Thursday 31st August 2017

Fidelity Bank’s Half-year Profit Soars 67% on SME, Retail Strategy Nume Ekeghe Nigerian lender, Fidelity Bank has reported a strong financial performance in the first half of 2017, posting impressive growth in profits, gross earnings and other indices for the six months period

ended June 30, 2017.

Details of the audited results, released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday showed that gross earnings rose by 22.1 percent from N70.3 billion in H1 2016 to N85.8 billion for the corresponding period

in 2017.

The growth in gross earnings was driven primarily by a 27.8 per cent increase in interest income and a 0.7 per cent growth in net fee income to N11.2 billion.

Similarly, the bank’s profit before tax (PBT) surged by 66.7

per cent from N6.1 billion in 2016 to N10.2 billion, just as it recorded improvement in other key performance indices such as its net interest margin of 7.4 per cent, cost to income ratio at 67.3 per cent and capital adequacy ratio of 18.4 per cent in the period under review.

Fidelity Bank CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo attributed the double digit growth in earnings and profit to the disciplined execution of the bank’s medium-term strategy which focused on deepening its market share in the small and medium enterprises

(SMEs), retail and digital banking business segments.

“Our balance sheet optimisation initiatives continued to deliver improved results as net interest margin (NIM) increased by 7.4 per Continued on page 8

Audit Report: PAYE of Security Personnel, Abuja Residents Not Remitted to Treasury… Page 46 Thursday 31 August, 2017 Vol 22. No 8169. Price: N250

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How Private Universities Forced JAMB to Lower Cut-off Mark Inadequate teaching faculties, amenities compel students to shun private institutions UNN, Unilag, UI, OAU, Uniben retain 200 as minimum entry score Unilorin is school of first choice among students, LASU leads among state varsities, Covenant, private schools – See detailed tables on pages 10 and 52 Obinna Chima in Lagos and Senator Iroegbu in Abuja Abysmally low student enrolment into private universities in the country has been identified as the major reason the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board

(JAMB) recently lowered the minimum cut-off mark for Nigerian universities in the 2017/2018 academic session to 120.

According to data released to THISDAY by the spokesperson Continued on page 8

Buhari Presides over FEC, Osinbajo Takes Charge of ASUU Negotiations Cabinet approves $5.8bn for construction of Mambilla power plant Omololu Abuja in Abuja For the first time in five months, President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday at the Presidential Villa, where he was greeted with a resounding applause

from ministers as he walked into the chamber.

The meeting was the first to be presided over by the president since March, before he proceeded to London on May 7 for treatment of an undisclosed ailment.

Continued on page 8

S'East Governors Meet With Nwabueze, Nnamdi Kanu... Page 46

TRANSPORTATION TAKES CENTRE STAGE...

L-R: Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, at the meeting of the 15th National Council on Transportation, held in Sokoto... yesterday

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PAGE EIGHT HOW PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES FORCED JAMB TO LOWER CUT-OFF MARK of JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, most private universities already had their minimum cut-off marks set at 120, even before the decision by the board and other stakeholders involved in tertiary education (including private and public polytechnics and colleges of education) nationwide.

JAMB released the data following the outcry by several Nigerians and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) that it was lowering standards in the tertiary education sector by setting 120 as the minimum entry mark for admission into schools of higher learning, which represents 30 per cent of the total score of 400.

A review of the information provided by JAMB showed that of the 293 tertiary institutions in the country, only five universities – University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, University of Lagos (Unilag) and University of Benin (Uniben) – pegged their minimum cut-off marks at 200 (50 per cent out of a total score of 400), while only the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, among the entire tertiary institutions set 190 (47.5 per cent) as it cut-off mark.

Also, the data showed that 27 other universities – private and public – pegged their minimum cut-off marks at 180 (45 per cent); 22 private universities fixed their minimum entry marks at 120, while one has 110 (27.5 per cent) as its cut-off mark.

For instance, most private universities which included Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State; Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State; Caled University, Enugu; Caritas University, Enugu; Fountain University, Oshogbo; Novena University, Delta State; Renaissance University, Enugu; and South-western University,

Ogun State, already had 120 as their cut-off mark, respectively.

Others with the same cut-off mark are the Samuel Adegboyega University; Wellspring University, Edo State; Summit University, Kwara; Edwin Clark University, Delta State; Kings University, Osun State; Arthur Jarvis University, Cross River State; Clifford University, Abia State; and Coal City University, Enugu.

Interestingly, in order to attract students, one of the private universities –Tansian University – even lowered its minimum score to 110 – below what was fixed by JAMB. The reason the private universities selected such low cut-off marks, according to Benjamin, was to increase student enrolment in their schools. “Most students prefer to apply to public universities and that is why they have issues with enrolment. “One hundred and twenty is not the minimum cut-off mark across board. But it is the one determined by certain universities. A lot of the institutions that took 120 as their cut-off mark are private universities,� Benjamin explained.

However, a source in the National Universities Commission (NUC) further disclosed that the reason a lot of private universities had lowered their entry-level scores was driven by profit. “As it stands, very few students seek admission into these private universities because of the low quality of the teaching faculties, lack of infrastructure and amenities, and poor research track records. “So they are lowering standards to attract more students, and of course the overriding reason is the profit motive,� the source who preferred not to be named, volunteered.

However, the JAMB data also showed that a few private universities, including Afe Babalola University, Covenant University, PanAtlantic University, Veritas University, Ritman University, and Oduduwa University, still maintained a higher minimum score of 180, representing 45 per cent of the total score of 400.

But older federal universities such as Unilag, Uniben, OAU, Unilag and UNN, insisted on 200 as their minimum cut-off mark.

Surprisingly, University of Ilorin (Unilorin), which several students select as their first choice, has a cut-off mark of 180, while no information was provided by JAMB on what the cut-off mark for Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the oldest and once the foremost tertiary institution in Northern Nigeria.

Among the state universities, LASU has the highest minimum score of 190 as its cut-off mark, which several of the federal and state universities set at between 150 and 180.

Furthermore, data on the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) applications also made available by the JAMB spokesman revealed that the number of students that selected private universities was significantly lower than those that selected federal and state universities.

The data showed that of the 1,718,365 that wrote the UTME in 2017, less than one per cent (0.69%) applied for admission into private universities.

In fact, the combined figure of those that applied for private universities, private polytechnics, private colleges of education as well as private innovative enterprise initiatives was still less than one per cent (0.8 per cent) of the total amount of those that wrote UTME in 2017 for tertiary institutions nationwide.

Conversely, applications into public universities (federal and state) stood at 96 per cent.

A breakdown of this showed that while applications into federal universities was 70.5 per cent (1,212,818), that of state universities was put at 25 per cent (442,461). “This showed that Nigerian students and their parents still have more confidence in the public university system,�

Benjamin explained.

Some of the reasons include quality of the teaching faculties, facilities, and research, as well as affordability.

The data also provided by Benjamin put the total number of students that applied for regularisation as of August 28, 2017 at 49,426.

Regularisation means students that were not admitted through JAMB, but through remedial and diploma programmes in the respective institutions.

Auchi Polytechnic, with 3,060 had the highest number of applicants seeking regularisation, Kogi State Polytechnic, had 970 of such cases and Kwara State Polytechnic, 940.

Most of the universities had fewer of such cases.

The JAMB spokesman explained that the regularisation list is updated regularly as more applications come in.

The data by JAMB further revealed that Unilorin was the university of first choice in 2017, as it had the highest number of students that applied for it in the UTME with 104,038 applications.

This represented nine per cent of the 1,212,818 UTME applications into Nigerian federal universities in 2017.

Benjamin said students seeking admission into universities considered academic stability, popularity, affordability, available facilities and quality of lecturers as part of their checklist before making choices in their applications.

Unilorin was closely followed

by ABU, Zaria, with 89,688 applications, Uniben with 85,486 applications, UNN with 79,073 and Unilag with 78,899, in that order.

Among the state universities, LASU had the highest number of applications with 36,119, followed by Kaduna State University - 28,914, and Delta State University - 28,672.

Among private universities, Covenant University, with 2,438 had the highest number of applications; it was closely followed by Babcock University - 1,599 and Afe Babalola University - 1,455.

NANS Dismisses JAMB’s Claims But even as JAMB churned out data to justify the low cut-off marks selected by several tertiary institutions, NANS yesterday called on the board to stop what it described as baseless and fruitless efforts to justify a very unpopular policy, adding that Nigerian students had vowed to vehemently resist it.

While reacting to a statement

by Benjamin on Monday, the NANS president, Mr. Chinonso Obasi said that JAMB’s claim that the downward review of the cut-off mark was to stop the quest for foreign education, was unacceptable.

Describing the board’s excuses and explanations as “ridiculous�, Obasi stated that evidence had shown that the worst students in Nigeria usually turn out to be the best students abroad because of the enabling educational policies, teaching facilities, quality of teachers and consistency in study time.

According to him, “Students’ ability to learn and come out with outstanding performances are a function of the enabling environment that is deliberately created by responsible and responsive policies like what

obtains abroad and not retroactive and retrogressive policies like what JAMB is trying to push.�

Obasi stated that only the children of the rich that school abroad, and so JAMB was insinuating that the children of the rich are brainless and cannot compete with the children of the poor who patronise local tertiary institutions.

The NANS president called on JAMB to work with stakeholders to explore and find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the Nigerian education sector that would facilitate effective and efficient learning rather than embarking on an inglorious exercise of reviewing the cut-off mark.

He insisted that at a time the nation should be thinking of improving the prospects of competitive learning, in line with the dictates of contemporary times, JAMB was looking at lowering standards to encourage indolence and ineptitude. “JAMB’s position is certainly not in the interest of the growth of education in the country and the future of young people in the country,� he said.

Obasi also regretted the recent unfortunate fire incident that occurred at the female hostel of the Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos campus, and condole with the students and management of the institution.

However, Benjamin explained to THISDAY that his statement on Monday on Nigerian students seeking university education overseas was in reference to higher institutions in other African and sometimes Asian countries, where some of the tertiary institutions of choice are far below Nigerian and globally accepted education standards. t 'PS UBCMF PO UFSUJBSZ JOTUJUVUJPOT TFFLJOH SFHVMBSJTBUJPO PG UIFJS TUVEFOUT HP UP XXX UIJTEBZMJWF DPN

BUHARI PRESIDES OVER FEC, OSINBAJO TAKES CHARGE OF ASUU NEGOTIATIONS He returned to Nigeria on August 19, but cancelled last week’s FEC meeting.

As the president entered into the council chamber, ministers rose and clapped with excitement after setting their eyes on the president whom some of them had not seen since he returned to the country.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, said the government was committed to ending the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Against this background, he said the cabinet had assigned Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to take charge of some aspects of the negotiations with the university lecturers, disclosing that relevant government officials were slated to meet in the vice-president’s office later yesterday, after which government’s decision would be communicated to the lecturers.

Ngige also said the constitution of the National

Minimum Wage Committee approved by FEC in April had not been made public because some of the groups expected to nominate members into the committee were yet to submit the names of their nominees.

Ngige added that FEC approved a memo, in accordance with the extant laws, that would aid the monitoring and installation of industrial machines by manufacturers, with a view to ensuring that such installations comply with the laws and consequently avert the loss of lives during operations.

Also briefing correspondents, the Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola said FEC approved $5.792 billion for the construction of the Mambilla hydro power plant at the Mambilla plateau in Taraba State.

The project, which was conceived in 1972, according to Fashola, would generate 3,050 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

Fashola, who described the project as a joint venture between the federal government and Chinese Civil Engineering

Company (CCEC), put the duration for the execution of the project at six years.

According to him, the project would comprise four dams, with 700 kilometres of transmission lines, which he said would unleash Nigeria’s potential in tourism, energy and agriculture.

The dams, according to the minister, had been grouped into four categories with various heights of 150 metres high, two intermediate dams of 70 metres high each, and the smallest at 50 metres high.

He also said the project would enable Nigeria to fulfil its own part of the Paris agreement on renewable energy at a competitive cost. “The memorandum from the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing is for the Mambilla hydro electric power plant.

I believe many of you have heard about this project. Nigeria started talking about it since 1972, which is about 45 years ago. “Several efforts have been made to bring it to reality but I am happy to announce to you

that this government approved the award of the contract today (yesterday) as a joint venture with Chinese Civil Engineering Company (CCEC), including civil and electro-mechanical works for $5.792 billion. “The construction should take about 72 months, which is roughly about six years. The scope of works is very extensive.

It requires the construction of four dams. “One of them is 150 metres in height, the intermediate two are 70 metres in height, and the smallest of them is 50 metres in height. Just for concept and scope, that of 150 metres is essentially the about the height of a 50-storey building because you have approximately three metres per floor. The intermediate one is roughly a 20-something storey building. “It also includes 700 kilometres of transmission lines.

It will be in Taraba State in the area called Gengu. It will involve a lot of preparatory works and resettlement. “It will really unleash the potentials that have been

reported about Mambilla – agriculture, tourism and also for energy. “It will also help Nigeria to strike a very big blow on the climate change issue and fulfil its commitment under the Paris agreement because this is going to be renewable energy, coming also at a relatively competitive cost. This was approved by the council today,� Fashola said.

Fashola also explained why the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) reportedly rejected over 9,000MW of electricity within eight days recently, saying whereas power generation had risen from 2,690MW in 2015 to 6,800MW this month, there was a problem with distribution, which blamed on the inability of the Discos to upgrade their equipment in lockstep with the electricity being wheeled out from the grid.

The minister, who said he was aware that an estimated 4,000MW of electricity is rejected by the Discos regularly, blamed the trend on the weak capacity of the equipment used by the Discos.

FIDELITY BANK’S HALF-YEAR PROFIT SOARS 67% ON SME, RETAIL STRATEGY cent in H1 2017, from 6.4 per cent (2016FY), just as growth in the yield on our earning assets outpaced the increase in funding costs. “The process improvement and digital banking initiatives in the period helped to optimise our cost profile, as

total expenses declined by 1.8 per cent (despite the high inflationary environment), leading to a reduction in our cost to income ratio (CIR) to 67.3 per cent� he stated. “Fidelity Bank’s retail strategy continued to deliver impressive results in HI2017, as savings

deposits, a measure of customer confidence, increased by 3.9 per cent to N161.1 billion in June 2017 on the strength of improved cross selling of our digital banking products with about 30 per cent of customers now enrolled on our flagship mobile (*770#) and internet

banking products� he added.

With a presence in the major cities and commercial centers in the country, complemented by innovative digital banking products and channels, Fidelity Bank was rated as one of the top four banks in the retail segment in the recently

published KPMG BICSS. The bank, which is managed by a highly professional team and a reputable board of directors, commenced the interim audit of its financials in 2017 in line with its emphasis for continuous process and governance improvement.

According to him, some of the equipment acquired by the Discos, upon privatisation, had become antiquated and obsolete, and hence, require upgrades to enable them to absorb and distribute electricity to consumers.

However, he said the government was committed to guaranteeing stable power supply, pointing out that the power sector reform of the federal government would address the problem.

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % CUTIX 0.22 2.43 9.9 MAYBAKER 0.13 3.01 4.5 CONTINENTAL 0.06 1.40 4.4 TOTAL 6.50 243.00 2.7 NEM INSURANCE 0.01 1.00 1.0 TOP LOSERS NGN NGN % FIRSTALUM 0.03 0.57 5.0 NAHCO 0.17 3.23 5.0 MOBIL 8.68 165.11 4.9 DANGSUGAR 0.68 13.22 4.8 HONEYWELL 0.09 2.01 4.2 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,220.00 Volume: 239.906 million shares Value: N2.929 billion Deals: 4,371 As at yesterday 30/8/17 See details on Page 42

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CUT-OFF MARKS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA INSTITUTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

CUT OFF

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE 180 COVENANT UNIVERSITY, CANAAN LAND, OTA, OGUN STATE 180 ODUDUWA UNIVERSITY, IPETUMODU, OSUN STATE 180 PAN-ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY, AHMED ONIBUDO STREET, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS STATE 180 VERITAS UNIVERSITY, ABUJA, FCT 180 RITMAN UNIVERSITY,IKOT-EKPENE, AKWA-IBOM STATE 180 ADEYEMI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ONDO STATE. (AFFL TO OAU, ILE-IFE) 180 PIAGET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, IBARA, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE 180 BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE 170 BINGHAM UNIVERSITY, KARU, NASARAWA STATE 170 LANDMARK UNIVERSITY, OMU-ARAN, KWARA STATE 170 REDEEMERS UNIVERSITY, OGUN STATE 170 EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO, EDO STATE 160 AL- HIKMAH UNIVERSITY, ILORIN, KWARA STATE 160 AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE 160 AJAYI CROWTHER UNIVERSITY, OYO, OYO STATE 160 BAZE UNIVERSITY, ABUJA, FCT 160 BELLS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OTA, OGUN STATE 160 GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY, URGWUOMU- NIKE, ENUGU STATE 160 JOSEPH AYO BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, IKEJI-ARAKEJI, EKITI STATE 160 KWARARAFA UNIVERSITY, WUKARI, TARABA STATE 160 MADONNA UNIVERSITY, OKIJA, IMO STATE 160 PAUL UNIVERSITY, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE 160 HALLMARK UNIVERSITY,IJEBU-ITELE,OGUN STATE 160 AUGUSTINE UNIVERSITY, ILARA, LAGOS, LAGOS STATE 160 NANA AISHAT MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, KWARA STATE 160 LEAD CITY UNIVERSITY, IBADAN, OYO STATE 150 NIGERIA TURKISH NILE UNIVERSITY, ABUJA, FCT 150 OBONG UNIVERSITY, OBONG, NTAK, AKWA IBOM 150 SALEM UNIVERSITY, LOKOJA, KOGI STATE 150 JIBWIS COLLEGE OF ARABIC AND ISLAMIC EDUCATION, GOMBE STATE 150 UNIVERSITY OF MKAR, GBOKO, BENUE STATE 140 CATHOLIC INSTITUTION OF WEST AFRICA, PORT HARCOURT. (AFFL TO UNIV OF CALABAR) 140 KINSEY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ILORIN, KWARA STATE 140 LESSEL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, LESSEL, USHONGO LGA, BENUE STATE 140 ECWA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, IGBAJA, KWARA STATE 140 ACHIEVERS UNIVERSITY OWO, ONDO STATE 120 ADELEKE UNIVERSITY, EDE, OSUN STATE 120 CALEB UNIVERSITY, IMOTA, LAGOS STATE 120 CARITAS UNIVERSITY, AMORJI-NIKE, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE 120 FOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY, OSOGBO, OSUN STATE 120 NOVENA UNIVERSITY, OGUME, DELTA STATE 120 RENAISSANCE UNIVERSITY, OJIAGU-AGBANI, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE 120 EVANGEL UNIVERSITY, AKAEZE, EBONYI STATE 120 McPHERSON UNIVERSITY, SERIKI SOTAYO, OGUN STATE 120 SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, OKUN-OWA, OGUN STATE 120 SAMUEL ADEGBOYEGA UNIVERSITY, OGWA, EDO STATE 120 WELLSPRING UNIVERSITY, IRHIHI-OGBANEKI, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE 120 WESTERN DELTA UNIVERSITY, OGHARA, DELTA STATE 120 WESLEY UNIVERSITY, ONDO, ONDO STATE 120 SUMMIT UNIVERITY, OFFA, KWARA STATE 120 EDWIN CLARK UNIVERSITY, KIAGBODO, DELTA STATE 120 HEZEKIAH UNIVERSITY, UMUDI, IMO STATE 120 KINGS UNIVERSITY, ODE-OMU, OSUN STATE 120 ARTHUR JARVIS UNIVERSITY, AKPABUYO, CROSS RIVER STATE. 120 CROWN HILL UNIVERSITY, EIYENKORIN, KWARA STATE. 120 CLIFFORD UNIVERSITY, OWERRINTTA, ABIA STATE. 120 COAL CITY UNIVERSITY, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE. 120 IPERE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AGYARAGU, NASARAWA STATE 120 CORONA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, LEKKI, LAGOS STATE 120 TANSIAN UNIVERSITY, OBA, ANAMBRA STATE 110 JIGAWA STATE COLLEGE OF ISLAMIC AND LEGAL STUDIES, RINGIM, JIGAWA STATE 100 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, KATSINA-ALA, BENUE STATE 100 GBOKO COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GBOKO, BENUE STATE 100 HILL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GWANJI, AKWANGA, NASARAWA STATE 100 INSTITUTE OF ECUMENICAL EDUCATION, THINKER CORNER, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE 100 ST. AUGUSTINE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (PROJECT TIME), YABA, LAGOS STATE 100 PAN AFRICAN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, OFFA, KWARA STATE 100 FESTMED COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AJOWA,ONDO STATE 120 SUNNAH COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE 140 BIGACOLLEGEOFEDUCATION,ARKILLA,FEDERAL-LOWCOST,NASARAWA,SOKOTOSTATE 120 DIAMOND COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ABA, ABIA STATE 120 ABUBAKAR TATARI ALI POLYTECHNIC, BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE 120 COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE AND REMEDIAL STUDIES, KANO STATE 100 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION(TECH.), BICHI, BAUCHI STATE 140 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECH.), GOMBE, GOMBE STATE 100 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECH.) (FEMALE ONLY), GUSAU, ZAMFARA 120 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECH.), OMOKU, RIVERS STATE 100 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECH.), POTISKUM, YOBE STATE 140 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECH.), UMUNZE, ANAMBRA STATE 120 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AGBOR, DELTA STATE 180 CROSS RIVER STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AKAMKPA, 100 AKWA-IBOM STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AFAHA-NSIT, AKWA IBOM STATE130 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AKWANGA, NASARAWA STATE 150 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ANKPA, KOGI STATE 100 ADAMU AUGIE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ARGUNGU, KEBBI STATE 100 AMINU SALEH COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AZARE, BAUCHI STATE 100 EMMANUEL ALAYANDE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, OYO, OYO STATE 100 ENUGU STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECH.) ENUGU ABAKALIKI RD. ENUGU STATE. 100 UMAR SULEIMAN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASHUA, GOMBE STATE 120 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GIDAN-WAYA, KAFANCHAN, KADUNA STATE 120 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GINDIRI, PLATEAU STATE 120 JIGAWA STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GUMEL, JIGAWA STATE 130 TAI SOLARIN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, IJEBU-ODE, OGUN STATE 100 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, IKERE, EKITI STATE 100 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ILESHA, OSUN STATE 100 NWAFOR ORIZU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, NSUGBE. (AFFLTO UNIVOF NIGERIA, NSUKKA) 180 OSUN STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ILESA, OSUN STATE. (AFFL TO UNIV OF IBADAN) 100 THE SAMUEL BILLTHEOLOGICAL COLLEGE, ABAK, AKWA IBOM STATE 100 ST. AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AKOKA, LAGOS (AFFL TO UNIV OF IBADAN) 120

101 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, OBUDU (AFFL TO UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR) 130 102 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION(TECH.)UMUNZE (AFFL TO NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIV, AWKA) 180 103 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION(TECH.) OMOKU (AFFL TO UNIV OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA) 130 104 UMAR SULEIMAN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASHUA(AFFL TO UNIMAID, MAIDUGURI) 150 105 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WARRI (AFFLIATED TO DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA, DELTA) 180 106 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUC. (SPECIAL), OYO, OYO STATE 120 107 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, KATSINA-ALA, BENUE STATE. (AFFL TO UNIV OF CALABAR) 120 108 KASHIM IBRAHIM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MAIDUGURI , BORNO STATE.(AFFL TO UNIMAID) 120 109 SHEHU SHAGARI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, SOKOTO (AFFL TO UDU, SOKOTO) 120 110 ABUBAKAR TATARI ALI POLYTECHNIC, BAUCHI STATE. (AFFILIATED TO ATBU BAUCHI) 180 111 ST. ALBERT THE GREAT MAJOR SEMINARY, ABEOKUTA. (AFFL. TO UNIVERSITY OF BENIN) 200 112 NIGERIAN AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, KADUNA, KADUNA STATE 130 113 AUCHI POLYTECHNIC, AUCHI, EDO STATE 150 114 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE 160 115 AKANU IBIAM FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, UNWANA, AFIKPO, EBONYI STATE 100 116 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE 150 117 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, BALI, TARABA STATE 100 118 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, EDE, OSUN STATE 150 119 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, EKOWE, BAYELSA STATE 100 120 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, IDAH, KOGI STATE 140 121 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC,ILARO, OGUN STATE 150 122 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, KAURA/NAMODA, ZAMFARA STATE 150 123 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, NASSARAWA, NASARAWA STATE 150 124 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, NEKEDE, IMO STATE 180 125 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, OFFA, KWARA STATE 150 126 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, OKO, ANAMBRA STATE 120 127 KADUNA POLYTECHNIC, KADUNA, KADUNA STATE 150 128 HUSSAINI ADAMU FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, KAZAURE, JIGAWA STATE 100 129 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, UKANA, AKWA IBOM STATE 150 130 ABIA STATE POLYTECHNIC, ABA, ABIA STATE 130 131 ABDUL-GUSAU POLYTECHNIC, TALATA-MAFARA, ZAMFARA STATE 150 132 AKWA-IBOM STATE POLYTECHNIC, IKOT-OSURUA, AKWA IBOM STATE 150 133 ABUBAKAR TATARI ALI POLYTECHNIC, BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE 120 134 COLLEGE OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND BUSINESS STUDIES, POTISKUM, YOBE STATE 150 135 D.S. ADEGBENRO ICT POLYTECHNIC, ITORI, OGUN STATE 100 136 OGUN STATE INSTITUTE OF TECH(FORMERLY GATEWAY ICT POLY), IGBESA, OGUN STATE 100 137 THE POLYTECHNIC, IBADAN, OYO STATE 150 138 JIGAWA STATE POLYTECHNIC, DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE 100 139 KANO STATE POLYTECHNIC, KANO, KANO STATE 120 140 HASSAN USMAN KATSINA POLYTECHNIC, KATSINA, KATSINA STATE 120 141 KOGI STATE POLYTECHNIC, LOKOJA, KOGI STATE 100 142 KWARA STATE POLYTECHNIC, ILORIN, KWARA STATE 150 143 LAGOS STATE POLY, IKORODU, LAGOS STATE 150 144 NASARAWA STATE POLYTECHNIC, LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE 150 145 DELTA STATE POLYTECHNIC, OGWASHI-UKU, DELTA STATE 150 146 OSUN STATE POLYTECHNIC, IREE, OSUN STATE 110 147 DELTA STATE POLYTECHNIC, OTEFE, DELTA STATE 150 148 DELTA STATE POLYTECHNIC, OZORO, DELTA STATE 150 149 UMARU ALI SHINKAFI POLYTECHNIC, SOKOTO, SOKOTO STATE 140 150 ADAMAWA STATE POLYTECHNIC, YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE 120 151 RAMAT POLYTECHNIC, MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE 150 152 PORT HARCOURT POLYTECHNIC, RUMUOLA, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE 150 153 RIVERS STATE COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCE, IKWERRE RD, RUMUEME, PH 120 154 KENULE BENSON SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC, BORI, RIVERS STATE 100 155 RUFUS GIWA POLYTECHNIC, OWO, ONDO STATE 150 156 NIGER STATE POLYTECHNIC, ZUNGERU, NIGER STATE 150 157 GBOKO POLYTECHNICS, GBOKO, BENUE STATE 130 158 ALLOVER CENTRAL POLYTECHNIC, LYNSON CHEMICAL AVENUE , OTA OGUN STATE 130 159 DORBEN POLYTECHNIC, BWARI-GARAM ROAD, FCT-ABUJA 100 160 FIDEI POLYTECHNIC, GBOKO, BENUE STATE 150 161 GRACE POLYTECHNIC, LAGOS, LAGOS STATE 100 162 HERITAGE POLYTECHNIC, IKOT UDOTA, AKWA IBOM STATE 100 163 IGBAJO POLYTECHNIC, IGBAJO, OSUN STATE 100 164 LIGHT HOUSE POLYTECHNIC, EUBUOBANOSA, EDO STATE 100 165 NOGAK POLYTECHNIC, MILE 2 ROAD, IKOM, CROSS RIVER STATE 100 166 THE POLYTECHNIC, IMESI-ILE, OSUN STATE 100 167 RONIK POLYTECHNIC, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE 150 168 WOLEX POLYTECHNIC, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE 140 169 KALAC CHRISTAL POLYTECHNIC, 1A SIKIRU ADEWALE STR, SANGOTEDO, LEKKI, LAGOS STATE 120 170 THE IBARAPA POLYTECHNIC, ERUWA, OYO STATE 100 171 UYO CITY POLYTECHNIC, UYO, AKWA-IBOM STATE 150 172 THE POLYTECHNIC IGBO-OWU, OFF ASA DAM, OSERE ROAD JUNCTION, ILORIN 100 173 BOLMOR POLYTECHNIC, 33 OLD IFE ROAD, PMB 32, AGODI IBADAN, OYO STATE 100 174 IBADAN CITY POLYTECHNIC, IBADAN, OYO STATE 100 175 ST MARY POLYTECHNIC, KWAMBA, SULEJA, NIGER STATE 120 176 PRIME POLYTECHNICS, JIDDA BASSA, AJAOKUTA, KOGI STATE 100 177 GLOBAL POLYTECHNIC, OYEMEKUN ROAD, AKURE, ONDO STATE 110 178 SURE FOUNDATION POLYTECHNIC, IKOT AKAI, AKWA IBOM STATE 120 179 TRINITY POLYTECHNIC, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE 100 180 LENS POLYTECHNIC, OFFA, KWARA STATE. 100 181 BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO, KANO STATE 180 182 UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE 200 183 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, GASHUA, YOBE STATE 140 184 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE 150 185 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, BIRNIN-KEBBI, KEBBI STATE 160 186 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, LOKOJA, KOGI STATE 180 187 BEST SOLUTION POLYTECHNIC, AKURE, ONDO STATE. 100 188 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, WUKARI, TARABA STATE 180 189 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE TECH, HOTORO GRA EXT, KANO, KANO STATE 100 190 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF ORTHOPEDIC TECHNOLOGY, IGBOBI, LAGOS STATE 150 191 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE 160 192 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, NDUFU-ALIKE, EBONYI STATE 180 193 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ISHIAGU, EBONYI STATE 100 194 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, OYE-EKITI, EKITI STATE 150

