Govs to Meet Buhari Tomorrow over Final Tranche of Paris Club Refund Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari will tomorrow meet with governors of the 36 states of the federation at the Presidential Villa to discuss the last tranche of the Paris and London Club refunds.
THISDAY learnt last night that the meeting, which is at the instance of the governors, is aimed at seeking the president’s approval for the final release of N200 billion Paris Club refund. THISDAY further learnt that the governors want to
use the meeting to appeal to Buhari on the need to release the last tranche of the refunds to enable them to meet their obligations. “The governors are hoping the president will authorise the final release of the Paris Club refunds, which is about N200
billion so that they can fulfil their obligations to workers and pensioners and pay other bills in their states,” a source, who preferred not to be named, said. According to him, when the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF)
and Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, led a delegation of seven governors to London to visit the president, he had thanked them for “holding Nigeria together in his absence”. He said the governors want to capitalise on the good
relationship with the president to seek his approval for the last release of the refunds. Buhari had approved the payment of the first tranche of N522 billion on December 16 last year. Continued on page 8
Six Killed in Suicide Attack in Maiduguri, Adamawa Community Sacked… Page 10 Thursday 24 August, 2017 Vol 22. No 8162. Price: N250
www.thisdaylive.com TR
UT H
& RE A S O
N
Discos Remain Weakest Link, Reject 9,310MW of Electricity in Eight Days… Page 6
Southern Leaders Kick Against Buhari’s Broadcast, Insist on Restructuring Say discussion with Ojukwu should not foreclose fine-tuning of nation’s architecture Sultan calls for conference of ethnic nationalities, respectful dialogue Presidency cautions critics of president’s speech Senator Iroegbu in Abuja and Shola Oyeyipo in Lagos with agency report Southern leaders drawn from the south-west, south-east and south-south geopolitical zones
have collectively expressed their strong opposition to the position taken by President Muhammadu Buhari in his national broadcast on Monday. Continued on page 6
President Cancels Cabinet Meeting, Receives Report on Suspended SGF, NIA DG Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti What would have been the first meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) since President Muhammadu Buhari’s return to the country from the United Kingdom, was cancelled yesterday with no reason given for the cancellation. Instead, the president’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, explained that Buhari would only receive the report of the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo-led committee set up to investigate the
suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke. The cancellation further heightened speculations about the president’s health and stamina to preside over meetings. Yesterday’s meeting of the cabinet was the fourth that had been cancelled this year ostensibly because of the president’s health. Continued on page 8
DECISION ON OKE AND LAWAL IS NIGH…
R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami; National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.); and the president’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Abba Kyari, when the president received the report of the probe panel he set up to investigate the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. David Babachir Lawal, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr. Ayo Oke, in Abuja… yesterday
2
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
3
4
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
$8',7(' 5(68/76 )25 7+( 3(5,2' (1'(' -81( 7KH %RDUG RI 'LUHFWRUV RI $FFHVV %DQN LV SOHDVHG WR DQQRXQFH WKH *URXS V UHVXOW IRU WKH SHULRG HQGHG -XQH
&2162/,'$7(' 67$7(0(17 2) &2035(+(16,9( ,1&20( )RU WKH SHULRG HQGHG -XQH
&2162/,'$7(' 67$7(0(17 2) ),1$1&,$/ 326,7,21 $V DW -XQH
5(67$7('
,Q WKRXVDQGV RI 1DLUD
*5283 -81(
*5283 '(&(0%(5
%$1. -81(
%$1. '(&(0%(5
*5283 -81(
,Q WKRXVDQGV RI 1DLUD
5(67$7('
%$1. -81(
*5283 -81(
%$1. -81(
$66(76
&DVK DQG EDODQFHV ZLWK EDQNV ,QYHVWPHQW XQGHU PDQDJHPHQW
1RQ SOHGJHG WUDGLQJ DVVHWV
'HULYDWLYH ILQDQFLDO DVVHWV
/RDQV DQG DGYDQFHV WR EDQNV /RDQV DQG DGYDQFHV WR FXVWRPHUV
3OHGJHG DVVHWV
,QYHVWPHQW VHFXULWLHV
2WKHU DVVHWV
,QYHVWPHQW LQ VXEVLGLDULHV 3URSHUW\ DQG HTXLSPHQW
,QWDQJLEOH DVVHWV
'HIHUUHG WD[ DVVHWV
,QWHUHVW LQFRPH ,QWHUHVW H[SHQVH
1HW LQWHUHVW LQFRPH 1HW LPSDLUPHQW FKDUJH 1HW LQWHUHVW LQFRPH DIWHU LPSDLUPHQW FKDUJHV
)HH DQG FRPPLVVLRQ LQFRPH )HH DQG FRPPLVVLRQ H[SHQVH 1HW IHH DQG FRPPLVVLRQ LQFRPH
1HW JDLQV RQ LQYHVWPHQW VHFXULWLHV 1HW IRUHLJQ H[FKDQJH LQFRPH ORVV
2WKHU RSHUDWLQJ LQFRPH 3HUVRQQHO H[SHQVHV 3UHSDLG UHQW H[SHQVH 'HSUHFLDWLRQ DQG DPRUWL]DWLRQ 2WKHU RSHUDWLQJ H[SHQVHV
3URILW EHIRUH LQFRPH WD[ ,QFRPH WD[ H[SHQVH 'HSRVLWV IURP ILQDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV 'HSRVLWV IURP FXVWRPHUV 'HULYDWLYH ILQDQFLDO OLDELOLWLHV &XUUHQW WD[ OLDELOLWLHV 2WKHU OLDELOLWLHV
'HEW VHFXULWLHV LVVXHG
5HWLUHPHQW EHQHILW REOLJDWLRQV
5HWDLQHG HDUQLQJV
2WKHU FRPSRQHQWV RI HTXLW\
7RWDO HTXLW\ DWWULEXWDEOH WR RZQHUV RI WKH %DQN
1RQ FRQWUROOLQJ LQWHUHVW 7RWDO HTXLW\ 7RWDO OLDELOLWLHV DQG HTXLW\
6KDUH FDSLWDO DQG VKDUH SUHPLXP
'HIHUUHG WD[ OLDELOLWLHV ,QWHUHVW EHDULQJ ERUURZLQJV
3URILW IRU WKH SHULRG
2WKHU FRPSUHKHQVLYH LQFRPH 2&, QHW RI LQFRPH WD[ ,WHPV WKDW PD\ EH UHFODVVLILHG VXEVHTXHQWO\ WR WKH LQFRPH VWDWHPHQW )RUHLJQ FXUUHQF\ WUDQVODWLRQ GLIIHUHQFHV IRU IRUHLJQ RSHUDWLRQV 8QUHDOLVHG JDLQV DULVLQJ GXULQJ WKH SHULRG 1HW FKDQJHV LQ IDLU YDOXH RI $)6 ILQDQFLDO LQVWUXPHQWV )DLU YDOXH FKDQJHV DULVLQJ GXULQJ WKH SHULRG 2WKHU FRPSUHKHQVLYH JDLQ IRU WKH SHULRG QHW RI UHODWHG WD[ HIIHFWV 7RWDO FRPSUHKHQVLYH LQFRPH IRU WKH SHULRG
3URILW DWWULEXWDEOH WR 2ZQHUV RI WKH %DQN 1RQ FRQWUROOLQJ LQWHUHVW
3URILW IRU WKH SHULRG 7RWDO FRPSUHKHQVLYH LQFRPH DWWULEXWDEOH WR 2ZQHUV RI WKH %DQN 1RQ FRQWUROOLQJ LQWHUHVW 7RWDO FRPSUHKHQVLYH LQFRPH IRU WKH SHULRG
5HSRUW RQ WKH VXPPDU\ FRQVROLGDWHG DQG VHSDUDWH ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV 7KH VXPPDU\ FRQVROLGDWHG DQG VHSDUDWH ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV WKH qVXPPDU\ ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWVr ZKLFK FRPSULVH WKH VXPPDU\ FRQVROLGDWHG DQG VHSDUDWH VWDWHPHQWV RI ILQDQFLDO SRVLWLRQ DV DW -XQH DQG WKH VXPPDU\ FRQVROLGDWHG DQG VHSDUDWH VWDWHPHQWV RI FRPSUHKHQVLYH LQFRPH IRU WKH SHULRG WKHQ HQGHG DUH GHULYHG IURP WKH DXGLWHG FRQVROLGDWHG DQG VHSDUDWH ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV WKH qDXGLWHG ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV RI $FFHVV %DQN 3OF WKH %DQN DQG LWV VXEVLGLDU\ FRPSDQLHV WRJHWKHU WKH q*URXSr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pV UHSRUW WKHUHRQ LV QRW D VXEVWLWXWH IRU UHDGLQJ WKH DXGLWHG ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV DQG WKH DXGLWRUpV UHSRUW WKHUHRQ 7KH $XGLWHG )LQDQFLDO 6WDWHPHQWV DQG 2XU 5HSRUW 7KHUHRQ :H H[SUHVVHG DQ XQPRGLILHG DXGLW RSLQLRQ RQ WKH DXGLWHG ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV LQ RXU UHSRUW GDWHG $XJXVW 7KDW UHSRUW DOVR LQFOXGHV WKH FRPPXQLFDWLRQ RI NH\ DXGLW PDWWHUV .H\ DXGLW PDWWHUV DUH WKRVH PDWWHUV WKDW LQ RXU SURIHVVLRQDO MXGJHPHQW ZHUH RI PRVW VLJQLILFDQFH LQ RXU DXGLW RI WKH ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV RI WKH FXUUHQW SHULRG 'LUHFWRUVp UHVSRQVLELOLW\ IRU WKH VXPPDU\ ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV 7KH GLUHFWRUV DUH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU WKH SUHSDUDWLRQ RI WKH VXPPDU\ ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH UHTXLUHPHQWV RI WKH &RPSDQLHV DQG $OOLHG 0DWWHUV $FW WKH %DQNV DQG 2WKHU )LQDQFLDO ,QVWLWXWLRQV $FW DQG WKH )LQDQFLDO 5HSRUWLQJ &RXQFLO RI 1LJHULD $FW $XGLWRUpV UHVSRQVLELOLW\ 2XU UHVSRQVLELOLW\ LV WR H[SUHVV DQ RSLQLRQ RQ ZKHWKHU WKH VXPPDU\ ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV DUH FRQVLVWHQW LQ DOO PDWHULDO UHVSHFWV ZLWK WKH DXGLWHG ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV EDVHG RQ RXU SURFHGXUHV ZKLFK ZHUH FRQGXFWHG LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 6WDQGDUG RQ $XGLWLQJ ,6$ 5HYLVHG o(QJDJHPHQWV WR 5HSRUW RQ 6XPPDU\ )LQDQFLDO 6WDWHPHQWVp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
(DUQLQJV SHU VKDUH %DVLF HDUQLQJV SHU VKDUH NRER
'LOXWHG NRER
7RWDO LPSDLUHG ORDQV DGYDQFHV
7RWDO LPSDLUHG ORDQV DGYDQFHV WR JURVV ULVN DVVHWV
$FFHVV %DQN 3OF FXVWRPHU V FRPSODLQWV IRU WKH SHULRG HQGHG -XQH ,Q PLOOLRQV RI 1DLUD 'HVFULSWLRQ
1XPEHU $PRXQW $PRXQW &ODLPHG 5HIXQGHG
3HQGLQJ FRPSOLDQWV EURXJKW IRUZDUG 5HFHLYHG FRPSODLQWV 5HVROYHG FRPSODLQWV 8QUHVROYHG &RPSODLQWV HVFDODWHG WR &%1 IRU LQWHUYHQWLRQ 8QUHVROYHG FRPSODLQWV FDUULHG IRUZDUG
7KH ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV ZHUH DSSURYHG E\ WKH ERDUG RI GLUHFWRUV RQ -XO\ 6LJQHG RQ EHKDOI RI WKH GLUHFWRUV E\
*5283 '(387< 0$1$*,1* ',5(&725 5RRVHYHOW 2JERQQD )5& ,&$1
)RU 3ULFHZDWHUKRXVH&RRSHUV $XJXVW
7KH VXPPDU\ ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV GLVFORVHG ZHUH GHULYHG IURP WKH IXOO ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV RI $FFHVV %DQN 3OF WKH qEDQNr DQG LWV VXEVLGLDULHV WRJHWKHU qWKH JURXSr IRU WKH SHULRG HQGHG -XQH DQG FDQQRW EH H[SHFWHG WR SURYLGH D IXOO XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI WKH ILQDQFLDO SHUIRUPDQFH ILQDQFLDO SRVLWLRQ DQG FDVK IORZV RI WKH EDQN DQG WKH JURXS 7KH EDQNpV DXGLWRU LVVXHG DQ XQTXDOLILHG RSLQLRQ RQ WKH IXOO ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV IRU WKH SHULRG HQGHG -XQH IURP ZKLFK WKHVH VXPPDU\ ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV ZHUH GHULYHG 7KH EDQNpV DXGLWRU PDGH D UHSRUW XQGHU VHFWLRQ RI WKH &RPSDQLHV DQG $OOLHG 0DWWHUV $FW 7KH IXOO ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV IURP ZKLFK WKHVH VXPPDU\ ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV ZHUH GHULYHG ZRXOG EH GHOLYHUHG WR WKH &RUSRUDWH $IIDLUV &RPPLVVLRQ &RSLHV RI WKH IXOO ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV FDQ EH REWDLQHG IURP WKH VHFUHWDU\ RI WKH EDQN 7KH VXPPDU\ ILQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQW DQG VSHFLILF GLVFORVXUHV DUH SXEOLVKHG LQ FRPSOLDQFH ZLWK WKH UHTXLUHPHQWV RI 6 RI WKH %DQNV DQG 2WKHU )LQDQFLDO ,QVWLWXWLRQV $FW
$Q HOHFWURQLF FRS\ RI WKLV SXEOLFDWLRQ FDQ EH REWDLQHG DW KWWSV ZZZ DFFHVVEDQNSOF FRP DOO ILQDQFLDO UHSRUWV TXDUWHUO\ UHSRUWV
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
5
6
˜ ͺͼ˜ ͺ͵ ˾ T H I S D AY
PAGE SIX
Discos Remain Weakest Link, Reject 9,310MW of Electricity in Eight Days Chineme Okafor in Abuja Affirming their position as the weakest link in Nigeria’s electricity chain, the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) in the country rejected 9,310.64 megawatts (MW) of electricity from the generation companies (Gencos) in the last one week because their distribution facilities could not take up all the electricity, records from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) have shown. The Discos, according to a
summary of the daily load allocation between August 13 and 20, rejected an average of 1,163.83MW daily, with the rejection coming mostly from Ibadan, Benin, Abuja, Eko and Ikeja Discos. TCN equally indicated that despite the slight rise in power generation – an average of 3613.85MW – during the period and huge demand for electricity by consumers, the Discos could not take up all the load allocated to them in line with the Multi-year Tariff Order (MYTO) sharing model.
It showed that in the eight-day period, the Discos collectively rejected 983.6MW, 1,062.11MW, 1,802.1MW, 1,506.03MW, 1,581.36MW, 701.31MW, 629.94MW, and 1,044.03MW respectively. Similarly, another report on the sector’s performance within the week, whcih the Advisory Power Team in the Office of the Vice President shared, showed that most of the Discos have continued to experience challenges with their networks. The advisory team’s report linked the poor distribution capacities of
the Discos to the frequent outages at their feeders. Recently, records from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) indicated that due to poor power supply from the Discos, Nigerian manufacturers spent N66.99 billion on generators and alternative energy sources to power their factories in the second half of 2016. MAN said in its review of the operational activities of its members within the period that daily power supply to them averaged eight hours and outage four times, hence its
expenditure on alternative energy sources in the period increased to N66.99 billion, from N29.48 billion expended in the corresponding period of 2015, representing a N37.51 billion increase. In his recent remarks at the last power sector operators’ monthly meeting in Kano, the Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, had revealed that Nigeria currently has up to 6,863MW of electricity that can be wheeled out to homes and industries in the country, but cannot send all of it to
consumers because the distribution facilities of the Discos were poor and unable to take up all of the generated power. Fashola explained that due to improvements in gas supply to thermal power plants in the south and adequate rains in the reservoirs of the hydro plants in the north, the country could conveniently generate 6,863MW and transmit 6,700MW of it, but the electricity could not get to consumers because the 33KV infrastructure of the Discos was constrained.
S O UTH ERN LEADER S KICK AGA IN ST B U H AR I ’S B R OAD CAST, I N SI ST ON R EST R U CT URI N G The leaders who converged on the Colonades Hotels, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday to take a stand of the president’s broadcast, said in a statement titled, “Only restructuring will ensure the unity, peace and development of Nigeria,” and jointly signed by Chief Edwin Clark and Albert Horsfall for the south-south; Chief Nnia Nwodo and Prof. Joe Irukwu for the south-east; and Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Chief Ayo Adebanjo for the south-west, that Nigeria was in a “very bad shape and requires statesmanship in its leadership”. Buhari, in his broadcast, barely acknowledged the growing agitation for the nation’s restructuring, and only stated that the appropriate institutions for national discourse were the National Assembly and National Council of State. The southern leaders noted that the president, in his broadcast, handled some very important issues with levity that did not give cognisance to the level at which they affect the overall well-being of Nigerians. “We have studied the national broadcast by Mr. President on Monday, August 21, 2017 and after a careful and thorough analysis of the speech, we make the following observations: the president expressed his disaffection about comments on Nigeria while he was away that ‘question our collective existence as a nation’ and which he said had crossed the red lines. “Against the background of the threat to treat hate speech as terrorism, we see a veiled threat to bare fangs and commence the criminalisation of dissenting opinions in our national discourse. “The president deployed the imagery of the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu to play down the demand for the renegotiation of the structure of Nigeria by saying they both agreed in Daura in 2003 that we must remain one and united. “While we agree with them, the meeting between the two of them could not have been a sovereign national conference whose decision cannot be reviewed. “The fact that we agree on their conclusion that we should remain united does not foreclose discussions of the terms and conditions of the union,” they said. The leaders contended that the claim that Nigeria’s unity was settled and not negotiable was untenable on the grounds that “every country is in daily dialogue and there is nothing finally settled in its life”. “Stable nations are still finetuning details of the architecture of their existence now and then,” let alone Nigeria, which they described as a country yet to
attain nationhood. Regarding the October 1 quit notice given to Nigerians of eastern extraction by Arewa youths, the southern leaders noted that Buhari did not give the issue the needed attention in his speech. According to them, “The one sentence by the president that every Nigerian can live anywhere without let or hindrance, if meant to address the quit notice by Arewa youths against the Igbos was rather too short to address the clear and present danger that the unwarranted threat represents. “We are distressed by the refusal of the police to comply with the arrest orders given by the Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and the vice-president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo while the president was away. “Instead of ensuring that these orders are carried out, the president has now come to make a bland comment on the explosive issue. We are of the view that leadership requires more than that at this crucial moment.” The southern leaders were also disappointed with the description of the fatal clashes between farmers and weapon-wielding herdsmen as a mere “conflict”, saying: “We are equally miffed that the president talks about the serial onslaught by AK47 wielding Fulani herdsmen against defenceless farmers as a conflict between two quarrelling groups. “In the last two years, the Fulani herdsmen have become much more ferocious in their attacks against farmers in the south and middle belt areas of the country, with security forces shying away from enforcing law and order. “To present the various onslaught on farmers by the herdsmen as ‘two-fighting’ would portray the president as taking side with the aggressive Meyiti Allah. “So, as elders who have spent most of our lives fighting for the unity of the country based on justice, fairness and equity, we call on the president to realise that the country is in a very bad shape at the moment and requires statesmanship and not ethnic, religious and political partisanship. “This is the time to renegotiate Nigeria along the federal lines negotiated by our founding fathers to stem the tide of separatist feelings and agitations. “This is why we do not accept that it portrays the president in a favourable light to be away for a long period, only to return to a badly fractured polity and avoid promoting a new dialogue for a better, just, inclusive and peaceful country.” Other notable persons present at the meeting included Mr. Efiye Bribena, Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo,
Mr. Denzil Kentebe, Mr. Tony Uranta, Chief Supo Shonibare, Col. Tony Nyaim (rtd), Prof. Banji Akintoye, Dr. Amos Akingba, Chief Guy Ikokuru, Mr. Gani Adams, Dr. Walter Ofonagoro, Ambassador George Obiozor and General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd).
Conference of Ethnic Nationalities Also weighing in on the restructuring debate yesterday, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, called a conference of ethnic nationalities to reach a resolution on Nigeria’s quest for nationhood, including a discourse on restructuring and federalism. The sultan, who spoke in Abuja at a colloquium organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with the theme, “The Labour Movement and the Future of a United Nigeria: What Role for Restructuring,” however, maintained that the nation’s unity was sacrosanct. The sultan posited that there was strength in unity, but stressed the need for dialogue among the ethnic groups in an atmosphere where there will be mutual respect for one another’s views. While stressing that the country had undergone phases of restructuring since the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates by Lord Frederick Lugard, the sultan insisted that as a people, Nigerians needed to know their history and how they came together as a nation. “It is good to sit down and dialogue but there must be respect. It is important to know who we are and where we come from. We have a history. We must look back at where we are coming from. When we talk about restructuring, what are we to restructure, how do we restructure? “Let us sit down to talk about all these with position papers prepared by every ethnic nationality – Afenifere, Ohaneze, Arewa, the Ijaws and others. “Let the federal government provide the enabling environment that will be conducive for us to sit down and discuss these issues. But like I said, there must be respect for one another’s views,” he said. Sultan Abubakar commended the labour movement for taking the initiative to discuss issues that are germane to the country’s national unity, saying that it was long overdue. Former Ebonyi governor, Prof. Sam Egwu who presented the lead paper, however, said he did not subscribe to the notion that Nigeria was indissoluble but would rather advocate for what needed to be done to retain the unity. According to Egwu, “We need
to work to retain the existing relationship among the different ethnic nationalities and the unity of the country.” Egwu, a political scientist, said it was unfortunate that some people calling for restructuring were ignorant of what it means, thus causing tension in the country. “They only succeeded in creating trying times for the country, trying times for our unity, trying times for our democracy because they keep on overheating the polity and our corporate existence is being threatened,” he said. Egwu said the call for restructuring was not enough without resolving other dynamics of federalism that needed to be addressed and centre around the institution of the state. He said: “The central rallying point of identity which is what the state has taken away, leaving the stage for alternative identities such as religion and ethnicity,” explaining that people agitating for one thing or the other were contesting the meaning of the state. “People are asking legitimate questions but using the wrong platform of religion and ethnicity,” he noted. Egwu blamed the Nigerian federal system for failing to reflect the principles of true federalism embedded in the shared roles that recognise the peculiarity of each component units of the federation. He made reference to the 2014 National Conference to which representatives of the six geopolitical zones presented position papers as a better way of arguing on the wrong platform of ethnicity. To him, restructuring “is about how you can align structures with functions in a federal system”, adding that the problem with Nigeria was that of governance, justice and equity and the inability to mobilise and distribute national resources. The president of NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba said the colloquium was put together to articulate a labour perspective on the debate on the restructuring of Nigeria, adopt just and fair measures of reconciliation, integration and development, and to proffer practical and policy based recommendations on the nature of restructuring. Pursuant to the outcome of the proceedings, Wabba said the NLC would take a position that will be submitted to the presidency, the National Assembly, state assemblies and labour affiliates for consideration and implementation. In addition, he said, a labour group will be constituted to monitor the constitution review process and lobby the appropriate bodies to ensure the implementation of the resolutions.
Justifying the need for the labour movement to join in the national discourse, he said the ongoing articulation of positions by the political class, civil society and the contending groups of agitators was being conducted using violent language and deploying ethnic and religious sentiments, which have the potential of shaping the opinions of the Nigerian workers and dividing them along ethnic and religious lines. “Unfortunately, the working people have been mobilised to be partisan by accepting some of these canvassed positions which are heavily identity-based rather than ideological. “The Nigeria Labour Congress feels strongly that she should access this dominated space and articulate an agenda for Nigeria by hosting a platform for national discourse on the issue,” he said. On hand to discuss the papers presented were Prof. Godoni Darah, Prof. Toye Olorode, Mr. Femi Falani, Adams Oshiomhole, and Prof. Jibo Ibrahim. But there was a mild drama over Oshiomhole’s submission that those calling for restructuring must be interrogated, noting that they were self-serving. He was of the view that Nigerians should focus more on good leadership that guarantees speedy development. The ex-Edo State governor stressed that qualitative leadership and devolution of power to the states would lead to a reduction in corruption at the federal, state and local government levels. Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, commended the NLC, describing it as one of the most educated and informed labour movements in Africa for its concern about the unity of the country. “Nigeria will be united forever,” he said.
‘Threats, Insults Not the Way’ Meanwhile, the Presidency has advised proponents of restructuring to exercise restraint in their choice of words, saying issues can be resolved through “established processes, not by abuses, insults or irresponsible statements”. Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, gave the advice in a statement in Abuja yesterday. Shehu was reacting to the opinions expressed by Nigerians for and against Buhari’s broadcast after his return from a medical vacation. He said the call had become imperative to avoid heating up the polity and causing acrimony across the country.
The presidential aide said a majority of the citizens welcomed the broadcast, and condemned those criticising the president for not responding to calls for the restructuring of the country, reported the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said the president has no power to impose restructuring on the country by military dictate, explaining that National Assembly members are the elected representatives of the people who can handle agitations for restructuring and other constitutional changes. According to him, the president is constitutionally bound to work with the National Assembly to deal with such complex issues. He reminded the critics that Buhari would not exercise arbitrary powers or bypass the legislature in taking such fundamental decisions. “Changes don’t happen on a whim in a democracy. The ‘immediate effect’ military mentality cannot work under a democratic order. “Since the president has sworn to defend the constitution, he will remain faithful to that oath by working with the legislature in taking major decisions on the future of Nigeria’s federal system,” Shehu said. He, however, stated that “while Nigerians are free to express themselves, they should exercise such liberty with restraint and a sense of responsibility”. He said calling the president an enemy of Nigeria was in extreme bad taste, adding that nothing in Buhari’s service record would justify such language. “The country’s parliament is ready and willing to discuss all issues but the pundits are more interested in television and newspaper headlines. “Threats don’t work in a democracy. Democracy requires planning and proper processes; issues are resolved through established processes, not by abuses, insults or irresponsible statements,” he said.
TOP GAINERS CAVERTON UNITEDCAP LIVESTOCKFEEDS ACCESSBANK NEIMETH TOP LOSERS SKYEBANK SEVEN-UP
NGN NGN 0.10 1.15 0.15 3.15 0.04 0.99 0.39 10.24 0.03 0.79 NGN NGN 0.05 0.62 4.84 92.12 TOTAL 11.51 228.00 AXAMANSARD 0.09 1.86 FLOURMILLS 1.33 28.52 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦ 1,220.0 0 Volume: 264.286 million shares Value: N5.531 billion Deals: 3,849 As at yesterday 23/08/17 See details on Page 42
% 9.5 5.0 4.2 3.9 3.9 % 7.4 4.9 4.8 4.6 4.4
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
7
8
˜ ͺͼ˜ ͺ͵ ˾ T H I S D AY
PAGE EIGHT
Kanu Tells Buhari to Defeat IPOB With Superior Argument, Not Guns Ojukwu’s son confirms his dad's visit to president Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to defeat the agitation for secession by his group with superior argument rather than the barrel of the gun. He threw down gauntlet on the issue during a chat with journalists at his country home in Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia in Abia State, following the order by Buhari to the service chiefs on Tuesday to deal decisively with Boko Haram terrorists, IPOB agitators, marauding herdsmen and other criminal elements, saying that they constitute a security threat to the country and its unity. In his reaction, however, the Biafra leader faulted the president, saying that the penchant by Buhari for recourse to brute force to solving burning national problems would never work, adding that he (Kanu) would not succumb to intimidation. “In this debate for freedom everybody has to be heard. Buhari should defeat me with the superiority of his argument, not AK47,” he said, adding that “those that quickly resort to violence, hate and intimidation do so because they have lost the force of argument”. Kanu argued that it was very wrong for the president to compare and lump IPOB, a
peaceful mass movement, with Boko Haram, an internationally recognised terrorist organisation. He pointed out that the decision by Buhari to unleash Nigeria’s security forces on IPOB had further demonstrated his dictatorial traits and his determination to enforce national unity on his own terms and those of his people. “It is the continuation of the Buhari regime’s dictatorial and unwholesomely undemocratic approach to governance. I find it unacceptable, abhorrent and insulting that somebody elected by the people can turn around and dictate to them how he wants them to behave,” the IPOB leader said. Kanu reminded Buhari that he was elected to govern Nigeria and he should therefore face the business of governance “and not to instigate another war”. He advised the Nigeria president to borrow a leaf from former US president, Dwight Eisenhower who was an army commander, fought in a war and later became president because he was a democrat at heart. Nonetheless, Kanu insisted that no matter how menacingly Buhari intends to bare his fangs, his action would in no way diminish the quest for Biafra’s self-determination, saying, “we are not afraid because IPOB is a peaceful mass movement, not s violent armed group.” Kanu stated that no matter how anybody intends to characterise IPOB, there must
Ojukwu be a distinction between a non-violent, peaceful mass movement as represented by IPOB and any other group whose activities pose a threat to national security. According to him, “Most Nigerians live in denial, they know the truth but have chosen to ignore it,” adding that the records are there to prove that IPOB has remained a peaceful, non-violent organisation since its formation. He said: “There is no record of injury being sustained, people fighting or having any altercation in any of the numerous IPOB gatherings where people converged in their millions to listen to this gospel of the restoration of Biafra. Not one single incident. “We are the most disciplined, most well behaved mass movement anywhere on the face of this planet. “Despite the genocidal killings, despite the arbitrary arrests,
illegal detentions without trial, we can never be provoked into any armed conflict. “We have refused to be provoked to armed rebellion; that is what Buhari is looking for. Buhari wants a war but we won’t oblige him because we are civilized people.” On the formation of the Biafra Security Service (BSS), the IPOB leader explained that it was set up to prevent the menace of Fulani herdsmen, which he erroneously said Buhari avoided mentioning during his address because they are his kinsmen. Kanu further explained that the BSS, which according to him, enjoys the full support of the people in the southeast and south-south became necessary following the threat by the coalition of Arewa youth groups to expel Igbos from the northern states. “No army was set up. We have a Biafra Security Service to give us intelligence regarding
the October 1 quit notice,” he said, adding that there was no reason the establishment of the BSS should raise any eyebrows since the Sharia police or Hisbah exists in states in the north. “The majority of our people across the length and breath of the south-east and south-south support what IPOB is doing. They also support the formation of the Biafra Secret Service that will take care of this land in terms of its security needs. “The rampaging Hausa-Fulani herdsmen will be a thing of the past, we can no longer allow it to go on,” Kanu said. In a related development, Emeka Ojukwu Jnr, the son of ex-Biafra warlord, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, yesterday shamed the critics of the president over the latter’s disclosure of the discussion he had with the late Ojukwu on the unity and indivisibility of the Nigerian nation. Ojukwu Jnr, in a statement issued yesterday in Awka, Anambra State, said the news making the rounds on the social media that his father never visited Buhari in his hometown in Daura, Katsina State, was a lie. Ojukwu Jnr said his late father actually held the said meeting with Buhari before his demise, adding that everything that the president said in his nationwide broadcast was true. The statement said: “It has been brought to my attention that there is an article making
the rounds on the social media attributed to me refuting the remarks of Mr. President concerning his relationship and discussions with my late father. “Let me state the following categorically: firstly, that I made no such comments to anybody, and secondly that I am aware that His Excellency’s comments were indeed factual. “I have noticed a disturbing trend recently of fake news being attributed to me on the social media. I don’t know who is behind it or what their motivation might be but let me assure you that any time I feel the need to comment publicly on any matter, I will not do so via some anonymous email or anything of the like, rather be rest assured that there will be no ambiguity whatsoever as to whether the comments came from me.” Ojukwu Jnr who joined other Nigerians in welcoming Buhari back home from his stay in the United Kingdom for medical reasons, urged members of the public to discountenance the stories on the social media or any media platform whatsoever credited to him that he accused Buhari of telling lies, warning that such malicious and damaging publications would not be taken lightly if repeated. He also asked the president not to take such comments serious, as they smacked of “gutter and yellow media reportage” aimed at overheating the polity.
The federal government had released both tranches of the refunds on the condition that a certain portion would be used by the states to defray the outstanding salary
and pension obligations to workers in their states. Several states, however, still owe their workers several months unpaid wages.
too sick to lead a complex country like Nigeria and urged him to resign and return to Daura, his hometown. The governor also denied a statement attributed to him, when he was alleged to have said he would commit suicide should Buhari return to the country. Fayose, nonetheless, said that he stood by all his claims about the president being in a coma when he was in the UK receiving treatment, saying he has no apology for his comment. Fayose restated his call for Buhari’s resignation, saying: “If not for our efforts, Buhari wouldn’t have returned now. He is sick and tired and even his physical appearance portrays this, so he needs to go home and rest. “Today (yesterday), they have cancelled the FEC. You cannot hide the truth forever, it will reveal itself someday. You cannot continue to deceive Nigerians. “Every word that has come out of my mouth, I have no apology for them. President Buhari was indeed in a coma and one of those who visited him said his recovery was a miracle, showing that he was indeed very sick. “Let Buhari go back to Daura and rest. Don’t send him to an
early grave. Buhari is not old enough to be my father, my mother is older than Buhari, he cannot be my father, he can only be my uncle. I am close to 60. I stand by all I have said about the president. “We are glad he is back, but don’t over-flog him. I am not a sycophant and I stand to speak for Nigeria. Somebody must be able to speak on behalf of the poor masses. “This was how they deceived us during the time of (Umaru) Yar’Adua. I am not a hypocrite and I will never be one. “This country deserves a very healthy person. The office of the president is not for a sick man. The president is tired and should be allowed to resign and go and rest,” he implored. Fayose maintained that Buhari did not have to remain the president at any cost. “They said he would come back and resume in his office, then they said rats had taken over his office. Now they said he is working from home; tomorrow, they would say he is coming from the bedroom,” he said. Fayose held the view that the pressure mounted by him and many Nigerians had forced Buhai to return home.
G OV S TO MEET BU HA R I TOMOR R OW OVE R F I N AL T R AN C H E OF PAR I S C L U B R E F U N D Again, in July, the federal government released N243.80 billion as the second tranche of Paris Club refunds to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
With the release of the second tranche, the total amount disbursed to the states stood at N765.8 billion. The refunds comprise the excess deductions from
their Federation Account allocations for external debt service payments between 1995 and 2002. When Nigeria reached a final agreement for debt
relief with the Paris and London Clubs in October 2005, some states had already been overcharged, resulting in the demand for refunds by the governors.
PRESIDENT CANCELS CABINET MEETING, RECEIVES REPORT ON SUSPENDED SGF, NIA DG Throughout his absence for 103 days, Osinbajo had held sway over the meetings without missing a beat. Adesina said: “The meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will not hold today (yesterday). President Muhammadu Buhari, will however receive the report of the investigative committee into the allegations against the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke, headed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, at noon in his office.” Submitting the report yesterday, four months after Buhari had set up the committee, Osinbajo said the panel was fair to the persons investigated. The panel, which also had the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno as members, had been mandated by the president to investigate the allegations of financial impropriety levelled against Lawal and the discovery of $43.3 million by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a residential apartment
in Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos. Oke had claimed that the money belonged to the NIA. The committee, which initially had 14 days to conclude its assignment and submit its findings to the president on May 3, later asked for a five-day extension. However, 24 hours before the committee was expected to submit its report on May 8, the president proceeded to London to attend to his health. He did not return till last Saturday. After submitting the report yesterday, Osinbajo who answered questions from State House correspondents, declined to disclose the content of the report, saying having submitted it to the president, the document had become his exclusive preserve. Osinbajo, who said the president would make his own decision on the report based on the committee’s findings and recommendations, added that members of the committee were fair to the persons investigated. “It is a fact finding committee as you know and what our terms of reference were was to find out, based on the facts available to us, and based on the interviews of witnesses on what transpired in those cases of the report, one involving the SGF and
the other, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). “We have now concluded that and we submitted a full report with recommendations to the president. We cannot of course give you any kind of details because the president has to look at the report, study it and then make his own decisions based on that report,” he said. Osinajo explained that the approach adopted by the panel was to ensure that justice was done in both cases. “It is in the interest of the government and also the interest of the nation that things are done properly and that there is due process and that we are not unfair. You can be sure that we will do the right thing,” he said. Pressured further to provide insight into the report, Osinbajo insisted that he would not make any disclosure to journalists and asked them to wait until the president makes his own decision. “All I can say is that we have submitted the report to the president and it is a very detailed report. The president has to study the report and a make decision. “This is a document which has just been submitted to the president. He is the one who
will read the recommendations and the facts and then make a decision. If you want to know what is in the report you will have to wait, you really have to wait,” he insisted. The president had ordered an investigation into allegations of violations of law and due process against Lawal in the award of contracts in the North-east, in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE). PINE had been set up by the president with the mandate to spearhead the rehabilitation of the North-east which has been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency. Lawal was also accused of awarding contracts for grass cutting in the North-eastern part of Nigeria to his company, Rholavision. He was also accused of awarding contracts to Josmo Technologies to the tune of N272 million, only for Josmo to allegedly pay back the sum into Rholavision's Ecobank account some days later.
