibas, who was not

FG, States, LGs Share N467.9bn for July… Page 50

present at the meeting, sent a representative.

Responding to questions from newsmen after the meeting, Olonisakin said they briefed the president on security issues in the country which he said the president Continued on page 10

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Lai Mohammed Plans Audience Measurement to Catalyze Broadcasting Growth The Federal Government is to organize an Audience Measurement Conference to provide broadcast industry stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to efforts to establish a scientific Audience Measurement System for radio television broadcasting in the country.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this in Lagos on Tuesday at the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) 3rd International Summit on Digital Broadcasting in Nigeria, saying the event will hold 3rd Oct. 2017.

"It is imperative that we urgently put in place an industry framework that will ensure that Content Producers receive their just due for the value of the Content they create, as well as provide objective guarantees to the Advertising community on their Return-On-Investment

on media placements. This will then have the overall effect of guaranteeing greater spending by the Advertisers, who are all seeking to grow their market share.

"This industry framework can only happen if the Ministry of Information and Culture, which fortunately supervises both the Broadcasting and Advertising industries, serves as a catalyst for putting in place a robust Audience Measurement System that is in line with global standards and supports the realization of the immense potential that the Nigerian Creative and Entertainment industry holds," he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said for the Digital Switch Over from analogue to digital television to be sustainable for Signal Distributors, Channel owners, TV Content Producers and Advertisers, the scientific Audience Measurement System

Mohammed is critical to articulate the value of the content to Consumers, as well as the value of the Audience to Advertisers, particularly in the Television sector.

He said lack of a scientific Audience Measurement System has resulted in under-investment in the sector, which is necessary to foster the growth of the industry, as

the Advertising community continues to rely on subjective factors when making decisions on the Content they want, as opposed to how many viewers the Content truly attracts.

The Minister said as a consequence, television platforms are subjected to renting out space on their Channels to sustain their businesses and Content Producers have become increasingly over-reliant on sponsorship which, unfortunately, skews the authenticity of their creative output in favor of a few decision makers and not the millions of TV viewers.

"Further, the value of Nigeria’s Broadcasting Advertising Market is not proportionate with its population when compared to the Top 3 Markets in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

Despite having a population three times more than South

Africa, Nigeria’s Television Advertising Revenue in 2016, at US$309m, was behind that of South Africa, at US$1,301m.

"By 2020, the gap between South Africa and Nigeria is projected to marginally decline to 72%. Similarly, in the Radio sector, the value of Nigeria’s 2016 Advertising Revenue of US$81m was behind its peers, South Africa and Kenya, both at US$343m. Kenya is projected to overtake South Africa in 2017 as the leading Radio Advertising market," he said.

Alhaji Mohammed stressed that in both South Africa and Kenya, the value and growth rate of the Broadcasting Advertising Revenue is largely influenced by the availability of a scientific Audience Measurement System that provides confidence to Advertisers in measuring their Return-On-Investment.

He noted that bringing Nigerian TV advertisement

market into line with benchmarks that is 2 to 3 times the current size could result in additional $200-$400m of revenue to the industry, based on current comparisons with other African countries.

The Minister said the Federal Government had already taken a critical long-term decision to support the Nigeria Creative and Entertainment Industry by ensuring and funding the inclusion of a middle-ware that is capable of scientific Audience Measurement on Set-Top Boxes, hence the need to develop the framework.

"The existing model will never enable the Nigeria’s Creative and Entertainment Industry to reach its full potential. It stunts the quality of the Content that can be created and it also limits the capacity of Television platforms to invest in dynamic offerings that Consumers will be attracted to," he noted.

AGAIN, COURT ORDERS TEMPORARY FORFEITURE OF 56 PROPERTIES LINKED TO ALISON-MADUEKE three-bedroom apartments; two numbers of three-bedroom apartments; and one number of a four-bedroom apartment, all en suite and located at 7 Thurnburn Street and 5 Raymond Street, Yaba, Lagos valued at N937 million.

Other properties include 16 numbers of four-bedroom terraces located at Heritage Court Estate, Omerelu Street, Diobu GRA, Port Harcourt, River State valued at N928 million.

Also included in the latest property haul were 13 numbers of three-bedroom terraces, with one-room maid’s quarters, situated at Mabushi Gardens Estate, Plot 1205, Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi, Abuja, valued at N650 million; and six flats of three bedrooms and one-room boy’s quarters,

located at Plot 808 (135) Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, valued at N805 million.

The EFCC alleged that the properties were purchased by the former minister and her cohort, Mr. Donald Chidi Amamgbo, through four companies, namely: Chapel Properties Limited, Blue Nile Estate Limited, Azinga Meadows Nigeria Limited, and Vistapoint Property Development Limited.

The EFCC, in an affidavit attached to the ex-parte application and deposed to

by Sambo Muazu Mayana, an investigator with the agency, averred that sometime in 2016, an intelligence report was received against both AlisonMadueke and Amamgbo, and the upon analysing the report, a search warrant was executed

at the office and premises of Amamgbo.

The deponent also averred that among the documents recovered from Amamgbo was an undated report titled: “Highly Confidential Attorney Work Product - August Report.”

He stated further that the said “highly confidential report” contained 18 companies and several properties located in the United Kingdom, Nigeria and United State of America, adding that in the course of the interview with Amamgbo, he told the EFCC that he had registered the 18 companies to assist Alison-Madueke hold title of the temporarily forfeited properties.

He further stated that investigations into the

ownership of the said properties indicated that FBN Mortgages Limited was the last owner of three of the properties.

The deponent also stated that payments for the properties were received by FBN Mortgages at various times from 2011 to June 16, 2015.

He added that FirstBank of Nigeria Limited stated in a letter that the source of the monies were from AlisonMadueke and that the bank picked up US dollars from her house located at 10, Frederick Chiluba Close, off Jose Martins Street, Asokoro, Abuja, and that the sum of $3,342,307 was credited into FBN Mortgages’ account number 2008133531.

He also stated that FirstBank, in its extra-judicial statement

made by its Head of Public Sector Group, also confirmed that the sum of N840 million, equivalent of $5,540,318, transferred to Skye Bank by one Adeyemi Edun, was picked up on May 23, 2011 from Alison-Madueke’s house at 10, Fredrick Chiluba Close, off Jose Marti Street, Asokoro, Abuja, and same was transferred on her instruction to Skye Bank in favour of Adeyemi Edun on the same day.

The deponent urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.

Justice Anka, after listening to Ozioko’s submission, ordered that the listed properties be forfeited temporarily to the federal government.

He also ordered the EFCC

to appoint a competent person(s) or firm to manage the temporarily forfeited assets/properties.

The judge directed EFCC to notify the respondents in whose possession the assets/ properties were kept, to appear before the court and show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be forfeited to the federal government.

Justice Anka also directed the EFCC to make the publication of the interim order in a national newspaper for the respondents, so that anyone who is interested in the properties can appear before the court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture of the properties should not be made in favour of the federal government.

“Given our core mandate, and the pervasive effect of high inflation and exchange rate volatility, we chose to tackle these two head-on. It is important to highlight that high inflation is a significant inhibitor of economic growth,” he explained.

According to the CBN governor, high inflation was not only harmful to growth in the long run, but discourages saving and inhibits planning and investment, as people become more sceptical over the direction of prices of goods and services.

As a result, achieving low inflation, he said, remains a major priority for the CBN, saying that if the central bank had chosen to reduce interest rates and increase money supply under the circumstances, it would have further deepened the recession while foreign investment outflows would have worsened foreign exchange reserves accretion.

Emefiele said in order to contain the challenges, the CBN took a number of countervailing policy actions both at the management level and at its MPC, such as to maintain a tight monetary stance in order to contain

rising inflation and encourage FX inflows into the country.

“More importantly, however, in order to further extricate the lingering bottlenecks, increase transparency and boost supply in the FX market the CBN, in April 2017, introduced the special Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&E) FX window.

The establishment of that special (I&E) window has tremendously facilitated market-driven transactions “If you carefully look at the size and structure of our import bills, taking cognisance of the fact that imports result in leakages in every economy, it is apparent that we as a people cannot continue to depend on other countries for things that can easily be produced locally.

“How do we justify the importation of items like eggs from South Africa, beef from Zambia and toothpicks from China if we are serious about jumpstarting economic growth in Nigerian and creating sustainable jobs for our people?” he asked.

In order to achieve sustainable economic growth in the country, the CBN governor said there was need to rebuild the ailing infrastructure in rural areas,

saying that investing in basic infrastructure including roads, bridges, airports, railways, and information technology was not only good in terms of immediate job creation, but would serve as a catalyst for the movement of goods and services nationwide.

NBS: NIGERIA RECORDED $1.8BN CAPITAL IMPORTATION IN Q2

by June with $612.6 million and May with $563.3 million.

According to the NBS, the main driver of the quarterly growth in capital importation in the second quarter was portfolio investments, which increased by 145.7 per cent, followed by other investments, which grew by 95.02 per cent, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which increased by 29.8 per cent over the previous quarter.

Capital importation can be divided into three main investment types: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), portfolio investments and other investments, each comprising various sub-categories.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele yesterday confessed that the CBN’s monetary policy has its limitations when dealing with the challenges that confront a nation during recession.

According to him, one of the major lessons learnt from the global financial crises of 20082009 was the need to develop an adequate framework and appropriate tools for managing financial stability, particularly macro-prudential and microprudential policies and crisis management continuum.

In this regard, he said the Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee led by the CBN, was putting together a robust framework that would adequately promote stability of the Nigeria’s financial system.

Emefiele, who said this in a keynote address he delivered at the 2017 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos, took his audience through some of the factors that made the Nigerian economy slide into recession.

He pointed out that a casual look at the problems that hit the economy two to three years ago, “even for the untrained eye, will reveal that these are daunting challenges in their individual rights”.

“Yet, the problem that we had to confront was that these developments occurred simultaneously and needed to be dealt with over a short period of time.

“Yet, the real dilemma we faced was that there were significant trade-offs in the outcomes of these economic variables, regardless of what specific monetary policy you implemented.

“For example, one would expect that given the Bank’s

core mandate to pursue low inflation, the central bank would implement policies geared towards that.

“In order to tackle high inflation, the correct monetary policy would be to tighten money supply either by increasing the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) of banks, mopping up money through increased open market operations, or raising the liquidity ratio of banks.

“Doing any or a combination of these would help to moderate inflationary. Yet, if a central bank in our position were to abandon its pursuit of low inflation and decide to implement an expansionary monetary policy in order to engender rapid economic growth, the outcome for inflation would be much worse.

“This is because an expansionary monetary policy would require reducing the CRR and liquidity ratios and increasing money supply.

Obviously, with much more money in circulation, inflation would be worse.

“In view of the dilemma of tackling these problems simultaneously, the optimal solution would be to prioritise and address them sequentially.

Continued on page 10

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NEWS

Lagos Pays Homage to Jollof Rice In Nigeria, jollof rice isn’t just a tasty West African dish — it’s a national obsession. Dozens of top chefs gathered at the weekend for Lagos’ inaugural jollof festival, showcasing their personal twists on the tangy tomatoey rice to a crowd of hundreds of hungry hipsters.

Imoteda Aladekomo, a 31-year-old chef who has been making jollof for four years, has led the way in reinventing the national staple, creating several pioneering variants through her company Eko Street Eats.

“It’s so popular because it’s easy to customise,” she said while preparing takeaway boxes at the jollof fair, staged at a former railway yard complete with disused train tracks, blaring Nigerian music and a giant version of Scrabble.

“Rice is really easy to get here whereas other ingredients aren’t. Every party has to have

jollof rice and every Sunday people will have it, having looked forward to it all week,” she added, her plastic gloves caked in rice.

“Jollof rice will always reign supreme — even compared to McDonald’s or whatever, your jollof rice captures people’s childhoods.”

Her flagship version, deepfried in breadcrumbs and served with plantain sauce and a fiery red pepper coulis, drew a steady stream of jollof afficionados.

Mo Alatise, a self-taught chef, also drew a crowd with her distinctive fusion-style jollof offerings. “We try to do a mix of really local recipes, but I imagine it with things from other countries — like very traditional gnocchi from Italy with jollof,” the 30-year-old told AFP. “Or a rice bowl from Asia — but instead of white rice, I made it with jollof,” she said,

Nigeria's favourite dish… jollof rice wearing oversized sunglasses and a hat decorated with a feather.

“I’ve been to Italy and I read and researched a lot. It’s literally our staple, we’re so proud it’s the nation’s favourite dish. We’re literally obsessed.”

The origins of the distinctive,

deceptively simple dish are hotly contested. The word jollof is related to “Wollof”, a language spoken in Senegal where the dish is also popular.

As well as Nigeria and Senegal, variants of the recipe are enjoyed across West Africa.

“There’s this big battle

about where it came from.

I’ve tried jollof from Senegal and it wasn’t great. I think ours is best — but I’m a little biased,” said Alatise.

But the divisions were set aside in 2014 when British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver adapted the local favourite with alien ingredients including parsley and lemon — inspiring Ozoz Sokoh, a Lagos food blogger, to set up the festival this year.

“There was this whole brouhaha when Jamie Oliver made it and it didn’t look like jollof,” said Sokoh, a 42-yearold geologist and author of the Kitchen Butterfly blog.

“Despite the jollof wars between Ghana and Nigeria they came together to say: ‘You cannot colonise our plates’.”

But the “jollof wars” reached fever pitch last year when Ghanaian singer Sister Deborah released a song called “Ghana Jollof” that accused

the Nigerian recipe of “tasting funny”.

Controversies aside, Sokoh said the universal affection for the dish helps to unite the Nigerian diaspora and people with West African roots around the world. “It brings many countries together — it’s not just West Africa, but countries where the slaves went, like the American south and parts of Mexico,” she said.

And while food delivery services offering international favourites like sushi and pizza are expanding rapidly in Nigeria’s big cities, jollof has retained a special place in the hearts of the country’s huge youth population.

“Most of us young people forget about our traditional food,” said Jane Ibitola, a 32-year-old financial adviser from southern oil city of Port Harcourt. “But whenever you move away from it, you cherish it again.”

NBC Bans Songs by Olamide, Davido, 9ice The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has banned five songs by major Nigerian musicians – Olamide, Davido and 9ice – having considered them offensive for broadcast.

The banned songs are Olamide’s “Wo” and “Wavy Level“, Davido’s “Fall” and “If (Remix)”, and 9ice’s “Living Things”.

The corporation released the list yesterday, saying it banned the five songs from being aired across the Nigerian airwaves, reported online news medium,

Premium Times.

The Federal Ministry of Health had in a tweet on Friday, said the video to Olamide’s “Wo” violated the Tobacco Control Act. The 28-year-old rapper, who is signed to his own record label, YBNL, had returned to Ladi Lak in Bariga where he was raised to shoot the video of his latest single.

“This is our position: the video contravenes the Act. Innocently or otherwise, Tobacco promotion advertising

sponsorship is banned in all forms,” the NBC said.

It could not immediately be ascertained why the songs of the two other musicians were banned.

In June this year, the federal government, through the Ministry of Health, had launched a campaign to ban smoking in public places, including bus parks, shopping malls and health care centres.

The Health Ministry, in a communiqué, said according to Section 9 of the Nigeria Tobacco

Control Act, once convicted, offenders are liable to a fine of at least N50,000 and/or six months imprisonment.

Tweeting the information via its official Twitter handle, the ministry claimed that the video, which features ghetto scenes in which youths are seen smoking, encouraged second-hand smoking.

This is not the first time that an Olamide song will be banned by the regulatory agency.

In 2016, just a few months

after the ban of one of his songs, “Shakiti Bobo,” NBC also banned “Don’t Stop”, a track from Olamide’s fifth studio album, Eyan Mayweather, for its vulgar lyrics.

Defending the decision at the time, the NBC said the song was banned from being played on the airwaves for its “obscenity, being indecent, vulgar language, lewd and profane expressions.

Rapper Falz had also in June, criticized Nigerian musicians

who glamourise fraud with their lyrics, a criticism fans took to be directed at 9ice for “Living Things”.

The actor and rapper stated that the recent trend of hailing internet fraudsters in music was not helping future generations, as young people were beginning to see this as a normal way of life.

He recalled the personal experience of the challenges faced by Nigerians in other countries as a result of cybercrime.

there is security, we can face our businesses. Our businesses can thrive.

“So whatever it takes to secure the country, President Muhammadu Buhari will do so along with other people in government. I want to thank you very much and assure you that this letter will get to him.

“All the things you have said there including the demands, he will see it. And I also want to promise on his behalf that the South-east will get its due during this time of President Muhammadu Okechukwu Buhari.

“The roads in the region will be fixed. The Second Niger Bridge will be done.

Everything – infrastructure, positions, offices – all that the center needs to do for the region, the South-east region will get its own fair share.

Thank you very much. God be with you all,” Adesina said.

The convener of the group, Steve Anyata, who said the Coalition of South-east Youths drew its membership from the five states of the South-east with the intention of drumming up support for Buhari and rejecting the recent protests calling for his resignation.

He also said the visit was meant to pray for Buhari and equally pledge their loyalty both to him and the country.

Anyata also drew the attention of the president to the quit notice given to the Igbos living in the north by a coalition of northern youths when he was away, a situation he said

had been of great concern to many Nigerians.

He said even though VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo had worked assiduously to douse tensions, the president should further give the matter accelerated attention.

BUHARI ORDERS SERVICE CHIEFS TO END INSECURITY NATIONWIDE had himself been following when he was away on medical vacation.

According to him, the president instructed them that the nation’s unity was not negotiable and ordered them to ensure that Nigeria’s corporate unity was sustained.

Olonisakin said the meeting reviewed all security threats in the country, including terrorism, kidnapping, herdsmen/farmers’ clashes as well as the threat from IPOB. Olonisakin, who said the military would ensure total compliance with the president’s directive, also disclosed that Buhari asked them to ensure that the troops fighting Boko Haram effectively discharged their responsibilities.

“We have been meeting with Mr. President for the last three hours. All we have done is to update him on all security issues around the country, within the country and outside the country where our troops are.

“Of course, we have just updated him because he is aware of what has been happening.

“He was receiving regular briefings from the acting (vice) president and he was reading the print and electronic media to follow events in the country.

“After the meeting, he directed us on some areas we should look at so as to enhance our operations in the country.

“He talked about the unity of the nation which is nonnegotiable. We have all been

fully instructed to ensure that the directive is carried out to the letter.

“The issue of security, every security threat, all security threats were treated one after the other, ranging from terrorism to kidnappings, herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, to the IPOB issue, were all treated. Comments were made as to what to do as regards to each of the issues.

“Every security issue, like I said, was treated and we are going to enhance our operations in all the areas that we need to.

Like I said, he has given the necessary directives, which will be carried out by the military and the security agencies.

“The assurance is that he also directed that we must ensure that the lives and properties of all citizens are protected and we must make sure that we secure the whole nation and also that troops that are outside carry out their jobs effectively.

“On the Boko Haram issue, you all know it is an asymmetric warfare. It is not that Boko Haram has stepped up its game. It is just the issue of suicide bombing that has been the problem and of course, we are also working with the security and intelligence agencies to make sure that we address that menace,” he stated.

Completion of Second Niger Bridge The president’s directive to the service chiefs came just as the presidency assured

the South-east geopolitical zone that the administration would complete the Second Niger Bridge, build roads and provide other infrastructure in the zone.

The presidency made the pledge when it received a coalition of youths from the zone who stormed the gate of the Presidential Villa to declare their support for the president.

Buhari returned to the country on Saturday after spending 103 days in London for treatment of an undisclosed ailment.

Receiving the youths on behalf of the president, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the solidarity march was another affirmation of Buhari’s acceptance in all parts of the country, adding that the show of support was also an attestation to the fact that irrespective of the campaign against Nigeria’s unity, the country would remain one.

He described the campaign for Nigeria’s disintegration as a failed move, pointing out that Buhari would deploy all powers within his reach to keep the country together.

“On behalf of President Muhammadu ‘Okechukwu’ Buhari, I have received this letter and I say thank you all.

The fact that a coalition from the South-east region has come to mount this solidarity rally for him is very significant because some mischief makers always say that the South-east region is not with the president. That

is not true.

“It was in the South-east region that he was given the name Okechukwu during the campaign. It was in the South-east in Abia precisely that Eze Ikot Nne gave him a traditional title.

“So we know that every part of this country approves of the leadership of President Muhammadu Okechukwu Buhari.

“Last week, youths from the South-south region were here to also show their solidarity with him. This gives us confidence that no matter what anybody does, no matter the antics of people who plot mischief, Nigeria will remain one.

“You must have heard our president yesterday in his nationwide address when he said whatever it takes, Nigeria will be kept together. And I tell you, whatever it takes this president, he will keep the country together.

“Therefore, anybody who is planning something else should know that it’s just a mere waste of time.

“It is like beating a dead horse which is a sheer waste of energy. Nigeria will remain one. President Muhammadu Buhari will keep the country together.

“As we speak, he is meeting now with his service chiefs on how to enhance security in the country. You know when there is security, there will be development. When there is security, you can guarantee that the economy will grow. When

NBS: NIGERIA RECORDED $1.8BN CAPITAL IMPORTATION IN Q2 He said there was need to jumpstart agriculture and agribusinesses, citing the achievements of the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, together with other initiatives like the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme and NIRSAL. He urged members of the NBA to partner the CBN, particularly in ensuring legislative advocacy to ensure quick promulgation of robust legislations in support of the chosen policy options and called for vigorous support for the establishment of commercial courts in Nigeria to facilitate speedy resolution of commercial disputes.

In addition, he said there was need to make provisions for constructive inputs for the development of robust financial sector legislative bills and other regulations, and in order to checkmate the unbridled recourse to the use of interlocutory applications to frustrate legitimate expectations in commercial and financial disputes.

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COMMENT

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

AVERTING ANOTHER FLOOD DISASTER IN LAGOS

Lagos State should use all resources within its command to prevent another period of pain and anguish, writes Sonnie Ekwowusi

L

agos has always been under the threat of ferocious flooding. Remember the Bar Beach over-flowing and the resultant flooding of Ahmadu Bello Way and other parts of Victoria Island, Lagos in the years past? But yesteryears’ flooding is a child’s play compared to today’s flooding in Lagos. Where is rest in this age of anxiety? One gathers one’s life-savings and proceeds to purchase plots of land at Lekki Peninsula, Lagos. After erecting a magnificent house therein, whenever it rains, the whole house is flooded, holding one and children in false imprisonment inside the house. As if that is not enough, one and one’s children spend endless hours every day in chaotic vehicular traffic trying to leave the house or come into the house. So I repeat: where is rest in this age of anxiety? Is it not true as we have told, that fullest rest and peace cannot be found here below but only in the life hereafter?

Anyway the challenge at the moment is to find solution to the ferocious ocean and rains which have been holding Lagos residents hostage for decades. Environmentalists predict flooding Armageddon in Lagos.

Everybody is scared stiff. The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lagos branch, is particularly disturbed. It wants the Lagos State Government to immediately relocate the residents in flood-prone areas of Lagos to safer areas. Last week the NSE organised a big conference in Lagos precisely on Lagos flooding. At the conference the NSE stated that finding shows that nine local government areas in Lagos, namely, Epe, Eti-Osa, AmuwoOdofin, Ojo, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Apapa, Ibeju-Lekki and Ikorodu are seriously under the risk of being submerged by flood in a few years if effective flood management were not adopted in the aforesaid areas.

Consequently the NSE advises the Lagos State Government to relocate Lagos residents residing in the aforesaid areas to safer areas before the looming flood disaster occurs.

The NSE warning, to my mind, is worth heeding. It is no rocket environmentalism. It is a truth that can be accessed by the average Lagos resident. In any case, the NSE finding is corroborated by the last flooding which ravaged the entire Lagos especially the Lagos Island about one month ago. Following heavy downpour said to be the heaviest in Lagos this year, most streets in Lagos were flooded. Many residential apartments were sacked and valuable property destroyed. Some residents were held hostage inside their respective houses by the flooding. Some residents were seen paddling to safety with canoes. A crocodile probably washed ashore from the ocean was seen along one of the Expressways after the flooding. A few days after the flooding, social and commercial activities in Lagos were still paralysed. Some staffers of certain offices spent a good part of their working hours draining water out their respective offices.

Consequently it is high time the Lagos State Government woke up to the looming flooding disaster in Lagos. It is high time the government

IT IS HIGH TIME THE GOVERNMENT STOPPED PUTTING ECONOMIC GAINS ABOVE SAFETY OF LIVES AND PROPERTY IN LAGOS

stopped putting economic gains above safety of lives and property in Lagos. Good feelings and thoughts are not substitute for action. Unless the government takes some concrete action in the coming months to at least curtail the Lagos flooding it will continue to pose a big threat to lives and property. The free flow of rain water in Lagos is hampered by the failure of the local governments to tackle the “tertiary drainages� which empty into the “primary drainages� which eventually empty into the Lagos Lagoon. Therefore the gutters and drainages in Lagos should be constantly cleaned. The primary function of local governments in Nigeria is cleaning of gutters. But what is the new function of local governments and local government chairmen in Nigeria at the moment? Running after politicians and collecting money from them to do dirty political jobs. The scandalous aspect is that the drainage channels or flood channels in Lagos especially in Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, have been sold out to some wealthy Lagosians who have now erected their houses on them. Therefore the government should be courageous enough to reclaim those drainage channels or flood channels from those wealthy individuals. Government should reduce the pressure on excessive land reclamation. Excessive land reclamation has serious ecological consequences. For example, it directly changes the local coastal morphology, causing the potential ecological consequences. Ditto for deforestation. Forests play an important part of climatic regulation.

When the trees are cut down, there is nothing to prevent erosion. There will be loss of topsoil. The land becomes useless. Rainwater which cannot drain sufficiently on the land swells the rivers and flooding occurs frequently.

Lagos State Physical Planning and Permit Authority (LASPPPA) previously known as Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Board (LASURPB) ought to be monitoring and supervising the physical development plans in Lagos. But given the total confusion in Lagos especially in Lekki, Eti-Osa and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Areas were houses are higgledy-piggledy erected on all the available little spaces, it is obvious that the said body is not living up to expectation.

Imagine LASPPPA allowing people to be building houses on any available space? No planning. No lands reserved for public parks, stadia, markets, churches, mosques, sporting and recreational activities.

Complete confusion in Lagos. And as you know very well, unplanned and disorderly parts of a city are always prone to flooding. Therefore Governor Akinwunmi Ambode should consider reforming LASPPPA to make the body a bit responsible. The governor should also ensure that the Lagos canals and drainages are routinely cleared of their debris. As Governor, Babatunde Fashola constantly ensured that the canals and drainages were constantly cleaned. Governor Ambode should emulate Fashola in this matter. More importantly, Lagos State should set up a disaster management team to formulate strategies on how to prevent a flooding disaster or mitigate the effects of flooding in Lagos.

PENSION REFORM AND LEGISLATIVE DO-GOODERS Paddy Ezeala argues that pension administration should not be politicised

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t seems that Nigeria would have disappointed the rest of the world if the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) were to run unfettered without spanner being put in the works somehow, somewhere. Arguably, the CPS operating under the Pension Reform Act 2004 as amended by the Pension Reform Act 2014 has been the most effective and visibly successful programme of the federal government since the return of democratic governance in 1999.

Needless to recount or reminisce on the plight of pensioners in the old defined benefit pension scheme adopted by the various tiers of government and even some private sector establishments before the advent of the CPS. The runaway success that the CPS has become is turning out to be its greatest burden. With amassed pension assets to the tune of more than N6.5 trillion and more than seven million enrolees, the centrality of the pension industry in the future development narrative of Nigeria is almost assured. I addressed the issue of the role of pension funds in national development in a widely published article entitled: The Liquidity Squeeze and the Traction of Pension Funds.

However, the sore point of this rapidly growing industry is the clearly perceptible lack of adequate public awareness on the workings of the scheme. This ignorance permeates even the very high echelon of society, including the highly educated circles. This lack of awareness can be said to be at the root of the barrage of policy or statutory somersaults emanating from the legislative arm of the federal government. This however does not detract from the altruism and/ or good intensions that could underlie the actions of the legislators behind the more than seven bills snaking their way through the chambers of the National Assembly. These bills aim to profoundly amend the Pension Reform Act of 2014. One would not believe that legislators deliberately set out to make laws to disorientate a scheme that has run without hitches for 12 years without any

known case of fraud.

The most contentious of the bills already in the works in the National Assembly is the one sponsored by Hon. Oluwole Oke on May 16, 2017 seeking to amend the Pension Reform Act 2014 in order to shut out some paramilitary organisations including the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Prison Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This bill has already passed its second reading and is being treated by the relevant committee of the House of Representatives. Another one is the bill sponsored by Senator Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto North Senatorial Zone seeking to â€œâ€Śfurther amend the Pension Reform Act 2014 to Provide for Definite Percentage a Retiree can withdraw from his RSA and for other matters thereto.â€? This clause is recommending that retirees withdraw 75% of the total value of their retirement savings account (RSA) while the remaining 25% remains to service their pension requirements.

These two recommendations fall flat in the face of reason and operability. It negates the whole essence of individual participation and contribution that defines the CPS. It is this individuating element of the scheme that stands it out. Participation in the CPS is an individual thing and not a collective enterprise. Not even when pension funds are managed collectively.