195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, IBADAN, OYO STATE 200 UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, ILORIN, KWARA STATE 180 FEDERAL COOPERATIVE COLLEGE, IBADAN P.M.B. 5033, ELEYELE, IBADAN 100 UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, LAGOS STATE 200 FEDERAL COOPERATIVE COLLEGE, KADUNA ABUJA RD JUNCTION, KADUNA, KADUNA STATE 130 UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE 180 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FRESHWATER FISHERIES TECHNOLOGY, BAGA, BORNO STATE 100 OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE 200 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FORESTRY, MECHANISATION, AFAKA, KADUNA, KADUNA STATE 130 UNIVERSITY OF PORT-HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE 180 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FORESTRY TECHNOLOGY, IBADAN, OYO STATE 120 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FORESTRY, JOS, PLATEAU STATE 145 USMANU DANFODIO UNIVERSITY, SOKOTO, SOKOTO STATE 180 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FISHERIES AND MARINE TECHNOLOGY, VI LAGOS STATE 140 NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE 180 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF LAND RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI, IMO STATE 150 UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA, ENUGU STATE 200 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE, DADIN KOWA, GOMBE STATE 120 UNIVERSITY OF UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE 180 FEDERAL SCHOOL OF SURVEYING, OYO, OYO STATE 170 MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, UMUDIKE, ABIA STATE 180 ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY, BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE 180 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI, IMO STATE 180 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA, NIGER STATE 180 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CONSTRUCTIONTECHNOLOGY, UROMI, EDO STATE 150 MODIBO ADAMA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE 180 PETROLEUM TRAINING INSTITUTE, EFFURUN, DELTA STATE 100 BINYAMINU USMAN POLYTECHNIC, HADIJIA, JIGAWA STATE 130 AKPERAN ORSHI COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, YANDEV, BENUE STATE 100 ADAMAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, MUBI, ADAMAWA STATE 170 AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY, IKOT-AKPADEN, AKWA IBOM STATE 180 BAUCHI STATE UNIVERSITY, GADAU, BAUCHI STATE 140 CROSS RIVERS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, CALABAR, CROSS RIVERS STATE 150 EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE 180 ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE 180 IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE 130 SULE LAMIDO UNIVERSITY, KAFIN HAUSA, JIGAWA STATE 170 KEBBI STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ALIRO, |KEBBI STATE 150 KANO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, WUDIL, KANO STATE 160 LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, OJO, LAGOS STATE 190 LADOKE AKINTOLA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE 180 ONDO STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,OKITIPUPA,ONDOSTATE 180 SOKOTO STATE UNIVERSITY, SOKOTO, SOKOTO STATE 160 TAI SOLARIN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, IJAGUN, OGUN STATE 170 OSUN STATE UNIVERSITY, OSOGBO, OSUN STATE 180 YOBE STATE UNIVERSITY, DAMATURU, YOBE STATE 150 COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, JALINGO, TARABA STATE 160 NIGER STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, MOKWA, NIGER STATE 150 COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY, CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE 150 JIGAWA STATE INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, KAZAURE, JIGAWA STATE 100 MOHAMMED LAWAN COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE 120 OYO STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, IGBOORA, OYO STATE 150 YOBE STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, GUJBA, YOBE STATE 120 ANAMBRA STATE COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY, OBOSI, ANAMBRA STATE 100 LAGOS STATE COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY, YABA, LAGOS STATE 150 POGIL COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY, OKE-ERI, IJEBU-ODE, OGUN STATE 150 SCHOOL OF HEALTH INFORMATION MGT, LUTH, IDIARABA, LAGOS STATE 100 SCHOOL OF HEALTH INFORMATION MGT, OAU TEACHING HOSPITAL, ILE-IFE, OSUN 150 KOGI STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), KABBA,KOGI STATE 120 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, (TECH), LAFIAGI, KWARA STATE 150 KASHIM-IBRAHIM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE 100 MICHAEL OTEDOLA COLLEGE OF PRIMARY EDUCATION, MOFORIJI, LAGOS STATE 100 NWAFOR ORIZU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, NSUGBE, ANAMBRA STATE 120 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, OJU, BENUE STATE 120 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ORO, KWARA STATE 100 SHEHU SHAGARI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, SOKOTO, SOKOTO STATE 100 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WAKA-BIU, BORNO STATE 100 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WARRI, DELTA STATE 100 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ZING, TARABA STATE 100 FCT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ZUBA, ABUJA, FCT 150 BAUCHI INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION, KANGERE, BAUCHI STATE 100 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, LANLATE, OYO STATE 100 A.D. RUFAI COLLEGE OF EDU. FOR LEGAL AND ISLAMIC STUDIES, MISAU, BAUCHI STATE 120 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, BILLIRI, GOMBE STATE 100 ARABIC AND ISLAMIC COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, POTISKUM, YOBE STATE 120 ANGEL CROWN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GIDAN-DAYA, FCT-ABUJA 120 ASSANUSIYAH COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, IPETUMODU, OSUN STATE 100 BEST LEGACY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE 100 CALVIN FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, NAKA, BENUE STATE 160 CITY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GARKI, ABUJA, FCT 160 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ERO, AKURE, ONDO STATE 100 SCHOOL OF HEALTH INFORMATION MGT, NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIV TEACHING HOSPITAL, NNEWI 180 UNIVERSITYOFCALABARTEACHINGHOSPITALSCHOOLOFHEALTHINFORMATIONMGT. 140 SCHOOL OF HEALTH INFORMATION MGT (UNIBEN TEACHING HOSPITAL), BENIN, EDO STATE 140 SCHOOL OF HEALTH INFORMATION MGT(UNIMAIDTEACHING HOSPITAL), MAIDUGURI 130 SCHOOL OF HEALTH INFORMATION MGT (UCH, IBADAN, OYO STATE) 150 SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE 130 SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSP, BENIN 120 CLARA SCHOOL OF MEDIA AND PERFORMING ARTS,SAW MILL DRIVE,YENAGOA,BAYELSA STATE 110 IBOMINSTITUTEOFMANAGEMENTANDTECHNOLOGY,IKOTEKPENE,AKWAIBOMSTATE 120 ADEYEMI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ONDO, ONDO STATE 150 ALVAN IKOKU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, OWERRI, IMO STATE 100 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE 120 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, EHA-AMUFU, ENUGU STATE 120 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, KATSINA, KATSINA STATE 140 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, OBUDU, CROSS RIVER STATE 100 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (SPECIAL), OYO, OYO STATE 100 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHN.), AKOKA, LAGOS STATE 100 FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECH.), ASABA, DELTA STATE 100 Source JAMB

T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

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COMMENT

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

BUHARI’S BIG BANG PROJECT Mambilla Power project is set to take off, writes Garba Shehu

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ednesday, August 30 approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the award of the contract for the engineering, procurement and construction of the 3050 MW Mambilla Hydro Electric Power Project reflects President Muhammadu Buhari’s strong commitment to the development of infrastructure in the country.

After more than 40 years on the drawing board, the FEC approval for the award of the contact to a consortium of three Chinese companies, Messrs CGCC-SINOHYDRO-CGOCC Joint Venture represents a milestone in the journey for the realisation of the country’s long-standing dream.

The landmark infrastructure project will cost the country the sum of US5,792b inclusive of taxes, environment utilisation, works, as well as project land acquisition and compensation to about 100,000 people who will be resettled.

From 2015 when he took power from the Jonathan-led, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration, President Muhammadu Buhari has, in addition to the successful prosecution of the costly war against terrorism and economic sabotage, unleashed a slew of infrastructure projects that would change the face of the country. These projects include railway, roads, airports, housing and agriculture, among many others.

The specific case of Mambilla presents an interesting story, given the many years it has taken to leave the drawing board.

As far back as 1972, a preliminary study was carried out

by Moto Columbus, and confirmed by an indigenous water resources consultancy, Diyam Consultant led by distinguished Nigerian engineer, the late Malam Salihi Ilyasu which recommended the construction of a hydropower project with a rated capacity of 3,960 MW. From then to now, various governments made efforts, or to put it in a better way, pretended to be committed to actualising the project but nothing came of it. Sham attempts to develop the project on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) also failed to achieve the commencement of construction. A government revocation of a BOT approved by a former president through an anticipatory approval led to a protracted litigation that stalled the project.

In 2011, the then administration approved the award of contract for consultancy services for the detailed design and project management and supervision of a revised power output of 2,600 Mambilla Hydro Electric Power project at the sum of USD 37,220,068,72.

The major breakthrough in the execution of this project was achieved when President Muhammadu Buhari initiated discussions at the level of the President of the Peoples Republic of China in the course of his state visit to that country.

One of the achievements of the visit was the bilateral agreement between the two governments to cooperate on the project and in particular, for the Peoples Republic of China to prioritise Chinese financing of the Mambilla Hydro-Electric Power Project using Chinese contractors.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROJECT IS BEING COUNTED IN ITS CAPACITY TO TRANSFORM THE IMPACTED COMMUNITIES IN TARABA STATE AND BEYOND THAT, THE COUNTRY AS A WHOLE

The formation of the Joint Venture by the three companies, CGCC, SINOHYDRO and CGCOC under the guidance of the Chinese authorises at the request of our government was significant in breaking the deadlock caused by litigation. It also ended needless competitor wrangling.

Following this development, a series of meetings took place to reduce the cost of the project from the projected USD 6.62 billion to the now agreed sum of USD 5,729,497,062.00.

The importance of this project is being counted in its capacity to transform the impacted communities in Taraba State and beyond that, the country as a whole. To quote the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola speaking on the Mambilla project, “it will have a transformational effect on all of Nigeria’s socio-economic development. During its construction and upon completion, and subsequent operation, it will have considerable positive impact on electricity supply nationwide, productivity, employment, tourism, technology transfer, rural development, irrigation, agriculture and food production in the area and beyond.”

This show-piece infrastructure project by the Muhammadu Buhari administration will therefore chart a new course of prosperity in Taraba, the North-East and the entire country.

It will no doubt help the country’s infrastructure. After construction, it will be the biggest single power project in the country.

Considering what this landmark infrastructure project means to the country’s economy, sociology and politics, it is hard to fathom why the past administrations delayed the Mambilla power project inordinately.

Although blame for this is shared by governments over this 40-year period, the ones to take the bigger share are the governments during which tenure the oil sector boomed with oil prices as high as US$ 120.

That period in question, especially the one preceding President Muhammadu Buhari’s second coming was one of missed opportunity and misplaced priorities. The long overdue investments in power and transport needed to unlock the economy were ignored. Nigeria earned unprecedented dollar revenues. But there is nothing to show for the revenues earned. No major capital project was completed, neither power generation, road development, rail nor agriculture benefited from the windfall earnings. Rather, the administration presided over the diversion of oil revenues on a such a massive scale.

President Buhari on the other hand has a positive and prosperous vision for Nigeria. A nation in which the natural talent and hard work of the people is being supported by an enabling environment of infrastructural development and policy reforms that will develop a firm future for our nation.

Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity)

A NOSE FOR A LIE Chris Azebamwan writes that the opposition is playing a sloppy game in Edo State

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very responsive government encourages a vibrant and robust opposition to ensure it has a feedback channel outside of its own circle. This provides the government with a platform for peer review and assessment of the effectiveness of its policies and programmes.

The All Progressives Congress government of Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State prides itself on running an open administration where there is no dearth of information. Our communication channels are open to any and all, who desire to know what this government is doing per time. That way, needless and avoidable distortion of information can be brought to the barest minimum. It is a fundamental principle of communication that feedback can be positive or negative, and this can either reinforce the particular input that was the initial stimulus, or can lead to its review and subsequent modification to enable it achieve the desired goal or target.

One would reasonably expect the Peoples Democratic Party as an opposition party to play this role. Sadly and unfortunately, what we have is a PDP that is bereft of constructive criticism. Having ruled Edo State for almost 10 years and wasting the enormous goodwill of our people by their reckless and irresponsible style of administration, they are now on the path of disinformation, calumny and outright media blackmail.

The PDP at the inception of the current republic inherited an Edo State with a vibrant economy, a solid infrastructural base, and a thriving industrial/commercial environment.

In the nine years plus of its misrule, it squandered all available resources and brought Edo State that was once the social and economic hub of Nigeria east of Lagos to its knees. The state had reached the nadir in its descent into the abyss of neglect and decay by the time the APC came into government.

At the inception of the APC administration in Edo State eight years ago, it was a torturous and uphill task to try to inject a new lease of life into the comatose state. All sectors of the society bar none, was in total disarray. The schools had no teachers; no furniture, lessons were held in some schools under the trees or classrooms without roofs. The hospitals had no drugs, no reagents in the laboratories and no equipment. Staff morale had ebbed to an all-time low, with salaries owed to workers in arrears running into years. There were no motorable roads; our cities were virtually buried under mountains of refuse. Public sector buildings were dilapidated and decrepit.

No segment of the Edo society was exempt from the rot and decay. The people were in the words of the immortal Fela, “suffering and smiling”.

Against this background, the APC government swung into action with the theme, ‘making Edo work again’. Our schools began

to spot the now famous red roofs, hospitals were revamped, roads were not only built, but with multiple lanes that were brightly lit at night. Staff salaries were paid as and when due and arrears were cleared.

Edo people began to see a government that worked to deliver the dividends of democracy.

This was the foundation and the legacy that was inherited by Governor Obaseki who himself, as head of the Edo State Economic Team for the eight years preceding his administration, was not only a part and parcel of the moving train of development and advancement but was at the nerve-centre of policy formulation. So when Godwin Obaseki came into office and took over the reins of government, he brought in a very rich repertoire of knowledge and experience of what makes Edo State work. Governor Obaseki belongs to that rare breed of Nigerian political office holders who come into office with a clear-cut vision of what they wished to achieve.

Of course, elections are the bedrock of the democratic process. The electorate made a comparison between the PDP and the APC and public opinion swung against the PDP. Their electoral fortunes dipped, where it was not completely eroded. Political godfathers were demystified and erstwhile political structures crumbled. It was no longer business as usual.

In an attempt to match this tough act of the APC, the opposition, having no defence for

its decade of abysmal failure and misrule, has now resorted to fabricating all sorts of information in their desperate attempt to reverse their dwindling, and in many instances, non-existent electoral fortunes. They tried albeit unsuccessfully, to demonise Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and having failed, are now applying the same crude tactics in attacking Governor Obaseki. One actually cannot help but wonder how they expect to get a different result from using the same old methods that had failed them in the past. They erroneously believe that a media slur or campaign of calumny is an alternative for demonstrable performance that is the hallmark of the APC-led government.

Unfortunately for the PDP, Edo people are wiser and more discerning and are not about to be fooled into voting the PDP back into power. As far as everyone is concerned, “Our mumu don do”.

The PDP is not capable of constructive criticism because they lack the ability to undertake an analytical, dispassionate and empirical assessment of the political terrain. If they were, they would have since adopted the tried and trusted maxim that says, “If you can’t beat them, join them”. The APC is waiting with open arms to welcome those who are coming in droves to embrace the winning team – the APC, ably led by Godwin Obaseki, the “wake and see Governor”.

Azebamwan is the Edo State Publicity Secretary of the APC

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EDITORIAL THE POLICE VERSUS SENATOR MISAU There is more to the controversy

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he Nigeria Police, last weekend, declared Senator Isah Misau, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, a deserter who left the service in controversial circumstances. A statement by the police authorities alleged that the former police ofďŹ cer, now a senator, failed to report for duty since September 24, 2010, after he was redeployed to Niger State Command. The lawmaker was also said to have tendered a forged resignation letter to the public, and paraded himself as a Deputy Commissioner of Police, instead of a Deputy Superintendent of Police. This was in addition to engaging in partisan politics and contesting elections while he was still deemed to be a serving police ofďŹ cer.

These are grave allegations. Graver still is the growing suspicion that the confounding claims by the police are trumped up charges to cries of institutional corruption made by the lawmaker.

Even if the claims against the senator are true, they raised more THE POLICE AUTHORITIES questions about the effectiveness of DID NOT RAISE ANY the Police Service ISSUES ABOUT HIS YEARS OF SERVICE UNTIL Commission and the overall integrity of HE MADE DAMAGING the Nigeria Police as ALLEGATIONS AGAINST a credible institution THE AUTHORITIES of state charged with maintaining law and order in the wider society.

Regarding the lawmaker`s alleged desertion, Nigerians would ask, for instance: When did the police authorities know about that and what disciplinary or other steps were taken thereafter, as required by law? Was he queried, declared wanted or missing, when he failed to report at his presumed new duty post? For a lawmaker who was duly registered as a member of a political party in his home state, what did the police commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department and other security services do at the time? Were the police and security agencies not deemed to have investi-

gated and cleared him as a ďŹ t and proper person to contest elections?

Senator Misau collected nomination forms, participated in his party primaries and emerged a candidate in the full glare of the public and the law.

He was known to have campaigned openly, and in the print and electronic media. He was also provided with the requisite police and other security services lawfully expected in the circumstances of party politics and elections. Since he won the election the police authorities did not raise any issues about his years of service until he made damaging allegations against the authorities.

T T H I S DAY EDITOR

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he police in their statement said it is on record that Misau contested and lost the Bauchi Central Senatorial seat in 2011 under the then Action Congress of Nigeria. Was he written, sued, or charged between 2010 when he allegedly deserted and 2011 when he emerged an unsuccessful senatorial candidate? Why did it take two years after his election in 2015 for the police to be making self-indicting claims?

We hold the Nigeria Police in the highest esteem as an institution of state. We believe that trying to maintain law and order in a society fraught with institutional, structural, ďŹ scal and human capital challenges is a herculean task. But the police authorities have enough problems as it is, without undermining the institution with the manner in which they are handling their engagement with Senator Misau.

We state without reservation that the senator should be made to face the full wrath of the law if, indeed, the allegations against him are true. It is unconscionable that any Nigerian should abscond from duty and be making laws for the rest of us. But the duty of establishing culpability here lies with the police authorities that has proved, at least on this matter, not be above board.

We urge President Buhari to step in by asking the ofďŹ ce of the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister to investigate both the claims and counter-claims at the end of which justice must be done.

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PRESIDENT BUHARI AND PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP

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am very happy and impressed by the series of steps the President is taking in the last few days. That is what we have been demanding from him. Purposeful leadership. Uniting the country by bipartisan approach, being firm, but fair. Showing compassion to women and children, and the downtrodden.

Refocusing and rejigging the economy. Sending the right and appropriate warning to rascals and criminals. And in the whole, being a father to all. As we continue to pray for his health, we await his immediate cabinet reshuffle with vibrant young men and women with a sandwich of few old ones to spice up the cabinet with wisdom.

We await him to take drastic and radical approach to the power sector. We demand a timeline to the end of criminalities, insurgency, and secessionist elements. We demand a surgical overhaul of our major medical centres and teaching hospitals so that we treat Baba here and Not in London, as well as save foreign exchange and associated costs. We demand a new and fresh approach to overhaul our primary and secondary schools across the nation. We demand the president to be open minded and listen more, and act more and speed of his decision-making process

and execution velocity. We demand his media team to be more civil, appreciate our impatience and address us with more respect and decorum. We, the citizens demand respect and understanding. We have been raped, robbed, lied to, devoured, exploited, taken for granted, killed, kidnapped, bombed, used and dumped. Name it, we have gone through it. Nigerians are very easy going people.

All they ask for is justice and equity. A detribalised leader they can trust. We have been told good afternoon severally by our leaders while our wrist watches were at midnight.

We have been inundated by leaders without plans and focus. The only focus they had was on our treasury. The only plan they had was to perpetually cause ethnic and religious divisions amongst us. We are tired of being told that Nigeria is a country of great human and material potential! As a mechanical and gas Engineer, potential is dormant, without external force, inert, if you like. Let the our president assemble a team that will positively release that potential into kinetic, mechanical, electrical, chemical, thermal energies that will propel us into global reckoning and make us hold our head high where ever we go. Let them push us with a thrust and power from the level of a

one stroke cycle engine to that of a giant gas turbine. Let them tell us with the loudest of voice and conviction of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad that the same blood that runs in the veins of the Igbos, the Efiks, the Yorubas, the Hausas, the Urhobos, The Kanuris and so many of our country’s hard working citizens is the same blood.

We share the same DNA, our destiny is the same. Our diversity is our strength. Instead of a deadline of October 1, to the Igbo, let Nnamdi Kanu drive into Kano and take half of my plot of land for free. When he is coming let him stopover in Akwa Ibom and bring Akpan to make us an Edikaikon, for that is my favourite soup! We let them come with Palm wine for their consumption while I munch my Kilishi and sip my zobo drink. Let them tell me the beauty and moral teachings from Genesis to Revelations while I read from Surah Maryam (Chapter Mary) the mother of Jesus who occupies the highest position of reverence that no woman has attained in Islam. Let them make us a proud nation loved by all! Let us all forgive each other, for all of us are guilty of one little hate speech either in public or in a small corner of our rooms.

Bashir Ishaq Bashir, Kano

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY INTERVIEW

Ohakim: Those Feigning Ignorance of Restructuring are Liars A former governor of Imo State, Dr Ikedi Ohakim, in an interview with Amby Uneze, took a swipe at those claiming not to understand what restructuring the country means accusing them of being economical with the truth. Excerpts:

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hat do you think is the solution to the leadership problem in Nigeria?

The solution is very simple once we are ready to change the system. The problem in Nigeria is systemic and therefore its solution must be systemic. If you bring a Barack Obama here or wake up Nelson Mandela or Margaret Thatcher to govern Nigeria, they will fail because the system won’t let them succeed. Remember that at a point, President Buhari confessed that what he saw after assuming office tempted him to think of running away. The system we currently have is structured for failure. It has not worked for 50 years. Each president or head of state would serve his own tenure and go and leave the highly fractured system behind.

So, the system must be redesigned to shift it from consumption oriented to production oriented.

What we operate currently is a system of cap-inhand instead of hoe-in-hand. The structure was designed for sharing, not for producing. How did we come about 774 local government areas?

Was it not because of sharing mentality? If the system were based on production, we would not have the number of local government areas and even states we have today. If the system was such that people needed to go and work and then bring something to the central table, nobody will agitate for states. Initially, the idea was that states would take development closer to the people. But what did we end up with?

We ended up with states that cannot generate half of what they need simply because there is money to share in Abuja every month. It is not the fault of the state governments per se.

It is because the system allows it. The system allows for sharing not producing. But whether we like it or not, something has to give. What we now have is a burst pipe but instead of calling a plumber to replace it, we are merely scooping water. But no amount of scooping can solve the problem. What we need is to change the pipe.

Are you talking about restructuring?

Yes, of course I was among the first set of people to start the debate on restructuring. Today, the argument has become trite. Everybody is talking about it. I remain resolute on my stand that the current political arrangement is no longer working. So, let us restructure the country politically. Either we restructure or we die. But having said that, I want to ask us to find out why the talk about restructuring has gained so much currency. Why is it that people who never liked the idea before suddenly developed so much interest on the matter? My take is that if it were about unemployment, bad roads or inadequate electricity supply alone, nobody would be talking about restructuring. The restructuring issue gathered momentum owing to the fact that the separatist movements, across the country have gotten to a stage where it is threatening the corporate existence of the country.

But some leaders say they do not understand what it means?

It is not true. They know what it means. They are being economical with the truth. We have a situation where a set of politicians came together some time ago and wrote a party’s manifesto with which they canvassed for votes, promising to restructure the country if voted into office and with the argument that the present system is no longer working. But less than two years later, the same people are saying that they do not know what restructuring means. So, what did

jobs directly and indirectly. We had a special programme that took in 10,000 youths directly into the state civil service. And we invested heavily on sports and it paid off handsomely.

For example, Imo state under my watch won the African Hockey Championship. The state football club, Heartland, emerged second runner up in the 2010 African Cup of Champions at the finals played in Congo Democratic Republic.

You asked me what inspires me to work for the interest of the youth and I can now add that part of it is the way those young men and women were treated by the administration that took over from us. In or out of political office, we will not relent until Imo youths get better treatment from their leaders especially the government.

Your response tends to suggest that you may still run for public office?

There are numerous ways of working for the people without being in government. In any case, a lot of people have created so many opportunities for the youth through private enterprises. But given the present situation in the country, my ideas do not preclude using the platform of a public office, including that of the governor, to pursue our dream of making my state, Imo, an economically vibrant entity where employment opportunities will abound and where the standard of living will be greatly enhanced.

Ohakim...celebrated 60th birthday recently

they have in mind when they were promising Nigerians restructuring? That is the height of national deceit and I challenge the leaders of that party to tell Nigerians what they had in mind instead of pretending. We are talking about building a new foundation for the country called Nigeria to avoid disintegration. We are talking about renovating an ancient building that can no longer accommodate its occupants. Today, we can group Nigeria into two; the advantaged and the disadvantaged. We must bring the two together by restructuring the country so that both sides can find accommodation together.

If we don’t restructure, the separatist agitations will continue and even intensify. Personally, I have been talking about restructuring since 2010 in a paper I presented at the Leadership newspaper colloquium. Those who say no to

If the ranting of the executive was correct, there would not have been the need for the budget to be submitted to the National Assembly in the first instance

restructuring should save Nigerians the agony of continuing with the present system. The country is going down. This is not the time to pretend.

A massive flood is coming with a full speed and if we do not do something now, it will sweep everybody away.

You just turned 60, what does that mean to you?

What turning sixty means to me is the need to show gratitude to God for the gift of life?

To be sixty and still enjoy a fantastically good health as I do is something to really thank God for. Beyond that, however, I think it confers on me more responsibility for looking after the younger ones and guiding them so that they can also succeed like me.

You mean mentoring?

Naturally yes. That is what is expected of us but I can tell you that that cannot be taken for granted. As I said before, attaining this age with all the experience of life demands that I pay more attention to the younger ones. It is not that I have not been doing that; what I am saying is that we will do more from now onwards.

Much of the problem we are facing today is as a result of poor mentoring. You notice that most people who held leadership positions abandon the role of leadership immediately they leave office. They no longer make themselves available to the younger people. That should not be. For me, holding an elective or appointive political office is to prepare one for more leadership responsibility after office.

What inspires you?

My source of inspiration is that I know what it means to succeed as a young man. I became the president-general of my town union at the age of 25 and held the position for nine years.

When I was in office as governor, my administration had an electorate programme for youth development. We created over 300,000

What was your experience like as governor?

We ran a sound administration. We ran an administration that was anchored on the rule of law. We consulted extensively and it was not a one man show. Even though our opponents used rumour mongering as a device to run us down and given the type of society we have, where people believe everything bad about those in government, we still won the governorship election on April 26th 2011. But that is a different matter altogether. Today, I have the last laugh because our people have now realised that they were deceived. They have seen the difference as in the proverbial woman who married two husbands.

Do you have any regrets politically?

My only regret is the untimely death of President Yar’adua because he was a selfless leader. Look at the way he handled the Niger Delta issue, the amnesty programme which almost brought the crisis in that region to an end. If he had continued, we would not have been talking about restructuring today. He would have laid the foundation for a pragmatic restructuring of the country. Other than that, I have no regrets because I was sincere in all that I did. I rendered selfless service and was concerned with laying a solid foundation for the economic and social development of the state. I was not out to amass wealth for myself or members of my family.

The only properties I have today in the whole of Imo state are the ones I acquired more than fifteen years before I became governor; a three bedroom bungalow in Owerri and a village house in Okohia, my home town. I did not acquire a single plot of land in Owerri. Instead, a piece of land I was given by a previous administration I gave to a top police officer from the state who was retiring from service and had nowhere to build his own house. I never revoked anybody’s land title.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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POLITICS

Isong: Gov’t Must Release Investigation Report into Ozubulu Killings General Overseer of the Christian Central Chapel International and National Publicity Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Emmah Isong, spoke to journalists on government’s handling of the killings of worshippers of a Catholic Church in Ozubulu, Anambra State, warning that the attack could recur except decisive action is taken against the perpetrators. Bassey Inyang was there and presents the excerpts:

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hat is the position of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) on the massacre in the Catholic Church in Ozubulu, Anambra State?

Human lives are involved, and the PFN, being a responsible organisation is concerned about human life because we preach about repentance of souls, and a soul would not have a chance to repent if he dies. The PFN is yet to take an official position on the issue. However, we condemn this horrifying act. Especially, as it happened Sunday morning, and inside the church.

Are you satisfied with the manner the federal government is handling investigation into the killings?

We are waiting for the preliminary investigation report. You are aware of the fact that the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, and Acting President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, have promised to get to the roots of the matter. We believed that nothing will be swept under the carpet. We are also told by, hear say, that it involved drug barons from the community who had been in a long fight. We do hope that the investigation would not only end there, but also bring to an end other issues involving drug barons in this country because it is getting too much that human lives are wasted.

A lot of people are surprised that such a massacre can take place within a Christian community, and to worsen matters that it was planned and executed by people who are Christians.

No! Not, at all. Don’t take it that way. If you take it that way you would not understand what happened in Ozubulu. It is like saying, why should fire burn fire service? You cannot isolate crime. Crime happens on sea, land, and air. I think we should not see it that way.

Don’t forget it was an external attack. It was not a case of people carrying knives to kill themselves.

It was not an internal attack, but external.

Somebody coming from outside and inflicting attack on a worship assembly; and don’t forget I am not even a member of the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC). I am sure the Catholic Church will speak for itself.

But, as a private citizen and the National Publicity Secretary of PFN, I want people to know that you cannot determine where a crime is going to happen. It can happen in the airport, church or mosque; even in the Government House. You can’t say this is where it is going to happen. I am quite sure this is going to be a big lesson to the security operatives to say oh, nobody is safe any longer.

Would you advocate the use of arms by security units of churches as a kind of protection for members?

Of course, if they are licensed, there is nothing wrong with them using arms. If they don’t use arms then why would they be asked to secure the church? If you are guarding my premises, I supposed you should use arms.

After all it is in the rules of engagement. So if you are guarding my premises I think there is nothing wrong with you to deploy the greatest arsenal to do the job. It is acceptable that arms be used by security men so long as the arms are used within the rules of engagement.

How can government ensure that such killings do not happen again?

Nigerians are saying that when an offence is not nipped in the bud there’s bound to be a grievous consequence for a country like ours.

Let me take you to the history of kidnapping.

Kidnapping began in Nigeria around the Niger

Isong...good that the president is back

Delta region, and journalists were reporting it.

Government saw it as restiveness of youths.

Then it didn’t grow wings. White men were being kidnapped, and you and I were not worried because the kidnappers were basically kidnapping white men working in oil companies perhaps to proof a point to the international community that the people of the Niger Delta had problems that needed to be addressed by government of the day, and you and I were not worried.

And now kidnapping has snowballed to kidnapping of neighbours, to the extent that people now kidnap themselves. It even became a booming business that someone like Evans abandoned drugs trade, and armed robbery trade for kidnapping.

And then to a point we were also made to understand that we also have political kidnapping, whereby political opponents were being kidnapped and kept until election day elapses before they were released. It so bad to the extent that people can kidnap themselves and asked that money be paid into a particular account as ransom before they can be set free.

If we don’t nip this in the bud, when it shows it ugly head, all of us will cry. The case of Ozubulu in Anambra state is a big matter that the federal government must deal with, expose, and make somebody pay dearly for it, so that it will not grow.

So that somebody will not wake up again to tell another man that you are owing me N10, 000, I am coming to your church, where do you worship, I will be on my way to shoot everybody. Crime should be tackled. It should not be something that we use kid-gloves and then begin to say it’s a fight by two brothers even when some lives have been lost, blood had been shed, the community has been desecrated, and the holy temple has been insulted. The federal government should deal with this matter squarely.