Fayose: Buhari Too Sick to Govern, Should Resign But as Buhari received the report of the probe panel, the Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose said the president was
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
9
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017Ëž T H I S D AY
10
NEWS
Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Davidson Iriekpen Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081
Six Killed in Suicide Attack in Maiduguri, Adamawa Community Sacked Michael Olugbode, Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Daji Sani Ă“Ă˜ ÙÖË At least six persons were killed in a suicide attack in Maiduguri yesterday. Confirming the death toll to THISDAY, a hospital source said six corpses were brought to the hospital from the scene of the attack. He said: “Six corpses were brought from Muna garage area where a suicide bomber detonated an explosive
device.� Some members of the civilian JTF, who spoke to our THISDAY, said there was a bomb blast at Muna and some of their colleagues, who are stationed around the garage told them that six people died including the suicide bomber.� Confirming the attack, the spokesman of the police in Borno State, Murtala Ibrahim, said two persons were killed in the incident. He said: “Today
FG Releases 2017/2018 Admission List into Unity Schools The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has approved the release of the admission list of successful candidates into the Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) for the 2017/2018 academic year. A statement by the Federal Ministry of Education yesterday quoted the minster as saying that admission list into JSSI was on notice boards in the colleges and on their websites. The statement signed
by Mrs. Priscilla Ihuoma, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, said the list was also online: http:htt// www.fmeinterviewtest.com or the ministry’s website www.education.gov.ng. “Students who have been offered provisional admission have two weeks after the release of the results to accept the offer, otherwise, they will be replaced by other candidates,’’ the statement quoted Adamu as saying.
(yesterday), at about 1345hrs, a male suicide bomber with Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped on his body, moved towards the State Armed Robbery Squad (SARS) Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol team at Muna garage area. “In an attempt to gun him down, the IED exploded killing the bomber. A n unknown civilian was also killed in the explosion, while seven other civilians and four SARS personnel were injured.� Ibrahim also said: “The armoured vehicle suffered  damage as a result of the blast.� He further disclosed that “The casualties were rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching hospital, and are responding to treatment. Normalcy has been restored and the area sanitised.�
Meanwhile, the  Chairman of Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Hon. Yusuf Mohammed, yesterday confirmed that Boko Haram terrorists raided NguruBakin Dutse Village last Tuesday night, burning down the newly renovated hospital and several houses in the areas. The council chairman who confirmed the attack to THISDAY in a telephone chat, lamented that the current incessant attacks on his council by the terrorist’s group was unbearable and inhuman to his people. He further explained that although no life was lost in the attack, they have lost a very important hospital which had been the source of treatment to villagers around that area, adding
that now his people have to travel very far to get treated if they are ill. Mohammed said the terrorists stormed the village around 9 to 10 p.m. last Tuesday night and burnt down a newly renovated hospital and several houses. He said the villagers who were earlier alerted before the arrival of the terrorists, immediately fled to near by bush for safety. He explained that if not for the quick intervention of the mobile police and the hunters assisting the military in the fight against insurgency, the story would have been different. Mohammed revealed that the anti-riot police and hunters were able to repel further attacks and
pushed back the terrorists to Sambisa forest. Locals from the area said the terrorists have reinforced and change their mode of attacks, adding that the locals have also agreed to alert one another on the movement of the terrorists because they usually move in a larger number and their movement is mostly known. “That is why before they storm a community, we always know their movement because of their numbers and we always notified others so that they can flee for their lives,� one of the locals said. He added: “What we need is to send more security personnel to the affected areas to curb the activities of the terrorists.�
NNPC, IOCs to Curb Oil Theft with Joint Security Strategy Chineme Okafor Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday disclosed that it was working closely with International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria to deploy a structured and holistic security strategy against the incidence of oil and gas infrastructure sabotage in the country. A statement from the Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in Abuja, stated that plans on the new security collaboration with the IOCs was disclosed by the corporation’s General Manager, Group Security Department, Mr. Sam Otoboeze. According to the statement, Otoboeze stated that the new plan would complement existing efforts of the federal government at securing oil and gas facilities in the country, as well as operations in the industry. Otoboeze stated that the one-stop-shop security machinery would be tailored at professionally and effectively securing oil and gas environment in line with global best practices for the good of the national economy. He said the corporation’s security synergy with the
IOCs and other security agencies would provide a robust oil production environment that would enable the government make enough money from he sector to effectively fund its annual budget. Otoboeze equally revealed that the corporation had rolled out a robust community security engagement mechanism where members of oil bearing communities are engaged to secure the oil facilities within their domain, adding that the strategy was paying off with a drastic drop in oil and gas facility breaches. He however decried the recent upsurge in crude oil sales fraudsters, adding that the corporation would set up a special security desk in collaboration with security agencies in the country to crack down on the scammers. According to him, the security department would deploy all strategies to raise security awareness among members of staff in order to reduce the incidence of kidnap of NNPC’s staff and domestic theft. He noted that to avoid unnecessary distractions and insecurity during work hours, the department had also installed access control and security turnkeys to secure the workforce.
SIGNED AND SEALED
President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (left), and Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Government House, Minna ,Niger State....yesterday.
IPOB: S’East Senators Extract Commitment to Non-Violence from Kanu Damilola Oyedele Ă“Ă˜ Abuja
to the senator, Mr. Uchenna Awom, Kanu assured the lawmaker that IPOB would The South-east Senate not resort to violence. He, however, maintained Caucus has extracted a commitment from the that the group remains leader of the Indigenous resolute in its agitation People of Biafra (IPOB), for a fair and just society, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, and which is the spirit behind members of the group to the agitation for Biafra, conduct their agitations in a through a referendum. “We are not afraid in our manner that conforms with the country’s rule of law quest but what I promise and devoid of any violence. my elder brother is that Kanu made the we shall never fail them by commitment after a meeting resorting to violence. We with the Chairman of the can’t and it has never been caucus, Senator Enyinnaya our approach,� Kanu said. Abaribe, according the Abaribe, in Obingwa- Abia statement, had urged IPOB State on Tuesday. According to a statement to ensure that its activities made available to THISDAY comply with the laws of the yesterday by the media aide country, and avoid actions
that infringe on the rights of other Nigerians. “It is a majority consensus that all of us desire unity and a peaceful Nigeria where equity and fairness is entrenched and where no group or region would be treated as second class citizens,� the statement added. He added that the caucus is not backing down on its demand for the total restructuring of the country and devolution of powers to assuage the feelings of despondency, injustice and near rejection in the country. Restructuring and devolution of powers are the crux of the rising
agitations in the country, he said. “I thank Kanu for assuring us to conduct his members in a peaceful manner and within the ambit of the law. This engagement is a continuous process that will lead us to find a lasting solution to whatever grievances that necessitated the agitations in Nigeria. “The caucus will accordingly meet as soon as we resume from the recess to continue the engagement for the good of our people and our dear country. All of us desire equality, equity, fairness in a peaceful and united Nigeria,� Abaribe added.
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
11
12
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017˾ T H I S D AY
NEWS
Shell Begins Gas Production in Second Phase of Bayelsa Project Targets 175,000boepd Ejiofor Alike Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) has commenced production at Gbaran-Ubie Phase 2 in Bayelsa State, a key project in the Niger Delta. The project, which will help to boost gas supply to the domestic market and maintain supply to the export market, is expected to supply 175,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) at its peak in 2019. A spokesman of Shell Nigeria, Mr. Bamidele Odugbesan, said in a statement last night that Gbaran-Ubie Phase 2 follows the success of the first phase of the GbaranUbie integrated oil and gas development, which was commissioned in June 2010. According to him, peak production at Gbaran-Ubie
Phase 2 is expected in 2019 with approximately 175,000 barrels of oil equivalent (kboe) per day. A breakdown of this peak period production is approximately 864 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMscf/d) and 26,000 barrels of condensate per day. “The latest development at Gbaran-Ubie is a powerful statement on the continuing commitment of SPDC and our Joint Venture partners to harness Nigeria’s oil and gas resources for the benefit of the country and stakeholders,” said SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor. “The project was delivered safely through an integrated team with a significant engagement and empowerment
of community service providers and Nigerian companies,” he added. Eighteen wells have been drilled and a new pipeline constructed between Kolo Creek and Soku, which connects the existing GbaranUbie Central Processing Facility (CPF) to the Soku Non-Associated Gas (NAG) plant. First gas flowed from the wells in March 2016 with the facilities coming on stream
in July 2017. Shell’s Vice President in charge of Nigeria and Gabon, Peter Costello said “This is exciting news for Nigeria as it signals Shell’s continued strategy of deploying investment and expertise in our areas of strength. Our aim is to continue to explore areas of partnership in Nigeria where the right conditions exist and where we can add best value.” Gbaran-Ubie Phase 2 will
help to process the condensate from Kolo Creek, Gbaran, Koroama and Epu fields, thereby assisting in reducing the volume of flaring from SPDC operations. The project has contributed to economic development in the Niger Delta and assisted the local community and Nigerian companies. During construction, members of the community and local sub-contractors provided goods and services in line
with the provisions of a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU). Training was also provided to the community in pipeline maintenance, scaffolding, welding and piping fabrication. SPDC is the operator of a joint venture (the SPDC JV) involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC,) SPDC, Total E&P Nigeria Ltd and ENI subsidiary Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited.
South-south/South-east Governor’s Forum to Meet on Sunday Chineye Nduka ËØÎ Chidinma Okonkwo Governors from the Southsouth/South-east geo-political zones will meet on August 27, 2017 at the Government House, Port Harcourt by 7p.m. The Interim Chairman of the South-south/South-east Governors’ Forum and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, in a statement sent to THISDAY, said the meeting would provide another avenue for deliberation between the governors of the states in the regions on issues of regional
and national interest with a view to solidifying the ties that bind the people of the states together. Emmanuel added that the meeting would also explore areas of economic, socio-cultural and political co-operation between the states to the overall benefit of the citizens and residents of the regions. “I hereby extend an invitation to all the governors in the two regions to attend the meeting as a follow up to the successful inaugural meeting held in Enugu on July 9, 2017.’’
DPR to Collaborate with Lagos Govt on Oil, Gas Development The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has indicated its willingness to collaborate with the Lagos State Government in its quest to develop a road map for oil and gas in the state. Mordecai Ladan, the DPR Director, Petroleum Resources, gave the indication while receiving Mr Olawale Oluwo, the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, during his courtesy visit to the agency. Mr Wole Akinyosoye, the DPR Zonal Operations Controller, Lagos, received the commissioner on behalf of Ladan. Ladan, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) described DPR as “a responsible corporate organisation ready to work with the Lagos State Government to realise its aspirations for the oil and gas industry’’.
He promised the agency’s total cooperation and collaboration with the state government in all areas regarding the oil and gas sector. The director said that this was the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between DPR and the Lagos State Government. In his remarks, Oluwo said that the visit was to seek areas of cooperation and partner with DPR on all oil and gas matters as it affects the state. He said that the state government had identified various areas of the oil sector from upstream, midstream to downstream as areas of interest for investment. “The DPR promised to set up a committee, in conjunction with the state, to further examine areas of cooperation for the overall interest of the Nigerian economy,’’ Oluwo said.
TACKLING MALARIA IN LAGOS
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (left), administering a dose of malaria drug to little Aishatu Garba, during the flag off of the state’s malaria mass prevention and control initiative in Sokoto...yesterday
PDP: Makarfi Advises against Sit-Tight Leaders Says party open to new members Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË The Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has said members of the committee will not encourage a system that allows unnecessary elongation of office tenures at all levels. Makarfi who spoke yesterday at the inauguration of caretaker committee executives for Ogun, Kebbi and Borno States, said the caretaker committee is working towards meeting the four-month mandate given to it by the National Convention. “We don’t have the latitude of time. We don’t want anything
to tie us down. The convention gave us four months and we are working towards that. We are not sit-tight leaders,” Makarfi assured. The chairman explained that the dissolution of the executive committees in the seven affected states was aimed at unifying members of the party because of the sharp divisions arising from the last congresses in the states. Referring to the Supreme Court judgement, Makarfi said the ruling has affirmed that the National Convention is the supreme organ of the party, and that the convention has the power to dissolve even
the party itself. He warned that the PDP would not want a situation where any state party executive committee would drag the party back to court again due to an attempt to hold on to the party’s leadership . Makarfi thanked the three states for setting the pace but told them that inauguration of the caretaker committees does not mean that reconciliation has ended. “We have to move further than this, we must remain flexible and reconcile with every member of the party, and even none PDP members. You should create a level playing
field for everyone,” he advised. Makarfi told the state caretaker committees that letters have been prepared for security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enable them take-off smoothly in their states. In his acceptance speech, Ogun State Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Odanye, said the inauguration was another step to move the party forward to where it properly belongs. He promised to pursue the reconciliation of members in his state as well as to organise transparent congresses at the lower levels.
Ex-minister Abducted in Nasarawa The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr. Hussaini Akwanga. Akwanga served during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo but was removed on December 4, 2003, following an alleged $214 million national identity card scam.
The spokesman of the command, Kennedy Idirisu, who confirmed the abduction in Lafia yesterday, said Akwanga was kidnapped by gunmen at his farm on Wamba Road in Akwanga on Tuesday. Akwanga town is about 46 kilometres north of Lafia, the state capital. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Idirisu said on receiving information
on the abduction, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Abubakar Sadiq-Bello, mobilised policemen, led by the deputy commissioner in charge of operations to search for the abducted former minister. “As we speak, the commissioner himself has gone to Akwanga to boost the rescue operation to ensure that the victim is released unhurt.” Idirisu reiterated the
commitment of the command to ridding the state of kidnappers and other criminal elements. Meanwhile, a family source said the kidnappers had contacted them, demanding an unspecified amount as ransom. On May 6, the mother and sister of a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Kassim Mohammed, were similarly abducted in Akwanga.
13
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
MODERN INTERIOR
INTERIOR DESIGN SPACE PLANNING
LIVING
ART & ACCESSORIES
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILING
....Nothing but the best is good enough.
creative
artistic
expertise
imaginative
decor
professionalism elegance expertise
vision distinction
details
Yakubu Gowon Expressway, Beside AA Rano Petrol Station, Asokoro-Abuja 0805 5510 500 , 0817 6600 000
lifestyle luxury
innovation
Casa D’or Towers
quality
CUSTOM FURNISHING
style
value classic culturedesign
artistic
tradition
comfort
14
T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͰͲ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵
COMMENT
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
THE IMPERATIVE OF SOUTH-WEST ECONOMIC INTEGRATION Bolaji Adebiyi warns that unhealthy competition could hamper the drive for South-west economic integration
P
resident Muhammadu Buhari must have been bewildered by the intensity of attacks on his last Monday’s speech, regarded by even a temperate latter day critic of his administration, Obi Ezekwesili, as a bundle of missed opportunities to reunite the country behind his presidency. Away from the country for more than three months on medical vacation, Buhari returned home to a tumultuous welcome party by his supporters only to be greeted two days after by a savage assault on his character by an army of social critics, who felt that he had damaged the stage for a new beginning. Yet the recuperating president had sought the middle of the ground in his six-minute terse speech that attracted as much knocks as kudos from an ever vocal Nigerian social space, hoping to please all. He probably drew much of the knocks because of his ultra-nationalistic statement that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable. A statement, if he had been properly advised by his handlers, would have been better coached. For many saw it as an insensitive response to the deafening agitations for the rearrangement of the federation. Meanwhile, Buhari was only being consistent with his opposition to the restructuring of the federation. The interesting thing though is that given the reluctance of the central government and its allies in the North to yield ground, some contiguous states, particularly in the southern part of the country, have been consummating the idea of integration of regional economic and social services, a phenomenon that has been in the upward swing in the South-west and the South-south in the last four years. The initiative has understandably taken regional lines as states within geopolitical zones in the country find that their needs are related and could be collectively met. Through the principle of economy of scale, states could leverage on their areas of strength and subsequently impact positively on the region as they mutually benefit from their comparative advantages. The governments of the South-west states of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo headed in this direction with the establishment, in 2013, of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission. The DAWN Commission is designed as the institutional and programme management body to midwife the region’s integration agenda by coordinating the delivery of its composite development aspirations as expressed in what has been generally adopted and known as the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN). The agenda focuses on mobilising the collective strengths, assets and capabilities lying within the states of South-west Nigeria, towards achieving sustainable socio-economic growth and development that would result in high standard of living and improved well-being for the people of the region. Actually, the DAWN only sought to expand the frontiers of an old economic bloc, the Odu’a Group, a business conglomerate, owned by the Western Regional government of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. In spite of the balkanisation of the region into six states by the military, five of the states, excluding Lagos, remained the stakeholders. The exclusion of Lagos was an obvious anomaly and clearly awkward, given the economic and financial weight of the state not only in the
WITH ITS HUGE INCOME PROFILE AND HUMONGOUS NON-OIL REVENUE TO THE FEDERATION ACCOUNT, IT IS A WONDER THAT IT TOOK OTHER SOUTH-WEST STATES THE FIRST QUARTER OF LAST YEAR TO REALISE THIS INCONGRUOUS SITUATION AND ADMIT LAGOS INTO THE OVER N70BILLION ODU’A CONGLOMERATE
region, but also in the country. With its huge income profile and humongous non-oil revenue to the Federation Account, it is a wonder that it took other South-west states the first quarter of last year to realise this incongruous situation and admit Lagos into the over N70billion Odu’a conglomerate. Reacting to the admission of Lagos into the business concern, the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said it had consummated the drive towards the integration of the South-west, highlighting the immediate benefits thus: “With its huge population, its vibrant economic base and its being the centre of economic and business activities in Nigeria, Lagos is uniquely placed to contribute to the development and growth of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OIC), the investment arm of the group, as well as the integration of South-west Nigeria in general.” Already, Ibile Holdings, the investment arm of the state, is at the verge of merging with Odu’a Investments, raising hopes that cooperation over development of regional infrastructure, like the Lagos-Ibadan light rail, might soon be a reality with the huge financial war chest of Lagos coming into the conglomerate. For the idea to survive though, politics must be kept at bay. Although the active role being played by Ekiti, the only opposition Peoples Democratic Party- controlled state, is commendable, care must be taken to avoid unnecessary competition among the cooperating states even when the strongest argument for the devolution of power to federating units is the opportunity it offers for healthy competition that could aid regional growth. Unfortunately, there are worrisome signs of petty jealousy developing between the contiguous states of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo, with the last two appearing to be the antagonists of the first. For instance, Governor Ibikunle Amosu has been strident in his claim that Ogun is more industrialised than Lagos, refuting the submission of Kemi Adeosun, the Minister of Finance, that the latter is responsible for 55 per cent of the Value Added Tax revenue. Incidentally, Adeosun was the immediate past finance commissioner of Ogun State. Further evidence of unhealthy rivalry could be gleaned from the refusal of the state to support a music festival Felabration, an annual event in honour of the late iconic Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a citizen of the state, simply because Lagos had been one of its key sponsors. Similarly, the government of Ondo State has being calling on blue chip companies to relocate from Lagos to Akure because it is less congested. This trend could defeat the compelling argument of the developers of regional integration, including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, that it would leverage repressed communal assets, talents and resources located within the region, by side-tracking limitations placed on the country by the inchoate Nigerian federalism. What this means is that each state could develop its unique and comparative economic assets without engaging in unnecessary competition that would lead to dissipation of efforts. This is the other way forward from the strangulating federation that is Nigeria today. Adebiyi is Deputy Editor of THISDAY Newspaper
A HANDNOTE FOR THE SECOND HALF
It is time for President Buhari to take the entire country as his constituency, writes Ademola Adedoyin
I
t is heartening and reassuring that after 104 days of suspense and uncertainty and national lethargy, President Muhammadu Buhari returned home from his medical vacation last Saturday raring to go. Descending sprightly from NAF 001 (Nigeria Air force One), on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, President Buhari’s lively mien, brisk gait, disarming composure, sharp reflexes and coherent and clear banters indeed confirmed that, health wise, the worst was over for the old general. Even the most implacable adversary could not dispute the fact that Mr. President looked healthier, more vibrant, and more sure-footed than he was when he left these shores some 108 days ago. His three minutes, 53 seconds address to the nation early Monday morning further reinforced the contention that Mr. President has really returned to resume fully and to take charge totally. Indeed, one would not be wrong to describe President Buhari’s situation as that of the captain of a football team who had to be carried out of the field some minutes before the end of the first half owing to exhaustion or some injury. If such captain is fortunate to recover and come back to the field of play shortly after the second half, his club’s fans and stakeholders would not be wrong to conclude that the captain, on his second coming, is loaded with new strategies and better vigour to tame his opponent. In President Buhari’s second coming, it is to be expected that he is loaded with new strategies, that he has reflected thoroughly on his first two years and he is now set for the “second half” with winning formulae that will stabilise the polity, take the nation out of the woods and put her on the path of growth and development.
Truth be told, a number of factors, many beyond the making of the Buhari’s government, have conspired to make Nigerians high hope of positive change just that – mere hope- a little over two years down the line. For instance, for a mono-economy such as the one Nigeria operates, that relies almost totally on a commodity that is as volatile in the market place as the commodity itself, it was not the fault of the Buhari government that it arrived the scene at a point in time when the price of the commodity had gone southwards. Again, it was also not the then new government’s fault that it inherited an economy that had been criminally pillaged by the rampaging crowd of political buccaneers who had planned to hold the nation by the balls for 60 years before they were stopped in their track in the 16th year of their heinous mission. The Buhari government inherited an economy that had been looted on a scale beyond believe and a people truly traumatised by the gluttonous disposition of their rulers and therefore badly desired a change for the better. But then, this is as far as this goes. Two years and a few months later, the blame game has lost its cogency and the people are seriously troubled and worried that the pact which the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government had with the electorate has been largely unfulfilled. Reversing this position through aggressive implementation of the APC’s campaign manifesto and consolidating the strides achieved thus far is the yeoman’s task before the veteran warrior who just got back to his desk with better health status and renewed vigour. To achieve this, there are some urgent steps and measures, many of them truly tough, that President
Buhari would have to take if history must recall his second coming with great applause. The first major and urgent task before President Buhari on this second half of his four year mandate is to stabilise the polity. No matter what may be achieved in the war against corruption and getting the economy back on track, if the polity is divided and unstable, these strides will amount to pretty little. Now is the time for President Buhari to play the role of a statesman, the true father of the nation and the rallying point of all the tendencies and disparate viewpoints. Now is the time for President Buhari to rejig his team, both the Presidency Officers Corp and the cabinet, and bring on board accomplished men and women from all the six geopolitical zones; now is the time to forget the zone that voted or did not for Candidate Muhamadu Buhari in the 2015 election. Now is the time to have a Presidency officers Corp and security apparatus peopled by respected and selfless leaders and technocrats from across the six geopolitical zones. It is the time for Mr. President to reckon with the fact that Nigeria- all of it- is his constituency. This will be the first great step in stabilising the polity and giving everybody and every zone a true sense of belonging. Resetting the Nigerian project to make it work and function better is one other area that Mr. President cannot ignore in the second half of his four year mandate. It is reassuring that the president alluded to the fact that there are genuine grievances that needed to be addressed in his Monday broadcast to the nation. The fact of the matter, Mr. President, is that these grievances are so weighty and so compelling and urgent that they cannot be left to the National Assembly and the Council of State. It is a national project involving all under your leadership. The current agitation for restructuring goes deeper
beyond the antics of some rabble rousers threatening secession or giving some ethnic group deadline within which to vacate their region. It goes beyond the misguided Kanus of the East or the intemperate Shettimas from the North. We cannot wish away these genuine grievances simply by stating, for the umpteenth time, that the nation’s unity is non-negotiable. We cannot deploy the unity mantra to paper over injustice, inequity and unbalanced and faulty federal arrangement. Mr President, we need to reset this union, we need to dialogue, we need leaders of the country to put their heads together on how to make this union work better for all; history beckons, Mr. President. Jawaharlal Pandit Nehru did it in India, you can do it in Nigeria. Your party promised restructuring, you have earned a reputation as a Maigasikiya (the truthful one), you cannot afford to abdicate the responsibility which history has placed on your shoulders to the National Assembly and the Council of State. Now is the time to walk the talk. Making this union work better is in the interest of all and history will be kind to you if you see this through. Giving every zone a sense of belonging and addressing the genuine concerns of each of the six zones in this union will stabilise the polity and kick-start the economy. This will help a great deal in consolidating the gains recorded so far in the economic front. In this second half, President Buhari will have to lead his government to take the country out of recession, build a strong and virile economy and set the nation on its journey into the fold of the committee of prosperous nations. He has less than 21 months to accomplish these feats. Adedoyin wrote from Ikeja, Lagos
15
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ
EDITORIAL DEATH TOLL ON THE HIGHWAYS The FRSC could do more to ensure safety on our roads
T
he latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that no fewer than 2,673 persons were killed in road accidents in Nigeria in the past six months was disturbing. The NBS road transport data for ďŹ rst and second quarters of the year revealed that 1,466 died in the ďŹ rst quarter and 1,207 died in the second quarter. In the ďŹ rst quarter data, 2,556 road accidents were recorded during the period while 2,503 occurred in the second quarter. We believe that such a scandalous number of deaths require urgent attention from the appropriate authorities. Indeed, the statistics of fatalities on our roads are enough for the government at all levels to raise a red ag and act quickly. And there have been enough warnings in that regard. Only recently, the Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, admitted that “road trafďŹ c crashes don’t just happen; they are caused either by omission or commission of the drivers, and therefore, could be averted if drivers are committed to carefully observing the causative factors.â€? NATIONS CONTINUALLY The speed limiting device recently INVEST IN PROVIDING introduced by the AND SUSTAINING FRSC is a step in the THE POTENTIAL OF right direction. But it TRANSPORTATION is also important for TO DRIVE ECONOMIC Boboye and his men DEVELOPMENT, AND to call for a technical NIGERIA’S CASE SHOULD session with all NOT BE DIFFERENT the stakeholders to enlighten them on the workability of the device. While the public education ofďŹ ce has harped on the relationship between speed and injury severity when accidents occur, there is need to assure an increasingly cynical citizenry that this is not another ofďŹ cial gambit to rake in revenues. Besides, the challenge of road carnage in Nigeria goes beyond over-speeding by drivers. With several of the roads across the country in deplorable conditions, it is
Letters to the Editor
no surprise that they continue to claim lives. In addition, many vehicles that are ill-maintained do contribute to the road carnage. Globally, nations continually invest in providing and sustaining the potential of transportation to drive economic development, and Nigeria’s case should not be different. It is therefore important that the on-going constructions on our roads be given prompt attention to prevent many of these avoidable accidents and deaths.
W
T H I S DAY EDITOR DEPUTY EDITORS ˜ MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL
T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE,
˜ GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS ˜ ˜ DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ˜ ˜
GENERAL MANAGER
GROUP HEAD DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com
TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciďŹ c publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.
NIGERIA AND STATE POLICE
T
he former and late Director-General of the defunct National Security Organisation, Umaru Shinkafi, proffered what in my opinion is one of the most far-reaching solutions to the apparent intractable security challenges facing Nigeria at this present time, viz: the creation of state police (akin to the State National Guards of the United States, I should add). Mr. Shinkafi’s argument is a watershed: police officers who are required to serve in their states and hometowns of origin make committed and veritable intelligence assets (this is an irrefutable fact in the sense that a man “knew his backyard� better than strangers). I must also add here that these police officers would experience a shorter economic adjustment time, and this makes for job satisfaction overall. We are dealing with a uniquely Nigerian perspective where attachments and bonds to hometowns are as strong as ever. Sometime ago in Zamfara State, about 13 people were killed and subsequently cremated by marauding armed robbers. Like President Goodluck Jonathan is wont to say, the people who perpetrated this heinous crime are “not spirits and they live among us.� Apprehending them requires extensive local knowledge that would surely befuddle an investigating police officer from, say, Benue State.
hat the government, at all levels, needs to understand is that roads are leading infrastructural contributors to micro and macro-economic development. Roads are the backbone of commerce, enabling passengers and freight movement across the nation. In Nigeria, as indeed most economies in Africa, where passengers and freight movement of 75 – 80 per cent depend on road transportation, individuals and corporate bodies depend on roads for survival. There is therefore no reason whatsoever why our nation should not expend huge resources to develop this infrastructure for its economic value. However, the FRSC should be alive to its primary responsibility as the lead agency in Nigeria on road safety administration and management; making the highways safe for motorists and other road users as well as checking road worthiness of vehicles; recommending works and infrastructure to eliminate or minimise accidents on the highways and educating motorists and members of the public on the importance of road discipline. We also urge the FRSC and the Vehicle Inspection OfďŹ cers (VIO) across the country to ensure that unworthy petrol tankers, trailers and heavy duty vehicles are barred from plying our expressways. It is indeed ironic that while many of the agencies that man our roads harass innocent motorists and road users, they turn a blind eye to the illegality and nuisance caused by worn-out oil tankers and heavy duty trailers. Yet these are some of the vehicles that constitute nuisance on the highways and responsible for many of the road accidents.
Luckily, the structure of a state police already exists in nearly all the states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory. Benue State presents a very good case study: in Idomaland, the uniformed vigilante system called â€œĂ˛deâ€? is an integral part of any community at the village and district levels. The command structure of this system is enviably hierarchical with a well-defined chain of command, and a well-developed check-andbalance routine. Interestingly, members of this òde system are usually unpaid volunteers. Amazingly, the federal security system personnel, who are salaried, cannot match the òde members for sheer enthusiasm in carrying out their assigned functions. The òde system has been a veritable peace enforcer and a medium of intelligence gathering at the grassroots levels for a long time now. A state police inaugurated to meet the challenges of the 21st century would necessarily need to integrate the muscle of the existing police force (training, firearms, logistics, etc.) and the innate “trackingâ€? abilities of local vigilance groups. In view of this, the National Assembly should convene a special session to deliberate on the organisation and inauguration of the state police system. Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State
PRESIDENT BUHARI’S BROADCAST TO THE NATION
S
everal reactions have trailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech to Nigerians after his prolonged stay in the United Kingdom due to Health problems. However, majority of social media commentators have failed to take cognisance of the fact that PMB is not Nigeria’s problem. The fact remains some individuals have held this country to ransom for a very long time, benefiting from it spoils system and contributing largely towards it under-development. Only a competent leader like PMB with a strong personality and good intention can help deal with such people. General Sanni Abacha tried to break this almighty cabal but failed due to a conspiracy from Nigerians and international back up. The Nigerian situation is beyond paper analysis. The rot in the system is so deep we need a strong personality like PMB, else the weak ones though with good intentions will be coerced to compromise and follow the ugly trend which justifies why many Nigerian activists, professionals, experts suddenly become mute on critical issues as soon as they are elected into public offices.
Nigerians voted en masse for PMB because we believed in his capability and capacity to deliver as such we should pray for the president so that his health condition will not continue to be an impediment to him; and be able to execute his plans towards making Nigeria a better country. It is evident that PMB’s recent speech focused on the most important agitations for now. I applaud his non-negotiable stand on the unity of Nigeria which happens to be the most critical discourse in the nation today. The safety of lives and welfare of the citizen is the government’s top priority and humans rationally consider the safety of life’s and property first before considering other needs. Fellow Nigerians, kindly look beyond the lines and stop condemning Mr.President’s speech as it cannot be revoked. Instead give a more reasonable recommendation on the way forward. Always remember a better Nigeria begins with you. What have you done today to make Nigeria a better place? Juba Adeola, Adexdndrillj2@gmail.com
16
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
17
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION Bukar Dipcharima House, Central Business District, Abuja - Nigeria
ANNOUNCEMENT The Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, Mutawallen Sokoto, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, overseeing Ministry of Works and Transport, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, CON, Honourable Minister of State Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation,
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR Mutawallen Sokoto Executive Governor, Sokoto State
His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto Deputy Governor, Sokoto State
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, CON Honourable Minister of Transportation
Senator Hadi Sirika Honourable Minister of State Aviation
CORDIALLY INVITE
the Honourable Commissioners for Transport in the 36 States, the FCT Transport Secretary, Permanent Secretaries of Transport Ministry, Chief Executives of Transportation Parastatals, Directors of Transport and all Stakeholders to the
15
TH
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON TRANSPORTATION MEETING HOLDING AS FOLLOWS: th
th
Date: Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 August 2017 Venue: Giginya Coral Hotel, Sokoto, Sokoto State Time: 8.30 am daily
THEME:
EFFICIENCY OF INTER-MODALISM IN TRANSPORTATION: PANACEA FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY Signed
Alhaji Muktar Umar Magori
Chief of Staff/Chairman Local Organising Committee
18
T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
POLITICS
Group Politics Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.soniyi@thisdaylive.com 08033146139 SMS ONLY
PERSONALITY INTERVIEW
Nwosu: PDP Will Allow Anambra People to Choose Their Governor The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Caretaker Committee in Anambra State, Prof. Alphonsus Bosah Nwosu believes that by giving all aspirants in the state a level playing field, the party will win the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra. He spoke with David-Chyddy Eleke who presents the excerpts:
C
ongratulations on your appointment. How do you intend to carry out your new assignment? Thank you for the congratulations. I regard myself as the captain of a first class team of elders on a rescue mission in Anambra State. We thank those who appointed us for having confidence in us. We have a simple objective, to reopen the political space in Anambra so that the people will choose who they want to represent them, simple. We have promised to keep the front door open so that people will not attempt to use any back doors and other means to thwart the will of the people. We intend to succeed. Prof, why did you accept to lead a state party at well over 70 years of age, having served as minister among so many other positions? I recall Professor Chinua Achebe’s answer when he accepted to be President-General of Ogidi Union, Nigeria, it was in the process of that assignment that he had the accident that confined him to wheelchair. He simply answered that one cannot be greater than the soil from which he was created. In other words, you can’t be greater than your brethren. I therefore consider myself privileged to be leading the kind of team on this salvage mission and we are all making immense sacrifices to serve our beloved Ndi Anambra. The caliber of membership which I will reveal to you later will assure you of the integrity of this committee on a mission to reduce the financial and human costs of election in Anambra State. Anambra must cease to be a cash-and-carry state. Anambra being a difficult political terrain, can you effectively lead the party to victory? Anambra is not a difficult terrain in my view. I was the first gubernatorial candidate produced by the party in 1998. We can do it again. All that Ndi Anambra need is for us to be open with them and show them that conditions of life will be better under our political party and that they will be allowed to choose their representatives. This is what I am determined to lead the team to achieve and we are certain that we have the capacity to reconnect with both the elite and the masses in Anambra State. Our objective is that Anambra can be better. Anambra has not yet reached where it ought to be and it is our determination to realign Anambra along the track that produced development in the past for greater achievement in the future. The state that produced the Great Zik, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the first Igbo PHD holder, Nnodu Okongwu, Sir Louis Mbanefo, Chinua Achebe, Pius Okigbo, Cardinal Arinze and so many other must fly again. Anambra strength lies in human capital, that is, Ndi Anambra are amongst the world’s most talented people. You came in at a time when election is a few months away. The party has been in crisis with so many factions, what are you doing to unite the aggrieved parties? Well, the universal answer to grievance is justice and fairness and the caretaker committee will ensure fairness to everybody. We will do everything to be fair because anybody denied justice is not really interested in
Nwosu...working hard to lead PDP to victory
peace. We shall make sure that the party is not owned by anybody or any faction. The party shall go back to Ndi Anambra, who are the original owners so that they choose who they want not those who the committee wants or the factions want. We are here to ensure a level-playing field to enable Ndi Anambra choose their governor. That is our promise to Anambra State and to Nigeria. What about the stakeholders, are you reaching out to them? Yes. As you can see the caretaker consists of stakeholders from different factions who are solid PDP members. I am a stakeholder
Since we are determined that the people must choose who governs them, our main task is therefore to connect with Ndi Anambra so that they can choose our candidate to govern them.
that is why I am thec captain of the team. Iyom Anenih is a stakeholder, Senator Annie Okonkwo is a stakeholder, Elder Linus Ukachukwu is a stakeholder, Senator Ugochukwu Uba is a stakeholder, Chief Obiora Okonkwo is a stakeholder, and many others. And we plan to reach all the stakeholders not only in Anambra but in the South East zone led by Chief Austin Umahi. We will also reach stakeholders in Nigeria because the National Secretary of our party comes from Anambra State. And our committee was set up by a resolution of the national convention of the party. We are hopeful that we will be able to bring all the stakeholders back to PDP fold and we shall work hard to bring Anambra state and its governor back to national politics and produce the next governor in the state. Do you intend to reorganise the party structure in the state before the November election? Yes. As per the mandate of the national convention we are inaugurating members of the local government committees on Thursday, 17th August 2017 at the party’ state secretariat in Awka for them to go back to inaugurate the various ward executives. In doing this, all stakeholders and elected members under the PDP were consulted. We are also going to make necessary inclusion to accommodate any interest that has been inadvertently missed out in the compilation of the final list. The new structures will be charged with the responsibility of selling the new PDP message to the grassroots. Can you tell us what this new message is? The new message is simple – raising the quality of human beings in Anambra State through quality education and meaningful employment. We want to produce new Dr. Nwafor Orizu, new Dr. Ernest Obiejese (Next
Oil), Barrister Onyema Allen (Air Peace), Chief Innocent Chukwuma (Innoson), Chief Vincent Obianodo (Young Shall Grow), Chief Augustine Ilodibe etc. To do this, of course, requires improved infrastructure. This is what the PDP promises for Anambra State. What are the strategies your committee is putting in place to effectively deliver Anambra State to PDP? Our strategies are our main weapon for reconnecting with the people of Anambra State and getting their mandate. Since we are determined that the people must choose who governs them, our main task is therefore to connect with Ndi Anambra so that they can choose our candidate to govern them. What we shall do to reconnect cannot be revealed to our competitors. Our promise, however, is that we shall be open, we shall canvass superior solutions to Anambra problem and we shall unveil a superior vision of where Anambra shall be and how we shall get there and finally we shall be decent in executing our strategies because Anambra State in recent weeks has seen the kind of violence that is abhorrent to the human soul. There are challenges from APGA and APC, how do you intend to surmount them? The beauty of politics is that the eagle shall perch and the kite shall perch. Even the vulture will not be driven away. The people shall look at the eagle, look at the kite and look at the vulture and make their choice. What the eagle should not do is to descend to the floor to be looking for earthworms with chickens or struggling with dead and rotten cadavers with vultures. The PDP shall show that it remains the eagle and hopes that Ndi Anambra shall choose the eagle because Ndi Anambra are eagles.