There is a fiduciary relationship between an RSA holder and his Pension Fund Administrator (PFA). The beauty of the scheme is the freedom of the worker to choose his/her PFA. This freedom would further be accentuated by the portability that would come with the impending opening of the transfer window by the National Pension Commission (PenCom). Railroading a group of workers into one pension option is evidently retrogressive. Also, returning paramilitary establishments to the Defined Benefit Scheme is a giant step backwards into the dark era of

dysfunctionality and corruption that characterised pension. The commandism that characterises the military and paramilitary organisations would not even help matters in managing both salaries and pension of their officers and men.

It should be noted that the old Defined Benefit Scheme left a deficit of almost N2 trillion by 2004 before the commencement of the CPS. It is against the backdrop of this deficit that pension assets have been grown to more than N6.5 trillion. To manage the backlog of pension liabilities, the federal government set up the Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD). With the annual pension liability of more than N388 billion out of which more than N255 billion constitutes unfunded liability, there is no doubt that the federal government is overwhelmed by crushing pension burden. This is the situation under which the legislators are proposing additional burden.

The exit of all paramilitary agencies from the CPS would entail dismantling of all structures in those institutions including pension desk offices established to oversee compliance of those establishments with the scheme. It would also shake up the financial system considering the fact that pension assets are invested in various asset classes, the bulk of which is in government securities.

The most devastating of all the consequences would be the ripple effect this ill-advised legislative proposal would have. What would prevent all the ministries and even all agencies of government from exiting or having their own PFAs? We should not forget that one of the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) in the ongoing nationwide strike is the establishment of a special pension scheme/ PFA that would among other things allow professors and associate professors retire with their full monthly salaries. The CPS is indeed severely threatened by Nigerian peculiarities and unbridled impetuosity. The government can still bridge the shortfall in the pension of professors if

need be without university teachers dabbling into pension fund administration.

The other bill proposing the withdrawal of 75% of the total value of RSAs by retirees is a clear manifestation of lack of proper understanding of the real essence of pension. The pension industry under the CPS is arguably the most regulated industry in the country today. The industry, intricate as its, operates under clearly laid down and airtight procedures and guidelines and the regulatory body, PenCom, has lived up to expectation in enforcing compliance.

What matters is the amount a retiree goes home with as pension every month or what is called replacement ration. Pension replaces one’s salary in the whole arrangement. The replacement ratio in the current scheme is 50%.

In other words, a retiree should be able to earn a minimum of 50% of his/her salary at the time of retirement as pension. How many workers would be able to amass Retirement Savings Accounts 25% of which would be able to fund monthly or quarterly pension worth 50% of their monthly salary for the rest of their life? Pension administration in modern times is an intricate and highly technologically-driven enterprise. It can survive policy reforms but certainly not politicisation. There is need for a demonstration of proper understanding of issues and in-depth research before contributions are made to enrich or buttress government policies. Our legislators should tread softly even when they might seem to mean well for the citizenry.

The contributory pension scheme remains the answer to the growing pension liabilities in the country and the unimpeachable social security safety net for Nigerian workers on retirement. It is participatory, all-inclusive and transparent. It should therefore be insulated from unnecessary politics and the excesses of meddlesome interlopers and latter day do-gooders.

Ezeala is a communication and development specialist based in Abuja

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°ÍąËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

EDITORIAL POLICE AND THE ABUJA PROTESTERS The right of citizens to peacefully protest is a fundamental right

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ollowing unpleasant encounters with a mob at Wuse market last Wednesday and with the Police who shot tear gas canisters at them the day earlier, protesters demanding that President Muhammadu Buhari should either return to the country to resume ofďŹ ce or resign had to suspend their daily sit-out. Now that the president is back to the country after spending more than100 days on medical vacation in the United Kingdom, the protesters led by a popular artiste, Mr. Charles Oputa (a.k.a. Charly Boy) under the aegis of “#OurMumuDonDoâ€?, can claim some moral victory. But the police did not conduct itself very well on the matter.

It is unfortunate that policemen in our country ďŹ nd it difďŹ cult to understand the elementary fact that they are hired to manage the delicate balance between protecting citizens exercising their lawful rights and the responsibility of ensuring an orderly environment for the discharge of the obligations of government. A mindset that is trained always to see protesting citizens as potential criminals IN A PRESIDENTIAL to be dispersed with tear gas is a disgrace DEMOCRACY SUCH to any society that AS OURS THE PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE SHUT OUT aspires to be termed FROM EXPRESSING THEIR democratic.

The right of the VIEWS IN MATTERS WHICH citizens to peaceAFFECT THEIR INTERESTS fully protest in open AND WELFARE expression of their grievances or support of any issue in the public space remains a fundamental right the exercise of which does not require anyone’s permission. That expression is no different from the right to free speech by individuals and groups. Protests only become matters of public safety when they degenerate into riots. But in Nigeria today, the only protest that is allowed is one that is sponsored by agents of government in aid of unpopular causes.

Policemen are paid to be present whenever and

Letters to the Editor

wherever the people are exercising their rights. In all such situations, it is the responsibility of the police to protect the lawful and arrest the lawless for prosecution where and when necessary. Therefore, scuttling and abridging citizen rights, most often on spurious grounds, is a relic of decades of military autocracy.

Security is not the myth and cultic mystery that we keep being blackmailed with.

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s we have reiterated repeatedly on this page, by voluntarily entrusting to a few elected people the responsibility of governing their affairs, the people have not relinquished their power. They have merely entrusted it to the ofďŹ ce holders. They can invoke that power at periodic elections to either vote for a popular government or even vote out an unpopular one. In the same vein, they can invoke that power by staging public protests over any issue on which they may feel dissatisďŹ ed. In a presidential democracy such as ours the people should not be shut out from expressing their views in matters which affect their interests and welfare.

It must be noted that the Nigerian Court has ruled that the right to peaceful rally and peaceful demonstration is a fundamental human right protected under our constitution. SpeciďŹ cally, section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of movement. Besides, peaceful strikes, lock-outs, non-violent positive actions and others are well-known legitimate weapons of expression in a democracy.

Now that President Buhari has returned to the country, we need to stress that the people do not derive their natural right to peaceful assembly from the government: they are born with that right. Besides, the era of military dictatorship is gone. We are now under a presidential democracy which ought to guarantee maximum expression of the citizens’ fundamental rights especially the rights to hold public gatherings and public debates. Therefore, it is important for the Police to conduct their activities in line with the aspirations of the people who at all times deserve to be heard.

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.

MUHAMMAD BELLO AND FCT ROAD PROJECTS

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arlier in the year, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello did promise that projects that had started in line with the Abuja Master plan and for which budgetary provisions have been made would be given priority.

The minister reasoned that the present FCT Administration could not afford to continue the legacy of waste by following the trend of abandoning projects started byhis predecessors, amidst the harsh economic realities and for the sake of the people.

Bello was quite emphatic that abandoning projects would not only fuel corruption but would also reduce the confidence that the general public places in governance.

Today, it gladdens the heart that despite the recession, the FCT Minister has followed through on his words by ensuring that critical ongoing road projects he met on ground are given the desired impetus to ensure that work continues with some of them partially completed and opened to the public for use.

One of the projects that readily come to mind is the gateway into and out of the capital city – the trumpet overhead bridge linking the Bill Clinton Drive with the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway (Airport Road) and Gwagwalada-Giri axis.

Before the coming of this present administration, that segment of the airport road, including some stretch towards the Gosa Village area regarded as the Centenary, remained

uncompleted. As a result, traffic coming from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport had to be redirected to take a u-turn around the Giri axis of the road and then the traffic coming from Gwagwalada to the Airport, had to go through some clumsy arrangements because that portion had remained uncompleted, arising from non-payment of accrued liabilities to the contractor.

As a result of these lapses, driving on that road at the time became a huge nightmare with the huge traffic buildup doubling the time it took motorists to get into and out of the city. A lot of people also missed their flight because of the traffic holdup encountered along this road.

But when the present FCT Administration came on board, the minister took cognisance of the importance of this road, especially for the in-bound traffic and out bound to the airport and he dedicated to clear all the outstanding liabilities to the contractor of this project. Now the bridge has been completed, fully opened to traffic because of the commitment of the administration and the acceptance of the contractor that his liabilities have successfully been paid and they therefore came back and delivered the project. The man-hour hitherto being lost on that road is now a thing of the past and economic activities have also been improved.

Beside the airport road, there is the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) around the Nyanya/Keffi axis of the city.

Without any doubt, this is one of the major infrastructure projects of the city. During the last one year, the contractors have been able to connect the railway bridge and all

the other intersections along that road and now the final portion of the road is being readied for launching.

The ISEX bridge is one of the longest bridges in Abuja under construction. It is about 400 metres and this is a road that has quietly been worked upon for the last few months for which most people did not know about. By the time this road is done, the entire segment, right from the Nyanya axis, right through AYA, to the Villa bridge, right through to the Louis Edet bridge, across the Rivers State House, right through to the CBN and crossing the massive ISEX bridge will link up the entire area up to Galadimawa. Of course this is going to create a very major arterial road within the city that will open up and ease traffic.

More importantly also, about a kilometre from the ISEX bridge, it is going to link up to the road traversing the diplomatic centre, so that it will go as an underpass and burst out around the two twin towers, which will link up to the Abuja Metro line station. By the time this is done, it’s really going to make this city more beautiful than it is.

The contractors have fulfilled their promises based on the payments that the FCT Administration have been making to them and as well as the level of supervision given FCTA engineers.

All of these developments are heartwarming because if you have a hundred projects and none is completed, no matter how much the resources you commit to them, you may end up doing them at twice the cost.

Danladi Akilu, Gudu District, FCT, Abuja

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T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2017

T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2017

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

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MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

THE NEWSMAKER

Al-Amin’s Defection to PDP Causes Ripples in Kano The defection of Mr Ibrahim Al-Amin from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party has changed the dynamics of the 2019 governorship race in Kano State, writes Ibrahim Shuaibu

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rom the beginning of partisan politics in Nigeria, Kano state is one state in the country that has always dared to be different; it does not follow the bandwagon. In this fourth republic, while all states in the northern region voted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kano voted the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).

Just when it was thought that the ANPP would retain the state, the electorate in Kano moved to the PDP. Once again, in the last general election, the state voted for the All Progressives Party (APC) to the consternation of many.

It is with this unpredictable nature of Kano politics that the recent defection of Allhaji Ibrahim Al Amin to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has no doubt changed the political calculation in the state.

No doubts, Ibrahim, popularly known as “Little” is one of the most influential politicians in the political landscape of the state. He is a household name across the forty four local government areas in the state. He is very good at mobilising voters. He also commands the respect of the youths who usually flock with him to any party he supports.

An active supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari in Kano, Al-Amin, defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP in a move that caught many people by surprise.

A former chairman of ANPP in Kano, Al Amin said he decided to dump the APC because of the party’s “inability to redeem all its campaign promises”. He said he could not remain in a party that “is doing what it accused other parties of”.

“Although I do not regret supporting and voting for Buhari, I cannot remain in the party because it is not running the country properly. I hold Buhari in high esteem but he is not in control of the present government,” he told reporters.

“President Buhari has lost control of his government since he fell sick. Some people took advantage of that and are now controlling the government. I am highly disappointed in the APC because it has reneged on the promises it made to Nigerians. What we have been accusing other political parties of doing, the APC is now doing them. There is poverty everywhere and the APC is not doing anything to bail-out the masses.

“I am in politics to serve my people directly or indirectly and I am not comfortable with the way the ruling party is handling the affairs of Nigerians. Our major problem is that our political parties are not based on ideologies.”

“He said that despite the massive support which the current administration got in the north, it has not done enough for the people of the region. “I am disappointed with the administration after all the votes provided to Buhari by north-west but the region is short-changed in term of execution of developmental projects,” he said.

“My expectation is that government will reciprocate the region with laudable projects but unfortunately the government is under the control of some southerners. I have no regret campaigning for Buhari in 2015 because I respect him so much but the party disappointed people that voted it into power.

“I have always defected from the ruling parties to opposition parties and on three occasions I led a party to win election. I am not in politics to use political office to make financial gains but I am in politics to have the opportunity to

Al-Amin... dumps APC after the party failed to keep its promises to the electorate

serve the people.

“I have no reason to remain in the party that disappointed Nigerians and the party that failed to improve the economic development of the people of the country and has contributed to serious hardship among the populace.”

In 2003, Ibrahim joined the Kano gubernatorial race but Malam Ibrahim Shekarau picked the ticket; and like the good sportsman that he is, Ibrahim worked assiduously for the party’s candidate who won the election.

On three occasions, brahim helped a party to win election and later moved out when he felt that the party was no longer doing what was expected of it.

He said: “I helped a party to win election and later I moved out when I felt that the party was no longer doing what was expected of it.

So, as long as we would continue playing our politics in this kind of situation, where political parties would deviate from their ideologies after

His defection to the PDP is God blessing to the masses struggling to get someone who is credible to fly the party’s flag in 2019

forming government, I think people like me would maintain the culture of defection until a lasting solution to the problem is found. So, principally that is what led to my defection to PDP.” On whether his decision to switch from the APC to the PDP is part of his preparation to contest for governorship come 2019, Al-Amin simply said that “you know there are people that are always associated with something; I am in politics, like I said, to serve my people and the service can be either directly or indirectly on advisory level or participatory level.

“If the time comes and the people of Kano State feel that I have the qualities to lead as governor, then fine. And if they think I am fit for something else that would be good too. So, only time will tell and we should all wait for the time to come”.

However, a chieftain of the party, Alhaji Yusuf Adamu said that “Ibrahim was the person who contributed to the party and attended the just concluded mini congress in Abuja and I believed that without his support, some party delegates cannot even transport themselves to the congress.

“His defection to the PDP is God blessing to the teeming masses struggling to get someone who is credible to fly the party’s flag in 2019 and we believe and pray that Ibrahim will lead us to the promised land if given the chance”.

Al-Amin is very influential among the Kano’s political class and his political network is said

to be very vast and intact. He is constantly on the move. He had been in all the political parties that had won election in Kano state.

Al-Amin was also received into the PDP by a large crowd at the party’s secretariat, a move that is believed to have brought vibrancy to the party in the state.

He also regi stered with the PDP at his TudunWada Ward and was subsequently received by the leadership of the party at Nassarawa Local Government Secretariat after which he was recognised by the state leadership of the party under Alhaji Rabiu Dansharu Kiru.

Al-Amin was exceptionally gifted in academics while in schools. Sequel to his professional training as an accountant, his journey to stardom began as a football goalkeeper in the then local team, Pyramid Football Club as well as a member of the Ahmadu Bello University football team, during his under graduate days.

Ibrahim came into national limelight in 2001 when he was elected as the National Chairman, Arewa Youth Forum. Same year, he was elected as the leader of APP in Kano and he single handedly rescued the party from total collapse.

In 2003, he won the gubernatorial ticket for ANPP in Kano state but the power-that-be in the state denied him the opportunity, instead the ticket was given to Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.

As the year 2019 ticks nearer, only time will tell if this well known politician will be able to pull the electorate in Kano out of the APC.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

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UPDATE AND TRENDING

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

Restructuring: South-west States Look Inwards If the actions of the governors of the South-west states are anything to go by, regional integration is already gaining momentum, writes Shola Oyeyipo

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rom all indication, the sustained call for restructuring in the country is one thing that will be hard to achieve giving the fact that different regions of the country have varying perspectives on the issue. But some Nigerians who consider it an inevitable option in unlocking the full potentials of the federating units are beginning to consider other ways to actualise it.

One key element in the demand for restructuring is regionalism which promotes central systems of administration among states that share similar cultural, political and economic attributes. However, regionalism did not scale through in virtually all the previous constitutional conferences, including the 2014 national conference of ethnic nationalities.

Even before the call became strident, governors in the South-west were already blazing the trail and showing greater commitment in bringing about stronger regional integration for the benefit of their people.

Since 2013, all the governors of the region, comprising Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti, collectively put aside partisan, religious, sub-ethnic, and other sentiments to work together for the development of the region. They established a commission, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) to project their economic integration agenda. This is to serve as the management body that will promote the region’s integration agenda and ensure the delivery of the development aspirations of the entire region.

In November 21, 2016, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State hosted the South-west Governors’ Economic Forum in Ibadan where the governors adopted a progressive agenda, anchored on “the framework of a people-centred development strategy”, and agreed on quarterly meetings thereafter.

Further meetings were held in February 13th in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital and on July 24th in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital to further deepen the multilateral and bilateral cooperation among the states.

The integration project, according to them, would galvanise the collective strength of the states, including assets and capabilities to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth and development. They agreed to work together to address the security challenges confronting the region, put up uniform educational curriculum, all commissioners of police and intelligence institutions in the region will be meeting regularly to compare notes and work together in a concerted manner to secure the aerial, land and waterway security architecture of the region. They are to support the initiative with their resources. The governors also agreed to constitute a Regional Technical Working Group on integrated infrastructural development with regard to multi-modal transportation system such as highways, rail, water and air, as well as integration on energy and power, digital and telecoms and leisure and entertainment.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos, who briefed newsmen at the end of their last meeting in Abeokuta said: “It was agreed that a committee should be set up on Federal Government allocations in agriculture to be accessed for regional benefit.”

An expanded committee is to be set up to make consultations, give consideration and set objectives on the regional direction with regard to the federal budget on its implementation especially on agriculture with emphasis on irrigation and storage.

In what many view as a clear departure from the posturing of his predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who never pretended about his disapproval for regional integration, Ambode is showing great commitment to integration and development of the South-west During a recent visit to Osun State, Ambode reiterated his desire to join hand with Osun state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola to bring about the integration of the South-west zone, because according to him, now is the best time for the region to fully take advantage of its potentials by supporting the Aregbesola agenda which he has been championing since the beginning of his administration.

“We have a historic duty to join Aregbesola in championing what he has been clamouring for;

Ambode..showing rear commitment to South-west development

the integration of the South-west. I fully commit myself to the integration of the South-west because I believe it is the only way the region can fully explore its potentials for the benefit of all. I can assure you that the South-west has all it takes to stand alone and survive without having to depend on any external means of funding. I want to assure you that Lagos State Government will continue to support Osun till the end with all it can,’’ Ambode said.

Though Lagos State under Ambode had entered into agricultural business partnership with Kebbi State, which brought about the Lake Rice, the governor, through an agric master plan, now considers the south-west region as the next base for food security in Nigeria. His plan is to support other states in the region to effectively use the massive arable and fertile land in the region for mechanised farming.

A source close to the governor hinted that Ambode, who is proposing over N1 trillion budget next year is already proposing to set aside about N100 billion for the purpose of massive agricultural project in South-west states.

“The idea is for us to create a master plan that allows other states in the region to partner with us. Yes, we have done something with Kebbi State but it is never enough. Lagos State is the major consumer of agric products and the idea is that there are so much of fertile land in the South-west and we must quickly start to integrate all the south-west states from Ogun to Oyo, Ekiti, Osun

For his roles, Ambode has been receiving accolade from his peers and even other observers who believe he is taking the right steps to support economic emancipation of the region

and Ondo so that they will be able to provide to us those things that we consume in Lagos. It is a win-win partnership and it is also in the overall interest of the economic integration that we are talking about in the South-west,” Ambode said during a recent visit to Oyo State as part of his regional integration moves.

When Lagos State under Ambode was admitted as a member of the O’odua group last year January, many considered the decision a strategic move for both the region and Lagos.

From the Oodua group platform, Ambode hopes states in the region can accelerate the development of the region. He said: “The drive towards regionally integrating South-west of Nigeria cannot be effectively pursued if all the states in the region do not combine their resources, work together and maximize their comparative advantages in order to build a strong regional infrastructural and social links amongst the states.”

For his roles, Ambode has been receiving accolade from his peers and even other observers who believe he is taking the right steps to support economic emancipation of the region. For instance, one of the principal actors in the 1990 Gideon Okar coup who is now a democrat and a leading campaigner for restructuring, Col. Tony Nyiam, in an interview with THISDAY specifically commended Ambode for aligning himself with his counterparts in the region on integration in what he noted was not done by Fashola while at the helms of affairs in Lagos State. To him, Fashola who was against restructuring the country by his position contained in a memorandum sent to the 2014 national conference and some other elements from the South-west are working against it and as such, the style being adopted by the South-west leaders becomes important.

“I am beginning to name and shame those southern leaders who are covertly colluding with the north-west to keep us down and one of such characters is the likes of former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola (SAN). A memorandum presented by Lagos State to the 2014 constitutional conference under Fashola rejected regionalism. In the introductory part of their memorandum, one of the paragraphs

said: ‘Importantly, Lagos State has never been historically part of the South-west zone or western Nigerian politically and administratively.’

“It goes on to say that Nigeria has operated a federal system of government with unique origins and that this system is not departed from principles and practices of federal system,” which means that he was supporting this system as it is,” Nyiam noted.

He added that “Why some of us are interested in Ambode’s example is that the example will kick-start same thing in other regions. In other words, it is high time the Igbo learned from Ambode’s example and ensure that the Southeast zone is transformed by pursuing regional integration.

“One close example to Ambode is Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, who has transformed the state from Onitsha to Awka.

The Anambra people should also allow their wealth and their skills in work to spread to other parts of the South-east. In my own region, states that are similarly endowed like Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa-Ibom should allow their wealth to spread to other parts of south-south. So, what Ambode is starting is a good thing. If we want to create sustainable jobs that will last, let states compete and I think that is what Ambode and South-west governors are trying to harness the advantages.”

Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, which has been on the forefront of calls for restructuring, also commended Ambode and his counterparts in the South-west for taking far reaching decisions targeted at promoting integration of the region. Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, said it was during Ambode’s administration that Lagos State keyed into Oodua Investment to cement the oneness of the Yoruba nation.

“It is gratifying to note the sense of history of the governor (Ambode) in remembering the role the Western Regional Government under Awolowo played in the development of the entire west when Cocoa was our mainstay by committing to use the economic strength of Lagos to rub off positively on other states in Yorubaland.”

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FEATURES

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

Red Card for Land Grabbers

Consistent with the Lagos State Property Protection Law, the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode recently issued an edict strongly warning all local chiefs and traditional rulers statewide to desist from land grabbing and other associated illegal activities or face dethronement. Gboyega Akinsanmi writes

Suspected land grabbers before they were arraigned at the Lagos State Special Oences Court, Oshodi... recently

A

new order is gradually unfolding in Lagos State. It first stemmed from the resolve of the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to deepen the rule of law. It, also, emanated from the need to promote social justice across the state. It was equally inspired by Ambode to make Lagos the first destination for foreign investors and a centre of attraction for all categories of tourists.

And this resolve explained the rationales behind the enactment of Lagos State Property Protection Law and Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law, which concomitantly came into force on August 15, 2016. Likewise, the resolve explained the passage of the Prohibition of the Act of Kidnapping Bill, which the governor signed into law precisely on February 1, 2017.

But the first legislation was enacted to address the challenge of land grabbing, which Ambode argued, had cost thousands of residents their life-time savings and compounded the state’s ease-of-doing-business record. For Ambode, “the state’s ease-of-doing-business record is not good enough to realise our vision of making the state a true investment and tourist destination.�

Driven by this vision, Ambode promptly set up a Special Task Force on Land Grabbers just after he took up the rein of power in 2015.

And the taskforce was set up with a definite mandate, which the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, ascribed to the need to arrest the menace of land grabbing and protect the victims of such acts pure and simple.

As well, Ambode was not oblivious of what the trend had been costing the state per

annum. Findings from different institutional researches showed that land grabbing had been a source of disincentive for local and foreign investors in the state. Hence, Ambode said, it becomes imperative to protect their interests and ensure social justice where those interests are unlawfully undermined.

Already, the State House of Assembly had passed the law, which earned public approval statewide. Subsequently, Ambode assented to it, which created anxiety and disquiet in the rank of land grabbers. Also, enforcement had kicked off with some suspects now standing trial before different courts. In some parts, however, land grabbers are still on the prowl against the provisions of the law.

Findings from different institutional researches showed that land grabbing had been a source of disincentive for local and foreign investors in the state. Hence, Ambode said, it becomes imperative to protect their interests and ensure social justice where those interests are unlawfully undermined

No sacred cow However, the governor is not wielding the sticks of enforcement alone. No doubt, Ambode had not left any stone unturned with respect to enforcement. But he had equally created a window for robust engagement with critical stakeholders – royal lineages, land-holding families and individuals among others, which Kazeem described as the second phase in the enforcement of the law.

As the attorney-general said, Ambode had directed the Office of Civic Engagement and Special Taskforce on Land Grabbing to meaningfully engage all stakeholders district by district and division by division. And the engagement was, first and foremost, designed to educate and enlighten all the stakeholders on the provisions of the state’s anti-land grabbing legislation.

Also, Ambode seized the forum with stakeholders to convey the commitment of the state government to full enforcement.

So, Chairman of the taskforce, Mr. Akinjide Bakare said there would not be any sacred cow, citing Ambode’s pledge “to uphold the rule of law and guarantee social justice.� For any reason, he said, the state government will not entertain any breach or spare any violator.

Specifically, Bakare said the law “does not protect any traditional rulers if they are on the wrong side of the legislation.� He added that the law stated that any traditional ruler that engaged in land grabbing and other unlawful activities “will be dethroned.� Likewise, the attorney-general said, the law will be enforced against any violator irrespective of his/her social status. “Our word is our bond under the Ambode administration,� Kazeem said. He said this was evident in the number of high profile

land grabbing cases the state government currently being prosecuted in different courts of competent jurisdiction. He, therefore, said the state government “is determined to ensure that people who acquired properties were protected from activities of land grabbers.�

Under previous regimes, he said, there was no specific legislation to effectively protect different interests against land grabbers. Under different guises, he said, people fell into the traps of land grabbers. Sometimes, he added, original land owners became a victim apart from investors. So, he said, there shall be no sacred cow because this government stands for justice, prosperity and security.

Beyond the sticks But the state government had started creating awareness among different interests, royal lineages, land-holding families, traditional rulers and individuals, on the provisions of the law. As the Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr. Kehinde Joseph said, a number of public fora had been organised already on the provisions and significance of the anti-land grabbing legislation.

Across the state, Joseph explained how the Ambode had been creating awareness about the new regime. So, according to him, the regime is not about stick alone. A window has been created for public enlightenment and mediation where required. Apparently, he said, Ambode will not take any decision without gainfully engaging all interests and stakeholders. He said this inclination was in line with Ambode’s proclamation to run a government of inclusion at all levels Joseph thus explained what the situation was prior to the advent of the Lagos State Property Protection Law on August 15, 2016. Before

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FEATURES

Ambode (middle) signing Lagos State Property Protection Law, 2016, at the State House, Alausa. With him are Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa (left) and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem

the new regime, he said, acquiring property in the state was a nightmare, especially from individual to individual. Likewise, he added, acquiring land from land holding families, communities and royal lineages was fraught with fear and uncertainty.

He said people could not guarantee safety of their properties. In the same space, he explained, forceful takeover and fraudulent conduct became rife in different parts of the state. Aside, the special adviser noted that land grabbing became a syndrome,� which according to him, the Ambode administration had put in place diverse institutional measures to resolve.

Across all local councils, the special adviser cited how many communities were ransacked and property wantonly destroyed.

He, also, lamented an unprecedented rate at which land grabbers were invading parcels of land acquired by the state government in the overriding interest of the public. Often, he said, land grabbers trespassed with impunity and against public interest.

By implication, Joseph said, a lot of people lost their lives as a result of this brigandage.

Likewise, he explained that people were denied access “to the property they purchased with their hard-earned money. For these reasons, the Ambode administration came up with the State Properties Protection Law,� which he said, had started checkmating the unlawful activities of land grabbers.

Conscious of the need for effective enforcement, the special adviser said the Ambode administration “has set up a Special Task Force on Land Grabbers,� which he said, was designed “to incisively deal with individual or groups of individuals that might be on the wrong side of the law. As citizens, it is our civic responsibility to obey the law as ignorance of the law is no excuse. “The state government will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any person, however highly placed in the state, who violates the law. Such individuals or groups of individuals are undesirable in our communities. Our people deserve to live peacefully and enjoy their property. Anything short of this is not acceptable to the Government of Lagos State,� the special adviser said.

Consonant with the state land reforms, however, Joseph emphasised the need for all

land owners to perfect the title documents of their property, which he said, would give them outright rights over parcels of land they acquired. He asked them “to take advantage of the land reforms to perfect their land title documents. It is easier and faster now to obtain these documents.�

Inside the law Apparently, the law does not only recommend dethronement of traditional rulers and local chiefs, who may run foul of it. It equally recommends different sanctions, which range from three-month jail term to ten-year jail term, which Ambode said, he was committed “to fully enforce irrespective of who breached the legislation. We are committed to promoting the rule of law.

Without mincing words, failure to observe the new regime will attract grave consequence, says the attorney-general. So, he warned, no

The state government will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any person, however highly placed in the state, who violates the law. Such individuals or groups of individuals are undesirable in our communities.

Our people deserve to live peacefully and enjoy their property.

Anything short of this is not acceptable to the Government of Lagos State

individual, family or community should treat the new regime with levity and triviality. He said the state government would enforce the law against any individual or group of individuals found wanting of the law no matter how highly placed in the state.