Boko Haram’s attacks seem to be on the increase. What do you think is responsible for this? Wha should government do to finally win the war against the insurgents?

Before I come to that, I hope you know that there is religious Boko Haram in Nigeria?

How do you mean?

There are certain elements who have infiltrated doctrinally; some Jihadists to Islamise Nigeria.

Are you aware of that? There is also economic Boko Haram, the ones that they used to kill oil workers. there are people who are enjoying the big market, including the security money which was sent to the north east , who are saying don’t stop Boko Haram, we are enjoying the money, we are now rich. Just by the name Boko Haram we are seeing money that we have not seen before. Are you also aware of the political Boko Haram in which before the advent of Buhari some radical elements in the north were using it, as OPC (O’dua People’s Congress) and some aggressive youths in the Niger Delta we call militants, and some Biafra were using to negotiate that power should move to the north. Those are the three Boko Haram that existed. So, when you say Boko Haram is still on, I would like to know which of the arms that you are talking about.

Now you asked what government should do to stop Boko Haram. Before this administration came on board, they promised us two basic things.

They promised us security, and fight against corruption. That’s the meaning of “change”.

Good. Now let me call on President Buhari`s lieutenants. since Buhari is not well, and is out of the country to attend to his health, to know that perpetrators of this insecurity are using the absence of the president and indeed the vacuum in government to do those things that, if not properly checked, may destabilise the system.

The acting president might not have enough power to check the cabals, and put certain things in proper position to move the country forward.

Perhaps this accounts for the reason why certain elements went to Abuja to say come back now or resign. I think that’s why a lot of things are going on now. You must understand the psychological aspect of those involved in this agitation. It is very key, psychologically, for a leader to be at home because the light that shines farther must shine better at its best.

Recently the National Assembly rejected devolution of power to states as they voted to amend certain clauses of the 1999 constitution.

What is your view on this?

I have always supported restructuring. It’s just

that restructure like I said, is like magi and crayfish whereby both can be used for cooking of “Ekpang” (a delicacy eaten by the Efik in Cross River State), and people of Akwa Ibom State), and sometimes they can also be used for cooking of rice. The issue of restructuring is getting fragmented itself because some people are using the issue to agitate for a return to regional government whereby you don’t need to go cap-in-hand to the federal authorities to beg. Some are clamouring for restructuring as a means of resource control, meaning that the regions will control and manage their resources and pay whether tax or whatever to federal government. Some are clamouring for political restructuring; that means weakening the presidency and strengthening the regional government so that we don’t continue to be a slave of any body. With such restructuring, you know that the agitations for regional control like Biafra, Oduduwa and Niger Delta and Arewa People’s Congress will end You know that if such restructuring is carried out, you won’t need Biafra again. Take for instance, if you are from the Republic of Ireland in England, what is different with you and the country. So, that why you hear people like Atiku, even Babangida recently, and some voices are saying maybe we can diffuse the tension that is on-going right now by power devolution. I think on this issue, I as Bishop Emmah Isong, and not PFN decision, I support restructuring.

And I said to somebody why not bring the 2014 confab report and implement it. If you think that the report has certain grey areas, you can amend it. Give it constitutional power.

Give it some sort of seal. According to what someone said, the National Assembly does not support devolution because some of them have presidential ambition and they won’t want to become president under a weak Nigeria. They want to be like (Olusegun) Obasanjo, (Muhammad) Buhari , (Ibrahim) Babangida, and Goodluck Jonathan; with powers to control the resources.

A lot of persons sitting right now in the Senate have presidential ambition and so devolution of power is giving me an empty house to rule.

So, even if, you become President of Nigeria and power has been devolved, the presidency would no longer become attractive because you are now like a coordinator of government.

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FEATURES

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

A SeedDev curator teaching school kids computer basics

Nigeria’s Tech Dark Horses They are brilliant and have done great things. Can they go on to greater things, Solomon Elusoji enquires

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n October 2013, three young software developers from the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) – who christened themselves ‘Team Eagle’ – were at the Tinapa Knowledge City in Calabar to compete for the ISPON software cup.

They were among 70 students from 21 higher educational institutions in the country jostling for the cup.

For the competition, Team Eagle built a Road Traffic Detection System, using the Microsoft Kinect. Basically, the system helps drivers understand road signs. It took them two days and two sleepless nights to build the software, but when they faced the judges, in order not to sound unrealistic, they reported that it had taken them six weeks. Still, the judges were shocked: after asking for their ages, they could not understand how the team could have built such a complex and intricate design in six weeks. Team Eagle won the ISPON cup.

“What they told us was that the solution we had was not for now, but for the future,” a member of Team Eagle, Mofesola Paul, recalls during an interview with this reporter in July.

“At that moment, the three of us realised we were capable of great things.”

Team Eagle, which also included Aboluwarin David and Oladapo Glory, was a product of FUTA’s Computer Science Class of 2015.

Between 2012 and 2015, the trio won 15 software competitions, travelling across the

We did our industrial training in our company, just to keep building solutions. A lot of people in our class thought we were trying to stay in comfort zones. But it wasn’t like that for us. We slept at work. We worked on solutions that didn’t even fly at the end, but we learnt

country, wowing judges. They became Nokia Ambassadors for West Africa and Microsoft Student Ambassadors. But it was after the ISPON win in 2013, realising the potential that lay before them, that they – absent Oladapo – decided to incorporate a company on the side: Planet Nest.

When Planet Nest was in conception phase, the trio were still attending classes at FUTA and travelling for competitions as Team Eagle, but they also began to build software products that could scale, commercially; “We did our industrial training in our company, just to keep building solutions,” Aboluwarin said.

“A lot of people in our class thought we were trying to stay in comfort zones. But it wasn’t like that for us. We slept at work. We worked on solutions that didn’t even fly at the end, but we learnt.”

One of their failed start-up ideas was EasyPrint, an online platform where students could print their assignments online and pay.

But they didn’t have the right processes to make it work. They also tried to scale SurfFree, which involved putting WiFi in public spaces – malls specifically – and showing users short advertisements before they could log in.

“The technicality was okay, the workability was fine but the malls were not willing to accept,” Aboluwarin said.

But they also worked on ideas that did not

fizzle out like a firecracker. A major one is Now.ng, a WordPress-like website that allows small and medium scale business build an online presence (elevator pitch: host a website for just 800naira a year). “I loved working on the architecture of that product,” Mofesola, who now functions as Planet Nest’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), said.

Working from nowhere Akure is a sleepy city. With its cheap taxis, rocky horizons and under-500,000 population, it is, perhaps, not the place you expect a Nigerian tech revolution to spring up from.

For that, all eyes are on Lagos, where virtually all the successful homemade companies have their base.

But Akure has FUTA. The institution is renowned for the number of successful computer programmers it churns out every year. While many of them subsequently leave the city to work in Lagos and Silicon Valley where the big bucks reside, some stay behind to build an uncertain future. More importantly though, a tech ecosystem thrives on talent – it does not matter if the said talent is residual.

Today, Akure’s tech scene can be described as bubbling, like a steaming pot of okro that is about to spill over. According to Aboluwarin, “there are about 50 tech start-ups that have started business and even expanded to other

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FEATURES

Aboluwarin (left) and Mofesola cities with their principal place of operation in Akure.” Among them are: Prunedge, Fourth Canvas, Tab Digitals, Whitespaces and, of course, Planet Nest.

Still, considering the enormous talents at their disposal, staying in Akure to run Planet Nest takes courage. In 2014, Dapo, one of the original members of Team Eagle, joined Microsoft. But Aboluwarin and Mofesola stayed put, digging in to build the company they had just started. “Akure is the perfect place for us,” Aboluwarin said.

In July, this reporter took a trip to Akure to visit Planet Nest’s main office, which is on Redemption Road, a stone throw from FUTA’s South gate. When it rains, Redemption Road is muddy and riddled with small seas of brown water.

The neighbourhood is quiet, but as this reporter approached Planet Nest, which is housed in a bungalow with graffiti walls, a medium-sized generator whined.

Inside, the front door opened to a spacious room. There were young people seated in an L shape formation, their faces glued to laptops. At the middle of the room, there was a cushion. To the right was a small office where the first of the interviews for this article would take place.

Aboluwarin and Mofesola, since 2014 when they started Planet Nest, have gone through quite a few iterations of what the company

Oladapo Glory . . . left Team Eagle to join Microsoft

For every community they visit with SeedDev, they plan to install a Seed Box – a container that has ten computers and air conditioning powered by solar power and run by a university student around the community who comes on weekends to run computer trainings

does. They started with building their own products. Apart from now.ng, they have also built DigiSchools, an enterprise solution they sell to schools.

Then they started to help other companies solve their start-up problems. “World-class tech solutions at your reasonable budget,” the headline on their official website reads.

They are CTOs for a couple of start-ups, including a Silicon Valley start-up, Swiftly. global, which is in the business of helping customers get the best freight deals.

However, a huge part of what Planet Nest – a major reason why its founders are happy to stay back in Akure – is running a school where developers are bred: NEST School of Technology (NeST). “Lagos favours tech companies who have a consumer facing business,” Aboluwarin said. “We are not.”

Under NeST, they run a paid internship programme, TechCrib, where potential developers come in, get paid for learning and, after being inducted as fellows, are hooked up with companies who need developer talent. It is the same thing Andela, the company which raised $24 million from Mark Zuckerberg in June 2016, does. “Over 5,000 people apply to Andela every month,” Aboluwarin said, “where do you want the rest to go?” They currently have 10 developers in the programme and are prepared to take in more if their funding grows.

Also under NeST, they run a non-profit, SeedDev (Seed Developers ICT Initiative), which plans to reach one million kids in Africa and the Middle East with technology before 2020. “Tech is the new oil, and it is not fair that a child born in Ilaje does not know about tech until he is 20,” Aboluwarin said. “So we want to spark that interest in them.” Currently, they have reached about 2,000 children in Ondo state, giving them books and food while introducing them to elementary coding.

“Most of these kids have never seen a computer before and they were very excited at the sight of one.”

For every community they visit with SeedDev, they plan to install a Seed Box – a container that has ten computers and air conditioning powered by solar power and run by a university student around the community who comes on weekends to run computer trainings.

Question mark Mofesola started coding before he knew what it was called. The year was 2007 and he was 14. “My brother showed me how to browse the net,” he said. “Our mum had a Samsung phone, so she configured it and showed me how to do it.”

From there, he discovered instant messaging and became fascinated with his cultivation

of long distant friendships. “I was curious about how it works.” He started by writing HTML codes on paper, until his mother bought a laptop and he could start running them.

Before he got admitted into FUTA in 2010, he had built his own chat application.

Aboluwarin’s journey into tech also started in 2007, when he got a NIIT scholarship to learn java programming, without knowing what it was. “Prior to that, I had had a lot of exposure to computers, because my dad made sure every school I attended had one,” he said.

But, these days, Aboluwarin barely gets involved in the technical aspects of the work.

“I am more of the business guy,” he said. He fits the bill – tall, dashingly handsome and with a winning smile to complement and a smooth way with words, he is the Wall Street archetype. He’s got good business genes too.

While his father is a missionary who sold the gospel, his mother was a music teacher who did a lot of trading on the side. As a child, he used to pick plastics and sell to recyclers, save the money and use it for vacation trips.

The big question that hangs over their heads, like the twirling sword of Damocles, is whether they can leverage their early successes to become mainstream legends. Still in their mid twenties, the odds are in their favour. But tomorrow, as they say, is known to no man.

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L - R: Distell Nigeria Country Director, Roelof Stotlz; Manager, Lacour Hotel, Charles Lamb; Barman, Lacour Hotel, Ferdinand Obule; who emerged overall winner of N100,000 and Managing Director, Interraktu, Ade Olabode at an event to mark the end of a 3-month nationwide ‘Jabulani’ Cocktail competition where 3 winners emerged in selected 60 bars across Nigeria towards promoting Amarula drink in Nigeria….recently Sunday Adigun

L-R; Head, Business Banking, Stanbic lBTC, Remy Osuagwu; Head, Personal Banking, Stanbic lBTC, Nkolika Okoli; CEO, Stanbic lBTC, Dr. Demola Sogunle; Secretary, League of Muslim School Proprietors, Mr. Raji Yekini and Head, Public Sector, Stanbic lBTC, ldu Okwuosa at the Stanbic lBTC education customer value proposition in Lagos...recently Abiodun Ajala

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͱͯ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

R-L: Plateau State Governor, Hon Simon Lalong; Executive Director, Micro Enterprises, Bank of Industry (BOI), Toyin Adeniji; Special Adviser to Vice President on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Mr. Tola Johnson and a Beneficiaries John Jude, during the Flag-off of the government enterprise and empowerment program (GEEP), and Market Moni Alert Train ceremony, in Jos, Plateau State.recently

L-R: MD, Custodian & Allied Insurance Ltd, Mr. Toye Odunsi; Executive .Director, Leadway Assurance Limited, Mr. Tunde Hassan Odukale and Group Chief Operating Officer, Retail Banking, Standard Chartered Group, Mr. Andrew Okai, at the Standard Chartered Bank’s corporate dinner with clients in Lagos...recently

L-R: Glo subscriber, Edwin Ibebudi; Nollywood actor, Victor Osuagwu; another subscriber, Mansur Abdul Ganiyu; Kannywood actor, Sani Danja, and two other Glo subscribers, Aliyu Shehu and Lanre Azeez, at the Glo Mega Music Nation Wide Tour in Kaduna...recently

L-R: Group Managing Director/CEO, NEM Insurance Plc Mr. Tope Smart; Chairman Dr. Fidelis Ayebae; and Company Secretary, Mrs. Olajumoke Philip-Akede, during the 47th annual general meeting of NEM Insurance Plc held at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State... recently

L-R: National Expert Food Safety, United Nation Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Mr. John Sebo, Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed and Director, Food and Drugs Services Dept. Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Anthonia Opara during courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Ilorin....recently

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍąÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

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

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Quick Takes NDIC Extends Capacity Building Programme

SHAREHOLDERS ON THEIR MINDS

L-R: Past President/Patron, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Mr. Michael Olawale-Cole; immediate past President, Adedapo Adelegan; President, Mr. Akinola Olawore; Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo and Country Manager, British Airways, Mr. Kolawole Olayinka, during the chamber’s 38th annual general meeting and investiture of its 15th president, held in

Shittu: Cybersecurity Remains a Big Challenge for Govt Stories by Emma Okonji The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu has expressed worry that insecurity in cyberspace has continued to pose serious challenge for government, in spite of efforts put in place to address the issue.

Adebayo, who spoke at the Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum 2017 in Lagos recently, expressed fears that cyberattacks, if not tamed, could erode the gains of global technology advancement, which he said, Nigeria was looking up to in order to catchup with the rest of the world in the area of technology development.

ICT Cybersecurity is more than a challenge for government as it poses a huge obstacle to our digital transformation/digital Nigeria agenda, and the federal government has estimated an annual loss of over N127 billion to cybercrime activities across the nation, Shittu said.

According to him, Nigeria had its fair share of cybercrimes between 2016 and 2017. He said that the economic recession in 2016 brought about numerous attacks targeted at organisations and individuals.

The most recent, he said was the unsuspecting patronisers

of ponzi schemes.

The minister said: “In the wave of austerity, many people lost money to the said schemes and others fell victims to malicious and compromising websites, and this must not be allowed to continue.�

He explained that in 2013, the ministry set a five-year National Broadband Plan target of reaching a fivefold increase in broadband penetration by the end of 2018, which according to him, by all indications, would be met and surpassed given the enthusiasm of the present administration.

The minister’s view about surpassing the 30 per cent

broadband penetration by 2018 is arguable, since some key industry stakeholders have vehemently opposed the implementation plan. They argued that Nigeria will not meet the 30 per cent broadband penetration target by 2018, giving its current broadband penetration level of 21.95 per cent.

The broadband access is a platform through which people could be connected to the internet to participate in a variety of online businesses like e-commerce, even though the cybercriminals also catch up Continued on page 24

GEM Project: Beneficiaries Cry Out over FG’s Delay in Funds Disbursement A group of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who are major beneficiaries of the Growth and Employment (GEM) project, a World Bank/DFID funded project, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, have called on the federal government to release the second tranche of the payment that was long overdue, to enable them revive their businesses that are on the verge of collapse.

The SMEs, numbering over 300, expressed fears that their individual businesses, established last year with the support of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, may suffer total

ECONOMY collapse, should government continue to withhold the second tranche of funds disbursement to them.

The federal government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, last year, assembled a crop of SMEs numbering over 300 and promised to assist them set up cottage industries by empowering them through the World Bank/DFID funded project for SMEs. The essence was to provide the SMEs with seed-funding and monitor their business growth over a period of time. The SMEs,

which were drawn from the YouWiN project of the Federal Ministry of Finance, signed agreement with the Federal Ministry Industry, Trade and Investment in March 2016, in order to benefit from the GEM project. PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) was appointed grant administrators and KPMG, the monitoring and control body for the GEM project.

Some SMEs who spoke to THISDAY about their challenges with the GEM project, said the ministry, in July 2016, paid each SME between 25 per cent and 60 per cent of the total cost of funding their businesses, amounting to about N3 mil-

lion to N10 million as the first tranche with a pledge to pay the second and final tranche after 90 days from the date of the initial payment.

The SMEs said the second tranche of the payment was supposed to be in October 2016, but 10 months after, it has not been paid. They expressed concern that the delay is threatening their businesses, as they have invested huge sums already.

According to the SMEs, because of the long delay in payment of the second tranche, over 80 per cent of them borContinued on page 24

Ă’Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă?ÚÙĂ?Ă“Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ Ěš Ă“Ă? Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ ʨà Ă?Ě‹ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Ă?ËÚËĂ?ÓÞã ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ăœ ÙʊĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă?ÚÙĂ?Ă“Ăž ĂœĂ™ĂžĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ Ěš Ă‹Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ?

ËŞĂ? Ă?ĘĽĂ™ĂœĂžĂ? ÞÙ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ăž Ă—Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĚ‹ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– Ă‹Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂœĂ?Ă’Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă?ÚÙĂ?Ă“Ăž

Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă— Ě™ Ěš Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ę¨Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă— Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁË› Ă’ĂœĂ?Ă? ÙʊĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĘľĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ë? ĂœË› ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă•Ă–Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă–Ă˜ĂŁĂ? Ě‹ Ëœ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă?ÚÙĂ?Ă“Ăž ĂœĂ™ĂžĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëž ĂœĂ?Ë› Ă“Ă—Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă“Ă–Ă‹Ě‹ Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“ ĚŽ Ă?Ă‘Ă‹Ă– Ă?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜ĂžËž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœË› Ă&#x;Ă?ÞËÚÒË Ă‹ĂœĂŒĂ?Ă˜Ă‘ Ě‹ Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă’Ă? ×ÙÎĂ&#x;Ă–Ă?Ă? ÞÒËÞ ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă‹ Ă?ÞËÞĂ?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă?Ùà Ă?Ăœ Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ ĂĄĂ“ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă?ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ?Ë? ËŤ ÙÖĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁËœ Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă?Ă’Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëž Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ëœ Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëž Ă?Ă‘Ă‹Ă– Ă?ÞËÞĂ&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă?ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?ÚÙĂ?Ă“Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă— Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëž Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă?ÚÙĂ?Ă“Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă‘Ă?Ëž

Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëž Ă“Ă?Ă• Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă–

Ă˜Ă?ÞÓÞĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëž Ă Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ Ă™Ă? ËŞĂ? Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜Ă• Ă?Ă?ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă™Ă–Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë? Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă?ÚÙĂ?Ă“Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă?ÚÙĂ?Ă“Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă—Ă? ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽË›

Ă˜ Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ•Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă? âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? ĘŠĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ Ă?ÚÙĂ?Ă“Ăž ĂœĂ™ĂžĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ ĚšËœ Ăœ ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă•Ă–Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă–Ă˜ĂŁĂ? ËÚÚÖËĂ&#x;ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ?

Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“ĂžĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? ÞÙ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ? Ă?ËÚËĂ?ÓÞã ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ‹Ă?ÞÓĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒ ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ë›

US Congressional DelegationVisits Nigeria

Ă˜ Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă—Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞËÞĂ?Ă? Ě™ ĚšËœ Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Í°ÍśËœ Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëœ åÓÞÒ ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ăž ĂžĂ™ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ͹ͯ˛ Ă’Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă–Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă’ĂœĂ“Ă?ÞÙÚÒĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ě™ Ě‹ Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂ?̚˛ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă™Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă—Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂšĂœĂ™ĂšĂœĂ“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜ Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂœĂŁËœ Ă—Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“ĂšËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒÓĂ?Ă? Ă?Ù××ÓʾĂ?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă‹ĂœĂŁ Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ? Ě™ Ě‹ Ă“Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă‹Ă˜ĚšËž Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă“Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă?Ă– Ă?Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ăž Ě™ Ě‹ Ă™Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ™ĚšËž Ă?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? Ă“Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă&#x;Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ě™ Ě‹ Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂ?̚˞ Ă?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? Ă?ĂœĂœĂ“ Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– Ě™ Ě‹ Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹Ă—Ă‹ĚšËž Ă?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ě™ Ě‹ Ă?Ă˜Ă˜Ă?ĂŁĂ–Ă Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă‹ĚšËž Ă?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂŒĂ‹ĂœĂ‹ Ă?Ă? Ě™ Ě‹ Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă‹ĚšËž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă“Ă–Ă?Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ Ě‹ Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ‹ĚšË› Ă’Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă? Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ëœ ʼnÞĂ? ĂŽËŞ Ă Ă™Ă“ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă? Ă‹Ă—ĂŒĂ“Ă‹ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ ÞÙĂ&#x;ĂœË› Ă’Ă“Ă–Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă”Ă‹Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă“Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ? Ă—Ă?Ăž åÓÞÒ Ă‹ ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ě‹ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ? ÞÙ Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă– ÚÓĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă– ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă“Ăš ÞÒËÞ Ă?âÓĂ?ĂžĂ? ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăž ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ÙʊĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? ÞÒĂ? ʨÑÒÞ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž ÙÕÙ Ă‹ĂœĂ‹Ă— Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă&#x;Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă™ĂœĂžĂ’Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë›

OLX Donates Raincoats to LASTMA

Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă˜Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă?ÓʨĂ?ĂŽĂ?Ëœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ÙËÞĂ? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? ÞËÞĂ? ĂœĂ‹ĘŠĂ? Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă&#x;ĂžĂ’Ă™ĂœĂ“ĂžĂŁ Ě™ Ěš Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ™Ă–Ëœ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ĂžĂœĂ‹ĘŠĂ? ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÓÞã Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ë› ĂšĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?ĂœËœ Ëœ ÙÖË Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ëœ Ă?ÞËÞĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ˞ ËŤ Ă? Ă?Ù××Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă– ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă“Ă? ĂŽĂ™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? ĘŽĂ™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂœĂ‹ĘŠĂ?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?Þã Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă˜Ă?˛ˏ Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă‹ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ Ă’Ă?Ă–ĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?×ÚÙåĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă“Ăž ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ’ĂŁ Ă“Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ę¨Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ? ÞÙ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ˜Ă?Ăœ åÓÞÒ Ă•Ă?ĂŁ Ă?ÞËÕĂ?ÒÙÖÎĂ?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ? Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ Ă‹Ăž Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ë› Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?ĂœËœ Ëœ Ă–Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹Ă–Ă? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă‹Ëœ Ă?âÞĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă— Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă•Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă? ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ÙËÞĂ?Ë› ËŤ Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă?ÚÖã ÞÙĂ&#x;Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă‘Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă?Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽ Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ? Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ ÓÞ˪Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ?Ă— ĂŽĂ?Ă?ÚÓÞĂ? ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ?ËÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ËœËŹ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă‹ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽË›

“Africa needs to retain more local trafďŹ c within the continent to drive more value from the internetâ€?

Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, MainOne,

Ms. Funke Opeke

24

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍąÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

SHITTU: CYBERSECURITY REMAINS A BIG CHALLENGE FOR GOVT with the opportunity to hack into database of organisations, with the intention to gain unauthorised access to vital information of organisations and individuals, just to defraud such persons and organisations.

However, Shittu said that government would not be deterred in protecting Nigeria’s cyber territorial zones in order to make them safe for business.

Listing government’s efforts to address cyber insecurity in the country, Shittu said in 2015, the federal government passed the National cybersecurity into law which provides directives to guide regulate and protect the use and deployment of critical information infrastructure in the Nation. “The bill describes classes of cybercrime and also includes robust clauses for criminal prosecution following cybersecurity crimes,� Shittu said.

GEM PROJECT: BENEFICIARIES CRY OUT OVER FG’S DELAY IN FUNDS DISBURSEMENT rowed from bank to invest in their businesses, pending when the second tranche would be paid.

Narrating their ordeals, they said they were already indebted, having invested in equipment and raw materials and could not continue with the business for lack of funds.

Some said their rents for their cottage industry space had since expired and the landlords are threatening to quit them.

They also explained that they have lost contact with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, since their lines of communication were no longer going through, despite several trials to reach the government officials on phone.

They called on the federal government to intervene and compel the officials of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, to pay them the second tranche of the funds without further delay. “The machines already bought for production are wasting away and we are owing rents and salaries of employed workers,� the SMEs told THISDAY.

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)

Minister, NCC Decry Poor ICT Infrastructure in Abuja Stories by Emma Okonji The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has been described as a region with poor telecommunications infrastructure.

The situation is a source of worry to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Muhammed Musa Bello, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta.

Both expressed their worries recently when Danbatta led a high level delegation on a courtesy visit to the FCT Minister, to discuss how this could be addressed.

Danbatta listed a number of challenges that have denied the FCT the best telecommunications services, especially with service quality.

He said: “We have come because, we believe that with the progressive style of your administration, these challenges will be resolved for the benefit of the government, the residents and national telecommunications development.�

These challenges include inability of operators to co-locate because the sites offered for co-location are inadequate and do not suit the technical specifications of the service providers, Danbatta said.

He advised that telecoms service providers be involved in determining allocation sites to ensure that the identified sites meet network and radio frequency standards of all stakeholders.

Danbatta also listed the 2006

fee regime of the FCTA, which still exists and the astronomical rise in fees for building permits imposed on operators by the federal capital territory authority (FCTA).

The others include retrospective FCTA laws that affect telecom facilities, activities of road construction companies in the FCT, delayed approval for installation of base stations/fibre

deployments, implementation of National Economic Council (NEC) resolution on multiple taxation, levies and charges on ICT infrastructure in Nigeria as part of the challenges faced by telecom operators in the FCT. On the 2006 fee regime of FCTA, he said it was agreed at a meeting with operators, FCTA and NCC that the FCTA would meet and harmonise positions

on the astronomical increase in fees for building permits imposed by the FCTA. “This has not been done and operators have continued to receive bills from the administration based on the 2006 rates.

Therefore, we request your approval to establish a committee made up of officers of the FCT and the NCC to resolve issues relating to charges to

ensure rates agreed are cost based and comparable to what FCTA charges are, for other users of properties,� Danbatta appealed to the minister.

On the retrospective FCT laws that affected telecom facilities, the NCC boss said that any law or policy by the FCTA that affects telecom facilities should not be made retroactive.

CORPORATE DONATION

L-R: Director, Admin and Human Resources, LASTMA, Bamidele Adeniran; Country Manager, OLX, Lola Masha; General Manager, LASTMA, Olawale Musa and Marketing Manager, OLX, Fife Aiyesimoju, during the presentation of raincoats to LASTMA by OLX ...recently

Owerri Market Demolition: Ekeh Nigerian Military’s Surveilance of Social Media Sues for Peace, Donates N50m Alarming, Says Paradigm Initiative Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, has called on citizens of Imo State to allow peace to reign in the aftermath of the crisis and reported loss of lives, which trailed the demolition of the Eke Ukwu market, the biggest market, located in Owerri, the state capital.

Ekeh, a native of Owerri, also announced a donation of N50 million to be disbursed to those directly affected in the market and families of the victims who unfortunately lost their lives during the demolition exercise organised by the state government last week.

This, he hopes, will help cushion the effects of the demolition on their livelihood and calm the tense situation in Owerri, while also pleading with those affected not to allow themselves to be used to cause trouble in the state.

According to the Head of Leo Stan Ekeh (LSE) Foundation, Mr. Niyi Onabanjo, Ekeh made it clear to the smart implementation committee already set up and headed by a man of integrity, Chief Ambrose Ejiogu, that all those directly affected, by definition, means those trading in the market, whether indigenes of Owerri, Orlu, Okigwe or from neighboring states, will benefit from the resolution that would be reached by the committee.

Ejiogu is the Chairman of the committee. Other members are: Dr. Vin Udokwu

(Secretary), Chief C.Y. Amako, Prof. Obioma Iheduru, Chief Emeka Ekwebelem, Mrs. Chuks Ekemaru, Dr. Canice Nwosu, Prof. Henry Njoku, Sam Nwoke and Chief Analyn Nwaneri, among others.

The committee’s mandate is to work with the leadership of the market association in identifying those affected for disbursement of the funds to them. This, he hopes, will be sorted out within two weeks and funds disbursed within 21 days. Onabanjo hinted that Ekeh had two months ago awarded a multi-million naira contract for a comprehensive refurbishment of a Practical Entrepreneurship Centre sited inside a market in Owerri, which is slated for commissioning first week of November as a model.

He believes if the model works, the Imo State government may replicate same in other regions for the benefit of the citizens. “Though a private initiative, I am sure he would have mentioned it to the state governor of his plans for the market.

He intends to invite quality multinationals like Microsoft, Google, HP, IBM, Cisco, Facebook, among others to come and inspire Imo State youths so that they can see the bigger picture of the global wealth roadmap. As a promoter of knowledge democracy, he has been quietly assisting his state in the little ways he can,�

Onabanjo said.

Paradigm Initiative has condemned the federal government’s plan to monitor Nigerians on social media over hate speech against the government.

Alarmed by the move, Paradigm Initiative has called on all other defenders of digital rights of Nigerians to join in calling for caution. “We contend that all measures taken to safeguard the security of Nigerians must also by default protect their digital rights such as privacy and freedom of expression online,� the group said in a statement.

According to the statement, the report that the Nigerian military has commenced monitoring social media activity of Nigerians has been in the news in the past few days.

This development might not be unconnected to the recent pronouncement by the VicePresident that hate speech will soon be considered an act of terrorism.

President Muhammadu Buhari also spoke along this line when he noted some distressing comments he encountered on Nigerian social media during his long medical vacation in London.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche, while speaking recently during an interview session on Channels television, stated that “The activities of Nigerians on the social media are now being monitored for hate speech, anti-government

and anti-security information by the military.�

He further said: “What are we doing? 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, be antimilitary, and be anti-security.

We 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 are not true and their objective is an anti-corporate existence of this country.�

These sentiments expressed by the Defence spokesman was echoed by the Twitter handle @DefenseMonitor, which was widely assumed to be a communications outlet for the Defence headquarters.

However, the Presidential Office for Digital Communications through their Twitter handle @ DigiCommsNG has come out to denounce the @DefenseMonitor handle as fake.