19
T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
POLITICS
Okuwa: UPN Will Not Field Presidential Candidate in 2019 Even before the race to Aso Rock begins, the Unity Party of Nigeria has already thrown in the towel. In an interview with Femi Ogbonnikan, the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Bankole Okuwa said his party would adopt a presidential candidate of another party who is committed to the country’s progress: Excerpts:
A
head of the 2019 general election, how prepared is the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)? We are preparing. We have to prepare hard because, you know, our country is dominated by people, especially voters who are illiterate and semiilliterate. So, we have to come down to their level to make them understand what is at stake. You see, a lot of people in Nigeria don’t appreciate the power of the votes, that they can change with their votes. So, I have been appealing to people not to sell their votes for N1, 000 or N2, 000. They should not sell their votes for any amount at all because if you don’t do that you will get the proper people elected into elective offices and you will have a good government, a responsible government and the government that can take care of their needs. That is what we want in Nigeria because many of these governors are not doing well. I have been in government before. I was in government in the second republic and the UPN was in power in Ogun State. Mr Bisi Onabanjo’s administration and I think that government was the last responsible and responsive UPN government that we have ever had. Ogun State was peaceful, progressive and the government all over Nigeria, was the best. We were the first state to create state university and we were prepared to give them the best. In terms of security, we were giving them the best. When we talked of free education at all levels, the UPN government gave the best, same thing when we were talking of jobs also. But this government that we are proposing for 2019, we want to return to the Awo era and we have a young man, a young candidate who we can describe as a ‘young Awolowo’ to be voted into office and that is Rotimi Paseda. He is an international businessman. He has the stature. He has the understanding. He is good. People can trust him. He is not a corrupt man. Most of these governors have issues with EFCC. And this young man contested in 2015 and spent his own money and he didn’t borrow money from anybody and this time around he is going to do the same thing. We are appealing to the people that they shouldn’t go to any other party, that UPN is back. When Awo was alive, there was not a single strike for more than nine years and that is what we are going to do. We are going to even go further beyond that because I was particularly attached to Chief Obafemi Awolowo. I was very close to him in person and in spirit. He was my hero, and this man that is coming on, that we are proposing for governor in Ogun State in 2019, is going to perform even better because he has read so much about Awoism. And we know that he can perform and we trust him. We know his ability. When I talk to people about education in Nigeria I always concern myself with jobs. This man will turn Ogun State into the citadel of industrialisation in Nigeria. Nigeria will be industrialised and we will start from Ogun State. I am confident, that he has it. He has the knowledge. He has the ability. He has the exposure. He is different from all the governors in Nigeria. He is a home-born man who is willing to extend his ability to others. And that is what he has been working towards in Ogun State. We are going to convince the people and people are going to believe us and they are going to vote right for Olurotimi Paseda in 2019, by the grace of God. In Nigeria politics requires a huge investment,
Okuwa...wants Ogun to vote UPN
do you think your party has the funds to finance the 2019 general elections at all levels? We have it. I was a member of the UPN in the second republic and I was close to Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Awolowo would talk of finance as the strength of the party, but our present leader, who is Rotimi Paseda is very much aware. I must tell you that Rotimi Paseda is a rich man and I have never seen a person like this man. He has made up his mind to carry the whole party on his head. He had done it once and I know he is going to do it better. We have people coming from all directions and we are not going to lack any funds to propagate the party this time around and I am going to assure you that.
If you watch the senators during sessions on television, a lot of them just sleep off. If you watch the House of Representatives session, some of them don’t even know what they are debating
In the 2015 general elections your party didn’t field any presidential candidate. Do you plan to field a presidential candidate in 2019? In 2019, we are not likely to field a candidate but we are going to look for a candidate of another party who is committed to the progress of Nigeria - a party that we can work with and we will tell our people to go along with that candidate and vote for him. We are not enemies. What we are competing about is fairness and good governance. But most people don’t think about that, they want to be senators, they want to be members of the House of Representatives to show off, that they are there. Who is there? They will mention somebody’s name. They have nothing to show for it. They have no reputation. If you watch the senators during sessions on television, a lot of them just sleep off. If you watch the House of Representatives session, some of them don’t even know what they are debating. I see a lot of them, ask them questions and they don’t understand. But we are fully prepared. Under Chief Awolowo, nobody who didn’t understand the issue could have a chance to go the National Assembly. We had party primaries. This one too we are going to have party primaries. But already we know that our candidate is going to win the primary. There are other people who are really interested and we are welcoming them because this is democracy, but we know that this man, Paseda, has done so much for the people. He is concerned about everything. If you talk to him, he is humane. And that is the kind of leadership that we need. We don’t need people who just want to show off because they are governors and they cheat others, make ten lanes within township. Where is that done? Even in the United
States, what do you need ten lanes for in a township? What is it for? Nothing! All these overhead bridges; building bridges all over Ogun State, they are not needed. We need one across the express because when I was in the House of Representatives between 1979 and 1983, I used to talk about that every time because most accidents occur there. I praise him for doing that, but all the others that he has been building all over the state, we don’t need them. They are doing them in order to get money into their pockets. That is what they are doing. We are not going to do that and we are not into government to begin to expose people. That is not our duty. We prefer to run a better government and let the people feel comfortable within their environments. And this is going to be a government that will listen and make all attempts to satisfy our needs. Do you believe in independent candidacy? I would encourage it. If we encourage independent candidacy in this country, the effect is, all these corrupt people, all these people that are imposed would disappear. That happened and I could remember. It happened during the first republic when Chief Awolowo was premier of the Western Nigeria. My uncle, Chief Ayodele Okusaga, from Ijebu East was Minister for Education. At the end of his term in the 60s, his people protested to Awolowo, that he didn’t do much for them and he had a challenge from there. Let me tell you, this Omu town has produced good and great candidates. The man from here is called Adebanjo and he was an independent candidate and he competed with Okusaga, and Adebanjo won the election and he was made a minister.
20
TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY
FEATURES
Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com
A Conversation with Africa’s Richest Woman Just before her 66th birthday last month, Folorunso Alakija met with Solomon Elusoji at her Victoria Island office. She is a woman not afraid of change and the uncertainties that come with it
Alakija...believes in the efficacy of prayer
S
he came into the conference room late. But when she did, donning a pale violet jacket and her trademark spectacles, she apologised for the timing. Her day had been packed with meetings upon meetings and the interview was only an interlude. “I would love to unwind but I unwind with more work because I enjoy it,” she said. Folorunso Alakija’s world, to many, appears to be a fairytale, a cut-out from a Disney Happily-Ever-After. This June, global media went crazy reporting about one of her sons’ lavish wedding, which had been held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. But it is a mistake to assume that Alakija holds a romantic worldview, or that she subscribes to the kind of hedonism that is sustained on divine grace, like French Monarchs before the revolution. Her story, her journey, the script that she has written for herself, leaves no room for such a luxury. The popular opinion held about Alakija’s fortune is built on the idea that she was lucky to be part of a crony system. The story goes that she was given an oil block because she used to sew clothes for Mrs. Maryam Babangida, wife to former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida. Apart from its coarse simplicity, the narrative fails to take into cognisance the complexity of success, even when providence has your back. Alakija was born in Lagos, into a polygamous family of 52. Her parents didn’t have much schooling – her father only completed Standard Six, although he was a very successful businessman – but when she was seven, they decided to send her, together with one of her sisters, to England. “When we got to England, one of the first things we noticed was the harsh wintery weather,” she said. “We started
in September 1959 and we were there for almost four years.” Her four years in England would be one of the most important periods of her life. It was in England – where she attended Hafodunos Hall in Wales – that she learnt social intelligence, qualities which shone during the interview, in her speech and carriage. It was a sort of “grooming” – as Alakija herself put it – that gave her an edge in the world. Being just one of two black girls in an English school, she learnt very early to stand out, to take on challenges head-on and to believe in her own uniqueness. She knew, early, that she was different, that she was special. This feeling of specialness did not diminish when her father brought her back to Nigeria. In fact, it must have increased, because everyone in the neighbourhood was
Being just one of two black girls in an English school, she learnt very early to stand out, to take on challenges headon and to believe in her own uniqueness. She knew, early, that she was different, that she was special
in awe of ‘the girls who had just come from England’. When she was sent to Muslim High School, Sagamu, in 1963, she found herself leading protests. Although she claims she cannot remember what it was they were fighting for, it was another sign that she had cultivated an inner confidence, a stubborn will to take on things and win. However, when her wahala became too much for the Muslim High School authorities, they sent her home and she enrolled in African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta, where she sat for her O-levels. For her A-levels exams, she enrolled at Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu-Ode in 1969. While she was in Ijebu-Ode, though, she made up her mind to go back to England. “I was feeling very nostalgic about those earlier years,” she said. So her father sat her down and asked her what she wanted to be. A lawyer, she replied. But he was sceptical about the earning power of lawyers, although Alakija suggested the real reason was that he did not want to invest heavy in a female child. Instead, he sent her to Pitmans Central College in London, where she acquired a Secretarial Diploma. As a young secretary, Alakija was intense. Normally, in the 70s, what was required of secretaries, in terms of speed writing, was 120 words a minute. But by the time, she had gotten her diploma, Alakija was pushing 140 words a minute. “I like to go the extra-mile,” she said. “Where others would have stopped or gotten fed up, or turned back or given up, Folorunso has just started.” When she came back to Nigeria, she got a job as a secretary with the former Ooni of Ife, late Oba Okunade Sijuade. She worked with him for a year and a half, before joining International Merchant Bank in 1974, where she served as Secretary to the Managing Director.
During her time in the banking sector, Alakija moved her ambition gear to a different level. Despite having no university degree, she took several in-house trainings to improve her competency. It was impossible to ignore her. Having worked as secretary for three Managing Directors of the bank, she was moved to head a new department: Corporate Affairs. While there, she took more trainings, competing with bankers who had gone to Business School. Later, she was moved to the Treasury Department, technically becoming a banker herself. “It was in banking I learnt a lot about office policies and procedures,” she said, “and it helped me, later in life, to be able to run my own organisations, including Famfa Oil.” Alakija’s banking days also provides an important lesson on how to become rich: leverage on capital. When she was in that bank, she would travel abroad on a Friday night, buy jewelleries, suitcases of scarves, return on Monday morning and sell to her friends and retailers. “I wasn’t even touching my salary,” she said. She ploughed back her profits into her capital and grew her trade. During the indigenisation decree of 1979, she bought company stocks. She also delved into real estate, securing a loan and adding her savings to build a one-storey house and a bungalow at Ipaja, then let it out. “I’m always looking for something new to do, to take me to the next level.” The capital she built over the years would be instrumental when she needed funds to apply for an oil license. This restlessness of hers, this everexpanding ambition spirit, finally led her to a contemplative moment in 1985, when she decided to resign from her bank job. “I felt the bank had not been fair to me,” she said, because it could not no longer accommodate her burgeoning ambitions.
21
˾ T H I S D AY TUESDAY˜ ͰͲ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵
FEATURES “There came a time when I realised that new staff were being put in more senior positions including my department, the Treasury Department. I thought that was unfair, because we were doing the same work. I drew the conclusions that it was because they were graduates though they were not doing better than I was. So, I was hurt in my spirit and I felt it was time to move on.” Moving on simply meant switching gears to a field where she could dominate. This was a woman who was not ready to play second fiddle. She yearned to be on top and was ready to put in the required work to achieve her dreams. What followed her resignation was a resolve to study Fashion Design at London’s Central School of Fashion. At the time, she was already married with four children. But family, too, wasn’t going to be an excuse for not chasing her dreams. She struck a deal with her husband. “The agreement was that I would go to England with our two youngest children, because our oldest two were already schooling there. I agreed and I went with the last two, enrolled our third child in school with his elder brothers and went with the nanny that looked after the youngest, who was then only two years old. That was how we worked it out; and every six weeks, my husband would come and visit us. For one year, I didn’t come to Nigeria, but he kept coming and I continued my studies; I did very well, came back to Nigeria and set up my fashion business.” Within three weeks of launching her fashion label, Supreme Stitches, in Nigeria, she entered a fashion competition organised by Daily Times, the leading and most prestigious newspaper house at the time. She had initially felt like backing off from the competition, because she felt she had just launched her label. What if she was not ready? But “I reminded myself I was not one to run away from challenges,” she said. She won the competition. The win catapulted her into fashion limelight. Daily Times wrote about her extensively, took her on a variety of courtesy visits to society’s high and mighty. She started to sew clothes for beauty queens, government officials, all sorts of important people. “People would order for clothes to sell to their friends abroad,” she reminisced. “Women were lining up with bags full of fabrics, waiting patiently for their turn, some for hours. Meanwhile, there was no time for me to eat anything; I was losing weight and was overwhelmed with work. But I enjoyed what I was doing.” Sewing clothes was, of course, how she struck a close friendship with Mariam Babangida, who got her appointments with the then Petroleum Minister when Alakija was trying to help a friend facilitate a foreign oil deal. It is a perfect illustration of how the gift of a man will bring him before kings, and not before mere men. Her romance with the Petroleum Minister started on a frustrating note. He rejected the foreign oil deal she had gone to see him for. But, since she already had a foot in the door, she saw an opportunity. “All I wanted was just a small contract but oblivious to me, God had bigger plans,” she said. She did her research on what business she could get into in the oil sector and came up with a transportation service, moving crude from one location to another. But the minister didn’t buy it, noting that government was already connecting pipelines across the country. She went back and returned with a proposal to offer catering services for offshore oil workers. Apparently exasperated with Alakija’s biting persistence, the minister specifically told her that the focus of the Babangida administration, as it related to petroleum, was to empower Nigerians by awarding them oil exploration licenses, thereby keeping the nation’s wealth within its borders, rather than letting foreigners cart them away. “I looked at myself and wondered what the man was talking about,” she said. “I started thinking of the big corporations in my head. This was in 1991. I said to myself, ‘this man cannot be serious, he just doesn’t know how to tell me not to come back again, otherwise how can he tell someone who is completely ignorant about the oil industry to compete with
Alakija...with a heart of gold
Alakija...an embodiment of hard work
foreign giants.” She left his office with drooped shoulders. That she went back to take the minister up on his suggestion is stunning. This was a woman running a successful fashion business and living a very comfortable middle-class existence with her lawyer husband and four children. But she still felt she could accomplish more. More importantly though, she showed she wasn’t afraid of change and the uncertainties that come with. Her husband by her side, she started the long process of applying for an oil license and, unknown to her then, a battle for her soul. Before getting involved in the oil license
Alakija’s banking days also provides an important lesson on how to become rich: leverage on capital. When she was in that bank, she would travel abroad on a Friday night, buy jewelleries, suitcases of scarves, return on Monday morning and sell to her friends and retailers
application, Alakija was a peripheral Christian (she had been raised Moslem). But when, after two years of submitting a second application (the Petroleum Minister changed) and spending most of her savings on the process, she sunk into despair and sought divine help. “I developed a hunger to find God and the Lord Jesus Christ and gave my life to him.” Her faith became an extra layer of armour with which she forged through what was perhaps the darkest parts of her life. “I would embark on praying and fasting, sometimes for 40 days at a stretch, growing steadily in my walk with God. I started appreciating everything around me, including flowers, plants and birds. I saw the awesomeness of God in all those things that I used to take for granted.” At the end of three years, when the Babangida administration was leaving, the license came. But, on the surface, the bloc which she had been allocated was hopeless. It had earlier been allocated to a big multinational and they rejected it. Even her technical partners said “this is deep offshore, no thank you, we are not interested.” The bloc was 5,000 feet deep in water and the cost of exploration – using the technology available at the time – would be prohibitive. “So, I had this license, which seemed not to be even worth the paper on which it was printed,” Alakija told this reporter. “Nobody wanted it; it seemed of no use. But being the kind of person God created me to be, someone who would never give up, who would never take no for an answer, I decided I was going to hold on to it and see it to a conclusion. Besides, before we got to that stage, we had spent a lot of money, because there are fees that you
must pay to the government after getting the license. We had put all our life savings in it, so I couldn’t look back. I had to see it to its logical conclusion.” For three years, she looked for technical partners who would take a chance on the project. Today, the bloc is one of the most lucrative in Africa, the engine that has driven her incredible fortune. Far from being a jackpot phenomenon, her success was the result of a deliberate spirit who was ready for opportunity when it came knocking. But stemming from her Christian beliefs, Alakija holds that she owes everything to God. On May 23, 2008, she set up a non-profit, Rose of Sharon Foundation, to empower widows and orphans. “God called me into it,” she said. “He had blessed me and I felt a need to do something for Him. I wanted to give to God. I had developed a relationship with Him. Every relationship, friendship or partnership must be a twoway thing. You can’t just be asking and receiving all the time. So, I decided to ask God where He wanted me to serve Him.” The nonprofit Foundation has empowered over 900 widows – 11 of whom have gone to the university – and more than 1,366 scholarships have been doled to their children; about 100 orphans, too, have received scholarships. “As at December 2016, we have 110 beneficiaries that have graduated from the university,” Alakija said. “We now have an alumni body that we have just set up and they are enjoying it. All these give me great pleasure and fulfilment.” After speaking for almost two hours with this reporter, Alakija glanced at her watch again and said “I have just five more minutes left.”
22
IMAGES
L-R:Members of Handmaidens Women Ministry, Kemi Olumuyiwa; Yemi Akinrele; Doyin Arueyingho and the Convener, Siju Iluyomade, at the seminar tagged ‘’Behind Closed Doors’’ a programme for women held in Lagos.. recently
L-R: Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe; , Director- General, National Broadcasting Commission,Is’haq Modibbo Kawu and General Manager, Legal and Regulatory Affiars, MultiChoice Nigeria, Shumani Gereda, during the 3rd International Summit on Digital Broadcasting in Nigeria hosted by MultiChoice in Lagos...recently
R-L; Commissioner for Health, Kano State, Dr. Kabir Ibrahim Getso; Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and His Deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar during the launching/distribution of state health facilities to 44 Local govvernment in the state....recently
L-R; Managing Director, Media Seal, Mr. Kupoluyi Ayodeji; CEO, Entod Marketing, Iquo Ukoh; Group Managing Director, Media Seal, Mr. Ayo Oluwatosin; Director, Regulations, APCON, Mrs. Ijedi Iyoha; and Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc. Mr. Franco Maria Maggi, at the unveiling of the new Media Seal Identity in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN
T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͰͲ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵
Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×
L-R; Leader, Engine Strategy, middle East and Africa, Cummins West Africa Ltd, Neil Medgley; Assistant Corps Commander, Emma Fekoya; MD, Buscar Nig Ltd, Friday Yange; National President , NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin and MD, Cummins West Africa Ltd, Kwame Gyan-Tawiah at the unveiling of Buscar brand and product in Lagos...recently Abiodun Ajala
L;R; Chief Judge of Kogi State Justice Nasir Ajanah, Outgoing Secretary, Federal Judicial Service Commission, Mrs. Bilkisu Abdulmalik, and former Minister of State for Power, Mrs. Zainab Ibrahim,during the sendforth ceremony in Honour of the outgoing secretary in Abuja...recently
L-R: Glo subscribers David Simeon, Adebisi Adedolayo, Glo Brand Ambassador, Olamide Adedeji, aka Baddo; Glo subscribers, Adedeji Rukyat and Akinsanya Seun at the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour in Kubwa, Abuja...recently
L-R; Corps Marshal, FRSC/lmmediate Past President of West Africa Road Safety Organization, Boboye Oyeyemi; Senior Transport Oficer, World Bank, Tawia Ado-Ashong; Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal character and lnter-Governmental Affairs, Tijani Kaura and President, West African Road Safety Organisation, Mamadou Kanote during a visit to Senator Kaura at the National Assembly Complexx, Abuja…recently
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ
23
BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH
3-MONTH 6-MONTH
Ͱͯ˛͹;ͳ͎ Ͱͯ˛͎͎͹͜
A S
ͰͰ˛ͳ͹͹ͯ ͰͲ˛ʹ͜ͳʹ
A T NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH
J U L Y Ͱ͎˛ͯ͜Ͱ; ͯ͡˛͎Ͱ͜ʹ ͯ͡˛͹͜ͳͳ
Group Business Editor ChikaAmanze-Nwachuku Email: chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157, 08057161321
1 1 , 6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH
2 0 1 7
Ͱͯ˛͹͜ʹͯ Ͱͯ˛ͳ͎ͳ͜ ͰͰ˛ͳ͹͡Ͱ
EXCHANGE RATE ͹͎ͳ˛͹ͳ˚
Quick Takes Minister Secures Land for ICT Varsity Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂ‹ĂŁĂ™ Ă’Ă“ĘľĂ&#x;Ëœ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Í°ÍŽ Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x; ÞËÞĂ? Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x; Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ&#x;Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ÓÞã Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë›
Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă–Ă?ĘľĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ÚÖÙÞĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ Ùà Ă?Ăœ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™ĂœËœ Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁĂ“ Ă‘ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁĂ“ ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœËœ ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂžĂ?Ă?ĂŁ Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ăž ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x; ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁËœ Ă’Ă“ĘľĂ&#x; ĂœĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă– ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžËŞĂ? ĂŽĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ Ă&#x;ĂšĂ‘ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă?ÓÖÓÞã Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÓÑÓÞËÖ ĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ‘Ă? Ă˜Ă?ÞÓÞĂ&#x;ĂžĂ? ÞÙ Ă‹ Ă?Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ&#x;Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ÓÞã Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™ĂœËŞĂ? Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Í°ÍŽ Ă’Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂŽĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ÓÞã Ă’Ă? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÓÑÓÞËÖ ĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ‘Ă? Ă˜Ă?ÞÓÞĂ&#x;ĂžĂ? Ě™ Ěš Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Óâ Ă‘Ă?ÙÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă‹Ă– Ă¤Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ&#x;Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă?ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă˜Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ÓÞã Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă?Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă’Ă“ĘľĂ&#x;Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă—Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÞËÞĂ? âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă– Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ— Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁËœ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ Ă?Ù××Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™Ăœ Ă‘ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁĂ“ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă‘Ă“Ă‹Ă˜Ăž Ă?ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ?Ë›
World’s Slimmest 14� Notebook Launched
CAPACITY BUILDING
L-R: Mr. Weyinmi Jemide of Saacrose Associates; Chief Executive of Economic Associates, Dr. Ayo Teriba; and Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex A. Okoh at a retreat for sta of BPE held in Abuja... recently
NCC to Carry out Checks on Financial, Technical Status of Telcos Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecoms industry regulator, said it has commenced a thorough check to determine the financial and technical status of all licensed telecommunications operators in the country. The essence of the periodic check, according to the commission, is to ascertain the financial and technical health status of telecoms operators as well as ensure they are financially and technically fit to apply for loans for network expansion. The Director, Stakeholders’ Management at the NCC, Mr. Sunday Dare disclosed this in Lagos at a recent event organised by the commission.
TELECOMS He explained that the move became necessary in order to forestall a recurrence of the 9mobile experience, where the telecom company became indebted to a consortium of 13 banks that loaned it $1.2 billion, and was unable to repay the loan, based on the agreement reached by parties. Dare said the situation, which compelled the telecoms company to change its brand identity and set up a new board of directors after dissolving the former, was huge embarrassment to the telecoms industry, and should not be allowed to recur. Dare said: “In order to avert a repeat of the 9mobile experience,
the NCC has set up a team of financial experts that are currently checking the financial books of telecoms operators in the country. The team also comprises of technical experts that will check the technical status of the networks in order to ascertain the technical fitness of the networks in terms of call success rates and service quality.� He further explained that any operator, whose financial books are not up to date and whose network falls short of the required benchmark, would be sanctioned. Former Etisalat Nigeria, now 9mobile, in 2013, approached a consortium of 13 local banks for a loan of $1.2 billion for network upgrade and expansion.
Its inability to repay the loan, led to the withdrawal of Abu-Dhabi-based Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (Etisalat Group), from its shareholding structure, leaving the other two core investors, Mubadala Development Company of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services (EMTS), made up of Nigerian group of investors. Few days after it pulled out of the shareholding structure, six Mubadala and Etisalat Group-appointed Non-executive Directors (NEDs), all nationals of the United Arab Emirates, resigned their appointments, an action that was shortly Continued on page 24
Mobile Banking Grows as Phone Users Hit 29 Million Raheem Akingbolu The Managing Director of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr. Adesonubi Adebisi, has stated that Nigeria has recorded growth in mobile banking, compared to some African countries. He spoke at the Fintech Summit 2017, where he analysed the data of the Fintech industry in the past few years and admitted that mobile users in Nigeria are now about 29 million. He said: ‘’Internet banking is slowing down; mobile banking is growing and USSD is also growing while ATM usage remains stagnant in the past three years. Now, consumers engage more with the mobile
ICT world because it is fast and convenient, card transaction/ POS is also growing while cheque transaction remains stagnant.’’ He noted that the larger value transactions are reducing while the smaller value transactions are increasing every time because customers are able to engage themselves with mobile banking which increases in bank transactions. The NIBSS boss added that the numbers of bank customers are not increasing but numbers of bank accounts are increasing. According to him, in the capital market, the number of registered shareholders
is approximately 2.1 million while 838,674 could only be identified and 433,164 are the unique individual in the capital market. This, according to him, is a result of the integration of the BVN to customers’ account in order to monitor real time payments. Earlier, the Chief Executive of Kantar TNS, Mr. Aggrey Maposa stated that despite the late commencement of the nation’s financial technology sub sector of the economy, it has, in the last three to four years, grown by over 90percent. Maposa also disclosed that there are over 400 Fintech organisations in Nigeria currently working with Africa Fintech organisation. According to him, the
global consumer and marketing Strategy Company organised the summit in response to the evolution and growth of the global internet of things, (IoT), to discuss the future of financial Technology in the country. The summit tagged: “Payment of Tomorrow and Changing Consumer�, brought together Financial Technology experts and leading business executive to discuss the Fintech Industry in Nigeria with a view to positioning the industry, players and the consumers for tomorrow. Maposa explained that the world has changed and Fintech is taking over and changing Continued on page 24
Ă“Ă˜Ă™Ă˘ Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂžĂŽËœ Ă“Ă˜ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ˜Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“Ăš åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜ ĂžĂ?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ Ę¨ĂœĂ—Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă?Ùʰ Ă˜Ă?˛˜ Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă– Ă™ĂœĂšË›Ëœ Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŁĂ˜Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ Ă™ ĂžĂŽË›Ëœ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă–Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ëœ Ă‹ ÍŻÍ˛Ě‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă’ ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ–ĂŽËŞĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă—Ă—Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ?ĂŒĂ™Ă™Ă•Ë› Ă&#x;Ă“Ă–Ăž ÞÙ Ă—Ă?Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ù×ÚĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă‹ ĂŽĂŁĂ˜Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂœĂ‹Ě‹Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă— ÖËÚÞÙÚ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ÚÙåĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă– ÞÙÙÖ˛ Ă’Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă™Ă˘Ëœ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ Ě™ Ěš Ę¨ĂœĂ—Ë› Ă’Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă– Ă’Ă?ĂœĂœĂŁ ĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă– åÓÞÒ ͯ˛͡ ä Ă?Ù×ÚĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÚÙåĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂœĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ÍŻÍŽËœÍŽÍŽÍŽĂ— Ă’ ĂŒĂ‹ĘľĂ?ĂœĂŁ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ÙʼĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă&#x;Ăš ÞÙ ÍŻÍŽ Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ËŞ Ă‹Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă‘Ă? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ë› ÙËĂ?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ Í° Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ͹Ͱ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă– Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ‹Ă‘Ă? Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ÞÙ ÍŻÍ°ÍŽ Ëœ ÞÒĂ? ÍŻÍ˛Ě‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă’ Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă• Ă‹Ăž ͯ͜˛Ͱ×× Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ“Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ?Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ă? Ă‹ ĂšĂ‹Ă–ĂžĂœĂŁ ͯ˛ͳÕÑ ÞÒĂ&#x;Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ăž Ă‹ ÖÓÑÒÞ̋åĂ?Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ëœ ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă Ă?Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ë› Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ Ă‘Ă–Ă™ĂŒĂ‹Ă– Ă‹Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? ÞåÙ ×ÙÎĂ?Ă–Ă? ĚŽ ÍŻÍŽÍŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Í°ÍŽÍŽ ĚŽ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă‘Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă&#x;ĂœĂ™ĂšĂ?Ëœ Ă“ĂŽĂŽĂ–Ă? Ă‹Ă?ĂžËœ Ă?Ă“Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă?Ù×Ă?Ă? ÖÙËÎĂ?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ™ĂĄĂ? ÍŻÍŽ
New Platform for Consumers Unveiled Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ‹Ă– Ă‹Ă“Ă—Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ăž ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ÒÙå ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂžĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽËœ Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂšĂ™Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă˜ ÑÙÙÎĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă™Ăœ ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ? ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă–Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽË› Ă’Ă? ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ‹Ă–Ëœ Ă˜Ă‹Ă—Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă‹Ëœ ÙʼĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ăœ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?ËÞÓĂ?ʨĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ ÚÖËÞĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ— ÞÙ ÖÙÎÑĂ? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă• ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜ ;Ͱ Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë› Ăž ÞÒĂ? ÙʊĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă–Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă’ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă? âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? ĘŠĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă—Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽËœ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?Ăœ ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă’ Ęś Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁËœ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă’Ă™Ă?Ă™ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ‹ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽË? ËŤ Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?âĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁ ÞÙÎËã˛ Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă‹ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă–Ă™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă Ă?Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ăž Ă™Ă? ĂšĂ™Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ăž ÙʼĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ËŹ
Platform Promotes Made-in-Nigeria Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă Ă‹Ă–Ëœ Ă‹ ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ?Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ• ÚÖËÞĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ— Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă Ă‹Ă– ĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă“Ă—Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă™Ă? Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁËœ ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă?Þ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“Ăš Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ĂžĂ™ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂ‹ĂžĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ě‹Ă“Ă˜Ě‹ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ?Ë› ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă–Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœËœ ĂŽĂ?Ă‘ĂŒĂ™ĂŁĂ?Ă‘Ă‹ Ă”Ă&#x;ÙÖËÚĂ?Ëœ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ÞËÞĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁËœ ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă?Þ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă“Ă?Ă’Ă‹ ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ‹Ă•Ă‹ĂœËœ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă–Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ù××Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă”Ă&#x;ÙÖËÚĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ–Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂœĂ? ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ÞÙ ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă™ĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ“Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂŽĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? ÞÙ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂžĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă‘ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÚÖËÞĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ— ÞÒËÞ Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ ÞÙ ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă– ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă–Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? ÞÙ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂž Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë›
“Social network operators do not invest in infrastructure, but ride on the infrastructure of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to provide free services to customers at the detriment of MNOs�
Chairman of ALTON, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo
24
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ
NCC TO CARRY OUT CHECKS ON FINANCIAL, TECHNICAL STATUS OF TELCOS followed by the resignation of the former board chairman, Mr. Hakeem Bello-Osagie, a Nigerian. Thereafter, its former Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Mr. Matthew Willsher and the former Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Olawole Obasunloye also resigned their appointments. A five man board was reconstituted, with Dr. Joseph Nnanna, an economist and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as the new board chairman; Mr. Boye Olusanya, the former Deputy Managing Director of Celtel, which now operates as Airtel Nigeria, as its Managing Director/Chief Executive; and Mrs. Funke Ighodaro as Chief Finance Officer. Others are Mr. Oluseyi Bickersteth as NED and Mr. Ken Igbokwe as NED.
MOBILE BANKING GROWS AS PHONE USERS HIT 29 MILLION the financial activities of the consumers. He said: “Fintech has come to stay, it is not a fashion because it is based on real need for change� he noted that the Nigeria Fintech industry is coming a bit late, but the industry in Nigeria is still doing so well and in just about three to four years of introduction, “we have recorded a growth of 90% and this is to show we are coming up�, he said. Over the years, FINTECH (E-nnovation) engagement spanned across many sectors, which include the E commerce, Property Rentals, Customer Loyalty and awareness programme. However, Nigeria is still predominantly using cash over cashless transactions with 80percent of transactions record being in cash and 20% cashless, compared to other countries. Also speaking on the theme, Chief Strategy and transformation officer at Kantar, Mr. Jonathan Chocquel Mangan said that realising opportunities for growth requires unique consumer focus and insight.
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˜ (Maritime) 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) Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ăœ (Energy) Reporters
Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (Cap Mkt)
‘Proper Implementation of OGP Will Strengthen Nigeria’s Asset Recovery Legislation’ Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The African Centre for Leadership, Strate gy and Development (Centre LSD) has said that proper implementation of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), being funded by MacArthur Foundation, would prevent and detect corruption and strengthen Nigeria’s asset recovery legislation. The OGP is an international multi-stakeholder initiative, which brings together government and civil societies organisations to ensuring that government activities are open rather than being shrouded in secrecy. The Project Coordinator of the Centre, Mr. Monday Osasah gave the hint recently in Abuja at a press conference on ‘Accountability in Nigeria through the Implementation of OGP’ He explained that the federal government in its efforts to deepen institutional and policy reforms joined the OGP in July 2016 as the 70th country, stressing that the OGP National Steering Committee (NSC) was constituted, with the Ministry of Justice as the Coordinating minutes and Co-chair, while a Co-chair was also nominated by CSOs. He explained that the NSC is made up of representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), CSOs , organised private sector and professional associations,
who worked together to cocreate the 30-month National Action Plan. Osasah stated: “flNAP seeks to promote fiscal transparency through more participation in the budget process, implementation of open contracting in the outfit sector, enhancing disclosure in the extractive
industries, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the tax system and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria. “It will ensure that corruption is rooted out, the development of a platform for sharing information between government MDAsfl to detect
and prevent corrupt practices, the strengthening of Nigeria’s Asset recovery legislation and taking appropriate actions to coordinate anti-corruption.� The Project Coordination said that people are calling for restructuring today because the present system is not working, stressing that
OGP implementation would open up government, improve governance, while also laying the issue of restructuring to rest. He stated categorically that if Nigeria fails to meet up with the implementation of OGP target, it means the federal government was not committed to digesting corruption in the country.
YOU ARE VERY WELCOME
Chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (middle) with the graduate level policy students from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government during a courtesy visit to the Bank ... recently
NITDA Begins Amendment of 2017 Act, 10 Years After Stories by Emma Okonji The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has begun the process of amending the Act that established it, 10 years after inception. The amendment, according to NITDA, will enable it reflect the current global technology trend in the Act, and bring it at par with evolving technologies that are shaping the globe. The Director General of NITDA, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami who made the disclosure in Lagos recently, said there was need to review and amend the NITDA Act 2007, because of evolving technology. He noted that technology that was in vogue 10 years ago has been outlived by modern day technologies, hence the need to review and amend the Act to reflect present day realities in the technology world. “As a result of quick evolution of technologies, some of the technologies on which the Act established, are now obsolete and misleading and therefore there is a need to review and make amends where necessary,� Pantami said. According to him, NITDA set up a review committee, which had since commenced amendment work on the Act. In few weeks, the committee report on the amended Act, would be submitted to the National Assembly for ratification and approval. Pantami however said “the review and amendment cut across most government parastatals, and even the Nigerian
constitution had been amended in the past and people are still calling for periodic amendment, which I think, is necessary for any law governing any government agency.� An Act to provide for the establishment of NITDA and related matters, was enacted by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2007, and had not been reviewed and amended, 10 years after, in spite of quick technology evolution. The NITDA 2007 Act empowers the agency to plan, develop and promote the use of Information technology in Nigeria. Some of the powers conferred on the NITDA by the Act, include to create a frame work for the planning, research, development, standardisation, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria and all matters related thereto and for that purpose, and which without detracting from the generality of the foregoing shall include providing universal access for Information Technology and systems penetration including rural, urban and under-served areas. It also empowers NITDA to provide guidelines to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of appropriate information technology and systems application and development in Nigeria for public and private sectors, urban-rural development, the economy and the government.
The Act empowers NITDA to develop guidelines for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alterna-
tive to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour, and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of
data and information. Pantami however said some of the laws needed to be amended to give NITDA a clearer view of its responsibility, in line with modern technology trends.
‌ Raises Hope for Technology Innovation among Startups The National Technology Development Agency (NITDA), at the 7th edition of its ‘Startup Nigeria’ initiative organised by the Office of ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE) in Lagos recently, raised the hope of those, who believed that technology savvy Nigerians could develop technology solutions to address immediate societal challenges and corporate needs, if given the right support. Startup Nigeria, an initiative of NITDA to groom technology startups with viable ideas that could be commercialised to meet societal demands, have raised several technology startups with viable solutions that are awaiting financial support from investors like Angel Investors, who are interested in investing in homegrown technology solutions that could further be developed with the right financial support. At the 7th edition of the programme in Lagos, 12 startups were showcased and allowed to pitch for the purpose of selection. Before the pitch exercise, NITDA had advertised and called for entries and received several entries,
out of which 12 were selected and showcased for pitching. Their solutions range from accounting, education, and hospitality, addressing key challenges in the society. In his welcome speech, the Director General of NITDA, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami commended the technology startups and encouraged them to be open to criticism and mentorship that would help them further develop their solutions and also commercialise them. According to him, “ICT is an emerging platform in Nigeria but Nigerians are already catching up fast with it. Nigerian youths must take advantage of the support from NITDA for startups, though OIIE, and ensure that they come out with solutions that address immediate societal challenges and corporate needs. Leader of Angel Investors, Mr. Collins Onuagbu was on ground with his team to access the viability of the solutions that were showcased during the pitches, just as the team gave useful advice on how startups could attract good
funding from investors that are interested in investing in technology solutions. Pantami said the essence of establishing OIIE, was to drive technology development among startups and guide them to develop technology solutions that will drive technology development in the country. He said some of the startups that were selected from among the 12, would be sponsored to international technology conference like GITEX, which holds in Dubai every year, to pitch with startups from other parts of the world, in the presence of global investors. Startup Nigeria is an initiative of NITDA, driven by OIIE, to encourage and assist startups by creating a platform on which young and aspiring startups dreams are nurtured. Support for startups include funding, training, mentorship, access to working space and acceleration. The whole idea is to develop a knowledge-based economy where young Nigerians will be encouraged to develop technology solutions that will rule the world.