Kazeem, therefore, made a very critical observation about land grabbers, some of whom he said, were being sponsored by highly placed individuals across the state, mainly traditional rulers. Irrespective of their social status in the state, the attorney-general said, any person that breach the law or engage in illegal activities in any parts of the state would face the full wrath of the law.

He, thus, explained the core objective of the State he Property Protection Law, which according to him, sought to reduce to the barest minimum the activities of persons or corporate entities using intimidation “to dispossess or prevent any person or entity from acquiring legitimate interest and possession of property acquired through state government or private transactions.�

For this purpose, the attorney-general said Ambode specifically set up the Special Task Force on Land Grabbers to ensure enforcement of the State Government and Private property Rights in the state and ensure proper coordination of the efforts of the various agencies of the state government charged with enforcing the state government's rights overland in Lagos.

He disclosed different punitive measures, which he said, would be awarded against any person prosecuted and convicted of land grabbing.

He cited Section 2(1), which states that as from the commencement of the law, no one shall use force or self-help to take over any landed property or engage in any act inconsistent with the proprietary right of the owner in the State.

Pursuant to section 2(1), also, Kazeem cited section 2(2) of the law, which specifically states that any person or persons who have used force “to take over the properties of others and still do so after 3 months from the date of commencement of the law commit an offence.

Anyone who commits such offence is liable to 10 years imprisonment.�

For those use threat or violence, the attorneygeneral said anyone without lawful authority

who applies threats or violence “to secure entry into any landed property for personal use commits an offence. Regardless of if the entry is lawful, it does not give a right to use threats or violence and anyone who commits the offence shall be liable to 10 years imprisonment.

As enshrined in section 3(4) of the law, the attorney-general said any person or groups of persons who resort “to the use of fire arms or offensive weapons or is in any way armed or wounds any person while committing the act of forced entry is liable to four years of imprisonment.� He, therefore, said the state government “is committed to unalloyed enforcement of the law.�

Relief at last Already, the law has created a relative order statewide, says Mr. Oyebanji Abuloye, a public notary with interest in land matters. However, he argued, it is not just about its enactment.

Rather, he said Ambode’s administration had transited its enactment to full enforcement, which according to him, was evident in the number of land-grabbing cases currently being prosecuted in courts.

So, he believed, there is much relief in the trench already. But Abuloye wants the state government to work with the police. He cited different cases he had handled in the state recently and land grabbers worked hand-in-hand with the police to carry out nefarious activities.

While he endorsed Ambode’s anti-land grabbing initiative, he sought strategies to contain excess of the police. Just after Ambode signed the law, Mr. Dele Oloke, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, endorsed the anti-land grabbing initiative, which he said, had started curbing the illegal activities of land grabbers and their sponsors. Sad enough, he said the sponsors of land grabbers are sometimes respectable persons in the society and often circumvent the law.

Oloke, thus, believed the law had already reduced “to barest minimum the activities of persons or corporate entities who use force and intimidation to dispossess or prevent any person or entity from acquiring legitimate interest and possession of property acquired through state government or private transactions.� If enforcement is sustained, he said, there is an end in sight to land grabbing.

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IMAGES

L-R: former Chairman, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Prince Rasheed Otolorin; Lt. Cdr. Ayinla Alarape; representing Commandant NNS, Ojo Navy Base Lagos, Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Comrade Valentine Buraimoh; DSP Obamiyi Peter; representing DPO Festac Police Station, Immediate past Chairman, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Comrade Ayodele Adewale and Commanding Officer, OPMESA Amuwo Odofin LG, Lt. Saminu Jeremiah, after the first peace and security council meeting of the council, at the local government secretariat, Festac Town Lagos‌.recently

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) Capt. Muhtar Usman; Team Leader, Aviation Security Inspector Airworthness, Federal Aviation Administration, (FAA) Mr. Louis A. Alvarez and Attorney, office of Chief Councel, International Affairs & Legal Policy, (FAA), Ms. Elizabeth J. Weir, during the arrival of Faderal Aviation Administration, (FAA) to audit Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) at Aviation House, Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja,.recently kolawole alli

L-R; District 0110 Nigeria Governor, Rotary International, Dr. Wale Ogunbadejo; Newly installed President, Rotary Club of Lagos Island, Rotn Sanjeev Tandon; District Governor elect, Rotn Kola Sodipo and past assistant governor, Rotn Narayan Bhai at Rotn Sanjeev Tandon’s installation in Lagos...recently

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Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

L-R: Product Manager, West Africa, Eaton Limited, Tosin Omodayo; Power Quality Product, Africa, Jaco Duploy; Marketing Director, Africa, Sumaya Abdool and Regional Sales Manager, West Africa, Charles Iyo, during a seminar for Eaton UPS partners and Resellers in Lagos..recently kola olasupo

L-R; Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Sosan; Former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos and Recipient of the Tertiary Education Lifetime Award, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe; His Wife, Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe and Deputy President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Babatunde Ruwase during the Maiden Edition of the LCCI Education Group Excellence in Education Award In Lagos...recently.

L-R; American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Fellow, Rahn Ravenell; President, Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Professor Mohammed Alkali; Coordinator Diabetes Podiatry lnitiative Nigeria, Dr. Afoke lsiavwe and Representative o the Minister of Health, Dr. Ademola Dada during the 4th Podiatry and Diabetes Foot care workshop organised by Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre in Lagos..recently

L-R: General Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Lolade Agiri-Johnson; Deputy Director, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mrs Elsie Ofili; Director, SON and Representative of the Director General, SON, Mr Obayi Bede; Director, BATNF, Mr Ageni Yusuf; Executive Director, BATNF, Abimbola Okoya and Area Head of Legal, BAT West Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison; at the presentation of the NIS 9001:2015 Quality Management System certificate to BATNF by SON in Lagos...recently

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BUSINESSWORLD

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

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Quick Takes LCCI Group Holds Annual Seminar

PROMOTING COMMODITY TRADING

L-R: Vice-Chairman, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Mr. Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale; Founder and Director, Chella Software Private Limited, Mr. Girish Raipuria; Chairman, ASHON, Mr. Patrick Ezeagu, Co-founder and Head of Sales, Chella Software Private Limited, Mr. Subbiah Rajagopal, at ASHON’S workshop on commodity trading in Lagos‌recently

Forex Transactions on Investors & Exporters Window Hit $7.62bn Obinna Chima The total turnover of forex transactions on the Investors and Exporters window stood at US$7.62 billion as at August 11, a report has shown.

The increase, according to the monthly analysis by FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, has been consistent since April 2017.

They projected that the turnover in August 2017 would also be higher than that of July 2017.

The report pointed out that the implementation of the Investors’ and Exporters’ Foreign Exchange (FX) window has increased the supply of foreign exchange into the Nigerian economy.

ECONOMY In addition, it has attracted more investments into Nigeria. “Consequently, we observed relative stability in the foreign exchange market. Companies and individuals are now able to access more foreign exchange in the market than before to carry out eligible transactions and economic activities are gradually picking up,� they added.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced the special window for investors, exporters and end-users of forex on April 21, 2017 as part of its efforts to deepen the forex market and accommodate all forex obligations.

According to the CBN, the objective of the window is to increase liquidity in the forex market and ensure timely execution and settlement of eligible transactions.

The eligible transactions in the window are: invisible transactions such as loan repayment, capital repatriation, management services fees, consultancy fees, software subscription, technology transfer agreements, personal home remittances and any other eligible invisible transactions.

Another one is the Bills for Collection as well as any other trade-related obligations (at the instance of the customers).

The CBN stipulates that the supply of foreign currency to

the window shall be through portfolio investors, exporters, authorised dealers and other parties with foreign currency to exchange to naira.

The CBN is also a market participant in the window to promote liquidity and professional market conducts. “The introduction of the window has encouraged exporters to bring back their export proceeds to the country and through the official sources, thus increasing the stock of foreign exchange in the country. “Another important gain of the window is that it has attracted more foreign capital into Nigeria for various forms of investment.

Continued on page 24

More Work for SEC, Others as Unclaimed Dividends Hit N121bn Goddy Egene The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has to step up its ongoing efforts aimed at tackling the issue of unclaimed dividends in the nation’s capital market going by the statistics released by the apex regulator.

Information extracted from the SEC Statistical Bulletin, which was released last week, put the total unclaimed dividends as at March 2017, at N121.4 billion.

The commission, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and other market stakeholders had in late 2015, launched Electronic Mandate Management System (E-DMMS) platform.

The

CAPITAL MARKET platform allows shareholders to receive dividends directly into their bank accounts.

Although investors are registering for the e-dividend, the latest information showed that more still needs to be done as about N121.4 billion unclaimed dividends are still in the market.

A breakdown of the dividends showed that about N21 billion are less than 15 months, N11.2 billion with registrars and N89.1 billion with the companies.

The amount was N84.4 billion in December 2012; it dropped to N73.7 billion in 2013 but rose to N98.7billion in 2014. The figures hit a high of N102 billion in

June 2015 before it reduced to N98.1 billion in December of the same year. However, it climbed to N117.2 billion in December 2016 and N121.4 billion as at March this year.

As part of efforts to discourage issuance of physical dividend warrants, SEC had declared that as from January next year, shareholders would only receive e-dividends. The deadline was actually extended from July 2017 to January 2018.

However, while stakeholders commended the efforts by the regulator, they said there is the need for more awareness creation among investors so that that registrar for e-dividends.

For instance, the Chairman of Ibadan Zone Shareholders

Association, Mr. Eric Akinduro, said: “The extension is a very good and welcome development particularly considering the number of shareholders that we have in this country. However, the extension alone is not enough. SEC should embark on intensive awareness creation particularly to the grassroots investors. In this market we have two types of investors informed and uninformed.

SEC should create an enabling environment for the uninformed to be informed and key into the e-mandate system.�

Mrs. Bisi Bakare of Pragmatic Shareholders of Nigeria said we need to do more of enlightenContinued on page 24

TheSmallandMediumEnterprise(SME)GroupoftheLagosChamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is set to hold its annual seminar.The theme of this year’s seminar is: “Ease of Doing Business: Economic Realities for SMEs.� The annual SME seminar, according to the Group’s Chairman, Mr. Jon Kachikwu, has been scheduled to hold this Wednesday in Lagos. He said it would be used to highlight the opportunities and challenges in the SME sector and evaluate the extent to which the federal government’s policy on ease of doing business has positioned businesses, particularly SMEs towards growth and economic sustainability in the country.

Kachikwu further disclosed that, “speakers at the event include: Assistant Comptroller General, Abueh, Zonal Coordinator, Nigeria Customs Service; Director General, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control; USAID/NEXTT; Barr. Prince Joel, Principal Partner,PrinceJoel&AssociatesandMr.JoyAkinolu,Consultant,Bank of Industry. The event is expected to be chaired by the President of The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Mrs. Nike Akande, CON.â€? He further explained that, “the LCCI SME Group is a very active armoftheChamberknownforitsconstructiveengagementoncritical issues aecting the operations and activities of its members, with the aim of creating enabling environment for their businesses to thrive.â€?

Dangote Rewards Customers

More winners have emerged in the on-going N500million ‘Dangote Cement Retailers Bonanza, Season Two’ promo.

According to a statement, at the Isolo, Lagos depot of the Dangote cement, leading the pack of the star prize winners was a 90-year old retailer, Baba Hassan Shitta, who took delivery of his 600 bags and 20 ft. he won. He explained that he has been in the business of cement retailing for years and that Dangote cement bonanza was the ďŹ rst time he was seeing a cement company running a promo to beneďŹ t the retailers. “I was more that excited when I received the phone call that I have won 600 bags of cement. It was my distributor who helped me ďŹ lled the coupon that submitted. Ever since I started the business, I have never sold any other cement in my life. Dangote has been good to me and this is another opportunity for me again.We are being encouraged. “May God continue to bless Alhaji Dangote for his generosity, imagine how much the number of cement they are giving me will add to my business? It’s a lot. I will take story to Ikorodu and tell others who are not yet participating in the Bonanza that it is real,â€? Shitta stated. Also, basking in the euphoria of their winning, Soyombo Rashidat of MorashVentures, Ikorodu and Madam Khadijat Oluseun Rasheed of Kazeezat Enterprises, Ibafo said the company have strengthened their resolve to continue in the business and that Dangote had revolutionised the business to the level where they could pass it on to their children.

Group Organises Economic Forum

The 2017 annual lecture of the Catholic Brothers United (CBU) will focuse on the current recession and on-going eorts of the government to turn the economy around and engender overall growth of critical sectors of the economy. The CBU stated that the Archbishop of Abuja is slated to speak at the annual lecture platform expected to generate discourse among major stakeholders in both the political and economic space. This year’s lecture with the theme: “Proering Solution to the Current Economic Recession: The Religious Perspective,â€? is to be delivered by His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Archbishop of Abuja. According to president of the CBU, Emmanuel Okoro, the topic is timely given the sustainable eorts and commitment by the federal government to exit the country from the present economic woes. Okoro said the CBU as an association made up of professionals, entrepreneurs and businessmenseesthebodyasastakeholderintheon-goingeconomic restructuring process and as also considers it a duty and national assignment to support genuine and determined activities to move Nigeria away from poverty. He observed that religion should not be separated from the society as religion plays important role in shaping the entire society, by engaging public oďŹƒce holders, government oďŹƒcials as well as policy makers in issues of national development.

“We are consuming more cows than we are calving.

Lagos State alone consumes 6,000 cows per day. Add the figure from Rivers, Abia, Imo, Oyo, Kano States and FCT, it might not be long before we run out of beef

Minister of Agriculture Audu Ogbeh

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BUSINESSWORLD FOREX TRANSACTIONS ON INVESTORS & EXPORTERS WINDOW HIT $7.62BN “Our analysis of the capital importation data from the CBN between January and May, 2017 shows that there was a growth in capital importation in 2017 compared with 2016. “The total capital importation in the five months ended May 2017 stood at US$2.09 billion representing a growth of 82.78% compared with the US$1.42 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2016,� it added.

According to the report, Other Investments (OI) – Loans attracted the highest capital of US$886 million between January and May in 2017, followed by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – Equity of US$436 million and closely followed by Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) – Equity of US$413 million.

MORE WORK FOR SEC, OTHERS AS UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS HIT N121BN ment, especially in the rural areas. “Before now, most investors were civil servants, who have retired to their villages or changed addresses. The regulator should collaborate with other stakeholders and do more enlightenment for a more efficient result,� Bakare said According to him, the commission should partner shareholders groups to reach their members at grassroots level.

Mr. Anthony Omojola of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) said the regulator should embark on an enlightenment using radio, town hall meetings and other means across the country. “This can be done through partnership and collaboration with other market stakeholders. If the enlightenment is not intensified, the extension will not lead to any significant benefit. Apart from shareholders, most banks’ staff needs enlightenment too because many of them do not understand the workings of the e-dividend platform.

NEWS

Nigerdock Graduates 49 Trainees on 200,000 bpd Egina Deepwater Project Ejiofor Alike The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote has applauded Nigerdock for its efforts in promoting local content and human capacity development, especially with the graduation of the second batch of 49 vocational trainees on the 200,000 barrels per day Egina deepwater project from the Nigerdock Training and Development Academy.

The National Human Capacity Development (NHCD) plan for the training on the Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Egina oilfield was designed as an on-the-job training model.

As such, the trainees witnessed the fabrication of various structures on Egina FPSO project and provided support during the project.

Located at the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 130 offshore, the Egina deepwater field is being developed by the French oil major, Total Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI) to add 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil to Nigeria’s oil production by 2018.

Total had awarded the contract for building the Egina FPSO to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) of Korea at a cost of $3.3 billion. However, some of the trainees witnessed activities in other areas of Nigerdock’s operations like the

shipyard division and offshore logistics division. The vocational trainees comprising 47 young men and two ladies commenced their on-the-job training (OJT) in May 2016. While 24 trainees acquired skills in welding; 19 of them were trained in fitting and six in machining.

At the graduation ceremony held weekend at the Nigerdock facility located at Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ), Wabote, who was represented by

NCDMB’s Manager in charge of Capacity Development Division, Mr. Iwhiwhu Maurice Kelly, appreciated Nigerdock, Samsung Heavy Industries and Total for further deepening local content and improving Nigeria’s Human Capacity Development through its world class training academy. “We commend Nigerdock, Samsung Heavy Industries Ltd and Total Upstream Nigeria Limited because we are confident that these vocational trainees

have been trained in various skill sets that empower them to provide the necessary manpower and services for the sector and they can compete with their counterparts in other parts of the world,� Wabote said.

In her remarks, the Group Corporate Affairs Director of Jagal, Mrs. Joy Okebalama, reaffirmed Nigerdock’s commitment to continuously champion local content development in Nigeria.

She also lauded SHI Nigeria

Limited, Total and NCDMB for supporting the programme.

Also speaking at the ceremony, which was also witnessed by the Group Managing Director of Jagal Energy, Mr. Chris Bennett, Nigerdock’s Human Capacity Development Manager, Mr. Emeka Anazia noted that none of the trainees would leave the Academy with any injury as the training was successfully completed without any lost time injury.

MEDIA PARLEY

L-R: Group Head Internal Control, Mr. Fagbile Remi; Coordinator natnuPreneur,Mr. Gbolade Adewole; Group General Manager, Amo Group, Toromade Francis and General Manager Amo Byng, Mr. Oloruntoba Emmanuel, at natnuPreneur press brieďŹ ng in Lagos... recently

FG to Stop Issuance of Fish Importation Quota Jonathan Eze The federal government has said it will stop issuing fish importation quota to importers, arguing that the venture was no longer sustainable.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri said this during a meeting with the Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction (IDIPR) in Abuja.

The minister said that stopping the trade would help boost local production of fish and other aspects of agriculture in the country.

According to him, the current deficit in fish in Nigeria is over two million tonnes and urged citizens to invest to boost fish production and create jobs in the sector. “We realised that fish import is no more sustainable and what we did was to encourage those that import it to think of the backward integration by reducing the quota year by year in agreement with the CBN. “Very soon, we are not going to give quota for fish importation. We want everybody to set up their fish farms, employ our people and create jobs for our people.

“When we came last two years, Nigeria was producing about 700,000 tonnes of fish but this has increased to about 1.2 million tonnes which means that there has been an increment of 400 tonnes. “This increase represents more than 50 per cent of what we were producing,’’ he said.

Lokpobiri, who commended the IDIPR for contributing to fish production in the country, advised other states to emulate the community’s agricultural initiative.

He said the government would soon complete and commission the fish feed mill

located at Eriwe village farm in Ijebu community of Ogun.

The minister quoted the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as saying that Ijebu community had the highest number of fish clusters in the world.

Earlier, the Chairman, Board of Directors of the initiative, Prof. Olanipekun Alausa listed some challenges hindering the agricultural initiative to include inadequate access to loans and lack of modern agricultural tools for mechanised farming.

Alausa, who said the initiative was currently supplying food items to nine local government

areas in the state, appealed for more support from the federal government to enhance the initiative’s performance.

He added that the scheme, which was established in 1999 as a non-governmental organisation, was geared toward community development to reduce poverty and improve the livelihood of people, using agriculture and micro-credit among others.

The chairman said the scheme was involved in poultry, piggery, bee-keeping and cocoa farming to ensure poverty reduction and contribute to agricultural development of the country.

PenCom Faults Proposed Additional Provision on Pension 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)

Ebere Nwoji The National Pension Commission (PenCom), has faulted the proposed introduction of additional provision on pension in the bill on the devolution of powers currently before the National Assembly in the constitutional amendment exercise. PenCom, in a position paper to this effect made available to THISDAY, described it as unsuitable questioning the appropriateness and motive behind the proposal.

According to PenCom, questioning of the proposal became necessary against the backdrop of the existence

of provisions on the subject in the 1999 constitution as well as the fact that there are currently in the public domain, discussions on legislative activities on proposals for reversal of certain aspects of the pension reform embarked upon by Nigeria since 2004. “A natural starting point for an objective analysis on this subject is an in-depth evaluation of the adequacy of the existing provisions on pensions under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Indeed, a discerning reviewer of the current provisions would unavoidably draw a conclusion that the subject of pensions has

amply been addressed under the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). It is addressed both as an enforceable right accruing to certain categories of employees and also as a persuasive requirement under chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution, dealing with fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy, which governments at all levels and tiers, are encouraged to observe and apply its provisions for the benefit of all citizens�, the commission stated.

Buttressing its argument on why the proposed amendment is unnecessary, the commission noted that the 1999 constitution

provides under Section 16(2) (d) that the state should strive to provide for the citizens a number of social security benefits, including “old age care and pensions�. Consequently, organs of governments at all levels (federal, states and local governments) as well as all public authorities are expected to strive to provide these benefits for all citizens regardless of whether they work under the public or private sectors, formal or informal sectors, or do not work at all.

It however, noted that the provision of Section 16 of the 1999 constitution is only persuasive and not enforceable,

having fallen under Chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution dealing with the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.

The commission observed that the 1999 constitution under sections 173 and 210 and in similar wordings, unequivocally elevated public sector pensions to the status of enforceable rights accruing to employees of both the federal and state governments respectively.

It said subject to the provisions of the constitution, the right of a person in the public service of the federation to receive pension or gratuity shall be regulated by law.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°ÍąËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

25

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Vowgas Deserves Huge Patronage by the IOCs, Says Wabote Ejiofor Alike The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr Simbi Kesiye Wabote, has declared that the modern fabrication yard complex recently unveiled by MG Vowgas in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, deserves to be greatly patronised by the International Oil Companies IOCs since it has everything that is required for fabrication and ship engineering services.

Wabote who made the statement at the end of the facility tour of the fabrication yard of the company noted that he is pleasantly surprised and impressed at the quality and number of machines, workshops and equipment available at the complex. “ I am blown away by what I have seen here. I am excellently impressed by the facilities tucked away in this part of Port Harcourt. Most of the global fabrication yards

started like this and we have to assist this great initiative to grow�, Wabote said.

In commending the industrial outlay of the fabrication yard, Wabote pointed out that the magnificent office complex, trained workforce and the high caliber equipment and facilities are sufficient to “take any FPSO, as far as I am concerned, and you also have a water depth of 7 metres which is a very good advantage�.

He promised to ensure that “work scope that this yard can handle in the oil and gas industry is given to this yard, and to ensure that this yard participates in competitive and transparent bidding process, so it can become the lead contractor instead of becoming a sub contractor�, stressing that “this is an amazing facility and with a little encouragement, they will do much more than what we have here�

The NCDMB boss, remarked that Vowgas

fabrication yard must have been built out of the passion to grow the industry, given that the company has not had any major contract in the past.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director of the company, Mr Godwin Izomor who conducted the NCDMB team round the yard, noted that “with the world-class facilities and personnel on ground, there is no longer any excuse by the IOCs to take their fabrications jobs to foreign lands thus promoting capital flight�. He noted that he is determined to match global standard in the oil and gas industry.

He appealed to the federal government to assist the initiative by significantly improving electricity supply in the country as well as ensuring a perfect security service, because it is costing us such a huge amount to provide electricity and security, which ultimately increases the cost of doing business�.

Premium Pensions Grows Assets to N487Billion Ebere Nwoji Premium Pension Limited said it has grown its assets to N487billion as at June 2017.

The company also said its Retirement Savings Account (RSA) unit price stood at 3.4562. It also grew its retiree unit price to 2.5735 as at the end of June 2017.

Disclosing this at a recent media forum organised by the National Association of Insurance and Pension Correspondents ( NAIPCO), South West Regional Manager of the company, Fatai Olufeso, who represented the Company’s

Managing Director, Wilson Ideva at the event, said Premium Pensions has paid a total of N128billion to 70,374 retirees as at July 2017.

According to him, the retirees are inclusive of those that retired under normal retirement, those that lost their jobs, those that died in the service or after retirement and those that retired as a result of illness. He spoke on the effectiveness of the CPS in bettering the lots of retirees saying. He said: “Why you have not heard of any case of fraud and will not hear it is as a result of the structures

put in place. Once there is an effective structure in place, the structure will drive the system effectively.�

He noted that the CPS, would go a long way in eradicating corruption and poverty in the system, adding that when retirees are seeing the benefits of the CPS to their lives, they will be forced to embrace the system.

He urged the media to continue to support the industry through their reportage of the industry, adding that 10 to 20 years from now the pension industry and the workers will be better for it.

Western Lotto Partners Linda Ikeji’s Blog Nigeria’s wave-making gaming brand, Western Lotto Nigeria Limited, has entered into a partnership with Nigeria’s leading lifestyle blog, Linda Ikeji’s Blog to reward visitors to the blog as well as its fans.

Brand Management, Western Lotto Nigeria Limited, Rosemary Takor said in a statement that Western Lotto will give customers N2million worth of airtime across networks in collaboration with Linda Ikeji’s blog as part of its ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ giveaway.

The event would hold on Friday, August 25, 2017.

To participate, visitors to Linda Ikeji’s Blog would log on to www.westernlotto.com/register and register using the promo code LIB2017+preferred network (for example LIB2017GLO or LIB20179MOBILE or LIB2017AIRTEL or LIB2017MTN).

This TGIF giveaway promo is open between 9am and 9pm daily until the draw. Only the first 2000 persons to register would get the N1000 free airtime.

Managing Director, Western Lotto, Mr. Elvis Krivokuca said the TGIF giveaway promo aligns with its plans to change the landscape of gaming in Nigeria and empower customers. “This TGIF giveaway promo is part of our mission to empower people. We have the Mega Upgrade Promo being driven by about 15 A-list ambassadors in the music and movie industry where players can win cash prizes valued at N175m and two brand new cars.�

A thousand customers would win N50, 000 each; another thousand would grab N100, 000 while 30 patrons would go home with N500, 000 each. Another 10 people

will win N1 million and two lucky winners will drive home a brand new car each.

Western Lotto is Nigeria’s largest gaming and entertainment brand with a franchise to offer five international lottery games in partnership with world renowned UK firm, Lot.to Games on offer at Western Lotto include Powerball, Euro Millions, Euro Jackpot, UK Lotto and Mega Millions.

While the Powerball is an American lottery game played every Wednesday and Saturday, the Euro Millions is a transnational lottery played across Europe every Tuesday and Friday.

The Euro Jackpot is also played across Europe, just as the UK Lotto is also known as the UK National Lottery. It is played every Wednesday and Saturday. Draws for MegaMillions hold on Tuesdays and Fridays.

ELEVATING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Marie-Therese Phido

Business and Politics – An Explosive Combination Ă?Þ˪Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂž åÓÞÒ Ă‹ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ today. Is it a good idea to mix business with politics? Hold on to your answer. Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‘Ă™ ĂžĂ™ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ conversational topic is politics. I try very Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂŽ Ă˜Ă™Ăž ÞÙ Ă‘Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ÞÒĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ because it usually never ends well for me on a social basis not to mention the business arena because of the passion people feel towards their political leanings.

ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă˜Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž ÞÒËÞ Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă–ĂŽ ĂœĂ&#x;Ă—Ăš Ă“Ă? Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂ‹ĂžĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ùà Ă?Ăœ ÍŻÍľ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ĂŒĂ™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ‹ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂžË› Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž be hurting his business very badly and the reason for the cancellations is because people do not agree with his political leaning Ă™Ăœ Ă“ĂŽĂ?ÙÖÙÑã˛ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă’Ă?Ă‹Ăœ ÞÒËÞ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ åÒÙ× he has entrusted to run his businesses Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;Ă?Ă•Ëœ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă“ĂŽ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? scrutiny and criticism they will face from Ă Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?ÞËÕĂ?ÒÙÖÎĂ?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ try to engage in new or innovative business. Ă’Ă?Ă“Ăœ Ă?ËÞÒĂ?ĂœËŞĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ‹ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ÞÒĂ? ÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă‹Ă– Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă‹ is affecting the sustainability and growth of their enterprises. Ă‹Ă•Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™Ă–Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?âË×ÚÖĂ?Ëœ Ă‹ Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă– ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ“Ă?ĂŽ because he went into politics. If he had ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?Ă™Ëœ ĂĄĂ? ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă?ÞÓÖÖ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽ Ă?ĂĄĂ?ÚËÚĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽ Ă“ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ăœ ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂŽËœ ĂŒĂ“Ă™Ă–Ă‹ ÙÙÕĂ?ÒÙÚĂ?Ëœ Ëœ Ă?ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?Ëœ ÞÙÎËã˪Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?Ă˜ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ progress in Nigeria are not overtly in any political party and you will never see them ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă– ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– win and whichever side wins is their friend. Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?×ÚÖÙãĂ?Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ăœ ÞÒĂ?Ă?Ă? are lessons to learn from.

Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂŒĂ–Ă™Ă‘Ëœ ÞåĂ?Ă?ĂžËœ Ă?Ù××Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ăœ ÚÙĂ?Ăž Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ëœ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? even if you do not engage in conversations Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? åÓÞÒ ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ?Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă Ă“Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– be clear and this can be very detrimental ÞÙ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă?Ă• Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă–ĂŽ ĂœĂ&#x;Ă—ĂšË

Ă˜ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ ĂĄĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂŽĂ“Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ë› Ă&#x;Ăœ views on partisan politics and a broad range Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă?ÓÙÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă‹Ă– Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂžĂ? ĂšĂ™Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă¤Ă?ĂŽË› Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂšĂ™Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă– ÚÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂžËœ executives and business leaders should be aware that expressing their views by nature exerts pressure on employees and associates to conform. Ă“Ă•Ă?ĂĄĂ“Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă“Ă? ÓÞ˪Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ËŞĂœĂ? Ă‹ ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂŽĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœËœ Ă“Ăž Ă“Ă? not a great idea to limit your potential by unnecessarily declaring where you Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ™Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă? of course you do not mind losing half the opportunities available to you in an already highly competitive world.

Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂžËœ Ă˜Ă™Ăž ÞÙÙ Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ëœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?ÞÓÛĂ&#x;Ă?ÞÞĂ? Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ëà ÙÓÎ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă™Ă?ĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă“Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă&#x;Ăš ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă•Ă? Ă™Ăœ ËÚÚĂ?Ă‹Ă– ÞÙ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?âÓĂ?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? best tactic available was to simply smile Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă•Ă?Ă?Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÒ Ă?Ă’Ă&#x;Þ˛ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă? still very relevant today. Ù×Ă? ĂšĂ?ĂœĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ÞÙ ĂšĂ™Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă˜Ë?

Does your customer need to know your opinion?

Is it possible that you and your Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă–Ă– ÍŻÍŽÍŽ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ĂŁĂ˜Ă? on your political views? It is highly Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă?Ă–ĂŁ ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁĂ™Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“ĂœĂ?Ă–ĂŁ Ă?ĂŁĂ? ÞÙ Ă?ĂŁĂ?Ëœ on every political issue. Especially because of the fact that most businesses operates Ă™Ă˜Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ

prospects with diverse views – as can be seen in the Nigeria of today. So when you add your opinion to the dialogue Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă?Ă?ĂŒĂ™Ă™Ă• Ă™Ăœ ÞåÓÞÞĂ?Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹ĂœĂ? endearing yourself to some customers while offending others big time. What value does your business gain by getting your personal excitement or frustrations off your chest online or in business faceÞÙ̋Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă?ËŁ Ă™Ă?Ăž ÞÓ×Ă?Ă?Ëœ ÞÒÓĂ? involvement can be very detrimental to your business.

How does it affect your brand? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;ÓÞã Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă‹Ă– ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ term survival of your business and whether you have spent thousands on consultants or hours on building your business from Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă’Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÚÖĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂŁ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?ËŞĂ? ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽË› Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? ÞËâĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă?×ÚÖÙãĂ?Ă? ×ËÞÞĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ?Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ó×ÚËĂ?Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă?Ă–ĂŁ ĂŽĂ™ Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽËœ they are the usual operational issues you Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; encourage your employees to “live the brandâ€? in every interaction internally Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?âÞĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁË› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ëœ Ă–Ă?ÞÞĂ?ĂœËœ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂšĂ™Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ëœ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă?ÞÞĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ customer interaction. So why compromise it to share the latest gist on what your favorite political enemy or friend is doing right or wrong? Not worth it in my view.

Is it distracting? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ ÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă˜ ÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă‹Ă– ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? performance or on the latest scandal only ĂŽĂ“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă?Ăž Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“ĂšËœ ĂŽĂœĂ“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă‹Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ åÓÞÒ Ă?×ÚÖÙãĂ?Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?ÞËÕĂ?ÒÙÖÎĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ?Ë› Ă™ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă– ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‘Ă? ÞÙ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă?Ëœ ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă– ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă?ĂŒĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽËœ ĂĄĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜Ë› Ă?âÞ your best friend. Keep confidential those you discuss your political ideology with. Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ ÞÓ×Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă—ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ? ÞÒËÞ ×ËÞÞĂ?ĂœËœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž Ă“Ă? the political issue affects your business find positive avenues to advocate for the survival of your business. Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ ÒÙÖÎ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ your answer. I hope I have been able to convince you that business and politics is an explosive combination and we should Ëà ÙÓÎ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă˜Ă™ ×ËÞÞĂ?Ăœ ÒÙå ĂžĂ?×ÚÞĂ?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? ÙÞÒĂ?ĂœĂĄĂ“Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ? ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă• Ă‘Ă?ĂžĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ into serious trouble in our business and ÞÓĂ?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ? Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂĄĂ? say the right people in this case.

Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ëœ Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ ĂŒĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă–Ă–Ă™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă›Ă&#x;ÙÞĂ?Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? personalities below will help. Ë› Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă– Ă?ÞÞã Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽË? ËŤ Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă“Ăž Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă?Ă Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă‘Ă™ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ? beliefs and attitudes held by the majority. Ă’Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ×Ùà Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ăœ ÞÙ the tide of prevailing opinion must expect ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă™ĂŒĂ?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽËœ ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂ‹Ă—Ă˜Ă?βˏ Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ™Ă˜ Ă’Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“Ă–Ă–Ëœ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽË? ËŤ ÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă? Ă“Ă? not a game but a serious businessâ€?. Let’s heed the words of these great men and avoid discussing politics by all means. It usually never ends well in the business environment.

Be wise! – Marie-Therese Phido is Sales & Market Strategist and Business Coach Email: mphido@elevato.com.ng tweeter handle @osat2012 TeL: 08090158156 (text only)

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Boosting Consumer Lending Goddy Egene writes that the introduction of FICO Scores will help to boost consumer lending and enhance the government’s financial inclusion policy One of the major roles of banks is to facilitate economic growth by lending to customers so that they can finance business activities.

When banks mobilise deposits, it is expected that significant part of the deposits is given those who want to fund businesses and thus contribute to the growth of the economy. It is a fact that many people in the country do not have access to financial services, a development the federal government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is trying to address.

Hence, various policies are being introduced to enhance financial inclusion. However, a lot is needed to be done for more Nigerians to really enjoy banking services and be able to contribute to the growth of the economy.

In the area of consumer lending, for instance, Nigeria is lagging behind, compared to some other countries. Only 10 per cent of banks’ loans in Nigeria is for consumer lending. This is lower than 45 per cent in South Africa, 33 per cent in Brazil and 18 per cent in Indonesia.

Why consumer lending is low Ordinarily lending by banks to consumer ought to be an exciting experience because of the impact it will have on individuals and the economy at large. But many financial institutions prefer to deal with large corporates and high networth individuals instead of concentrating on retail customers.

The reasons for this are not farfetched. According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, CRC Credit Bureau Limited, a leading firm that has been providing credit information since 2009, Mr. Tunde Popoola, said commercial banks are not doing more consumer lending because tracking non-performing borrowers is difficult. “Besides, consumer transactions are too small and expensive to manage. There is difficulty managing millions of borrowers and nonperforming loans, fear of multiple identities and fraud. There is also the issue of wrong lending model, lack of expertise, technologies and unique borrower identity,� he said.

Apart from the forgoing, certain risks also militate against consumer lending in the country. “Non-performing loans (NPL) is one of the biggest challenges facing lenders in Nigeria.

NPL jumped from 5.3 per cent in December 2015 to 11.7 per cent in June 2016. Information asymmetry continues to be an issue for lenders.

Consumer lending continues to be done by emotions, instinct, personal knowledge and relationship with the customer and judgement,� he said.

Popoola added that consumer transactions too small and expensive to manage, just as there is the fear of multiple identities and fraud, wrong lending model, lack of expertise and technologies, lack of unique borrower identity and poor data quality.

A Boost from New Law Although most operators and stakeholders are trying to see how to overcome some of the challenges and deepen the consumer lending space, the federal government has made a commendable move that would boost credit reporting in Nigeria.

It is the signing of the Credit Reporting Act 2017 that was signed into law by acting President Yemi Osinbajo in May. According to S. 3(1) of the Act, one of the functions of a credit bureau is receiving, collating and compiling credit and credit-related information from credit information providers; credit information users, and such other persons as the central bank may prescribe.

Credit information providers are banks, leasing companies, insurance companies, cooperative societies, utility companies, assets management companies, suppliers of goods and providers of services on a post-paid, deferred or installment payment basis and other entities that in their ordinary course of business have relevant information that complies with permissible

Popoola purposes and serves the purpose of the credit bureau. Speaking on the new law, Popoola said: “One thing that government has done and we must commend them is the enactment of the Credit Reporting Act. Before now, we did into have an enabling legislation that is providing cover for our industry. The Credit Reporting Act is just a very excellent way of support from government. The second support is the issue of Bank Verification Number (BVN), with BVN the means of identification is becoming easier and easier and that is assisting the efficiency of processing data because we now can identify people with their BVN rather than with their names. Before, when you put a name, so many people come up on the system. But today if you use their BVN only one name comes up.

That is also good.�

The CRC Credit Bureau boss, however, added that the government should ensure that as many people as possible have the BVN coverage. “Secondly, the National Identity Management Commission is our national means of identification. Government should ensure that every Nigerian has a national identity number. That is one key infrastructure that Nigeria needs to focus on by government.

If every Nigerian has a national identify number, then you can relate to people with their numbers, and it become easy for us to be able to reduce fraud, people bearing other people’s names and identity and so on.

It becomes cheaper for financial institutions to be able to onboard consumers and customers and so and so on. It is only government that can drive that,� he said.

Introducing FICO Score While the government is making efforts to address the low level of consumer lending, CRC Credit Bureau Limited and Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), an American company with over 50 years of experience in data and analytics have partnered to introduce FICO Score in the country.

FICO Scores is meant to help banks and other retailers to be able to appropriately dimension the risk on borrowers who are basically individuals Popoola explained that FICO Scores will know the risk level of every borrower and able to dimension whether it is good, excellent, average or bad, adding that with that, you can now have dimension of relationship you want to have with such an individual.

According to him, this product is to promote access to credit for consumers for individuals not for companies, but for individuals.

He said: “To make it easy for lenders, commercial banks, microfinance banks, retailers, to allow access to credit for consumers. Before now, it has been very difficult for them to do that because they don’t know to how to evaluate the risk that is inherent in every consumer. As far as they are concerned it is a black box, they see your application and they are judgemental. “They used sentiments, personal experience and relationship they have with you to be able to come up with whether you are good candidate for a loan or you are bad one. So what the FICO scores that we have

introduced is trying to do is to put a scientific method on how to analyse a particular customer based on a particular information about that customer and now recommend the per cent the risk that customer carries with just three digit number, which ranges from 300 to 850 based on the information that is available. “A score will be calculated and based on the some parameters that have been put in the system.

Once, the results come up, the lower the score the higher the risk of that particular customer.

The higher the score the lower the risk of that customer. So customers that have high scores, have the tendencies to get loans easily, while those that have low scores have tendencies not be able to have access to credit.�

According to Popoola, the introduction of FICO Score will change the face of consumer lending in Nigeria as it will give opportunity for financial inclusion and private individuals who don’t have opportunity will now have opportunity to borrow and also give opportunity to lenders to give loans to people who have credit worthy based on the information they will get from FICO. “No institution will give money to somebody with low scores. And once you have the scores (as lenders) you can now decide to differentiate who you want to lend your money to, whom you want to give your product to and the kind of condition that you want to attach to such relationship between lenders and borrowers and buyers of products and makers of products. Those who score between 700 and 850 are excellent people and such people you sell to them at very reasonable price or rate and probably without any condition attached,� he said.

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Fatokun: BVN is the Game Changer in Fight against Fraud The Director, Banking and Payment System Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Dipo Fatokun, at a recent forum organised by the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria spoke about issues in the electronic payment space such as the emergence of the block chain innovation, the role of the Bank Verification Number in tackling electronic fraud, among others. Obinna Chima presents the excerpts: What are the inherent risks and beneďŹ ts in block chains and Bitcoin technologies?

Block chain is an emerging innovation which is gaining traction in the payment system, banking and so many areas. The most prominent innovation on top of block chain so far is bitcoin, which people see as an alternative form or alternative currency that we all use. And it is beginning to gain so much ground across the world. How will it affect payment? Obviously, some people are already using it to make payment. Largely, the technology offers efficiency which means it is going to reduce cost of transaction, as a result of that you will see it that people are beginning to think that this will be a silver bullet for solving financial exclusion. So we see those who are already thinking along that line. So we may see a situation where financial inclusion may be an advantage through block chain technology either using bitcoin or the central bank deciding to even have its own physical currency. As we know today we have other several currencies, digital currency as we call them that rival bitcoin. Up to a thousand of them or so, so when you think of that big stake out there, there is need for caution as usual because no one, there is no central bank or control to it.

I can build my own bank and do my payment as I like and nobody will know what I am doing. At the same time the risk is also there. We all know the issue of terrorism that we have, the issue of organised crime that can be excavated by such innovation without appropriate risk framework around.

However the advantages are there and there have been various reviews being done by even international banks, central banks around the world and of course CBN is not left behind.

We are reviewing it and looking at how it can be of good use while also managing the risk that arises.

Some people see the emergence of ďŹ nancial technology (Fintechs) companies as a threat to the existence of banks in the e-payment space. How real is this threat?

To take it on a serious note Fintech has always been in the system. It is just that more prominence is been given to their roles and that is because most banks all over the world are now focusing on their core functions and leaving other functions to service providers some of which are now referred to as Financial Technology Providers. The need for collaboration between the Fintechs and the banks will always continue to be on the rise.

But the truth is none can displace the other.

It is just that there will be more prominence for the Fintechs going forward. As I said in my presentation, in some jurisdictions Fintechs are being allowed or plans are on the way to allow Fintechs even to connect to the central bank which was the exclusive preserve of the banks.

But the question is even when such connections are made where will the money be?

Because Fintechs are not licenced as financial institutions, they cannot take deposits. They can make payments out of bank accounts. They can only facilitate payment or make it easier but the banks will continue to play a very big role. When we talk of banking, most of us what we experience most times is payment. We pay money and we receive money. Banks provide hundreds of services outside payment. They open letters of credit, they give you loan and you can only give loan if you take deposits.

And there are other services they provide. For you to do that all these, you need to be a

my account. So we said no, we cannot use static PIN irrespective of the source of the PIN it must be dynamic and that is one of the challenges or issues when it comes to the regulation of the bank. Because a bank that already set up a system for USSD using a static PIN and we now said no, stop using a static PIN, it must be dynamic. It means it needs to do a lot of changes. On USSD, we did an investigation recently and discovered a particular fraudster. We worked with Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to identify him and we have his pictures and we have all his bank details. What he has been doing is to make transfer not into an account but to use that channel to recharge his phone.

And you know that there are some telcos that offer opportunity for one to sell airtime.

So he has such a long list of recharge.

The risk in the use of USSD like any other payment channel is there, but the point is what we are doing to ensure that those risks are eliminated. It is the simplest method of financial inclusion there is no doubt because unlike an application on your smart phone that would need data before you can do any transaction, USSD can work where ever you can make or receive calls.

So if I go to my village and I want to pay someone who has a bank account I can use a USSD. Very soon we are going to issue a circular on the minimum regulatory requirement on the use of USSD. We have reached an advanced stage on that that we will be presenting to the board of Governors of the CBN soon.

Fatokun licenced financial institution. If you want to travel abroad you need a bank to get foreign services. In the payment space Fintechs will continue to be relevant and their relevance is going to increase. But are they going to take out the banks? That is a dream that is not likely to come true. But a flip part to it which is also an advantage to the bank is that the prominent role the Fintechs will even make

In fact, it is part of our regulatory requirement that any bank that is applying for a product licence of the use of USSD must also have special PIN.You ďŹ nd out that when some of the banks started to use USSD they only adopted a static Personal IdentiďŹ cation Number (PIN) which is usually taken from the product

it possible for banks to provide services at a cheaper rate, as well as get to the nook and crannies where hitherto they would not be able to provide services. You know before a bank will need to create another branch, before it will provide services, you will need to work with the bank branch or even go to an ATM to have services from the bank. But that is changing. They are relevant. They will continue to play greater role in the payment system but they are not going to shove the banks aside.

There are concerns about risk of using USSD for e-payment transactions especially given the simplicity of the process. What is the CBN doing in this regard?

In fact, it is part of our regulatory requirement that any bank that is applying for a product licence of the use of USSD must also have special PIN. You find out that when some of the banks started to use USSD they only adopted a static Personal Identification Number (PIN) which is usually taken from the product.

But we noticed that that is prone to fraud.

That is because the last four digits that is in front of my card, anyone who wants to do a USSD fraud on my account may need to get the last four digit of my card. Unfortunately, when you use an ATM and you get a receipt, have you ever noticed that the number that comes with your receipt is the last four digit of your card? So somebody does not even have to target my card. All you need do is monitoring me closely. If I get a receipt from an ATM, you get the number and with that can carry out unauthorised transactions from

The SIM swap process have become another loop hole exploited for electronic fraud. What are the regulators doing to checkmate this trend?

Some of the fraud we are still battling with is the issue of SIM swap. We have heard of instances where people would say for three days my phone did not work. And because many of us carry more than one phone, if one is not working, at least one will work. So, what they do is that they swap your phone.

That is, they just walk up to a service provider and claim to be the owner of the line. Most often, they have studied that number and they have collaborators, probably in the bank. And because the process for doing a change of SIM card is so loose, the telcom company would change the SIM card for the person and so he assumes the phone number. What does he do?

He puts the SIM card in another phone and start using the USSD to make transfers out of the account into another account. So, we are working with the NCC to tighten the process of SIM card swap. It may include biometrics and a unique number may be required. In Nigeria, we have consistently over the last three years reduced the value of electronic fraud. The game changer is the Bank Verification Number (BVN). It is not only helping us to identify who owns what, but going forward, just as it was announced by the Bankers’ Committee at the last meeting, the BVN would be used as an instrument to track fraudsters in the system. When electronic fraud happens, money is moved from one account to another account.

That other account that money is moved to, the owner can be identified. And when such owners can be identified, they can be blacklisted or watch listed.

It means that fraudsters can be identified and if possible taken out of the system. So, the BVN is going to be a game changer in the respect. We are working on the final framework and when it is concluded, it would be issued to the industry.

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Nigeria Re Trains Insurance Professionals Stories by Ebere Nwoji Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation (Nigeria Re) said it has repositioned itself to reawaken public confidence in its operations as hitherto leading reinsurance company in Nigeria through organisation of free training programmes for insurance and reinsurance professionals in Nigeria for capacity building.

The company recently resumed the gesture having organised three days free training programme for reinsurance managers across the country.

This time, Nigeria Re, organised the training in collaborating with two foreign facilitators; the GIC India and GIC South Africa.

In a chat with journalists at the training, Managing Director of Nigeria Re, Isioma Chukwuma, said the company resolved to organise the training because of realisation of the fact that as a reinsurance company, one of its services is to render or provide training for its ceding insurance firms to enable them do things right. “I am sure you know in the past, Nigeria Re, was

noted for regular training of cedants. For years now, we haven’t done that so we think that the time has come for us to provide this training for our cedants. This particular session, has been targeted for the reinsurance managers, so luckily, we had to do it with GIC India and South Africa. But we have two facilitators from GIC India and GIC South Africa�.

She said due to the collaboration and partnership, her company has decided to render the training free of charge . “So we are not charging them for anything.

For those of them that came from far, we have to take care of their transportation and accommodation. But the training fee is virtually free.�

She said at the end of the programme, the company, hopes to reawaken the confidence of its customers. “Actually, what is expected after this is that we are beginning to reawaken the customer confidence in Nigeria Re’s capacity, by so doing, we also want to train them to be more knowledgeable, when they are knowledgeable about what they are doing, Nigeria Re

will benefit from it. We will do better underwriting and less claims will hit the market; less claims will come to the reinsurers so on the long run, it’s a win win situation for everybody�.

According to Chukwuma, with the training, “companies will do profitable business because they are more aware and knowledgeable of what

they are doing and the reinsurance firms will also write profitable businesses. “I am sure you must have heard about the number of claims we’ve been paying recently we had one big claim in the market recently, to the glory of God, we’ve been able to meet all our obligations we paid so much, I don’t have the figures right

now. As reinsurance, we have over 5 or 6 insurance companies from that risk. Of course as reinsurance we are taking percentages from each other so we have to pay and luckily we have been able to meet all these obligations.

So, that I think, is giving confidence to our cedants and I am hoping that will translate to a more market

share for us and greater confidence for Nigeria Re to move ahead�.

Participants at the training were taken through topics such as introduction to reinsurance, role of reinsurance, relevance of reinsurance, reinsurance market, types of reinsurance reinsurance for various classes, reinsurance Accounts among others.

Prestige Assurance Repositions for Better Returns on Investment Prestige Assurance Plc, said it has positioned itself for success in Nigeria’s vibrant financial market through introduction of new insurance products and adoption of processes that guarantee good returns on investment.

The company also said it is prepared to use the opportunities created by the global economic crisis, which it sees as a tremendous opportunity though to others a challenge, to widen its business horizon and deliver quality returns to its shareholders.

Prestige Assurance chairman, Hassan Usman, addressing shareholders at the 47th annual general meeting of the company held in Lagos recently, said during the 2016 financial year, the company’s board sought professional advice and resolved that pursuant to section 106 of the company’s and Allied matters Act Cap C20 laws of the federation, and Article of Association of the company, and subject to the confirmation of the court, the issued share capital of the company be reduced from N2,685,216000 toN1,908,705,000 by concealing and extinguishing 1,553,022,00 of the issued ordinary shares of 0.50 kobo each in the company each of which is fully paid up and the amount so reduced be applied in writing off the capital which is lost or unrepresented by available assets.

Usman, expressed confidence in the insurance sector saying the industry, has great potential which is currently being enhanced

by the various initiatives being put in place by the sector regulator, the National Insurance Commission(NAICOM) and various trade associations in the industry to bring sanity to the industry and enthrone policies needed for businesses to thrive.

He however scored government low on poor attitude towards budgets.

He said: “At the macro level, while the federal government’s initiatives to address the challenges of infrastructure, security of lives and property are commendable, the situation where annual budget performance is below average is not a healthy development especially in an economy where the government is the single largest economic actor.

Setting agenda for government in this regard, Usman said: “We therefore urge the executive branch along with the legislature to address the structural impediments to budget implementation and achieve more effective budget performance�.

He announced to the shareholders that the company did not witness much changes in its financial performance as agree premium stood at N2,6142,264 billion while reinsurance expenses stood at 1,445,703.

According to him, result from operating activities of the company stood at N350,996 while profit before tax is N340,394 and profit after tax is N221,992,million.

ANNUAL GET TOGETHER

L-R: General Manager, Sales & Marketing Multichoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho; Chief Creative OďŹƒcer/CEO,X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko; MD PZ Cussons Consumer, Alex Goma and CEO, Verdant Zeal, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, at the 5th years anniversary dinner of X3M Ideas at the Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos ...recently

MainStreet Bank Insurance Company Unveils New Corporate Identity Sunday Okobi Mainstreet Bank Insurance Brokers Company Limited, has unveiled a new brand identity to be known as AfriGlobal Insurance Brokers Limited.

The old brand, formerly owned by Skye Bank, was unveiled as AfriGlobal Insurance, following the directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that all banking institutions should divest from their non-banking subsidiaries.

At the launch of the new corporate identity in Lagos recently, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the new company, Casmir Chibuzor Azubuike, noted that the firm had undergone three phases of ownership from the defunct Afribank through Mainstreet Bank to Skye Bank.

Azubuike, stated that the firm’s new identity, would boost service delivery with its group of experienced and well groomed professionals that could compete favour-

ably with their counterparts globally.

He recalled that the journey, started by the company on March 23, 1988, when it was registered as Afribank Insurance Brokers Company Limited, has advanced it to the present level and determination to play globally.

Informing that the new firm has been licenced to undertake all classes of insurance and reinsurance risks, the AfriGlobal CEO described the insurance industry in Nigeria as growing and stable, citing its robust capitalisation, which he contended, competes well with the banking sector.

On why the strategic sub-sectors of the national economy like the oil and gas, maritime and the likes were still being underwritten by foreign brokers, he clarified that insurance business all over the world was international by nature.

According to Azubuike, “There are even businesses in Africa and Europe that are reinsured here in Nigeria. To

enhance capacity, that is why we have reinsurance, and that is why AfriGlobal is here.�

The MD who lauded the Lagos State Government for continually putting the compulsory insurance policy on the front burner, stated that the governement is ensuring that every building above two floors was insured against collapse, fire and related risks through its safety commission.

In his remark, the Chairman of AfriGlobal Insurance Broker Limited, Sylverius Okoli, stated: “We operated with the Afribank brand for about 20years under the parentship of Afribank. As an Insurance Broking Company, our liquid asset far back around 2007 to 2009, was in excess of N2billion. When Afribank became Mainstreet Bank in 2011, our company name was changed to Mainstreet Bank Insurance Brokers Co. Ltd, to reflect our new ownership.�

He noted that prior to this era, their former parent bank preferred not to dissipate energy in chasing

business outside, but instead, concentrate efforts in tapping and capturing business opportunities emanating from the bank. “Therefore, the testimony of this success is the new brand we are unveiling today. We have no doubt that by the time they are done with the ongoing re-engineering exercise of insurance brokers in Nigeria, the very weak ones would either be merged or cease to exist.

Our mission therefore is to run a very strong insurance broking company that will stand tops in the country, and effectively play in the international market,� Okoli said. The agency’s Director General, Hakeem Dickson, pledged collaboration with brokers and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to institutionalise safety in the polity. The Commissioner for Insurance and special guest of honour, Muhammadu Kari, represented by Segun Farinmo, charged the firm to sustain the goodwill of the brand.

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EDUCATION ASUU Strike: Giving Education the Priority it Deserves As the Academic Staff Union of Universities prepares to meet the federal government again this week owing to the strike it embarked on last week, experts who have been monitoring the development say the government should show more commitment towards ensuring a knowledgedriven economy that accords priority and adequate funding to quality and functional education.

Funmi Ogundare reports Last week, academic activities were paralysed in Nigerian universities by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the non-implementation of the 2009 agreement by the federal government, while disrupting examinations in some institutions.

The striking lecturers had accused the federal government of failure to fulfil the terms of the agreement it reached with the union since 2009.

The ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, who addressed a news conference in Abuja, said the strike was total as “there shall be no teaching, no examination and no attendance of statutory meetings till government meets the union’s demands.�

Among the issues in current dispute involved in the 2009 agreement and 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) are funding for the revitalisation of public universities and earned academic allowances.

Others are registration of Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), university staff school, fractionalisation and non-payment of salaries, as the president said the government had not kept faith with ASUU even with the intervention of the National Assembly following a one week warning strike in November 2016. “We have written to government reminders, we have made contacts, we have held consultations meetings, but it has been promises upon promises,� he said. “The foundation of the development of any nation lies on its attention to education. No nation can grow beyond the level of its educational development. “Any genuine move to transform Nigeria into an economically viable and politically stable country must begin with a firm commitment to an all-round transformation of the country’s education. “ASUU has been vociferous on the primacy of the university education system because it is the repository of ideas for invention, innovation and national transformation. “It is however disappointing that despite the prime importance of university education, the political class in Nigeria has continued to pay mere lip-service to addressing to lose the little gains achieved from the struggles of ASUU,�

Ogunyemi stressed.

Meanwhile, some stakeholders have expressed shock at the union’s action, saying that it was not in the best interest of the nation, while some lamented that the strike would come with hardship for university students and their parents.

In its reaction, the federal government admitted that its failure to fulfil its side of the bargain with ASUU resulted in the strike.

Briefing journalists in the State House after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu said, “it is saddening that ASUU went on strike owing to the failure of the federal government to fulfil its side of the bargain with the union last year.�

He expressed the federal government’s despair over the way ASUU proceeded on strike, observing that it failed to follow due process by giving the government reasonable notice as the case should be. He said the government would strike a deal with the lecturers that could end the strike, just as he gave an update on each of the demands of the union. “It is very sad that I am here and ASUU is on strike. Late last year, we had a meeting because ASUU gave a one-week notice of strike and we were able to work out some agreements.

President Muhammadu Buhari

Mallam Adamu Adamu

“I must confess that government has not fulfilled its side of the bargain, even though we are unhappy that ASUU went on this strike without following due process and giving us good notice, we realised that we promised something and we did not fulfil it. “I hope I will be meeting them later today or tomorrow and I’m sure we will be able to reach some agreement so that the strike will be called off as soon as possible. I am sure you are aware of the issues we agreed on. “There is the issue of re-negotiation which is the only one that they agreed government has done what it promised because we set up the re-negotiation team and negotiations are already ongoing. “There is the issue of unpaid earned allowances and I think because of some miscommunication, what we promised could not be done, but I am assuring ASUU and the whole nation that this is going to be done. “There is the issue of registration of the Nigerian Universities Pension Commission. I think that one; there are few issues that need to be sorted out with the National Pension Commission.

I believe there will be no problem with that. “There is the issue of their staff schools, which I think the court has given them a verdict to go ahead with it. They have also requested that they should be allowed not to remit their funds to the TSA (Treasury Single Account) and I think government will not do this, but there are some peculiar funds in the university like the endowment funds which are monies kept and all the interest they generate, prices and so on are given.

Consequently, on August 17, a meeting between the executive members of the union and the federal government was held, but ended in a stalemate.

Both parties agreed that there is progress following offers made by government and position of the union on the new offers, while promising to reconvene within a week to continue the negotiations.

Experts who have been monitoring the development said rather than handle the sector with kid gloves, the government should show commitment towards ensuring a knowledgedriven economy that accords proper priority, focus and adequate funding to quality and functional education.