Responding to these developments, the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, Gbenga Sesan, said, “The statement made by the Director of Defence Information during the Channels television interview is worrisome. More troubling

is the inability of the Defence Headquarters in following the Presidential Office for Digital Engagement in denouncing the tweets by @DefenseMonitor – tweets which essentially echo the sentiments of the Director of Defence Information. Merely disowning the twitter handle is not enough, the military must assure us by its words and actions that it does not share the sentiment expressed by the suspended twitter handle�

The Director of Programmes at Paradigm Initiative, Tope Ogundipe, stated: “We urge for caution in light of this new development. While we await more information, the words of the Director of Defence Information and the sentiments echoed by the now denounced Twitter handle @ DefenseMonitor are consistent with the experience of numerous Nigerians who have been arrested for exercising their right to freedom of expression online. We maintain that the digital rights of Nigerians must be respected irrespective of any security measure implemented by the government.�

Lending his voice to the debate, the Programme Manager for Magoyi, Paradigm Initiative’s digital rights advocacy programme, Boye Adegoke, added: “This new development follows a noticeable trend in Nigeria, where policies and legislation like the Cybercrime Law have been made by the ruling class to silence the voices of ordinary Nigerians.�

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ANALYSIS

Giving Ikeja Computer Village a Facelift Last week’s visit by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta to Ikeja Computer Village, was an eyeopener, writes Emma Okonji The recent visit of the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta to the computer village market located in Otigba quarters in Ikeja, Lagos, is very significant.

Although Danbatta has officially visited Lagos, the commercial nerve of Nigeria many times, he has not been officially invited to the computer village market until last week, when the Chairman of Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN), Mr. Ojikutu Ahmed Adeniyi, invited the NCC boss and his management team to the computer market.

The invitation might not be unconnected with several failed attempts by the Lagos State government to relocate the market to Katangowa, a suburb of Lagos in Okeodo Local Government Area of the state. The new location is believed to be more spacious to speed up the process of transforming the computer market into a technology hub for West Africa and Nigeria’s Silicon Valley, just like what is obtainable at the Silicon Valley in the United States and Bangalore in India.

Danbatta, who was conducted round the computer market, was virtually amazed at the ingenuity of the traders in developing computer hardware and software in an unguided but successful manner.

Moved by his first time experience of the market, Danbatta offered to open discussions with the NCC controlled Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) located in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Kano, where the traders could be further trained and developed in such a way that they become skillful with mastery in branded computer manufacturing and assemblage. They would be trained in areas including writing of software codes for the development of software solutions that will address societal challenges, designed to boost the much needed digital transformation of the Nigerian economy.

NCC’s visit The visit of Danbatta and the NCC management team, elicited joy among the traders who appeared open to digital transformation, but not without the support of government. Apart from the Lagos chapter of CAPDAN, various chapters from Enugu, Kano, Uyo and chapters from other state capitals, were on ground to welcome Danbatta and the NCC team in a most colourful way that brought the market to a standstill throughout the one-day visit.

The NCC team was received at the CAPDAN Secretariat, where Danbatta addressed representatives of the market traders from various chapters across the country, before being conducted round the market by the CAPDAN team.

One of the requests by CAPDAN to the NCC during the visit, was for NCC to assist in the upgrading of the computer village market into a technology hub, where people will be trained on local manufacturing of computer and allied products.

The essence of the training, according to CAPDAN, is to build up capacity in a knowledge-based economy that will boost local manufacturing and reduce capital flight through the importation of foreign technology products.

The CAPDAN chairman said there was need for collaboration between NCC and CAPDAN to train young and talented traders at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) that is currently being managed by NCC across the country.

Pleased with the request, Danbatta welcomed the idea and promised to collaborate with CAPDAN to upgrade the Lagos Computer Village to technology hub, that will accommodate technology incubation and development, geared towards growing indigenous technology that will address national and global needs.

“NCC should establish an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub for computer village traders, a replica of what is obtainable at Silicon Valley in the US and India’s Bangalore, to enhance the development

Traders and customers struggling for space at Ikeja Computer Village

of mobile hardware technicians in the areas of phone assemblage, phone diagnosis, transmission, cell site connection, call centre operations, among others,” Adeniyi said.

According to him, the computer village market has talented young traders who could be trained to begin manufacturing and distribution of technology solutions that will address societal needs. He said if achieved, the issue of faking products by Nigerians, would drastically reduce and Nigeria would experience a surge in genuine homegrown technology manufacturing products.

The CAPDAN leader also called on NCC to include its members in the commission work study groups of some initiatives.

Expressing his delight for the contribution of ICT to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), Danbatta assured CAPDAN of the willingness of NCC to assist its members in the areas of training and capacity building. He said the DBI would remain open for collaboration and training.

Failed relocation of the Market Based on perceived congestion of the Ikeja

Danbatta offered to open discussions with the NCC controlled Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) located in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Kano, where the traders could be further trained and developed in such a way that they become skillful with mastery in branded computer manufacturing and assemblage

computer village market, coupled with the need to digitally transform the market into a technology hub, the Lagos State government had tried severally to relocate the market without success.

Each year, the Lagos State government will come with renewed threats to relocate the market.

Although the traders are worried about the unending plan by Lagos State government to relocate the market, they are, however, beginning to feel that the Lagos government is playing politics with the relocation threat, having made several failed attempts to relocate the market since 2004.

Some of the CAPDAN traders, who spoke to THISDAY, said they were already looking elsewhere to seek collaboration for the personal development of traders in the market, while the state government is still considering how and when to relocate the market. Some of the traders have argued that the best thing government could do for the traders is to transform the current computer market into a technology hub and create branches in other locations, instead of outright relocation plan that has never worked.

A former governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who first initiated the relocation move in 2004, had planned to relocate the traders to a permanent site in Katangowa, citing congestion at its current location as reason for the relocation plan. He could not achieve the plan before handing over government to his successor, Babatunde Fashola, who also made some attempts to relocate the market, but could not also. Fashola’s successor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, few months ago, also made his own attempt to relocate the market.

The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Wasiu Anifowoshe, who disclosed the relocation plan of Governor Ambode, told the leadership of CAPDAN recently that the state was determined to relocate the market, but was yet to fix any date to that effect.

The Assistant Public Relations Officer of CAPDAN, Mr. Presley Ibadin, who spoke with THISDAY on the latest development, said the Lagos State government was bent on relocating the market, but promised it would

carry along the leadership of the traders in its relocation plan.

CAPDAN’s move Disturbed by the state government unending threat to relocate the computer market, CAPDAN, had in the past, approached the Lagos State government for assistance to enable it begin construction work on the permanent site, but could not get government support.

The traders, however, decided to develop the new area themselves through CAPDAN selffinanced project. But they met some challenges of land ownership tussle, which forced them to abandon the project after investing huge sum of money in it the project.

After several failed attempts on the part of the Lagos State government, coupled with the stiff resistance faced by the traders when they wanted to commence the relocation plan themselves, the traders decided to remain in the congested Ikeja Computer Village market, and look elsewhere for collaboration that will enhance self development, hence the move to invite the NCC team, THISDAY gathered.

History of computer village The Ikeja Computer Village Market started in the early 70s with the gathering of few traders in the then residential area called Otigba Village. As the market grew over the years, and attracted more traders and buyers who were dealing mainly on computer and its accessories and later extended to mobile phones and their accessories, the traders automatically converted the residential area to a full market and named it Ikeja Computer Village market.

The market became a beehive of activities, attracting more buyers and sellers, to the extent that the limited space became choked up and movement of buyers within the market became difficult as a result of body friction experienced during movement of persons who visited the market. Parking space for cars became a nightmare, as cars could not be driven into the market for want of space.

It was for this and other reasons that the Lagos State government saw the need to relocate the market and further develop into a digital technology hub, but the commitment to relocate the market has remained a mirage.

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StarTimes to Open Nigerian Digital Content to Chinese Market Stories by Emma Okonji StarTimes Nigeria is perfecting plans to export digital content productions from the Nigeria’s multi-billion naira Nollywood industry to the Chinese market, where the audience is growing at an impressive rate.

The Chief Executive Officer, StarTimes Nigeria, Justin Zhang, who made the

disclosure recently, said: “The opportunities are enormous for Nollywood in China.

Everyday, more and more Chinese nationals become interested in Nollywood movies. We hear good things about Nollywood movies and this is a significant improvement for the industry. StarTimes is working with one of the major movie distributors in China and is already holding

the Nigerian movie industry to step up in terms of production quality in a bid to reap the benefits of a larger audience. “Apart from the fact that many jobs will be created when this kicks off, it is also an opportunity for producers in Nigeria to increase their earnings. Imagine if a Nollywood production is exported to the Chinese box office where over 45,000 screens exist, the

talks with the minister of information, stakeholders in Nigeria’s movie distribution sector and a Bank to see to a successful exportation of Nigerian movies to China.�

As world’s most populous country with 1.4 billion people, China’s cinema market currently has a staggering 45,000 screens as compared to Nigeria’s 200. This, according to Zhang, is an opportunity for

opportunities are unending.

It will be a dream come true for us at StarTimes to see Nollywood movies grossing up to $50 million in the box office,� he said.

In the first nine months of this year, China added a little over 7,500 new cinema screens, continuing a trend seen over the past few years. China has been building cinema screens at a rate of over 12 a day for

the past five years, rising to 27 a day this year.

Over the years, StarTimes Nigeria has supported the localisation of Chinese movies and currently also owns a featured content platform, with 440 authorised channels across Africa, consisting of news, movies, series, sports, entertainment, children’s programs, fashion, religion and lots more.

Schneider Electric Innovates with IoT Datacentre Solutions Schneider Electric has further reaffirmed its position as one of the most innovative global specialists in energy management and automation with the introduction of EcoStruxure platform.

The new system, which is internet of things (IoT)enabled, and an open interoperable solution, was designed to improve business efficiency, reliability, safety and connectivity.

Senior Solutions Architect, Datacentre and Infrastructure, Schneider Electric, Okechi Osuagwu, said: “With critical factors such as frequent power outages, rising energy prices, climate changes and conflicts for resource access and controls, there is need for a holistic and robust energy infrastructure that ensures safe, efficient and green energy consumption from grid to rack.

That is the edge Schneider EcoStruxure offers as a formidable ally.�

He made these remarks at the just concluded International Data Corporation (IDC) 2017 event themed ‘Next-Gen

Datacentres: Making a Cloud Reality’ which took place recently in Lagos.

Osuagwu explained further that the EcoStruxure Data Centre Solutions provide an open architecture of connected products and interoperable system across the domains of IT, Power and Buildings as well as apps, analytics & services for mobility, monitoring and insights. “We deploy the EcoStruxure in a tailored instance for each of the vertical end markets from Building, Data Center, Industry, and Infrastructure where Schneider Electric has decades of deep domain expertise and applied experience,� he noted.

The new platform collects and analyses critical data from sensors to cloud, with key features for implementing smart operations across enterprises such as monitoring environmental parameters and asset utilisation, providing predictive analysis, smart alarming and the possibility to make control decisions anytime, anywhere and from any smart device.

Huawei to Send 10 Nigerians to China for ICT Empowerment Kasim Sumaina in Abuja In a bid to bring first class technical training on information and communication technology (ICT) to teeming Nigerian youths, Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited has said it will send 10 out of the best participants selected from the 1,345 students for further studies in China, in the ongoing ICT for Change Programme.

The empowerment training programme is in line with government’s youth and student development and job creation which is seemingly in direct response to President Buhari’s drive to empower and encourage young Nigerians.

According to the company, “We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government of Nigeria on a ICT for Change Programme. “The training officially kick- started on the 10th of November 2016 and so far One thousand three hundred and Forty Five (1.345) youths have completed the programme. A total number of 15 batches of

trainings were held in Abuja and Lagos training centres of Huawei.�

According to a statement released by the company, 10 out of the best 40 participants will be selected from the 1,345 participants of the ongoing ICT for Change program. “The 10 best students would proceed for further studies in the People’s Republic of China on an empowerment programme designed for graduates of Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, ICT, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics and other ICT related courses.�

The training programme, Huawei disclosed, featured experienced trainers, who explored various means of training delivery.

One of the participants, who spoke with THISDAY immediately after the test,Miss.

Benson Eyalenya, said, the language (Chinese) was also huge motivator aside attaining further studies on ICT as she set to learn to communicate in Chinese whilst studying if she is among the participants that will make the the final list.

COURTESY VISIT

L-R: Chief Technical OďŹƒcer, VDT Communications Ltd, Mr. Victor Omoyeni; President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Olushola Teniola and Managing Director/CEO, VDT Communications Ltd, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi, during a courtesy visit to VDT Communications by ATCON team in Lagos...recently

MTN Foundation Re-opens Digital Library at UNILAG MTN Foundation, under its UniversitiesConnect initiative has re-opened the digital library donated by the Foundation at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos (UNILAG). An MTN Foundation delegation led by the Chairman, Board of Directors, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, inaugurated and presented the facility to the school’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahman Bello at an event witnessed by members of the University Senate and the MTN Nigeria management team.

Built in 2005, the fully furnished and air-conditioned digital library is equipped with 128 networked computers, running on Microsoft 365 which was donated by Microsoft Philanthropies. The library is equipped with an alternative source of electricity for a seamless digital library experiences.

It also has three laser jet printers, a server, and VSAT-based Internet connectivity. Other universities that have benefited from the UniversitiesConnect initiative, include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State; University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State and University of Benin, Edo State.

Speaking at the event, Adelusi-Adeluyi, expressed delight on the fact that the project has been re-inaugurated and he urged the students to

collaborate with the University to ensure that the library is well managed. “This project aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to enhance learning and teaching by providing infrastructure, content and access to students in tertiary institutions across the country.

UNILAG was the first institution to partner with us on the UniversitiesConnect project and we are pleased to reopen this pioneer digital library,� he said.

In his remark on behalf of the University community, Prof. Bello commended MTN Foundation for their commitment to the development of education and ICT in Nigeria. “This is a welcome development in line with ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide. I assure you that this centre will be used for learning and extensive research by our students,� he said.

Other dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics and Research, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development Services, Prof.

Folashade Ogunsola; Registrar, Dr (Mrs.) Taiwo Ipaye; Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria, Muhammad Siddiqui; Executive Secretary MTNF, Nonny Ugboma; and Director, Enterprise Commercial Business, Microsoft, Wale Olokodana.

Okere to Chair NITRA 3rd Quarter Forum As preparations for the third quarter forum of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) gather momentum, stakeholders in the Banking, ICT and FinTech sectors of the Nigerian economy have continued to throw their weight behind the event.

The latest to confirm his support for the programme is the Founder/Vice Chairman CWG Plc, Mr. Austin Okere, who has accepted to chair the one-day event.

In a personally signed email dated August 14, 2017, and addressed to NITRA, Okere said: “Thank you for the invitation to chair this event.

I am honoured and pleased to accept. I trust I shall be receiving more information in due course.�

Digital disruption is changing how traditional banking services, payments, and remittances are now offered in the digital economy.

Almost all sectors of financial services including payments, money transfers, banking and more are being re-imagined by non-traditional providers and FinTechs, while the traditional incumbent providers are reinventing themselves very quickly to understand better, the puzzle presented

by FinTech and how they can leverage on the digital

movement.

NITRA, an umbrella body for journalists reporting information and communications technology in Nigeria, is organising the third edition of its quarterly forum entitled “Digital Payment: Prospects and Challenges of a Financially Inclusive Nigeria.�

The event which holds on September 29, 2017 at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, will not only highlight the challenges and opportunities in the FinTech space in Nigeria, but will also provide knowledge and networking platform that will bring the Nigeria Fintech industry at par with its counterparts across the globe.

The event also offers the Banking, ICT and FinTech industries an excellent opportunity to showcase some of their achievements before the largest gathering of the sectors players under one roof.

It affords them the opportunity to share their contributions to Digital Payments as well as efforts towards actualizing financial inclusion in the country.

Okere is Founder of CWG Plc and had served as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. He has been Vice Chairman of CWG Plc since June 2015 and also its Director.

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Ogungboye: Govt Support for Telecoms, Key to Economic Diversification The Managing Director/CEO and Founder of e.Stream Networks, Muyiwa Ogungboye, spoke with Emma Okonji on the need for government to support telecoms growth in order to enhance economic diversification, among other issues. Excerpts: Tell us about e.Stream Network? e.Stream Network is an indigenous company, founded in December 2006 to provide broadband and communications services to corporate organisations. We started out as a satellite communication company, providing VSAT technology services to the people, but as technology and customer taste change, we evolved to providing radio wireless and fibre wireless services. Today we are partnering Bitflux to provide 4G LTE services as well. We are a technology company providing broadband services and we want to be the first choice for organisations that need broadband services.

Being a 4G LTE broadband service provider, what is your coverage area like?

We commenced the 4G LTE broadband service delivery last year and we partnered Bitflux to achieve this, since Bitflux is licensed to provide the backbone infrastructure, but is not licensed to sell to endusers. e.Stream is licensed to sell to endusers and we are one of the strategic retailing partners of Bitflux. Although the Bitflux 4G LTE rollout is not as large as it is supposed to be, but with their service offerings, we are able to cover most parts of Lagos like the Tinubu Square, Broad Street, Marina, South West Ikoyi, and part of Victoria Island. Recently we have covered some areas on the mainland of Lagos, like Ogba, Gbagada, Maryland, Ikeja, Ojodu Berger and we are still expanding our services to cover more areas.

How is low broadband penetration in the country, which is currently put at 21 per cent, affecting your kind of 4G LTE broadband service offerings?

Yes, we currently have low broadband penetration at 21 per cent with a projection to reach 30 per cent by 2018, but the current indices are clear indications that we may not, as a country, achieve the 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018, more so that 2018 is just around the corner. We may not be able to achieve 30 per cent penetration because of the challenges in power supply, poor access to fund raising, stiff competition from bigger operators, as well as multiple taxes and levies in the ICT industry.

Yes it is affecting our kind of service delivery in broadband and we need government support in this regard.

Why is Nigeria having challenges with broadband penetration, when we have several landings of submarine cables at the shores of the country?

It is true that we have several submarine landing cables at the sea shores from big operators like Glo 1, MTN WACS and MainOne, including the SAT 3, but the major challenge is about capacity distribution. There is no national backbone infrastructure to distribute the broadband capacities from the shores of the country to the hinterlands and that is why broadband penetration is still low and expensive. Building national backbone infrastructure is capital intensive and the operators do not have easy access to funding and again the operating environment is harsh. All these put together are adversely affecting broadband penetration and at the same time, affecting our kind of broadband business offerings.

You try painting a picture that small operators like e.Stream Networks are facing serious challenges in the industry, especially from bigger operators. Why is it so?

The challenges faced by smaller operators are numerous. We are faced with stiff competition from bigger operators, we are faced with multiple taxes from state governments when laying our fibre cables and we also have cash constraints because access to funding is a difficult one for us who are the smaller operators and we need the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to move fast in addressing the issue, which has already forced many

loans to manage their businesses effectively.

Banks syndicate loans to bigger operators but will not listen to smaller operators, the reason why we need the infrastructure development bank in the telecoms industry. Government needs to support the telecoms industry just the same way that the regulator, the NCC is supporting the industry. The infrastructure bank will help us to expand our business because majority of the smaller operators are struggling to expand their business.

Such bank will provide the necessary financial support for telecoms operators that would assist them in network expansion and upgrade, instead of relying on money deposit banks, whose interest rates are on the high side and inimical to business growth.

Ogungboye

smaller operators out of business. There is stiff market competition against smaller operators by the bigger operators and there is the issue of underpricing that is affecting the operations of smaller operators. We have come up with several advocacies through our association, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), but government seems not to listen to us and we need the government intervention in these matters also.

The NCC has licensed two Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) and it is planning to license additional five InfraCos designed to address the challenges of broadband infrastructure.

How laudable is this initiative?

Licensing InfraCos is not the issue, but the issue is about nurturing the InfraCos and giving them the right support to succeed. The truth is that the licensed InfraCos do not have the support of government to roll out broadband infrastructure across the country. There are no support on tax rebate, access to funding, multiple levies and taxes from government agencies, and all these put together, makes it difficult for the InfraCos to thrive, even though they have the licence.

So those InfraCos that already have licences cannot rollout because of the challenges in the industry, which the government must rise up fast to address.

Over time, technology has evolved from 2G, 3G, 3.5G to 4G LTE. How will you classify the 4G LTE adoption rate in the country?

The adoption rate of 4G LTE in the country can be categorised in three folds: There is corporate side, small and medium enterprise (SME) side and the individual (home) side. The 4G LTE is playing out more in the SME and the individual sides, than the corporate side. So the adoption rate is still low and this is so because the high dollar rate has eroded so many things. President Muhammadu Buhari is trying to localise most products that are consumed in the country, and support the Nigerian products as against the urge for foreign products. When this is achieved, the purchasing power of Nigerians will increase and more people will adopt 4G LTE technology, which has to do with speed and quality.

What do you suggest the government should do to address the adoption rate of 4G LTE? Government must do more to increase the purchasing power of Nigerians and businesses, and government should come up with policies

that will encourage business growth in the country. Government must collaborate with ICT experts and work with advocacy groups like ATCON to achieve its goal of diversifying the Nigerian economy. The challenge we have is that government do not listen to us, the advocacy group, yet we contribute our own quota to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

What amount of local content do you have in your operations and how has the corporate social responsibility project of e.Stream, impacted on its host community?

In the area of local content, I want to make it clear that e.Stream Network is not a content provider, but a broadband and communication provider, and as such we do not provide applications, be it local or foreign, but we provide the enabling environment for applications to thrive. Part of our focus is to have alliance with application and content developers. We have data centre seated in our office where we host the data of some organisations. In the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, we focused on the education sector and we have been able to assist schools in Lagos. Recently, we selected a school in Ikorodu area of Lagos that is completely impoverished and we assisted the school in renovating a block of classrooms and we provided tables, chairs and other school materials, and we will do more by appreciating schools that are investing in information technology (IT).

We will be looking at schools that are using IT to develop themselves and their students, and teachers. We are developing a product in that regard and our marketing team will be launching it before the end of the year.

You have been a strong advocate for the establishment of telecommunications infrastructure development bank for the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. What value is it going to add to the sector?

It is true that I have been a strong advocate for the establishment of telecoms infrastructure development bank for the ICT sector and I do so because of its importance to ICT growth.

Telecoms has revolutionise the way businesses are being managed, as well as the lifestyles of people, and these are some of the advantages that telecoms has brought to the sector, but there is a huge challenge in raising capital by the operators to sustain telecoms business in the country, hence we need infrastructure development bank in the telecoms sector, like it is in the oil and gas sector. It will help operators get soft

So who will fund the infrastructure bank that you are advocating?

The government has to fund it. Who funds the agricultural banks that are giving loans to farmers? So the federal government has to fund it and it is not going to be given free of charge because any operator that has access to a loan from the infrastructure bank will have to pay back, but with minimal interest of single digit rate. What we need is the ease to access to such loans. A country like China did that to support telecoms equipment supplier like Huawei, that has turned out to become the biggest telecoms equipment supply in the whole world, and this can be replicated in Nigeria. Very soon, Europe will stop buying oil from Nigeria because they are planning to stop manufacturing of petrol and diesel cars by 2040, and Nigeria will be taken by surprise, hence the need to diversify the source of government income and telecoms is one big market that government can easily rely on for revenue generation if it is well supported and positioned.

How will you want government to position the telecoms sector in order to expedite economic diversification?

Government should see the telecoms business as a long term investment that is capital intensive and therefore should support the telecoms sector to attain better growth. The infrastructure bank I am talking about, for instance, should be able to give loans easily with single digit interest that is between one and nine per cent. What the money deposit banks collect as interest is 30 per cent and above with collaterals and all these make it practically impossible for small operators to access loan from deposit banks for business expansion. So government must support the telecoms industry, invest in it and make quick returns through economic diversification in the telecoms sector.

How will you describe the 9mobile experience that took $1.2 billion loan from a consortium of 13 banks in 2013 and was unable to pay back, based on the terms and conditions of the loan?

The 9mobile experience is an unfortunate one that I will not like to discuss, because it is not clear to me what the terms and conditions of the loans were. But the bottom line is that if they were financed by telecoms infrastructure bank, they would not have had issues the way they had.

How can the present competition between the big and small operators be addressed?

Regulation is important to address the issue and limited mobility licence that confines operators to a particular coverage area, should be revisited by the NCC. The regulator should wade into the matter of under pricing and stop the bigger operators from stifling the operations of the smaller operators. The big operators should be given condition not to sell beyond certain limit in order to allow the smaller operators to remain in business.

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The Vision Behind Sigma Pension’s Rebranding Beyond the target it has set for itself, the decision of the management of Sigma Pensions Limited to rebrand is part of a strategy to achieve its 2020 goal. Raheem Akingbolu reports For decades, rebranding has remained a major tool used by promoters of local and multinational brands to remain relevant and connect with various generations. Despite their iconic status, brands like Coca-Cola, Nike and Kellogg’s never miss the opportunity to ovehaul their brand essence when the need arises. Perhaps that is why they have been able to maintain market leadership for decades. Sometimes, it could be radical overhauls or minor changes in their outlook to speak to emerging markets.

This explains why last month was significant in the history of Sigma Pension Limited. In line with global trend, the 13 year old company refreshed its identity and reaffirmed its brand promise. It came with a new logo and exciting colours that spoke volumes of its mission and vision in the Nigerian market. For a company that has established its footprints on the market, the rebranding was considered by analysts as timely and important for its determination to make further inroads by the year 2020.

At a well attended event by stakeholders and management of the company in Abuja, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dave Uduanu, announced the launch of a refreshed identity as part of the evolution of the Sigma brand.

According to him, the new refreshed logo symbolises who the company is today and showcases its dynamic futuristic approach to its business. In the new identity, colour blue and green are conspicuous.

Speaking further on the new logo, he explained that “the colour blue symbolises a sense of security, while connoting trust, dependability and professionalism and the colour green is perceived as the colour of money and liquidity, adding that it represents: growth, renewal, and wealth.

One slight difference in the company’s approach is that it is an extensive change in order for the business to achieve the required regeneration for growth and profitable returns. Uduanu This is necessary as the group is already making inroads into some other segments Its Executive Director, Technical, Mr. Ibraof the market. To pundits, this has singled heem Balarabe, captured the process when out the handlers of the brand as people with he said that; ‘’the rebranding exercise has foresights. Of course, the management stated been a strenuous yet delightful experience clearly that the refreshed identity embodies developing and creating this new look and the group’s internal values and the direction today we are pleased to present the new face they were heading to henceforth of Sigma Pensions Limited to you all.’’ From anywhere one chooses to look at it, what the pension company did was a response Future target to global trend if one considers how some The management of the company was clever of the greatest brands in the world often enough to let their patrons know their future rejuvenate to remain fresh. At a time many plans. Among other things, the managing company are being careful to incur extra cost director disclosed that the company projection on strategy, handlers of the Sigma brand see was to increase its asset under management the time as a period to further connect with to N600 billion in the next couple of years patrons. According to insider source, the from N310 billion it currently manages. decision became necessary to keep it on top Sigma Pensions is one of the first set of as the nation’s number one pension service seven PFAs licensed by the National Pension brand. To them, it is a new chapter that would Commission (PENCOM) in 2005 and one of help it extends its horizon. the operators to commence the implementation In less than 24 hours after the official unveil- of the PRA in 2004. “Sigma Pensions has since ing, customers who visited the company or grown its assets under management to over have access to its manual or style guide could N310 billion with more than 700,000 registered feel the new identity and have insight into contributors on its platform,� he said. the brand language - colours, motifs, fonts, Uduanu also said the company is “ready and entire brand philosophy. Also, in the last for the next milestone of achieving N600bn few weeks, the company has maintained the in the next few years.� new identity in its advertising materials.

He said by 2020, the company aimed to be According to THISDAY findings, the con- a more productive and profitable organisation ceptualisation and implementation of the new and looked forward to embarking on the identity took the creative egg heads within journey with its customers. and outside the group some months before The CEO further stated that the new Sigma they arrived at the final output. In the new Pensions would be a company solely focused look, all its iconic elements were retained on putting the needs of its customers first. but with few modification to communicate ‘’We have just recently instituted the Antithe new status of the brand.

Bribery & Corruption Policy at Sigma. It is an To pundits, this has singled out the handlers unprecedented approach to business in the of the brand as people with foresights. industry and it goes a long way to validate Of course, the management stated clearly that the trust our customers repose on us to do the the refreshed identity embodies the group’s right thing as a business at all times. Sigma internal values and the direction they were Pensions is a company that adheres to the heading to henceforth. highest levels of business integrity and we take

our responsibilities to our stakeholders very seriously. We want our customers to trust us more and to do more business with us which, in turn, will improve company performance and ensure the consistent growth of funds kept in our custody,’’ While driving home his point, he said the Sigma team was poised to deliver on its core values of teamwork, leadership and competence. ‘’In other words, we are set to change the narrative of the pension business in Nigeria. We have in fact already set the ball in motion. Earlier in the year, in April to be precise, Sigma Pensions was recognized by the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in its recent report on ‘Companies to Inspire Africa’. ‘’We were the only PFA in the Nigeria to get that recognition and it is a feat we are very proud of. To be listed as one of the fastest growing private businesses in Africa in these difficult times is a praise-worthy achievement. ‘’We also recently grew our Asset under Management to N310billion and we are ready for the next milestone of achieving N600billion in the next few years. Sigma Pensions has indeed come a long way and many of you here have been a part of that journey. You have celebrated milestone after milestone with us over the years and we acknowledge your commitment, we appreciate your patronage,’’ he said.

Speaking on what the future holds for the brand and involvement of Actis Private Equity, the company’s Global Head, Natalie Kolbe, said the firm as an internationally regulated shareholder known for adopting the highest level of integrity and business practices brought the same culture to Sigma Pensions, adding that it was fully evidenced by the recently introduced Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy.

She said: “Now customers can rest easy knowing that their affairs are being handled

by professionals who possess the highest ethical standards in the industry. It is our hope that this development is adopted by other operators in the industry so that we have a better sustained business entity with global best practice standards.

Be assured that we have in place the right team of high performance professionals you can trust and who will work tirelessly and relentlessly towards delivering excellent and superior service always.’’ Brand at a glance Sigma Pensions Limited (RC 606338) was incorporated in August 2004, with the sole objective of undertaking the business of Pension Fund Administration in Nigeria according to the Pension Reform Act (PRA 2004) and is regulated by the National Pension Commission (PenCom). The company had an initial authorised share capital of N300,000,000.00 ordinary shares of N1.00 each and has since been raised to N1,250,000,000.00 of shares, with N985 million of the shares fully paid-up and ranking pari passu. It is important to note that this issued and fully paid-up share capital is 650% of the amount required by the Act, this is because the shareholders of Sigma have ensured that there is more than adequate capital available to meet the company’s needs.