25
T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͰͲ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵
BUSINESSWORLD
E-BUSINESS
Dissecting ntel’s Marketing Strategy Whereas telecoms consumers say ntel’s impact is not strongly felt especially in the areas of voice calls, the fifth entrant into the mobile telephone space insists its unique selling point remains the provision of superfast broadband internet, writes Emma Okonji Before the rollout of GSM services in 2001, the then Nigeria national carrier, NITEL was the sole provider of telecoms services, operating a monopolistic market, with subscriber number of less than 400,000 and teledensity of 0.4 per cent. But with the emergence of GSM operators like MTN and Airtel in 2001 and Globacom in 2003, the monopoly of NITEL was broken and the company was compelled to face real competition. Following the stiff competition, which it could not sustain, NITEL was unbundled into NITEL and MTel. The federal government, through the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), tried severally to sell NITEL/MTel to core investors, but failed severally. However, it was eventually sold to NatCom Development and Investment Limited in 2015. And in 2016 NatCom, under the trade name, ntel, rolled out its services in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, with a promise to cover the entire states of the federation, riding on the NITEL nationwide telecoms facilities. But one year after its commercial rollout, subscribers are saying they are not feeling the impact of ntel as expected, having bought over a national asset like NITEL that has presence and facilities across all states of the federation. The emergence of ntel NatCom, which trades as ntel, in 2015, acquired the core telecom assets, previously owned by NITEL/MTel, Nigeria’s national fixed and mobile operators, in a guided liquidation process that was supervised and approved by BPE and a High Court appointed liquidator. It was completed in May 2015, from which date the NITEL/MTel core telecoms assets were wholly transferred to NatCom. Subscribers’ expectation The eventual acquisition of NITEL/MTel, had elicited great joy among Nigerian telecoms subscribers, who felt that ntel was going to give the other four existing telecoms operators, a good run for their money through competition that will likely crash cost of telecoms services. But such expectations were dashed as subscribers are beginning to feel that ntel is slow to take over the telecoms market, despite its added advantage of riding on the nationwide telecoms facilities of NITEL/MTel. Reacting to subscribers’ expectation, ntel management admitted the fact that NITEL/ MTel had presence and facilities across all states of the federation. However, it clarified that ntel did not ride on the existing facilities of NITEL/ MTel because they were already obsolete and overtaken by newer technologies as at the time of rollout of its services last year. According to ntel, it had to invest in newer technology and abandon the old NITEL facilities and cables because they were obsolete and no longer useful for modern telecoms operations. ntel services Giving details of the actual services offered by ntel, its External Affairs Director, Mr. Osondu Nwokoro told THISDAY that the firm offers services such as mobile network, a pure play 4G/LTE -Advanced service that offers high speed data, high-definition voice and video; international voice termination riding on the back of NATCOM’s SAT-3 partnerships, that enables direct exchange of IDD traffic with 35 partners providing international bandwidth/IP connectivity to carriers and major corporates between Nigeria and international destinations. Others services, according to him, are: metro bandwidth with over 1,100 km of ducts and over 4,000 km of fibre route in almost all states in Nigeria; fixed services, with plans to offer, in the near future, to homes and businesses where extant infrastructure can be leveraged at minimal incremental cost. Nwokoro said: “Our unique selling point remains the provision of superfast broadband internet with speeds faster than any other telecom service provider. Our voice quality is also beyond compare. Our High Definition voice calls carried over LTE have redefined the call and talk experience in the Nigerian telecom
President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo Nwokoro
eco-system. Three things have contributed in making us the clear leader in the voice segment of the 4G/LTE end of the market: Our superfast internet speed, which has made us known for providing live streaming services. We were publicly acknowledged by the gospel artiste Nathaniel Bassey after we powered his daily
Most subscribers are worried that ntel recharge cards are not accessible to the common subscribers, thereby making the ntel services an elitist thing. But Nwokoro explained that as a data-centric telecom operator, ntel believes that the internet is the new frontier and therefore encourages subscribers to grow their digital footprints as veritable netizens
#AlleluyahChallenge to a befitting finale. We have since powered the live streams at Women In Jouralism dTEDx Maitama and TEDx Yaba. “Our voice segment has been boosted with the introduction of our bespoke 4G/LTE VoLTE enabled Nova phone which is a smart phone with the characteristics of a feature phone. This is impacting positively on our voice revenue while helping grow a satisfied corps of happy voice callers enjoying a new lease of life. It has also moderated the 4G/LTE availability dilemma. “Finally, the introduction of the Nova phone has helped in the actualisation of our launch promise that our very first 100,000 subscribers will be Pioneers who will enjoy free on-net calls for life.” Subscribers’ perception on ntel recharge Most subscribers are worried that ntel recharge cards are not accessible to the common subscribers, thereby making the ntel services an elitist thing. But Nwokoro explained that as a data-centric telecom operator, ntel believes that the internet is the new frontier and therefore encourages subscribers to grow their digital footprints as veritable netizens. “To this end, most of our transactions are carried out online, just like some of our peers, from buying bundles and devices to topping up and recharging. Subscribers can connect tomc@ ntel.com.ng or use our self-care or mini care apps. We are also in the process of adding more online channels. Those who require person-toperson interaction can visit any of our stores,” Nwokoro said. According to him, “We sell recharge cards and use other available channels to have customers connected to the ntel network. The fact is that we are not ready yet to operate the physical recharge card system, but with time we will. Our network is a conceivable integration network, having the next generation billing system, and we are working on that even though we have not yet explored the physical recharge channel option.” The experience Nwokoro said telecoms subscribers on the ntel network have never had it so good in terms of their experience with the ntel telecoms service
offerings. “They are experiencing better telecoms service on our 4G LTE network. So they have the latest generation of mobile services, which has enhanced their contributions to the Nigerian economy. We offer our customers various levels of services from our 4G LTE fiber connection and the speed of connectivity is very high. We need to offer choice services that exceed the level of excellence and we need to offer steady services,” he said. ntel brand one year after Giving further details of the ntel brand and service offering in one year, Nwokoro said ntel as a brand has done very well by setting up a billing system that gives the network better integration between the sales representatives and the customer care system. “It has given us significant ease to operate in a unique way that is different from other operators. We have 70 per cent coverage in three states currently, with plans to expand to more states. We have made tremendous progress in one year on the number of customers that are now on our network. We got award from an American company as the fastest internet service provider, and I see this as a great feat in one year of rollout,” Nwokoro explained. The elitist perception Allaying fears of most telecoms subscribers that the ntel business is for the elitists, the telecoms company said such perception was completely incorrect because ntel has packages that cut across all cadre of people. “Our packages are designed for both the high and low income earners in the society, with some packages having lowest level of pricing that is as low as N500 for the best return on investment. Customers can buy our unlimited package, which allows them to have unlimited access to the internet. We have other packages that allow the customer to use a define volume of data, based on its budget limit. So we are not providing services for only the elites, because we have wide range of packages that address the needs and financial capacities of different customers, the telecoms company said in a statement,” Nwokoro said.
26
T H I S D AY Ëž Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ
Ě“
De Pas: Nigerian Consumers Deserve Best Quality in Smartphone Devices Director, Business Operations and Development, Motorola Africa, Marcel Van De Pas, spoke with Emma Okonji on how Motorola plans to use the Lenovo experience to bring innovation and quality to the new Motorola re-launched devices for the Nigerian market. Excerpts: different categories. We decided to launch with eight models at a time because we are coming out with full a model launch. So we are launching the Motor C, Motor C+, Motor E4, Motor E4+. For the premium smartphones, we have Motor G, Motor G+, Motor Z and Motor Z+.
The Motorola brand of mobile phones used to be a very strong brand in Nigeria before it went under. What exactly propelled you to re-launch the brand for the Nigerian market? Motorola Mobility changed hands twice, first with Google and later Lenovo. After one year that we sold the Motorola Mobility to Google, we bought it over from Google, in agreement with Lenovo, before starting the process of integration with Lenovo, which took some time. So Motorola is now one of the holdings of Lenovo and it has taken its time to complete the integration of Motorola facilities into that of Lenovo, and we decided to re-launch the new brand. Although Lenovo currently own Motorola Mobility, we are launching the new brand as Motorola. We believe in the strong brand of Motorola, hence we are launching as Motorola, even though we have acquired it. With the acquisition of Motorola Mobility, we did not only get the brand, we also acquired its top notch research and development engineers in Chicago. After the integration of Motorola Mobility with that of Lenovo in terms of the facilities from both brands, we decided to roll out as Motorola in order to maintain the strong brand identity of Motorola Mobility. With the successful integration, does it mean you are phasing out the Lenovo brand of mobile phones? Yes, we are phasing out the Lenovo brand of mobile phones, but in a gradual process, because we still have some of the Lenovo phones still on sale. By the end of the year, we will be able to completely phase out the Lenovo brand of mobile phones. What that means is that we will not be producing new model of Lenovo phones, but we will continue to sell the existing Lenovo phones alongside the new brand of Motorola phones till the end of the year. Customers that buy the Lenovo phone will continue to receive after sales support from us for some period of time. We have engaged Technology Distribution (TD) and another distributor, for the distribution of the new Motorola phones in the Nigerian market. How do you intend to manage after sales support service of the newly launched Motorola brand of mobile phones? After sales support service is key to our kind of business and we have made adequate arrangement for that. Currently we have established seven customer care centres that will be managed by three service centre partners, and we plan to expand them as the market grows. What could be the reason for maintaining the Motorola brand name, even after it has been acquired by Lenovo? Lenovo is a very strong brand name for our personal computers (PCs) products and we want to maintain our strong market presence in PCs with the Lenovo brand name, and allow the Motorola brand name to drive our mobile phones, since Motorola is also a known brand in the mobile phone business. We see the Motorola brand name as a smooth transition for our mobile phones. Today Lenovo is a $45 billion company, with 55,000 employees, serving large chunk of customers in 160 countries of the world. Over the last three years, Lenovo has grown from 202 to 370 as of today, in the global 500 fortune companies of the world. But our goal is to be among the first 100 of the top global 500 fortune companies of the world. So the trust that Motorola is being managed by one of the big companies of the world, is also a boost for our mobile phone devices, under the Motorola brand name. What were the challenges that forced the old Motorola brand to go under and how do you intend to manage such challenges?
Based on the models of smartphones that your are launching, what is your target audience? Our target audience is in two folds. The youths for our entry smartphones and the premium audience for the premium smartphones. Motorola as a brand has always been about innovativeness and market disruption. The youths that we know are visionary and they want to explore new things and they seek new ways of achieving their goals, and the Motorola phones are their best target. I understand that the launch is targeted at the dealers. So where do you place the consumers and when are you having a launch specifically for the consumers? For us, the consumers are as important as the dealers, and we see them as integral part of our business. So we decided to organise this initial launch for dealers only because we want to give the dealers a sense of confidence in our brand. When we fully establish the brand among the dealers, we will surely have the consumer launch, where we will have direct interface with the consumers. How many dealers are you working with in your first launch plan? We are looking at working with over 70 core dealers within and outside Nigeria. But even at that, we have over 200 partners on ground to drive the Motorola brand, which include Jumia, Yudala, Konga, Slot, TD, among others.
De Pas The truth is that we were not part of the old Motorola brand that went under and would not know what the challenges were as at the time the old Motorola brand was sold to Google. So what are the features of the new Motorola brand of mobile phones that are being launched, and what makes them different and unique from the features of existing mobile phone brands in the country? The uniqueness of the new Motorola devices comes with experience. The features are also unique because the different models of our mobile phones are built on the latest Android operating system, and we added extra features that will further enhance customer experience. For example it comes with inbuilt intelligence such that when the customer shakes the phone while holding it, the phone features automatically turns to camera mode and with another shake, it changes to selfie mode. The feature enables customers to take quick photos without searching for the photo icon. The phones also come with the business card readers, which gives customers quick access to online information without downloading the application. Motorola has been known for its innovative and disruptive brand and we are maintaining that to drive the new Motorola brand. So we are moving from product-centric business to consumer-centric in order to give the consumers better experience that will enhance their lifestyles, using the Motorola technology. The new Motorola is being relaunched at a time when there are several existing brands of mobile phones in the Nigerian market. How do you intend to cope with competition? Our products will definitely stand us out, irrespective of the number of existing mobile
phone brands in the Nigerian market. I know that Nigerians want the best quality and that is what we are bringing to the market and we are not afraid of competition because we will definitely have our own market share because we have quality and affordable products that are unique in the market. Again, do not forget that consumers loved the old Motorola brand especially the Motorola 3310 and the Motorola Razor because of its quality and we are coming with same quality that will excite and meet consumer needs. Consumers want trusted brand and we strongly believe that the new Motorola will have its market share. The feedback we got after our recent roadshow, shows that customers in Nigeria are looking forward to seeing the Motorola brand again. Nigerians are multitasking and the effect is on the battery life of the phone with which they do varieties of things while on the move. So what is the battery life of the new Motorola brand of phones? Our phones come with inbuilt power bank that offers more than 22 hours of talk time, without draining the battery. The phones come with standby mode screen that helps consumers to preserve the phone battery life. It comes with several features that extend the battery life of the smartphone. How many models are being launched and have they been launched in other countries before Nigeria? The phones are quite new and we are launching them simultaneously in Nigeria and other countries within and outside Nigeria. We launch with reasons and we launch when we are ready to do so. We are launching eight models at the same time but they come in
How affordable are the new Motorola smartphones? Affordability is important to us because we want to put our phones in the hands of all Nigerians. Our entry phones come relatively cheap so that even low income earners can afford them. The premium phones are also relatively cheap based on the quality of the phone. So our price ranges between N26,000 and N96,000. But the bottom line is the value proposition of the brand of smartphones at we are launching. Most phones in the market are water resistant, while some are water proof. Could that be said of the new Motorola brand of phones? Our phones come with nano coating that gives it some forms of water resistance but not water proof. The nano coating prevents dews and slight showers of rain from draining into the phone, but will not resist water penetration if submerged into water for several minutes. The truth is that water-proof phones are quite expensive because of the water proof features attached to it. What are some of the security features built around the new Motorola smartphones? The new Motorola smartphones come with the fingerprint security feature, which also serves as navigation key for the consumer to navigate the phone menu. Again our smartphones come with biometric readers. What is your projected market share for the new Motorola brand of smartphones in the next two years? In Brazil, we are already number two mobile phone company and we are targeting more growth, and our target is to replicate the Brazil experience in Nigeria and other African countries. Our vision is to become the best phone manufacturer in terms of quality and consumer acceptance.
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
27
28
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ
Ě“
RenMoney Partners Smile to StarTimes to Train 1,300 Staff in 34 States Enhance Flexible Financial Stories by Emma Okonji the company, Mr. Tunde Aina. and practices, a constant The statement read in part: training and re-training is Transactions In a bid to foster professional- “Capacity building for staff necessary. This new policy RenMoney Microfinance Bank has announced the launch of a flexible financing initiative in partnership with Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, a mobile broadband telecommunications service provider. The initiative, according to the company, offers every customer the opportunity to own a Smile 4GLTE device that includes a data plan, especially for individuals and families. The unique collaboration, it added, provides ease and flexibility of payment for everyone to have access to Smile’s SuperFast, SuperReliable quality and affordable internet and voice services. The offer is available to all customer segments. Managing Director of Smile, Mr. Godfrey Efeurhobo, said: “Smile is committed to creating opportunities that will enable our customers to enjoy the best broadband internet experience by providing differentiating solutions that will enrich their lives.� Explaining further, he said that the initiative was developed with the aim to reducing the burden of acquisition cost on customers, extend connectivity and access to internet to more Nigerians, make quality internet access affordable and empower them to do more and succeed in their respective endeavours. Also speaking on the initiative, CEO, RenMoney Microfinance Bank Limited, Mr. Ian Abrahams, said: “Partnering
with Smile on this project was an obvious choice as it aligns with RenMoney’s objective of providing inclusive, convenient and simple payment solutions. We have, therefore, developed a convenient customer experience that is open to all. It is something we have a passion for, and we are excited about this partnership to provide access to SuperFast, SuperReliable and affordable 4GLTE service to all Nigerians.� Smile launched the first 4G LTE network in West Africa in Nigeria in 2014 revolutionising the way people access the internet. Customers in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Benin City, Kaduna, Onitsha and Asaba can experience the country’s most reliable, superFast 4G LTE mobile broadband services, and also enjoy super clear voice calls, video calls and SMS from their one SmileData bundle. Smile became the first to launch VoLTE on its network and has continued with its innovation, having introduced SmileVoice, which is a free mobile app that enables customers with any Android or Apple handset, including those which are not VoLTEenabled, to make super clear voice calls over Smile’s 4G LTE networks. Smile was also the first to introduce an unlimited offering, which enables super fast and super reliable data and super clear voice, all from one data plan.
ism and position its people to compete effectively with their counterparts globally, pay TV company, StarTimes Nigeria has introduced a new policy that covers 75 per cent of the cost, to encourage all staff seek professional development locally or internationally. This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Operating Officer of
must be top priority for any responsible organisation. We pride ourselves as one, with the interest of our entire workforce at heart hence the need to continually roll out friendly policies that seek to develop our people. We currently live in a fast paced world and to ensure that our people are up to date with international developments
will ensure that any staff, who wishes to study for personal or professional development gets to do so without hindrance by the expenses. StarTimes will bear 75 per cent of the total cost of training, leaving just 25 per cent to be covered by the staff. This policy is open to all staff, irrespective of grade, level or contract type and was
the first policy introduced when the new CEO, Justin Zhang, a visionary leader who believes in the people took office earlier this year StarTimes currently provides direct employment to more than 1,300 staff and indirect jobs to over 3,000 Nigerians through dealer partners across 34 states in the country, making the company a major employer of labour in Nigeria in its over seven years of operations.
Nigeria Innovation Summit Unveils Speakers The Nigeria Innovation Summit (NIS), an international annual event that promotes innovation in Nigeria is set to once again gather stakeholders across all sectors of Nigeria’s economy to share ideas, trends, and opportunities around technology, innovation and entrepreneurship development. The Summit scheduled to hold on September 7, 2017 at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme: ‘Transforming Nigeria’s Economy through Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship’, has received confirmed participation from some states of the federation, namely; Benue, Katsina, Anambra and Bayelsa States. They will have the opportunity to showcase and promote their innovations at the Summit. MD/CEO, Emerging Media and organisers of the summit, Mr. Kenneth Omeruo, said: “All is set for this year’s event as Innovations in Health, FinTech, EduTech, Open Innovation takes centre stage. We have assembled young Nigerian innovators across these sectors, who are making the country proud through their innovative solutions as speakers and panellists. This year’s speakers are young, passionate and are already making the country proud through their innovative businesses and organisations Some of the 2017 speakers include: Davis Cook, CEO, Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability(RIIS) South Africa; Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, the 2016 World
Economic Forum young global leader and the CEO, Private Sector Health Alliance; Chris Uwaje, Director, Delta State Innovation Hub; Prof Bongo Adi, senior lecturer at Lagos Business School;Gossy Ukanwoke, Founder BAU R&D; Kola Aina, CEO Ventures Platform;Kendall Ananyi, CEO Tiketi; Celestine Achi, CEO Cihan Group; Sam Bhattacharyya, CEO, Dot Learn; Temie Giwa-Tubosun, CEO, LifeBank;Shola Akinlade, CEO Paystack; Bankole Oloruntoba, Founder EnspireIncubator; Kaosiso Anaekwe, CEO EduBridge Consultants; and AdenikeAkinsemolu, Founder Green Institute. Ahmadu Univeristy Zaria will lead delegates from institutions and other research centres who will be showcasing their innovations at the summit The Director, Nigeria Innovation Summit, Mr. Tony Ajah, said: “Expect quality presentations and workshops at this year’s summit. Davis Cook CEO RIIS South Africa will deliver the keynote that will focus on building open innovation ecosystem in Nigeria and connecting Nigerian innovators to South Africa innovation ecosystem.� “The expected delegates for the summit are Government Representatives, International Organisations, Investors, Business leaders, CEOs of Companies and Organisations, Innovators, Academics, Start-ups and Entrepreneurs.
PREPARING FOR GLOBAL COMPETITION
L-R: Reserve Customer Marketing Manager, Diageo Nigeria, BodamTaiwo; Regional winner, World Class Bartender competition, Kelvin Oduntan; National Reserve Sales Manager, Diageo Nigeria, IkechukwuAgu, at a pre-event cocktail, in preparation for the forth coming Global World Class Bartender competition in Mexico, held in Lagos... recently
Glo Extends Sponsorship of Ofala Festival Next generation telecommunication network, Globacom, has extended its sponsorship of the iconic Onitsha Ofala Festival for another three years with the recent signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the palace of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe. The signing of the new MoU coincided with the commencement of the 2017 Ofala which began with the Umatu Festival where the highly respected monarch performed the rites marking the end of the planting and starvation season and the beginning of the period of harvest and plenty for the people of the kingdom. Thereafter, the Obi goes into seclusion. The MoU was signed on behalf of Onitsha kingdom by the Ogene Onira of Onitsha, Chief (Prof) Ngozi E. Okafor, while National Sales Coordinator, South East, Mr. Mike Ehumadu, signed on behalf of Globacom. Obi Achebe expressed satisfaction with Globacom on
its sponsorship of the festival in the last seven years, and conveyed his gratitude to the Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., (GCON) for his efforts at promoting the cultural values of the Black Race. Achebe urged all Onitsha sons and daughters and the entire people of Anambra State to patronise Globacom, saying that was the only way they could show appreciation for the support the proudly Nigeria network had given to them over the years. Speaking earlier, Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator, South East, Mr. Mike Ehumadu announced that the company has renewed the sponsorship of Ofala Festival to demonstrate unimpeachable commitment to the promotion of the culture, customs and traditions of the Nigerian people. He reassured the palace that Globacom would give international impetus to the festival, as it had done over the years, and make Ofala the cynosure of all other festivals in the Black race.
Dell EMC Champions Next Generation Datacenter Discourse Dell EMC has championed a discourse on the importance of next generation datacenter at IDC Roadshow 2017 event. The event, which was held in Lagos, had over 80 participants ranging from Information Technology (IT) Directors and Managers, Storage Managers, DR and BC Managers, and Technical Managers in attendance. The enterprise infrastructure market in the Middle East and Africa is gradually maturing into more efficient, consolidated, manageable and cloud enabled infrastructures. Digital transformation initiatives across enterprises in the region along with the adoption of third platform technologies like Cloud, Mobility, Social Business and Big Data/Analytics, is reshaping the datacenter and creating a necessity for organisations to reassess their datacenter architecture. Datacenter continues to evolve with the business demands & technology enhancements. IDC’s assessment of key datacenter technology markets shows a shifting trend within these technologies along with a move to newer consolidated systems.
Ultimately, for cloud to become a reality, datacenters have to evolve and become more agile, enabling architectures. While delivering a presentation titled, ‘Modernise Automate Transform’, Senior Architect at Dell EMC West Africa, Ehidiamen Obodeh, noted that technology is advancing at an exponential rate and changing how we work and live and it is the engine of human progress. The new digital era is really a fourth industrial revolution, creating a world where everything is connected - a source of greater data and insight. Big data is disrupting and transforming the entire business and 21st century and businesses cannot afford to be left behind. “In order to transform and succeed as a digital business, an organisation must modernise, automate, and transform their IT infrastructure. Dell EMC is helping organisations to simplify their IT, solve business challenges as well as gain the agility and scalability to support their organisation’s long-term strategy through its future-ready, standard-based data center solutions,� Obodeh said.
9 T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ
29
Growth amidst Counterfeiting As the activities of promoters of fake products continue to hamper the growth of players in the herbal drinks market, Raheem Akingbolu calls on stakeholders, especially regulatory bodies and consumers to be vigilant as they explore the market
L-R: Head of Marketing, Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL), Mobolaji Alalade (left); Managing Director, Ogbohu Enterprises, Dorothy Anegbe; and Chief Operating OďŹƒcer, Explict, Oluwatosin Olaifa at the launch of Confam Bitters Schnapps in Ota, Ogun State‌recently
In what looked like direct response to public concern over the unbridled manner in which consumers patronise road side vendors for concocted local gin, otherwise known as ‘paraga’, a number of well-known manufacturers have, in the last eight years, ventured into manufacturing of bitters to bridge the gap. The story began to change when a Ghana based distilleries company -the Kasapreko Company Limited, entered the market in 2009 and began to distribute its popular Alomo bitters. With Nigeria population of over 150 million people, the fortune of the brand got boosted almost immediately. However, the honeymoon didn’t last for Alomo bitters, as two factors humbled its rise. Perhaps because it didn’t manufacture in the country, Kasapreko found it difficult to check the influx of fake products that soon frustrated its growth. Another factor was the early discovery of the opportunities in the market by established Nigerian companies like Guinness Nigeria Plc and Intercontinental Distillers Limited. Guinness introduced Orijin bitters while Intercontinental Distillers Limited, manufacturers of Chelsea Dry Gin and Veleta came into the market with Action Bitters. The list also includes; Osomo Bitters (by Yem-Kem), Sapiro (by Yoyo Bitters), Agya Appiah Bitters (also from Ghana), Pasa Bitters, among others. Few days ago, the market witnessed the entry of yet another product -Confam Bitters Schnapps, also from the stable of Intercontinental Distillers Limited. The launch of the new brand thus elicited further discussions about the growth of the market and various challenges faced by players, especially as it concerns counterfeiting. In a well calculated positioning move, the promoters of Confam Bitters Schnapps settled for the busy Ojuwoye market in Mushin, for the launch amidst pomp. The event was graced by some distributors of the company, market union leaders and popular female Juju musician, St. Janet, who sang to the delight of the consumers present. As if reading the mood of consumers as
regard the challenges facing bitters manufacturers, the Head of Marketing, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Mr. Bolaji Alalade said Confam Bitters would bring a total revolution to the bitters market. “Confam Bitters will deliver on all functional attributes that every bitter aspires to get. It will redefine completely in its sub-category. A Bitter that is mellow, truly herbal and delivers on all our expectations.� According to Alalade, with its alcohol content at 28%, Confam Bitters was said to have low alcohol strength and offers a good Bitters experience. “Confam bitters is expected to be found in major markets, neighbourhood retail shops, bars and all other leisure destinations where young men and women have a relaxing time,� he stated. Driving home his point, he was quick to add that with a number of bitters in the market, the new product stands out with a leafy dark green pack and a symbol of “thumbs-up� on the design. He specifically pointed out that it comes in a variety of sizes: 5cl, 10cl and 37.5cl. Combating counterfeiting Despite the huge acceptability bitters recorded within a short time, influx of fake products in the market has started affecting the bottom line of the market leaders. In the last two years, major stakeholders in the market have been involved in activities that would help the manufacturers nip in the bud, the continued influence of promoters of fake products. They have also made frantic calls to the government and its agencies to help them check the abnormal situation. The Kasapreko Company Limited, manufacturers of the popular Alomo bitters appeared to be the most affected, perhaps because of the company’s poor understanding of the market. Aside the deployment of various innovative mechanisms to control the ugly situation, the fact that companies like Guinness and Intercontinental Distillers Limited, are
manufacturing locally has helped them to block the leakages. However, operators in the market require concerted effort to control the situation. To control the situation, owners of Alomo too have involved in many activities. In Nigeria market, where the problem of fake products emanated, the company has, on several occasions, engaged its distributors and security bodies on how to collaborate to control the trend. Partnership with trade partners But beyond that, Guinness and Intercontinental Distillers Limited for example often involve distributors and other stakeholders in media tour of their factories. Again, at venues where their products are launched, stakeholders, including regulators and distributors also participate in the activities to make them acquainted with the brands. By so doing, they will know the salesmen and be able to determine anytime perpetrators of fake products approach them for patronage. This was what happened at the launch of Confam Bitters, where the Iyaloja General, Odi Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Mrs. Mufuliat Adebunmi, asserted that the makers of product, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, have an advantage in the market. To analysts, such endorsement, would make the brand be accorded immediate acceptability in the market. She said: “Intercontinental Distillers Limited is doing well and people like their products and as a result, this Confam Bitters will move in the market very well�. She added that as it is the trend with the brand’s products, which are “Made in Nigeria� for Nigerians, Confam Bitters would take over the market in record time. Also at the venue of the launch, what looked like the first experiential platform was created for the brand as random consumers at the market square were selected to sample the new Confam Bitters Schnapps and they all gave compliments to the new offering. According to Kunmi Akanbi, who runs a
retailer shop at Idi Oro, Lagos, the launch of Confam Bitters Schnapps has not only presented the Nigerian market with a new bitter, but has also offered the people what they want; low alcohol content and effective herbal properties. Meanwhile, the company has announced that the launch train of the brand will soon begin to move around Lagos and outside the commercial city. It has also been announced that consumers can look forward to the exciting promotions which will soon be rolled out to support the brand. Arresting the situation To corroborate the efforts of the manufacturers, the Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the police have tried to check the activities of the fakers. For instance, there was a recent discovery of counterfeit products bearing Alomo Bitters value creation and brand identity but came with the name; “The Prince Alomo Bitters� and “De Kings Bitters�. They have the originals’ brand identities, such as colour, label, logo and label information in an attempt to gain part of the market share. In the same manner, manufacturers of Action bitters and Orijin from the stable of Intercontinental Distillers Limited and Guinness Nigeria have also intensified quality control approaches to maintain standard. Aside exposing their processes to regulators and the media, they at various times embarked on activations to educate consumers. Meanwhile, consumer activists have continued to call on government and manufacturers to intensify their effort in educating the drinking populace to be careful and wary of sub-standard brands out there in the market. It is believed in many quarters that if the activities of the manufacturers can be supported by relevant stakeholders, especially consumers and security agencies, the problem of bringing fake products into the market would be solved.
30
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ
Using Mobile Apps to Demystify Pay TV Operations Raheem Akingbolu writes on how the introduction of mobile applications is changing the affluence of both Pay TV operators and subscribers, using ‘DStv Now’ as a case study
Apps have come to stay. Since the first Mobile Application Service, ‘Apps’, were launched in 1993 by the Apple Newton team, the service has undergone an evolution that has completely changed the way we live and interact with our mobile devices. With the current fast-paced business and social landscape, apps are playing key roles in delivering efficiency. The app revolution has expanded and basically taken over and reshaped the way we carry out different activities. Apps have become a part of the mobile lexicon and can be used for practically everything. In the financial sector, for instance, customers are encouraged to conduct their financial transactions through mobile apps thereby making it much more seamless and reducing the interface with the human element. So regardless of whether it is a work day, weekend or a public holiday, customers can always access their accounts for cash and pay their bills whenever, wherever. What app does Through apps, multitasking is made possible and no one suffers for the other. There are apps for every aspect of life: school, social life, marketing and sales, entertainment, fashion and style, religion, advertising, games, the weather and even dating. They all serve to make peoples’ lives easier and work more convenient. This is why businesses are taking new directions with the use of apps to provide more value for their customers and at no extra cost. It is also why a working mum can shop for groceries with her app and also catch up on her favourite Telemundo series even while at work. MultiChoice example For a company like MultiChoice, Nigeria’s
leading entertainment and video company, the customer is central to the business and providing world-class services is a critical ingredient of its proposition. Making use of modern technology is one of the ways by which this is achieved. For a company that prides itself as a leader in innovative services, the recently revamped mobile application, DStv Now further affirms this. The app offers lots of excitement and entertainment to customers on the go while also providing users the opportunity to catch up with their favourite programmes, regardless of the time and place. For DStv subscribers, the DStv Now app puts customers in charge and gives them control of their time. Having DStv Now means customers are assured of never missing that important programme regardless of when it aired, thanks to the availability of the Catch Up service, which was hitherto available only on the decoders. As the name implies, this unique feature allows customers catch up on their favourite programmes even after the programme must have aired. When enabled, DStv Catch Up stacks favourite programmes; and as far as the subscription is still active, customers are able to watch those programmes at a convenient time or binge-watch an entire episode of their favourite movie series. Recently, the company introduced this service to DStv Compact Plus and Compact subscribers at no additional cost. Previously it was only available to customers with an active PVR decoder and subscription however, it is now available to all Premium, Compact and Compact Plus customers irrespective of their decoder type. In a statement from the company: the live TV and DStv Catch Up content on DStv Now will be tailor-made as per the subscriber’s
package. DStv Compact Plus customers will have access to over 40 channels on the go, while DStv Compact customers will get over 30 channels. This includes live streaming of package-specific SuperSport channels, and access to their favourite movie and entertainment channels, documentaries and lifestyle channels, music plus a host of kid specific channels to keep the little ones busy. DStv Now to the rescue With the start of the English Premier League, which took off over the weekend, DStv Now is one service that is a must-have for customers who do not wish to miss out on any of the live action. In addition to the Premier League, customers can enjoy the different football offering on SuperSport, including the La Liga, Champions league, German Cup, Copa Del Rey, Carabao Cup (formerly called EFL Cup), English FA Cup and soon, the newly acquired World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and its flagship shows RawŽ and SmackDownŽ as well as WWE specials, including WrestleManiaŽ and SummerSlamŽ. DStv Now ensures that businesses do not have to suffer while customers indulge in their passion. All the match excitement can be followed on mobile devices even while at work or in transit. SuperSport currently has the rights to broadcast the all EPL matches until June 2018 and all matches can be followed live on DStv Now or the Catch Up service. For MultiChoice Nigeria’s General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Martin Mabutho, the DStv Now app is an entertainment service tailor-made for DStv customers. It is positioned to give the best live TV and Catch Up content anytime and anywhere and at no extra cost. Once the decoder is active, subscribers can enjoy same quality entertainment on the go.
“As trailblazers, we have deployed DStv Now, an app that allows our subscribers watch their favourite matches anywhere and anytime on their laptops, mobile phones and tablets. Subscribers are in for a bumper soccer season with SuperSport showcasing the world’s most exciting football leagues as Europe’s best players go to battle across the continent. In addition, SuperSport will showcase all 380 live and in HD international matches from the English Premiership and Spanish La Liga, which will also be available on the Family bouquet, not forgetting wrestling and a host of other football games,� enthused Mabutho. Because MultiChoice is a company that upholds ethics and encourages family values, the app also comes with an added security of four-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number), thereby putting control in the hands of parents and guardians. This is to ensure that children are unable to view anything outside the kids section. What’s more, the DStv Now app can be accessed on up to four mobile devices from the same account. So, even when you are on a road trip, you can stream a movie, or watch a live football match while the kids watch cartoons. Setting up the app is very easy. Visit the DStv website to register and obtain a connect ID after which you download the app. The app can be accessed from the Google Play on your Android or App store on iOS mobile devices after which the registration is completed with your smartcard number and connect ID. The service is currently available only to Premium, Compact Plus and Compact bouquet subscribers for free. Entertainment will never be the same with DStv Now.
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ
31
FCMB Restates Commitment to Tourism, Felicitates with Ijebuland on Ojude Oba Festival First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has reiterated its commitment to support activities that promote and add value to Nigeria’s culture and heritage, which are also capable of boosting tourism and other non-oil sectors in line with the federal government’s ongoing drive to diversify the country’s economy. According to the Bank, this is the rationale behind its decade long support for the annual Ojude Oba Festival, a carnival-like celebration of the traditional, cultural, spiritual, economic and other accomplishments of the people of Ijebuland in Ogun state. Consequently, FCMB has assured its stakeholders that its participation in this year’s festival, which holds in IjebuOde on September 3, 2017 will be grand, exciting and rewarding for the thousands of people within and outside the country that would grace the fiesta. The Group Head, Corporate Affairs of FCMB, Mr. Diran Olojo, gave the assurance at a press conference in Ijebu Ode, to kick-off activities for the festival. FCMB has over the years been a major sponsor of the Ojude Oba Festival and has continued to play a significant role in ensuring its success. The Ojude Oba (which in Ijebu dialect means, the king’s fore-court or frontage) is a major festival in Nigeria that began over 100 years ago. It brings together all sons and daughters of Ijebuland in Nigeria and diaspora. During the Festival, various age groups (popularly known as the Regberegbes), indigenes, their friends and associates from far and near - all in their colourful costumes and riding on horses - throng the palace of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland to pay homage to him amidst prayers, songs, tributes and other fun-filled activities. Apart from serving as a distinctive
platform to reconnect with the values that sustain the town’s rich history, heritage and industrious uniqueness, the festival also goes a long way to boost business activities, tourism and the general hospitality sector in the area. In a goodwill message to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona, the Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun, congratulated the monarch, sons and daughters of Ijebuland for promoting the values of the ancient city through the festival and other socio-economic activities. He stated that FCMB is committed to the longevity of the Ojude Oba Festival and the economic prosperity of Ijebuland, just as he urged the people to see the Festival as a fulcrum to inspire individuals and businesses for heightened creativity and increased productivity. According to him, “over the years, the Ojude Oba Festival has grown to become the most popular gathering of the people of Ijebuland and a significant tourist attraction. With her large diaspora population, talented artists and rich cultural diversity, Nigeria is well positioned to reap the opportunities that globalisation presents to showcase her artistry and festivals, whilst bringing increased economic activity to communities that host such, such as Ijebu Ode. As we seek to diversify our economy, tourism and culture represent a low hanging fruit that must not go untapped’’. In the same vein, the Founder of FCMB Group who is also the the Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijebu, Otunba (Dr.) Michael Olasubomi Balogun, CON, in a goodwill message to the paramount ruler of Ijebuland expressed his gratitude to the Awujale, especially the paramount ruler’s selflessness in attending to the different requests and yearnings of the people of Ijebuland. In
Interswitch Unveils New Campaigns to Deepen Awareness Integrated digital payments and commerce firm, Interswitch, has unveiled a new integrated brand campaign to consolidate its positioning as the trusted enabler of choice for digital payments and electronic commerce across Africa. Speaking at the media launch in Lagos, the Marketing Manager of the company, Olawale Akanbi, said the campaigns become necessary to cater for the various needs and aspirations of its diverse customers, spread across the African continent. According to Interswitch, these advertising materials are products of many months of research and insight generation from consumers and concept testing. This was to ensure that these campaigns align with the brand promises, which connect and resonate with the company’s target markets. The three campaigns, which are Television Video Commercials are themed “Long live the curious�, “Special People� and “Beyond the big picture.� “Long Live the Curious� is
designed to show how curiosity is helping Interswitch change the landscape of digital payments in Nigeria and beyond. ‘Special People’ brings to light how Interswitch keeps the vision of its customers in mind, developing solutions that help them stay ahead of the curve and promising to always be there ahead– wherever their imaginations lead them. ‘Beyond the Big Picture’ is about the foresight to seek out the opportunities that lie on the fringes of the big picture. It’s about not just accepting the given reason for the “why� but pursuing the “why not�. Interswitch built Nigeria’s transaction switching infrastructure and connected all the banks in the country just over 15 years ago with the strategic objective of becoming a truly pan-African electronic transactions business. In 2014 the company announced a partnership agreement with Paynet, East Africa’s leading multi-institutional payments provider, creating an unrivalled payments infrastructure spanning nine African countries.
a message delivered on his behalf by Mr. Diran Olojo, the Bank’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Otunba Balogun commended Oba Adetona for his distinguished and exemplary leadership over the years. “I for one continue to be proud as your Olori Omo-Oba to lead the way in showing
our appreciation by being very close to you and showing unflinching loyalty. Let me thank you and the good Lord, our Maker that you have been unrelenting in showing that you appreciate my regular homage and tribute to you. I can say without fear of anybody gainsaying it that from
year to year, on a daily basis, the appreciation of all Ijebus for the way you extend yourself to their different requests and yearnings, is such that the annual paying of homage, is not just the only occasion we would want to be showing our appreciation because you continuously earn our affection
and our adulation’’, Otunba Balogun emphasised. While congratulating the entire indigenes of Ijebuland, the FCMB Founder also prayed that the monarch’s reign would continue to bring joy and prosperity in abundance to the entire Ijebu race, at home and in the diaspora.