The Secretary-General of the Association of ViceChancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), Professor Michael Faborode said the strike was a result of mishandling and non-demonstration of sincerity by the government. He argued that there should have been no strike with forthright engagement with the education sector. “We have been playing to the gallery, while serious apprehension persists about the state of our education from primary to tertiary level.

The needs assessment conducted in 2012 did not tell a lie about how bad things were. Yet government after government play around with the future and destiny of the country, while more and more government officials and the rich send their children abroad including to the West African countries with the implied capital flight.�

He expressed concern that “we allow our facilities and institutions to decay, while we scamper to overseas draining the already dwindling resources to sustain other economies while our own continue to rot. We are too eager to complain about the quality of education and that no Nigerian university is rated globally.�

Faborode stressed the need for a visible pragmatic commitment to taking the issue of knowledge-driven economy that accords proper priority and focus to quality and functional education seriously. “It is very obvious that the nation is handling education with levity and disturbing insincerity and we have to face the reality. Pretending or hoping that we can continue to patch-patch without serious soul searching and redefinition of purpose will be wishful thinking.�

The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) regretted that the government finds money to buy exotic cars for lawmakers, finance the expensive treatment of President Buhari in London and guarantees luxurious lifestyle for political office holders but it is unable to fund public education and meet the needs of academic staff.

The Secretary General of the association, Mr. Taiwo Soweto said the country has enough wealth which if judiciously managed, can fund education adequately and even ensure the provision of free and democratically-managed public education at all levels. “What is responsible for this absurdity whereby a country with stupendous resources finds it hard to fund public education and ensure a

stable academic calendar not punctuated by incessant strikes is the anti-poor neo-liberal agenda which feeds the greed of the capitalist ruling elite and corners over 80 per cent of the country’s wealth thus leaving little or nothing to fund social services.

He argued that the Buhari/Osinbajo government despite its campaign rhetoric of change has left an unjust arrangement unaltered which is why nothing has changed for the better since it came into power over two years ago. “Rather than deal with the crises afflicting the education sector, the Buhari/Osinbajo government has plunged it into more. For the over two years since the government came to power, funding of public education has remained abysmally low, fees and cost of education have been on the ascendance, poor welfare conditions and inadequate teaching facilities are still the order of the day while the government is unable to implement agreement not just with ASUU but also other staff unions.�

A former Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos, Professor Tolu Odugbemi described universities as centres of excellence and innovation committed to knowledge generation (research), knowledge dissemination (teaching) and knowledge application (community service), saying that they have been hindered to a large extent by underfunding.

He said universities over ages are created to solve society’s problems, adding that for any meaningful development to take place in any African country, attention must be directed at funding universities adequately to enable them set sustainable development goals for their nations. “Our political leaders must realise that we need to set our priorities right. We need to go back to the drawing board and refocus and place appropriate attention to funding education at all levels, and in particular, accord tertiary education the attention it deserves.�

He expressed concern about the disturbing trend of the penchant of political office holders, establishing new universities in the wake of dwindling resources saying, “unfortunately, the motive for establishing new universities these days is most of the time to satisfy political ‘needs and interests’ of some individuals and or groups without consideration for relevance and importance of building such new universities. “What are often labelled as universities these days, are at best local community institutions which serve as gathering or centres for providing jobs for local inhabitants and cronies of community leaders and politicians.�

Odugbemi said the establishment of new universities requires right and qualified personnel, good and solid infrastructure; appropriate and contemporary tools useful for teaching, learning, and researching. “Universities must attract students, scholars and staff from all over the world based on merit. The essence of universities is to generate ideas that can be marketed and applying research products to make the society better. It is unthinkable that the so called universities are underfunded therefore lack tools for research which is the bedrock of modern universities. “The underfunding has reached an unacceptable level where employees are not paid their salaries as at when due. It makes one to grieve that university staff that complement such institutions are either employed without merit, grossly inadequate and unimaginably incompetent. There is need for a national policy that will be enforced to stop the indiscriminate setting up of universities,� he stressed.

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EDUCATION

FGGC Bauchi Attributes Inconsistent Academic Performance to Insurgency Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Bauchi has attributed its recent inconsistent academic performance to the activities of insurgents in the north-east.

The Principal, Mrs. Binta Hassan Gangua, who made this known during the school’s 40th speech and prize-giving day ceremony recently, lamented that

“in spite of undeniable landmark achievements since its inception, the college in recent years has been posting inconsistent academic performance since the advent of insurgency in the north-east. “During the more than 43 years of its existence, the college has produced a number of professionals in many fields of human endeavour. Very notable among them are Hajia Aishatu Jibril Dukku, a former minister

and now serving as member, House of Representatives and Mrs. Mabel Evwierhoma, Professor of Drama and Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, among others.�

According to her, mindful of the inconsistency in the Higher Education Potential (HEP) for the last three consecutive years and what it portends for the future of students, the management of the college continues to intensify supervision and monitoring of

teaching and learning in the college.

The principal said she places high premium on discipline, hard work, integrity and excellence, which are the driving force behind the huge successes recorded by the school.

Gangua said the college has a diversified and operational curriculum geared towards meeting the needs and aspirations of every learner and this is driven by the various heads

of department in addition to the guidance and counselling unit which provides counselling support for all students.

Also speaking, the Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, J.A. Mbaakaa, who was the special guest of honour, said the event afforded stakeholders the opportunity to continue to promote the education of Nigerian children through programmes and activities where excellence

and hard work are rewarded after six years of secondary education. “This occasion gives us the opportunity to take stock of what we have achieved over the years and make projections for the future.�

While commending the graduating students and their parents, he said the college has laid a solid foundation for them to build on as they proceed to tertiary institutions for further studies.

German Varsity to Design, Operate Private Medical Varsity in A’Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo A Germany university, the University of Hamburg (UKE), has expressed its willingness to partner in the execution of the proposed Thompson and Grace Medical University (TGMU) and the Specialty Hospital in Afaha Obong community of Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

The authority of the German university in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Uyo, agreed to design and operate the conglomerate of Thompson and Grace Medical City. Rising from a three-day seminar held at the Le-Meridien Ibom Hotel, Uyo, the Dean of the Medical Faculty of the University of Hamburg, Prof.

Uwe Koch-Gromus endorsed the document, saying that the institution was satisfied with the proposal, while Dr. Isaac Amos signed on behalf of his conglomerate. The event was witnessed by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Schlagheck; Prof.

Ansgar Wilhelm Lohse, ViceDean, Medical Faculty of the University of Hamburg; Prof.

Frank Nobert Riedet, foremost pediatrician and former Medical Director of the Altona Children’s Hospital, Hamburg; Mr. Armin Huttenlocher, CEO of RES Public Affairs, Corporate Affairs and consultant to the project from Berlin; Mr. Ekemini Amos, Projects/Technical Services of TGIL; and Dr. Emmanuel Umoh, President/CEO of XEQ Solutions, Plano, Texas, USA, among others. Speaking on the theme ‘How Education Health and Medicine can be transformed to benefit Nigeria and Africa’, the President of Thompson and Grace Investment Limited, Dr. Isaac Amos said the MoU signed by his group of companies and the German university to “consult in the design and operation� of Thompson and Grace Medical University and Thompson and Grace Specialty Hospital (TGSH), was a big buster to the actualisation of the project.

He stressed that the partnership would enable both parties to jointly “develop and provide structure, curriculum and practical programme, as well as administrative and management processes for the medical university and specialty hospital.

LPS Students Achieve 100% Pass in UK SAT Exams The Lagos Preparatory School (LPS), Ikoyi has recorded another feat as 100 per cent of its pupils met the expected standard in English Language and 95 per cent in Mathematics in the 2017 Year 6 SATS results recently published by the UK Standard and Testing Agency.

The school said it has maintained the same 100 per cent pass rate in English as it did in 2016 and Mathematics has risen 6 per cent to 95 per cent this year. “These results are significantly above the UK national average where 77 per cent of students met the expected standards in English and 75 per cent in Mathematics.�

According to the Independent School Inspectorate, LPS which admits children from 18 months to 14 years, “meets all the requirements of the standards for British Schools Overseas.�

The school regularly opens

its doors to ensure its practices are moderated by both Nigerian and UK governing boards. To ensure that LPS is assessed on a par with UK and UK-style schools worldwide, the SATS exams are set and marked by the UK Standard and Testing Agency. In his reaction, the Head teacher, Mr Nicholas Barrett said: “LPS prides itself in being a quality school, comparable to the best schools worldwide.

The SATS results over the last few years and the recent ISI inspection prove this to be true. These high standards are the culmination of the efforts of the whole school community, especially the staff, students and parents.�

While congratulating everyone at LPS as they celebrate the achievement of such success, he said “all the best to the young achievers as they move on to Year 7 both at LPS and beyond.�

A Professor of History, Osun State University, Osogbo, Siyan Oyeweso (right) being conferred with the fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Letters by the President, Professor Olu Obafemi, during the 19th convocation and investiture of fellows held at the University of Lagos‌ recently

Students Write Bello Seeks Upgrade of 2,000 Transfer Screening Test FCE Okene toVarsity in Lagos

Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has appealed to the federal government to convert the Federal College of Education, Okene to Federal University of Education.

Bello, who made the appeal during the 15th combined convocation ceremony of the college, noted that in terms of courses offered at the institution and infrastructural development, the college has what it takes to become a full-fledge federal university of education.

He said if converted to a university, it will solve the problem of teachers in various colleges in the country.

The governor said plans are underway to employ teachers in the state as he disclosed that the state government will give priority to Federal College of Education, Okene and College of Education, Ankpa when it commences. He said his administration will always make education its priority and promised to bring a police post into the campus to check security problem.

Bello also promised to build

a pedestrian bridge across the major highway to avoid accident since the institution is very close to the major road.

In his remarks, the Provost, Associate Professor Iyela Ajayi said a total of 11,947 students graduated at the15th combined convocation ceremony of the college. He said a total of 9,625 NCE regular students graduated alongside 2,274 sandwich students between 2004-2005, 2015-2016; and 48 PDE students. He added that the institution also conferred some prominent people with honorary fellowships; those who have distinguished themselves in their various professions, and made significant contributions to educational development and Nigeria in general.

Those conferred with the college’s highest honour- Fellowships of the Federal College of Education- included the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Salihu Modibo Alfa Balgore; former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie; and Dr. Tom Adaba, the former Director General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

A total of 2,000 students seeking transfer into public schools in Lagos State for the 2017/2018 academic session recently wrote a screening test amidst commendation to the government for the initiative.

The first edition of the written examination is aimed at testing the applicants’ academic capabilities for the class they applied for in the public schools.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi, who led a monitoring team to assess the conduct of the test which held simultaneously in the six education districts of the state, expressed satisfaction with the conduct. He said the test was aimed at creating free level playing ground for the students as the improvement in the service delivery in public schools as evident in the results of external examinations, including national and international competitions has been attracting more students into its primary and secondary schools.

He said the result of the exercise would be ready on

August 23 and parents of the successful applicants will be notified through SMS to the phone number supplied to give enough time for them to prepare for the September 11 resumption date in the state.

Speaking at the Wesley Girls Senior Secondary School, venue of the screening test for District IV, Mr. Tajudeen Owolabi thanked the government for making the exercise transparent and providing a level playing ground for all interested students to compete for the available vacancies in public schools of their choice. He said the performance of students of the public schools informed his decision to change his child’s school.

At the Ikeja Senior High School, Bolade Oshodi, centre for District 6, a parent, Mrs. Eligbame Dorita, expressed excitement at the opportunity given to the students, saying that she thought only those who were connected would be considered for the transfer, as she knew there are limited spaces.

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Osun Trains 5,000 Teachers Annually, Says Commissioner Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Osun State Government said it has embarked on the training of 5,000 teachers annually as part of its programmes to enhance capacity in the education sector.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Adelani Baderinwa, the teachers are being trained in Mathematics for teachers and ICT training for school leaders (head masters and principals).

Baderinwa, who stated this while delivering a lecture at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) state information chapel programme, added: “Osun government trains 5,000 teachers on an annual basis out of the workforce of 15,000. This means that in three years, all the teachers have benefited from one training or the other according to the State Universal Basic Education Board

(SUBEB).�

He said the government has taken tangible measures to ease the work of teachers in the basic education system and has built ICT centres in the modern schools all over the state to train teachers periodically. He added that the state has recruited more teachers to fill up the shortage caused by death and retirement while effort is ongoing to ensure that vacancies are filled by systematic recruitment of more teachers to suit the efforts at rejuvenating the education sector.

The commissioner disclosed that the Aregbesola administration has made a huge investment in schools infrastructure with a view to enhance the learning environment which is critical to the well-being and totality of education. “The effort of the government in bringing education back to the enviable position is by re-inventing vibrant human resources in

education and ensure good environment for teaching and learning.�

Baderinwa said the Aregbesola administration has upped its game in promoting the education system in the state by making the Tablet of Knowledge (Opon Imo) to make learning easier.

He called for more support and understanding of stakeholders in the avowed steps of the Aregbesola administration to improve education standard through vigorous human and infrastructure development which he said will bring happiness soon.

The commissioner expressed delight that the dividends of the government’s efforts are already manifesting with the improvement in the results of school certificate examinations, which over the years has increased by over 200 per cent, while many more secondary school leavers qualified and are admitted into higher institutions.

L-R:The Minister of Power,Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and his son Malik at the 12th graduation and prize-giving day of Whitesands School, Lekki, Lagos‌ recently

Cowbellpedia Contestant: Maths Helps to Solve Life’s Problems A student of the Nigerian Tulip International College, Kaduna State, Chizitere Okey-Awuzie has said that Mathematics remains a critical factor in solving day-to-day human problems.

Okey-Awuzie, who is one of the participants in the ongoing Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz Show sponsored by Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk, explained that the most cited practical application of Mathematics in everyday life is money management. “To manage your own money, you need basic Mathematical knowledge, even beyond the basic concepts of arithmetic.

Life is beautiful; Mathematics is also beautiful.�

He added that to adequately understand the terms of a loan or an investment account, basic understanding of Mathematics is also required.

According to him, another way Mathematics is useful is with electrical usage at home. “With a little math, and some numbers from your utility bill, you can easily calculate how much money you spend leaving the lights on all the time.�

At the end of the preliminary rounds, Okey-Awuzie and Rukevwe Ugorji of

Saint Augustine’s College, New Karu, Nasarawa State with 105 and 100 points respectively advanced to the semi-final stage in the senior category.

Both defeated Chidera Offor of Federal Government College, Enugu State; Chisom Etteh of Calvary Arrows College, Gboko, Benue State; Francis Mbonu of Top Faith International Secondary School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; and David Degold of Evangel College, Gombe State.

Okey-Awuzie expressed hope of getting to the finals and winning the ultimate prize. “My expectation is to win this competition; I don’t want to think of losing at all.�

Ugorji who was also excited by his feat, said winning at the finals is the ultimate. “I just pray I win the ultimate prize, though I don’t know what I will do with my prize money yet,� the 16-year-old said.

In the junior category, Olayinka Abdulwakil of Nigerian Tulip International College, Kaduna and Deborah Oyekunle of Deeper Life High School, Ibadan, Oyo State got through to the semi-finals.

With 115 and 90 points respectively, they were ahead of Donald Peters of Sacred Heart College, Apapa, Lagos;

Oluwatimilehin Oluborode of Greater Tomorrow Model College, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State; Kachi Fidelugwuowo of University of Nigeria Secondary School, Enugu State; and Moshood Abdulbasit of Basaura Institute of Comprehensive Education, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Abdulwakil, who aspires to become a software engineer, scored 93 per cent in the qualifying examination conducted nationwide in March. He ascribed his victory to the grace of God and dedicated preparation.

Oyekunle, 13 said she was “very excited and happy� qualifying for the semi-finals. “My expectation is to win and wear the crown. I pray this dream comes true. And if I win, I will give my prize money to my parents.�

An all-expense paid educational excursion abroad and N1 million is the ultimate prize for the winners in the junior and senior categories, while the first and second runners-up in each category will get N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.

The teachers of the 2017 champions will receive N400,000 each, while those of the first and second runners-up will get N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.

Childhood Pranks (I) It was school over on Friday when Mr. Rogers, Timi’s father sought me out from the collection point wanting to have a word. Timi, a nine-year-old child in my class was right at his tail looking very apprehensive and shifting from one foot to the other. I looked from one to the other. “Can I help you Mr. Rogers?� I asked “Timmy is really getting out of hands! Teacher he cried. Yesterday, I kept him down on his knees for two hours to teach him a lesson! Can you imagine what he has done again? ... and he tells a lot of lies nowadays� “Calm down, calm down Mr. Rogers� I replied, “What has he done to upset you so much? He then proceeded to recount the incidence.

Timi had sneaked into the kitchen and taken a cube of knorcube from the work top to his room. Obviously not finding it pleasant to taste, he threw it behind his chest of drawers.

When questioned about it by his auntie, Mine, who had left it there minutes before, he swore never to have seen it, let alone taken it. Mine, noting the fast becoming tell-tale look of guilt when questioning Timi, proceeded to search Timi’s room firmly engaging him in the search. Auntie Mine was not to be toyed with, it was very difficult to wrap her round your little finger. She had come to rely on his guilt-grimace. When she did not see it on his face, she was 99 per cent certain that Timi was telling the truth. Forty minutes into this relentless search, Mine recovered the nibbled knor-cube from behind Timi’s chest of drawers! Timi just stood there sheepishly looking and sweating profusely from the search and hopefully from his guilt. In his little mind, Timi was again puzzled. How on earth does auntie Mine see through him? He was very certain that she either had binocular eyes or had invincible eyes 360 degrees around her head. Her stare into his face was fast sending shivers down his spine. I promised Timi’s father that I would have a word with Timi and hopefully gain some insight into why he had done it.

All day Monday and Tuesday, I decided not to visit the issue with Timi. He did appear to be very pensive and troubled at times. I caught him staring in my direction with the look of apprehension now and again. I was very sure that his daddy had told him that on Monday, I would be turning into an ogre and banishing him into further punishments on the knor-cube matter.

I decided to tackle the issue differently, and in this way: Wednesday and Thursday mornings are my Circle-Time. I make it as much a didactic activity as possible. Subjects for deliberation are derived from such occurrences as Timi and the knor-cube (but all confidentialities observed), as well as from news on the national and international media.

The lesson is taught through drama, role-play, poetry, miming, storytelling etc.

So, bright and early on Monday morning, I informed the class that our circle time in the week would be about Flavours and Flavouring.

These two words were also to feature in every lesson that week.

In preparation, the children were to; 1) look up the meanings of both words in their dictionary and supply other synonyms from their thesaurus and 2) bring in little samples of their choice flavouring. Deliberately, I turned to Timi and asked him to bring in one knor-cube.

Omoru writes from the UK

Edu-Aid Holds Maiden Teachers’ Conference The Educational Aid Global Initiative (Edu-Aid), a nongovernment organisation established by the Covenant Christian Centre in 2005 to facilitate access to qualitative primary education in Nigeria, is set to hold its maiden Lagos teachers’ conference.

The programme, ‘The Teacher Revolution’ will hold on August 26 at the Covenant Place, Iganmu and will feature key speakers who have been experts in the field of education and teacher training for decades.

According to the Project Coordinator, Mrs. Peace Bamidele, the conference is designed to build capacity and strengthen competence through exposure to relevant information, vital skills and

current teaching principles, styles and techniques.

She said it would also share best and current practices regarding mentoring, instruction and motivation of students for best possible outcomes. “It will also serve as a platform for teachers to interact, build networks and develop relationships that will advance the teaching profession. The conference is free and open to all educators and the general public, but registration is required online at http:// www.edu-aid.org/teachers.�

She identified massive investment in recruiting, supporting and empowering teachers as key in realising SDG four, which is the new global education goal that is at the heart of the Education 2030 agenda.

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Seek Other Ways of Engaging Govt, Group Tells ASUU Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A rights group, the Office of the Citizen of Federal Republic of Nigeria, has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against incessant strikes, saying that it is having a negative impact on the education system.

The group stated that ASUU must consider another means of engaging the government in driving home its demands since the federal government overtime has shown nonchalant attitude towards strikes.

The convener of the group, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who disclosed this while addressing

journalists in Abuja said, “ASUU should begin to consider other means of engaging government in making its demands so that we can have a society that is sane.� He noted that despite UNESCO report recommending that every developing nation should budget 25 per cent of annual budget for education, the Nigerian government has not done enough in terms of prioritising education. “Unfortunately, every year we find a situation whereby the budget for education is reducing by the day. All the infrastructural development being put in place by the government would be destabilised by the

army of uneducated youths in the country. The federal government must prioritise education, but it is also important to caution the leadership of ASUU,� Olajengbesi said.

He regretted that ASUU has not been complying with the requirement of the law, adding that the position of the law is clear in Section 41 of the trade dispute Act, which states that before any union or organisation would proceed on strike, such organisation should give a notice of 14 days to the government or agency concerned. “Unfortunately, ASUU as a union must learn to respect the rules and regulations, if you are

making demand you should do that within the confine of the law. We are appealing to government and ASUU to resolve the issue on time. “We must also be worried that some of these people who are graduating from universities are joining the colony of unemployed. We are in a society where there is no adequate plan for these people after leaving universities. Yet we are frustrating them, we are damping there morale, we are making them so irresponsible. When we keep these ones out of the school system we expose them to a society where criminality is being encouraged,� he said.

Mike Okonkwo Essay Contest Produces Winners Peace Obi The 14th Mike Okonkwo national essay competition for secondary school students initiated in 2004, as part of the activities to mark the birthday of the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo and contribute to the development of the education sector has produced winners.

Having scored 90 per cent in the first round and 80 per cent in the second round, Miss Alexandra Nwigwe of Vivian Fowler Memorial College, Lagos emerged the overall winner.

The second position went to Miss Jesudunta Ipinmoye of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, who scored 80 and 72 per cent in the first and second rounds, while Master Akingbade Gbenga of Emerald High School, Lagos came third.

He scored 80 and 70 per cent in the first and second rounds respectively.

The winners will be presented their prizes during this year’s Mike Okonkwo annual lecture with the theme ‘Made in Nigeria Products: The Vehicle for Sustainable Development’, scheduled to hold at the MUSON Centre, Lagos on September 5.

For her effort, Nwigwe will receive a cheque of N100,000, a laptop computer and a plaque, while her school will get three sets of computer and a printer.

Ipinmoye will be rewarded with a cheque of N75,000 and

a plaque, while her school will get two sets of computer and a printer. Akingbade will get a cheque of N50,000 and a plaque, while his school will get a computer set. Other winners will get consolation prizes of N20,000 each.

The Chief Examiner and Head, Department of English Language, University of Lagos, Professor Hope Eghagha, said this year’s received a total of 796 entries, adding that they were assessed based on mechanical accuracy, the use of language, originality of thought and thematic focus. “Ten participants were selected and invited for the second stage of the competition, which is mainly a confirmatory procedure meant to ensure that the first stage winners are indeed the authentic writers of the shortlisted essays.�

He said the candidates, who came from different parts of the country, did a one-hour test on the topic ‘Religion and National Development’, or ‘Does Religion Aid National Development’, adding that the final result of the test validated the organiser’s scoring criteria and ranking of the participants in the first stage.

He expressed concern that some entries were plagiarised, adding that it is one of the problems currently confronting the education sector. “Some students simply download materials from the internet and submit as their original work.�

Guinness Empowers Engineers for Nigeria’s Power Sector L-R: The Pro Chancellor Abia State University, Senator. Adulphus Wabara; Sir Francis Orji Chancellor; Professor Uche Ikonne, Vice Chancellor of the university; Abia state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, visitor to ABSU and Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Awukah, during the 25th Convocation ceremony of Abia State University, Uturu, held...recently

CypherCrescent Donates $1.5m Software to AUST Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A software company, CypherCrescent has donated 15 licence SEPAL software worth $15 million to the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, following the recent launch of the Technical Research Support Initiative between the firm and the Committee of Heads of Petroleum Engineering Departments in Nigeria (CHPED).

The Technical Director of the company, Mr. ThankGod Egbe, while making the donation, explained that SEPAL software is an innovative and novel technology developed by the company for efficient well and reservoir management or analysis.

He said the software was first of its kind in the oil and gas industry for endto-end Well and Reservoir Management

(WRW) as it integrates data from the five WRW disciplines- Reservoir Engineering, Production Technology, Petrophysics, Production Geology and Asset Well Engineering.

Egbe stated that the software and related training would assist the students to understand more efficient ways to manage well and reservoir; improve the quality and output of their academic research; and prepare them for typical challenges of the industry.

He said the company does not have any foreign partner as all its workers are Nigerians, adding that the software was developed to proffer solutions to the challenges in the oil and gas industry. “I worked in the industry for 10 years and I saw the challenge of production optimisation and then looked at the opportunities in Nigeria. So, I resigned

from Shell Petroleum to offer solution that will help us optimise production from existing wells. “The software will help companies to understand the performance of their existing wells and to optimise production without necessarily drilling new wells. “We can get a lot from our wells. We have over 5,000 wells in Nigeria and if we are able to put this into an intelligent data base for us to query and understand the performance of the wells, we can increase production and optimise cost as much as possible. �Most of the wells are shutting-in because of integrity and performance.

Our software understands why the well was shut-in and what do I need to do to bring the well back to production without necessarily going to drill new well,� the technical director added.

UNILAG Wins Maritime Blueprint Contest Funmi Ogundare The University of Lagos has emerged winner of the Maritime Blueprint debate competition, designed to stimulate the interest of law students in the country’s maritime industry.

The institution scored 85 points defeating Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to the second and third positions with 78 and 75 points respectively. The winners received attractive prizes, including laptop computers,

smart phones and cash.

Various maritime topics were debated by the participants including ‘Is a Reduction of Port Custom Charges Favourable to the Nigerian Maritime Sector’, ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea: Rotterdam Rules or Hamburg Rules, Which is more Suitable’, ‘Is arbitration the most Effective Means for Settlement of Maritime Disputes’ and ‘Is Insurance Pivotal to Achieving Prompt Settlement of Maritime Claims.’ Now in its second year, the competition, sponsored by SIFAX Group, is one of the activities of the Taiwo Afolabi annual

maritime conference held in partnership with the maritime forum of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.

Other institutions that participated were Bowen University, Iwo, Osun state, University of Benin, Edo State, Babcock University, Ogun State, University of Ibadan and Lagos State University (LASU).

The Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi said aside stimulating the law students’ interest in the maritime industry, the competition is also meant to deepen their knowledge base.

Guinness Nigeria has empowered the pioneer beneficiaries of its Graduate Skills Development Scholarship (GSDP), who have completed a one-year training programme at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria. The programme provides an opportunity for young engineering graduates to undergo a one-year training at the institute and on completion, they gain valuable skills they need to work for organisations that manage power generation, transmission and distribution.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony organised for the beneficiaries recently, the Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria PLC, Viola Graham-Douglas, said it partnered NAPTIN to provide a pool of resourceful, competent and versatile engineers who can deliver peerless technical services to further shore up the government’s transformation agenda in the power sector.

Having scaled through all hurdles in the course of their training and having demonstrated high technical and leadership competencies, she said it will help accelerate the graduands’ career progression.

She commended all the beneficiaries for putting in so much hard work to earn the certification. “You scaled through the competitive selection process for the scholarship; you excelled in the class-based component of the training and you successfully fulfilled the requirements of

the job placement programme.

Indeed, you should all be proud of your achievements.�

The Human Resources Director, Bola Olajomi-Otubu, urged all the NAPTINcertified engineers to take good advantage of their newly acquired skills to propel their careers, adding that if well utilised, the skills they have gained can enhance their technical know-how, improve productivity, and ultimately induce value-added production capacity. The acting Director-General of NAPTIN, Mr Ahmed Bolaji Nagode said, “the participation of Guinness Nigeria Plc is very noteworthy because the organisation is not a core player in the power business ecosystem.�

He said the organisation’s commitment to youth development is commendable as it provides an example worthy of emulation by other non-core power sector players.

The GSDP is one of three scholarship programmes the organisation leverages to equip Nigerian youths with the skills they need to build successful careers and enhance their livelihoods. Others are technical training scholarship, which offers young school leavers a unique opportunity to study at the prestigious Institute for Industrial Technology (IIT) and an undergraduate scholarship scheme, which supports undergraduates from its host communities studying in tertiary institutions.

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CITYSTRINGS

Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™ĂœË? Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ–Ă?Ă? Ă”Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂĄĂ‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ–Ă?Ă?˛ËÔĂ&#x;Ă˜ĂĄĂ‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

ICT Training for School Girls The Information and Communications Technology training programme organised by the wife of the Ondo State governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, is aimed at engaging school girls meaningfully during the long holiday and empowering them digitally, writes James Sowole

A cross section of the school girls enrolled for the Information and Communications Technology training programme in Akure, Ondo State...recently

Ondo's First Lady, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu with the consultant, Mr. Temitope Runsewe , at the opening ceremony of the ITC training programme

T

his is the period for long holiday for primary pupils and secondary school students in Nigeria. At this period, that is transformational for the pupils and students as they move from their former classes to a higher one in most cases, there are no formal educational responsibilities. Therefore, many of these ‘free’ pupils and students are during this period exposed to activities that can have either positive or negative effects on their future.