Following the approval-in-principle granted to the company on the 8th of July, 2005 by PenCom and the fulfillment of all pre-licensing requirements, Sigma Pensions was granted full license to operate as a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) on the 7th of December, 2005.

The Sigma Family is currently above 600,000 members; hence, its determination to readily commit to manage pensions in the best possible way at all times.

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Olabode: Research and Strategy, Core to Successful PR Practice The Executive Director, Strategy and Corporate Planning at CMC Connect, Burson Marsteller, Mr. Raheem Olabode, speaks on the place of strategy in public relations and perception management, and tasks marketing communication practitioners on the need to deepen their knowledge in order to remain relevant. Raheem Akingbolu brings the excerpts: The last few years have been tough for marketing communication practitioners, with many agencies complaining, while many have gone down because of recession. How has CMC Connect been able to weather the storm?

I would say it’s not by our strength. We thank God for his support. But the first thing is corporate governance; that is what is keeping us. When I say corporate governance, even as executive director, I know my limits in terms of approval and the type of structure that we run in the organisation to see that we make everybody accountable. We are very analytical here. We analyse things, look at the economy and analyse. This is an advantage because we have people coming from other professions. We have seen recession even before it came because we do quarterly analysis of happenings around economy to see what we need to keep us in the business: like cutting down cost, improve our retainership, improve quality of service and multitasking. We got to a situation whereby if you cannot do four things, we can’t employ you. So, if you are a media person, you must understand research.

And for the fact that we have a board of directors which we report to on quarterly basis to plan the year, control cost, look at the revenue. We also have an approval process whereby if anything is not adding value we remove. We had about 38 staff, so we quickly cut down and pay better remuneration to those we have. We compensate for the multitasking. We were also able to identify some sectors in the economy which we know that with the nature of their businesses, no matter how bad the economy is, they will still be relevant. We try to keep those accounts; to ensure that whatever it takes to service it is what we do. And we thank God CMC Connect is waxing stronger, even during the Olabode recession, we are able to diversify. As it is now, we are managing four companies in communicator to practice communication, CMC Connect. CMC has turned into a group though that may give you an edge. We have of companies. We have digital arm, we have public affairs, and others.

How did you find yourself in the PR industry?

To start with, I’m a chartered accountant before veering into public relations. Though, I started practising accounting, but accounting for me was just the foundation. I needed something beyond accounting. I earlier worked with Marketing and Media; that was what brought me to Integrated Marketing Communication, though from outdoor perspective. I was the head of finance there before joining CMC Connect. Coming in and looking at the vision and work practice of the company, I saw that I joined an organisation where you can become what you want to be. So I picked interest in communication. Going by the support of the team that led me to where I find myself today.

When your company came up with a teaser; ‘wanted, square peg in a round hole’ it sparked debate. How can you relate it to your transition from accounting to Public Relations?

I could remember I did a presentation to the council of ICAN when we managed the ICAN reputation and branding. I told them frankly that beyond accounting, there’s something the council need to let accountants know and that is the fact that Accounting sound monotonous. For instance, if you came in as a communications person and you have to report to an accountant, you ask what does he know and why reporting to him? But I have shown that you don’t have to be a mass

Though, I started practising accounting, but accounting for me was just the foundation. I needed something beyond accounting.

I earlier worked with Marketing and Media; that was what brought me to Integrated Marketing Communication, though from outdoor perspective

communicate every day. We say sensible and insensible things which mean there’s logic to it. So every aspect of communication, I tried as much as possible to run a study on them.

My role then was after they have deliberated, we need to put finance to everything. So when I see ideas, I can tell you that this idea cannot deliver the objective. So that gave me insight at the time.

What are the things that really shaped your skills in the industry or it’s your talent?

In the area of skill, I am a skilful person. I am an analytical person. I look deep down answering the five Ws and H. I have listening skills and I write; about the industry, government, the economy and happenings around. I only worked for four months as junior. My promotion was very rapid. I was like 22 year old when I qualified as chartered accountant and my knowledge then gave me an edge over my peers. I am a confident person. I challenge authority because I am not in any organisation to just say yes: I am there to contribute. I am also a research person. So it was so easy for me to strategise.

Qualification wise, I have traversed many fields; the capital market, accounting, banking and finance, management and stock broking.

In nutshell four things worked for me; my background, skill, inspiration and the fact that my MD, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya’s belief in my capacity. The kind of challenge he gave me then opened my mind to how to be a better person in the industry. I know how I met the company and I remember his frequent statement that we have to tell a good story of CMC connect in the nearest future.

So the challenge and the combination of these things made it easy for me to transit from being a finance person to a communication person. someone who came in as a lawyer and who functions well in strategy in our company. We have someone whose core area is research, but now she writes proposals and do client service. We adopted the strategy of grooming.

For you to have human development, you must groom: grooming and mentorship for people who have basic skills beyond mass communication. One of our staff is an engineer and he’s the head of strategy. We have those who studied agriculture in the banks today.

For you to manage a communications firm successfully, you need all these skills across.

So this business is not mainly for those that read mass communication.

Accounting and PR are two different worlds, how was the transition like?

I had a vision when I joined CMC, though my designation was head of finance and admin.

Whenever my MD said we have an accountant, I would say I was not an accountant because there’s a perception around who an accountant is. I remember then that we were preparing a budget for 2004, all the departments were tasked to do a presentation and I told my team in finance that I want us to be the best, despite the fact that we are not used to doing presentation. We presented and we became the best at that time. That gave me the confidence that there’s nothing big in this thing. So I set a vision for myself to be one of the top at CMC Connect. I picked interest and invested in myself. I was doing self study; buying books and attending conferences, paying more attention to operations from the media and client service side. Going by my background, I’m a strategic and logical person. That gave me insight that it is about logic and life. We

Your key strength is strategy development.

How have you developed the skill?

I would say it’s my life and a gift from God. Strategy is how you get things done. When I was in ICAN class, I was being called minor because the people in class then we’re working, I wasn’t. When I see things, I break it down and set a way to overcome the challenge.

Enhancing that skill in me, I would say it’s ability to feel that I can overcome any challenge. I see every brief as a challenge and breaking the challenge down to get a solution. It’s just a natural thing.

Talking about your background, what value do you think other professional skills can bring to public relations?

Mass communication is though an art and social science discipline, but other skills can make it more scientific. For instance, the major challenge is how you can measure what you are doing. And you realise that you need research: you need the value you are proposing, value determination and prove what you have added. Most mass communicators, the skills they have is writing and ideas, but we have come in to articulate everything is such that when you are presenting a case, the person can mirror himself in what you have. If an accountant is presenting a performance, no matter how historical it is, you must interpret the figure. So combining these has really changed the profession. For instance, here, for you to be the group head, it’s not just to say you are a media person, we look at skills across. If this business is left in your hands, can you deliver and take it to the next level. The input of these professionals is making PR more challenging and interesting.

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MultiChoice Advocates Adequate Regulatory Framework for DSO Stories by Raheem Akingbolu Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe has said Nigeria needs adequate regulatory and legal framework as well as a buy-in from all stakeholders to make a successful transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting. Ugbe stated this in a keynote address delivered at the 3rd Digital Migration Summit, which held in Lagos recently.

The summit was organised

by Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON).

While noting that the country is a late starter on the migration journey, Ugbe said it can learn from the experiences of countries that have achieved digital migration and avoid the mistakes from previous exercises. “Using the United Kingdom, Kenya and Rwanda as case studies, one common denominator is that they all opted to make Free-to-Air (FTA) costfree in each country. Another key lesson learnt is that they all had adequate regulatory and legal framework in place and ensured that there was buy-in from all stakeholders. Everyone had a role to play – from making Set Top Boxes (STBs) affordable and partnering with the private sector which brought in investment,� he counselled.

Digitisation, he explained, will ensure better transmission quality and make more channels available. As a result, there will be a need for compelling content. “It is crucial to make content as engaging as possible, otherwise we will lose our audience. Compelling content is expensive to achieve as it affects cost of equipment, production and distribution, to mention a few,� he explained.

Along with digital migration, he further explained, will come a more effective use of

spectrum, with a move from one analogue channel per frequency to over 20. While noting that digital migration offers many benefits, Ugbe stated that it is also accompanied by challenges. “That there will be more channels also means that the already limited advertising revenue will shrink further.

Additionally, segment boundaries will blur.

The internet already enables anyone to create and distribute user generated content. There is tremendous diversification going on and this will continue in the foreseeable future,� he said.

To get around the challenges, Ugbe called for light- touch regulations that will ensure lower costs for operators. “We will need clearly defined taxes and levies that are in tune with the current realities. Higher levies will only increase the cost of broadcasting and further impact the industry and general public. Furthermore, Free to Air services should remain free and available to all and on all platforms to ensure universal access,� he said.

In addition, Ugbe called for public enlightenment that matches the magnitude of digital migration to create awareness and remove ambiguity. “The objective for Digital Migration is not for people to pay for TV and as such broadcasting as a public service needs to be more vibrant. A good example of this practice is National Geographic.

There are no adverts when they transmit, yet they showcase informative and educative content which we all learn from.

The regulator has to work with the industry to use the least cost to achieve this. We need to adopt better models

Bounce News Launches in Nigeria with Personalised App Bounce news, a personalised news platform has been launched in Nigeria. The website is dedicated to delivering on a daily basis inspiring and relevant stories that are tailored to empower the Nigerian news consumers and give them a voice in the polity.

According to the management, by studying search patterns and activities on social media to know the kind of stories that interest its readers, the news portal is able to make recommendations while transforming basic information into applied intelligence. ‘’With the Bounce app, users receive news items which help them make informed decisions about their personal lives, careers and businesses,’’ the management said.

Speaking during the launch of the app in Lagos recently, General Manager at Bounce News Goodluck Ikporo said: When you first launch Bounce, you’ll be given the option to select which interests you prefer to follow. This defines the initial

set of content the platform will show to you. It will look at your profiles and the content you have publicly shared to find additional interests that could be relevant to you.�

He added that the news portal also analyses user activity on the app to find out what kind of stories they read or skip, and any action taken around stories.

Each of these actions teaches Bounce a little bit about users’ interests and over time, it will get pretty good at predicting which stories you love.

Bounce News, which is already popular among Nigerians of various demographics, offers a range of exciting news items that cuts across -politics, entertainment, business, sports, fashion, education, tech and law & crime.

According to the GM, unlike regular news apps, the platform significantly improves the experience of consuming news on the internet as it is designed to function optimally on slower networks or low data.

to ensure funding of public service broadcasting. We all have to be active participants on this journey,� Ugbe said.

Ugbe stated that television broadcasting in Nigeria is already digital. DStv, he

explained was already digital by 1995. MultiChoice, he added, went from MMDS to Digital mobile in 2008. In 2011, it introduced GOtv, a Direct Terrestrial Terrestrial (DTT) service.

The MultiChoice boss disclosed that the company’s investment in Nigeria between 2011 and 2015 was above the $1 billion mark. Part of the investment during the four-year period was the

$36million spend on licensing fees and production of sports programmes. He equally disclosed that thecompany has invested over N15billion in the production of local content over the last 10 years

SANITISING THE COURIER INDUSTRY

General Manager, Courier Regulatory Department (CRD), the courier arm of NIPOST, Mr. Ishaya Diwa; Assistant General Manager, Licensing and Renewal, Mr. Dotun Shonde and Head, Finance and Accounts, Aribasoye Olusola, at a press brieďŹ ng to announce the revocation of 11 courier licences and sealing of 3 unlicensed courier companies in Lagos...recently

Japanese Miniso’s $1.5bn International Investment Enters Nigeria

FG Lauds Shongai Packaging’s Export Drive

Raheem Akingbolu

The federal government has commended Shongai Packaging Limited for its export drive which is a fallout of the company’s waste-to-wealth project initiative.

The company has also concluded plans to export plastic pallets to West African countries, a product it produced through the recycling of plastic wastes.

Speaking at the launch of the company’s new product and a factory tour which held at the company’s factory in Ota, Ogun State, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar stated that the innovative products, services and production processes of the company fits into the Federal Government’s economic recovery plan, which, in turn, would translate into economic prosperity for Nigerians.

According to the minister who was represented by Battah Ndirpaya, the Director (Inspectorate) of the ministry, “This is particular an exciting project. It creates jobs and generates wealth, especially for the youth and women in this surrounding and beyond.

I understand the end product, that is, the pallet is manufactured from plastic waste. I am also informed that pallet comes with high demand from the export market, thereby making it a foreign exchange earner.

The federal government’s quest for foreign direct investment (FDI) has yielded yet another positive boost as Miniso, a top Japanese designer brand and market leader, has opened its world-class outlets across the six high-brow shopping malls in Lagos.

Listed as the number one fastest growing retail brand, since its establishment in Japan in 2013, Miniso has actively explored the international retail market by opening over 2,250 stores in more than 41 countries with close to 15 countries underway, with a turnover of USD 750 million in 2015 and USD 1.5 billion in 2016.

Miniso, whose strongest competitors include MUJI, DAISO, WATSON and UNIQLO has beaten all odds with an average monthly growth rate of 80 - 100 stores across countries including the United States, Canada, Russia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Korea, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Australia.

Announcing the arrival of the designer giant into Nigeria at a press briefing held recently in Lagos, the Country Manager, Mr. Chris Lee, said the brand’s products are lifestyle essentials that include creative home necessities, health and beauty products, fashion accessories,

gadgets accessories, digital accessories, stationeries gifts, unique toys series, seasonal products, Kitchenware, etc. with more than 10,000 SKUs. According to him, “Miniso advocates a philosophy of quality life and is dedicated to providing premium and high-quality products to its customers, with a creative ideology of competitive and affordable pricing�.

Miniso continuously selects the best materials from all over the world for its products designs with a focus on the “home� and “life�. 80% of the designs are from Japan, Korea, Sweden, Denmark, Singapore, China and Malaysia.

Quoting Ye Guofu, a cofounder of the company, he said in the statement: “The higher the price, the better the quality� It’s only the excuse for those enterprises finding a way to sell products at a high price.

Those “low prices with bad quality� products resulted from the profiteering desire are originated from the period of command economy. The time for “good quality with low price� products has just begun. In this era, the actual value of a brand should be beneficial to millions of people rather than providing services only to the noble and the rich. These very values and principles have induced the inception of Miniso.

The minister further lauded Shongai Packaging Limited because environmentally, the raw materials for the product: plastics, are being picked up from our streets and gutters and this in turn helps clean up our surroundings and help in reducing the spread of diseases.

Also giving kudos to the company’s export initiative, Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru explained that exporting the plastic pallets will help the economy grow significantly and lead the country out of its present challenges.

Ashiru, however, cautioned manufacturers not to concentrate a larger percentage of their production on exportation at the expense of the needs of people locally because if that happens, the country might fall into economic crisis that would be difficult to come out of.

Earlier, Mr. Arjan Mirchandani, the Chairman of Sona Group of Companies, parent company of Shongai Packaging Limited, pointed out that the materials used to produce the plastic pallets were sourced from waste, adding that lot of jobs have been created, with the country’s eco-system being protected, preventing deforestation which has negative impact on the environment and on the climate.

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Calabar Tank Farm Explosion: The handwriting on the Wall Ikenna Ifedobi writes that the recent fire incident at the Linc Oil and Gas Tank Farm, in the Calabar Export Processing zone is a precursor to the monumental devastation that awaits Nigeria, especially in Apapa, should the government fail to take urgent steps to forestall the situation

Calabar tank farm ďŹ re

It was Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of America that once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail�. According to Murphy’s Law, “anything that may go wrong will�. Therefore it is wise to be prepared for the potential mishaps consistent with any human activity. Even ants gather food ahead of time for the winter season.

In the case of the Nigerian oil industry and the present anomalies, one can perceive the effects of decades of neglect culminating into what may become a string of preventable catastrophes.

Not too long ago, there was a massive explosion and fire at the Linc Oil and Gas Tank Farm, located in the Calabar Export Processing zone. Many lives were lost. The actual cause of the explosion is unknown but news media reported that it may have been from an overflow and spill, or illegal bunkering while the product was being transferred from the ship into the tank facility. Regardless, such mishaps are preventable and should not happen in a country that has standards and industrial ethics.

This explosion is just a precursor to the monumental devastation that awaits Nigeria, especially in Apapa. As I had earlier warned in the articles titled “Apapa tank farm: Nigeria’s hidden danger� and Apapa tank farm...: a disaster in the making�; both obtainable online, the reality of tank farm mishaps especially in Apapa is a matter of when and not if. You have a massive tank complex of about 200 tanks that holds a major percentage of the fuel for the entire nation. All the industries are dependent on this fuel, and in fact the entire economy needs this fuel to function. The facility just like others has no jurisdictional standard and oversight to ensure that certain leak detection equipment is installed. There is no third party audit system; the inspection history and mechanical integ- rity of the tanks are highly questionable, the firefighting equipment is almost nonexistent, the entire area including the bridges are lined up with heavy duty petroleum tankers, all carrying highly explosive products, and the

Apapa area is responsible for over 80 percent of import and export business. In the articles I gave a detailed scenario of explosions in other (smaller) facilities in the world. PMS or Petrol is one of the most explosive substances known to man, a leaking valve or compromised pipe can spell doom not just for the entire Lagos

Nigerians must ask themselves why even today with all the affordable high tech safety equipment available, does the government not institute minimum safety standards in the tank farm sector?

Why are there no audits and mechanical integrity 3rd party inspectors to make sure that the government jurisdiction is not being violated? And if so where are the reports?

state, but for the entire country, plunging it into a long age of darkness. Once again, this is still preventable. In the case of the recent Calabar explosion, just a few things could have been done to prevent the situation and save lives and property. Regardless of whether the leak was from bunkering or not, a leak detection system consisting of automated wireless probes would immediately alert the authorities of the location, nature and extent of the leak. Auto shut-off systems would instantly be initiated to stop further leakage, and industrial sprinklers strategically placed would neutralize the leaking product.

The entire response would be immediate and sequential. The crux of the matter however is that there appears to be no jurisdictional standard governing the activities of these facilities. The safety equipment herein mentioned should be standard for anyone run- ning such a business, mainly because of the volatility and danger of the substances involved, and how it can affect other non-related parts of the socio-economy. The ripple effect should mandate the government to ensure that these safety equipment and other safety measures like periodic 3rd party inspections according to API recommendations are the minimum acceptable standard. The Calabar explosion showed that even the slightest mistake can result in unimaginable catastrophe. Tank farms should be looked at as sitting bombs, thus when one tank goes, the remaining will most likely explode too.

Nigerians must ask themselves why even today with all the affordable high tech safety equipment available, does the government not institute minimum safety standards in the tank farm sector? Why are there no audits and mechanical integrity 3rd party inspectors to make sure that the government jurisdiction is not being violated? And if so where are the reports? Why in the face of such a disastrous time bomb like the Apapa tank farm has the government not taken the right steps to manage this sector properly and see to it that a preventable situation will not amount to a national catastrophe? Is this not the same as

the proverbial ‘playing with fire’? Why are the authorities playing with a fire that will send the entire economy into a dark age once ignited?

Bear in mind that Nigeria is the foundation of the West African regional economy. Any negative economic shocks from preventable disasters will not only be highly regrettable, but will pull the other sub economies in West Africa into a massive economic sinkhole. Nigeria and its associated aggregate demand indices props up most of the regional sub economies.

Therefore a Nigerian disaster would also be an entire West African disaster.

Given that Nigeria cannot seem to refine its own crude oil into fuels, the least it could do is safeguard the imported product very well, and in this regard the government and associated agencies are responsible for refereeing the entire process. Nigerians must be made to understand what kind of monumental danger they face with the Apapa complex, given the lax nature of the activities therein. The oil minister must immediately begin to take steps to address and prevent this waterloo.

Engineering safeguards, administrative measures, security, jurisdictional standards, 3rd party inspections, archiving and documentation, and the total reform of the tank farm business are all on the table and demand expeditious attention. The latest mishap in Calabar is just a warning and the tip of the iceberg. A stitch in time saves nine. The proper experts must be consulted and a concrete and concise plan mapped out to safeguard the golden goose of the Nigerian economy. With all the socio- political upheavals the country is facing, willful sabotage cannot be overlooked and the quicker the government moves in to establish the proper environment for the tank farm sector, the safer the entire country and West African region would be. The time to act is now.

- Ifedobi is a consultant of the American Petroleum Institute (API) and an economist based in America. Email: ikennaifedobi@ gmail.com

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Winjobi: Poverty Cannot be Eradicated in Nigeria or Even Africa As the second year since the adoption of the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals at the September 2015 landmark 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York approaches, the National Coordinator, Civil Society Coalition on Sustainable Development, Dr. Tola Winjobi, speaks with Abimbola Akosile on the challenges and progress of the SDGs in Nigeria and rest of Africa How did Nigeria fare in realising the previous eight MDGs and what hitches did you identify during that process, both from state and non-state actors‌and what is your assessment of the current efforts of the three tiers of government to deliver good governance and desired development to the electorate?

Nigeria failed to attain MDGs just like many other African countries. As a matter of fact, it was Goal 3 on the issue of gender that Nigeria first missed because it was the only goal that had some of its targets set at meeting in 2005.

Indeed, Nigeria started the implementation of MDGs late as it was the negotiation of the Paris Club debt refund of 2006 that raised the consciousness of Nigerian government to MDGs. By the end of 2015, it was obvious that Nigeria had completely derailed from attaining Goal 1 (Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger); Goal 4 (Reduce child mortality); and Goal 5 (Improve maternal health), and eventually missed all the MDGs. Ab initio, the process leading to the crafting of MDGs up to the signing stage was devoid of inclusion of critical stakeholders in many countries including Nigeria. Worse still, institutional stakeholders such as ministries, departments, agencies, including the parliament, CSOs and private sector were excluded. The problem was largely government’s own. At a point, MDGs became a matter of political patronage while the conditional cash transfer scheme was not transparent enough and many state governments failed in putting down their own counterpart funds though the civil society did all they could to ensure monitoring.

There is no way the current political actors can deliver good governance and desired development to the electorate if they continue the business as usual. Is it three tiers of government we really have or two tiers; local government in Nigeria is just an extension of the office of the executive in states. Nothing has really changed from the change mantra. People are still hungry while poverty is still staring about 100 million Nigerians in the face with majority in rural community while women constitute not less than 70 per cent of the poor. Inequality is growing by the day as the rich are becoming richer and poor poorer. Inequality is also noticeable between the urban and rural communities as the latter is suffering from decades of neglect by various governments whereas these rural centres are the food baskets of our nation. Nothing has changed except from bad to worse as the political actors are self-centred lots who are milking our economy dry without sympathy for the electorate. Not less than three quarters of the 36 state governments owe their workers several months of salary arrears whereas the governors have become insolent emperors feeding fat on the states’ allocations. Both the constituted authorities and their legislators are living in opulence while their workers including legislative aides are starving. Has anything changed? ASUU was on strike for 9 months in 2009 and still on strike in 2017 and government cannot do anything about it.

Medical and educational tourism by the political leadership and their children has been the order of the day while poor Nigerian citizens are dying in their numbers as a result of infrastructural deficiency and decay that government doesn’t care about since theirs don’t patronise them.

If this business as usual continues, SDGs will suffer the same fate that befell MDGs. It is almost two years since the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in New York, USA in September 2015, and Nigeria was one of the 195 UN Membercountries which signed onto the agenda‌how

Winjobi well has the present government responded to the development challenges captured in the Goals?

There are 17 Goals and 169 targets in all and I am not sure Nigerian government is prioritising the implementation of them so as to see those they can easily work on which will impact on the people. However, the federal government has put some mechanisms in place to ensure hitch free implementation of the SDGs. There is the establishment of the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs which is a carry-over from the former MDGs under the presidency. There is also a House Committee on SDGs at the lower legislative house of assembly; of recent there seems to be a Senate Committee counterpart too to play oversight function and appropriate appropriation to SDGs. There is also an Inter-Ministerial Committee on the SDGs established to guide

the coordinated engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) though there has never been a replica of this at the state level. There is also a Private Sector Consultative Group which, hopefully Nigerian government thinks, would bring financial leverage to SDGs implementation. Putting these mechanisms in place is not a measure of the progress of SDGs implementation but evidence-based result of the implementation which we don’t have. What does all this translate to in terms of reduction in the number of people going hungry daily, suffering from poverty, death as a result of poor road networks, decayed hospital facilities coupled with wrong diagnosis, unemployment, unpaid salary arrears and pensions, insecurity especially in the hands of armed robbers, violent extremists, kidnappers and ritualists? Can we say the government is doing well in moving towards attaining SDGs by 2030 in the face

of all these calamities befalling our citizens?

Worse still, the National Assembly has not been helping matters despite their oversight function as they not only indulge in budget padding but they also delay with impunity the passage of the budget. For example the 2017 Appropriation Act was not passed till almost half of year 2017.

One needs to praise the federal government for being involved in the recently concluded High Level Political Forum, National Voluntary Review (HLPF NVR) of the SDGs July 2017 in New York. HLPF is desirable as it was an opportunity for countries involved in VNR to showcase their efforts in implementing SDGs in the past couple of months. It was also an opportunity for NGOs from these countries to hear directly from their political leaders some “lies� being told about the implementation of SDGs. Unfortunately, there was no opportunity for NGOs to rebuff some of these “insincere� implementation commentaries because NGOs were preselected to make comments. However, HLPF though political in nature is good as NGOs can still hold their governments accountable back home. Something that stood out cutting across the NVR presentations in developing countries was the fact that many of them were really passionate about implementing SDGs in their countries but they shied away from the major challenges facing them; two of which are insecurity and corruption. For example, countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia and even Somaliland are still battling with violent extremism as evident in the antics of Boko Haram, Al-Shabab, Al-Queda, etc. destroying lives and property which ossifies smooth implementation and attainment of SDGs. Corruption has also become a dreaded disease seeping through the pores of the fabrics of Nigeria and ravaging it beyond repair. For example, the leadership of the Senate is enmeshed in high level corruption to the extent that they refused to confirm the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Magu the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) because the latter already has their graft case files with him.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

RANDOM THOTS Bounty Policy Back in those days of the wild wild West Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ëœ ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂŁ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‹ ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë› ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă?×ÚÙåĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂŁ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ę¨Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ ÚËã×Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă“Ăž Ă’Ă?Ă–ĂšĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ăš ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă?Þã Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ëœ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă?ËʾÖĂ? ĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ÞÖĂ?ĂœĂ? ÞÙ Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ Ă—Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă– Ă•Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂœĂ?Ë› ĂœĂ‹Ă Ă? Ă?ÓÞÓäĂ?Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“Ă?Ă• ÞÙ Ă?ÙÖÖĂ?Ă?Ăž ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? ÙʼĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă?ÓÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ?Ă’Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă Ă?Ă? Ă™Ăœ ĂŽĂ“Ă Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă’Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžĂ? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă&#x;ĂžĂ’Ă™ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă™ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? ĂœĂ™ĂŒĂŒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă’ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“ĂŽËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂžĂ?ĂœĂœĂ™ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ‹Ă˜Ă• Ă Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă’Ă?ĂŁĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?ĂžËœ ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂŁ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ

Ă&#x;Ăš ĂŽĂ?Ă‹ĂŽË› Ùå Ă?Ă‹Ă?Þ̋Ă?Ă™ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ ÞÙ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĚ‹ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă™ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ? ÞËÞĂ?Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? ÞÒĂ? ÙÖÓĂ?Ă? ÚÖËĂ?Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹ Í’ Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜ ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽ Ă™Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ ×ÙÖĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă– Ă•Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂœĂ‹ĂšĂ?ĂŽËœ Ă—Ă&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?×Ùà Ă?ĂŽ à ÓÞËÖ Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?ÓÑÒÞ̋ãĂ?Ă‹Ăœ ÙÖÎ Ă‘Ă“ĂœĂ–Ë› Ă’Ă? ͓͔̋ãĂ?Ă‹ĂœĚ‹Ă™Ă–ĂŽ Ă•Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂœËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂšĂ?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÚÙÖÓĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙÎã Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÚÓĂ?Ă“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă“Ă? Ă?ÞÓÖÖ Ă‹Ăž Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ëž ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ ÙʼĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ÙÖÓĂ?Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ù×ÚÖÓĂ?ÓÞã Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂšĂ?Ë› ÖÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă’ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÚÙÖÓĂ?Ă? ÙʊĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ě™ Ěš ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă•Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă?Ăœ Ă“Ă? Ă?ÞÓÖÖ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›

Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă Ă?Ăœ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ëœ Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ÙÙÖ Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?ÞÖĂ?ĂŒĂ–Ă™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÚÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁË›

Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ě‹Ă?Ă™ĂœĂœĂ&#x;ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÚÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă– Ă?Ă™ Ă?Ă‹ĂœËœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂŁ Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă— Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă?Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂŒĂ?ĘľĂ?ĂœË› Ă–Ă– ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă&#x;ĂžĂ’Ă™ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ÞÙ ĂŽĂ™ Ă“Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă“Ăž Ă‹ ÚÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‘ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ–Ă?ĂŽ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă•Ă“ĂŽĂ˜Ă‹ĂšĂšĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă– Ă•Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă–Ă?ĂœĂž ĂšĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă?ÓÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ó×ÚÖã Ă•Ă“Ă–Ă– Ă™Ăœ ĂœĂ‹Ăž Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÚÙĂ?Ă•Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?Ë› Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă‹ ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂŁ ÚÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ăš ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă— Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă?Þã Ă‹ ĂŒĂ?ĘľĂ?Ăœ ÚÖËĂ?Ă?˛˛˛ not so?

-Abimbola Akosile

33

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍąÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

Ëš

Map of Nigeria showing the regions

Is Restructuring the Missing Devt Link?

Although the current administration, under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), set up a committee look at the issue of restructuring, a firm final stance is yet to be taken by the central government. However, many analysts and personalities believe Nigeria must be restructured along various lines to ensure rapid and equitable development. In your own view, is restructuring the missing link to spur this country’s retarded development process?

Abimbola Akosile * Indeed, restructuring is the missing development link in Nigeria; it was evident that when the country was structured along federated units each economic development was moving fast at its phase: there was competition to be the best for the people. Today development is stagnated because the centre held sway and the units are beggars; we don’t look inward to tap our resource - it is painful and shameful.

- Barrister D.Y.N Maigari, Abuja * Dilly-dallying with restructuring Nigeria is dangerous and must be avoided now. This restructuring is about aligning structures with functions in our federal system whereas governance, justice, equity, inability to mobilise and distribute national resources etc are our real drawbacks. Nigeria must be restructured along various lines for rapid and equitable development. Just and fair acts of reconciliation, integration, development, right practical and policy solutions are what we need now.

Truth, patriotism, honesty e.t.c must always be our watchword too.

- Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State * Even if Nigeria is restructured today, will corruption end? At the moment, I’m not for returning to regions. More allocations and responsibilities should be devolved to the states as they are. There’s too much money and responsibility at the federal government level. If states collect 45% of federal allocations no one will want to leave Nigeria anymore.

- Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State * No, leadership is the missing link to Nigeria’s development process!