AWARD PRESENTATION
L-R: Managing Director, BD Consult, Tola Badamosi; Group Public Relations and Events Manager, DuďŹ l Prima Foods Plc, Ashiwaju Tope; representative of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adekunle Adebowale and President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Mrs. Nike Akande, during the Commerce and Industry Awards 2017 organised by LCCI in Lagos...recently
Skye Bank Repositions to Deepen Nagode Foundation Set to Partner FSD to Train Young Market Penetration Entrepreneurs The Chairman also thanked Promoters of the Skye Bank brand have stated that their decision to extend the frontier of the bank offering through the recently launched digital banking solution called Skyexperience was to give the banking public exciting experience. According to the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, the product, which was developed in collaboration with Oracle Corporation, a leading computer technology company, was introduced to grow customer enrolment by over 2 million in 17 months as well as offering customers seamless Omni-channel experience. Meanwhile, financial technology experts have described the new solution as a game-changing innovation that is poised to put industry competitors in the digital catch-up mode. Skyexperience is a robust platform designed to deliver Omni-channel user experience across multiple devices as well as boost its digital competitiveness objective which is projected to grow Skye Bank’s e-payment enabled customer base to over 2 million by end of 2018. Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Skye Bank, Mr. Mohammad Ahmad described the launch of Skyexperience as “a timely intervention in the banking industry and a modest contribution towards the economic development of Nigeria, especially in the area of financial technology and digital evolution�.
the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for leading the way to the future through its e-payment System Vision (PSV 2020). The vision is expected to ensure that majority of Nigerians irrespective of their social status embrace e-channels as a primary and convenient means of their daily transactions. Abiru said the development was a display of the bank’s commitment to its valued customers who have continued to not only do business with the bank, but also challenged it on how best to serve them. In the words of the GMD, “As a pledge of commitment to a new service charter with our customers, we have decided to render to you this digital banking solution, which we have called Skyexperience denoting such positive values as: experience, excellence, excitement and experiential.� In a statement released by the Senior Vice President, Oracle Financial Services Chet Kamat heralding the launch of Skyexperiance, he stated: “In a dynamic digital landscape, banks need to compete for customer attention by continuous innovation. Oracle and Skye Bank have been associated with each other for over a decade. Oracle’s solution, Oracle Banking Digital Experience, built on open standards architecture helps drive a digital-first proposition, accelerating Skye Bank’s digital journey and delivering greater flexibility and mobility to their customers.�
Ugo Aliogo, Chidinma Okonkwo and Blessing Nduka Nagode Foundation is set to partner Field of Skills and Dreams (FSD) in empowering 20 youths in a six weeks training programme which will feature fashion designing, hair dressing, cake baking, catering, and electrical installations. Speaking at the induction ceremony for the free training and provision of startup equipment unemployed persons, in Lagos organised by FSD, the Managing Director Nagode Industries, Sandeep Kapoor, lamented that the public and private sector have failed in tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians despite having a strong work force. He remarked that small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) are strong creators of employment opportunities, therefore government should actively support the SME sector, while commending the FSD for organising the six weeks training programme. Kapoor said as part of the foundation’s plan to support the training programme, it is investing N2million in order to help FSD surmount the huge financial challenges they may be facing in training the entrepreneurs. “Since it is a six weeks programme, we hope to have another after this. The contribution has been done by the founder of our group through the foundation.
Through, the foundation he devotes a certain amount of the profit of the group to worthy courses such as this. We are also supporting some other initiatives. We urge the entrepreneurs to remain focused and put their best.� he noted. In her remarks, the Founder of FSD, Mrs. Omowale Ogunrinde, said that the academy began in 2003 as an idea to support teenagers in her local church, adding that she felt a longing to take the initiative to the larger society by engaging the youths. She also stated that the goal of the academy has always been empowering people with skills in order to setup their own businesses or work in industries, while stressing that since inception they have focused on professional skills acquisition. “The training programme organised by the academy is not a time wasting exercise. A one-week training programme will help trainee get knowledge on how to start their own businesses. The success stories are verifiable and they are amazing. We have been able to get partners that have sent us to Calabar, Kuje and Enugu. We have ensured that we organise similar trainings in all the locations we visit�, she stressed. Ogunrinde further noted that the academy has ensured that the training is professional enough to bring a change in the status of the trainees.
32
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ
BUSINESSWORLD
DEVELOPMENT
Strong Value Chain to Boost Rice Production As Nigeria continues to bask in the euphoria of local rice production through its Agro-borrower’s programme initiated by the Federal Government to aid farmers’ rice production in the country, thus, becoming self-sufficient in the product before the next two years, stakeholders have raised the need for strong effectively connected value chain to achieve the result. Kasim Sumaina writes
R
ice has become one of Nigeria’s most-consumed staples, and the country has made boosting rice production a priority. But, lack of standard seeds and milling facilities infrastructure along the value chain leads to consumers’ preference for imported rice even as it has been reported that, there’s the need to tackle problems arising from poor vertical integration in the domestic rice value chain in the country. Food Report Recently, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in its reports disclosed that, nearly 90 per cent of the projected global population increase is concentrated in Africa and Asia, with Nigeria, China, and India alone expected to add 900 million urban residents by 2050. The report also finds that cities provide an opportunity to boost farmer’s incomes, if they are effectively connected through strong value chains. The international conference held recently in Abuja to present key findings from the 2017 Global Food Policy Report, the latest in an annual analysis of developments in food policy around the developing world, showed that, with rapid urbanisation dramatically shifting demographics across the developing world in recent years, this year’s report focuses on how urbanisation is changing food systems, health, and development. The report also showed that, cities provide opportunities for rural smallholders to raise their incomes by connecting to larger urban markets and typically more wealthy urban consumers. It said, “For urban consumers, small farmers can provide an important source of diverse and nutritious foods. But, the links between these areas in the developing world are often weak or broken, hindering growth and development. Forecasts & Prospects Director General, IFPRI, Shenggen Fan, while presenting the 2017 Global Food Policy Report in Abuja, disclosed that, “current forecasts of global economic growth for 2017 are slightly positive: after low growth of 2.3 per cent in 2016, growth in 2017 is expected to rise to 2.7 per cent.� He noted that the prospects of growth differ sharply across countries and regions, with emerging economies in Asia showing robust growth, while Africa, South of the Sahara experiences a slowdown. The projected slowdown, Fan stressed, threatens to reverse the gains achieved in reducing poverty and food insecurity in Africa. In Nigeria, he said, “lower oil prices combined with the effects of currency depreciation and conflict elevate the risk of severe food insecurity. Relatedly, staple food prices in Nigeria were expected to have risen above 2015 prices and the five-year average by September 2016.� According to him, “Food value chains encompasses all actors and activities involved in the food supply chain, and include inputs and production, storage, processing, distribution, transport, retail, and consumption. For example, value chains can bring food produced by rural smallholders to urban consumers and inputs produced in cities or towns to smallholders. However, weak links along the value chain may disrupt this flow. A lack of inputs, such as seeds and fertilisers or physical and financial impediments to accessing inputs faced by smallholders can weaken the value chain upstream. He added that, a lack of processing, milling, cold storage, and transportation can sever value chains midstream. “Poor transportation infrastructure can make it too costly for smallholders to sell their produce downstream to urban consumers and can contribute to greater food losses and waste. Strong value chains are important for improving livelihoods, food security and nutrition,� Fan stressed.
Rice processing mill in Niger State He stated that, despite rice becoming one of Nigeria’s most-consumed staples, and the country making boosting rice production a priority, yet 60 per cent of rice purchased in urban areas is imported due to weak links in the rice value in Nigeria and because of consumers’ concerns about locally-produced rice. The concerns, according to the report, “include inconsistencies in quality, labeling, and taste problems that arise from poor vertical integration in the domestic rice value chain. For rice, postharvest processing (milling, parboiling, and cleaning) and marketing play key roles. Yet, with a highly fragmented domestic value chain, the many small- and medium-sized rice Millers that process 80 per cent of Nigerian rice have varied skills and degrees of access to services and information, and little scope for upgrading varieties or technologies, it noted. The result is wide variation in the quality of the final product in Nigeria, including unfavourable properties such as discoloration and the presence of stones, Lack of traceability along the value chain leads to inconsistencies between variety names and the final product, preventing a link between production and consumer preferences.
ABIMBOLA AKOSILE That consumers prefer the quality, taste, and texture of imported rice over domestic rice-in large part due to the broken rice value chain-is not surprising, the report noted. Poor Coordination Although rural and urban areas are interdependent, they are often governed by distinct local entities. When faced with problems of achieving food security and nutrition for their constituents, policy makers may look for solutions solely within their own locales, without recognising the potential of rural -urban linkages. For example, urban policy makers often turn to urban agriculture to address food insecurity, despite little evidence that urban agriculture alone can substantially reduce urban food insecurity or malnutrition. Rural policy makers may not consider how rural households benefit from connections to urban areas as a means of diversifying income sources, such as the potential of remittances from seasonal or permanent migrants to urban areas. Lack of land use planning and proper regulation of land tenure will also affect development of urban and peri-urban agriculture. Urban sprawl
will affect food security and natural resource availability in places where it causes significant loss of productive peri-urban agricultural land and contributes to degradation of environmental resources. The expected increases in the urban population in the developing world will be accompanied by a tripling in the built up area of cities from 200,000 to 600,000 square kilometres between 2000 and 2030. The way in which cities are built up will have major implications for establishing connectivity and securing adequate rural -urban linkages, the report noted. According to it, a lack of shared governance of food security and nutrition and shared management of natural resources may arise from misperceptions about rural and urban areas. Urban food insecurity and malnutrition have been overlooked in low and middle income countries hunger and malnutrition have typically been considered rural problems. On the other hand, a disproportionate focus on urban areas can bring about an “urban bias� against agriculture and the rural economy in the allocation of development resources and prioritisation of policies to address poverty, it noted.
RANDOM THOTS Presidential Return When President Muhammadu Buhari ĘŽĂ?ĂĄ ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Í’Íš Ă‹Ę°Ă?Ăœ Í’Í‘Í” ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă– Ă‹ĘľĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ëœ Ëœ ÞÒĂ? åÒÙÖĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă?ÞÙÙÎ Ă?ÞÓÖÖ˛ Ă“Ă? ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă– ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ•Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă‹ ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă• Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă?Ăœ Ě™ Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Í’Í“Ěš Ă‹Ę°Ă?Ăœ Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂŽĂ™Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŽĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜ ĂŽĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ÒÙ×Ă? to resume the mandate handed to him ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Í“Í‘Í’Í–Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă?Ù×Ă? ÙÚÚÙĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ě‹ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă?ʨĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă’Ă‹ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă?Ě‹Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžËœ Ă?ĂžĂ?ÚÚĂ?ĂŽ Ă?ĂšĂœĂ“ĂžĂ?Ă–ĂŁ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? ÙʊĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă”Ă?Ăž ÞÒËÞ ĂŒĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă— Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ™Ă˜ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă‹Ă—ĂŽĂ“ äÓÕÓåĂ? Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă“ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂžËœ ×Ùà Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă Ă™Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ?
Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ě™Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă• ÞÙ Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžĚšËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă?ÞËÞĂ? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ĂšĚ‹ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÙʊĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă’Ă‹ĂŽ ĂĄĂ‹Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÚËÞÓĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂž ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă’Ă“Ă— ÞÙ ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜ ÒÙ×Ă?Ë› ÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă“Ă? ĂžĂœĂ&#x;ÞÒ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ĂŒĂ? ĂžĂ™Ă–ĂŽËœ Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ ÒÙ×Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ĂŒĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽËœ Ă“Ă? ÒËÚÚã Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă?Ăœ ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă’Ă?ËÖÞÒ Ă?ÞËÞĂ&#x;Ă?Ëœ ÞÒÓĂ? ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?Ăœ Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ’Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂŽ Ă Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă–ĂŁ ÞÒËÞ Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă?Ă–ĂŁ Ă˜Ă™Ăž ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜ ÞÙ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă’Ă?ËÖÞÒã Ă?ÞËÞĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽË› Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙÙ Ă“Ă–Ă– ÞÙ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ“Ă‘Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“Ăš Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂœĂ“Ă Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă?Ù×ÚÖĂ?â
Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› ÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ ÞÒÙĂ?Ă? Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ĂŽĂ“Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ëœ Ă‹Ă–ĂŒĂ?Ă“Ăž ĂžĂ?Ă—ĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂœĂ“Ă–ĂŁ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÒÙ×Ă?Ë› Ă™Ăœ ÞÒÙĂ?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ÖÙÙÞĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ËŞĂ? ĂžĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂŁ åÓÞÒ Ă˜Ă™ ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽËž Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒÙĂ?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ“Ă Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă‹ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–ĂŁ Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ–Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹ĂŽĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëž Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒÙĂ?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ÚÒãĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁËœ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁËœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂžĂ’Ă˜Ă“Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒÙĂ?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂŁĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ÞÙÚ Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ăž Ă“Ă˜ ͓͚͑͒˜ ËŞĂ? ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜ ĂŽĂ™Ă?Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă–Ă– Ă‘Ă–Ă‹ĂŽ ĂžĂ“ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ë› Ă™ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?Ăž ÙÞÒĂ?ĂœĂĄĂ“Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?Ăœ ÒãÚÙĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?ã˛˛˛Ă?Ó×ÚÖĂ? ĂžĂœĂ&#x;ÞÒ -Abimbola Akosile
33
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ
Ëš
Women advocates seeking FG intervention in rescue of the still missing Chibok girls
SOURCE: #BBOG Campaign
Are Women Truly Better Change Agents? Although this has been a lingering argument, many analysts believe women can perform better in positions of leadership, to deliver on expectations and ensure transparent good governance to the citizens; if only the men-folk would allow them access to such influential positions. Their thinking is that women are more committed to development and they truly desire change more than their male counterparts. Do you agree with this position, or it is just a myth? THE FEEDBACK
Abimbola Akosile * Wise women are naturally nurturing, conservative and multipliers. They deserve a chance and more leadership opportunities to express their worth especially in Nigeria - Ms Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos * Women are great custodians of the household in care of food, administration and men. Some women have contributed positively to the progress of humanity e.g. late Mrs. Margaret Ekpo, Prof. Dora Akunyili, Mrs. Janet Mokelu, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Hajia and Mrs. Maryam Babangida. There are also able Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili, and the Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf who made history as Africa’s first female president. I therefore agree that women are much committed to development and they are truly change agents more than male counterparts, loaded with valuable potentials. - Mr. Michael Adedotun Oke, Founder Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Apo, Abuja * This has been my preaching for over 20 years! - Mrs. Olutayo Bankole-Bolawole, Regional Director - East Africa, WaterAid UK, Kigali, Rwanda * A wise man once said: educate a man and you have educated an individual, but educate a woman and you have educated a nation. Perhaps our greatest problem as a nation is that we have allowed our society to get to our women. Giving women more opportunities than before will most likely change nothing. What we need is reorientation leading to a general change of mindset. Without that, even angels will achieve nothing in this theatre of chaos. - Mr. John Ogunsemore, Lagos State * Evidence abound. Home and abroad; check it out. - Mrs. Aderonke Abimbola, Abuja * Being a change agent has absolutely nothing to do with gender. Being a change agent is an individual, independent decision totally unconnected to gender. This claim that women make better change agents has no place in the development of society. Everyone irrespective of gender can/should pick up the gauntlet and contribute to the positive development of society.
Yes, they are:
10
No, they are not:
2
Others:
5
Radical tip:
Female President!
Number of respondents:
17
Male:
12
Female:
5
Highest location:
Lagos (6)
- Mr. Utibe Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State * Yes, women are truly better change agents. As natural managers ab initio women nurture and manage babies, juveniles, husbands, homes, parents, in-laws, sick and old relatives etc. They work under complex and hazardous conditions easily, etc. Oby Ezekwesili, Okonjo-Iweala, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Ruqquayat Rufai, and Queen Amina of Zaria e.t.c are female legends of repute. Empowered women will take Nigeria to the next level. - Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos State
to try them in governance because our men have failed to deliver good governance. - Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State * Yes! We can perform better, but that does not mean women cannot loot, only very few honest female leaders like late Dora Akunyili. - Miss Janet Adeyemi, Calabar, Cross River State * Yes, they are better committed, the men will not allow them due to tribal, custom, religious beliefs or better in the kitchen and in the room, very few men will allow their women. - Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna State * It’s not the gender of those charged with driving the change that matters, but the creation of an enabling environment. So long as the present structure which allows looting and financial mismanagement with impunity exists, even angels would fall from grace serving Nigeria. Let there be strong institutional changes and punishments should be meted out to all those who run afoul of the laws. - Mr. Yommi Oni, Paris, France
* It is the matter at stake that shows whether or not women are better change agents. In Nigeria, as far as the political scene is concerned, I think lots of people will intone that women have not done too well. But at the level of nurturing the family, you don’t need to look beyond the exploits of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. Commendably, women do not squander credit. - Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R., Apo, Abuja
* Yes, women are truly better change agents. They can perform better in positions of leadership, to deliver on expectations and ensure transparency of good governance etc. Women are more committed to development and they truly desire change more than their male counterparts if only the men-folk would allow them access to such influential positions. Give women the chance. - Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State
* No, I don’t, and that is not because women don’t have quality; rather it is because there isn’t much difference between the genders! That is what my learning and experience has shown! - Mr. Kayode Ketefe, Legal Practitioner, Lagos State
* Men and women are generally a product of the society that produces them. If the men in a society are corrupt, the women are likely to be corrupt as well. Recently, the seizure of assets worth millions of dollars from a former female petroleum Minister is a pointer to this. In our society, there is no difference between youth and the old, men and women, rich or poor, religious or not, we are united in being highly susceptible to acting corruptly if given the opportunity. The solution for Nigeria’s corruption problem lies in strengthening the blocking of leakages approach.
* Notwithstanding Madueke’s acts as minister, it is time Nigerians give women the presidency position to know whether they can take Nigeria out of the woods of corruption and other vices in governance. We should give women 80 per cent of the positions in 2019 general election
- Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State * In fact it is just a myth to say women are truly better change agents. In the first place, women leaders want respect up to the extent of wanting to be worshipped. Women naturally cause men to be corrupted as most of the loot is shared on them while her own looting is just on her and her choice relations. Well, I am talking of the majority as there could be one out of ten that is good. - Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna * Women are better change agents because they are more focused and don’t get easily distracted like men. Women also handle their roles in the development process with greater determination to succeed, unlike men who do not come under such close scrutiny. Women leaders around the world like Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia and Angela Merkel of Germany fit easily into this mould of achievers. - Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State
Next Week: Is Restructuring the Missing Devt Link? ÖÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă’ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹ĂŽĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ&#x;Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă– ĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? Ě™ ĚšËœ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă&#x;Ăš Ă‹ Ă?Ù××ÓÞÞĂ?Ă? ÖÙÙÕ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ Ă‹ Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ— Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă? ĂŁĂ?Ăž ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? ÞËÕĂ?Ă˜ ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă– ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› ÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă–ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ĂŒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? ĂœĂ‹ĂšĂ“ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă Ă“Ă?ĂĄËœ Ă“Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă• ÞÙ Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;Ăœ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁËŞĂ? ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?ËŁ Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžËœ Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ó×ÚÖĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ÞËÞĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă– Ă˜Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ëœ ÞÓÞÖĂ?Ëœ Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ÞÙÎËã Ě™ Ă&#x;Ă‘ ͰͲ Ęś Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă&#x;Ă‘ Ͱ̚͜ ÞÙ abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.comËœ abimbola. akosile@thisdaylive.comË› Ă?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂœĂž ĂžĂ?âÞ Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă? ÞÙ 08023117639 Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽËšĂ™Ăœ 08188361766 Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽËš Ă™Ăœ 08114495306Ë› ÙÖÖËÞĂ?ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? ĂšĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ Ă’Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ͹ͯ
34
T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͰͲ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵
BUSINESSWORLD
DEVELOPMENT
Giving back to the community; water provision in Kano by Dangote Foundation
ABIMBOLA AKOSILE
CISLAC Seeks Decisive Actions on Anti-corruption War, Contentious Issues Abimbola Akosile The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), a civil society organisation (CSO), has called on the Federal Government to sustain the war against corruption and address other pending contentious issues, as President Muhammadu Buhari returns to the country and resumes his duties after a medical vacation. In a statement signed by the organisation’s Executive Director, Mr. Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), CISLAC welcomed the “healthy and safe return of President Buhari to the country from a long but gracious medical leave in United Kingdom. “While we join the rest of the country in the spirit of the on-going jubilations to commemorate the President’s safe return, we are intrinsically inspired to remain focus and articulate contentious socio-
economic and political issues awaiting the President’s prompt attention and decisive actions for secured, productive, peaceful and progressive nation.” The organisation expressed concern at “the recent dubious trend and development in the nation’s anti-corruption fight with the emerging threats and physical attacks on the anti-graft facilities and operatives by sponsored bandits, primarily to subdue achievements and progress in the anti-corruption fight. “We demand enabling environment for various anti-corruption mechanisms, strengthened and secured anti-graft institutions and their operatives for sustainable and progressive anti-corruption fight in the country”, Rafsanjani added. The organisation expressed unreserved worry over the recurring but unhealthy and divisive agitations for separation by different groups from
respective geo-political zones in the country with growing threats, precarious verbal attacks and hate speeches, “which if not holistically addressed may pose grievous challenges to the peaceful-coexistence, unity and diversity of our beloved nation. “We are also worried by the growing social vices such as kidnapping, violent attacks and re-emerged insurgency in the country. We demand proactive strategies and appreciable actions by the President to secure lives and property of Nigerians. “While we are not unaware of the habitual menaces and dreadful impacts of the growing youth unemployment to the execution of the nation’s social, economic and political development planning, we call on the President for more practical and immediate efforts to address youth unemployment to complement the administration’s existing efforts to ensure
progressive, productive and secured nation. “We are disturbed by the on-going unpleasant and hardhearted development rocking our already under-developed and poorly funded tertiary institutions with resultant resurfaced industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), and the potential consequence to the productive and qualitative lives of the Nigerian students and sustainable development of the country.” CISLAC encouraged the President on prompt political intervention to respect and honour Federal Government-ASUU agreements for well-funded, productive and uninterrupted educational activities in the country. “As constructive legislativejudicial relationship remains paramount to appropriate interpretation and implementation of pro-poor legislation, we call
on the President to ensure more concerted effort with proactive measures towards strengthening legislative-judicial relationship for fair and judicious interpretation of laws without favour or intimidation. “The continued reluctance exhibited by the executive and legislative arms towards confirmation of some key appointments and re-appointments in the country remains our major concern that if not promptly addressed will frustrate the good efforts and resources hitherto committed to the fulfilment of the administration’s promises and mandates. “With several appointments and reappointments germane to the fulfilment of the promises made during electioneering campaigns and critical to the attainment of change mantra are awaiting announcement and confirmation, we call on the President to build healthy executive-legislative relation and
fast-track confirmation of key appointive and re-appointive positions to ensure accelerated delivery of the administration’s agenda”, the statement added. The organisation further called on the President to uphold full-fledged implementation of the 2017 budget; timely preparation and presentation of 2018 Appropriation Bill to the legislature and ensure such reflects the citizens’ expectations and aspiration to resuscitate the poorly funded social sector of the economy, giving cognizance to the dwindling donors’ resources in the country. “While we congratulate members of the executive, legislative and judiciary arms on the President’s return, we urge all well-meaning Nigerians and the media on active participation in, continuous support and encouragement for the political stability, democratic and governance process in the country”, Rafsanjani added.
Bridge Communication Gap with Citizens, CSOs Urge Abia Govt Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The huge communication gap between the government and the people of Abia state was recently exposed at a public dialogue on the impact of Paris Club refund in the state, as it emerged that Abia people have been in the dark on the activities of government. The dialogue was organised by the Advocacy Partnership for Good Governance (APAGG), a national coalition of civil societies with mandate in public financial management, monitoring and engagement of duty bearers.
Participants at the forum were surprised when the state commissioner for finance, Mr. Obinna Oriaku told the gathering that the state government had committed the N5.7 billion it got from the second tranche of the Paris Club refund to the payment of salaries and pension arrears. He also explained that over N5.8 billion (over 50 per cent) of the N10.6 billion Abia got in the first tranche of the Paris Club refund was used to defray salary arrears. However the public perception was that government had diverted the money; hence Oriaku
had no choice but to reel out the figures on how the money was spent on each category of the state work force, including Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), teachers, and council workers, among others. The coordinator of APAGG, Mr. Chibuzo Crownwell, in his address pointed out the lapses in government communication with the people, saying that there have been “conflicting facts” in the public domain bordering on the performance of Abia government of its finances. He said that APAGG decided to cause a search into
this conundrum with support from Christian Aid Nigeria, a Department for International Development (DfID)-funded programme under the UKAID project known as Voice to the People (V2P). “The objective of this public dialogue on the impact of Paris Club refund to states in Nigeria is to encourage the state to put its records straight in the public domain,” he said, adding that “public commentators are divided in their views, while on the other hand some analysts believe that the state is performing well on account of many public financial management
policies, laws and institutions put in place by Abia state government. Crownwell therefore stated that the primary goal of the dialogue was no to pass judgment, not to hold strict debate at this point, but to build alliances with a view to solving any possible problem or closing any existing gaps in order to enhance governance process in Abia state. Consultant to the DfID, Mr. Jaiye Gaskia noted that government policies and decisions could be working but if government failed to talk about what it was doing it would
give room to speculations and rumours. Representative of Christian Aid Nigeria, Mr. Kenny Oleru, assured stakeholders and listeners gathered at the event that the organisation would remain committed in its efforts to tackle poverty and ensure good governance across the globe. “We seek to build the confidence of people to see themselves as partners in development,” he said, adding, “We bring the people and government to engage themselves without antagonism as partners in development”.
35
T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͰͲ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵
BUSINESSWORLD
DEVELOPMENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Nigeria’sunityissettledandnotnegotiable.Weshall notallowirresponsible elementstostarttroubleandwhenthingsgetbadtheyrun awayand saddle others with theresponsibilityofbringingback order,ifnecessarywith their blood. Every Nigerian hastherighttoliveandpursuehisbusinessanywhere in Nigeria withoutletor hindrance.IbelievetheveryvastmajorityofNigerians share this view” - PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI SPEAKING IN A NATIONWIDE BROADCAST IN ABUJA
TICAD Ministerial Meeting Holds in Maputo Abimbola Akosile
Manumar Foundation, SLNI Educate Plateau Women on Maternal, Child Healthcare Donate 1,000 birthing kits, mosquito nets Seriki Adinoyi in Jos As part of activities to mark 2017 International Humanitarian Day, Manumar Foundation has partnered Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative (SLNI) to educate Plateau state women on safe delivery and exclusive breastfeeding to help reduce maternal and child mortality rate in Nigeria. The groups also donated 500 birthing kits and 500 mosquito nets to the pregnant women at the three locations. The events, which held recently at Primary Healthcare Centres in Kwombe, Kopal and Bungun Gida communities in Mangu local government area of the state, witnessed a large turnout of men and women, who were on ground to learn on pre-natal and post-natal healthcare and life style. Addressing his audience at events, Founder of Manumar Foundation, Umar Mantu said the programme was organised to educate pregnant women on the important things to know during and after pregnancy, “as this will help in reducing maternal and child mortality rate in Nigeria.” Speaking to the men on the importance of giving their pregnant wives the needed support by sending them to healthcare facilities rather than leaving them at home, Umar said “this is necessary to avoid complications that may arise during delivery.” Also speaking at the event, founder of SLNI, Hauwa Abbas said her organisation was recently selected as a global breastfeeding innovator that promotes early and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth, adding that “exclusive breastfeeding would improve the immunity of the babies against infantile diseases that inflict children under the age of five.” The nurses at the various PHCs joined in educating the women on importance of breastfeeding and the best posture for
Beneficiaries of birthing kits and mosquito nets donated by Manumar Foundation and SLNI in Plateau breastfeeding. They said, “Breast milk is very vital for the baby because it contains the entire nutrients needed for development and also anti-bodies which will help prevent the baby against infant diseases and future diseases. The breast milk is free and available anytime for baby, it is warm already, and there is no need for mothers to make it warm.” On safe delivery, the Nurses at the PHCs warned that women must attend ante-natal
clinic for proper care for mothers and babies, adding that “the appropriate time for a woman to start ante-natal clinic is when the pregnancy is three months old as this will enable the doctors to examine and ensure that there are no complications.” Appreciating the groups for their support, the women said the donations would go a long way to reduce their financial burdens of having to purchase the items during their delivery.
The Government of Mozambique is billed to host a Ministerial Meeting of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) between Thursday, August 24 and Friday, August 25 in Maputo, Mozambique, to assess commitments to advance African development. Co-organised by the Government of Japan, the United Nations Office of the Special Advisor on Africa, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union Commission and the World Bank, the 12th Ministerial Meeting under the TICAD process takes place a year after the landmark TICAD VI Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, according to release issued in New York and made available to THISDAY by Mr. Lamine Bai of the UNDP. The Nairobi Declaration and the Nairobi Implementation Plan adopted on 29 August 2016, outlined actions to be taken by Africa and its partners to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and African Union’s Agenda 2063. Building on the forum’s twin principle of African ownership and international cooperation, TICAD stakeholders are expected to discuss the state and prospect of the continent’s development, including achievements, opportunities, risks and challenges in realising the outcomes of TICAD VI, and ensure that the implementation of the Nairobi Implementation Plan keeps Africa on a firm path to achieving sustainable inclusive growth. Highlights of the two-day gathering will include the presentation the TICAD VI Progress Reports by the co-organisers, as well as two plenary sessions on the Economic Transformation for Africa’s Growth and Promoting Human Security and Resilient Society. Also planned are two dedicated UNDP side events. On August 24 (today) UNDP will unveil the findings of a groundbreaking study on income inequality trends in sub-Saharan Africa. The next day, a UNDP-led panel will discuss approaches to reversing the growing threat of violent extremism on the continent. The two side events are a prelude to the upcoming New York presentation of Journey to Extremism in Africa Drivers, Incentives and the Tipping Point for Recruitment, an investigative study on the lure of violent extremism and its recruitment dynamics (on September 7); and to the global launch of Income Inequality Trends in sub-Saharan Africa: Divergence, Determinants, and Consequences on September 21 during the 72nd United Nations General Assembly. Expected participants at the Maputo meeting include President of the Republic Mozambique, H.E. Felipe Jacinto Nyusi; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Japan; H.E. Taro Kono; Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Oldemiro Júlio Marques Baloi; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Guinea, H.E. Ms. Makalé Camara; UNDP Assistant Administrator, Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, Mr. Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, and the United Nations Special Adviser (a.i.) for Africa, Mr. David Mehdi Hamam. TICAD was launched in 1993 to promote high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners. Meetings are led by Japan and co-organised by the United Nations, UNDP, the World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC).
36
T H I S D AY THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email: charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com
Exclusive Breastfeeding: Win-Win for Mother and Child Nigeria has recorded 97 per cent compliance in breastfeeding and 25 per cent in exclusive breastfeeding. As the country joined the rest of the world recently to mark this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, Kuni Tyessi writes that the nation can meet the 50 per cent global target by 2025
“
Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.” Lamentations 4:3 (KJV) “The mother shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years for him who desires to complete the term; and their maintenance and their clothing must be borne by the father according to usage; no soul shall be imposed upon it a duty but to the extent of its capacity; neither shall a mother be made to suffer harm on account of her child, nor a father on account of his child, and a similar duty on the heir, but if both desire weaning by mutual consent and counsel, there is no blame on you as long as you pay what you promised for according to usage and be careful of your duty to Allah and know that Allah sees what you do.” Qur’an 2 Verse 233 The above quotations from the Holy Bible and the Glorious Qur’an, the spiritual books and constitutions of the two foremost religions in Nigeria and by extension, the world, have set a standard for adherents and indeed for all humans concerning the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the life of a mother and her child. The entire family structure is involved to play supportive roles and in cases where mothers deliberately fail to comply to what is a divine injunction, despite the fact that even animals naturally know the importance and imbibe it, they were said to be ostriches because the very big bird is known to severe the ties it has with its offspring from infancy and leaves it to cater for itself. If the Almighty didn’t see breast milk as anything to go by, both verses would not have been recorded in the first place. In Christianity for example , researchers have postulated that if the life and times of Jesus Christ in the 33 years he lived on earth were to be documented, no mortal would have been able to single-handedly lift the book because it would have been so voluminous. In essence, only the important aspects of humanity and its existence have been recorded and by divine inspiration and revelation. With this, breastfeeding can never be over-emphasised as even the Creator of all humanity has deliberately wired the body of a woman towards ensuring that it provides breast milk when the need arises. Little wonder, the Bible records that every human is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” To further buttress the spiritual lessons and add a voice, the world’s most revered health body, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have recommended that breastfeeding be initiated within one hour of birth, and that this should continue with no other foods or liquids for the first six months of life. It can then be continued with complementary feeding until at least 24 months of age. While breastfeeding is said to be the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk rather than using infant formula or any other milk from a baby bottle and or container, exclusive breastfeeding which is expected to last for the first six months of existence, means that the infant receives only breast milk. No other fluids or solids are given- not even water, with the exception of oral rehydration solution or drops/ syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines. Exclusive breastfeeding has the potential to save more children’s lives than any other preventive intervention, thereby giving at least six times greater chance of survival in the early months than non- breastfed children. However, an unbelievable number of myths have been tied to the age-long practice of breastfeeding and many of them have fallen
Breastfeeding helps both child and mother’s health
short of scientific proofs. While some are still undergoing research based on the theory that change is imminent, some have come to stay as they have been inbuilt by nature and occur naturally, thereby defiling human knowledge. Every woman knows and understands the significance of the female breasts and also knows the importance of breast milk in the life of a child, hence Nigeria’s ability to record up to 97 per cent breastfeeding compliance. However, not every woman is enlightened enough to know and understand the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, and also to accept that breast milk has no substitute especially in the first six months of the existence of every child. Science has continued to debunk the belief that sermonises that exclusive breastfeeding sags the breasts, thereby making it flabby and unattractive, yet, some women have continued to cling to the myth at the expense of their babies and their overall well-being. Due to limited knowledge about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, many women do not know that there exists difference between exclusive and partial breastfeeding. In a two-day media dialogue on breastfeeding and global breastfeeding collective, which was organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund in collaboration with DFID, UNICEF nutrition specialist, Ms. Ada Ezeogu revealed that based on documented facts, exclusive breastfeeding improves the survival, health and development of all children, saves women’s lives and contributes to human capital development and gives every child the best start in life. These
benefits, according to her, are irrespective of location and economical status. “An exclusively breastfed child is 14 times less likely to die in the first six months than a non-breastfed child. An estimated 13 per cent of child deaths could be averted if 90 per cent of mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life. “Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age means that the infant receives only breast milk. No other liquids or solids are given- with the exception of drops/syrups or vitamins, minerals or medicines,” she said. The nutrients a child is exposed to as a result of exclusive breastfeeding include protein, which is usually sufficient in the right quality and quantity and so helps in easy digestion , thereby limiting stress on the kidneys; fats and fatty acids which are important for healthy development of brain, eye and blood vessels; the presence of iron is included and it is easily absorbed by the child’s system and also vitamins A,B and C which has the capacity of meeting up with the child’s needs up to when the child is two years old. The nutrients are all in sufficient quantities and as such, the child does not need any form of supplements. According to Ezeogu, “Due to anti-bodies that help in the fight against infection, exclusive breastfeeding lowers baby’s risk to allergies such as asthma and dermatitis, such as eczema. The child benefits from it and will experience only fewer bouts of diarrhoea and sudden infant death syndrome, thereby helping the family save more in terms of funds as medicines
would not be bought and pains as well as psychological trauma will be averted in the case of infant death. “Exclusive breastfeeding also has the capacity to positively affect dentition and jawbone as well as speech development and little chances of tooth decay. It protects from chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infections, unset-diet-related problems and also to fight adolescent delinquency and depression in latter years. For the mother, it prevents ovarian and breast cancer and diabetes among other benefits.” To achieve a 50 per cent compliance globally, world leaders have also spoken to the advantage of exclusive breastfeeding. One of them is Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank, who in 2016 said ‘One of the biggest obstacles to a better world is our collective failure to help parents provide adequate nutrition to children during the first 1,000 days’. Another quote is from Keith Hansen of the World Bank and The Lancet in 2016. He said “If breastfeeding did not already exist, someone who invented it today would deserve a dual Nobel prize in medicine and economics’. Therefore, exclusive breastfeeding is not only an investment in improving children’s health and saving lives, but also in investment in human capital development that can benefit a country’s economy. So far, investment in global health has revealed that every one dollar if invested in breastfeeding, has the ability to generate 35 dollars in economic returns and as it positively affects the economy, the family also benefits.