By nature, girls are more vulnerable to temptations during the period when they are idle for too long. At this period, many girls are exposed to activities that get them sexually exploited and abused by men and which may result in unwanted pregnancies that can ruin their future careers.

Concerned by the likely consequences of allowing these schoolgirls toremain idle during the long holiday and the need to impact on them,

wife of the Ondo State governor and founder of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria

During the four-week training programme, participants, who were 100 in number, were provided with training kits, free transport from designated bus stops in Akure to the training venue, were also given free feeding and other things that will aide their assimilation

(BRECAN), Mr. Betty Anyanwu–Akeredolu, organised a four-week intensive Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training programme for female students drawn from 23 public secondary schools around Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The training, which has commenced at the recently inaugurated Public Service Training Institute, Ilara Mokin, in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state, was the first to be organised and which was devoid of political motive.

The common trend these days has been summer lessons being organised by politicians, especially federal and state legislators for students in their constituencies and which they had been listing as part of their major achievements when giving account of stewardship.

During the four-week training programme, participants, who were 100 in number, were provided with training kits, free transport from designated bus stops in Akure to the training

venue, were also given free feeding and other things that will aide their assimilation.

The inauguration of the training programme, was unique as school principals, government functionaries and parents gathered to witness the event aimed at empowering girls in the digital world.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady affirmed that the goal of the event is to impact the lives of the girls with the knowledge of ICT in the hope that it encourages them to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical field. “The gap as we see it in Nigeria is a gully and we are determined to bridge it. Impacting the girls in Ondo State with the knowledge of ICT carries all importance and priority in this digital age; it will broaden the horizon of these young women and place them strategically in the world. Women’s empowerment in the Information and Communications Technology

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CITYSTRINGS

is a key factor in determining the success of development of any nation. “This is an innovative programme and we should be able to monitor these children and assess the impact. By fostering the use of ICT for the social and economic empowerment of our young women, we will be encouraging them to choose careers in the field of ICT,� she said The First Lady said the ICT training that participants would acquire this summer would give them the knowledge on how to create social media platforms or their personal website which can be used to champion awareness on breast cancer, end to female genital mutilation, and even bring about development to their schools.

"Since the girl-child has a role to play in the socio-political development of a nation, there is the need to empower them with ICT. We must discourage every social bias that portrays the girl-child as second fiddle in the society," she stated.

She said that the desire of the Ondo State Government led by her husband, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is to make the state a silicon hub.

While commending the partners of the training programme, Mr. Temitope Runsewe and the company, SAO Capital, the First Lady enjoined some local government chairmen that were in attendance to take the programme to their respective councils areas.

In his welcome address, Runsewe, consultant with SAO Capital, the company partnering with the Office of Her Excellency, acknowledged the importance of ICT towards achieving sustainable development, further observed that when a woman is empowered, both the present and future generations are empowered.

"Technology is revolutionising almost every part of our lives at unprecedented pace. The opportunity to support the growth of these individuals through technology is the onus we have placed on ourselves. This initiative to empower these young girls is a tool for achieving sustainable development. These 100 female students were drawn from 23 secondary schools, would be trained for four weeks on computer appreciation, graphics, games designs, entrepreneurship among others," he added.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Titilayo Adeyemi, in her goodwill message thanked Mrs. Akeredolu for the initiative while charging the beneficiaries to take advantage of the training and be change agents in their different communities.

This landmark event came at no cost to the participants, as their upkeep, tuition and other expenses have been covered by the First Lady in partnership with BEMORE Empowered Foundation and SAO Capitals, as well as some corporate organisations.

Some of the local government chairmen who spoke on the sidelines of the event included the Chairman of Akoko South West, Augustine Oloruntogbe; Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Dipo Ajibola and Chairman of

Ondo's First Lady, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu, ensuring the computers are functioning

Some participating school girls

The gap as we see it in Nigeria is a gully and we are determined to bridge it.

Impacting the girls in Ondo State with the knowledge of ICT carries all importance and priority in this digital age; it will broaden the horizon of these young women and place them strategically in the world.

Women’s empowerment in the Information and Communications Technology is a key factor in determining the success of development of any nation

Ondo's First Lady, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu (middle 2nd roll) with participating students at the opening of the ICT summer training programme

Akure North, Segun Oluyede.

The chairmen, who commended the organisers of the training programme described it as novel one that would bridge the gap between students

of the private and public schools promised to replicate it in their various council areas.

The joy of some of the participants hold no bounds at the ceremony as many of them were full of praises to the wife of the governor for

the programme. According to some of them that spoke with THISDAY, some parents had been expressing worries of how to get money to enroll them for computer training now that many examinations are now computer-based.

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Report: Large Technology Firms Driving Competition in Banking, Insurance Obinna Chima Financial institutions’ drive to become more “experiencedriven� is opening the door to potential competition from global technology giants, according to a report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). According to the report titled: “Beyond Fintech: A Pragmatic Assessment of Disruptive Potential in Financial Services,� the challenge to banks and insurers was as a result of large technology firms hollowing out the value proposition of these institutions by carrying out more core functions, even as banks and insurers lean ever more heavily on them to compete.

Another finding of the report, which aimed to examine the impact of innovation on the financial ecosystem, was that

fintech start-ups, while achieving success in terms of changing the basis for competition, have had less impact than expected in disrupting the competitive landscape. “The partnership between banks and large tech companies risks not staying a reciprocal one,� lead author of the study, Jesse McWaters, stated.“Financial institutions increasingly rely on technology firms for their most strategically sensitive capabilities, but can so far only offer their ongoing business in return.�

The report was based on interviews and workshops with hundreds of financial and technology experts. It highlighted cloud computing, customer-facing artificial intelligence and “big data� customer analytics as three capabilities becoming critical to

the competitive differentiation of financial institutions.

All three were domains where technology giants like Amazon, Google and Facebook have far deeper experience than their financial services counterparts and where scale effects will make it difficult for financial institutions to catch up. “As a result, many banks and insurers are turning to technology firms to provide these core functions. Examples include: Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provides services to dozens of finance companies, including Aon, Capital One, Carlyle, Nasdaq, Pacific Life and Stripe. “Brazil’s Banco Bradesco Facebook app, which allows customers to conduct day-to-day banking from Facebook, relying on the social network’s customer data analytics to target users.

FirstBank Improves Customer Experience with Bespoke Offerings FirstBank of Nigeria Limited said it has created a value-chain of support for the interests and lifestyles of its customers. With varying categories of products and services across market segments, the bank ensured that it supports customers’ lifestyle, goals and aspirations.

A statement yesterday explained that to drive convenience in banking, FirstBank offers innovative virtual options for funds transfer, bills payment and airtime top up, using FirstMobile app and the Bank’s USSD banking code *894#. “FirstMobile, the bank’s mobile app has recently been updated with enhanced card security feature – ‘card-in-control’ which

makes it possible for customers to define their card functionality on their mobile phone; a Quick Response (QR) Code that transforms your phone into a tap and pay device, riding on NFC technology and the Transaction receipt and Save beneficiary functions all of which make business transactions much more convenient and safe. “The bank has also provided a Lifestyle information aggregator – the LOOP app which enables customers stay updated on the latest global trends from their mobile phones. For a borderless banking experience, FirstBank offers an array of payment cards for both domestic and international use.

“The bank’s dollar denominated cards in debit, credit and prepaid variants provide 24/7 access to funds worldwide. To support the businesses of High Networth Individual Customers, FirstBank provides them with the Visa Gold, Platinum Debit MasterCard as well as Visa Infinite cards, giving them unlimited power anywhere in the world. These cards come with added benefits and rewards from partner merchants, airlines and hotels home and abroad with card-holders having the opportunities of massive discounts and offers with hotels, airlines and other hospitality value added services and upgrades,� it added.

Study: SMEs Require Support to Improve Competitiveness for Local Production A new study conducted by two development partners - Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and Market Development Project in the Niger Delta (MADE) - has shown that for the ongoing successes being recorded in local agricultural production to continue, agricultural businesses would require targeted policies and support.

The organisations that conducted the research on the effects of the naira devaluation and the country’s trade policies on four key agricultural value chains, found that local agricultural products have

become a lot more competitive than before.

The study, which was conducted within the Niger Delta region, considered cassava, palm oil, aquaculture and poultry products, and looked at the effects of both the naira devaluation and the trade restriction policies, especially on the importation of about 41 items.

Presenting the report of the research at an event in Lagos recently, the lead researcher, Dr. Ogho Okiti, explained that the research became necessary to inform stakeholders - including government, investors,

development partners and even consumers - of the market realities and the positive and negative impacts of some policies on market performance.

According to Okiti, the issue of naira depreciation could be seen as a blessing in disguise, saying it had resulted in a fall in the value of people’s income and a decline in their preference for foreign products. But that, although the pricing of local goods has gone up, the proportion of the increase is not as high as that of the imported products. As a result, this has left some profit margin for the local producers.

StanbicIBTCBankReceivesQualityManagement CertiďŹ cation Nume Ekeghe Stanbic IBTC Bank, a member of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has received the ISO 9001:2015 Certification, a highly regarded Quality Management System certification globally. The certificate was presented to the bank in Lagos recently.

The certification, amongst its many benefits, would enable the bank to serve its customers at the right level of quality and ensure zero variability in the delivery of service across the various digital and non-

digital touchpoints, all of which enhances customer banking experience and relationship with the bank. Country Director, DQS Certification Management Systems, Mr. Lawrence Ogudu, in a statement, affirmed that Stanbic IBTC Bank met the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 certification, which, amongst others, entailed demonstration of the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

It also involved the enhance-

ment of customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory obligations.

Executive Director, Operations, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Wole Adeniyi, commended the bank’s team for making the certification possible and stressed that the requirements of the system would be continually reviewed and developed for higher performance.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

DECEMBER 2016 Broad Money (M2)

23,840,392.42

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,520,166.67

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,820,415.90

---- Demand Deposits

9,699,750.76

-- Quasi Money

12,320,225.75

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,353,504.03

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,486,888.39

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,970,297.97

---- Credit to Government (Net)

4,595,579.89

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

7,436,917.79

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-2,841,337.90

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,374,718.08

--Other Assets Net

-12,483,409.58

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,837,322.41

--Currency in Circulation

2,179,174.28

--Banks Reserves

3,318,344.71 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, MON, 21 AUGUST 2017 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $49.80 a barrel on Monday, compared with $48.86 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

T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2017

39

T H I S D AY Ëž , AUGUST 23, 2017

40

MARKET NEWS

NSE Index Rises 1.03% as Bulls Regain Control of Market Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie The Nigerian equities recorded a positive performance yesterday with the Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index (NSE ASI) appreciating by 1.03 per cent to close at 36,962.48.

The positive performance followed the return of the bulls.

The market had opened on Monday with a decline of 0.91

per cent majorly due to price losses recorded by bellwether stocks.

However, the bulls regained control of the market yesterday, lifting the index by 0.91 per, while market capitalisation ended higher at N12.74 trillion.

Although price gainers and losers were 22 apiece, gains

by Dangote Cement Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Forte Oil Plc and Total among others made the

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

bulls to have the upper hand.

But Total Nigeria Plc and Caverton Offshore Services Group (COSG) Plc led the price gainers with 5.0 per cent each. Some investors have renewed their demand for COSG apparently in reaction to the company’s new contract with Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL).

Caverton Helicopters, a subsidiary of COSG, has been awarded a 5-year logistics

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 DiversiďŹ ed Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. DiversiďŹ ed 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--DiversiďŹ ed CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--DiversiďŹ ed 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

support contract by CNL, operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC/CNL Joint Venture, for provision of aviation services with a 2- year renewable option.

The Group Chairman of the Caverton, Mr. Remi Makanjuola had Caverton Helicopters was poised to continue to work on consolidating its vision to be the leading provider of premium aviation services in

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

sub-Saharan Africa to the oil and gas industry. “We are thankful to our clients, the aviation regulators, our shareholders, our staff and many others who have played a role in our development and success as a company,� he said.

Meanwhile, C & I Leasing occupied the third place on the gainers’ chart with 4.8 per cent, followed by UACN Property Development Company Plc

with 4.7 per cent. Skye Bank Plc garnered 4.6 per cent, just as Vitafoam Nigeria Plc with 4.5 per cent.

Conversely, Conoil Plc led the price losers with 9.7 per cent, trailed by Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc with 5.0 per cent each. UAC of Nigeria Plc and May & Baker Nigeria Plc and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc shed 4.8 per cent apiece.

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

41

˾ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

MARKET NEWS

SEC DG Tasks Lawyers on Capital Market Cases Goddy Egene The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo yesterday called on legal practitioners to refrain from instituting unnecessary litigations at the instance of their clients who are involved in an enforcement action of the commission.

Gwarzo, stated this at a session on “Creating Secondary Market for

Investors”, at the annual general conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Making this plea, the SEC DG added that this would ensure the support of the legal profession to the commission, thereby allowing the capital market regulator to perform its statutory function and adequately protect investors with the aim to continuously develop the Nigerian capital market and the economy in general.

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

Supporting his plea, he cited the quote of Ngwuta JSC in Joshua Chibi Dariye vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2015) LPELR- 24398 where the learned Justice of Supreme Court stated that although lawyers owe a duty to their client, they, however, owe a higher duty to a higher cause; which is the cause of justice.

He also encouraged law firms to merge into large firms that would possess the capacity to be listed

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 21Aug-2017, unless otherwise stated.

on the floor of a securities exchange. He also urged the legal practitioners to invest in the Nigerian capital market and reap the many benefits.

This submission was re-echoed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Mr. Oscar Onyema.

He noted that as operators in the market, the lawyers have a major role to play in the development of the market as well.

However, in the course of discussions, the Managing Director of Goldman Sachs South Africa, Mr. Colin Coleman, observed the high transaction costs in the Nigerian capital market.

Reacting to this, Gwarzo and Onyema admitted the high cost of transactions in the market. They emphasised that steps are being taken to ensure a reduction of both the explicit and implicit cost of transactions in the Nigerian capital market. The

SEC DG acknowledged that “both explicit and implicit costs in Nigeria are higher than in peer countries.” He stressed that within a short period of time the market would feel the effect of these reductions. According to him, to start with, there will be a hair cut on SEC, NSE, Issuing Houses and Receiving Agents fees at the primary issuance side. He explained that the four cost centers charge about 70 – 80 per cent of floatation cost.

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 174.08 174.48 36.96% Nigeria International Debt Fund 230.11 230.57 8.75% 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 15.00% 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 17.28 17.81 39.99% ARM Discovery Fund 363.58 374.54 26.61% ARM Ethical Fund 25.88 26.66 15.86% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.05% 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 141.00 141.99 34.05% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.65% 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 19.05% 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 1,091.40 1,092.50 7.87% FBN Heritage Fund 140.69 141.93 26.21% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.21% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $109.61 $110.59 6.59% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $109.02 $110.00 6.75% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 154.11 156.34 36.87% 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 1.34 1.37 44.15% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.83 2.83 10.18% 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 2,853.66 2,897.24 29.40% Coral Income Fund 2,328.48 2,328.48 10.66% 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 14.68% 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 18.39% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.07 2.10 23.41% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 18.22%

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 1.12 1.14 12.97% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,032.59 1,032.59 7.44% 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 13.00 13.10 34.49% 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 1.16 14.39% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.73 10.78 3.17% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.78% 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 120.26 122.27 18.62% 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 8.69% 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 2,160.66 2,172.48 17.98% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 162.39 162.39 5.48% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.98 0.99 27.92% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 206.84 206.84 10.67% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 174.20 176.44 34.17% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.50% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,480.62 9,585.23 24.98% 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 1.29 15.14% United Capital Bond Fund 1.38 1.38 13.30% United Capital Equity Fund 0.86 0.84 25.17% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.10 1.10 16.39% 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 12.49 12.68 28.58% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.12 13.26 19.76% Zenith Income Fund 18.51 18.51 11.97%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 129.51

1.01% 4.54%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.88 106.24

10.98 108.25

26.05% 40.21%

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

4.47 9.48 17.34 21.66 132.03

4.51 9.56 17.44 21.86 134.02

61.43% 34.65% 45.00% 35.58% 2.40%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

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WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

48

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Barcelona Attack: Suspect Says Bigger Attack Was Planned One of the alleged Barcelona attack plotters has admitted a bigger attack was planned, say judicial sources.

Mohamed Houli Chemlal was testifying in the Madrid high court, where the four surviving suspects are appearing.

He was injured in an accidental blast that reduced a house to rubble in the town of Alcanar last Wednesday.

Assailants went on to kill 15 people and injure more than 100 in a series of attacks in and around Barcelona the following day and early on Friday.

Eight members of the alleged cell are dead - two were killed in the Alcanar explosion, and six were later shot by police.

The last suspect was killed in a vineyard west of Barcelona on Monday.

The surviving suspects were moved, under high security, from Barcelona to Madrid for Tuesday’s

hearing.

Investigating judge Fernando Andreu was expected to read out the charges against them, likely to span counts of terrorism, murder and possession of arms.

They began giving evidence before the judge in the afternoon.

Mohamed Houli Chemlal was the first to testify, wearing hospital pyjamas. He is still being treated for his injuries after being hurt in the blast in Alcanar the night before the van attack on the Las Ramblas boulevard of Barcelona.

Unnamed judicial sources said he had confessed both to police and in court that a bigger attack had been planned – confirming a theory outlined by police last week.

They found a cache of 120 gas canisters at the destroyed Alcanar house and suggested that the accidental blast prompted the plotters to change the nature of

the attack.

Judicial sources told El Mundo that Houli Chemlal told the court the iconic Sagrada Familia cathedral was one of several targets.

Two other suspects were killed in the Alcanar blast, including Abdelbaki Es Satty, the Moroccan imam thought to have been a radicalising influence on the suspects.

The other surviving suspects in court are: * 28-year-old Driss Oukabir: he has already protested his innocence.

His passport was found in the van which ran amok in the Las Ramblas boulevard in Barcelona, but he says his brother Moussa - who was killed in the attack in Cambrils - had stolen his documents * Mohammed Aalla, 27, alleged owner of the Audi car used in the attack which came eight hours after the Barcelona one, in Cambrils down the coast

Masada,Visionscape Send Relief Materials to Sierra Leone Following the horrific mudslide and flooding event in the outskirts of Freetown, Sierra Leone on the 14th August 2017, Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, a subsidiary of Visionscape Group, an environmental utility group out of Dubai, UAE with its waste management partner Masada Waste Management Company, Freetown have partnered to donate relief items to the affected victims.

Within the first 48 hours of the disaster, the Masada and Visionscape teams diverted resources and were on the ground visiting victims of the majorly affected communities to show support and deliver much needed

supplies. The partners distributed food, hygiene products, tents for shelter, bedding, bottles of drinking water and other items to help aid the displaced flood victims as they cope with this tragic loss.

The communities headed by their local chiefs, witnessed by the Office of National Security, The Presidential Delivery Team, Members of Parliament of the communities and humanitarian and aid workers from various disaster relief agencies are all working together to assist and rescue victims.

Visionscape is a global environmental utility group providing turnkey solutions

in areas of sanitation, energy and wastewater treatment.

The company aims to reinvent waste management processes, specific to emerging market, utilising a highly-experienced team, cutting-edge technology and tools to address the waste management needs of megacities.

Visionscape also offer serviced for commercial, residential, industrial, and healthcare clients.

On the other hand, Masada Waste Management Company holds the concession for waste management services in Freetown and is the main implementing partner of Operation Clean Freetown.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

49

NEWS

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

NCC: Nigeria Ranks Third in Global Internet Crimes behind UK, US The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said Nigeria currently ranks third globally in cybercrimes behind the United Kingdom and the United States of America NCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Umar Danbatta, disclosed this yesterday at the ongoing 2017 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the conference theme is: ‘African Business: Penetrating through Institution Building.’

Danbatta, at a breakout session with the sub-theme: ‘The Business of Cyber Law, Internet Policy and Privacy Rights’ moderated

by Augustine Alegeh, a former NBA President, said the number of internet users in Nigeria has hit 91.6 million.

“About N127 billion was the estimated loss to cybercrime in Nigeria in 2015; Nigeria ranks third in global internet crimes behind the UK and US “A critical factor militating against Africa’s economic resurgence is the weakness of its institutions.

“Nigeria ranks 169 out of 199 on the World Bank’s ease of doing business rankings; we are in a middle of a revolution and the rise of what we call the networked society.

“The NCC stipulates the laws of engagement that will make the cyberspace safe and ensure the confidence as well as the safety of the cyberspace,” Danbatta, a panelist at the event, said.

He added: “There are benefits and risks of the use of cyberspace and both has to be properly

managed.”

Other panellists at the breakout session were Bayo Adekanmi, the Chief Transformation Officer of MTN, and Ibikun Abidoye, the legal counsel of Chocolate City Group.

Others are Sascha Grimme, the Associate Solicitor of Cooley LLP, a UK-based Law firm, and Bisi Adebutu of Premier Lotto, also known as ‘Baba Ijebu.’

In his remarks, Ms. Adebutu gave insight into the challenges Premier Lotto faced in conducting transactions on the cyberspace.

“Premier Lotto has moved from the streets to the internet, we have faced certain challenges including paying those who do business with us.

“The cyber laws are not favourable to our business; Premier Lotto ranks as the fourth most visited site in the country.

“We have no easy way of verifying or identifying the owner of cards used to transact business.

“In Nigeria, the business of giving is just emerging, and it is important that we respect the privacy of our clients when they interact with us through the use of usernames and passwords.

“Gaming is very popular on the internet and fraud is one of the challenges we have; if we apprehend an individual trying to perpetuate fraud, we block their access to us.

“We also have challenges of having to discipline offenders and the cyber laws have to be properly identified and implemented to appropriately punish offenders,” Adebutu said.

In her contributions, Ms. Grimme

JAMB Fixes 2017/2018 Admission Cut-off Marks Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) yesterday fixed the cut-off marks for admission into higher institutions of learning in the country for the 2017/2018 academic session.

At a policy meeting held with the heads of institutions and other education regulatory bodies in Abuja, the examination body ratified 120 as the minimum mark for degree-awarding institutions.

The meeting at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja, had in attendance vice chancellors, Rectors, Provosts and Registrars of tertiary institutions.

For the polytechnics, the lowest mark that qualifies a candidate for admission is 100, while the highest that an institution can fix is 180.

Same mark applies to Colleges of Education.

The admission cut-off mark for Innovative Enterprise Institutions ranges between 110 and 120.

Leading heads of institutions in attendance to agree on the marks, JAMB Registrar, Prof.

Isiaq Oloyede, said the newly agreed marks would over-ride the previous marks submitted by the institutions.

Oloyede warned that the Board would not allow any institution to go below the ratified marks in their admission process.

He, however, said the reduction

in the 2017/2018 admission cut-off marks does not portend any danger for education standard and does not translate to a fall in education standard.

The JAMB registrar said the decisions on first choice candidates by universities would end on October 15, while the second choice candidates would end on December 15; after which the remaining students will be available in the market place for other institutions till the January closing date.

He disclosed that a Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) would be used to streamline admission processes among institutions, as it addresses challenges associated with the former approach.

He said: “We should not be sentimental in fixing our cut-off mark; we need not over-dramatise issue of cut-off mark.

“In order to enhance transparency, no automated admission for those without the necessary requirements will be tolerated.”

Speaking further, Oloyede said the MinisterofEducation,AdamuAdamu, has reabsorbed the conduct of PostUTME examination as a prerequisite for admission into tertiary institutions.

According to him, the cancellation of post-UTME was a mistake, urging JAMB to ensure that fee for the examination should not exceed N2,000.

said: “Threats and perpetrators of cybercrimes and the motives behind the cyber-attacks have to be properly identified.

“There are challenges in identifying perpetrators of cybercrimes; even when identified, there have been instances where they stay in different jurisdictions making prosecution difficult.”

Adekanmi, while speaking, noted that there is an ongoing online revolution happening in modern times, and that online security is very important.

“There is going to be what I call a technology apocalypse. You will wake up one day and someone is living your life somewhere.

“Someone once said that identity theft is worse than kidnapping,

there is a thin line between privacy and security in modern business,” the MTN executive said.

On her part, Ms. Abiloye, who discussed copyright challenges in the nation’s music industry, said the general perception of copyright is that its incentive is to encourage people to create.

“There is a public slant to copyright; there are a lot of cases about unfair use of copyright.

“In Nigeria, we have an endorsement culture and there have been instances where individuals use unauthorised images to promote a product.

“Internet and technology are moving at a pace faster than the music industry,” she said.

During the session, Folake

Solanke, the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), queried the MTN executive and NCC CEO on what actions the organisations were taking on unapproved phone charges as a result of unsolicited text messages.

Responding, Adekanmi said: “Somethings are beyond technology companies; we download a lot of free apps on our mobile phones.

“We get these apps for free but unknown to a lot of people, it is actually in exchange for our personal information which are then given to advertising companies.”

The MTN executive, using the popular app, Truecaller, to buttress his point, said the app

has a large database of names and other personal information of users, which are accessed by third parties for advertising.

Danbatta, in response to Solanke’s question, said the NCC launched a campaign on March 15 to provide a solution to unsolicited text messages.

“We have provided a facility to stop subscribers from receiving unsolicited text messages as well as a facility for subscribers, to subscribe to text messages.

“Send STOP to 2442 to unsubscribe to text messages; if the messages keep coming, dial 622 which is a toll-free number and the NCC will wade into the matter and ensure those messages stop,” he said.

SECURITY MEETING

President Muhammadu Buhari presiding over a security meeting with the service and security chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.... yesterday.

Godwin Omoigui

Pro-Biafra Group Accuses President of Lying Against Ojukwu Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu A pro-Biafra group, the Biafra Zionists’ Federation (BZF), yesterday dismissed President Muhammadu Buhari’s nationwide broadcast as “a compendium of lies,” with the sole purpose of “deceiving Nigerians.”

Leader of the group, Mr. Benjamin Onwuka, who spoke with journalists in Enugu, specifically faulted the president’s statement that the late Biafra leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, disowned Biafra, describing it as false.

The group also insisted that no matter what anybody thinks, the restoration of the Biafran Republic had become non-negotiable, same way “the unity of Buhari’s Nigeria is non-negotiable.”

Onwuka, who had a few weeks ago declared himself the President of Biafra and named former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Charles Soludo, Prof. Pat Utomi and others as ministers, challenged Buhari to provide an audio and transcript of the said meeting between him and

Ojukwu.

He said: “We are speaking today in response to the broadcast said to have been made by Buhari.

We want to let the world know that Buhari is wasting his time; he has been defeated.

“He didn’t start failing today; he supported Hillary Clinton during the US election, but they all failed; he knows it.

“So his broadcast is a waste of time; a compendium of lies; Biafrans challenge him, let him produce the transcript; we saw what they posted on his twitter handle and called it a video. This is very comedic. When has a picture become a video? Where is the voice, where is the motion; where is the transcript? What he has dished out is a far-cry; we are asking for video evidence, with the audio, the transcript of that meeting. Let us see what they agreed on.

“Above all, I don’t believe what he is saying; if that is what happened; let him come up with evidence. Odumegwu Ojukwu, I believe will never compromise on Biafra’s independence. He was the one that led us to war,

except that he made a mistake for not accepting the offer from Russia. That’s what the Zionists have done by seeking support from US. “From the broadcast he made, Ojukwu could never have compromised; let him provide the evidence and what Ojukwu said. Even if it is what Ojukwu said, Ojukwu is not speaking for Biafra; Biafrans are a nation; a nation is more important than one person.

“So Ojukwu can never betray Biafra. Why didn’t he say this when Ojukwu was alive? He should have told us then. When that meeting held, he should have given us an opportunity, where two of them would have come out and told us, we believe in one Nigeria.

“Why now, because the man has died, you are now coming up with allegations against him, because the grave cannot speak?

So whatever he said Ojukwu told him, we don’t buy into it.

“Biafra has come to stay with the backing of US. Our matter is right now at the desk of the US President. So, Buhari is wasting

his time.

“He is even calling us irresponsible because he is benefiting from our oil. Where in the world are people agitating for freedom called irresponsible people?

“What will he call Boko Haram members? The only reason is that he is feeding from our oil, allocating oil blocks and all that.

Without the oil, there will be no Nigeria. He can say whatever he likes.”

When asked to comment on an interim government he claimed to have formed a few weeks ago, he said, “I’m not claiming to be president on my own; United States under Obama recognised Biafra on 15th October, 2014. The Zionists believe in international diplomacy.

“Let me assure those people appointed that the interim government stands until we hear from the White House. So, the interim government and our announcement on Biafra, they are still intact; we are waiting to get reply from US but the government we formed is intact, upon the return of Trump from vacation, Biafra will take off. Obama and Trump will make Biafra to be a reality,” he said.

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WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Lagos Demands Return to First Republic Federal Structure Rejects plan to allow INEC conduct council polls Gboyega Akinsanmi In what appears to be an expression of its frustration under the current federal arrangement, the Lagos State Government yesterday said Nigerian federalism “is skewed and military in nature,” adding that it is inhibiting socio-economic progress of the federating units.

In a clear reference to the First Republic, the state government therefore canvassed the need to institutionalise the principles of true federalism, the kind that would allow each federating unit to contribute agreed percentage of its revenue to the national government.