- Mr. Sonny Okobi, Lagos State * Well, people calling for restructuring of Nigeria mean well for the country but what about our leaders who steal our money meant for development? Are they going to restructure our leaders for good governance? For us to get things done properly in Nigeria, our leaders should change their mindset about stealing our commonwealth.

- Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State * Yes, every country is in a daily dialogue, nothing is finally settled in life. Stable nations are fine-tuning architectural details of their

THE FEEDBACK Yes, it is:

5

No, it is not:

3

Others:

8

Radical tip:

It’s leadership!

Number of respondents:

16

Male:

14

Female:

2

Highest location:

Lagos (8)

existence now and then. Are we not dealing with crisis of national building afflicting us that made it difficult to squarely face issues of growth and development? Why not restructure as promised by your party during campaign? Bring on board respected, fearless, selfless leaders and technocrats from across the geopolitical zones; giving every zone sense of belonging by addressing their genuine concerns. Also bear in mind some past leaders are in support of restructuring.

- Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna State * Huummmmm!!!

- Mr. Tunde Oketola, Lagos State * Yes, the way in which the All Progressives Congress has set up a restructuring committee is highly commendable. I see nothing bad if they are sincere about this, so that the Nigeria citizens can absolutely react to their various proposals and contribute effectively, whether to restructure Nigeria or not. For instance the various regions in Nigeria are blessed with numerous resources, bright people, but lack the adequate planning and management. The truth is that some hardworking regions will develop more than the others. Where the country is going now is to allow each region to control their resources and make the central not too attractive, to ensure speed development, accountability and foster partnership and also reduce the security challenges which hinder development.

- Mr. Michael Adedotun Oke, Founder Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Abuja * The missing links to Nigeria’s development process are transparency, accountability, equity

and ultimately, good governance - Mr. Ayode Longe, Media Rights Agenda, Lagos State * As we are calling for restructuring of Nigeria for better representation it is good, but are we going to restructure our leaders who steal our commonwealth? We should hold our leaders responsible for bad leadership, which leads to calls for restructuring of Nigeria. What we need are good leaders who will carry everybody along because if we restructure Nigeria with bad people in governance, the problem will still be there.

- Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State * Not at all. Probity, accountability and fair redistribution of resources coupled with devolution of power to constituent units in a real federal set up is the key. All these can be accommodated in amendments to the existing constitution. Restructuring to most people equates confederation or back to regionalism.

- Mr. Adekunle Funmilayo, Legal Practitioner, Lagos State * This matter has become a hot topic right now and people weigh in from all horizons, some politicians these days even get booed for airing their views. I would say it should be the missing link, yes. However, Nigeria being the nation that it is, and Nigerians being the eclectic people that we are, I have strong reservations whether restructuring will solve anything if implemented today.

- Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, Brainchild Academic Resources, Trademore Estate, Apo, Abuja * Restructuring is not enough. The issue of responsible and accountable leadership is also very critical to our advancement. Nigeria has remained stunted for too long.

- Ms Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos * In fact restructuring is the missing link today in this country Nigeria. The call for restructuring means that we should divide this country into six zones or regions namely the core North; the Middle Belt, the West; the West; the East, the Niger Delta and the South-South. Each of the regions/zones has two or more natural resources and they are there untapped as desire for oil has closed our

eyes and the way of thinking. They should disburse the resources to these regions to enable them start in earnest in developing their areas. Starting is just the problem and I tell you after some time they will forget oil.

- Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna * The Federal Government’s silence on illegal publications on Biafra calls for serious concerns.

- Mr. Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State * The present structure of Nigeria has several defects which are now manifesting in the form of agitations for secession and widespread intolerance among other things. If Nigeria must move forward, there must be restructuring along social, economic, and income distribution lines, to help douse all this tension and create a level playing ground for all ethnic groups to move forward together for a better nation.

- Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State

Next Week: Can State Peer Review Boost Devt?

Many analysts believe the 36 states in Nigeria can face up to their responsibilities and various development challenges through peer review assessments among the states themselves. Their thinking is that those states which cannot generate enough internal revenue to pay even salaries can learn best practices from their counterparts around the country in areas of committed leadership and development strategies. Can state peer review boost development in Nigeria? 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‘ ͹ͯ Ęś Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă?ÚÞ Ͳ̚ ÞÙ abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@ gmail.comËœ abimbola.akosile@ thisdaylive.com. 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˜ĂŽËš Ă™Ăœ 08188361766 Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽËšĂ™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?ÚÞĂ?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Íľ

34

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͱͯ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Ensuring steady food supply in Ifo, Ogun State

ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

AfDB Urges Greater Focus on Implementation, as African Green Revolution Forum Begins Abimbola Akosile Ahead of the 2017 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has called for greater attention to be paid to the implementation of concrete plans for achieving the green revolution in Africa.

The seventh African Green Revolution Forum, taking place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from September 4 to 8, will focus on ‘Accelerating Africa’s Path to Prosperity: Growing Economies and Jobs through Agriculture’.

The Forum is hosted by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an African-

led institution focused on putting farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economies. AGRA is built on an alliance of partners that care about, commit to and invest in Africa’s agricultural transformation.

AGRF partners include the African Development Bank, the African Union, the African Fertiliser and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP), AGRA, the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Mastercard Foundation, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), OCP Africa Group, the Rockefeller

Foundation, the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), Syngenta, and YARA International. The African Development Bank is proud to be a partner in the Forum in Abidjan. “As we all converge on Abidjan for this year’s African Green Revolution Forum, our focus should be on implementation,” Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB, said in a video statement.

Adesina noted that this year’s Forum comes as some African nations are witnessing drought and heightened food insecurity. He stressed that the event presents an opportunity to push efforts to make Africa

self-sufficient in food production and transform agriculture into a wealth-creating sector “Agriculture is booming in Africa and holds the greatest opportunity to boost African economies, build rural economies, lift millions out of poverty, and create jobs,” he said.

AfDB is accelerating this development through its Feed Africa Strategy with planned investment of $24 billion over the next 10 years. The Bank invites partners, governments, private sector, and development institutions to work together to make this happen.

This year’s African Green Revolution Forum, considered to be the most important meet-

ing on African agriculture, will be held under the patronage of the President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara.

The Forum is expected to bring experts and other stakeholders together to ensure that the importance of agriculture to African economies is not overlooked. Agriculture represents more than 70 per cent of employment; making it essential to delivering on economic development visions for the continent and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The sixth African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) was held in Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2016 and attracted

more than 1,500 delegates from 40 countries.

At AGRF 2016, many of Africa’s steadfast champions of agriculture pledged more than $30 billion in investments to increase production, income and employment for smallholder farmers and local African agriculture businesses over the next 10 years.

AfDB is leading a campaign to unlock the continent’s food and agriculture market, which is projected to hit $1 trillion by 2030. In the words of the AfDB President: “We must hurry.

Africa’s time to become the global powerhouse for food and agriculture is now. We are already late.”

Farmer-Herder Clash: Scholars, Practitioners Inputs Germane to Peace, Says Mulmi Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Country Director of Search for Common Ground, Mr. Rajendra Mulmi, has said inputs of scholars and practitioners in the field of peace building and conflict resolution should be of necessary consideration to policy makers in the country to find a lasting solution to farmers/ herders conflict.

Mulmi stated this during a recent two-day outcome mapping tagged ‘Conflict Prevention and Resolution Forum’ in Abuja, organised by an international peace building and advocacy organisation, Search for Common Ground as part of its ‘Amplifying the Expertise of African Peacebuilding Practitioners and Scholars’.

He said the clashes has not only ravaged the middle belt part of Nigeria but has become a threatening issue to peace and tranquility in other parts of the country.

According to him, integration

of confluence of ideas and collaboration between the academic and field practitioners in conflict resolution into policy collation, will bring credible, relevant and timely insight to the pressing challenge of resolving the herders/ farmers conflict across geo-political borders of Nigeria.

He said policy targeted at resolving the farmers/ herders’ conflict in Nigeria should be formulated based on the reality on the ground as witnessed by practitioners during their various intervention programmes and researchers through different position papers presented on issues of conflict and peaceful resolutions.

The forum, he said, brings together researchers from the academic and practitioners interested in the farmers/ herders issue in Nigeria to discuss the dynamics of the conflict, its policy implications, possible solutions, and recommendations, adding that the

goal is to translate existing evidence from peacebuilding.

“The project will build on existing early warning and early response system in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria and work in collaboration with selected Nigerian universities, research institutes, a thinktank, relevant government institutions, non-governmental organizations with interest in the farmer- herder conflict in Nigeria”, he said.

Mulmi, who said conflict and differences are inevitable why violence is not, stated further that Search for Common Ground partner people around the world to ignite shared solutions to destructive conflicts and work at all levels of society to build sustainable peace through three main avenues He said: “In the tension and hostility mounting before violent conflict, we’re there helping to prevent it. In the anger and chaos of war, we’re

there working to end violence.

In the pain and destruction of the aftermath, we’re there bridging divides to build lasting peace”, he added.

He said the organisation adopt the tools of dialogue, mediation, and media/ advocacy in fulfilling its mandate working in 59 countries across the globe with 802 local partners and engaging 795,000 participants every year.

“Whether at the local or national level, we bring people together across dividing lines to discover and achieve shared goals. We work with those traditionally in power and those without a platform, often women and youth.

Examples are mediation, training youth leaders, back channel diplomacy, and more.

“While a dialogue affects dozens, media impacts millions. We use media to stir up thoughts and discussions across a whole society about the root causes of violence and

how to overcome differences.

“We provide a safe space for people to work out their conflicts at the local level. With some creative thinking, we bring divided communities, neighbours, and families together to discover their common humanity.”

In the Middle Belt, he said the organisation works in Plateau, Kaduna and Nasarawa which would be replicated in the North-East region, while it has worked in the Niger Delta states of Bayelsa, Rivers and Abia where it provides means of livelihood to ex-militants.

The Conflict Analyst for Search for Common Ground and Project Lead for the project, Mrs. Bukola AdemolaAdelehin, said the project titled ‘Amplifying the Expertise of African Peacebuilding Practitioners and Scholars’ aims to increase knowledgesharing on farmer-herder conflict between peacebuilding scholars and practitioners with

policy makers in Nigeria and globally. This is to translate evidence from peacebuilding programme and academic research into policy influence on farmer – herder conflict in Nigeria.

According to her, “Farmerherder conflict in Nigeria has different dimensions including religious and ethnic colorations as well the livelihood that directly pitched farmers and herders against each other in stiff competition for land and water resources critical to sustaining their livelihood.

“Addressing this protracted and often violent conflict required a new way of doing things and building synergy between peacebuilding practitioners and researchers working on the issue to focus on strengthening the quality of the evidence collected through practice and increase the dissemination of practitioner knowledge towards policy institutions”, she added.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͱͯ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Transportation is the bedrock of a robust economy and provides avenue for the creation of jobs. The transportation sector creates jobs through optimal utilisation of the various models by developing modern transport infrastructure as the need arises” -MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION, MR. CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI, SPEAKING IN SOKOTO

Sterling Bank, MTN Nigeria, BCL, Others for 9jaSAFE Award

Lagos Takes Fight against Domestic, Sexual Violence to the Grassroots

: Marchers against gender violence at the recent walk in Epe, Lagos

Abimbola Akosile To raise awareness and sensitise residents on the dangers of domestic and gender-based violence, child abuse, rape, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), has taken the campaign against domestic and gender-based violence to the grassroots, with an awareness walk held at the Epe Local Government Area of the state.

The team lead, Dr. Keziah Awosika, gave talks during the walk, educating the people of Epe on the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual and gender -based violence.

Awosika urged the paramount ruler of Epe Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale to warn parents to desist from sending children out to hawk various items for them especially during school hours, as this act is tantamount to child abuse and also punishable under Lagos State law.

In his response, the traditional ruler promised to set up a Task Force that would rid Epe

community of the menace. He also assured the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) of his continued support and cooperation in the fight against child abuse.

The Chairman of Epe Local Government, Mr. Adesanya Adedoyin, who also participated in the walk, commended the state government for the awareness and promised to implement the agenda of the present administration on domestic abuse and gender violence at the local level.

The walk had two paramount rulers of Epe, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale (the Olu of Epe) and Oba Kamoru Ishola Animashaun (The Oloja of Epe) participating and attracted over 300 participants from all walks of life.

Among them were artisans, teachers, market women, religious bodies, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) officials, community health workers, and members of the Nigerian Bar Association.

The Walk took off from Oba Adewale’s palace on Lagos Road to Marina road down to the Round-about and up to Ayetoro market with the traditional rulers participating. Another traditional ruler, Oba Ishola Animashaun joined the walk, leading from the market to Cele Bus-stop to his palace.

While admonishing participants and residents after the Walk, the coordinator of the Lagos State DSVRT, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said the state government would not rest until incidents of sexual and gender based violence are brought to zero. ‘”We will not rest until we eradicate sexual and gender based violence in Lagos State. We therefore enjoin all members of the community to see themselves as mandated reporters. If you see something, say it”, Vivour-Adeniyi said.

Communication materials to inform the people of their rights and the provisions under the law on violence and where to get help in the event of an incident were distributed at the event.

Sterling Bank, MTN Nigeria and Business Contracting Limited (BCL) are among the organisations billed to be awarded at the third edition of Nigeria’s independent Occupational Safety, Health and Environment award, Nigeria Safety Award for Excellence Hall of Fame tagged 9jaSAFE Award 2017.

The award event is scheduled for September 15, at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, and will be hosted by ace comedian, Seyi Law, like the two previous editions.

9jaSAFE Award is organised by Safety Record Newspaper, publishers of Nigeria’s premier Occupational Safety, Health and Environment newspaper. Chief Coordinating Officer, 9jaSAFE Award, Mr. Femi Da-silva said the award was initiated to honour organisations and individuals that have achieved excellence in the field by the introduction, development and improvement of health, safety and environment initiatives and programmes within their work environment and operating communities.

He said, “According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), it is estimated that over 2.3 million fatalities and 300 million accidents causing injuries occur in the workplace globally every year. Better put, one worker dies every 15 seconds in the course of their work and more often than not this worker is the breadwinner of his/her family. These are grim statistics indeed, and Nigeria is not left out.

“We also have had disturbing trends of industrial and domestic fire incidents, building collapses during and after construction, ghastly auto crashes on our highways and others, leading to enormous fatalities and injuries to many more. Many of these result not from natural causes but unsafe practices in our environment.”

Da-silva, who is also the Managing Editor of Safety Record Newspaper added, “We believe that adherence to proper corporate safety processes, enhanced government regulations and enforcement, in addition to aggressive safety advocacy, awareness and enlightenment are required to check this unwholesome trend. Supporting the award event for this year are Hybrid Group, UPDC, Ikeja City Mall and others,” he further noted. The award has been endorsed by various stakeholders in the field including Fire Protection Association of Nigeria (FPAN), Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Lagos State Safety Commission, Society for Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEHPON), World Safety Organisation (WSO) Nigeria Office, and American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Nigeria Chapter.

The award ceremony is not only focused on recognising organisations in Nigeria that have created a safe workplace environment for their workers and protected their operating environment too, but also to highlight Nigerian individuals who continue to promote safety within their spheres of influence in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, whose ministry oversees occupational safety and health issues in the country, has confirmed his attendance as a Special Guest of Honour at the event.

Also expected are Sen. Duro Faseyi, who is sponsoring the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2016 presently before the National Assembly, and Hon. Iboro Ekanem, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Health Implication of Mounting Telecommunication Masts Close to Buildings.

Previous winners of the 9jaSAFE award in the company categories include FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, Benin Electric, Oando Marketing Plc, Heightsafety West Africa, Animal Care Konsult Services, IPI, African Circle Pollution Management, Flying Doctors Emergency Response Unit and others.

36

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͱͯ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

PreventingPneumoniaDeathsinNigeria Despite the availability of effective drugs, pneumonia still kills at least 20 Nigerian children every hour while 6.7 million cases are recorded yearly. Martins Ifijeh writes on the need for government, stakeholders and health bodies to step up preventive measures and management of the killer disease

J

ust as Nigeria is still battling with reducing malaria disease, especially among women and children, who are the most hit, pneumonia, one of Nigeria’s most misunderstood diseases is now killing children more than malaria in the country, if the recent report by the International Vaccines Access Centre (IVAC) is anything to go by.

The report shows that in 2015, about 17 per cent and 10 per cent of all under-five deaths were caused by pneumonia and diarrhoea respectively, suggesting that malaria is now third placed among child killer diseases in the country.

This is even as a coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Partnership for Advocacy in Child andFamily Health (PSN-PACFaH) also raised the alarm that more children were now dying in the country due to pneumonia and diarrhea.

With most Nigerians believing that pneumonia is caused by exposure to cold weather, food and water, thereby ignorantly warning their children not to take cold drinks or water to avoid contracting the disease, experts say this may be a major part of a larger picture fueling the increased prevalence of under-five deaths in the country.

Available statistics show that pneumonia kills a staggering 1.6 million people globally every year with children under age five bearing the brunt of the crisis, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries.

According to the World Health Organisation, even though pneumonia is preventable and treatable, a child somewhere in the world still dies of pneumonia every 20 seconds, making it the number one infectious killer of children across the globe, especially in Africa where even malaria is known to be the commonest of diseases.

Africa has been known to be badly hit by the pneumonia disease compared to other continents.

Again, according to reports, Nigeria is taking the lead in incidence rate in Africa.

Available statistics from the United Nations Education Fund (UNICEF) also show that an estimated 6.7 million cases of childhood pneumonia is recorded in Nigeria every year with about 200,000 children under-five deaths annually. In essence, every one hour, 20 children die from pneumonia in Nigeria.

According to reports, among five children in Nigeria that die of childhood killer diseases, two are killed by pneumonia.

Experts are however calling on stakeholders and the governments at local, state and national levels to scale up awareness of the disease, just as it is currently doing for malaria, polio and HIV/AIDS. They are also calling on Nigerians to put measures in place to prevent the disease from taking away their loved ones.

The Project Head, Perfect Health Initiative, Dr. Omons Okumale said most people do not know about pneumonia and how it can be prevented. Adding that the lack of awareness was majorly responsible for its prevalence, especially in children whose immunity is not as strong as that of adults.

“Pneumonia is a severe disease, because the body gets oxygen through the lungs and once the brain does not get oxygen in three minutes, death occurs.That is why it is a very fatal disease,” Okumale explained.

He said though pneumonia was more prevalent in the western world. “It is not the most common cause of death for them, because they know how to deal with their issues, they have preventive measures in place to tackle it unlike us here where it is a growing concern.”

On why children are more prone to the disease, Okumale said it was because their immune system is very low. “Apart from children, others also at high risk are the immune compromised people.

I mean persons with Human Immuno Virus

(HIV) and those on drugs like corticosteroids.

Also prone to it is the elderly because at their age their immunity is low,” he said.

He said pneumonia happens because of infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other types of germs. “Chemical causes should not be left out also. Assuming one mistakenly drinks kerosine, a quantity of it could go into the lungs causing chemical pneumonia.

“The cause of pneumonia determines the treatment. Before treatment, one must first do a diagnosis to know which of the germs is the remote cause, so that the physician can know exactly which medication to use.”

What are the symptoms of pneumonia and how do they manifest? He said the most common symptom includes cough, fever and shortness of breath. “God gave everyone cough as a defense mechanism to push out foreign bodies from the respiratory tract. Also, shortness of breathe is understandable because since there is infection in the alveoli, there definitely will be difficulty in exchanging gases with the blood, vice versa,” he said.

To compensate for the inadequate oxygen to the blood, he said the lung breathes faster and shorter so as to make up for the fact that each breathing during pneumonia does not deliver enough oxygen to the blood. “There could be loss of appetite as well as weakness.

Even when the person eats, there is not enough oxygen to metabolise the food, hence the body becomes weak. There could sometime be chest pain,” he added.

Can cold weather cause pneumonia? Okumale said pneumonia was caused by germs against the misconception about cold weather which most people make reference to. “If it was due to cold, all the children in cold regions abroad would have contracted it by now. When this bacteria or virus gets into the body either through the mouth or other openings in the

body, it goes to the gut and contaminates the blood and goes into the respiratory apparatus to cause problem there. That is pneumonia.

“People should understand that the most viable way pneumonia is transmitted is through germs contracted under poor sanitation and hygiene.It is not prevented or treated by wearing clothes that cover every part of the body or being in a warm environment,” he said.

He said children exposed to cigarette smoke, those who do not participate in routine pneumonia programmes and those exposed to smoke from charcoal or firewood are more at risk of the disease.

He, however said the myth about cold being a causal effect may not be totally discarded, as the assumption could have an element of fact, adding that the germs causing the disease thrives more in cold weather, but noted that because the disease thrives more in cold environment does not mean cold is the source of the disease.

“That is why it is a very common disease abroad. Even at that, it is not the most common cause of death over there because they sure know how to take care of themselves. They have vaccines against it. The reason people are still dying of malaria today is because it is an African problem. If it was the advanced countries’ problem, they would have developed vaccines against it.Warm environment is a little bit not conducive for pneumonia virus to thrive,” he added.

Harping on the causal agents, he noted that there were different bacteria or viruses responsible for it, hence the need to identify which kind of germ causes a particular pneumonia before treatment can be initiated.

“There are anti-bacterial drugs for the pneumonia caused by bacteria, which usually is administered over a long period of time. But with the new drugs developed, the medication might last just few days. If the pneumonia

is severe and the person is having fast and short breathe, it is necessary to put the person on oxygen as a temporary measure before treatment.

For a Consultant Paediatrician, Dr. Odom Ebizimo, most Nigerians do not know there are vaccines available against pneumonia, stressing that it is necessary they take advantage of it and prevent undue illnesses and death in the country. According to him, awareness is the major factor that can reduce the high number of deaths due to childhood pneumonia.

“In advance countries, there are a lot of vaccines for various respiratory infections and their citizens know about them. So it’s easy to access such facilities unlike here in Nigeria where most people may not be aware. The prevalence of pneumonia is not as high in western countries compared to ours.

“Recently, Nigerian Government added two new respiratory vaccines to the one they give to children at six weeks or 10 weeks. Even on individual basis, these vaccines can be sourced from private hospitals, but they will be of course more expensive. Pneumonia is preventable in Nigeria if vaccines are taken,” he noted.

Ebizimo who said clean environment has a major role to play in the prevention of pneumonia, painted a scenario where over 10 people sleep in one room, especially in cities like Lagos, and then questioned why pneumonia would not thrive in such an environment.

“Government has been doing awareness for Nigerians to immunise themselves against diseases like polio, measles and tuberculosis, but more awareness should be created especially for pneumonia.

“Nigerians should be encouraged to immunise themselves against pneumonia. People should also live in a well ventilated place. Offices and other closed rooms should be well ventilated as well,” he added.

37

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

NEWS

30 CSOs Write Buhari, Demand Increase in 2018 Health Budget Martins Ifijeh Thirty major Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria, known as the Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC), have jointly signed an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, demanding the increase in Nigeria’s 2018 health budget to a minimum of 7.5 per cent out of the total annual budget. They said this was in line with the Abuja Declaration by African Heads of States where it was agreed that each nation, including Nigeria will commit at least 15 per cent of their annual country budget for health, adding that the time to honour the agreement by President Buhari was now.

The HSRC is a non-partisan group of CSOs and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) concerned about the health sector in Nigeria.

The coalition said they have gathered signatures of over 188,000 Nigerians in advocacy efforts to increase health funding for all Nigerians, through the #MakeNaijaStronger campaign.

According to them: “After the signing of the Appropriation Act on 12th June, 2017, the Nigerian HSRC conducted an analysis of the federal government’s resource allocation to the entire health sector – including the Federal Ministry of Health. As such, it is our urgent appeal that Your Excellency increases the upcoming 2018 health budget to at least 7.5 per cent of the national budget.

“Also, we respectfully request that Your Excellency implements the one per cent Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) towards the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as provided for in the National Health Act 2014.

“As a coalition of CSOs, we are committed to supporting the federal government by

tracking the funds to the health sector to ensure that the budgeted funds provide appropriate health services to Nigerians.”

They said currently, the total amount allocated to the health sector in the 2017 approved federal government budget was estimated at N380 billion, which is 5.1 per cent of the national budget, noting that, this includes the allocation to the Federal Ministry of Health at N308 billion (4.1 per cent of the national budget) and allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that are outside the FMoH such as the State House Medical Centre, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) payment for FG staff not made by the FMoH, as well as other health related allocations.

“The budget for the FMoH increased from N250 billion in 2016 to N308 billion in 2017 and we applaud this 23.2 per cent increase. It is a positive step. In turn, the entire health sector allocation increased from N353 billion in 2016 to N380 billion in 2017. This N380 billion is about 4.1 per cent of the 2017 National Budget.

“However Sir, if we consider the inflationary pressure on the economy, the purchasing power of the naira, the scale of the health needs, and the sustained growth of the Nigerian population, this increase pales in comparison to the needs of the Nigerian people,” they said.

The CSOs therefore called on the federal and state governments to invest more for and in health, stressing that health is the foundation of the nation’s security, economic growth and recovery plan.

“An investment in health not only boosts the economy, but is also a critical deter-

minant of quality of the workforce. An investment of $1 in reducing stunting among children yields $11 in economic benefits, while $1 invested in ensuring breastfeeding yields $35 in economic benefits. In addition, when countries invest $1 in immunisations they stand to gain between $16 to $44 in economic returns. Right now, millions of Nigerians die needlessly because of the fragile state of healthcare in Nigeria.”

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria’s basic immunisation coverage is the eight worst in the world, with more mothers dying of largely preventable deaths in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world – six mothers die every hour.

The group explained that

if Nigeria’s population is taken into account, it means the country has the fourth highest maternal mortality ratio in the world – behind Sierra Leone, Central African Republic and Chad, adding that the giant of Africa is failing her people.

With 70 per cent of the disease burden at the primary care level, it is unfortunate that the primary healthcare system is the least funded.

“Given the imminent exiting (re-prioritisation and re-allocation) of funding support from international partners, we must plan to take full responsibility for the health of Nigerians.

“The coalition will remain vigilant for the transparent and proper implementation of the funds towards healthcare provision in Nigeria. We pledge to track

funds to ensure transparent implementation as part of our social contract to make Nigeria a great and healthy nation.”

Members of the coalition who signed the open letter are, Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON); Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP); Business Day; Catholic Secretariat; Centre for Social Justice (CSJ); Champion for Change (C4C); Christian Aid Nigeria; Civil Society – Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN);Civil Society Consultative Group for Health Financing in Nigeria (CCG4HF); and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

Others are Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR); Education as a Vaccine (EVA); Federation

of Muslim Women of Nigeria (FOMWAN); Health Systems Consult Limited (HSCL); Innovation and Access to Development Initiatives (i-Novate 2100); International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria); IPAS Nigeria; MamaYe -Evidence4Action; Nigeria Medical Association (NMA); and Nigeria Urban Reproductive Initiative (NURHI).

The rests are Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Save the Children; Synergy PMP; The Guardian; The Nigeria Health Watch; Vaccine Network for Disease Control; Wellbeing Foundation of Africa; West African Academy of Public Health (WAAPH); White Ribbon Alliance (WRAN); and Women Advocate and Vaccine Access (WAVA).

Dexa Medical team and members of Gezewa community in Kano State during the Boska Pain Free Day Initiative held in the State recently

Approves Renovation, Equipping of 20 PHCs UBTH Gets New Chief Ambode very functional are about deliveries, family health and of those things that we feel Martins Ifijeh 290. So after assessment we nutrition, food demonstration are for the secondary health Medical Director After initially renovating about decided to renovate and classes and a lot of immunisa- facilities, like complicated

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The federal government has approved the appointment of Dr. Darlington Obaseki as the substantive Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

The appointment, which is for a four-year tenure was contained in a letter signed by the Minister of Health, Prof.

Isaac Adewole which takes effect from August 17, 2017.

Obaseki was born in 1968, and attended Asoro Grammar School, Benin City, where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC). He later proceeded to the University of Benin for his M.B.B.S and a Fellow of Medical College of Pathology.

He has held various positions which include, Head, Department of Pathology; Coordinator, UBTH Cancer Registry; Assistant Secretary,

Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria; Secretary, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria; Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee; Coordinator/Director, Cancer Registry, UBTH; and Special Adviser on Sports, School of Medicine, UBTH. Obaseki also has to his credit, numerous scientific publications and international journals.

Besides, he is also a member of learned societies which include Nigeria Medical Association, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Society of Gastroenterology and Pathology in Nigeria, West Africa Division of the International Association of Pathologists and Society of Cancer Research of Nigeria.

Until his appointment, Obaseki was the Acting Chief Medical Director and as Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology of University of Benin.

60 Primary Health Centres since the beginning of his administration, the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has approved further renovation and equipping of 20 PHCs across the state, the Special Adviser to the Governor on PHC, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga has said.

Stating this in an interview with THISDAY recently, Onanuga said about one billion naira have been approved for the renovation of the 20 newly ticked facilities, in addition to 10 set of equipment and furniture for 10 PHCs. He said the renovation and equipping will be within the next four months, adding that after delivering on the 20 PHCs, others will be identified as well and renovated depending on availability of funds.

According to him, “When we came in, we discovered there are 320 PHCs in Lagos State, but the ones that are

equip the PHCs in phases. I discussed with His Excellency, who is also very vast in how PHCs are run, because he was once in the local government.

We then started renovation and equipment in phases. We selected the ones which are centres of attraction and we made sure we include at least one in every local government and LCDA in the state.

“So with 60 already delivered, including the 14 PHCs we renovated in partnership with the federal government, tagged the Millenium Development Goal PHCs, there is need to continue another phase. This time 20 PHCs have been picked, and we will deliver within the next four months,” he added.

Onanuga said the renovated and equipped PHCs are referred to as Comprehensive Health Centres because they are comprehensive in package.

“You will find mother and childcare, antenatal care,

tion activities. So it’s a total package with the exemption

deliveries or major surgeries,” he said.

1,000 Benefits from Boska Free Medical services Major Pain killer Company, DexaMedica makers of Boska recently conducted a wave of its Pain Free Day initiative at Gezewa Market in Kano to help consumers stay fit during intense period.

The Pain Free Day initiative, according to the Brand Executive DexaMedicam, Joseph Christopher is aimed at improving consumers’ health and raising awareness of the risks associated with inadequate care of oneself.

“From qualitative findings, we observed that consumers need to be aware of how to take care of themselves, and to know that Boska brand is available to help them stay

fit when the body tends to be down with pains.”

He said the team provided the opportunity for consumers to see health experts who gave full range of health services for free.

They provided free eye glasses for those in need as well as prescribed drugs to treat eye, ear and nose defects.

He said the Pain Free Day Initiative was especially designed to keep consumers fit as they go about their domestic and work activities, adding that, he is confident that DexaMedica will continue to improve the delivery of quality health care for consumers in the months ahead.