37
T H I S D AY THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
NEWS
‘Malaria in Pregnancy Causes Miscarriage, Premature Births, Maternal Deaths, Others’ Martins Ifijeh Public health experts have said that one of the major causes of premature births, maternal deaths, maternal anaemia, miscarriages and low birth weights in Nigeria is malaria in pregnancy. They said malaria in pregnancy often start without symptoms, and if not treated properly can become complicated leading to several unhealthy situations for the unborn baby, mother or even children under five years. Stating this during a media chat on Malaria in Pregnancy
organised by the National Media Elimination Programme (NMEP) in collaboration with Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) at the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos recently, they said the health condition can be prevented, as well as effectively managed. According to the Head of Advocacy, Communications and Social Mobilisation, NMEP, Mrs. Itohowo Ukoone of the surest ways of overcoming this was through early commencement of antenatal care, adding that this could aid early diagnosis
and prompt treatment of the condition. “Other ways are through uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp), regular and appropriate use of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and keeping the environment clean and free from stagnant water. All these can prevent malaria in pregnancy,” she noted. While urging women to report to the hospital immediately they notice they are pregnant, she said malaria parasites can hide in the placenta and do damage to the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
She said the 2015 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS) showed that 37 per cent of pregnant women take two doses of SP Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine even though the recommended dose is three, which must be taken at least one month apart. A health expert with the World Health Organisation, Dr. Tolu Arowolo, said “IPTp is based on the assumption that every pregnant woman living in an area of high malaria transmission has malaria in her blood stream or placenta, whether or not she has symptoms.
“IPT of malaria in pregnancy with SP remains a key intervention but there are still missed opportunities as lesser women who registered for ANC are reported to having had at least two dosed.” The National Coordinator, NMEP, Dr. Audu Mohammed, represented by the Head, Integrated Vector Management, NMEP, Dr. Joel Akilah, said that malaria is a problem that requires a multi-pronged approach, adding that the media is key to disseminating information on prevention and management of the scourge. He said though Nigeria has
made giant strides in the fight against malaria noting that a lot of work still needs to be done to eliminate it in Nigeria. “Over 90 per cent of Nigerians are at risk of malaria, while children under-five and pregnant women are seen to be more vulnerable to this disease, hence the focus of this discussion.’’ The President of HEWAN, Mrs. Chioma Obinna, while commending NMEP for their efforts towards malaria elimination in the country, called on pregnant women to start ante natal immediately they realise they are pregnant.
Lagos Council Begins House-toHouse Campaign against Lassa Fever Sunday Okobi Environmental Health Officials in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State have begun a house-to-house sensitisation campaign against possible outbreak of Lassa fever in the state. In a statement signed by the media aide to the council Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Sulyman, which was made available to journalists in Lagos, the council Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, said: “Although we don’t have any case of the disease in Agege now, we must be at alert, show concern and take into account the extroverted nature of Lagosians.” Egunjobi, who stated the readiness of health workers in the council area to combat the deadly fever, said, “also, there is this proverbial Agege’s rat that is said to be a fast runner, so we must be proactive and aggressive towards creating awareness for our people and be ready to combat it in case it comes up.” The council boss said the sensitisation programme was sequel to the fresh outbreak
of Lassa fever which led to the death of two patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Egunjobi in the statement noted that “a hundred workers of the government-owned hospitals, who came in contact with Lassa fever are currently under surveillance, and all hands must be on deck to curb its spread. “Already, a resident doctor from the Department of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, who was involved in the autopsy conducted on their bodies and three health workers have been diagnosed with the disease and presently on admission. So we have to be on alert going by the nature of our society which is congested.” The council chairman said the focus of the house-to-house campaign was on personal and environmental sanitation aimed at intensifying preparation against any eventuality of an outbreak. He said his administration would address the sanitation challenges in the area, and strategise to keep the area clean and healthy.
85% Foot Amputation are Due to Ulcer, Says Expert Ayodeji Ake The Medical Director, Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre (RSMC), Dr. Rita Isiavwe, has revealed that 85 per cent of diabetic leg amputation cases are as a result of ulcer, while 75 per cent are preventable. Speaking at the 4th Annual International Podiatry and Diabetes Foot Care Workshop in Lagos, recently, and organised by the Consortium of Health Initiatives, said the condition has led to many non-traumatic lower limb amputation worldwide, including Nigeria. Adding that these causes are majorly consequences of ignorance by affected individuals and medical personnel caring for them, who were supposed to refer them to appropriate health centres. “The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is on the increase worldwide, especially in developing nations like Nigeria, and increasing diabetes prevalence comes with increased diabetes complications. We need to reduce diabetes in Nigeria
and to implement policies to include foot diabetes programs in our health system. “We need to have a good policy on foot care especially at the primary healthcare level so that we can educate every Nigerian about diabetes and early detection. We have achieved a lot in terms of reaching awareness and to reach out to Nigerians in diaspora. We have trained over 400 personnel this year and for the annual programme, we have about hundred personnel present here,” she said. The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who was represented by the Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta Lagos, Dr. Adedamola Dada, commended the efforts of the organisers.. Dada noted that “Diabetes is one of the most important non-communicable diseases in our country. It can therefore not be ignored. Prevention of complications is a major strategy in the management of the condition.”
TACKLING MALARIA IN EDO
L-R: Governor, Edo State, Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Mrs Betsy Obaseki; and Deputy Governor, Edo State, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, at the flag-off of distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITN) in Benin recently
Adigwe Tips Pharma Manufacturers Expo to Aid Govt Policies
Me Cure Trains 67 Nigerian Radiographers
Martins Ifijeh
Treatment of cancerous diseases received a boost recently as Me Cure Healthcare Limited, MHL, trained 67 newly graduated Nigerian radiographers on the use of high-end medical equipment to aid the treatment of cancer diseases in medical facilities across the country. The radiographers, which include interns and university students, were trained on the practical use of Computed Tomography modalities such as CT angiography, Cardia CT, MRI angio at the Oshodi and Lekki branches of the health facility. Others include, the use of 64 slice computed Tomography (CT) machines, 1.5 Teslar magnetic Resonance (MR) machines, Digital X-Ray Machines among others. Presenting the graduands at the end of the Compulsory Professional Development Programme organised by the Nigerian Institute of Radiographers, a division of Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), in collaboration with Me Cure Healthcare Limited, on the theme: ‘Computed Tomography Imagine’, in Lagos, the Head of Radiographers and the Relations Safety Officer, Me Cure, Col. Jide fadirepo (rtd), said there was need to train
The Executive Secretary, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, PMGMAN, Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, has said that the 2017 Nigeria Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Expo (NPME) will maximise the gains of President Muhammadu Buhari’s policies on patronage of local medicine production in the country. He said with government’s recent approval of an Executive Order on support for Local Content in Public Procurement, directing the mandatory patronage of Locally Manufactured Medicines by all government MDAs, the Expo, will help in accelerating the growth and development of the trade. In a statement made available to THISDAY, Adigwe said the Expo was billed to attract close to 200 exhibiting companies and nearly 10,000 pharma and related sectors’ trade professionals from across the continent, including from Ghana, Mali, Chad, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Senegal, Morocco, The Gambia, Ivory Coast, Niger, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Benin, and South Africa. He said this year’s edition tagged: ‘Increasing Access to
Healthcare in Nigeria: Strategic Partnerships to Achieve Medicines’ Security and National Self Sufficiency’ is expected to surpass all stakeholders’ expectations, adding that this will be due to the robust and comprehensive advocacy by PMGMAN, which has resulted in significant advances in the Pharma Manufacturing Policy Landscape, in Nigeria as well as on the Continent. “This will in turn assure National Medicines’ Security as well as boost self sufficiency in the production of medicines. Other positive outcomes associated with these policies include the stimulation of considerable employment in the sector. The policy will also lead to increased inflow of Foreign Direct Investment as well as facilitate the export of Nigerian medicines to neighbouring countries,” he added. “These Policy Reforms represent only a fraction of the strategic engagement roadmap developed and initiated by the group to foster a favourable policy environment for local manufacturers.” He added that this year’s theme was carefully formulated to ensure the timely involvement of all relevant stakeholders in an industry he described the jewel of the nation in terms of criticality and potential profitability.
manpower in the radiography field to operate the modern machines, as there are few of them in the country, with an increase in cancerous disease in people, who travel out to get treatment. “The training provides a good opportunity to churn out new radiographers with requisite job skills for the global market, and the average Nigerian today does not need to worry about travel expenses to carry out medical imaging investigation in radiology, as local skills and equipment are available in the country,” he said. He added that the training of manpower would also reduce salaries and other allowances paid to expatriate workers in foreign currency to operate this high-end medical equipment due to the dearth of local skills. On his part, the Head, RRBN, Lagos Zonal Office, Mr. Unaegbunam Chuma, said the collaboration was to equip and increase the number of certified radiographers in the country, as well as to reduce quackery in the system, adding that with the increase in cancerous disease, which has led to many losing their live due to lack of manpower and equipment for radiation, the trained professionals would ensure it is nipped in the bud.
T H I S D AY THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
38
HEALTH
HEALTH MATTERS
goketakinrogunde@gmail.com
By Goke T. Akinrogunde 07036777348; 07029126776
Shingles: When Chicken Pox is Awakened
S
hingles is a special type of rash that is commoner in the adult than children. It occurs as a one-sided rash about an area on the skin (dermatome) supplied by particular sensory nerve cell in the spine. It is not so uncommon but it is however commonly missed as this entity in our busy clinical settings. In other parlances, ala tradomedical practices and medico-spiritual settings, it is often attributed to a special kind of invisible “bulletsâ€? attack (e.g. ‘ata’ in Yoruba tradomedicinal nomenclature) from the outer space. Shingles and chickenpox were once considered separate disorders but we now know that they are both caused by a single virus known as varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The virus is still referred to by separate terms, depending on whether it is the primary infection (varicella) that causes chickenpox or if it is the reactivation of the virus (herpes zoster ) that causes shingles. During a bout of chickenpox, the virus (referred to as varicella at this stage) spreads through the blood to the skin. The virus also travels to nerve cells called dorsal root ganglia, which are bundles of nerves that transmit sensory information from the skin to the brain. The sensory nerves most often affected are those in the face or the trunk. The virus remains inactive (latent) in these nerves for years, often for a lifetime. If the virus becomes active, however, it causes the disorder known as shingles, and the virus is then referred to as herpes zoster. It is not clear why the virus reactivates in some people and not in others. In many cases, the immune system has become impaired or suppressed from certain conditions, such as AIDS or other immunodeficient diseases, certain cancers, or certain drugs that suppress the immune system. Symptoms of chickenpox (varicella) The mode of infection in varicella is such that when patients with chickenpox cough or sneeze, they expel tiny droplets that carry the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). If a person who has never had chickenpox inhales these particles, the virus enters the lungs and is carried through the blood to the skin where it causes the typical rash of chickenpox. The incubation period, which is the time between exposure to the virus and eruption of symptoms, is between 10 and 20 days. Even before the typical rash appears, the patient often develops fever, headache, swollen glands, and PUIFS ĂĄV MJLF TZNQUPNT "MUIPVHI GFWFST BSF low grade in most children, some can reach up to 105° F. The patient usually begins to feel better PODF UIF SBTI CSFBLT PVU 0OF PS NPSF UJOZ raised red bumps appears first, most often
Chicken pox is preventable
on the face, chest or abdomen. They become larger within a few hours and spread quickly, eventually forming small blisters on a red base that have been described as dewdrops on rose petals. Their number varies widely; some patients have only a few spots; others can develop hundreds. Each blister is filled XJUI DMFBS ĂĄVJE UIBU CFDPNFT DMPVEZ JO TFWFSBM days; it takes about four days for each blister to dry out and form a scab. During its course, the rash itches, sometimes severely. Usually separate crops of blisters occur over four to seven days, and the entire disease process lasts between seven and 10 days.
in the area of skin that contains the sensory OFSWFT DPOOFDUJOH UP BO JOĂĄBNFE EPSTBM SPPU ganglion harboring the reactivated virus. The affected skin may itch, feel numb, be unbearably sensitive to touch, or pain may be experienced as sharp, aching, piercing, tearing, or similar UP BO FMFDUSJD TIPDL 0GUFO UIF QBUJFOU FYQFSJences a combination of these sensations. In BEEJUJPO TPNF QBUJFOUT NBZ IBWF ĂĄV MJLF symptoms, including fever and muscle aches. The prodrome stage usually lasts a few days before the infection becomes active and the TLJO SBTI FSVQUT 0DDBTJPOBMMZ UIF QBJO DBO last for weeks before the rash erupts.
Symptoms of shingles (herpes zoster) Shingles nearly always occurs in adults and develops on one side of the body. Usually two identifiable symptom stages occur. The first is known as the prodrome, which are a cluster of warning symptoms that appear before the outbreak of the infection. The second stage comprises the symptoms of the active infection itself. In many patients, a third syndrome known as postherpetic neuralgia develops. In fact, physicians often refer to all three syndromes with a single term--zoster-associated pain (ZAP).
Active shingles The active infection is marked by a rash, which starts as well-defined, small, red, clear spots; UIFZ GPMMPX UIF TBNF USBDL PG JOĂĄBNFE OFSWFT as the prodrome pain. Within 12 to 24 hours, UIFTF QJNQMFT EFWFMPQ JOUP TNBMM ĂĄVJE Ă MMFE blisters. The blisters grow, merge, and become pus-filled. Within about seven to ten days, as with chickenpox, they form crusts and heal. Between 50% and 60% of cases occur on the trunk, but other common sites include one side of the face, the neck, or lower back. If the face is affected, there is a danger that the infection can spread to the eye or mouth. A rash that
Prodrome The primary early symptom for shingles is pain
follows the side of the nose is a warning that the cornea of the eye is endangered. Pain is common during the active infection. Although the active phase usually lasts about a week, in some cases it may take as long as a month before the skin clears completely. Healing takes much longer in patients who have impaired immune systems; in such cases, the blisters may persist for up to months. Zoster sine herpete In a condition known as zoster sine herpete, pain JT UIF POMZ TZNQUPN BOE OP SBTI BQQFBST 0OF study suggested that some cases of Bell’s palsy, in which part of the face becomes paralyzed, may actually be due to zoster sine herpete and is therefore treatable with anti-viral drugs. Postherpetic neuralgia Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is pain that persists for longer than a month after the onset of herpes zoster. The pain usually takes one or more of three forms; it can be a continuous burning or aching pain, a periodic piercing pain, or pain that occurs from very little stimulation, such as a light touch of clothing. It tends to be more severe at night. Temperature changes can also affect pain. The pain may extend beyond the areas of the initial zoster attack, and some areas have no feeling at all.
Inside the Hospital The Other Side of Alcohol Clinical interaction: Permit me to ask you about the benefits or otherwise of regularly consuming alcoholic drinks. These days I found myself finding my day incomplete without 2-3 bottles of my choice beer brand accompanying my dinner. Not exactly that I cannot do without alcohol, I just feel socially complete and emotionally stable with my beer. Thanks for your enlightening column. Dania Dania, Scientific deduction: alcohol is “not all bad for all weather� In truth, our body system can ordinarily cope with drinking a small amount of alcohol. As a
matter of fact, it has been medically acknowledged that drinking a small amount of alcohol (1-2 units per day - about one 60ml bottle of 4% alcoholic drink) may help to prevent heart disease and stroke. However, drinking over the recommended limits can be harmful as the following conditions can result from excess alcohol intake: r 4FSJPVT MJWFS QSPCMFNT BMDPIPMJD MJWFS EJTFBTF r 4PNF TUPNBDI EJTPSEFST MJLF HBTUSJUJT r 1BODSFBUJUJT TFWFSF JOĂĄBNNBUJPO PG UIF pancreas). r .FOUBM IFBMUI QSPCMFNT JODMVEJOH EFQSFTTJPO and anxiety. r 4FYVBM EJGĂ DVMUJFT TVDI BT JNQPUFODF r .VTDMF BOE IFBSU NVTDMF EJTFBTF r )JHI CMPPE QSFTTVSF r %BNBHF UP OFSWPVT UJTTVF
r "DDJEFOUT ESJOLJOH BMDPIPM JT BTTPDJBUFE with a much increased risk of accidents. In particular, injury and death from fire and car crashes. About 1 in 7 road deaths are caused by drinking alcohol. r 4PNF DBODFST NPVUI HVMMFU MJWFS DPMPO and breast). r 0CFTJUZ TJODF BMDPIPM IBT NBOZ DBMPSJFT in fact more than carbohydrates). r %BNBHF UP BO VOCPSO CBCZ JO QSFHOBOU women. r "MDPIPM EFQFOEFODF BEEJDUJPO .PSF DPNNPOMZ ESJOLJOH UPP NVDI BMDPIPM can lead to three types of liver conditions - fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. It is also worthy of note that any, or a combination, of the aforementioned conditions can occur at the same time in the same person. Hence,
it is important to note that excess alcohol can become suddenly problematic with respect UP POF T IFBMUI .Z VTVBM BEWJDF JT OPU UP CF unduly hypocritical or to sound religiously moralizing but to advise a general caution on what we consume and also to encourage relevant health assessment that will ascertain the present conditions of the body’s organs. Hence, non-invasive investigations like abdominal and heart ultrasound (echocardiography) scans may go a long way to provide an insight into the present status of your liver, kidney, pancreas and the heart – all potential victims of excess alcohol consumption. As an emphasis, my parting note here: consume alcohol with caution and enlist to check your health status, especially the liver status, regularly.
39
T H I S D AY THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
HEALTH
Odunubi: Most Limbs Amputated by Hospitals are Due to Errors from Traditional Bone Setters Dr. Oluronbi Odunubi, whose tenure as the Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, ends next week, spoke with journalists on the journey so far as head of the institution, why Nigerians should access orthopaedic hospitals rather than traditional bone setters, and what government should do for better running of the hospital. He also spoke on other sundry issues. Martins Ifijeh brings excerpts In few days time your tenure will end as CMD, what were the challenges you met on ground and how did you manage them? The challenges we had were related to patient care, infrastructural problem and mainly finance for maintenance of services and completing ongoing projects. On patient care, we were operating basically as a hospital without sub specialisations. But we had to now focus on development of sub specialties so that we can raise the level of practice in orthopaedics and trauma care in order to really serve as a referral centre. Though there was an ongoing discussion on these sub units before we came on board, but they have now been actualised. Consultants are now divided into sub specialty units. For orthopaedic, five sub specialties were identified and consultants had to get trained in those specialties. Some trained themselves while others were sponsored by the hospital. Now we have sub specialties like arthroscopy and sports medicine, arthroplasty, spine surgery, special trauma units, and paediatric orthopaedics. Of course the bones and reconstructive department still exist. The other thing we tried to do is to minimise the waiting period for patients. We had to introduce afternoon clinic, instead of just morning clinic for everybody. We also used to attend to all new cases in the emergency service point, but now, we have built a separate OutPatient Department (OPD) for patients that are not really on emergencies but are new patients. They are seen in that OPD and the emergency cases are seen in the emergency units. So the doctor’s attention is not divided between seeing patients that are not emergencies and the ones that are emergencies. The hospital is very old and it was established in 1945. So there were a lot of wooden buildings that outlived their usefulness. We were able to convert some of them to more solid structures. For example, the former Prosthetics and Esthetics department is now the NHIS clinic. We had the old Physiotherapy department which was expanded and reconstructed. We realised Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) we met was very functional. Those who were managing it before had done a good job. It is also making money for us. So since the scheme emphasises that whatever is made from that, apart from the percentage that goes to government, should be used to develop hospital services, we used the money to put up a building for them, and also furnish a quality control laboratory, so they are equipped to test for fake drugs and ensure the supply of drugs. The future expansion in that building makes provision for manufacture of some of the basic drugs. The infrastructure is available now, so it’s just for money to be available to fund that aspect of the building. What other challenges have you successfully managed? Although finance has been the main challenge due to budgeting constraint, there are three sources of government support. There is the capital, which should be for the four ongoing projects we met on ground. The administrative block, the theatre complex, a new general patient clinic and a new accident and emergency. All these projects were started between 2010 and 2011, some with a completion period of two or three years, but they are still not completed till date except the administrative building, of which we are still owing the contractor N20m, because he used his money to complete it. So the budgetary provision for their completion was not available. Before we took over, for instance, capital vote used to be between N340m and above N400m, but in the last few years we rarely get N100m . Yet the projects are just there. The contractors have not been encouraged to
danger. In this hospital, we have had seminars and workshops, and we have noticed some remarkable decrease in the incidence of cases coming from them. Unfortunately, those who often have these problems are children. A child whose limb is under a tight splint won’t be able to talk. So such a child would be told to bear the pain until the leg goes very bad. If it’s an adult, he or she can remove it and them come to the hospital. For those whose limbs were cut, when they go back to their communities, all they say is their limbs have been cut in Igbobi. They won’t say they went to the traditional healers. So the antecedent activities will not be related.
Dr. Odunubi
come back to sight. They only get paid based on evaluation that is done and money available. Last year also, we had the budget of N127m for capital, at the end of the year only N82m was released. And the evaluations that were available were over N100m. The same thing also happened to overhead. When we came in, we were still getting about N7m to N8m per head, but now we are getting only N3m. And not all the months are paid. Last year, we got overhead for only eight months. The PHCN bill per month alone is between N6m and N8m depending on how much supply of light we get during the month. And we buy diesel of between N12m to N14m monthly. So you can see that on energy alone, we spend up to N18m, not to talk of generator repair, and all other repair of infrastructure in the hospital. That is a big constraint. Considering that budgeting provision has come down. The alternative would have been to increase patients fee but they will run away as they can’t afford it. We have a lot of patients that are brought here as trauma victims. The government policy is that you must treat them first, then give bill after. Many times they don’t pay, and there is nothing we can do. Sometimes, we even have to beg some to leave the hospital after they get well so that other patients can have space. These are the challenges of being a trauma centre. Military, Police, FRSC just bring these victims and leave. It’s left for us to look for their relations, feed them, and so on. So what is the solution to that? The main solution to that is for the larger percentage of people to be on health insurance, such that there will no longer be out-of-pocket services. Nobody prepares for accident or save money for it. The only way is to be on health insurance, and the scheme should be allowed to run properly. Right now health management organisations are owing so many hospitals, and there are many arguments about bills even when one follows the NHIS billing. Assuming a patient’s bill is N20,000, HMOs will still cut it without any rational basis. They will still argue with hospitals and cut it to say about N8,000. How do you keep services going that way? Some private hospitals are closing down because they can’t cope, especially on secondary and tertiary care. The scheme needs to be run properly. Why the sudden decrease in funding to the hospital? It’s not only us. All hospitals are affected. I think it’s the financial situation in the country.
The only funding that has been sustained is the third subvention. You know that tends to increase every year because people are being promoted, while annual increments apply. When the government looks at what they are spending in the hospital, they just add all these together. In their books they may say it has increased but you will see that only about six per cent go into service. About 94 per cent go into salaries. Why the general belief that orthopaedic hospitals are always quick at amputating limbs? No orthopaedic surgeon really wants to cut a limb. If we must amputate a limb, it has to depend on the severity of the injury. A limb survives based on blood supply. If by the time a patient comes to the hospital and that part of the body has not received blood supply for a long time it may die off, and if you keep it, that dead part will affect the living parts and such patients will die from infection, so the dead part has to be removed. And that is based on the severity of the injury, or late presentation. Some people have cancers of the limbs and they don’t come to the hospital on time. If they come on time, that area can be surgically excised and replaced. But when it has spread and has destroyed other tissues, there is nothing one can do. Another thing is, a lot of limbs that have been amputated are as a result of complications from traditional bone setters. A fractured limb normally has the tendency to heal itself (not all cases though) even if you don’t do anything, because what heals the bone is already in the blood. If you put Paris of Plaster (POP) in the limb, you are only using it to set the bone in position. If a patient eats good food and he is well nourished, the blood will heal the bone, not the POP or surgery. These things are only used to set the bone for proper positioning while healing. The traditional bone setters also apply splint, but in the process of doing that, they make the splint so tight that it cuts off blood supply to the limb, and the limbs go dead. When such cases are brought to the hospital for savage we then decide either to amputate it or not. That dead limb will ultimately kill the patient because it’s a source of infection. So we are to decide whether to retain the limb and the patient dies or remove it and the patient lives. We have had patients that, despite the obvious dead situation in their limbs, they tell us not to amputate them. And you will be seeing those patients dying. Have you made efforts to educate traditional bone setters on the apparent danger? We have been trying to educate them on the
Why do people believe more in the traditional system than orthopaedic hospitals? There is no scientific basis for that. Like I said, a broken bone can heal itself. You have seen dogs hit by cars, and they limp for some weeks, after which they are okay. Nobody has treated them. If traditional bone setters are treating minor fractures, they may claim success, even though the fracture naturally heals itself. So they will do well in simple fractures. But the problem is some don’t know the limitations of their expertise. Some fractures overlaps each other, and over time they will be healed. And then you will see such a person limping because the traditional setter could not align it appropriately in the right position before the healing took place. But that is unacceptable in the hospital. If someone has a broken bone, we first aim to align it before healing. In some traditional methods, assuming the bone is broken and rotated, that is how they will put the splint. When the person is okay, you will see the person’s limb has rotated. Don’t you think one of the reasons for the preference is because their services are cheaper? By the time you add up what their patients pay, it may eventually be more. For instance, if you come to Igbobi for a particular treatment, we may say it will cost you N100,000. But take same to traditional setters, and they will tell you to bring N10,000. Then the next week you will bring a ram, then another thing. So by the time you add everything you may have paid the same N100,000. Your hospital is a training centre. How has it faired so far in that regard? In the last five years, the School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, which is the only school in West Africa for training technicians fabricating artificial limbs, and support for limbs, was established in 2010. The school was running a national diploma programme, so we succeeded in getting an accredited HND programme for it. So they have graduated two sets already. And we also got the School of Cast Technology accredited. There is also a School of Post Basic Nursing in Orthopaedics, and Post Basic Nursing in Accident and Emergency. These programmes are running. Even recently, the West African College of Nursing recognised the school as the best post basic nursing college in Nigeria. Then there is the residency programme for doctors who are specialised in orthopaedics, bones and plastic programmes. That is also ongoing and we have full accreditation. Our resident doctors do very well in the postgraduate programme. Popular assumption is that government hospital workers are nonchalant and uncaring to patients. Do you have that challenge here? No. We don’t have that challenge. We have training sessions to enlighten staff on attitude to patients. Skill and knowledge is not all one need in a hospital. There are patients that go to hospitals just because of the right attitude.
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Í˛Ëœ 2017
40
BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE
Afreximbank Seeks to Tap from Investors with $300m Depositary Receipts Obinna Chima Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ebere Nworji The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) yesterday announced the launch of its $300million equity offering, using Depositary Receipts (DRs). Addressing journalists in Lagos yesterday, the President of Afreximbank, Dr. Benedict Oramah, said the private placement, which would last till September 22nd, 2017, would provide investors all over the world, with exposure to a truly supranational African bank involved in trade finance as well as to allow them to benefit from the growing trade opportunities between Africa and the rest of the world. The instrument would be listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. “As part of its current strategy, the Bank is targeting to mobilise equity of up to $1billion in
the next five years from new and existing investors. The $300 million equity offering in the Republic of Mauritius is backed by the Bank’s Class ‘D’ shares. This is the first by a multilateral institution, the first to be listed on the Mauritius Stock Exchange. “Afreximbank’s shares are currently not listed on any stock exchange. This DR issuance will therefore facilitate indirect listing of its Class ‘D’ shares and will provide investors with a liquid instrument. This DRs will provide an opportunity for the Bank to broaden its shareholder base as well as to raise additional capital. “We want to use this marketbased instrument to attract the capital that we need to develop Africa. We are here in Nigeria because we believe Nigerians should have the opportunity to take advantage of this instrument,� he added.
The Chairman of State Bank of Mauritius Group (SBM), the lead arranger of the offer, Mr. Kee Chong Li Kwong Wing, described the issue as landmark, saying the proceeds would help fill the financing gap to finance intra and inter African trade in the continent. The SBM boss, who disclosed that the minimum investment is $30,000, said the Bank would be looking to tap from pension funds and other institutional investors in the region. “For those who invest more than $500,000, you will have the benefit of a permanent resident in Mauritius for you and your family,� he added. Oramah, while commenting on the Bank’s intervention in Nigeria, said over $20 billion had been disbursed in the country, saying “there is no bank that has not benefited in terms of credit line from Afreximbank.�
Elumelu Harps on Quality Leadership to Tackle Poverty The Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu yesterday stressed the need for an improvement in the quality of leadership in Nigeria and other countries in Africa, in order to tackle poverty and engender prosperity. Elumelu said this when he delivered a lecture titled ‘Leadership: Private Sector Perspective’, to two hundred senior officers at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, as guest speaker. The participants included the senior military officers from the rank of Major and equivalent, of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Airforce, and their instructors. Elumelu noted that: “Every opportunity to discuss and examine leadership is a welcome opportunity to me. Like me, most people who want to see
development are excited to discuss leadership. It is the reason one country is successful and another country is failing. It is the difference between poverty and prosperity.� The guest speaker went on to ask a series of critical questions to the attentive audience: “Do you wonder why a country that is not endowed enjoys prosperity, while the one that is greatly endowed lives in poverty? The reason is leadership.� “Leaders are made and not born. Although certain factors shape whether a leader succeeds, these factors are not necessarily destiny-driven factors. Those who succeed are driven by a mission, they prepare for leadership.� Ascribing his success to clarity of purpose, Elumelu explained:
“Great leaders set the purpose and define it clearly. They break it down so that everyone in the chain of command not only understands this purpose, but buys into it.� Continuing, he called on leaders in both private and public sectors to consider legacy. “Leaders who succeed are those who think about legacy, who are concerned about how history would judge them. They understand that leadership opportunities don’t last forever. As a continent endowed with so much we must raise the standard of living of our people through conscientious leadership. “You must get the people equation right. Leadership is about instilling confidence in people. You work and deliver results through people.�
Trustfund Pension Reaffirms Commitment to Retirees’Welfare Ndubuisi Francis Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË One of the frontlne pension fund administrator (PFA), Trustfund Pension Limited has reassured retirees enrolled under its scheme that it would not shirk its responsibility in terms of timely payment of their benefits, but will ensure that their interest remains top priority. It also assured pensioners that it would not waiver in its resolve to make them enjoy maximum benefit from their pension funds. The Regional Manager, North Central Region, Trustfund, Mr. Maurice Ogah gave the assurances in Abuja at a retirees’ forum. Trustfund organised the forum as a platform to capture the biometrics of retirees already
enrolled with the company as well as enrol fresh retirees under the contributory pension regime. Ogah took the old pensioners and new retirees through the whole gamut of the contributory pension scheme, their rights, the best way to make maximum use of their retirement benefits, and responded to probing inquiries. In an interview, the Customer Relationship Manager, Mrs. Maha Longe said some of the challenges encountered in the scheme bordered on details, and records, adding that most of these could linked to next of kin beneficiaries pensioners used some years back, which now want to change in the event of death. She noted that the retirees’
forum also provided a window for pensioners to change the previous records in order to accommodate new beneficiaries. ‘’And some also may want to change their banks, also if they have any issue about names reconciliation, this is the venue again. Also we are now doing biometrics, it is compulsory for not just retires but to also contributors-- those in service are expected to do their biometrics,� she said. In an interview, the immediate-past director- general, National Productivity Centre, Mr. Paul Bdliya said Trustfund Pension Ltd had become a reference point for pension fund administration in the country, and makes retirees’ interest a priority.
MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS
(MILLION NAIRA)
DECEMBER 2016 Broad Money (M2)
23,840,392.42
-- Narrow Money (M1)
11,520,166.67
---- Currency Outside Banks
1,820,415.90
---- Demand Deposits
9,699,750.76
-- Quasi Money
12,320,225.75
Net Foreign Assets (NFA)
9,353,504.03
Net Domestic Assets(NDA)
14,486,888.39
-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)
26,774,684.47
---- Credit to Government (Net)
4,595,579.89
---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA
7,436,917.79
---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)
-2,841,337.90
---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)
22,374,718.08
--Other Assets Net
-12,483,409.58
Reserve Money (Base Money)
5,837,322.41
--Currency in Circulation
2,179,174.28
--Banks Reserves
3,318,344.71 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹
MONEY MARKET INDICATORS (%) December 2016 Inter-Bank Call Rate
10.39
Monetary Policy Rate (MPR
14.00
Treasury Bill Rate
13.96
Savings Deposit Rate
4.18
1 Month Deposit Rate
8.53
3 Months Deposit Rate
8.80
6 Months Deposit Rate
10.23
12 Months Deposit Rate
10.76
Prime Lending rate
17.09
Maximum Lending Rate
28.55
Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯͲϹ
OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY, 22 AUGUST 2017
ICAN Appoints Registrar/CEO,Two Others The governing Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has appointed John Irabor Evbodaghe as its Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer. The institute also appointed
Dr. Ben Ukaegbu and Mukaila Lawal as Deputy Registrars respectively. The appointment took effect from August 1st, 2017. According to a statement yesterday, Evbodaghe, an Accountancy graduate of the
Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Technology Management from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $49.50 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $49.80 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).
˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
41
Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals
23-Aug-17 22-Aug-17
% Change
Capitalisation
EPS
P/E
P/S
Div. Yld
Price/ Book Value
Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators
01 Dangote Cement Plc
224.90
224.90
0.00%
3,832,410,115,384.50
13.34
16.86
5.21
3.56%
4.66
02 Nigerian Breweries Plc
185.02
183.01
1.10%
1,467,042,246,297.76
3.58
51.63
4.68
1.95%
8.84
03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc
40.80
40.71
0.22%
1,200,792,112,339.20
4.49
9.08
2.87
4.34%
2.23
1,220.00
1,220.20
-0.02%
967,040,627,440.00
10.00
122.02
5.32
2.38%
31.32
05 Zenith Bank Plc
23.50
23.05
1.95%
737,817,603,971.00
4.13
5.69
1.45
7.66%
1.05
Table 3 Top 5 Gainers
06 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc
38.85
38.00
2.24%
388,500,000,000.00
2.85
13.62
2.48
0.26%
2.76
Stock
07 United Bank for Africa Plc
9.50
9.38
1.28%
344,655,500,059.00
1.99
4.77
0.90
6.32%
0.77
08 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
17.99
18.00
-0.06%
330,108,426,357.85
0.68
26.59
0.56
3.45%
0.53
09 Access Bank Plc
10.24
9.85
3.96%
296,222,429,501.44
13.18
0.78
0.78
5.37%
0.65
10 Presco Plc
71.98
71.98
0.00%
285,794,937,699.10
0.03 2,461.71
4.01
1.81%
6.83
482.00
482.00
0.00%
266,695,570,866.00 -82.02
-5.88
4.21
3.30%
0.71
12 Lafarge Africa Plc
57.01
58.50
-2.55%
259,674,952,188.10
3.71
15.37
1.18
5.26%
1.04
13 FBN Holdings Plc
5.99
6.00
-0.17%
215,012,803,824.08
0.16
36.60
0.36
2.50%
0.35
14 Unilever Nigeria Plc
45.00
45.55
-1.21%
170,248,331,250.00
0.81
55.42
2.44
0.11%
14.56
15 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc
13.00
12.84
1.25%
156,000,000,000.00
2.01
6.47
0.72
3.85%
2.04
16 Guinness Nig Plc
84.50
84.50
0.00%
127,247,551,886.00
-3.06
-27.63
1.23
3.79%
3.23
17 International Breweries Plc
34.50
34.50
0.00%
113,651,600,160.00
0.02 1,531.16
4.27
0.72%
10.36
7.12
7.14
-0.28%
85,686,486,525.28
0.29
24.52
0.19
10.53%
0.45
19 Total Nigeria Plc
228.00
239.51
-4.81%
77,410,978,836.00
43.58
5.23
0.27
6.14%
3.28
20 Mobil Oil Nig Plc
213.81
213.81
0.00%
77,098,872,968.22
22.61
9.46
0.82
3.37%
3.59
21 Flour Mills Nig. Plc
28.52
29.85
-4.46%
74,843,244,573.24
3.71
7.69
0.14
7.01%
0.71
22 Okomu Oil Palm Plc
69.09
69.09
0.00%
65,905,641,900.00
5.15
13.42
4.59
0.14%
3.87
23 Forte Oil Plc.
50.00
50.50
-0.99%
65,124,055,150.00
3.66
13.66
0.50
6.90%
1.38
24 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc
92.12
96.96
-4.99%
59,011,184,239.56 -21.86
-4.21
0.52
2.39%
5.48
1.33
1.39
-4.32%
51,498,926,575.25
-0.03
-45.70
0.87
0.00%
0.60
35.99
35.99
0.00%
47,506,800,000.00
-2.89
-12.45
0.34
4.17%
0.68
1.28
1.30
-1.54%
37,072,109,685.76
0.39
3.31
0.25
12.50%
0.20
28 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc
13.50
13.50
0.00%
35,767,418,103.00
0.91
14.81
1.96
4.07%
4.45
29 U A C N Plc
15.70
15.70
0.00%
30,157,570,875.90
3.37
4.66
0.40
6.37%
0.40
30 Sterling Bank Plc
1.04
1.04
0.00%
29,942,034,851.04
0.18
5.80
0.27
8.65%
0.35
31 Diamond Bank Plc
1.21
1.22
-0.82%
28,024,070,651.28
-0.29
-4.12
0.13
0.00%
0.12
32 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc
26.93
26.93
0.00%
26,930,000,000.00
5.69
4.74
1.88
0.37%
0.72
33 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc
21.00
21.00
0.00%
25,113,406,248.00
3.02
6.95
1.67
1.43%
1.50
34 Cap Plc
34.50
34.50
0.00%
24,150,000,000.00
2.17
15.89
3.54
3.33%
16.77
1.17
1.18
-0.85%
23,169,171,613.77
0.09
13.71
0.14
8.55%
0.13
12.07
12.07
0.00%
22,669,898,622.80
-0.64
-18.74
0.70
10.77%
2.15
37 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc
3.60
3.50
2.86%
21,174,711,102.00
1.06
3.39
0.51
3.89%
0.64
38 Wema Bank Plc
0.51
0.51
0.00%
19,672,977,701.31
0.07
7.59
0.37
0.00%
0.41
39 Mansard Insurance Plc
1.86
1.95
-4.62%
19,530,000,000.00
0.25
7.41
0.94
2.69%
0.97
40 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc
2.10
2.10
0.00%
16,653,415,081.80
-0.40
-5.19
0.35
7.62%
0.50
41 Continental Reinsurance Plc
1.30
1.30
0.00%
13,484,567,605.60
0.30
4.38
0.53
9.23%
0.66
42 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc
9.20
9.20
0.00%
11,561,435,447.20
1.29
7.12
0.72
1.09%
0.92
43 Skye Bank Plc
0.62
0.67
-7.46%
8,605,786,874.20
-2.93
-0.21
0.05
48.39%
0.08
44 Unity Bank Plc
0.59
0.59
0.00%
6,896,709,385.78
0.19
3.16
0.08
0.00%
0.08
45 Wapic Insurance Plc
0.50
0.50
0.00%
6,691,369,126.00
0.18
2.78
0.85
6.00%
0.41
46 Resort Savings & Loans Plc
0.50
0.50
0.00%
5,664,866,202.00
0.03
17.71
3.72
0.00%
1.94
47 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc
3.43
3.43
0.00%
5,571,070,312.50
0.36
9.59
0.70
5.83%
0.86
48 UACN Property Development Co. Limited
2.99
2.88
3.82%
5,139,062,485.05
-0.90
-3.32
0.81
23.41%
0.15
49 Fidson Healthcare Plc
3.29
3.20
2.81%
4,935,000,000.00
0.50
6.64
0.42
1.52%
0.71
50 AIICO Insurance Plc
0.55
0.57
-3.51%
3,811,612,464.00
1.48
0.37
0.14
9.09%
0.44
04 Nestle Nigeria Plc
11 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd
18 Oando Plc
25 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc 26 Julius Berger Nig. Plc 27 Fidelity Bank Plc
35 FCMB Group Plc 36 Cadbury Nigeria Plc
TOTAL
12,195,389,264,430.60
TOTAL MARKET CAP
12,773,301,464,781.00
% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average
95.48%
NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion) Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)
Open 22-Aug-17
Close 23-Aug-17
Change %
36,962.48 12.74
37,059.21 12.77
0.26% 0.26%
156.20 12.16
156.63 12.20
0.28% 0.28%
Open Close Change % 22-Aug-17 23-Aug-17
Access Bank Plc UACN Property Development Co. Limited Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc Fidson Healthcare Plc Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc
9.85 2.88
10.24 2.99
3.96% 3.82%
3.50
3.60
2.86%
3.20 38.00
3.29 38.85
2.81% 2.24%
Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock
Open Close Change % 22-Aug-17 23-Aug-17
Skye Bank Plc 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc Total Nigeria Plc Mansard Insurance Plc Flour Mills Nig. Plc
0.67 96.96 239.51 1.95 29.85
0.62 92.12 228.00 1.86 28.52
-7.46% -4.99% -4.81% -4.62% -4.46%
Market sustains bullish trend with 0.26% appreciation Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today - Wednesday, August 23rd 2017 ended positive as the market closed green. This was further highlighted by positive performance from the NSE Subsectors: Banking and Consumer Goods (Save Insurance and Oil & Gas). Also, trading activities increased in volume as 264.29 million shares worth N5.53 billion in 3,849 deals exchanged hands today. This is an increase from the 244.32 million shares worth N3.67 billion in 3,829 trades carried out on Tuesday. Topping in volume terms are: Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc; while Zenith Bank Plc and Nestle Nigeria Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms. Brent crude oil price today currently sells at US$52.54 per barrel while it rose to $51.87 per barrel. The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with 0.26% (+96.73) increase to close at 37,059.21 from 36,962.48 the previous trading day. Market capitalization appreciated in tandem to N12.74 trillion from N12.61 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index closes with an increase of 0.28% to 156.63 from 156.20 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N12.20 trillion from N12.16 trillion of the previous trading day. A total number of 17 stocks gained on the bourse today while 21 stocks declined, leaving 50 stocks unchanged. Leading the pack was Caverton Offshore Support GRP Plc with a gain of 9.52% to close at N1.15 per share. It was closely followed by United Capital Plc with a gain of 5.00% to close at N3.15 per share. Others on the gainers’ list include: Livestock Nig. Plc, Access Bank Plc and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc. On the decliners’ list, Skye Bank Plc led with a loss of 7.46% to close at N0.62 share. It was followed by 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc with a loss of 4.99% to close at N92.12 per share. Others on the decliners list include: Total Nigeria Plc, Mansard Insurance Plc and Flour Mills Nig. Plc. Access Bank Plc emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 3.96% to close at N10.24 per share. It was again followed by UACN Property Development Co. Limited with a gain of 3.82% to close at N2.99 per share. Others on the gainers chart include: Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc, Fidson Healthcare Plc and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. On the decliners’ list, Skye Bank Plc led with a loss of 7.46% to close at N0.62 per share. It was followed by 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc with a loss of 4.99% to close at N92.12 per share. Others on the decliners’ list are: Total Nigeria Plc, Mansard Insurance Plc and Flour Mills Nig. Plc.
REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.
For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com
42
T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͰͲ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵
MARKET NEWS
Access Bank Grows Profit to N52bn, Declares 25k Interim Dividend Goddy Egene Access Bank Plc yesterday recorded a profit before tax of N52 billion for the half year (H1) ended June 30, 2017, showing a growth of 18 per cent above the N43.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2016. Profit after tax rose by 17 per cent to N39.45 billion, up from N33.67 billion in 2016. Based on the performance,
the board of directors of Access Bank has declared an interim dividend of 25 kobo per share for shareholders. According to the audited H1 results released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) gross earnings stood at N246.6 billion, up 42 per cent from N174.1 billion in the corresponding period of 2016. The growth in gross earnings was driven by 66 per cent increase in interest income
T H E
on the back of continued growth in the bank’s core business and 34 per cent non-interest income underlined by strong foreign exchange (FX) income on the bank’s trading portfolio. The bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) remained strong at 21.6 per cent well above the regulatory minimum. Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe
N I G E R I A N
said the bank’s performance in H1 reflects the strength and sustainability of our business as well as the effective execution of our strategy.” According to him, the group maintained stable asset quality, recording non-performing loan (NPL) and Cost of Risk Ratios (CRR) of 2.5 per cent and 1.0 per cent, respectively. “We maintained stable asset quality, recording non-performing
STO C K
loans (NPL) and cost of risk ratios (CRR) of 2.5 per cent and 1.0 per cent and wound down on our foreign currency exposures as a deliberate strategy to de-risk the business. As we cautiously grow our loan portfolio in light of macro realities, we will continue to uphold our proactive risk management principles in order to maintain asset quality within acceptable limits.
E XC H A N G E
Whilst balancing our appetite for growth and profitability, we remain committed to maintaining solid liquidity and capital ratios,” Wigwe said. He added that the bank’s retail expansion drive led to investments in its channels, distribution network, service quality and brand enhancement. “These, as well as AMCON charges resulted in higher operating expenses in the period.
43
˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
MARKET NEWS
Investors Advised to Diversify, Enlist Fund Managers’ Services for Better Returns The President of Fund Managers Association of Nigeria (FMAN), Dr. Ore Sofekun yesterday advised investors to always diversify their investments and enlist the services of registered fund managers for safety and better returns. Sofekun gave the advice in an interview with THISDAY at the end of the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Lagos. According to her, there are funds that are
targeted at money market instruments and others that are targeted at capital market instruments. She explained that while investments in funds that play in the money market give safer returns in the short run, investments in funds that are in the capital markets fetch higher returns on the long run. She therefore, advised the best strategy is portfolio diversification. “For investors, what I will
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
say is that the money market is very safe because the principal will never change and you are sure of your interest. So that is the safest investment you can make. If you see what has happened to equities now, the stocks are doing quite well. So don’t put all your money into either stocks or fixed income alone. You need to diversify. Put any money you will need within the next two years in a money market fund. But for the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 22-August-2017, unless otherwise stated.
money you are saving for children’s school fees in the next 10 years, you can put that in equities because those are the ones that will give you the best returns,” the FMAN president said. Sofekun noted that while the industry is growing, with asset under management (AUM) over N300 billion as at December 2016, she added that the association is working hard to ensure more growth. “The industry is
growing, but it could do a lot better. So we really want to make sure that we push hard and want to support our members and tell the world how safe investment schemes are and the role of fund managers in making sure that people reach their investment destinations,” she said. She stressed that investors can build their wealth using a fund managers instead of patronising Ponzi schemes that will lead to losses.
“As an industry, we want to assure the public that anytime you want to invest, make sure you use a fund manager. People have lost their money in Ponzi schemes such as MMM. Anybody who approaches you with outrageous return, is probably going to take you for a ride. But if you build your wealth with a fund manager, it is better for you on a long run,” the FMAN president declared.
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 178.46 178.46 178.46 Nigeria International Debt Fund 232.42 232.42 232.42 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 18.58% 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 17.34 17.87 40.48% ARM Discovery Fund 364.23 375.21 26.83% ARM Ethical Fund 25.78 26.56 15.40% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.06% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 142.13 143.13 35.13% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.75% 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 19.21% 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 1,113.16 1,114.25 9.86% FBN Heritage Fund 140.95 142.20 26.45% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.26% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $109.60 $110.57 6.58% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $108.87 $109.84 6.60% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 154.45 156.67 37.17% 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 1.36 43.62% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.84 2.84 10.37% 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 14.62% 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 2.09 23.14% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 18.16%
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 13.56% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,032.74 1,032.74 7.45% 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 14.44% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.73 10.79 3.22% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 17.43% 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 2,165.03 2,176.79 18.22% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 162.48 162.48 5.53% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.98 0.99 27.92% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 206.95 206.95 10.73% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 175.34 177.59 35.05% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.58% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,499.76 9,604.79 25.24% 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 28.52% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.16 13.30 20.12% Zenith Income Fund 18.53 18.53 12.05%
REITS NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
11.41 129.51
1.01% 4.54%
Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
11.07 106.77
11.17 108.78
28.20% 40.90%
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
4.51 9.57 17.27 21.17 132.12
4.55 9.65 17.37 21.37 134.12
62.86% 35.93% 44.43% 32.52% 2.48%
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.
44
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
45
46
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
47
48
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 Ëž T H I S D AY
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,
Afghanistan Hails Trump Support in ‘Joint Struggle’ The Afghan president has hailed Donald Trump’s decision to commit US troops to the country to ďŹ ght against the resurgent Taliban. Ashraf Ghani thanked the US for supporting “the joint struggle against the threat of terrorismâ€?. Donald Trump has committed the US Army to the open-ended conict, despite previously ad-
murder and possession of arms. They began giving evidence before the judge in the afternoon. Mohamed Houli Chemlal was the ďŹ rst 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 – conďŹ rming a theory outlined by police last week. They found a cache of 120 gas canisters at the destroyed Alca-
nar 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 inuence on the suspects. The other surviving suspects in court are: t ZFBS PMEø %SJTT 0VLBCJS øIF IBT BMSFBEZ QSPUFTUFE 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 t.PIBNNFE "BMMB alleged owner of the Audi car used in the attack which came eight hours after the Barcelona one, in Cambrils down the coast t4BIBM BM ,BSJC BDDVTFE of running an internet cafe in Ripoll used to send money to Morocco. The judge will decide whether to remand the suspects in custody and deny bail
as demanded by the prosecutor. As well as the two who died in the explosion, ďŹ ve attackers were shot dead by police following the Cambrils attack. The last man to be caught was Younes Abouyaaqoub, a 22-year-old Moroccan thought to have been the driver of the van that rammed into crowds in Barcelona. He was shot dead after being spotted in a vineyard to the west of Barcelona on Monday wearing a fake explosives belt. Police said he had shouted “Allahu Akbarâ€? (“God is Greatestâ€?) and that he was armed with knives.
vocating its withdrawal. The Taliban responded by saying it would make Afghanistan a “graveyardâ€? for US forces. Mr Trump offered few details on the plan, but singled out Pakistan for criticism for offering “safe havensâ€? to extremists. Pakistani ofďŹ cials reject such claims.
Vietnam, Nigeria to Promote Cooperation on Trade, Investment Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Vietnam is seeking to facilitate investment and commercial opportunities with Nigeria by creating easy access for entrepreneurs from both countries. One of the platforms to drive the growth is the Vietnam Africa Business Meetings, that comes up in Ho Chi Minh City fromOctober 15-21. In a chat with THISDAY, Muhammet Esat-Dizbay, the contact on the trade conference in Nigeria, said it was organised to equip businesses in the two countries with the relevant information on export markets and partnership building. Already, there exists a NigeriaVietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NVCCI) that underlines the depth of the bilateral trade between both countries. The NVCCI partnership pact was signed in 2008, seven years after Nigeria and Vietnam sealed a bilateral agreement on commercial interaction. The trade volume between the two nations that grew steadily from $50 million between 2001 and 2007 by nearly 200 per cent to $105 million 2008, soared to over $200 million by the close of 2013. Vietman continues to export textile, garments, computer, electronic products/ components,automobile parts, pharmaceuticals, seafood to Nigeria, while Nigeria exports raw cashew nuts, LNG, cotton, iron/steel scraps and timber to Vietnam.    The GDP of Vietnam grew by 6.2 percent to $201 billion in 2016, while Nigeria remains Africa’s biggest economy with a GDP of $492billion. Vietnam’s top 10 exports accounted for almost three-
quarters (74.1%) of the overall value of its global shipments. Based on statistics from the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook Database, Vietnam’s total Gross Domestic Product amounted to $648.2 billion in 2016 (on a purchasing power parity basis). Therefore, exports represent about 32.5 per cent of total Vietnamese economic output. It biggest trading partners include China, ASEAN countries, EU and the US. It’s export turnover in footwear products reached US$57.5billion in total during the 2011-2016 period, the latest statistics from the General Department of Customs revealed. The South East Asian country is a major exporter of farm products: rice (second-largest in the world), coffee (second after Brazil), cashew nuts (second to India), pepper (world’s largest), frozen food (sixth largest in the world), and tea (seventh largest). It went from being a net food importer to one of the top five suppliers of coffee, rubber, pepper and cashew nuts in two decades, as the government encouraged farmers to grow crops for export. Esat-Dizbay stressed Nigerian investors can take advantage of the demands for agricultural produce. ‘’Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and it is a market that is very strategic for Vietnam. It will be a win-win partnership for all, particularly Nigerian SMEs that are driving the Made-in-Nigeria products,’’ Esat- Dizbay said. Nigeria as one of the leading producers of cashew nuts, is projecting a $700 million revenue from the export of the product by the year 2020.
Vice Adm Joseph Aucoin was due to retire from his position in the coming weeks
REUTERS
Iraqi Forces Retake Two Districts of IS Bastion Iraqi forces on Tuesday recaptured from the Islamic State group the ďŹ rst two districts of jihadist bastion Tal Afar, as the Pentagon chief visited Baghdad in a show of support. The United Nations said thousands of civilians have ed Tal Afar in the two days since the start of the broad offensive backed by the US-led coalition
ďŹ ghting IS. In remarks before meeting in Baghdad with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said he wanted to keep the spotlight on eradicating the jihadists. “Right now our focus is on defeating ISIS inside Iraq, restoring Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity,â€?said the Pentagon chief,
using an alternative acronym for IS. Iraqi troops, supported by the forces of a US-led international coalition, routed IS in Mosul in July after a gruelling nine-month fight for Iraq’s second city. They launched the offensive on Sunday to recapture Tal Afar, once a key IS supply hub between Mosul -- around 70 kilometres (45 miles) to the east -- and the Syrian border.
The jihadists inside Tal Afar, estimated to number around 1,000, responded with artillery ďŹ re Tuesday as the Iraqi forces massed outside the city. Army, police and units of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary coalition later took “full controlâ€? of Al-Kifah and Al-Nur districts in Tal Afar, the Hashed said.
Angola to Elect New President as dos Santos Retires Angola goes to the polls on Wednesday in a historic election marking the end of President Jose &EVBSEP EPT 4BOUPT ZFBS SFJHO with his party set to retain power despite the country’s economic crisis. The MPLA (People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola), which has ruled the country since its 1975 independence from Portugal, is expected to defeat opposition parties that struggle under a repressive regime. Dos Santos’retirement - reportedly prompted by ill health - has triggered the biggest political transition in decades for Angola, a leading oil exporter in Africa. However, his chosen successor, Defence Minister Joao Lourenco,
is a loyalist who is predicted to avoid immediate change in a government often criticised for corruption and failure to tackle dire poverty. “Dos Santos brought forward his departure to after these elections due to his deteriorating health,â€? AlexVines, of the Chatham House think-tank, told AFP news agency. “Lourenco is an ideal transitional successor to dos Santos. He is respected by the military and has not lived a amboyant lifestyle of many others.â€? At a weekend rally in front of thousands of MPLA party supporters, dos Santos, a fraillooking 74-year-old, made a brief appearance to endorse the likely new president.
“We have no doubt about the victory of the MPLA, and our candidate will be the future president, which is why I ask you: "VHVTU WPUF .1-" BOE +PBP Lourenco,�he said in a weak voice. Dos Santos has been dogged by reports of illness, and his regular visits to Spain for“private� reasons fuelled criticism that his health status was being hidden from ordinary Angolans. Earlier this year, his daughter Isabel - who has become a billionaire and Africa’s richest businesswoman under his rule - was forced to deny rumours he had died in Spain. Dos Santos’ long rule has seen the end of Angola’s bloody civil war that lasted from 1975
to 2002, and he has presided over a post-war investment boom as the country exploited its oil reserves. But the ood of money brought little beneďŹ t to Angola’s poor, and the crash in oil prices in 2014 triggered a full-scale economic crisis. Opposition parties, who have a low proďŹ le due to restrictions on their activities and lack of ďŹ nance, have sought to tap into public anger at the government. “You who are suffering, you who are in poverty, without electricity, without jobs or nothing to eat - change is now,â€? Isaias Samakuva, candidate for the main opposition UNITA party told supporters on the campaign trail.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017Ëž T H I S D AY
49
NEWSXTRA
Niger Govt, Dangote Group Sign N166bn MoU on Sugar Production To generate 15,000 jobs Martins Ifijeh Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Laleye Dipo Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ In a bold move towards self-sufficiency in sugar production through government’s integration policy, the pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Group, yesterday in Minna, Niger State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government for the establishment of a jumbo $450million state-of-the–art and fully integrated sugar complex. On completion, according to the President of the Group, Aliko Dangote, the project will generate over 15,000 jobs in the state and bring about a complete economic turn-around for the state. The $450million pact, which was signed at the government house, would see the company producing raw sugarcane on 16,000 hectares of land at Lavun Local Government through an out-grower scheme. The company, which is currently operating out-grower scheme in rice production in a number of states, has Africa’s largest sugar refinery in Lagos and
a sugar cane plantation in Numan, Adamawa State. Dangote said his investment was informed by his company’s firm belief in the potential of the Nigerian economy, adding that the new outlay will add value and create jobs for Nigerians. He commended the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello for his foresight and efforts to woo investors to Niger State, noting “the Dangote’s Integrated Sugar Project in Niger State will also include the establishment of integrated sugar mills, generate power, produce molasses, ethanol fuel, biomass and produce animal feeds.� In his remarks, Bello said the deal will revolutionise agriculture in his state and Nigeria. Expressing joy that the MoU was signed during his own administration, he described Dangote as the liberator of the Nigerian economy and a dependable partner. The governor then urged Dangote Group to explore other investment opportunities available in the state, just as he announced
that the state was opened for multi-sectoral investments. Representative of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Alhaji Aminu Bisala said Dangote is the biggest private sector supporter of the Nigerian economy, and federal government policies. He said the federal government was comfortable with the numerous investment efforts of the Dangote Group. Also speaking, Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Abubakar Yahyah said he was elated about the huge investment coming to the state, while praying God to bless the Dangote Group
more. Just last week, the conglomerate had sponsored an investment summit in the State, which was attended by former Presidents Abdulsalami Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo and the then Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, who described the private sector as key to the country’s economic development. Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Plc, Mr. Abdullahi Sule stated that the MoU would be a game changer for Niger State economy and Nigeria as a whole. He said the integrated sugar mills would have the capacity to produce 160,000MT
of raw sugar, pointing out that it has been in the fore front of support for government industrialisation programmes through backward integration policy in agriculture. According to him, the Dangote Sugar Refinery is developing a sugar backward integration plan through the production of 1.5MT/PA in ten years in: Nasarawa, Adamawa, Kogi, Kwara, Taraba and Niger States respectively. The Group’s Executive Director Stakeholders’ Management and Corporate Communication, Ahmed Mansur, had also announced that the Group was investing over $1billion in the agricultural sector in the
country, specifically in rice, sugar, tomato and dairy productions. The Niger State Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Rahmatu Muhammad Yar’Adua, said the deal with Dangote Group would help grow the agricultural sector and create direct and indirect jobs in the state. The group’s foray into sugar business began in 1981. It has injected over $104million into the Savannah Sugar Company Limited it acquired from government in 2003. Savannah Sugar this year alone, produced 20,000MT of raw sugar from its plantation.
PenCom: FG to Release Pension Funds for October 2016 to August 2017 The Acting Director-General of National Pension Commission (PenCom), Aisha Dahir-Umar, yesterday said the federal government had begun working out modalities for pension payment to the next batch of retirees. Dahir-Umar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the federal government and the PenCom would soon release substantial funds for the payment. She said retirees that had perfected their documentation and verification processes would be captured for payments in the next batch. The PenCom boss said the funds for the Accrued Rights was expected to cover retirees from October 2016 to August 2017. Dahir-Umar recalled that the federal government, through PenCom, had released N54 billion in April to clear pension backlog for payment of the last batch of retirees from January to September 2016. Dahir-Umar also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for giving prompt attention to retirees’ well-being by settling accrued pensions for that period. “In spite of competing demands for funds, President Buhari has always expressed concern for the plight of workers and pensioners. “It has brought relief to thousands of our elders who
have served the country and deserved to be paid their entitlements promptly and fully too,� she said. She explained that some pensioners in the last batch who did not receive their pension must have been due to errors in documentation and verification process. “Such also may be caused by late documentation,’’ she said. Dahir-Umar said documentation began in June and the commission placed notices in newspapers. “Currently, the commission has almost finished for this year; we are at the Women Centre, Abuja, verifying pensioners from agencies located within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),� she said, adding that the commission also have centres across the country. She, however, denied allegations that the commission and the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) delayed payments and misappropriated funds meant for pensioners. She added that the commission and the PFAs were being watched by the Federal Government and guided by core principles that could not be compromised. Dahir-Umar said the PFAs usually paid the pensioners that registered under them without delay once the Federal Government released funds through PenCom.
NCC’s VISIT TO COMPUTER VILLAGE
L-R: Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Tony Ojobo; President Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN), Mr. Ojikutu Adeniyi; Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), NCC, Prof. Umar G. Danbatta; Executive Commissioner Stakeholders Management, NCC, Mr. Sunday Dare; Head, Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement, NCC, Mr. Efosa Idehen, and Chief of Staff to the EVC, Mr. Usman Malah, during a working visit to Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos .....yesterday.
Adeboye, Redeemers School, Others Dragged to Court for Holding on to Student’s CertiďŹ cates Tobi Soniyi Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË
respondents be deposited with the chief registrar of the court A legal practitioner, Moses for preservation pending the Oddiri, has dragged the principal outcome and determination of Redeemers International of the motion on notice for the Secondary School, Mrs. enforcement of the fundamental Feyisara Osinupebi, Pastor Ben rights of the applicants. Akabueze, The General Overseer However, the respondents are of Redeemed Christian Church of yet to comply with the order God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, the following which the applicants British Council and Cambridge sought the court’s permission IGCSE before a Lagos High Court to begin contempt proceedings sitting in Ikeja, challenging the against them with the issuance refusal of the defendants to release of  forms 48 and 49 . the certificates of his son, Andre However, the respondents Oddiri, to him. through their lawyer, Emeka In an originating summons, Etiaba (SAN), challenged the Oddiri said the decision to jurisdiction of the court to hear withhold his son’s 2016 the suit. Cambridge I.G.C.S.E result, In a motion challenging the updated transcript from the competence of the action, Junior Secondary School 1 to Etiaba contended that the suit Senior Secondary School 3, was not properly constituted, his testimonial/statement and the reliefs sought went beyond the 2017 WAEC result over the realms of fundamental rights alleged non-payment of third term enforcements, the gravamen of school fees, which he described the suit was one that affidavit as dubious. evidence could not resolve. On July 12 2017, Justice OkeHe also said Adeboye was Lawal, ordered that the documents not a necessary party and that in the custody of the 1st and 2nd the confiscation of the results
and transcripts amounted to the exercise of a right of lien over them by the respondents. Yesterday the court took arguments on which application should take precedence in a fundamental rights suit between a contempt proceeding and one challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the fundamental rights application.  Oddiri, appearing in person, contended that the suit, initiated by motion on notice and not originating summons, was properly constituted. He also said the reliefs sought, which he said bordered on the release of the confiscated school documents breaches Article 17, of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, the Child Rights Law of Lagos State and sections 36 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution. He also argued that the General Overseer, Adeboye is a necessary party and has submitted himself to the jurisdiction of the court with an affidavit deposed to on his behalf and consent aligning
himself with the confiscation of the documents. He said from the affidavit evidence, the respondents owed him and that the confiscation of the documents amounted to barefaced stealing and not the exercise of any right of lien.  Citing Nebolisa Arah & Another vs Chief Osa Osunde, /LPELP-4413 (CA) and Oquebego vs PDP (2016) 4NWUR at 4559(Pt.1503), he urged the court to allow the contempt proceedings to take precedence over the application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to enable the court to quickly enforce its.  The vacation judge, Justice Ganiyu Safari who heard the case, adjourned the matter to tomorrow (the 25th of August 2017) to rule on which application should be heard first, between committing the respondents to prison for contempt or the application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.
50
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017˾ T H I S D AY
NEWSXTRA
Otti Wants Ikpeazu to Account for N177.77bn Ejiofor Alike A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Mr. Alex Otti, has urged Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to account for N177.765 billion that accrued to the state from May 2015 to July 2017. The former Managing Director of Diamond Bank, who reminded the governor that banks do not work like governments where the governor decide when to publish the accounts of the state and what to publish in the accounts, also accused the governor of misleading the National Assembly on the $200 million loan approved for the state. Reacting to a recent statement issued by the governor where he advised Otti to encourage the auditors of Diamond Bank Plc to publish detailed audit reports of the bank covering the period
that he served as the managing director and the year after, Otti told the governor that banks are regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and boards of directors. According to him, the publication of audit reports and financial statements is mandatory at least annually, adding that banks have external auditors and board audit committees, stressing also that the books must also be examined by CBN and NDIC examiners “So, it is not for me to encourage publication, it is compulsory and must be done periodically. I am aware that some of the people that passed through my training in different banks are part of your team. I will advise you to consult them in future when you are not sure or have issues like this
requiring elucidation to avoid our state being embarrassed the way this has scandalised a lot of people who read your statement,” Otti said. According to him, the figure include: N74.42 billion from the Federation Account; N46.94 billion that accrued to the local governments in the state; bailout funds amounting to N14.105 billion; first tranche of Paris Club Refund amounting to N10.6 billion; N5.7 billion second tranche of Paris Club Refund and N1 billion generated
monthly as internal revenue. On the $200 million loan approved for the state by the National Assembly, Otti alleged that the documents he had sighted showed that the National Assembly might have been misled into approving a loan that is different from the one recommended by the president. “In my last press conference, I had indicated that on May 25, 2017 a presidential request for $100 million regarding Abia State Rural Access and Mobility
Project (RAMP) was sent to the National Assembly, however, on July 18, 2017 the Minister of Finance sent a request for $200 million to the National Assembly in respect of Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ASIIDP) which curiously, is exactly the same request that Abia State Government submitted dated October 2015. It would be helpful if you could explain the following: How did Abia State Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) become Abia
State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ASIIDP)? How did $100 million transform to $200 million? When was this request presented to the Abia State house of assembly which should ordinarily have approved it before it made its way to the National Assembly or was there a waiver?” Otti explained. Otti urged the governor to explain why salaries are not being paid inspite of all the funds received.
Odumakin, Ozekhome Tackle Military over Monitoring of Social Media Say it’s reminiscent of Buhari’s Decree 4 Paul Obi ÓØ ÌßÔË The National Publicity Secretary of Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, and constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), yesterday took a swipe at the military over its pledge to commence the monitoring of social media activities by Nigerians. The move to monitor social media activities came on the heels of President Muhammadu Buhari’s nationwide address where he threatened to crack down on social media activities which he said portend danger to the nation’s unity. As a follow up to the president’s view, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) through Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche, said plans were underway to tame anti-government and anti-military activities and commentary on social media. In an interview, Enenche was quoted to have said: “In the military, we are now taking on it more seriously than ever. We have our strategic media centres that monitor the social media to be able to sieve out and react to all the ones that will be anti-government, anti-military, (and) anti-security. “We will tackle them appropriately with appropriate responses. Ahead of that, we are also proactive. We have measures in place, scientific measures to be able to sieve this information and also to get the public and let them know that some of this information they are getting is not genuine and their objective is an anticorporate existence of this country,” Enenche maintained.
But speaking to THISDAY, Odumakin explained that there was no constitutional backing for the military to embark on such activities. He said: “Have they defeated Boko Haram bombing Borno? There are much more important things the military need to do now. “They should go and bring Shekau; they declared him dead several times, but he is still alive on social media. If the military wants to monitor social media, they should go after Shekau.” According to Odumakin, “Any attempt to use force to suppress citizens would not be good. I task the military to concentrate on terror and herdsmen killing people. “It is very important to ask them if we are in a democracy. If we have constitutional rule, which rule empowers the military, even the 1999 Constitution, they should show the provision where the military monitor Nigerians and issues on social media?,” he asked. On his part, Ozekhome said: “I do not subscribe to the monitoring of social media activities by the Nigerian military and DHQ, as this constitutes a violent and blatant violation of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. Coming from a government that has covered its ineptitude with mindless repression, intolerance and allergy to opposition, criticism and plurality of alternative voices, such monitoring would further muzzle the people, especially the opposition.
ON THE SPOT VISIT
L-R: An eyewitness of the road accident at Upper Sakponba Road, Sherifatu Olayiwola; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Magdalene Ohenhen; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu; Special Adviser on Special Duties, Mr. Gowon Yakubu; Special Adviser on Political and Community Affairs, Chief Osaro Idah, and Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai, when they paid an assessment visit to the scene of the accident.
Pro-Buhari Groups Clash at Campaign Secretariat Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË Violence was averted yesterday by the security agencies as factional groups of the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) confronted each other in a desperate bid to gain control of the Katampe headquarters of the organisation in Abuja. The two factional campaign groups had hitherto been engulfed in a supremacy tussle but the bubble finally bursted yesterday when they clashed during a ceremony to celebrate the return of President Muhammadu Buhari from medical vacation abroad. One of the groups was led by Alhaji Danladi Pasalli, while the other by Alhaji Aminu Isa Bayero coincidentally converged on the office for what they called a thanksgiving press conference to mark the recovery and safe return of President Buhari to the country. The Pasalli faction which arrived earlier at the venue, took control of the office and locked out the other group led by Bayero. However, irked by the situation, Bayero and his group moved to invite the police and officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) to retake the office for their meeting.
The effort of the Bayero group to gain entry into the secretariat was met with stiff resistance as the Pasalli faction also invited the police to the venue to ensured that only members loyal to them had access into the building. THISDAY learnt that leading members of the Bayero-led group including Bayero and his national secretary, Nnenna Lancaster Okoro and their numerous supporters had to loiter outside the gate of the building. When it became clear that trouble was imminent, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Katampe area, Mr. Tino Dangana. appealed to the two groups to submit five names each to deliberate and resolve the crisis. Crisis was said to have erupted in the organisation last February when the Acting National Coordinator, Alhaji Aminu Isa Bayero, was suspended by the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru N’Kaura, and replaced with Alhaji Danladi Passalli. THISDAY gathered that Bayero was removed because of his high handedness in the running of the organisation and unilaterally making multiple appointments into one office or the other contrary to the
mandate of his office. But the embattled Bayero later told journalists that he is still the authentic national coordinator having received an approval letter from the presidency and the headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Meanwhile, the leadership of the APC has explained why the party has not been able to meet up with its financial obligations. Speaking on a TV interview, yesterday in Abuja, spokesman of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ruling party has decided to do things differently and to avoid dipping hands in state treasury to fund its expenses as was the case in the last dispensation. Making specific reference to complaints by some journalists over lingering advertisement debts, Abdulahi said: “ I think we have started paying. The last time I checked, I think we have started paying. Maybe if we were doing things the way the other party (PDP) did, using government money to fund the party, it is possible we won’t even have all these. But we have started paying. “The issue is this, let me admit that it is wrong for us not to have paid for those adverts within the period that they were not paid. Some of these
things were backlog from the last two years or so. But we do not have problems with salaries of staff. “You see, people just exaggerate some of these things. Then, another thing is this; I am a journalist, I understand how this works. When something happens, they keep calling me ‘Oga, won’t you place advert?’. But I bear in mind that we have not paid for some and I say, ‘no, let us just write a letter to congratulate the person celebrating’, they would say, ‘no, Oga, don’t worry, just place the advertisement.’ “I remember one that I said we were not going to pay, but they went and waylaid the chairman in one state and they called me and said the chairman said we should place the advert”. The APC last week came under attacks for its willful refusal to clear advertisement debts of almost N25 million owed to some media houses in the country. More than half of the debts were incurred in form of advertisement bills in the run up to the 2015 general election, while others came from congratulatory advertisement placements for APC’s bigwigs”
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017˾ T H I S D AY
51
NEWSXTRA
ICC Hears SERAP’s Petition on N11tn Electricity Sector Scam Christopher Ike and Chiamaka Akumka The International Criminal Court in The Hague is considering the petition on the allegations of widespread, systematic, and large-scale corruption in the electricity sector since the return of democracy in 1999 and under the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, anticorruption advocacy group Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has confirmed. In a statement yesterday by SERAP Deputy Director, Timothy Adewale, organisation said: “SERAP can confirm that the ICC is now considering our petition. We have received communication from Mark P. Dillon, Head of Information and Evidence Unit of the ICC, indicating that the court will give due consideration to our petition.” According to SERAP, the information is contained in a letter with reference number OTP-CR-245/17 received by the organisation. SERAP quoted the letter as reading in parts: “This communication has been duly entered in the Communications Register of the Office. We will give consideration to this
communication, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. As soon as a decision is reached, we will inform you, in writing, and provide you with reasons for this decision.” Timothy Adewale said: “SERAP appreciates the prompt attention to this matter by the ICC. We urge the court to pursue this matter to a satisfactory conclusion by taking the case forward as required by the provisions of the Rome Statute, and ensuring a thorough investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators of grand corruption in the electricity sector in Nigeria.” SERAP last week sent a petition to Mrs. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor the ICC asking her to use her “good office and leadership position to investigate whether the allegations of widespread, systematic and large-scale corruption in the electricity sector since the return of democracy in 1999 and under the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan amount to crimes against humanity within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, and to prevail on the Nigerian government to surrender all
Zungeru Hydropower Plant Reaches 47% Completion, Says Chinese Contractor Alex Enumah ÓØ ÌßÔË CNEEC-Sinohydro Consortium, the Chinese firm handling the Zungeru 700mw hydroelectric power plant, yesterday disclosed that work on the project had reached 47 per cent completion. Deputy Project Manager of the company, Xiao Nie, made the disclosure yesterday while speaking with journalists who were on tour to the project site in Zungeru. Nie also said that the $1.29 billion about N473 billion project, is expected to be completed in 2020. The project which was started in 2013 consists of four units of 175 mw each, and while the first phase he said would be released by December 2019, the remaining are to be released after every three months. Nice added that though the initial date for the completion was 2019 but due to delays occasioned by unresolved community issues, the project would now be completed in 2020. “The project consists of a dam for storage reservoir comprising an embankment and a Roller Compacted concrete gravity section, a gated concrete spillway with appropriate dissipating structure. “A main power intake structure, a four-unit outdoor-type power house, an electrical substation, 332KV double circuit transmission line to the Shiroro-Jebba line, and a 132KV double circuit
transmission line to Tegina Substation. “Zungeru reservoir has a maximum operation water level of 230m, and total storage capacity of 11.4×109m3,” he said. The zungeru hydroelectric plant when completed is expected to generate 700MW, with annual power generation of 2,640GWh. The plant is also expected to generate and supply electricity to the national grid. Some of the benefits include improvement of standards of living of host communities as well as boost electricity supply across the country. Nie said: “It will also be helpful for the flood control, the development of fisheries and agriculture. The navigable period and the length of the fairway will also be extended.” He said the consortium had employed more than 3,000 local staff members in addition to organising various skills acquisition programmes for the youth. ``The consortium has as at 2016 been able to engage around 4,626 participants in its security special training programme, consisting of organised welders, signal workers, gantry crane hand training 17 times. “With an encouraging 153 of the local staff having been issued qualification certificates, all leading to a large number of skilled personnel. So far, up to 116 people have passed the special types of personnel,” he said.
suspected perpetrators for trial by the ICC.” Office of the Prosecutor Nigeria is a state party to the
Rome Statute and deposited its instrument of ratification on 27 September 2001. In the petition dated 16 August
2017, the organisation said that, “allegations of corruption in the electricity sector in Nigeria have had catastrophic effects on the
lives of millions of Nigerians, akin to crimes against humanity as contemplated under the Rome Statue and within
FARMERS ON TOUR OF NESTLE FACTORY
Nestlé Nigeria Creating Shared Values Project Manager, Mrs. Gloria Nwabuike (left); A farmer and Village Head of Kuki, Kano State, Alhaji Tijani Abdulahi (middle); Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Mrs. Victoria Uwadoka, during facility tour when Nestlé hosted representatives of the farming communities from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Jigawa States to the Nestlé Factory in Agbara, Ogun State....recently
ONSA: Past Security Reforms Reveal Need for Procedural Capabilities in Mitigating Terror Attacks Adedayo Akinwale ÓØ ÌßÔË The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), yesterday said previous security reforms it spearheaded over the past few years revealed an urgent need for comprehensive, structural and procedural capabilities in mitigating terrorist attacks. The Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Centre, ONSA, Commodore Yem Musa disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while giving his keynote address at a workshop on ‘Enhancing the Use of ICT in Counter-terrorism Policy and Practice’ organised by the Partners West Africa Nigeria. Musa who was represented by Head, Preventing / Countering Violent Extremism unit, Ms. Catherine Udida, explained that ONSA has
been able to spearhead key reforms and strategies on public security and policy, some of which include: the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2014, the National Counter-terrorism Strategy (NACTEST 2016) and the National Cyber Security Strategy 2014. According to him, “the process of development of these strategies over the past few years revealed an urgent need for comprehensive, structural and procedural capabilities in mitigating terrorist attacks; curb cross-border crimes, monitoring financial crimes such as money laundry and advance-fee fraud.” Continuing, Musa added: “We cannot achieve this alone as such there is a need for effective collaboration, cooperation and information sharing within and between security agencies, the private sector, government and
the international community.” He expressed delight that the workshop was coming at a time when the country needed all the support to surmount the challenges of growing insecurity. “Like every developed nation in the world, we are experiencing evolving security issues that continue to challenge our mandates, individually and collectively, as institutions. There are activities of the dreaded Boko Haram sect in the North-east, the increased rate of kidnapping across the country, ethno religious clashes, banditry between herdsmen and farmers in the North-eentral, and North-west. The Niger Delta is not left out of the security challenges, as activities of illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalisation and militancy continue to pose threats to the commonwealth of our nation,” he said. Musa also expressed optimism
that expectations from the forum would provide opportunity to access achievements, discuss challenges and proffer solutions for the short, medium- and long-term in the security sector. Earlier, the Executive Director, Ms. Kemi Okenyodo, said the workshop was organised as part of Citizens Security programme area aimed at facilitating a holistic planning on security sector reform processes in the North-east. She stressed that, “the country has been faced with various security problems over the past few years, with most pertinent in recent times being the insurgency in the North-east. Analysis of the conflict situations in other parts of the country has also revealed that there is a lack of coordination, collaboration, coherence, cooperation among the security agencies.”