The state government equally rejected a recent proposal by the National Assembly that the power “to conduct local government elections be taken away from the states and added to the functions of the national electoral body controlled by the government at the centre.”

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, espoused the position of the state government on the need to fairly review the 1999 Constitution at the 57th annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) currently on-going at Landmark Centre,

Oniru, Lagos.

At the same conference last Sunday, the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, lamented aberrations in the 1999 Constitution, saying the legal framework would continue to stunt the country’s economic growth and inhabit capacity of states to harness their potential.

The governor had challenged the NBA and its leadership “to support the demand for devolution of power to states and fiscal federalism, especially the review of the current revenue sharing formula.”

In a follow-up engagement yesterday, Bello took advantage of the NBA conference to speak extensively on the position of the state government on restructuring, thereby describing the current federal structure as “skewed federalism or military federalism.”

He, therefore, canvassed the need to institutionalise the principles of true federalism, which he said, was as the catalyst of socio-economic development in every federal state across the world.

The SSG noted that the principles of true federalism “are not new to Nigeria,” which he said was the core features of the First Republic in which each region was allowed to manage

its resources and contribute to the federal purse.

Bello recommended the federal governance structure under the First Republic which he said obliged Nigeria with legal framework that guaranteed that each region kept 50 per cent of its natural resources.

Under the First Republic, Bello said each region contributed 50 per cent “to the federal government, and the remaining 50 per cent was shared by all the regions on the basis of need.

Unfortunately, our nation today has unwittingly locked up itself and it urgently needs to free itself so that the full potential of our country in its entirety can blossom.”

Even by logic, he argued that a federation “derives its strength from its constituents.

So, how then do we reconcile the recent proposal that the power to organise local government elections be taken away from the states and added to the functions of the national electoral body controlled by the government

at the centre?

“If we say the reason is because the ruling party in the state tends to win all seats in council polls, what is the guaranty that it will also not become the turn of the party that controls the government at the centre to make a clean sweep of all the council seats as well?

“The practice of the current skewed federalism or what I call military federalism being camouflaged as genuine federalism must stop as most of the states are currently hemorrhaging socio-economically.

As such, they cannot be counted in the effort at genuine institutionbuilding.

“We need to do away with this and imbibe the principles of true federalism as being practiced in Canada, Australia, India, Germany, United States among others. For genuine institutionbuilding, legal practitioners should join forces with the Lagos State Government.”

Between 1993 and 2003, Bello said the US Supreme Court

advanced the cause for true federalism through granting of rights due to states against the US federal government in several landmark judgments.

According to him, it is instructive that this happened in a country whose democracy has evolved as a federation for over 200 years. This indicates that the cause of a stable federation is a continuous process.

He, therefore, said Lagos “has the capacity and potential of becoming the African version of Hong Kong. But the challenge before us is first to overcome the obstacles posed by the present federalist structure.

“Let me give you a clear poser. Would Apapa port and the Lagos International Airport remain so derelict and obsolete if they were allowed to be managed by proper private investors under the local authorities as they do in most advanced economies?”

Bello asked.

In a separate development, the state government said it would begin supply of Lake Rice in

preparation for the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration, noting that the sale “has been scheduled to commence tomorrow in various centres across the state.”

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau, disclosed in a statement yesterday, that Ambode “has since inception, embarked on agricultural policies and programmes that will enhance the availability of food in the state.”

He listed distribution centres to include all 57 local government areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs); the Agricultural Development Area Complex, Oko-Oba, Agege; LTV Blue Roof Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja, and other designated centres across the state.

He added that 50kilogrammes bag of Lake Rice would only cost N12,000; 25kg N6,000 and 10kg for N2,500, noting that the rice “is for all Lagos residents irrespective of their religion or tribes.”

FG, States, LGs Share N467.852bn for July Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The three tiers of government have shared a total of N467.852 billion for the month of July as the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) met in Abuja yesterday.

This is a decrease of N184.377 billion from the N652.229 billion distributed among the federal, states and local governments for the month of June.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, said the decrease was a result of a decrease

in collection by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

According to him, as against the sum of N284.8 billion collected by the FIRS for the month of June, collection stood at N90.329 billion.

Giving a breakdown of the share of the N467.852 billion distributed among the three tiers for the month of July, he said the federal government received N181.451 billion, states N92.035 billion and local governments N70.955 billion.

The sum of N31.591 billion went to oil-producing states under the derivation principle.

Vacuum Prevails in ICPC, Other Agencies as Presidency, Senate Disagree over Resumption Paul Obi in Abuja There is vacuum in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) because of the inability of the newly appointed Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, to resume duty.

The crisis has persisted amid controversy trailing the clash between the presidency and the Senate.

Nearly a month after their appointment, Owasanoye and other are yet to resume duty following strong warning by the Senate that they should wait pending the conclusion of their screening and confirmation by the upper chamber.

The presidency had ordered Owasanoye and other two

appointees of PENCOM and CCB to resume work in acting capacity while waiting for their full confirmation by the Senate.

Speaking to THISDAY, ICPC Head of Media and Information, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, explained that Owasanoye was yet to resume since his appointment as the commission’s chairman.

Okoduwa said: “The new chairman didn’t resume on Monday and even on Tuesday, he did not resume duty as far as I know.”

Asked if the new chairman had communicated with the commission since his appointment, Okoduwa informed THISDAY that “he has not communicated with us. He will communicate with us by coming to the commission, to the best of my knowledge, he has not done that.”

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

L-R: Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu; Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; UNICEF Nigeria’s Deputy Country Representative, Parnille Ironside; UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer for Sokoto, Muhammad Mouhiddeen; and Sokoto Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Ahmadu Mamman, at the launch of Advocacy and Community Engagement Forum (ACEF) in Sokoto...yesterday,

UNICEF: Rising Wave of Child Bombers in Nigeria Worrisome Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the spate of using children, especially young girls, as suicide bombers in North-east Nigeria by Boko Haram terrorists, describing it as cruel and an atrocity.

UNICEF in a statement yesterday from its Geneva head office, said in the last few years and so far this year, the number of children used is already four times higher than it was for all of last year. It added that children used as ‘human bombs’ are, above all, victims not perpetrators.

Since January 1, 2017, 83 children have been used as ‘human bombs’; 55 were girls, most often under 15 years old; 27 were boys, and one was a bomb strapped to a girl. The sex of the baby used in the explosion was impossible to determine.

“The use of children in such attacks has had a further impact of creating suspicion and fear of children who have been released, rescued or escaped from Boko Haram. As a result, many children who have managed to get away from captivity face rejection when they try to reintegrate into their communities, compounding their

suffering.

“All of these are taking place in the context of a massive displacement and malnutrition crisis – a combination that is also deadly for children. There are 1.7 million people displaced by the insurgency in the North-east, 85 per cent of them in Borno State, where most of these attacks take place.”

North-east Nigeria is one of four countries and regions facing the spectre of famine, with up to 450,000 children at risk of severe acute malnutrition this year.

UNICEF in the statement made available by Chief of

Communication, Doune Porter, said it is providing psychosocial support for children who have been held by Boko Haram and is also working with families and communities to foster the acceptance of children when they return. This includes providing social and economic reintegration support to the children and their families.

“UNICEF also supports reconciliation activities in Northeast Nigeria, led by respected community and religious leaders, including influential women, to help promote tolerance, acceptance and reintegration,” the statement read in part.

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Again, Military Warns against Dangers of Social Media-induced Hate Speech Paul Obi in Abuja The Nigerian military yesterday warned against the dangers of social media induced hate speech to national security and development of the country.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar bemoaned the use of social media to spread falsehood and promote hate speeches in Nigeria, arguing that such trend has the potential of igniting crisis.

Abubakar stated this while declaring open the 2017 Conference of the Nigerian Air Force Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) and the unveiling of booklets and posters on the fight against terrorism at the Air Force Headquarters, Abuja He said: “We are all not unaware of the use of the social media by some elements to spread falsehood, in addition to promoting hate speeches, violence, anarchy and confusion in the society, as recently identified by the federal government.

“The message of hate and violence does not augur well for the development of our dear nation and I therefore implore all relevant stakeholders to continue to focus on the use of the social media to inform, educate and entertain, as originally intended,” the Air Force Chief stated.

Abubakar held that the media have become one of the most powerful force in modern times, noting that the unveiling of the booklets and posters on the

fight against terrorism was to demonstrate that air men and air women are fighting Boko Haram so that Nigerians live in peace and ensure that Nigeria is secured.

The air force chief who described the theme of the conference as apt, noted that in modern times, the media has become an instrument of power that transcends national boundaries and governmental influence.

He maintained that the roles of the media in the fight against insurgency cannot be over emphasised, adding that this informed the attention accorded to the Directorate of Public Relations and Information, especially on capacity building and providing enabling environment for their operations to flourish.

Abubakar said: “I must say that I had since come to appreciate the role that the Directorate of Public Relations and Information plays in projecting the image of the Nigerian Air Force as well as projecting the truth, in a timely manner, especially in moments of crisis.

“It is thus in recognition of this onerous role that my administration has given special attention to the directorate in terms of providing the basic working tools it requires, training and the enabling environment to flourish.

“Now to all the Nigerian Air Force Public Relations and Information officers and airmen and airwomen, as the saying goes, to whom much is given, much more is also expected.

Nigeria, China Partner to Checkmate Importation of Substandard Products Alex Enumah in Abuja The China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria (CCCN) has revealed that China is in collaboration with Nigeria to curtail the influx of substandard products into Nigeria, even as it insist most of the said substandars products were not made in China.

President of the association, Ye Shuijin, who stated this while speaking with journalists in Abuja, also disclosed that the Chinese chamber of commerce holds regular meetings with its Nigerian counterpart on how to improve enterprise in Nigeria.

Shuijin said the CCCN and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) had put modalities in place that would check influx of substandard products into the country.

Some of the measures according to him include reporting and sanctioning culprits as well as ensuring companies imbibe and pursue quality at all times.

“Most of the substandard products that came to Nigeria are not from China because Chinese government has well structured standards in place for its products.

“China products are of high quality, nonetheless, Chinese government is already cooperating with the Nigerian government to promote importation of quality products to Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, there are over 150 Chinese companies operating in different areas of the Nigerian economy from construction to

manufacturing and trading, contributing to the overall growth and development of the country.

He, however, charged men and officers of the Nigerian Customs Service to do more in checkmating influx of substandard products at the nation’s seaports and borders.

SON had in 2016 raised the alarm that 40 per cent of electrical and electronic appliances imported into Nigeria “are substandard and have caused disasters with destruction to lives and property.”

It is also observed that all manner of uncertified food items are dumped in the country.

The CCCN president therefore harped on the need to guide importers and exporters so that they would at all times do the right things.

He further advised importers and consumers to be vigilant and reject any noticed substandard products for the development of the economy.

The president said the chamber and the Chinese government always encourage investors from China to invest in the manufacturing sector to help in the development of the Nigerian economy.

He said that Nigeria because of its population had the market which he said was an added advantage to attract investors into the country.

Shuijin gave the assurance that more Chinese investors are willing to invest in Nigeria owing to the conducive environment being created by the Nigerian government.

“I therefore urge you all to realise that you have the responsibility to live up to expectation by building your capacities, as individuals, and as a body. That, of course, is the

only way to remain relevant in the scheme of things, as you cannot afford to be left behind.

NAF Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal, L S Alao

commended the air Chief for the enormous assistance towards ensuring that the Air Force is repositioned.

The conference has as its theme,

‘Social Media in Modern Public Relations Practice,’ and was the first since 2012 with participants drawn from various departments within the air force.

CELEBRATING LIFE AND GOOD HEALTH

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Celebrant, Yeye Oge of Remoland, Mrs. Silifat Olusola Sofola; and her husband, Chief Idowu Sofola, at the 80th birthday celebration of Mrs. Sofola in Ikenne, Ogun State...yesterday

NNPC to Automate Crude Swap Process, Warns of Illegal Operators Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said it will open up the process employed in its crude oil for product exchange scheme called Direct-Sale –DirectPurchase (DSDP) to ensure that it is transparent from the beginning to its end point with its remittance of accrued revenues to the government.

It stated that the new drive would allow for minute-by-minute tracking of the scheme to allow the general public follow its operations transparently.

The corporation also raised the red flag on the activities of fraudsters who specialise in circulating phantom letters of crude oil allocation with the intent of defrauding unsuspecting would-be buyers or members of

the public.

A statement from the Group General Manager Public Affairs of NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, yesterday in Abuja, stated that this was disclosed by NNPC’s Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD), Mallam Mele Kyari, at the presentation of commendation letters to 12 staff of the COMD by the Group Managing Director of the corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru.

Kyari, explained that the activities of the international fraudsters created an unnecessary distraction for staff of the COMD who were compelled to deal with huge turnover of scam mails on a regular basis.

He urged members of the public to be wary of such dubious emails purporting to emanate from the NNPC with mouth-watering crude oil allocation offers.

South-south/South-east Governors Felicitate with Buhari Governors of the 11 states making up the South-south and South-east geo-political zone have felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari, on his return to the country after his medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

The Interim Chairman of the South-south and Southeast Governors’ Forum and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, spoke on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the Almighty God for restoring the health of the President and his safe return to the country.

In a statement made available to THISDAY and signed by Emmanuel, the forum also appreciated Nigerians across political

and religious divides who prayed for the recovery of the president, calling it a “sign of deep patriotism and obedience to the scriptural injunction that we should pray for our leaders”.

He restated the commitment of the governors in the two zones to join hands with the administration of President Buhari in the task of delivering exemplary and focus-driven leadership to the people of Nigeria.

He also called on all Nigerians irrespective of tongue, tribe or creed to be unrelenting in prayers for the country and leaders while re-dedicating themselves to their responsibilities and service to the nation as its march to greatness requires all hands on deck for it to succeed.

Kyari also gave an insight into the activities of the nefarious group, and said they functioned mostly by sending fake crude oil allocation letters using names of senior NNPC officials as decoy and requesting gullible individuals to pay certain cash deposits as commission on volume of crude received.

According to him: “The gullible individuals end up paying huge sums of dollars into these accounts as commission but the reality is that nobody allocates crude oil on a piece of paper the way the scammers canvass in their dubious letters. Everything about crude sale is electronic and real time. If you have your cargo, the whole world knows.”

To tackle the challenge, Kyari stated that the COMD has made available the email contacts of its top officials to allow members of

the public opportunities to verify such emails on crude oil allocation.

He also noted that the division has embarked on the automation of the DSDP scheme to ensure transparency of the process.

The idea, he noted was to guarantee an end-to-end access to the DSDP programme online for relevant stakeholders to monitor the process from the point of crude oil allocation to conversion, return of products to the country and distribution by the Nigerian Products Marketing Company (NPMC), to the ultimate transfer of the naira cash into the Federation Account.

He said though some form of automation of the process existed at the moment, the new programme to be delivered by next month would provide insight into the minutest details of the entire transaction.

PSC Promotes 6,455 Senior Police Officers The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 6,455 senior police officers contained in a recommendation from the Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim.

The affected officers include a police commissioner, Hilda Ibifuro–Harrison, was promoted to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) while two Deputy Commissioners of Police, Ajani Babatunde and Olukola Taira Shina, were promoted to the rank of Commissioners of Police.

Others are 47 Superintendents of Police elevated to Chief Superintendents of Police and 498 Deputy Superintendents of Police promoted to the next rank of Superintendents of Police.

TheHead,PressandPublicRelations of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani,

made this disclosure in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

About 5,907 Inspectors were also promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASP11.

The spokesman added that Mohimi Edgal andAji Janga, Deputy Commissioners of Police were appointed acting Commissioners of Police.

He said promotions and other decisions of the commission would be conveyed to the IG for implementation.

Ani also said the commission had returned recommendations pertaining to special promotions to the IG. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the IG, Idris, had constituted a special panel to investigate complaints and allegations on special promotions.

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FEC Approves New Policy to Localise Nigeria’s Construction Industry Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a new policy

to localise operations and materials used in Nigeria’s building and construction industry, the Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman

FG Transfers Custody of over 600 Seized Snakes, Millipedes to UniUyo Okon Bassey in Uyo The federal government has handed over to the authorities of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State, the custody of over 600 reptiles, including snakes, millipedes and other animals seized

by Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in Calabar, Cross River State recently.

THISDAY gathered that presently, a foremost Herpetologist of the university, Dr. Edem Eniang, is totally in charge of the seized consignments of the reptiles.

Eniang is a foremost Herpetologist and heads the Wildlife and Ecology Unit of the Department of Forestry and Natural Environmental Management of the institution.

The reptiles, stored in three boxes, were reportedly ferried from the Republic of Cameroun to the agent in Lagos, for onward transmission to the final destination in Luxembourg in Europe, but the consignments were intercepted by operatives of the NCS in Calabar.

Yesterday, Eniang, a former employee of the Cross River National Park, led other 10 reptiles’ specialists for the first examination and analysis of the samples of the reptiles.

Eniang who was not afraid of

the intimidating reptiles during the analysis session, told journalists that the federal government decided to allow him the custody of the consignments of the reptiles because of his expertise in reptiles’ management.

“I was chosen to keep the animals because I specialise in reptiles and did my PhD on snakes and I am a global authority on snakes.

“The federal government know that I am an expert in snakes and reptiles,” he further stated, stressing that he was given the task of analysing the true state and conditions of the animals before making recommendations to the federal government.

“I am to analyse and report to the federal government on the true status of the animals,” he declared.

According to him, the seized snakes were taken from South-West Cameroon, which shares the same contiguous zone with South-eastern part of Nigeria.

Being an authority in snake and other reptiles management, he said he was very familiar with the environment hence the federal government did not make any mistake or have to look far to ascertain the right man to preserve the seized reptiles.

Adamu, has disclosed.

Adamu stated this in his opening remarks at the 28th edition of the annual Archibuilt Conference and Exhibition, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) yesterday in Abuja.

He explained that the new policy would aim to improve the application of local contents including materials; personnel; and skills by operators in Nigeria’s construction industry, adding that the move was targeted at giving operators and indigenous manufacturers of construction materials in the sector some advantages over foreign competition.

Adamu also explained that between 1990 and 2017, the number of Nigerians that have access to clean pipe borne water supply had declined from 30 per cent to just about seven per cent, adding that over the years, investments in water infrastructure have dwindled.

The Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr. Babatunde

Fashola, had stated in the recent past that the government would initiate a policy to domesticate materials and skills used in the country’s built and construction industry, to save her foreign exchange used in importing most of the components.

Adamu, however, noted that the government had considered the need to checkmate the influx of foreign manufactured construction materials into the country, as well as skills which he said were hurting the economy of the country.

He stated that the new policy would be implemented by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and should comprehensively give Nigerians in the construction industry the leverage to rise and dominate activities therein with minimal competition from foreign parties.

“Three or four weeks ago, this administration came up with a very important policy which has not been given more attention. We passed a policy on local content

in the entire construction industry at the Federal Executive Council,” said Adamu said.

He further stated: “By that, we intend to encourage not only consultants to rise through the value chain in the construction industry but also manufacturers so that a lot of emphasis will be put on Nigerians, that we can develop our skills and strengths in such a way that we will dominate activities in the construction industry.

“That will provide an opportunity for us to begin to cash in on the opportunities that are there for Nigerian manufacturers.”

Speaking on the impacts of imported construction materials on the final output of the construction industry as well as the country’s water supply sector, Adamu explained that the three tiers of government - federal; states; and local governments-were currently unable to build more water supply facilities because imported materials were expensive to procure.

He said: “Even in the water sector which I am heading now, it is a serious challenge. 60 to 70 per cent of the components that are required to set up a water supply scheme are imported, and it is so expensive, and we need this water seriously, but it is becoming unaffordable for many states and local governments that have the responsibility to develop water infrastructure.

“The idea of looking inwards for solutions is very dear to us.

We must find a way to get materials and use materials in the country, otherwise it will be very difficult for us. As I am talking to you now, in the water sector, we have moved from 30 per cent of our population being supplied pipe borne water in 1990, to seven per cent today because states and the federal government cannot invest in the required infrastructure.

“There has been no investment in the water sector recently. The last investments were done in the colonial era,” he added.

Chinese’s $200m Loans to Tackle Flooding Intact, Says Oyo Govt Ademola Babalola in Ibadan Following the August 26, 2011, flood incident in Ibadan which literally brought Oyo State to its knees, resulting in the deaths of many residents and untoward economic downturn, the state government has said it has spent only 14 per cent of the $200millon World Bank loan granted it by the Chinese Government.

The Director General of the state Bureau of Physical Planning and Development Control, Alhaji Waheed Gbadamosi, stated this while briefing journalists at the state Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism yesterday.

Part of the loan, Gbadamosi said, was being spent on reconstruction of bridges, roads, dredging of rivers, and water channels as part of efforts to control flooding in the state.

According to the D G, the government has listed many of the affected sites under the Ibadan Urban Flood Control, and the project is expected to last for eight years.

Also, the 70-year-old Eleyele water dam, he noted, would be upgraded to a world class dam, stating that construction work is expected to commence soon.

Gbadamosi who spoke extensively on the Ibadan Master Plan final draft that would be submitted next month, disclosed that 22 private radio stations that are operating without approved building plans in Ibadan would

soon be closed down.

He frowned at the inability of the media houses to get approval from the appropriate agencies in the state, just as he stated that most of the residential structures turned to commercial ventures especially in Ibadan would soon be asked to pay huge fine/fee for doing such.

Gbadamosi said: “Over 22 radio stations don’t have approved building plans. They are more than 22 of them. They don’t have building plans. Most of them turned residential buildings into commercial ventures.

The DG who said the government had decided to take necessary actions to close the radio stations down, also disclosed that the case had been brought to the attention of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for necessary actions.

He said the need to take legal action and exercise patience before the closure was necessary so as not to see the closure as a political tool in waging war against the media in the state.

“When we want to close them down, we know it may create some security threat, we have brought the case to the NBC for necessary actions and sanctions.

“They have converted residential buildings to commercial ventures.

Such development is going to bring and attract vehicular and human traffic to the area, is there plans for that?”

WE ARE FOR BUHARI

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina (right), receiving a letter from leaders of the Coalition of Southeast Youths for Buhari, Damian Igbokwe; and Steve Anyata, during their rally in Abuja...yesterday NAN

Constituents Seek Recall of Murray-Bruce for Being an ‘Abuja Senator’ Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The people of Nembe, Brass and Ogbia Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State yesterday threatened to initiate the process of recalling Senator Ben Murray-Bruce for allegedly abandoning them and making Abuja his home.

Many of the constituents, comprising mainly students, from the Bayelsa East senatorial district, within which the local government areas fall, said since the lawmaker was elected, he had seldom met or consulted with them on any issue.

They alleged that the senator was in the habit of empowering and meeting with people outside the district and the state, to the detriment of his primary constituency.

In a statement signed by Samuel Tari (Nembe), Ambrose Joseph

(Brass) and Mark John (Ogbia), the aggrieved constituents gave the federal lawmaker an ultimatum of 10 days to retrace his steps or face their wrath.

The angry electorate in the area lamented that the senator was not in a good relationship with his people and had continued to shy away from his constitutional responsibilities.

According to them, the senator was donating relief materials to people in other states when his constituents were wallowing in poverty with many students unable to pay their fees.

Aside the alleged nonperformance, they said since the politician cum media entrepreneur was elected, he had not visited his people.

“Since Murray-Bruce became a senator, he has failed to look into the basic needs and challenges

currently bedevilling the Bayelsa East senatorial districts, such as issues of education, as most of our students cannot access good quality education.

“He has failed to attract a single project to the districts in terms of infrastructure including roads and others. He has continuously and deliberately ignored efforts by the people to create a working relationship that will bring out purposeful leadership for our people,” they said.

Added to that, the signatories to the statement said none of the senator’s promises during the campaign had been fulfilled.

“He is yet to fulfill any of his campaign promises; painfully, he is an Abuja-based senator. He refuses to visit his constituency, except only once when he visited his hometown and couldn’t even stay for up to four hours.

“Sincerely, we are tired. Other places are enjoying the benefits that come from having a national representative. Our case has been a curse rather than a blessing. We are just like a district without a senator. This why we intend to change that narrative,” they noted.

For a start, the constituents asked the senator to organise a town hall meeting with his people and take out time to tour his constituency.

“We are, hereby, giving him an ultimatum of 10 days, starting from August 21. If he fails to meet with us, we shall take our protest to the National Assembly.

“We will mobilise all the students, our mothers and our fathers. We will initiate his recall process. Our people deserve a better treatment from him. We request to have a town hall meeting,” the aggrieved constituents said.

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CG Immigration Orders Probe of Corruption Allegations in Passport Issuance Chiemelie Ezeobi Following allegations of corruption in the issuance of passports in Alausa Passport Office of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in Lagos, the Service Comptroller General (CG), Muhammad Babandede, has ordered an immediate probe.

The CG was responding to recent allegations by passport applicants that officers at the Alausa Passport Office were overcharging them in the process of acquiring their international passports.

Babandede who reacted through the NIS Spokesman, James Sunday, an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, said anyone found culpable during the investigation would be dealt with.

He said: “The CG has given a directive for the investigation of the allegations and that is what we are doing. I can tell you for sure that we do not have accredited agents.

“The guidelines for application for international passport are clearly stated in our website. We also sent out our customer feedback number, 07080607900 and email address nis.

FG Approves Appointment of Senior Officials for Aviation Sector Agencies Kasim Sumaina in Abuja In a bid to reposition aviation agencies, the federal government has approved the massive clearance of promotion backlogs in the agency.

The government, through the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, yesterday hinted that the approval had been given in order to further boost the morale of staff of the agencies who had stagnated over time.

Sirika in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs of the Ministry, James A. Odaudu, explained that in line with the approval, 13 Deputy General Managers (DGMs) in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have been promoted to the rank of General Managers (GMs) while at the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET), three Assistant General Managers have been promoted to Deputy General Managers with a Chief Meteorologist promoted to the position of Assistant General Manager.

According to the statement, “Similarly, the exercise has seen the promotion of nine Deputy General Managers at the NCAA to the position of General Managers while a total of 36 Assistant General Managers were promoted to the rank of Deputy General Managers.”

It stated further that the federal

government has also approved some reorganisations at the FAAN and inter-agency postings to ensure better productivity and efficiency.

“Among the approvals, is the appointment of Mrs. Victoria ShinAba as the new Airport Manager of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, a position formally held

by Nehemiah Auta, who has been redeployed to the FAAN headquarters as Deputy General Manager, Operations.”

It noted: “Also, a Director, Human Resources, Mr. Anozie Norris, has been appointed for the Authority. He replaces Hajia Salamatu Eluma who has been redeployed to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) as Director, Human Resources. A General Manager, Accounts, Kabir Mohammed, has also been appointed for the Authority.

“The General Manager, Finance and Accounts FAAN has been redeployed to the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as Director Finance and Accounts while the Assistant General Manager, Air Transport Regulations, Hajia Maryam Ismail, has also been moved to NCAA. Sirika said: “The appointments and postings which took immediate effect, would galvanise a robust service delivery in the sector in line with the set objectives of the present administration to reform the aviation industry.”

Anyaoku,Tukur for Otobo Book Launch on August 28 Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of NEPAD Business Group, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, will participate to launch a new book titled: ‘Africa in Transition: A New Way of Looking at Progress in the Region.’

The book is written by Ambassador Ejeviome Eloho Otobo. It covers a wide range of public policy issues concerning Africa political, economic and social development.

The book’s central argument is that the future prospects of individual African countries will depend on their ability to manage the three deficits – stability; organizational; and scientific and technological – which have

cast a long shadow over their development experience.

Anyaoku will chair the occasion, while Tukur will serve as the chief presenter/ launcher of the book at the public presentation which will take place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos on August 28, 2017.

Otobo is currently a NonResident Senior Expert in Peacebuilding and Global Economic Policy at the Global Governance Institute, Brussels, Belgium.

He had previously held the position of Director and Deputy Head of the UN Peacebuilding Support Office at the UN Headquarters in New York, where he also acted as an Assistant Secretary-General.

servicom@nigeriaimmigration.gov. ng for Nigerians to contact us.

“The problem is that Nigerians like to look for shortcut, and so they fall into the hands of people who dupe them.

“They prefer to do things through the backdoor. They need to know that every office opened by the NIS has a duty to serve them.”

THISDAY gathered that the passport office has allegedly been turned to den for extortion with NIS personnel using accredited agents to charge the applicants above the stipulated fee.

However, inquires at the passport office have revealed that the office do not have agents, rather, they allowed cyber cafe operators to set up business within the environment

to aid the applicants.

A senior officer who did not want to be mentioned said: “We allowed this because a lot of the applicants complain that they could not do the online registration nor pay fees through e-Transact.

“So we allowed cyber cafe operators close to our office for applicants’ easy access. We adopted that approach because NIS personnel were relegating their duties to assist applicants do their registration which was not supposed to be.

“E-Passport is a cashless and participatory idea. Applicants play their parts while NIS officers do theirs. People are expected to log on to the website, do their payments, bring all documents

to the passport office where we take over and process within a time limit.

“But the people complained about payments. They could not do the e-transacts. That was why NIS officers started assisting in doing payment.