38

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

HEALTH&LIFESTYLE

HEALTH

Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding While some women believe exclusive breastfeeding could sap their time and strength, experts say infants should not be denied the enormous benefits associated with the practice. Rebecca Ejiforma writes infants from potentially deadly diseases and giving them all the nourishment they need to survive and thrive.”

He describes breastfeeding as the best panacea against breast and ovarian cancer – two major causes of deaths in women. “It creates a lasting bond between you and your baby,” he remarked.

“Breastfeeding is one of the most effective— and cost effective—investments nations can make in the health of their youngest members and the future health of their economies and societies,” UNICEF Executive Director, Anthony Lake, expressed. “By failing to invest in breastfeeding, we are failing mothers and their babies—and paying a double price: in lost lives and in lost opportunity.”

T

he United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organisation (WHO) in a new report, observed that no country in the world fully meets recommended standard for breastfeeding; hence, introduction of it’s Breastfeeding Collective, a new initiative to increase global breastfeeding rates.

The two global health bodies said babies worldwide have been failed by lack of investment in breastfeeding, according to facts released on World Breastfeeding Day 2017. They argued that exclusive breastfeeding will help all countries achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 3 and 4.

The Global Breastfeeding Scorecard that evaluated 194 nations found that only 40 per cent of children younger than six months are breastfed exclusively (given nothing but breastmilk) and only 23 countries have exclusive breastfeeding rates above 60 per cent, excluding Nigeria.

According to research, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months can reduce child deaths by at least 800,000 each year, almost 15 per cent of the total 6.3 million annual child deaths in Nigeria. Unfortunately, babies – who are not breastfed – are particularly vulnerable to the leading killers of small children and are more likely to die from pneumonia and diarrhea, compared to babies who are exclusively breastfed.

Exclusive breastfeeding rates in some states In Nigeria today, 17 per cent of nursing mothers give their children exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, while only 11 per cent breastfeed exclusively beyond the sixth month. States like Abia have at least 36 per cent of mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies.

Lagos State is 28 per cent; Sokoto State is 8 per cent; Calabar is 22.9 per cent; Edo is 20 per cent. In Ile-Ife, Oyo State, Nigeria, a relatively high rate of exclusive breastfeeding of 61 per cent was reported. However, in Igbo- Ora, Oyo State only 7.5 per cent of them knows at least a mother who was practicing exclusive breastfeeding.

It was in line with this that several organisations and health experts took to the streets to demand for exclusive breastfeeding during the World Breastfeeding Week 2017, enlightening mothers that breastfeeding is the first immunisation of new babies and an academic amplifier to babies breastfed exclusively for six months and complementarily for two years.

Nursing mothers speak out Five nursing mothers spoke to THISDAY about reasons they could not breastfeed exclusively for at least six months. For Toyin Adesanya, 32, residing at Magodo in Lagos her main reason for being unable to breastfeed exclusively for at least six months is that her breast milk does not flow despite her drinking enough water.

Adesanya’s first child is two years old and the second is two weeks old. She started the baby off with infant formula and water plus breast milk from day one.

“I breastfed my first child – a girl – exclusive for two months only and weaned her at one year and two months. For my new baby – a boy – he wasn’t getting satisfaction from my breast milk at all. He was always crying, so I had to switch to infant formula while I continued breastfeeding as complement,” she expressed.

A Marketing Insurance Personnel, Adesanya started her baby on infant formula and water from day one following advice from her friend and mother of three against attempting to breastfeed exclusively.

“My friend has two boys already. She just had a girl now. She told me how she did six months exclusive for her first two children but said she would not dare it again because it is tiring and that the baby girl feeds more than the boys.”

Being more experienced, Adesanya followed suite on her baby with formula to date. “When she advised me, I didn’t bother doing any

Mrs Adesanya breastfeeding her baby

exclusive. But surprisingly, my husband called me on August 2 to instruct me to stop all the infant formula with immediate effect. He pleaded that I do exclusive for six months. He said he had a talk with a nutritionist who listed the many benefits. So, since August 3, I’ve not mixed any other food.”

Mother of a month-old baby girl, 29-year-old Ekoemeye Agnes is a marketer in a corporate outfit, hence, her reason against exclusive was given as lack of time “I started giving her infant formula, water and breast milk after birth although only breast milk on the first day. I don’t even have enough milk flowing from my breasts. Moreover, I will resume work on the third month.”

Asked if her husband was comfortable with her not feeding her baby exclusively, she exclaimed: “Ah, he is not at all. He told me to do exclusive, but I don’t have the strength. After all when he goes to work, I stay with the baby alone.”

No satisfaction from breast milk Adesanya and Ekoemeye have similar complaints.

The former said her baby always cried even after taking breast milk. “As a woman you will know when you feed a child. The milk wasn’t coming out as much as infant formula would.

It’s obvious. Although my gynaecologist told me to breastfeed for three years, what you see on the field of breastfeeding is practical. He told me to drink enough water and all that. I did it all but still no milk enough to feed the baby.”

Ekoemeye shared her own experience. “My baby suckles then falls asleep. Within 10 minutes she cries again. I had to introduce infant formula.

Once I give her formula, she doesn’t cry. And I give her formula twice a day. I don’t have strength for that only breast milk exercise. It’s too much for me.”

She complained about the lack of strength.

“For six months? Do you want to kill me?!

I am sapped of strength always. I can’t do exclusive. I don’t have the strength. Moreover, I will resume office in the third month.”

Embarrassed breastfeeding a two-year-old But I can’t breastfeed him till he’s two. He would be too old,” Adesanya chuckled. “Can you imagine a kindergarten pupil asking for breast milk? I can’t. That will be embarrassing.

I will wean him at a year plus. I stopped my first child because she could pronounce breast clearly even in public.

“He would already be in the crèche and would be too old. I can’t breastfeed him until he’s two. I can’t take that embarrassment of my child saying in public: ‘mummy, breast.”

A Family Public Health and Nutritionist, Dr. Folashade Oludara, told THISDAY that it is wrong to deny the child his right and immunity.

“It is for reasons like this that we are conducting public sensitisation that every nursing mother should exclusively breastfeed for the first six months. And colostrum is the first milk that comes out of the mother’s breast immediately after delivery of the baby. It must be given to the child because it is the first immunity the child takes.”

She further warned that the colostrum (first milk in the breast after delivery) should not be pressed out or disposed of. “There are some misconceptions that it’s dirty. It’s God’s-given immunity to the baby. Once it’s pressed out, you have pressed out the immunity of the child. And that is wrong.”

With research showing that an estimated 13 per cent reduction of infant mortality rates can be achieved with exclusive breastfeeding, Oludara added that after six months, the mother can start complementary feeding while she continues breast milk.

Benefits of breast milk to the child According to Oludara, breast milk, especially exclusive breastfeeding, fights diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea – two major causes of death in infants. “It immunises the child.

It makes the child’s cognitive development to be perfect, the child will mature well and cope well academically once he starts school.

It increases mother to child bonding. There are many benefits for the child.”

She emphasised on exclusive for six months – no water or complementary. “For the first six months, all mothers are advised to do exclusive.

God has given the mother everything for the child in her breast.”

The Director General, WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said breastfeeding gives babies the best possible start in life. “It works like a baby’s first vaccine, protecting

How to breastfeed Many women don’t know how to breastfeed.

This is Oludara’s conclusion. “A child must stay within 30 to 45 minutes on one breast before he can be moved to the other one. Breast milk is like eating. You start with water followed by the main course then finish with water for digestion. “The milk that comes out in the first 15 minutes is water. But if you remove that child within that period and change to the other breast, you are invariably giving that child just water. So, once that child urinates, the water is gone.”

Therefore, she urged that even if the child unlatches from the breast within 15 - 20 minutes, mothers should return the child to that same breast until 45 minutes is complete. “Make the child take the main course. That is how to breastfeed.”

The Assistant Director on Family Health, Lagos, Dr. Taiwo Johnson, shared tips about how nursing mothers can produce more breast milk.

Eat balanced diet for breast milk “When a woman is breastfeeding, she needs to eat adequate or balanced diet – taking the right amount of carbohydrate, protein and lots of fluid. You know that breast milk is fluid-based. Breast milk contains 70 to 75 per cent of water and the baby is taking that. So, we encourage women to take lots of water to prevent dehydration. In Nigeria we tend to eat move carbohydrates. As a mother of three, I took enough water rather than eating too much. Exclusive breastfeeding is lots of water and lots of Nutrients.”

Right positioning Johnson said there was possibility the women were not positioning their babies properly. “We tell the women, put the baby to the breast not to take the breast to the baby. Sit right then lift the baby to your breast. “You must learn proper positioning of the baby. Breastfeeding is not a chore. Don’t bend your back. Sit up and put the baby to the breast, lest, you complain of back pain and tiredness. Sit well and be comfortable.”

Proffering more solutions to enhance exclusive breastfeeding, she said, “Baby is taking fluids and nutrient from your breast. So take enough water for strength. The water you drink will replace it. Eat adequate portion of protein, carbohydrate.

Truly, working class nursing mothers will resume work from third month to fourth.

Lagos State has contributed to breastfeeding and encourages it. “Hence, it has raised maternity leave to six months for first and second time mothers in the state.”

How to breastfeed when you resume work “Although we understand what small and medium companies might be facing – to give a staffer six months, the company may lose.

But we encourage them.”

As the Coordinator of Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response Programme, Johnson urged mothers to express breast milk and store in containers in the refrigerator. “Mothers do it when they resume work or go out so that the breastfeeding can continue,” she said.

39

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

NEWS

Seven Million Nigerians Have Mental Related Ailments, Says Expert Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti A prominent medical consultant and Chairman of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, Ekiti Zone, Dr. Olabode Shabi, has said that about seven million Nigerians are currently suffering from mental health problems associated with stress and depression.

In his delivered paper titled ‘Stress and Depression in Workplace: Strategic approach to management’ presented in Ado Ekiti at a lecture organised by the Information Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Ekiti

State, Shabi described stress as an exaggeration of normal physical response to events and life challenges that make a person feel threatened or upset in some ways adding that depression is a common mental health problem affecting 29 million persons in Africa out of an estimated 322 million people worldwide.

Shabi who is also the Chief Consultant, Family Health of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, identified major causes of stress in workplace to include “ambiguity in the job schedule of workers, career development pressure, poor

working environment, lack of job security, fear of redundancy and early retirement, struggling to meet unrealistic targets, poor interpersonal relationship with the colleagues and superiors as well as low trust level and lack of problem sharing among workers.”

Stressing that no human being has absolute immunity from depression under certain circumstances, Shabi highlighted major symptoms of the condition to include “persistently sad moods, loss of pleasure in usual activities, feeling of helplessness and

guilt or worthlessness, fatigue or decreased energy, loss of memory and concentration, loss of decision-making capability, poor abstract reasoning, restlessness, irritability, sleep disturbance and loss in appetite or weight.”

The SFPN Zonal Chairman listed major causes of stressful life conditions to include low literacy level, poverty and short life expectancy and negative life events such as bereavement, job loss, financial difficulties, divorce, loneliness, childhood abuse and neglect, medical illnesses and exposure to chronic pains

as well as imbibing some mentally stressful lifestyles such as misuse of certain prescription drugs and abuse of substances such as cocaine, narcotics and alcohol as causes of depression outside the workplace.

He identified strategies for managing stress to include avoiding unnecessary stress, reducing job stress by improving emotional intelligence, creating time for fun and relaxation, better management of one’s time, be willing to compromise, reframe problems, focuson positive things, accepting things one

cannot change, sharing feelings with friends, resolving conflict positively, adopting healthy lifestyles,exercising regularly, eating healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, cigarettes and drugs reducing sugar and caffeine as well as getting enough sleep.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Information, Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Kola Ajumobi, advised workers to pay more attention to their health to reduce their chances of becoming victims of Sudden Death Syndrome.

NURHI-2 Remodels Okokomaiko PHC, Creates FP Unit Rebecca Ejifoma Following its plans to improve reproductive health services in the country, the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative 2 (NURHI 2) has established a family planning clinic at the Okokomaiko Primary Health Centre, Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos.

The Senior Programme Officer, Advocacy, NURHI 2, Mr. Wale Haastrup says the organisation’s effort was borne out of the need to reduce the high rate of maternal and child mortality in the state through the up-take of family planning, adding that it will also continue to promote the use of FP in the communities.

“For us to promote the use of FP services, we have to upgrade the facility to the basic standards they should be.

This will help the providers deliver optimal quality services to clients and patients.

“Our concept of 72-hour make-over is said to be targeted at 50 health facilities where it is currently working. We are in the process of getting additional 50 facilities. The idea is for family planning service commodities to be readily available in communities,” Haastrup said.

He, however, decried that when the right equipments are not available, quality of health delivery is affected.

“The federal government said FP should be free at all levels.

But when the facilities do not have the right equipment to help provide these services, it will affect choices and quality delivery.

“So, NURHI has provided these commodities and equipment to facilitate all necessary services for those who want them. It will benefit mothers, children, fathers and the family as a whole,” he said.

As a tool to reduce maternal and child death, the Chairman of Iba LCDA, Mr. Ramota Oseni, commended the group for the gesture of renovation and creating FP department. “We really appreciate this Initiative.

It is laudable. It is good for other bodies to recognise that

the government cannot do it alone and that is why we are happy with this initiative.”

Oseni, represented by the Vice-Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Isiaka Yaya, said: “Now that this facility has been remodelled and FP department established, our people will be coming here.

We need more of this kind of initiatives and commitment from necessary stakeholders in the health sector.

Even we, the government, have plans for the health sector in out communities.”

Speaking at the inauguration, Baale of Okokomaiko, Mr. Wahabi Eletu, affirmed that there was need to intensify awareness on the benefits of FP to the people.

“There is need for increased government’s presence in the community to facilitate growth and development.”

The Baale maintained that the people would be committed to ensuring that the unit was sustained and people were mobilised. “We shall encourage people to use the services.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Nursing Officer, Okoko Ward B, Mrs. Kent O. Mifirinso, lauded the group for the emulative step in repairing and creating FP department in the centre. “The town hall was decided to be used as healthcare centre because they have a lot of health cases.

When they have serious cases they are referred to another place to be taken care of.”

According to her, “since the group built FP unit for us, we have had up to 15 people access FP here.

Although sometimes we feel dejected, NUHRI has given us hope with this renovation and good toilet facility.”

“Now, the centre opens from Mondays to Fridays.

We give the women all the items for FP for free including the commodities.

We just plead that NURHI and any other organisation should provide more commodities for the consumers.

Like some of the women, who come here appreciate our efforts with N200 or N100.

We gather all of it and buy some plastic buckets, disinfectant and others small items,” she said.

PROMOTING EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

L-R : Executive Director, Afribaby Initiative, Mrs. Olayinka Odiboh; Representative, Northwest Petroleum Co. Ltd., Mrs. Benedicta Okogie; 2017 World Breastfeeding Champion, Baby Precious Osakue; and Best Breastfeeding Mother, Mrs. Joy Osakue, at the Afribaby World Breastfeeding Exhibition held in Lagos recently.

Lagos, EpidAlert to Launch Disaster, Disease Outbreak Prevention Technology Martins Ifijeh The Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Board in collaboration with EpidAlert are set to launch a technology that helps in disaster and disease outbreak prevention, warning signs, response and recovery.

The technology, called the AlertClinic is a communication and notification system designed with algorithms around information flow and the persuasion of critical behaviours and choices.

According to the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EpidAlert, Dr. Lawal Bakare, the pilot phase of the project seeks to tackle Malaria, Lassa fever, Diarrheal Diseases and Polio. “These four diseases stand as major threats to the disease control systems of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Primary Healthcare Board and indeed, the entire people in the state.

“AlertClinic will provide two-way notification support to communities and households, and more importantly, the public health institution in Lagos where the Ministry of Health leads at the peak and the Disease Notification Officers of the Local Govern-

ment Areas at the grassroots.”

He said the promise of AlertClinic is that the burden of Malaria, Lassa fever and Cholera (and other diarrheal diseases) will drop in target communities, as notification will rise for the ‘notifiable’ diseases, while the public health response time will drop when threats are identified; leaving communities healthier and more resilient.

He said with the launch Thursday, August 31st, AlertClinic will be experienced online and offline in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State. “Lagos Mainland was selected for this phase of its roll out as the local government presents the ecosystem for early uptake of technology innovations as well an environment that will benefit from it.

“Lagos Mainland is the home of Nigeria’s technology hub in Yaba, higher institutions with thousands of students like the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology, a large youth population, communities such as Makoko, Ebute Metta, military cantonments and police barracks, health and research institutions such as Nigeria Institute of Medical

Research, the NCDC’s Central Public Health Laboratory and most importantly the Lagos

State Primary Healthcare Board and Infectious Disease Hospital,” he said.

150 Benefits from Taiwo Afolabi Free Healthcare Martins Ifijeh Over 150 traders at the popular Gbagi Market in Ibadan have enjoyed free medical and dental care at the community health outreach sponsored by SIFAX Group.

Taiwo aAfolabi Community Dental Outreach, which is organised by the University of Ibadan Association of Dental Students, is a free medical mission targeted at rural communities in Oyo State.

Some of the free services enjoyed by the beneficiaries include blood sugar level test, blood pressure test, body mass index test, dental check-up and treatment. Free toothpaste and toothbrushes were also distributed. Medical personnel deployed for the event include doctors and medical students from the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Speaking at the occasion, the Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo

Afolabi, who was represented by the Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Olumuyiwa Akande, said the sponsorship was part of the humanitarian gestures of the company, adding that SIFAX Group believes that healthy citizens translate to a healthy nation.

Speaking on the need for good oral hygiene, Mr. Ayinuowo Adewale, President, University of Ibadan Dental Students Association, enjoined the traders to take the issue of their health seriously, particularly, their teeth. He noted that the use of fluoride toothpaste and medium-texture toothbrush would help them in maintaining a healthy oral hygiene.

He further lauded the SIFAX Group and Dr. Taiwo Afolabi for the support that made the programme a reality while enjoin other corporate organizations to emulate the company by partnering with it to take the rural health mission to other communities.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍąÍŻËœ 2017

40

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Germany’s Allianz Takes over Nigerian Insurer Germany’s Allianz plans to pay $35 million for 98 per cent stake in Nigerian insurer, Ensure Insurance, in a push for growth in Africa, where many people are uninsured.

Foreign insurers are banking on growing premiums as the continent develops its infrastructure and a consumer class demands protection from risk. A Reuters report disclosed that Allianz said that it would acquire the stake from UK-based holding company Greenoaks Global Holdings.

Ensure Insurance offers life and non-life cover to businesses and retail clients and generated 11 million euros ($13 million) in gross premiums last year.

The Allianz group has operations in 16 African coun-

tries and views the Ensure acquisition as an opportunity to tap into Nigeria’s strong demographics and economy. “The transaction gives Allianz access to the fifthlargest insurance market in Africa and is in line with our strategy to capture long-term growth opportunities on the continent,� said Allianz Africa spokeswoman Bettina Sattler. “It is also a market with significant entry barriers, which is another reason why this acquisition is a great opportunity for us.

Entering Nigeria with a team that knows the market was essential for us.�

Allianz expects the acquisition to close this year and said it intends to retain Ensure’s management team.

The German insurer plans to focus on property and casualty insurance, particularly underwriting industrial and speciality risk in the energy sector as well a large complex risks such as infrastructure. “In the past two years, we have been quite visible in Nigeria, sharing our risk-management expertise in power, oil and gas, as well as cyber insurance,�

Sattler said. “Now that we have a company locally ... the retail sector is another growth sector for us.�

Allianz follows British insurer Prudential which last month bought a majority stake in Nigeria’s Zenith Life to gain access to the African country’s fast-growing insurance market.

FG Begins Probe of Contractors’ Tax Records Obinna Chima As part of efforts to improve tax compliance, the federal government has commenced reviewing the tax compliance records of all contractors who received payments from the federal government and its various agencies in the last seven years. This followed the results of a sampling exercise conducted by the Ministry of Finance which found that less than 20 per cent of contractors reviewed accurately stated the income received from the federal government in their tax returns, whilst many made no declaration at all.

According to a statement, the result of a sampling exercise showed that some Tax Clearance certificates which were presented at the point of contract award were found to have little bearing to the true value of business conducted by the contractors.

However the statement said the Minister of Finance has assured that with the new multi-agency, data driven approach, it would be far easier for tax authorities to cross check information provided in tax declarations and thereby ensure that the correct taxes were paid. “Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as part of its automation efforts has already eliminated issuance

of handwritten tax clearance certificates and other reforms are on-going. “The Ministry of Finance and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation are now compiling detailed records of all payments exceeding N100 million made in the last seven years including details of the beneficiary bank accounts and other details. “All agencies have 30 days to return the information on payments made, and accounting officers are required to certify the accuracy of the data supplied. “Deliberate omission or manipulation of data by accounting officers will attract sanction. The initiative is part of the construction of a central data base of financial information being developed for use in tax compliance,� it added.

It further explained that the database project dubbed ‘Project Light House’ is aimed at building comprehensive profile of tax payers using a wide range of available data sources, including BVN, foreign exchange allocations, land registry records, and information obtained from foreign governments.

The data would be used to cross check information provided to the tax authorities.

While explaining the

President Muhammadu Buhari - led government’s commitment to improving tax compliance, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun stated that Nigeria’s low level of tax compliance was at variance with the collective desire to reduce dependence on oil and to become a prosperous nation that provides for all its citizens.

According to the minister, “It was a matter of concern that those who earned money directly from Government, which is both traceable and verifiable, still failed to pay the correct taxes thereon.�

She urged such companies to promptly take advantage of the concessions offered under VAIDS, adding that once an audit or investigation had commenced, a company or individual would not be able stop that process by participating in VAIDS. “VAIDS has now been open since July 1st and some applications have already been received. If the tax authorities reach a company before such company has applied for VAIDS, then the full audit process will be conducted. “This could result in penalties, interest and prosecution.

So companies and individuals who know they will be affected are urged to quickly take advantage of VAIDS,� she added.

Three Banks Account for 71% Capital Inflows in Q2 Stanbic IBTC, Citibank Nigeria and Standard Chartered Bank accounted for 70.7 per cent or $1,267.8 million of the total $1.792 billion capital importation in the second quarter of 2017, a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown.

The other 22 banks accounted for the remaining 29 per cent.

The NBS revealed this in its Capital Importation Q2 2017 Report.

According to the report, portfolio investments was the key mover of capital during the quarter, growing by 145.7 per cent, followed by Other Investments, which rose by

95.02 per cent, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by 29.8 per cent over the first quarter. In figures, portfolio investment accounted for $770.5 million, or 43 per cent of the total.

In second place was Other Investments with $747.5 million, or 41.7 per cent, anAd FDI with $274.4 or 15.3 per cent.

The report showed that Stanbic IBTC, in the second quarter of this year, facilitated a staggering $589.84 million capital inflow into the country, ranking it first among financial institutions that imported capital into Nigeria. Stanbic IBTC accounted for 32.91

per cent ($589.84 million or N216.47 billion) of the total share during the period, representing an increase of 9.12 per cent over the $536.78 million it posted in the first quarter of the year. That brings to $1.127 billion (N413.62 billion) capital importation by Stanbic IBTC in the first six months of the year. The NBS report showed that the bulk of capital imported into Nigeria in Q2 came from the United Kingdom, which accounted for $696.7 million or 38.87 percent of the total. The second largest value of capital importation came from the United States with $287.82 million or 16.06 percent.

Adeosun

MARKET INDICATORS DECEMBER 2016 -- 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 TUESDA, 29 AUGUST 2017

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $49.51 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $49.86 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela)

41

˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

30-Aug-17 29-Aug-17

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

01 Dangote Cement Plc

204.52

212.65

-3.82%

3,485,124,574,470.60

13.34

15.95

4.93

3.76%

4.40

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

185.00

183.60

0.76%

1,466,883,664,280.00

3.58

51.23

4.64

1.96%

8.77

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

39.30

39.50

-0.51%

1,156,645,343,503.20

4.49

8.79

2.78

4.48%

2.16

1,220.05

1,220.00

0.00%

967,080,260,252.60

10.00

122.02

5.32

2.38%

31.32

05 Zenith Bank Plc

22.80

22.80

0.00%

715,840,058,320.80

4.13

5.52

1.41

7.89%

1.02

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers

06 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

40.00

40.50

-1.23%

400,000,000,000.00

2.85

14.20

2.59

0.25%

2.88

Stock

07 United Bank for Africa Plc

9.45

9.59

-1.46%

342,841,523,742.90

1.99

4.81

0.91

6.26%

0.78

18.00

18.00

0.00%

330,291,921,870.00

0.68

26.61

0.56

3.44%

0.53

9.61

10.00

-3.90%

277,997,807,373.91

13.18

0.76

0.76

5.50%

0.64

68.39

68.39

0.00%

271,540,925,107.55

0.03

2,338.93

3.81

1.90%

6.49

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

57.00

57.00

0.00%

259,629,403,170.00

3.71

15.36

1.18

5.26%

1.04

13 FBN Holdings Plc

5.68

5.89

-3.57%

203,885,263,058.56

0.16

35.99

0.35

2.55%

0.35

14 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

13.22

13.90

-4.89%

158,640,000,000.00

2.01

6.92

0.77

3.60%

2.19

15 Unilever Nigeria Plc

39.29

40.00

-1.78%

148,645,709,662.50

0.81

49.26

2.17

0.13%

12.95

16 International Breweries Plc

37.00

37.00

0.00%

121,887,223,360.00

0.02

1,642.11

4.58

0.68%

11.11

17 Guinness Nig Plc

75.00

76.98

-2.57%

112,941,614,100.00

-3.06

-25.17

1.12

4.16%

2.94

18 Total Nigeria Plc

243.00

236.50

2.75%

82,503,806,391.00

43.58

5.43

0.28

5.92%

3.41

6.80

6.85

-0.73%

81,835,408,479.20

0.29

23.59

0.18

10.95%

0.43

20 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

29.00

29.00

0.00%

76,102,878,423.00

3.71

7.82

0.14

6.90%

0.72

21 Forte Oil Plc.

49.00

50.00

-2.00%

63,821,574,047.00

3.66

13.66

0.50

6.90%

1.38

22 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

65.64

65.64

0.00%

62,614,652,400.00

5.15

12.75

4.36

0.15%

3.68

165.11

173.79

-4.99%

59,537,883,708.82

22.61

7.69

0.67

4.14%

2.92

92.00

92.00

0.00%

58,934,313,396.00 -21.86

-4.21

0.52

2.39%

5.47

1.25

1.28

-2.34%

48,401,246,781.25

-0.03

-43.98

0.83

0.00%

0.57

34.20

34.20

0.00%

45,144,000,000.00

-2.89

-11.83

0.32

4.39%

0.64

1.36

1.37

-0.73%

39,389,116,541.12

0.39

3.54

0.26

11.68%

0.21

13.00

13.00

0.00%

34,442,698,914.00

0.91

14.26

1.88

4.23%

4.28

1.05

1.05

0.00%

30,229,939,032.30

0.18

5.86

0.27

8.57%

0.35

30 U A C N Plc

14.98

14.98

0.00%

28,774,548,517.26

3.37

4.44

0.38

6.68%

0.38

31 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

26.89

26.89

0.00%

26,890,000,000.00

5.69

4.73

1.87

0.37%

0.72

1.13

1.18

-4.24%

26,171,239,533.84

-0.29

-4.02

0.13

0.00%

0.12

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

35 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

12.07

12.07

0.00%

22,669,898,622.80

-0.64

-18.74

0.70

10.77%

2.15

36 FCMB Group Plc

1.10

1.12

-1.79%

21,782,981,859.10

0.09

13.13

0.13

8.93%

0.12

37 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.56

3.56

0.00%

20,939,436,534.20

1.06

3.35

0.51

3.93%

0.64

38 Mansard Insurance Plc

1.90

1.90

0.00%

19,950,000,000.00

0.25

7.57

0.96

2.63%

0.99

39 Wema Bank Plc

0.51

0.51

0.00%

19,672,977,701.31

0.07

7.59

0.37

0.00%

0.41

40 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

2.01

2.10

-4.29%

15,939,697,292.58

-0.40

-5.19

0.35

7.62%

0.50

41 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.40

1.34

4.48%

14,521,842,036.80

0.30

4.51

0.54

8.96%

0.69

42 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

9.00

9.00

0.00%

11,310,099,894.00

1.29

6.96

0.70

1.11%

0.90

43 Skye Bank Plc

0.59

0.61

-3.28%

8,189,377,831.90

-2.93

-0.21

0.05

49.18%

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

3.23

3.40

-5.00%

5,246,226,562.50

0.36

9.51

0.69

5.88%

0.85

48 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

2.91

2.91

0.00%

5,001,562,485.45

-0.90

-3.23

0.79

24.05%

0.15

49 Fidson Healthcare Plc

3.20

3.20

0.00%

4,800,000,000.00

0.50

6.46

0.41

1.56%

0.69

50 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.54

0.56

-3.57%

3,742,310,419.20

1.48

0.38

0.14

8.93%

0.45

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc

08 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated 09 Access Bank Plc 10 Presco Plc 11 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

19 Oando Plc

23 Mobil Oil Nig Plc 24 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc 25 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc 26 Julius Berger Nig. Plc 27 Fidelity Bank Plc 28 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc 29 Sterling Bank Plc

32 Diamond Bank Plc

TOTAL

11,693,646,931,505.00

TOTAL MARKET CAP

12,280,391,384,632.40

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

95.22%

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion) Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Open 29-Aug-17

Close Change % 30-Aug-17

36,165.93 12.47

35,629.13 12.28

-1.48 -1.48

152.53 11.88

150.18 11.69

-1.54 -1.54

Open Close Change 29-Aug-17 30-Aug-17 %

Continental Reinsurance Plc Total Nigeria Plc Nigerian Breweries Plc Nestle Nigeria Plc 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

1.34 236.50 183.60 1,220.00 92.00

1.40 243.00 185.00 1,220.05 92.00

4.48 2.75 0.76 0.00 0.00

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open Close Change 29-Aug-17 30-Aug-17 %

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc Mobil Oil Nig Plc Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc Honeywell Flour Mill Plc Diamond Bank Plc

3.40

3.23

-5.00

173.79 13.90 2.10 1.18

165.11 13.22 2.01 1.13

-4.99 -4.89 -4.29 -4.24

Market records further losses as NSE Index sheds 1.48% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today - Wednesday, August 30th, 2017 ended negative as the market closed red. This was further highlighted by negative performance from the NSE Subsectors: Banking, Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas (Save Insurance). Also, trading activities decreased in volume as 239.91 million shares worth N2.93 billion in 4,371 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 144.45 million shares worth N1.51 billion in 3,716 trades were carried out on Tuesday. Topping in volume terms are: Fidelity Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc; while Dangote Cement Plc and Nestle Nigeria Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms. Brent crude oil price today currently sells at US$51.95 per barrel while it closed at $51.89 per barrel on Monday.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with 1.48% (-536.80) decrease to close at 35,629.13 from 36,165.93 the previous trading day. Market capitalization depreciated in tandem to N12.28 trillion from N12.47 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index closes with an decrease of 1.54% to 150.18 from 153.21 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N11.69 trillion from N11.88 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 7 stocks gained on the bourse today while 31 stocks declined, leaving 70 stocks unchanged.