Utomi: Unemployment is Nigeria’s Biggest Challenge Solomon Elusoji Political Economy and Management Expert, Professor Pat Utomi, has singled out the high unemployment rate in the country as the biggest obstacle standing between Nigeria and economic prosperity. Utomi made this observation yesterday in Lagos during a CEOs Summit on Youth Employment in Nigeria, an event organised by the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), a non-profit organisation he pioneered. “Nothing is a bigger challenge to the prosperity of this country as the challenge of unemployment,” Utomi said. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate rose to 14.2
per cent in the fourth quarter of 2016, from the 13.9 per cent recorded in the preceding year. Also, the underemployed rate rose from 21.0 per cent from 19.7 per cent. These numbers are expected to rise. However, Utomi noted that skilling up the country’s teeming young population can provide a way out of the unemployment crisis. His reasoning was echoed by the speakers and panelists at the CEOs Summit. Representing the President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Mr. Udom Inoyo, CIPM’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, gave a riveting presentation on “The Challenge of Skills-Mismatch in Nigeria Labour Market”, where she challenged the value of university education
in a world where information is readily available to anyone ready to learn. A former instructor at the Lagos Business School and accomplished Researcher and Training Consultant, Professor Franca Ovadje also gave a lecture on “The Roles of CEOs in Tackling Youth Unemployment in Nigeria,” where she urged elite business leaders to scale up their Corporate Social Responsibility roles as it pertains to education and health. “CEOs should be involved in developing a talent pool,” she said, while stressing the importance of on-boarding and training for new recruits. A panel discussion, moderated by the Human Resources Director at Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Victor Famuyibo, was populated with interesting thoughts from several
top business leaders: CEO of Leading Edge Consulting, Dr. Ije Jidenma; CEO of Inspiro Consulting, Mr. Jide Tewe; CEO of The Knowhouse, Mr. Olukayode Olusope; CEO of WAVE, Ms. Misan Rewane; and Coordinator of the German Dual Vocational Training Programme, Engr. Kayode Awoyele. The CEOs Summit was organised by CVL with the support of the Ford Foundation. “We are trying to understand demand in the labour market and what sort of skills already exist,” a Ford Foundation Program Officer, Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima, said. “We think this is important because it will help us understand what CEOs require and help pull a lot of people out of unemployment.”
52
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017˾ T H I S D AY
CRIME&PUNISHMENT
Women Protest against Escape of Suspected Ritual Killer
Rivers govt urges police to re-arrest suspect Activists seek suspension of police commissioner Ernest Chinwo ÓØ ÙÜÞ ËÜÍÙßÜÞ Outrage yesterday continued to trail the escape of suspected ritual killer, Ifeanyichukwu Dike, from police custody as scores of protesters, mostly women, took to the streets in Port Harcourt to protest against what they called police complicity in the disappearance of the suspect. The Rivers State Government has also described the incident as embarrassing and unacceptable and called on the police command to ensure the immediate re-arrest of the suspect, just as the police have promised “handsome reward” for information that would lead to the apprehension of the suspect. 23-year-old Dike, who was arrested at Eliozu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers last Saturday by men of the Okporo Police Station, for allegedly abducting, killing and dismembering one eight-year-old Chikamso Victory, escaped from custody shortly after he was paraded by the police. He was said to have escaped from the State CID after the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), one Johnbosco, removed the handcuff that was on the suspect to take his statement and was leading him to the cell. Worried by the development, scores of protesters took to the streets yesterday to demand justice over the killing of Chikamso. The protesters, most of whom were women, wore black attires as they marched through Eliozu suburb, where the killing took
place, calling on the police to fish out the suspect behind Chikamso’s murder. The protesters were however dispersed around the Eliozu Bridge at about 11a.m. by the police using tear gas. One of the protesters, who simply identified herself as Angela, told journalists that they were not deterred by the police action and would continue the protest until the suspected ritual killer was re-arrested. She said: “We will not go back on our resolve to ensure that justice is done in this matter. How could a man kill a girl in such a terrible manner for ritual purpose and the moment the culprit was apprehended and taken to the police, he disappeared. “We want the police to do the needful by ensuring that Dike is rearrested. If such terrible thing can happen in the police, then we are not safe in this country.” She also called on the police to dismiss and try the IPO, Johnbosco, from whose hand Chikanmso’s killer escaped. The Rivers State Government also condemned the escape of the suspect from police custody, describing it as embarrassing. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, said the police and other law enforcement agencies should step up their game and ensure that the felon is re-arrested and brought to justice without delay, stressing that the report that the suspect escaped from the hands of the IPO is totally unacceptable. Banigo, who commiserated with the bereaved family on
Six Hoodlums Nabbed for Illegal Ticket Racketeering Chiemelie Ezeobi
it to their park, establishing the business of ticketing cars and For illegally commercialising buses discharging passengers. and ticketing commercial Pressed by the need to inject buses and private vehicles at sanity to the lay-by and return the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos, it to what it was designated to be, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), RRS undercover agents swooped on yesterday arrested six hoodlums the ticketing syndicate and caught often referred to in local parlance most of them with piles of tickets. as ‘area boys’. In another development, acting The suspects who were found on the incessant complaints of with hundreds of unsold tickets bag snatching along the Iddo and the day’s earnings, were Terminus, the RRS Commander, mopped up after series of Olatunji Disu, an Assistant complaints by motorists, which Commissioner of Police, led his men triggered an investigation by to investigate. the police operatives Duringthe routine for the exercise, It was gathered that men of the squad were positioned the ticket racketeering had at the terminus, to wade off begun in May this year after the stem of crime in the area, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode especially at night. commissioned the Ojodu - Berger Aside the daytime layby along with other facilities reconnaissance and monitoring, there. it was gathered that some of the The construction of the squad would be deployed there lay-by and the park was for as part of measures to curbing cars and commercial buses to the menace. park, discharge their passengers Also, Disu and his team and then move on. equally extended the monitoring However, few weeks after the to other pin down points in areas commissioning, these area boys such as Oyingbo, Idunmota and had shown up and converted Ebute Metta.
the gruesome murder of little Miss Victory Chikamnso, said:, “As a mother, I am still numb with shock to hear that a full grown man could defile an eight-year-old girl and also go ahead to mutilate her body for purported money rituals.” She advised parents and guardians to take extra precautions to ensure that their children, especially female children, were protected from predators like Ifeanyi Dike, whom she described as a devil
incarnate. Meanwhile, some rights activists in the state have called for the immediate suspension of the Commissioner of Rivers State Police Commissioner, Ahmed Zaki, following the escape of the suspected ritual killer from police custody. A civil rights activist, Opunab Inko-Tariah, noted that Dike, said to be a 200-level student of the University of Port Harcourt, was arrested for allegedly dismembering his eight-year
old niece for ritual purposes and accused the Commissioner of Police of complicity and negligence in the escape of the suspect. He said the CP should ensure that the suspect is rearrested in the next 24 hours. On his part, Eugene Ode, a legal practitioner in the state, called for a thorough search and re-arrest of the suspect. Meanwhile as part of its efforts to track down and rearrest the escaped suspected
ritual killer, the state police command has promised a handsome reward to anyone who would volunteer any information that would lead to the arrest of Dike. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnamdi Omoni (DSP), in a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday promised that “anyone who will assist the police with information that will lead to the re-arresting of the suspected ritualist Ifeanyichukwu Dike will be handsomely rewarded.”
SERVICE TO HUMANITY Governor, Rotary Club District 9110, Dr. Adewale Ogunbadejo (middle), alongside the President of the Rotary Club of
Ojodu, Efedi Jellily (right) with the Chief Matron of Ojodu Abiodun Health Centre, Mrs. Majek Keshinro, during the donation of mosquito-treated nets to nursing mothers by the Rotary Club of Ojodu at Ojodu Abiodun Health Centre in Lagos...recently.
Police Inspector Kills Boss, Commits Suicide in Ondo James Sowole ÓØ ÕßÜÏ A police inspector identified as Abraham Arowogun attached to the Kajola Divisional Police Station, Kajola town in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday committed suicide by jumping into a deep well after killing his boss, who is a Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) in the station. The incident has become a major subject of discussion among other policemen and people of the town. THISDAY learnt that the action of the deceased might not be unconnected with the
killing of the deceased senior colleague, Timothy Aruehi, who he (Arowogun) shot dead. According to the source, Arowogun shot the DCO following a disagreement that ensued between them on the issue of money. “There was an issued that happened between the two officers. Arowogun was investigating a case and the DCO, Aruehi, discovered that a sum of N150,000 was involved in the case he (Arowogun) was investigating and that Arowogun actually converted that money to his private purse. “The DCO him and asked
him why he did what he did. In the course of interrogating him, he just went out angrily and brought out a gun and shot Timothy dead,” he said. The police source added that after killing the DCO, other officers in the station at the time fled for safety. “After doing that, he knew that what he did was unprofessional and unpardonable in the police force, he just left the scene jumped into a well at the back of the station,” the source stated. The corpses of the two policemen were said to have been deposited at the mortuary
at the General Hospital, Ore. The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident and said the command had commenced investigation on the matter . “It is an unfortunate incident but we have begun investigation on it, the command is very saddened over the incident and our heart are very heavy, we are doing everything possible to further dig into the matter and also to talk to our officers and men on the need to avert similar occurrence,” the PPRO stated.
Man Shot for Picking Stolen Money as Armed Robbers Flee Okon Bassey ÓØ ãÙ One person was reportedly shot in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, by the police yesterday in an attempt to stop him from picking some money which dropped from armed robbers’ vehicle while trying to escape arrest. The victim, whose name could not be ascertained by the time of filing this report, had his hand shattered by the police bullets. Eyewitnesses said the man
and others had rushed to the scene of the incident along Wellington Bassey Way, former Barracks road just by a new generation bank, to pick some money dropped by the fleeing armed robbers. The robbers were escaping after robbing a government vehicle but luck was against them as their vehicles developed fault where they were forced to snatch another car, and after transferring some part of the money, some passers-by rushed
in to pick some cash when the police shot one of them on the hand. The driver of the government vehicle and a lady were said to have gone to a new generation bank along Abak road to withdraw a huge amount of money not knowing that they were being trailed by the armed robbers after the withdrawal. Eyewitnesses said the armed robbers, numbering about three including the driver, had trailed a government vehicle with the
registration number: AK705 C01 from Abak road to Paul Bassey by Dominic Avenue where they succeeded in blocking the government vehicle. The armed robbers were said to have removed three large sizes of ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bags to their vehicles after succeeding in destroying the boot of the government vehicle with bullets An eyewitness said: “As the driver was going through Paul Bassey Street, he noticed that some people were chasing him.
T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
53
THURSDAYSPORTS
Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com
D I S T R A C T I O N F O R L I O N S A H E A D B AT T L E O F U Y O
FIFA to Appoint Normalisation Committee for Cameroon Football Duro Ikhazuagbe Ahead of the double-header FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying games with Nigeria, the Executive board of the Cameroon football federation (FECAFOOT) may step aside any moment from now for a Normalisation Committee to be appointed to run its affairs until a fresh election takes place. The Bureau of the FIFA Council decided yesterday to appoint a Normalisation Committee for the FECAFOOT in accordance with article 14 par. 1a and article 8 par. 2 of the FIFA Statutes. The resort to a Normalisation Committee is the fall out of the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to annul the electoral process leading to the election of the current FECAFOOT executive committee in 2015. Attempts by FIFA to reconcile the football stakeholders in Cameroon failed leading to the current impasse. The mandate of the Normalisation Committee will include the following tasks: r 5P SVO UIF EBJMZ BGGBJST PG FECAFOOT; r 5P ESBGU OFX TUBUVUFT JO consultation with all stakeholders and in compliance with FIFA’s Statutes and standards as well as mandatory national law; r 5P SFWJFX UIF TUBUVUFT PG UIF regional and departmental leagues and ensure their alignment with the FECAFOOT statutes; r 5P JEFOUJGZ UIF EFMFHBUFT of the FECAFOOT general assembly and of the regional and departmental leagues; r 5P PSHBOJTF BOE DPOEVDU FMFDUJPOT
of a new FECAFOOT executive committee. FIFAinsisted that the normalisation committee will be composed of an adequate number of members to be identified by a joint FIFA and CAF mission scheduled to take place very shortly. “The committee will act as an electoral committee and none of its members will be eligible for any of the open positions in the elections. “The specified period of time during which the Normalisation Committee shall perform its functions shall expire no later than February 28, 2018,” the statement concluded. Shortly before the Confederations Cup that took place in Russia last June, a Cameroonian club, Etoile Filante de Garoua, reportedly complained to FIFA that FECAFOOT led by Tombi Roko Sidiki, lacked authority to send a team to the tournament. FIFA however ignored the protest and allowed the Indomitable Lions participate but failed to go beyond the group games. Cameroon was banned from global football in July 2013 before the establishment of a FIFA-approved Normalisation Committee. Sidiki and his executive committee then assumed office after elections held in September 2015. But the CAS subsequently backed a ruling made in Cameroon nullifying the polls that brought Sidiki to office. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon who are trailing Super Eagles with four points
Adekuoroye Wins World Championship Silver in France Nigerian Odunayo Adekuoroye narrowly missed becoming the first African female wrestler to win a gold medal at the ongoing World Wrestling Championship in Paris, France yesterday. The Commonwealth Games gold medallist lost the 55kg category
final gold to 18-year-old Japanese Haruna Okuno in a narrow 5-4 defeat. The silver she won is the first by any Nigerian lady in the sport. She had qualified for the finals after defeating Iryna Kurachkina from Belarus 10-0 in the semi-finals earlier in the day.
Chamberlain Squash Open: Top Seed, Broekman, Survives an Upset Tournament number two seed, Mark Broekman, narrowly avoided crashing out of the ongoing 2017 Chamberlain Squash Open at the first hurdle yesterday, having to come from one game down to get past his opponent, Nigeria qualifier Abel Shadrack. The Briton who is ranked 169 on the Professional Squash Association world ranking edged his opponent 11-7, 11-6, 11-6, 11-7. Broekman had to dig deep before overcoming the youthful, Shedrack who booked his place in the main draw on Monday. Meanwhile, quarter-finalists in the on-going Chamberlain
Squash Open have emerged. The last eight emerged after the final games in the main draws were decided yesterday at the Lagos Country Club in Ikeja. The men qualifiers are; Tom Ford, Abdulrahman Lanre, Femi Shedara, Adegoke Onaopemipo, Babatunde Ajagbe, Sodiq Taiwo , Gabriel Olufunmilayo and Mark Broekman. Those who progressed in the women category include; Yemisi Olatunji, Okikiola Dunni, Kafayat Idris, Rofiat Abdulazeez, Udeme James, Veronica Sunday, Adebisi Adeleke and Longdi Dasbak.
in the Group B of the Russia 2018 qualifiers are due to arrive Uyo early next week for the September 1 game at the Nest of Champions. The return leg is scheduled to hold in Yaounde on September 4. A win in Uyo
for Eagles will move Nigeria up nine points and only need another victory to seal the passage to the Mundial. Although Cameroon enjoys a superior head-to-head record against Nigeria, Eagles defeated
the Indomitable Lions 3-0 in their last meeting in a friendly in Belgium in October 2015. Yesterday, Odion Ighalon who has just been recalled to the senior Nigerian team said from his China base that Eagles
would be hungrier for the three points at stake in Uyo than the African champions. “We want the game more and God will crown our efforts on the day,” observed the former Watford forward last night.
Adekuoroye (right)… won a silver medal at the World Championship in Paris, France… yesterday
Eguavoen ChargesYoung Talents at Camp GTBank Former Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguaveon has charged young outstanding talents discovered during the last editions of the GTBank Principal’s Cup in Lagos and Ogun states to take advantage of the platform created by the bank to become future stars. Eguavoen will lead other coaches which include, Henry Nwosu, Yisa Sofoluwe, Jolomi Atune, coach of the Nigeria’s U-15 Future Eagles, Ann Chiejina
and Ajuma Ottache, amongst others in the eight-day residential camp. Forty outstanding young talents discovered at 2017 GTBank football tournaments as well as 60 school coaches are presently on an all-expense paid intensive player-development and coach-training programme tagged “Camp GTBank”. It is being hosted by Greenspring Schools Ajah. Camp GTBank is a football
and educational development initiative designed to train and develop outstanding football talents discovered during the Lagos and Ogun state Principal’s Cup, and the Masters’ Cup. Since its inception in 2011, Camp GTBank has helped kick start the careers of more than 120 footballers, some of whom have been selected to represent the country in international tournaments at various levels, and are currently
playing in both domestic and foreign league clubs. One of the leading stars in the Nigeria Professional Football League, Stephen Odey is a product of the programme. The camp which began on August 21 will end on August 28, will help prepare the outstanding talents for successful football careers whilst building the capacity of the coaches to improve the quality and potential of grassroots football.
Bundesliga: Can Bremen End 13-game Losing Run to Bayern? Live on StarTimes’ World Sport channel Bayern Munich’s trip to Bremen this weekend will see them return to a club that once – together with the team from the Bavarian capital – dominated the Bundesliga. In the 1980s and early 1990s Werder Bremen were considered Bayern’s main rivals and the two clubs were involved in many a spectacular game against each other. Since then, their fortunes have gone in somewhat opposite directions, as the current champions Bayern are looking for a sixth consecutive title, while Bremen have been struggling against relegation for much of the same time. As champions, Bayern Munich had the honour of opening the season last Friday and goals by new signings Niklas Suele and Corentin Tolisso, as
well as Robert Lewandowski, gave them a convincing 3-1 victory against Bayer Leverkusen, while Bremen got their season underway with a 1-0 defeat in Hoffenheim. Recent matches between the two have predominantly gone the way of Bayern. The last time Bremen beat Bayern was in September 2008, when they won 5-2 in Munich. Since then, they have lost 14 times in the Bundesliga, with three drawn matches. Astonishingly, Bremen have lost their last 13 Bundesliga games against Bayern. But even if everything clearly points towards another Bayern victory, Bremen captain Thomas Delaney believes his team is not without a chance.
“If you look at it objectively, Bayern should win. But it will not be easy for them. Last years’ game makes us optimistic (Bayern struggled in Bremen for a 2-1 win). We won our opening cup game this season, which in Bremen is not always the case. There is no reason not to be optimistic. We also rather face Bayern now at the start of the season, than at the end when they have something to play for.” Saturday’s match in the Weserstadion is this week’s highlighted game for African Bundesliga fans, who will have the chance to see it live and exclusive on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 15:30 CAT on StarTimes World Football channel 245 and 254. The Media Division Sports Director
of StarTimes, Cole He Xin said that the opening matches of the Bundesliga again showed why the league is so popular throughout the world. “The stadiums are packed, you have exciting matches and brilliant players, many of whom play for Bayern Munich. The game on Saturday will see a sold-out Weserstadion and a home side that is determined to end their run of defeats against Bayern.” He added that the game between the two erstwhile rivals is not the only great match football fans can see. “You have Dortmund against Hertha Berlin, or Leverkusen against Hoffenheim as well as several other top matches. I am sure I am not the only one who wants to watch all the games!”
˜ ͺͼ˜ ͺͿ ˾ T H I S D AY
54
THURSDAYSPORTS WWE SMACKDOWN
Nakamura Gets Revenge against Mahal, The Singh Brothers Femi Solaja in New York courtesy MultiChoice The sweet revenge for Shinsuke Nakamura against The Singh Brothers was one of the major high point at the WWE SmackDown bouts late Tuesday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Two days ago the Japanese wrestler was handed his first single loss of the championship to Jinder Mahal. The loss to Mahal was caused by the Singh Brothers who distracted Nakamura long enough for the champion to gain the upper hand for the controversial victory. However, at the SmackDown event, it was a different scene as Mahal watched helplessly as the master of flying kicks gave the challengers enough dose of punishment. Before the bout, Bryan, an acquaintance of Nakamura had told Mahal that it’s payback time by going up against his cronies the Singh Brothers. In the ring, Nakamura blasted both Sunil and Samir Singh, knocking them around with hard strikes. A distraction from Mahal opened the door for the heels to battle back. A triangle choke, though, was enough to put away the brothers. Mahal tried to ambush Nakamura afterward, but he countered with a Kinshasa. The flamboyant Japanese wrestler won via Samir’s tapout to a triangle submission leading to a pin fall and thereafter blues and red lighting illuminate the hall as passionate fans celebrate with him. Before the bout, AJ Styles kicked off the night by issuing an open challenge for his U.S. title. McMahon screwed him over and few minutes later, Shane-OMac stepped out to highlight his dominance, stating he called the match fairly. In hot exchange of words, Styles demanded to defend the title, and the commissioner agreed to the
match. Owens, though, demanded to choose his own referee. And per McMahon, this would be Owens’ last shot at the championship while Styles held it. “I told the world that I am the workhorse of the WWE,” Styles responded following Owens claim that “you should be focused on your right hand hitting the mat three times,” he responded. The efficient segment followed up the SummerSlam controversy well. Owens, Styles and McMahon all had a ton of tension here. We’re getting closer and closer to the McMahon vs. Owens feud that will be the highlight of SmackDown in the coming weeks. And WWE continues to find ways to keep the Styles-Owens matchups interesting. KO picking the ref is a unique, fun stipulation. The last-chance element of the bout adds high stakes. In the women tag team championship match, Natalya and Carmella teamed up against Naomi and Lynch in the epic battle. In exchange of pin fall claims, Natalya and her partner were on the losing side. The stage appearance of Naomi was awesome, wearing a sweet Technicolor-esque dream coat during her entrance. She hung it on the ring post, then immediately got in Natalya’s face. Naomi started the match against Carmella, who danced around the ring for a lap before tagging in Natalya. They lock up as the fight got to a break. Upon return, Lynch hit a running legdrop on Natalya. The new champion attempted to call a timeout, then pulled Lynch into the turnbuckle and kicked away at her. Natalya hooked a sleeper on Becky, who freed herself, only to be floored by a discus clothesline. Natalya pushed Lynch back into her team’s corner. She attempted to
tag Carmella, who dropped to the floor to avoid getting involved in the match. Natalya glared down at her partner. Lynch took advantage of the situation with a schoolboy,
then hit an enziguri. Both women regained their feet. Lynch hit a charging Natalya with an elbow in the corner, but was thrown onto her face when she
climbed the ropes to follow up. Natalya scored a two count, then yelled, “What are you doing?” at Carmella. Outside the ring, the wave is back in Brooklyn.
In the exchange, Naomi and Becky Lynch beat Natalya and Carmella when Naomi pinned Carmella after a split-legged moonsault.
Nakamura
Obaseki Sets up NWPL Super 4 Committee Edo State government, hosts of the 2017 Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) Super Four, has set up a high powered committee to oversee the successfully hosting of the prime championship. To further demonstrate the wholesome commitment to the success of the annual championship the state governor, Godwin Obaseki has commandeered the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) to move its secretariat to Benin to ensure proper coordination and administrative finesse towards a hitch free women league primary football fiesta. An elated NWFL chairperson, Aisha Falode said this is the first time in the history of the women
championship that a state will deploy its human and material resources to promote and showcase the women football to the highest height. “We cannot say thank you enough to the amiable executive governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu for their uncommon commitment and support for the upcoming NWPL Super Four being hosted in the state capital, Benin City. “The governor is not even contented being the host but is pushing all the buttons to ensure the championship records 100% success. “Or how else could one explain
his uncommon disposition and wholeheartedness towards the women’s game and Super Four in particular than his prompt decision to appoint the planning committee for the championship. “The committee is charged with the responsibility to put the structures and logistics for the game in place so that the championship will go on seamlessly at the scheduled date. “Besides, his excellency has equally asked the NWFL board to quickly shift their secretariat to Benin City to ease communication and workings for the championship. “We have never had it this good in the history of the
women game as things are simply falling into the right places at the moment. “We will remain eternally grateful the executive governor, deputy and the entire good people of Edo state. “I can assure you that whenever a properly documented history of the women game will be written either now or future the name of the state will be etched in gold. “The NWFL is being challenged to organise the best ever championship in the history of the women game by the uncommon generosity and interest of the governor for the championship.”
Rooney Quits How Representing Nigeria Fired Me to Win in USA, By Inyang International Football England’s all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney has retired from international football after turning down the chance to be part of the squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers. The Everton striker was asked by England boss Gareth Southgate to be involved against Malta and Slovakia. “Every time I was selected was a real privilege but I believe now is the time to bow out,” said the 31-year-old. The former Manchester United captain scored 53 times in 119 internationals. He made his major tournament debut as an 18-year-old at Euro 2004, and his last international appearance was as captain in last November’s 3-0 victory over Scotland at Wembley. Rooney rejoined boyhood club Everton in the summer, and his announcement comes two days after he scored his 200th Premier
Nigeria’s emerging tennis wonderkid, Gabriel Inyang, has attributed the success of his two-month holiday training at the US to the experience garnered by representing the country at this year’s ITF/ CAT tournament held April in Lagos. The 12-year-old from the Victoria Garden City Club,
Lekki, Lagos defeated 10 Americans to claim the Baco Junior Tournament in July before rounding off on a memorable note with the Brant Lake Camp tournament title in New York later in the same month to bag a double-double having attained same feat last year. “The two tournaments were very tough than those of last
year but the tough training my dad puts me through as well as the experience I got by playing for Nigeria (at the ITF/CAT Championship) early this year helped me to win” he said, on arrival at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos at the weekend. Gabriel’s dad, Richard who is also his coach, said Gabriel
was the main target by all the other opponents following his surprise win of the titles last year. “They were prepared for him. They knew he is very good and always want to give their best against him.” Richard credited the Brant Lake Camp for fine-tuning his son’s game and also thanked the VGC Club for supporting the training.
Premier League Clubs Smash OwnTransfer Record League goal in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City. After that game, he said he was “focusing on Everton” rather than an international recall. “I’m sure I’ll speak to Gareth Southgate over the next few days,” he added. “We’ll see what happens.” Southgate is due today to name a squad for the World Cup qualifiers in Malta on September 1, and at home to Slovakia three days later.
English Premier League clubs have broken their own spending record for the transfer window, a sports analyst group said yesterday, with more deals expected before business closes next Thursday. Southampton’s 15 million pound ($19.19 million) purchase of Lazio centre back Wesley Hoedt brought the overall spend by England’s 20 elite clubs to 1.184.9 billion pounds, the respected websiteSporting Intelligence said.
The figure exceeded the £1.18 billion pounds the clubs spent in last summer’s window. Across the 20 clubs, net spending stands at 565 million pounds, with 619.9 million pounds received. The figures do not include add-ons or agent fees. Although the biggest deal of the window was done by French club Paris St Germain, who paid Barcelona 222 million euros ($261.58 million) for Neymar, English clubs have rivalled
them for overall spend with Manchester City (221.5 million pounds) leading the way, ahead of Manchester United (145.8) and Everton (139.9). Barcelona could yet emerge as the biggest spending club, however, with British and Spanish media reporting they are about to table a 138 million pound bid, including add-ons, for Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho. The Spanish club have already
paid China’s Guangzhou Evergrande 40 million euros for Paulinho and been heavily linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele. Should the Coutinho deal go through, it would trigger a chain reaction with Liverpool reported to be interested in signing Southampton centre back Virgil van Dijk and Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in deals that would exceed 100 million pounds.
T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017
55
Thursday, August 24, 2017
TR
UT H
& RE A S O
N
Price: N250
MISSILE Musa Bello to FCT Land Owners “The way the city is growing, we encourage those who have not developed their plots to do so. If they don’t, of course, there are millions of people waiting to get such plots, so we have solution to that” – FCT Minister, Mr Muhammed Musa Bello, telling owners of undeveloped plots in Abuja to develop or lose them.
OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT
olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com
President Buhari’s Message A
fter more than 100 days away from the country, President Muhammadu Buhari returned last Saturday to a tumultuous welcome. It was an indication that he still commands the popular appeal that brought him to power despite the glaring failings of his administration. But his address to the nation on Monday fell far short of expectations. First, he started with a wrong salutation. ‘My dear citizens’ does not convey the fact that we (the president and the rest of us) are equal stakeholders in Nigeria. In case he has forgotten, Nigerians are not to him what Britons are to the Queen of England where he has put up residency in recent weeks. Perhaps, we should not read too much into just one speech. The president may yet surprise us if the style and substance of his leadership change for the better in the coming weeks, though there remains the small task of first chasing away the rodents that have taken over the number one office in our country! However, those writing their own speeches in place of Buhari’s six-minute address would have to wait until they become president of Nigeria or that of their own little dream enclaves. Meanwhile, as we wait for the Change we were promised by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), I want to rehash what I wrote on 28th May 2015, a day before the president assumed office. Titled, “A Word for Muhammadu Buhari”, I believe the short intervention is still very much relevant today: =============================== …What is perhaps President Buhari’s biggest selling point today is that he comes to office with what is usually described as “Referent Power”. He is generally trusted as a man who would not fiddle with the treasury in a society where integrity in the public arena is very much in short supply. But leading
W
Buhari by example does not make Buhari a perfect man, and that is what worries me about the way some of his supporters are going on as if we have just elected a prophet. Buhari will do this. Buhari will do that. Those are the tales we have been hearing from some time-servers who may not even know the man but are already positioning themselves in the media in a bid to hijack the man and our collective destiny. Yet, the reality of our national condition today is that Buhari can do practically nothing without seeking the patience and understanding of Nigerians. And for that to happen, Buhari must be seen to be human. That means having the courage to admit to mistakes and failings (where they occur) along the way and being bold enough to make course corrections.
As I wish the president-elect well, I want to end my piece with a simple story that will serve Buhari who should be wise enough to dispense with the cult of personality being built around him if he does not want to fail. Concerned that her son was addicted to eating a lot of sugar, a mother sought appointment to see the legendary Indian leader, Mahatma Gandhi. When she finally did, with her son in tow, she said: “The whole nation listens to you, please tell my son to stop eating sugar, as it is not good for his health”. Ghandi replied, “I cannot tell him that. But you may bring him back in a few weeks and then I will talk to him.” Upset and disappointed, the mother took the boy home. Two weeks later, she came back. This time Gandhi looked directly at the boy and said “Son, you should stop eating sugar. It is not good for your health.” The boy nodded his head and made a solemn commitment to heed the admonition. Puzzled, the boy’s mother asked Ghandi, “Why did you send us away two weeks ago when you could have simply told the boy what you just did?” Gandhi smiled and said: “Two weeks ago, I was eating a lot of sugar myself.” ENDNOTE: There are several lessons in that simple tale but I will point out just a few. One, Ghandi demonstrated an uncommon capacity for introspection which made him to admit to his own imperfection. Two, Ghandi was not ready to be a hypocrite by preaching to the boy what he himself had not been practicing. Three, Ghandi was ready to make course corrections so that he could, in good conscience, offer an honest advice to the boy. Four, flowing from the foregoing was the recognition by Ghandi that he was accountable to every citizen, young or old. Five, Ghandi had the grace to admit to the boy’s mother that he was but an ordinary man who was prepared to rise
above himself when occasions demanded. I join in thanking God for President Buhari’s health recovery and return to the country even as I wish him all the best in the remaining months of his administration.
Ayisha’s Love Win Pius
Pius Adesanmi, who arrived from his Ottawa (Canada) base on Tuesday and goes back tomorrow, will this evening join Ayisha Osori at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, 18 Libreville Street, off Aminu Kano Crescent in Wuse 2, to discuss her recent book, ‘Love Does Not Win Elections’. The highly revealing and very entertaining book captures Ayisha’s 2014 experience as she sought an elusive Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket to represent AMAC/ Bwari constituency at the House of Representatives. The book is a compelling manual for any professional seeking political office in Nigeria or trying to understand how in her words “Nigerians keep getting leaders they say they do not deserve”. The book will also be available for sale at the venue.
2017 Teens Conference
Online registration for the 2017 RCCG (TEAP Zone) Teens Career Conference in Abuja, which holds on Saturday, has closed. And only those who receive mails today will be able to attend. We regret that we cannot take more participants than the number we already have which exceeds that of last year. However, the programme will be streamed live from RCCG TEAP official Facebook page and twitter handle. You can also follow us on Instagram for updates. For all relevant information about the conference, interested person should visit www.rccgteapteens.org.
MKO Abiola At 80
ere he to be alive, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola would have marked his 80th birthday today. He was born on 24th August 1937. And without any doubt, today would have been a remarkable day in Lagos, for Abiola was indeed a man of the people. Yet, he is practically forgotten despite the fact that the democracy we currently enjoy can be credited to his sacrifices and that of a few others who challenged the military that had practically held the nation by the jugular. And he paid a very big price for that: He was incarcerated under a most dehumanizing condition, his wife, Kudirat was murdered, his businesses were ruined and eventually, he lost his life. What that compels is a reflection on the part of those who only remember Abiola on June 12, essentially for political reasons even when they do nothing to advance the cause for which he died. Granting holidays on June 12 every year in a section of the country when Abiola’s appeal was national, is cheap and meaningless. What would
be more enduring is to have a befitting centre in Abiola’s name, like that of his friend (now also of blessed memory), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua that stands as a lasting memorial in Abuja. There must also be a compelling book on Abiola that would deal with four notable areas of his life: Politics, business, philanthropy and sports. That is the sort of legacy Abiola deserves and it is possible if there is a commitment to it, especially as we move towards the 20th anniversary of his death which is next year. Meanwhile, as a State House Correspondent in the early nineties, I was a member of the African Concord magazine delegation to Jos in April 1993 when Abiola contested the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential primaries and I followed all the political drama from the beginning to the end. In August 1997, as an Assistant Editor at Sunday Concord, I wrote a book to commemorate Abiola’s 60th birthday at a time he was in detention. Titled “Abiola’s Travails”, the publication was partly financed by the then PUNCH Chairman, Chief
Ajibola Ogunsola, easily one of the few genuine friends of Abiola and for me a professional mentor. Although I no longer have a copy of the book, on Tuesday I asked whether Louis Odion (a friend I know to be very meticulous in keeping records) still has his. Not surprisingly, Louis still does and he lent me the copy I autographed for him on 28th August 1997 with a stern warning that I must return it to his library. In future, I may merge the book with ‘Fortress on Quicksand’ (on how and why 23 presidential aspirants were disqualified in November 1992) and ‘The Last 100 Days of Abacha’ since they follow the same thread and rework them before republishing as a single book. But that is not a priority project right now. In the foreword to “Abiola’s Travails”, Mr Lewis Obi, the then Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of African Concord (now defunct like most other Abiola businesses) wrote: “Abiola was prevented from being president by approximately seven army officers and less than half a dozen politicians who subverted our institutions and committed the worst
treason ever committed against the Nigerian state. That a few desperate men could do so demonstrated the fragility of our institutions—from the army, through the political parties to the National Assembly and the judiciary. None of our national institutions could stand the rampage of a few power mongers and, thus, Nigeria was reduced to something slightly worse than a banana republic… Abiola’s travails are actually Nigeria’s travails. He promised the country prosperity. Now the country is the seventh poorest in the world. He promised democracy. Nigeria is today under the grip of a regime regarded in the world as one of the most repressive and lawless. He promised to open up the country. Today, Nigeria is an international outcast. He promised a united country and the voters responded. Today, Nigeria is more divided than it was in 1914.” It is indeed instructive that those words were written about the Nigeria of 1987! NOTE: complete version of this piece is in the online edition
Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com