“So in order for the job not to suffer, we decided to bring cyber cafes closer so that they can assist the applicants who couldn’t do it on their own while our personnel can face their jobs.

“Accredited cafés were allowed around passport offices.

Applicants patronise them and they do their things without interference from the NIS. “We do not take part in it.

But along the line, we discovered that some of these applicants complained that they were being charged above the official rates.

“The business centre owners were invited and they explained that they were doing so to cover the cost of their internet subscription, time and intellect.”

The NIS officer further stated that “at that point, we told applicants to do their registration anywhere they can and bring the documents since we could not force the business owners to collect any amount.

“It is not true that they are within the premises because they are not allowed in. It is also false that we do not have information desk.”

BE FAIR AND JUST TO ALL

L-R: Former Minister for Works and Housing, Asan Lawal; Chairman of the Committee and Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shetima; and National Organising Secretary, Osita Izunaso, during the inauguration of Anambra Primary Election Committee at All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja....yesterday

Oyegun, Makarfi, Wike, Amaechi, Others Meet in Abuja on Poverty Alleviation Ogheneuvede Ohwoviorole in Abuja State governors and other top government functionaries will next Friday hold a symposium on ‘The New Economy and its Impact on the Less Privileged Citizens’.

Billed to hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; former Edo State Governor, Lucky Igbinedion; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and others are expected to grace the occasion.

Other dignitaries expected at the event are the National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, among others.

A statement by the host and executive producer of The Osasu Show (TOS), Miss Osasu Igbinedion, said the symposium is an offshoot of her programme but on a larger

scale.

She said it is a forum where key stakeholders from the public and private sectors come together to discuss salient issues bothering on national development and unity.

Igbinedion said: “The symposium is about everything and everybody we interviewed on the show. They are all coming together as one. And the audience, whom we try to bridge the gap between and their leaders, are also going to be there to ask questions and directly interface with their leaders.”

The statement also added that the symposium would give Nigerian leaders the opportunity to discuss some of the policies and laws that have been implemented thus far, which would enable and guide the economy to benefit the low income earners in the society.

“The new economy has brought disruptions, marked by digitisation. And we are engaging with the tangible world of business as a whole. We need to sit down and ask ourselves how the new economy would affect the less privileged citizens, the vulnerable and how they would

survive.”

It further noted that the new economy came with shocks arising from prolonged economic recession and hardship to the common man.

The panels which consist of three panels namely: ‘Politics, Business and Development’, will

give the people an opportunity to discuss some of the objectives as they relate to the new economy in their various fields.

The statement added that at the end of the symposium, a common framework that would guide the people would be developed.

NIWA Condoles Victims of Ilashe Boat Mishap The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has extended their condolence to the Onilase of Ilashe, Lagos State government and the people of Ilashe Community, particularly the families of those who lost their loved ones in the boat mishap that claimed lives at the weekend In a statement signed by its Area Manager in Lagos yesterday, Muazu Jaji Sambo, he noted that preliminary investigations by its office revealed that 16 persons boarded the private boat from the Ilashe Community Jetty to cross to the other side of the Badagry creek on their way to church.

Sambo added that the agency had since dispatched a high-powered delegation to commiserate with the Oba of Ilashe and the families of the affected persons in addition to the

engagement of its search-and-rescue team.

The statement read in parts: “The authority would like to seize this opportunity to renew its calls on all water users on the critical importance of wearing life jackets on board all boats no matter how short the distance may be and whether or not a person can swim. Life jackets are mandatory on board at all times.

“The authority has noted the blatant lies and propaganda sponsored and circulated today in some media outlets by the Lagos State Waterways Authority, in the wake of this incident. We shall not dignify them by descending to the pedestrian level that they did, regrettably seizing a moment of sorrow and pain to do so.

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WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

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APGA Petitions NJC over Enugu Judge Agbaso didn’t obtain S’Court stay order to stop Oye, says legal adviser Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The All Progressives Grand

Alliance (APGA) has written a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) against an Enugu High Court Judge, Justice A. R. Ozoemenam, who handled a case

Osinbajo Tasks ECOWAS Member States on EBID’s Funding Challenges Ndubuisi Francis and Udora Odichimma in Abuja The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, has tasked the member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to do more in addressing the funding challenges of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

Osinbajo, who spoke at the 15th annual general meeting of the bank’s board of governors inAbuja yesterday, said the ECOWAS nations and the bank can do more especially in mobilising resources for a major West African agricultural fund.

He acknowledged the numerous challenges that the bank has had to face in recent times, arising from lack of adequate resources, adding that these challenges had limited its capacity to function well as a true financial arm of the community.

“Clearly, a well-resourced PDID (Partnerships for Food Industry Development) could play a pivotal role in financing the achievements of the objectives of vision 2020 which envisages a transformation of the ECOWAS states from an ECOWAS of states to ECOWAS of people, in which the people are prosperous, properly governed and has the capacity to access and harness the enormous resources of the community.

“So, clearly it is in our interest as member states to do more to address the funding challenges especially as the bank seeks to innovatively mobilise resources from across the continent and beyond in line with its cooperate objectives.

“We in west Africa and especially the bank can certainly do more especially with mobilising resources for a major West African agricultural fund, with an emphasis at promoting inclusion at jobs, because clearly the fastest way of providing jobs today especially for our population and many of us who are still in the rural areas, is the provision of agriculture, not just subsistence agriculture but smart agriculture that aims to provide real jobs that can make a real impact in the in the lives and livelihoods of our citizens,” he stated.

According to him, the role of the bank today was even more crucial, adding that it was appatent to all why it was so.

“The recent trends in global and economic development have had a significant impact on local and regional economies; the economies of our various countries have faced falling government revenues on account of commodity price slumps, declining economic growth and the challenge of creating jobs on a scale that can cope with our rising population.”

Ozekhome Blasts Presidency over Rats’ Invasion Says Nigeria never been so bad since amalgamation Paul Obi in Abuja Human rights lawyer and legal luminary, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) yesterday blasted the presidency over statement credited to it that President Muhammadu Buhari would have to work from home pending the cleaning of his office which was invaded by rats and rodents.

Ozekhome, a constitutional lawyer also lampooned the Buhari’s government of deriding Nigeria in many respect, as the country has never been so bad since amalgamation by Lord Lugard and his wife, Flora Shaw.

He said: “It is a very shameful and disgraceful statement that emanated from the presidency to the effect that PMB, after a whole 105 days abroad on medical grounds, cannot work from his office because of rats and rodents.

“So, a whole Julius Berger, the German construction giant has to be called in to drive them away and repaint the office! This statement further derides and shames Nigeria as a country. Why didn’t the same, or similar rodents pursue Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan during their presidency?” he asked.

Ozekhome maintained that “for truth, there is another mini office at the villa quite different from the official residence and main office.

Let Buhari work from them.

“Let’s see our president working, not through still photo shopping.

For how long will this government take the Nigerian citizens for a ride and for robots?

“Who told the image makers we are as brainless as they are?

Don’t they know that lies have expiry date and that propaganda cannot substitute for image making?

Goebel was a fantastic World War propagandist, but failed woefully as information minister.

“Let this opaque government of barefaced misinformation, lies, deceit and cluelessness know that its directionlessness and incapacity to govern are hurting this country badly.

“The economy is in horrific tatters, image bald-battered, security shattered, governance mangled and transparency and accountability interred. Nigeria is today more divided, more hate-inebriated, more crisis- ridden and more dangerous precipice-prone than ever before.

“Nigeria is today more derided, more excoriated and more corrupt than it has ever been. Nigeria has never had it so bad since her forced amalgamation on January 1,1914,by imperious Lord Lugard and his wife Flora Lugard (nee Shaw, who actually named the country after Niger-Area), Ozekhome added.

on the intra-party crisis rocking the party.

In the petition dated July 28, the party sought the intervention of the NJC and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the order of mandamus by Justice Ozoemenam, and if found guilty, should sanction him.

According to a copy, THISDAY gathered yesterday from a reliable party source who confirmed that the CJN had written back to the party acknowledging the receipt of the petition, and assured them that action was being taken on the matter.

When contacted to give an update on the issue, the National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Oye, said the party saw the action of the judge as totally uncalled for and embarrassing to the law.

Oye said: “I was taken aback because I know that mandamus order should come based on

an earlier order that has been brazenly flouted. That is when the mandamus order is issued to compel the authorities to ensure that the judgement is implemented. But in this case, there was no previous order or judgement. So from where did he get the judgment? Therefore, we thought that the order was fraudulently obtained because those involved did everything to make it impossible for us to get the order vacated.”

Oye explained that he was abroad when the news came that an Enugu High Court headed by Justice Ozoemenam issued an order of mandamus against him in favour of Martin Agbaso.

He accused Agabso of colluding with the judge to frustrate the efforts of the party to get the order vacated, adding that what was brought before the High Court was an application for a judicial review that would have led to the issuance of order of mandamus.

“I was scandalised because

both of us were not parties to the suit. The suit was instituted by one Mark Alioke against the Inspector General of Police (IG).

INEC and Commissioner of Police in Enugu State,” he said.

On why the party has applied to NJC , Oye said: “We are seeking the intervention of the NJC to deal with this corrupt judge and show that he has exhibited incompetence in handling the case “We believed that what was before the Justice Ozoemenam was a judicial review but the judge went ahead to give an order of mandamus.

“We had to go to the Court of Appeal to be joined as a party in the case and the appeal court in its wisdom had to joined me. The court on August 16, while listening to all arguments from both parties, had its judgment despite move

by Agabso and his group to slam a stay of execution to scuttle the Appeal Court judgement.

“I have never seen that kind

of thing in my life. Our position is that the man is not qualified to be a judge and should be sacked.”

Meanwhile, the Anambra State legal adviser of APGA, Mr. Sly Ezeokenwa, has dismissed rumours that the Martin Agbaso faction of the party obtained any order of stay of execution stopping Oye as the national chairman of the party.

Ezeokeokenwa insisted that the August 16 Appeal Court verdict which affirmed Oye as the authentic National Chairman of APGA still stands.

The state legal officer who spoke to journalists yesterday, explained that the Supreme Court is on recess and would resume for a new legal year about middle of September and could not have issued any stay of execution to Agbaso and his men.

He added that there was no vacation panel constituted by the Supreme Court, stressing that the court needed to sit to issue such an order.

PRESTIGE ON THE FLOOR

L-R: Company Secretary, Prestige Assurance Plc, Mr. Abayomi Odulana; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar N. Onyema; Managing Director, Prestige Assurance Plc, Dr. Balla Swamy; Director, Mr. Mufutau Oyegunle; and Executive Director, Mr. Sarbeswar Sahoo, during the close of stock market at the NSE by Prestige Assurance Plc in Lagos....yesterday ETOP UKUTT

FG Extends Whistle Blowing Policy to Human Trafficking Cases Alex Enumah in Abuja The federal government has extended the whistle blowing policy to crimes in trafficking in persons in Nigeria, a move that is believed would encourage people with useful information on activities of suspected traffickers come forward.

The extension was sequel to a request by the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Julie Okah-Donli, who had applied to the federal government to extend the policy to issues of human trafficking to encourage people report cases of trafficking in persons and provide information on assets of traffickers to the agency without fear of reprisals.

According to a release signed

by Vincent Adeloye on behalf of NAPTIP’s Head of Press and Public Relations, the approval of the agency’s application was conveyed by the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) in a letter dated August 7, 2017 and signed by the Director (Solicitors

Department) Z. S Adeyanju, In the statement, Adeyanju stated that the approval was given based on the fact that the request

by NAPTIP for the inclusion of Human Trafficking cases in the whistle blowing policy of the present administration was not in conflict with any extant law.

Reacting, the Director- General expressed excitement stating that with the approval, the coast has become clearer for informants to come up with verifiable information on human traffickers adding that all information given to the agency will be treated with all required confidentiality.

While encouraging members of the public to step forward with information, she added that the Agency was working out modalities for reward to informants. She however, appealed that people should not use the policy for vendetta as the agency will not take kindly such practices.

She also expressed appreciation to the federal government for granting the request within a very short time, adding that such a gesture was an indication of the present administration’s readiness to end

human trafficking in Nigeria.

With the latest development, anybody can now give verifiable information on any case of human trafficking including assets of human traffickers for possible confiscation through legal proceedings to NAPTIP. Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing repositioning of the agency for better service delivery, Okah-Donli,hassetup aRapidResponseSquad(NAPTIP-RRS).

The squad, which is under her direct supervision is to among other things, ensure that all high profile and sensitive cases reported to the agency are given prompt attention and investigated with diligence.

This action is in line with her earlier promise on assumption of office to set in motion machineries for diligent operations especially in the areas of investigation, victims care and prosecution.

Part of the terms of reference of the NAPTIP-RRS is to carry out in an urgent manner all sensitive assignments and operations as may be directed by the Director-General.

Inaugurating the Squad, OkahDonli, reminded members that the task before them was not an easy

one, but promised to give them all necessary support including the provision of modern investigation tools to aid their operations.

She admonished them to remain upright, factual and work in line with international good practices in law enforcement.

She warned that she will not tolerate any indolence or sloppiness in their operations and urged them to be swift in their activities as any undue delay in any rescue operation may spell doom for any victim and the family.

“You must work with all the departments of the Agency in your assignment. Do not see any case as a small one because there is nothing like a small case before the law and in the case of human trafficking, lives are involved. While the public enlightenment officers are working round the clock creating awareness across the country, you must ensure that those who refuse to adhere to our appeal to end trafficking are brought to justice. The Legal and Prosecution Department is set to use the outcome of your operations to prosecute offenders,’’ she stressed.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

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WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

WORLD CUP 2018 QUALIFIERS

Rohr Names Mikel, Ighalo, 21 Others for Battles with Cameroon Duro Ikhazuagbe As reported exclusively by THISDAY yesterday, Chang Chun-Yatai forward in the Chinese Super League, Odion Ighalo, made his come back to the Super Eagles squad released yesterday to take on Cameroon in the double header FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier in Uyo and Yaounde.

The former Watford star forward did not play for Eagles in the two earlier Russia 2018 qualifier away to Zambia in Ndola and Algeria here at home in Uyo. He was away for his father’s burial when Gernot Rohr led Eagles to Zambia and seated on the bench all through the 90 minutes of the clash with the Algerians at the Nest of Champions. He last played against Tanzania in the inconsequential AFCON 2017 qualifier.

Also spot on in the THISDAY report was the invite extended to Hapoel Be’er Sheva forward in the Israeli topflight, Anthony Nwakaeme. This is the marksman’s first call up under Rohr’s watch.

The 23-man team with seven players on the wait list is led by former Chelsea midfield stalwart, John Mikel Obi who is making a return to Eagles after his surgery almost five months ago. He is in fine form for his Chinese Tianjin Teda club.

Also making a come back is Germany-based defender Leon Balogun who missed the World Cup qualifier against Algeria

and the Africa Cup qualifier against South Africa due to injury.

Chelsea of England’s wing back, Victor Moses, is also back after sitting out the duel with the Bafana Bafana in June due to injury.

According to the list released

by NFF’s Communication Director, Ademola Olajire, Rohr has largely kept faith with his regular army, including goalkeepers Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Alampasu.

Defenders William Ekong, Elderson Echiejile and Abdullahi Shehu as well as midfielders Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo are all listed for the battle against reigning African champions Cameroon.

Forwards like Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho form the core of the team expected to take on the Lions at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday, September 1, before flying to Yaounde for a quick-fire return session on Monday, September 4.

Seven other players have been placed on standby, but any of them would be contacted to move to camp only in the case there is any issue with any player on the list of 23.

THE FULL LIST GOALKEEPERS: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Dele Alampasu

Mikel... back to lead Eagles after surgery

(Cesarense FC, Portugal) DEFENDERS: William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Elderson Echiejile (Sivasspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC,

France); Ola Aina (Hull City, England) MIDFIELDERS: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC,

Turkey) FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Chang ChunYatai, China); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be’er

Sheva, Israel) STANDBY: Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Henry Onyekuru (Anderlecht FC, Belgium); Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea FC, England); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Alhassan Ibrahim (Akwa United); Stephen Eze (FC IfeanyiUbah); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United).

Obaseki Inaugurates Edo W W E S U M M E R S L A M 2 0 1 7 Sports Commission C’ttee NXT Women Champion, Asuka, Injured as Stars Shine at Raw Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City In order to reclaim her top position in sports in the country, Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated an 11-man committee to assist the state with the modalities for setting up a sports commission.

While inaugurating the committee at the Government House in Benin yesterday, Obaseki said the idea of a commission of experts was the product of a workshop organised by the state government earlier in the year to reposition sports.

He said, “As a government, our desire is to establish a sports commission that will help us meet our aspirations in the sector. We believe that those chosen for this task have the experience, skills, and knowledge in the world of sports, and will provide the framework for a premier sports commission in Nigeria”.

The terms of reference for the committee include: “to design a holistic sports policy for Edo State to help reclaim its pride of place in the nation; help produce a legal

framework to help establish a sports commission; prioritise the content and direction of sports in the state; design a framework to help rebuild sporting institutions and facilities to world-class standards, as well as assist to design a strategy for private sector funding for sports in the state, among others.”

In his response, the Chairman of the committee who also doubles as Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and promised that the team would do its best to ensure that the state government achieves its desire to reposition sports in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Special Duties, Edo State, Dr. Osayuware Idahosa is to serve as Secretary of the committee. The members are Godwin Dudu-Orumen; Aisha Falode; Ejiro Omonode; Isaac Ikhuoria; Osayaba Osarenren; Mike Itemuagbor; Austin Eguavoen; Frank Ilaboya and Dr. Kweku Tandoh. The committee has six weeks to submit its report.

Femi Solaja at the ringside Barclays Center in New York The news that NXT Women’s Champion Asuka has suffered a major injury took some shine off the WWE Raw event at the Barclays Centre here in New York yesterday.

Asuka who defeated Ember Moon late Saturday night in the NXT “TakeOver: Brooklyn III” event remains champion for a much longer time because of her present situation.

During her championship defence against Ember Moon, Asuka suffered a broken collarbone. The news came

into public space through top officials of WWE and the flamboyant wrestler is to be out of action for over two months.

Due to the injury, ‘The Empress of Tomorrow’, is not medically cleared to compete, and no official timetable has been given for her return.

Ringside Physician, Dr. Jeffrey Westerfield, told THISDAY yesterday that typical recovery time for a broken collarbone is between 6 and 8 weeks. He had earlier attended to Asuka during the NXT “TakeOver: Brooklyn III”.

“During the match, she landed awkwardly from a

throw from Ember Moon and was able to complete the match, but had notable pain and discomfort,” Dr. Westerfield revealed.

“We performed an initial ultrasound backstage that was highly suspicious of a break collarbone. That was later confirmed by an X-ray,” Dr. Westerfield stressed further.

WWE has not announced if she will be stripped of her championship. If that happens, it will bring an end to an impressive championship run that is now over 504 days.

Before this development, there was speculation that Asuka may be moved to the

WWE roster on either “Raw” or “SmackDown” but such plan has now been put on hold.

However, the graphic designer cum video game journalist assured her teeming fans on her Twitter handle yesterday that she will be back soon; Asuka also commented on her injury: “like the Terminator, I’ll be back”#Undefeated#The Streak.

But at the WWE Raw event of the day, The Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar, was in high spirits with a big grin on his face as he walked out still Universal Champion.

Afrobasketball: D’Tigress Devour Guinea, Focus Now on Senegal D’Tgress consolidated their hold on top of Group B at the ongoing 2017 FIBA AfroBasket Women’s Competition with another commanding 106-33points victory over Guinea.

After a good outing against Egypt, Dallas wing player, Akhator Evelyn, again recorded a double-double as she shot the team to victory

and replicated the same 24 points scored in the team’s last game.

With 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals against the Guineans, Akhator ensured that her team retained their lead all through the game as they coasted to another comfortable win.

Ogoke Sarah who was at the heart of the team’s offensive

transition scored 13points and had 2 assists with home girl, Akashili Nkechi having 2 assists and scoring 12points against the rattled Guineans.

On her part, Elonu Adaora recorded 11 points, 2 steals and 2 rebounds.

For the third time at the competition, all the registered 12 players recorded their names on the score sheet with

Atletico Lanus (Argentinia) player Nwaigwe Ugochi, the lowest, weighing in with 4 points.

Speaking after the game, First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos player, Akashili described the game against Guinea as a test-run ahead of the all-important encounter against defending champions Senegal today.

Wednesday August 23, 2017

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MISSILE

Clark to N/Delta Agitators “Indeed the group should know that there is no basis for this kind of action; it most irresponsible and should be discountenanced” – The Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, berating members of the Coalition of Niger Delta agitators for their September 10 ultimatum for northerners and Yoruba to quit the region.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE Combatting the Hate Speech Virus THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

T

wo days before the return of his boss, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made an important statement to which the government should do a quick follow-up. He told a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) that the government would treat hate speech as terrorism. The line has been drawn on hate speech, he said.

Those who might argue that Osinbajo was hyperbolic in drawing a legal equivalence between terrorism and hate speech should first ponder the bloody consequences of hate speech, which are comparable to those of terrorism. In fact, President Muhammadu Buhari himself seemed to be reinforcing the federal government position in his Monday broadcast when he said inter alia: “We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood.”

As an aside, the president’s speech could have been better constructed to effectively respond to the expectant mood of the nation amid a mounting, multi-dimensional crisis.

Unfortunately, the broadcast was less than inspiring in the present circumstance. It could be short and yet imbued with a loud mobilising tone and tenor. Well, that is a matter to be explored another day as the focus today is on hate speech.

The official fury against terrorism, hate speech and other destructive activities is consistent with the plan that is afoot to criminalise hate speech in this land. There is already in place the Terrorism Act of 2011. The law against hate speech is probably being considered to support a legitimate war against the anti-social act. It is important that there should be a synchrony of purpose among the arms of government to rid the socio-political space of the virus spread by hate mongers.

By the way, the virus might have spread not for lack of legislations. The existing laws are treated with absolute contempt by the purveyors of hate speech. Without prejudice to the moves by government to put an anti-hate speech law in place the existing laws should also be enforced. For instance, a lot of the nonsense that circulates in the cyber space could be checked by the strict enforcement of the Cyber Crime Act of 2015. Section 26 of the Act stipulates a punishment of five-year imprisonment or a fine of N10 million for any one convicted of the offence of threatening violence or insulting people based on ethnic group, religion or race. The same Act also has provisions against cyber terrorism. Similarly, the existing laws of libel ought to be applied to those wilfully assassinating the characters of other persons exploiting the permissiveness of the Internet.

Combatting hate speech is doubtless an urgent thing to do given the nation’s poltical history. Nigeria cannot afford the luxury of waiting for the transition from the spewing of hate speech in the social arena to the mass action of hate crime offenders. A nation that has fought a civil war in which millions of lives were lost should not be toying with hate speech because of its highly destructive consequences. The wounds of the 1967-1970 war are still fresh from the tone of the current

Buhari unstructured debate on the fate of the Nigerian federalism. Those who were born after the war are today dreaming of re-enacting history probably without a full understanding of the history. By summoning memory, a lot of bitterness has been introduced into what should have otherwise been a constructive national conversation. So the lessons of the nation’s political history should be sobering enough at this moment. The danger of demonising a whole ethnic group or adherents of a faith is dangerous in the present Nigerian circumstance.

A lot of blood has been shed as a result of these irresponsible acts. It is only reasonable to prevent further bloodshed. And this is far from being pacifist. It is only a humble call for reason. There is a difference between anarchy and revolution.

The empirical evidence of hate speech is not hard find in Nigeria. The fault lines of religion and ethnicity have become more sensitive in the increasingly fractious identity politics opportunistically played by the elite. The identities of religion, ethnicity and regionalism remain veritable weapons of manipulation by an elite that is averse to politics of ideas.

Members of this elite suffer from abysmal lack of a sense of history. It is easy to blame and insult the other people belonging to a religion, ethnic group or region. Instead of debating strategic options for development, the elite would rather abuse the ethnic group or the faith of their opponents. That is why members of this elite seek elective offices but cleverly avoid debating issues of the material well being of the people. They turn the non-issues into the issues of election. It is little surprise because policy debates require thinking for you to convince others about your perspectives; it does not require any intellect to rain curses and abuses on others. Street urchins do that daily. So the game is simple. Why bother about proffering logical alternatives to what is on offer when you can simply insult the ancestor of the other party to the debate and you would receive acclamation from those who ignorantly believe that you are advancing their ethnic or religious cause.

That may explain the unrestrained pollution of

0805 500 1974

the public sphere. Some elements are seemingly incapable of civilised conversations. They do not attack the ideas of their opponents; they would rather demonise them as northerner or southerner; Fulani or Igbo; Yoruba or Hausa; Christians or Muslims.

Besides, the bitter experiences of other lands should be lessons for Nigeria. After all, hate speech has historically been a global problem. The Nazi propaganda machine prepared the ground for the Holocaust with hate speech directed at the Jews. One streak that runs through the history of War II is the power of the word. The Nazi propagandist machine first demonised the Jews before the executioners took over the job of murdering over six million people. There was a transition from the word to action when some Joseph Goebbels of this world were at the work perpetrating infamy. In that period of transition some public intellectuals became complicit either by silence or rationalisation of the absurd. Some German scientists went to the laboratory to devise their own rationalisation with the science of eugenics. Unfortunately, this is the line that some public intellectuals appear to be taking in Nigeria today. A less talked about part of the tragedy of the present situation is that Nigeria is busy incubating and nursing its own brands of Joseph Goebels waving their destructive flags as ethnic champions and defenders of their faiths. These are the people that Buhari rightly called “irresponsible.”

That is why the role of the public intellectuals should be interrogated in the Nigerian context.

The matter is made worse by the fact that some of these intellectuals are among the hordes of Internet warriors on the prowl in the cyber space 24 hours of the day. The Tutsis first became the target of hate speech in the media orchestrated by the Hutu extremists.

The 1994 Rwandan genocide shocked the world, coming almost 50 years after World War II. The consequence was the murder of over a million persons in a population of 7.3 million in 100 days. Despite the exemplary recovery efforts under the leadership of Paul Kagame, Rwanda cannot be said to have fully come to terms with the lethal legacy of the bloodletting. Where the wounds have healed, the scars remain stubbornly prominent in the nation’s history. The dialectic of history and memory is uniquely being played in that country that has since attracted global interest. More recently, the bloodletting that happened during the 2007 General Election in Kenya was preceded by deadly activities of the merchants of hate playing one ethnic group against the other.

The battle against hate speech is today being fought on the streets of the United States after centuries of democratic practice. America has an unresolved race question exacerbated now by the emergence of Trumpism, which provides a flourishing atmosphere for hate speech. The lesson to be learnt is the role of leadership in either fostering or curbing hate speech. The United States is lucky that the larger section of the mainstream media is decidedly against hate speech.

Another possible lesson to be learnt from the American experience is the manner in which the judicial system has seemingly frustrated the sanction on hate speech. Some lawyers and judges insist that despite the lethal consequences

of hate speech, the crime should be written off as free speech. Such a proposition diminishes our common humanity. It does not reckon with the freedom of dignity of the victims of hate speech and protection from the violence of the mob. Those who like to contest this position should think of the psychology of the black kids bullied in American schools by children from white supremacist homes. So the advocacy for men and women of goodwill in the Nigerian context should be that hate speech should not be equated with free speech.

In the Nigerian situation, religion and ethnicity are too inflammable to be fuels in the hands of those who make hate speech instead of reasoned arguments. If a political figure pushes a policy idea, which you oppose, free speech allows you to criticise him and his idea as combatively as you can. However, you should not have the freedom to push the issue aside and demonise the religion, region, ethnic group or gender of the political figure. It simply offends reason to resort to such a crude culture of debate as you could be severely critical without infecting the arena of debate with the virus of hate speech. There is always the room for civilised conversations.

Perhaps, the absurdity of declaring hate speech as free speech could be more obvious if a parallel is drawn with a virus infecting the human body. Just as history has shown that the social virus of hate speech could lead to disaster so is it undeniable that the biological virus could also cause an epidemic, if not a pandemic. Now invoking the principle of freedom of speech to rationalise hate speech is akin to invoking freedom of movement for a population infected with the Ebola virus, for instance. Such an argument would make no sense not only to professional virologists, but also to the society as a systemic whole. It is essential for the health of the larger society to quarantine the infected persons with the virus as part of the effort to stamp it out. It would be irresponsible of the authorities to grant an infected person the freedom to move round and infect the community. The consequences would be disastrous. So no one should have the freedom to make hate speech. Maybe the law that is said to be in the works should draw the clear boundaries between hate speech and free speech.

Ultimately, the antidote to the virus of hate speech should be composed of more than legal ingredients. No nation has developed a vaccine to combat the hate speech virus with only laws.

Like the medical opportunistic infections, hate speech makers are bloody opportunists. They sometimes feed on the undeniable flaws in the system. Beyond legislations the government should manage this political economy efficiently such that irrespective of ethnicity, region or religion all would have access to equity, justice, freedom and social protection with the Nigerian federation. Furthermore, in the strategic war against hate speech there must be a battle for the minds. To borrow from the preamble to the Constitution of UNESCO, “since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed”. The campaign against hate speech should be intensified nationally. The public sphere should be restored as the arena of reasoned, vigorous and civil discussions.

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