Leading the pack was Cutix Plc led with a gain of 9.95% to close at N2.43 per share. It was followed by May & Baker Plc with a gain of 4.51% to close at N3.01 per share.

Others on the gainers’ list include: Continental Reinsurance Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and N.E.M Insurance Co (Nig.) Plc. On the decliners’ list, First Aluminium Nigeria Plc led with a loss of 5.00% to close at N0.57 share. It was followed by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc with a loss of 5.00% to close at N3.23 per share. Others on the decliners list include: Mobil Oil Nig. Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc and Honeywell Flour Mill Plc. Continental Reinsurance Plc emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 4.48% to close at N1.40 per share. It was followed by Total Nigeria Plc with a gain of 2.75% to close at N243.00 per share. Others on the gainers chart include: Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc and 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc. On the decliners’ list, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc again led with a loss of 5.00% to close at N3.23 per share. It was followed by Mobil Oil Nig. Plc with a loss of 4.99% to close at N165.11 per share. Others on the decliners’ list are: Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Honeywell Flour Mill Plc and Diamond Bank 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 ˾ ˜ ͱͯ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

MARKET NEWS

Fidelity Bank Grows Profit after Tax by 66% to N9bn in Six Months Shareholders of Fidelity Bank Plc should expect a bounteous harvest at the end of the current year given its impressive performance for the half year (H1) ended June 30, 2017.

The results released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday showed that Fidelity Bank Plc posted gross earnings of N85.8 billion in H1 of 2017, up 22 per cent from N70.2 billion recorded in the corresponding

period of 2016. Interest income grew by 27.8 per cent, while interest expenses grew faster by 48 per cent to hit N38.2 billion compared with 25.7 billion in 2016. As a result, net interest income stood at N34.7 billion in 2017 compared with N31.2 billion, indicating a rise of 11 per cent. Impairment charges remained flat at N4.8 billion in 2017 as against N4.79 billion in 2016.

T H E

Despite the high inflationary trend, the bank reduced operating expenses by 1.7 per cent to N30.9 billion, from N31.4 billion in the corresponding period of 2016.

Consequently, profit before tax (PBT) rose by 66.6 per cent to N10.2 billion, from N6.131 billion in 2016, while profit after tax (PAT) improved by 65.6 per cent from N5.457 billion to N9.04 billion in 2017. Earnings per share

N I G E R I A N

similarly improved to 31 kobo as against 19 kobo in 2016.

When the Fidelity Bank opened the 2017 with similar double digit growth in the first quarter, its managing director/CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo had attributed the performance to the disciplined execution of its medium-term strategy and a business model that enables the bank to continue to deliver

STO C K

improved performance in line with its 2017 financial year targets.

“Gross earnings growth was driven by a combination of increased yields on earning assets and an absolute growth in the volume of earning assets which led to growth in interest income” he had said.

Speaking on the cost efforts to reduce costs, he said the cost optimisation initiatives continued

E XC H A N G E

to deliver cost savings.

“We will continue to optimise our cost profile without impacting service delivery through the disciplined execution of the initiatives from our recently completed business optimisation project,” Okonkwo had assured.

Meanwhile, trading at the stock market closed on bearish note yesterday for the third consecutive day as profit taking activities continued.

43

˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Zenith Life to Deepen Insurance Penetration, Introduces Shareholder to Brokers Goddy Egene The Managing Director of Zenith Life Assurance Limited, Mr. Chuks Igumbor has said the company is working hard to deepen insurance penetration in Nigeria by collaborating with the broker community.

Igumbor stated this at the August edition of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) Members’ Evening, which Zenith Life Assurance Limited hosted in Lagos.

At the meeting, the company introduced its new majority shareholder, Prudential Plc to the insurance broker community.

Prudential Plc, one of the oldest and most strongly capitalised Life insurance companies in the world acquired a majority stake in Zenith Life of Nigeria in July 2017. Prudential had said that its entry into Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, with a population of over 180 million, demonstrates its commitment

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

to Africa following the launch of businesses in Ghana and Kenya in 2014, in Uganda in 2015 and Zambia in 2016.

Prudential was founded in London in 1848 and enables families to protect themselves against life’s misfortunes and save for aspirations such as paying for school or university fees. The company has £599 billion of assets under management, 24 million insurance customers and has operations in the UK, the US, Africa and 14 markets in Asia.

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 25Aug-2017, unless otherwise stated.

On the other hand, Zenith Life, incorporated in 2001, has grown its gross written premium at a compound annual growth rate of 22 per cent over the last five years, making it one of the fastest-growing life insurance companies in Nigeria.

And Igumbor said: “Zenith Life is proud to be part of an international brand and is looking to deepen insurance penetration in Nigeria by continuing its existing relationship with

the broker community whilst also launching its retail proposition.”

The President, NCRIB, Mr. E. K Okunoren commended Zenith Life for the level of service that it has displayed in its dealings with brokers to date and looked forward to working with the stronger entity.

After buying into Zenith Life, Chief Executive of Prudential Africa, Matt Lilley had said: “Prudential’s purpose is to take the worry out of

life’s big financial concerns, helping our customers face the future with confidence. Today’s announcement is an important milestone for Prudential and our growing portfolio of highquality life insurance businesses in Africa. We are excited by the opportunity of partnering with Zenith Bank, one of the largest and most dynamic banks in Africa, and working with our new colleagues to build Zenith-Prudential into a leader in Nigeria’s growing life insurance industry.”

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 172.90 173.34 36.05% Nigeria International Debt Fund 230.35 230.88 8.88% 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 0.81 0.82 16.22% 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 18.66% 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 17.25 17.77 39.69% ARM Discovery Fund 362.44 373.36 26.21% ARM Ethical Fund 25.71 26.48 15.07% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.16% 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 142.70 143.70 35.67% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.84% 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 19.74% 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 1,117.46 1,118.56 10.26% FBN Heritage Fund 140.85 142.10 26.36% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.35% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $109.78 $110.76 6.75% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $109.08 $110.06 6.81% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 152.51 154.73 35.46% 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 1.32 1.35 42.02% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.84 2.84 10.68% 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 14.91% 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 18.26% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.06 2.09 22.87% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 18.06%

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 13.15% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,036.66 1,036.66 7.84% 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 12.84 12.95 32.87% 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 1.15 1.18 16.38% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.75 10.80 3.37% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 17.36% 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 120.54 122.79 19.01% 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 1.36 1.36 9.06% 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 2,148.69 2,160.11 17.32% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 162.36 162.36 5.46% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.96 0.97 25.32% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 207.69 207.69 11.13% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 172.88 175.09 33.15% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.61% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,347.37 9,448.24 23.21% 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 1.28 14.77% United Capital Bond Fund 1.38 1.38 13.27% United Capital Equity Fund 0.86 0.84 24.94% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.00% 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 12.35 12.53 27.13% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.09 13.23 19.50% Zenith Income Fund 18.57 18.57 12.31%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 129.68

1.01% 4.61%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.67 104.80

10.77 106.78

23.67% 38.31%

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

4.41 9.58 17.14 20.89 132.00

4.45 9.66 17.24 21.19 134.00

59.29% 36.07% 43.36% 31.09% 2.38%

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

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

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THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Audit Report: PAYE of Security Personnel, Abuja Residents Not Remitted to Treasury Picks holes in FAAC remittances, IPPIS Transaction Account, others Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The financial statement on the accounts of the federation for the year ended December 31, 2015, has shown that the personal income taxes of Armed Forces personnel, the Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, were not captured in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) for that year.

This was the position of the Annual Report of the AuditorGeneral of the Federation on the Accounts of the Federation of Nigeria for the year ended December 31, 2015, the second part of which was submitted to the National Assembly by the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Anthony Mkpe Ayine, recently.

THISDAY had exclusively reported the submission of the second part, the first having been submitted earlier before Ayine’s appointment early this year.

Parts 1 and 2 of the audit report covered 87 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the federal government, which submitted their accounts for scrutiny.

In the report obtained by THISDAY, the auditor-general observed in Note 4 of the financial

statements that ‘NIL’ revenue was paid in respect of personal income taxes.

“It means that all personal income taxes paid by the personnel of the Armed Forces of the federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the ministry or department of government charged with responsibility for Foreign Affairs, and residents of the FCT Abuja were not remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund,” the audit report said.

According to the report, “This non-disclosure of personal income taxes received during the year contravenes Section 162 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which states that ‘the federation shall maintain a special account to be called the Federation Account into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the government of the federation, except the proceeds from the Personal Income Tax of the personnel of the Armed Forces of the federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the ministry or department of government charged with responsibility for Foreign Affairs, and the residents of FCT Abuja’.”

The Federation Account and CRF are two different accounts.

The Federation Account belongs

to the entire federation, but is however kept in trust on behalf of the three tiers of government by the federal government.

On the other hand, the CFR is the main account of the federal government into which all revenues are paid and is exclusively managed by it.

Due to this constitutional breach, the Accountant-General of the Federation was required to explain why the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the residents of the FCT was not paid into the CRF Account.

The report also pointed to several other infractions, including omissions and discrepancies in closing balances, non-inclusion of vital details and documents, among others, and directed the accountant-general to explain.

For instance, the report picked

holes in the non-disclosure of federal government foreign reserves and Federation Accounts in the financial statements.

It noted that the value of the federal government and Federation Account foreign reserves were not disclosed in the financial statements as part of the assets of the federal government.

Also, the omission and discrepancies in closing balances in the Trust and Special Funds were flawed.

The audit report revealed that an examination of the records indicated that the closing balances of the Trust Fund Accounts (as listed in the Trial Balance) of N201,589,195,828.25 differed from the figure of N208,573,367,707.90 captured by records provided by the accountant-general, resulting in a difference of N7,351,388,476.22.

Such trust funds included National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) Oil Pool Account,

2% Education Levy, Cement Levy Pool Account, and 65% Wheat Flour Levy.

According to the audit report, the omission and discrepancies in closing balances resulting in the difference of N7,351,388,476.22 implied that the figures disclosed in the financial statement were doubtful.

The accountant-general was therefore required to reconcile the figures in order to arrive at the true position of the figures that should be reported in the financial statement.

On the CRF, the report said from available records for audit, the sum of N2,530,677,683,299.78 was computed as Statutory Revenue Allocation for the year 2015, while the budget for the same year was N2,867,539,000,000.00, thereby resulting in a negative variance of N336,861,316,700.22.

It also commented on the four

per cent cost of collection to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), noting that in the financial statement, no figure was given in respect of the four per cent cost of collection for FIRS as well as figures for expenditure in respect of the service personnel and overhead costs, because the financial report of the organisation was not available for consolidation.

“Further examination of allocation from 2015 Federation Account and Value Added Tax (VAT) account by Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revealed that a total of N41,603,967,673.02 and N31,149,117,659.90 were allocated to the FIRS as four per cent cost of collection from Federation Account and Value Added Tax respectively in 2015.

“This figure did not include other sources of four per cent cost

Cont’d on pg 48

Sirika: Air Transportation Contributes $8.2bn to Nigeria’s GDP Annually Says airports handled 15.2m passengers, ferried 195,230MT of cargo Kasim Sumaina in Sokoto The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, yesterday disclosed that transportation which is the cardinal objective of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) of the current administration cannot be overemphasised.

He noted that airport transport alone contributes about US$8.2 billion to the country’s gross domestic product annually.

He disclosed that the airports in 2016 handled 15.2 million passengers, conveyed over 195,230 metric tons of cargo and 7,373.0 metric tonnes of mails.

Sirika, while speaking at the 2017 15th edition of the National Council on Transportation (NCT) taking place in Sokoto State, said there was need for every sector to operate efficiently for the recovery of the nation’s economy.

“This has become urgent for us given the fallen price of oil which had been our main stay and the resultant decline in government revenue,” he said.

According to the minister, “Transportation is the wheels that roll the economic development of countries. The sector contributes to the economic sectors which include oil and gas, tourism, travel, agriculture, trade and commerce, manufacturing and other non-oil sectors.

“Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with a population of over 180 million people. Presently, the country has 27 functional

airports and several privately owned airstrips and helipads.

The airports in 2016 handled 15.2 million passengers, transported over 195, 230 metric tonnes of cargo and 7,373.0 metric tonnes of mails.

“Also, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air transport in Nigeria supports more than 650,800 jobs including tourism-related employment, while contributing US$8.2 billion to the country’s GDP annually.”

He noted that the statistics underscored the importance of aviation in the economy of Nigeria but, “in relation to our population size and geographical location, the country has the potential to do more.”

Sirika hinted that currently, there is no effective inter-modality of air transportation with other modes in terms of infrastructural linkages except road network. “However, construction works are at advanced stage to connect the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to rail while the master plans of the other international airports have provision for linkages.

The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation and Aviation, Sabiu Zakari, further said in preparation for an efficient inter-modal transport system, “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a robust road-map for the aviation sub-sector, and that the road-map intends to address some of the infrastructural gaps and challenges with a view to providing long-term solutions.

CEMENTING ECONOMIC TIES

L-R: United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington; President, Dangote Group and Co-Host, Aliko Dangote; US Senator Christopher Coons (D-Delaware); Chairman, Heirs Holdings and Co-Host, Tony O. Elumelu, at a US-Nigeria Business Luncheon on Crossborder Investment Opportunities, co-hosted by Elumelu and Dangote , during the visit of the eight-member congressional delegation from the US to Nigeria....yesterday

S’East Governors Meet with Nwabueze, Nnamdi Kanu Resolve to have further dialogue with IPOB Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu Governors of the South-east geopolitical states rose from a closed-door meeting with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in Enugu yesterday, vowing to engage the pro-Biafran group in “further meetings and dialogue”in order to resolve their issues amicably.

The meeting also had renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof Ben Nwabueze (SAN), and Elliot Uko of Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) in attendance.

The meeting which took place at the Government House, Enugu, had Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State and Chairman of the

South-east Governor’s Forum, as well as Dr Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who represented Governor Willie Obiano in attendance.

The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, and his Abia State counterpart, Okezie Ikpeazu, were said to be out of the country.

In a three-paragraph communique read to journalists at the end of the meeting by Umahi, the governors said they deliberated on the demands of IPOB and noted their concerns accordingly.

They however agreed that the demands being made by IPOB would not be absolute, pledging to engage Kanu and the entire leadership of his group to further meetings with a view to quickening the resolutions of all issues.

The trio of Kanu, Nwabueze and Uko did not speak with journalists as they simply walked away after the meeting as the governors went back to continue with their meeting.

Though not contained in their communique, sources told THISDAY that the meeting also looked into the reported plans by the federal government to get the court to revoke his bail conditions in order to facilitate his re-arrest.

They were said not to have taken a position on the matter.

Several groups, including the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo; Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Igbo Leaders of Thought, have all expressed their opposition to any attempt

to re-arrest Kanu.

The governors later went into another closed door meeting with the leadership of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by the President General, Chief John Nnia Nwodo.

Other notable Igbo leaders at the meeting include former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof Chukwuma Soludo, former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr Chigozie Ogbu and other members of the Ohanaeze economic team.

They however did not brief journalists at the end of meeting as Governor Umahi disclosed that the Director General of the Forum, Prof Simon Ortuanya, would handle the briefing.

THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Magu: EFCC Has Recovered over N430bn Loot in Eight Months Says no face-off with AGF Paul Obi in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it had recovered about N409 billion and $69.5 million (totalling N430 billion), among other foreign currencies, as proceeds of corruption between January 1 and August 30, 2017.

The acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, made the disclosure at a parley with journalists in Abuja yesterday, where he provided further insight into the anti-graft war.

He also decried the tactics employed by some politically exposed persons facing corruption charges to obstruct the EFCC in carrying out its duties, resorting to his usual refrain, “corruption is fighting back.”

Magu said: “Over a month ago, the commission recovered over N329 billion from a group of oil marketers for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

These are major recoveries from a sector of the economy.

“But to give a holistic picture of the aggressive drive to recover stolen wealth, I have the pleasure to report that the commission, between January and August 30, 2017, recorded the following monetary recoveries: N409,270,706,686.75; US$69, 501,156.67; £231,118.69; €610,816.20; Dirham 443,400.00 and SR (Saudi Riyal) 70, 500.00.”

On the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, Magu recalled that the commission, a few days

Umar Cautions against Kanu’s Rearrest Gboyega Akinsanmi Former military Governor of Kaduna State, Col. Abubakar Umar (rtd), yesterday cautioned against the plan by the federal government to re-arrest the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

Umar, Chairman of Movement for Unity and Progress (MUP), noted that Kanu “is not a common criminal as the government appears to think,” noting that it would be politically unwise to revoke his bail and re-arrest him.

He canvassed the position in a statement he personally signed yesterday, noting that Kanu’s seeming militant approach “is the result of the strong arm tactics with which the federal government deals with him.”

He faulted the plan of the federal government “to approach the Federal High Court in Abuja to revoke the bail granted him Kanu and have him rearrested. This is both dangerous and politically unwise.

“This is both dangerous and politically unwise. Kanu is not a common criminal as the government appears to think. On

the contrary, he is a bitter young man fighting for a fairer deal for his Igbo kinsmen.”

“Kanu is not a common criminal as the government appears to think.

On the contrary, he is a bitter young man fighting for a fairer deal for his Igbo kinsmen. His seeming militant approach is the result of the strong arm tactics with which the federal government deals with him.

“His long incarceration before a court granted him bail testifies to this. Like Kanu, many Igbos genuinely feel marginalised since they belong to the category of those who gave President Muhammadu Buhari only 5 per cent of their votes and appeared to have fallen out of his favour.”

The former military governor explained that Buhari’s insistence that the unity of Nigeria “is a settled issue is a nationalistic wish and is no surprise coming from a veteran of civil war fought to keep the country one.”

However, Umar noted that Buhari’s statement “does not take into account the mood of the country as indicated by the growing agitations for self determination, restructuring and many other similar demands.“

Lagos Airport Experiences Black Out Activities at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport were last night paralysed following power outage as darkness enveloped the whole terminal.

An eyewitness account said the outage which lasted for about two hours, forced airlines to stop attending to passengers, the Nigerian Immigration Service stopped the assessment of passengers documents as facilitation came to abrupt stop.

Also passengers who arrived the airport had to stay back in the aircraft as there was no light in the arrival area of the airport.

Those who had arrived already at the baggage collection hall had to also wait as they hoped that electricity would be restored.

A source told THISDAY that after waiting for sometime, the

immigration officials resorted to manual examination of passengers documents as the airlines were chocked by time and had to leave to meet other connections at their destination.

At the arrival areas, there was a growing chaos as angry passengers became impatient to collect their bags.

“I came here more than one hour ago but there was no light then and there is no light now. I am at the E Wing but the D Wing is more chaotic because the passengers are getting agitated. The airlines are hoping that their passengers could be processed so the immigration officials are now resorting to manually check our documents.

Nobody is telling us anything,” a passenger who was travelling in one of the airlines told THISDAY.

ago, got a court order to forfeit to the Nigerian Government the sum of N7.6 billion, which was hidden in a Nigerian bank by the minister.

“Two weeks earlier, another court issued a temporary forfeiture order to seize properties worth $21,392,224 belonging to the same former minister. Those properties are awaiting final forfeiture,” he added.

Magu further debunked claims

by Alison-Madueke that the EFCC had failed to link the recovered illicit funds and properties to her.

“All these properties are all available; it’s real, it’s not like they don’t exist. They exist, it’s not media hype. We have been able to establish that there is thorough linkage between that and the proceeds of corruption, stealing and looting,” he added.

The EFCC chairman also reiterated the stance of the federal

government to disclose Nigerians who have siphoned public funds to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He explained that with the new treaty signed with the government of the UAE, EFCC officials will soon head to Dubai where it will unveil looters with traceable corrupt dealings in the country.

“We have been to Dubai with the Attorney General of the Federation, and I had a meeting with a delegation from UAE, we were waiting for the ratification.

“They have a better database, they are operating the beneficiary ownership method. They would also open their doors and would disclose everybody, it is going to work for us, we are going there as soon as possible,” he said On the purported rift between the EFCC and the AGF and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Magu maintained that there was no rift between

them.

He said: “I don’t see it. I’m naturally somebody who believes in self discipline. The AGF is the number one law officer of the country and there is no reason why there should be conflict.

“That is why we have the synergy to fight the common enemy. It’s just paper work.”

Continuing, Magu also gave reasons why the Senate is vehemently opposed to the National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) operating under the purview of the commission.

He argued that most of commission’s operations revolve around NFIU, and that once the unit is separated, it would render the EFCC redundant, alleging that owing to the wide scope and efficiency of the NFIU, there is an attempt by some “high politically exposed persons with corruption charges

against them to use the back door to weaken the EFCC.” The clamour for the autonomy of the NFIU is geared towards fulfilling that hidden agenda, he submitted.

On the prosecution of corruption cases, Magu said: “We are also making progress despite the antics of some persons accused of grand corruption to delay their trial.

“Between January and August this year, EFCC recorded 137 convictions. The potential for improvement are good as more cases will be brought to conclusion in the remaining four months of the year.

“Regardless of the challenges that we have faced and continue to face, I am happy to report that we are making progress. Many of you are aware of the achievements that we have recorded in the fight against corruption especially in the area of assets recovery,” he said.

INAUGURATING TRAFFIC POLICE

L-R: Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu; and Speaker, state House of Assembly, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, at the inauguration of the revamped Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) in Benin-City.... yesterday

Apapa Gridlock Forces 82 Companies to Shut Operations Gboyega Akinsanmi The Apapa Local Government Area yesterday disclosed that at least 82 companies had either relocated or folded up in Apapa and its environs which it ascribed to the intractable traffic congestion arising from deplorable roads and unwarranted activities of articulated vehicles.

Consequently, the local government authorities canvassed outright enforcement of Lagos Road Traffic Law, 2012 in Apapa and its environs as an immediate measure to address traffic congestion in the area.

The Chairman of Apapa council area, Mr. Owolabi Adele, canvassed the position in a statement he issued after the second stakeholders’ meeting he convened in Apapa to work out measures and strategies to manage traffic situation in the area.

At the first meeting, all the stakeholders agreed that for sanity, law and order to return toApapa and

its environs, “owners of articulated vehicles parked indiscriminately in the area should be prosecuted.”

The stakeholders also agreed to a 24-hour enforcement and monitoring initiative of one-lane policy, which the Apapa council unfolded to reduce the hardship the residents and owners of businesses daily undergo in Apapa and its environs.

In a statement he issued after the second meeting, however, Adele lamented the worsening trend of traffic congestion, noting that the outcomes of survey it recently conducted showed that many companies had folded up due to traffic congestion.

He revealed that the outcome of the survey showed that at least 82 companies have folded up due to problems associated with the traffic bottlenecks.

The council boss explained that the rate at which companies “are folding up in Apapa has affected revenue accrued to the local government. We are losing so

much in revenue to Apapa gridlock.

Residents have also abandoned their homes and relocated due to the traffic congestion.”

He, therefore, disclosed that the local government had inaugurated Enforcement and Operation Committee and Finance Committee as part of measures to tackle Apapa’s traffic congestion headlong.

According to him, the Enforcement and Operation Committee will involve security agencies and their role is to ensure that any of the articulated vehicles not cleared which comes into Apapa is impounded and penalised.

He equally explained the role of the Finance Committee, which he said would work out strategies “to generate N130 million. The fund will be used to unlock Apapa gridlock and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.”

While appreciating the ongoing road rehabilitation within the local government area, Adele stressed

the need for strict enforcement of the agreement reached at the stakeholders meeting in the overall interest of all.

He urged all stakeholders to work together “to ensure that order and sanity return to Apapa. “It will serve our interest if Apapa returns to her old status of socio-economic activities and contributes positively to the well being of the council.”

Also at the meeting, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, described the situation as worrisome, and commended his successor for according priority to the problem.

He, however, stressed the need for companies operating in the area to provide a servicing holding bay before given permission to operate.

Speaking on behalf of the Apapa Government Reserved Area, Brig-Gen. Ayo Vaughan called for adequate sanctions for drivers violating the one lane policy put in place as part of immediate solution to the problem.

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NEWSEXTRA

Billionaire Kidnapper, Evans Arraigned, Pleads Guilty Akinwale Akintunde After 82 days in police detention, the suspected billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja High Court.

Evans who was arraigned by the Lagos State Government before Justice Hakeem Oshodi alongside his accomplices on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping, however, pleaded guilty to the charges.

Arraigned with Evans amid tight security within and outside the court premises were Uche Amadi and Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu who also pleaded guilty to the charges.

Others are Ogechi Uchechukwu, the only female among them, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Chukwunonso Aduba who all pleaded not guilty.

Justice Oshodi ordered that all the male defendants be remanded at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison while the female defendant, who pleaded not guilty to all the

charges, be kept at the Kirikiri Female Prison.

The prosecution team led by the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, prayed the court for adjournment till October 19, 2017 to lay down facts before those who pleaded guilty and subsequently sentence them.

While trial would commence for those who pleaded not guilty.

Evans had raked in millions of dollars as ransoms paid to him by his victims’ families before his arrest on June 10, 2017, in one of his mansions at Magodo, Lagos State.

The notorious kidnapper had through his counsel, Olukoya Ogungbeje filed for the abuse of his fundamental human rights before the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court.

Evans had contended that his continued detention since June 10 without charge amounted to an infringement on his fundamental human rights.

He argued that the respondents ought to have charged him to court in line with Sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution.

A 27-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion deposed

to by Evans’ father, Stephen Onwuamadike, averred that the applicant had been subjected to media trial.

The father had said the media

trial and news orchestrated by the respondents continued to generate reactions in both print and electronic media without his son being afforded fair

hearing and trial before a court of law.

Justice Abdulaziz Anka had adjourned till September 5 to hear arguments from Evan’s

lawyer and police lawyers on why he should not deliver judgment on the fundamental rights application brought by Evans.

TIME TO FACE JUSTICE

Billionaire kidnapper, Chukwuduben Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans (left), and his group during their arraignment at the Ikeja High Court in Lagos.... yesterday Etop Ukutt

AUDIT REPORT: PAYE OF SECURITY PERSONNEL, ABUJA RESIDENTS NOT REMITTED TO TREASURY of collection enjoyed by FIRS, such as four per cent on FCTA and others. This same situation occurred in the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 financial statements, and no action had been taken to have complete transactions of the federal government agency’s revenue and expenditure.

“This action has resulted in the understatement of the financial statement by N72,753,085,332.92.

This resulted in the noncompleteness of transactions in the financial statements contrary to IPSAS full disclosure requirements,” the audited report noted.

The non-reporting of the receipts and expenditure of FIRS in the financial statements, the report further observed, was very material and therefore called for immediate action by the affected authorities.

“Also in the computation of four per cent cost of collection, figures should be holistic to include other sources outside the share from Federation Accounts and VAT,” the report added.

The accountant-general was therefore requested to provide explanations on why the funding and corresponding expenditure of the FIRS were not reported in the financial statements.

Audit examination of records relating to repayments of external loans also revealed that the deductions by FAAC from 2015 federal government shares of revenue allocations in respect of external debt servicing was N67,705,546,712.47 “whereas, Note 36 reported N74,679,041,429.59 and schedule of total external loans of the FGN reported N74,694,520,000.00 (being total loan repayment of N20,543,160,000.00 (US$104,280,000.00) plus exchange loss difference of N54,151,360,000.00 (US$274,880,000.00)”.

Similarly, the report also highlighted the failure of the

Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to provide underlying records covering the sum of N2,978,801,068.64 under the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) Operation Transaction Account.

IPPIS is under the purview of the Office of the AccountantGeneral.

According to the audit report, the bank statements, cash book, mandates and statement of affairs of IPPIS Operation Transaction Account in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), were not provided for audit, in spite of repeated demands, “except the last page of the bank statement showing the closing balance of N2,978,801,068.64 as at 31st December 2015”.

The report further pointed out that the inability of the accountant-general to produce these documents despite official requests vide the letters reference No OAuGF/TAD/VOL.1/166 dated August 16, 2016 and reference No OAuGF/TAD/ VOL.1/169 dated August 25, 2016, which had denied audit in forming an opinion about the true position of the operation of the account.

According to the report, there was also failure to deduct withholding tax of N378,879,674.99 from Webb Fontaine Ltd. “In the payment for Destination Inspection Services fees of N3,788,796,749.91, examination of the mandates for payments of service fees in respect of five companies on a sample basis revealed that four of the companies had withholding tax deducted at source before payments, with the exception of Webb Fountain Ltd. “The sum of N3,788,796,749.91 was paid to Webb Fountain Ltd vide mandate no. FD/ED/ LS/0177/11/6941/DF of 3rd March, 2015, without deduction

of withholding tax. This action led to the loss of tax revenue of N378,879,674.99 and possibly more from companies not covered by the sampled test,” the report added.

The report also observed that there was a non-provision of the federal government’s Signature Bonus Account.

It pointed out that the bank statements, cash book and mandates in respect of the FGN’s Signature Bonus Account for the year 2015 were not provided for audit.

Signature Bonus represents fees and charges collected by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) from companies that are prospecting for hydrocarbon resources in Nigeria before a final mining concession is granted to those companies that won the bid round.

The fund is for the development of the petroleum industry and the manpower (capacity building) and other requirements of the industry.

The main beneficiary of the signature bonus is the Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PTDF) and it is often used to fund the annual budget through transfers to the CFR. Similarly, the report stated that the examined records from the FAAC secretariat revealed that the total revenue inflows to the Federation Account from the various collecting agencies as per CBN component statements amounted to N6,001,031,479,562.62 for the year 2015.

It revealed that the analysis of the records revealed that from the total revenue of N2,442,895,781,050.53 payable to the Federation Account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the corporation deducted the sum of N865,448,552,694.78, representing the Joint Venture Cash Call (JVC) before paying

the resulting net figure of N1,577,447,228,355.75 to the Federation Account.

“The net figure of N582,932,3,582.84 was paid to the Federation Account from the total amount of N608,083,591,121.01 collected by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) after deducting N25,151,211,538.17 as excess proceeds on royalties.

“From the sum of N2,403,882,419,922.32 payable to the Federation Account by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, a sum of N26,150,008,184.05 being excess proceeds from PPT (Petroleum Profit Tax) was deducted to arrive at the net figure of N2,377,732,411,738.27 paid into the Federation Account.

“It should be noted that NNPC made deduction of the sum of N865,448,552,694.78 from the revenue collected contrary to the provisions of Section 162(1) of the 1999 Constitution which stipulates that ‘all revenue proceeds should be paid to the Federation Account’.”

The report added: “These had been a regular subject of the auditor -general’s previous years’ reports without any positive response, from NNPC management.”

IT therefore recommended that the management of NNPC should henceforth desist from further violation of Section 162 of the Constitution.

“In this regard, the management of NNPC is to ensure that all money accruing to Federation is promptly paid to the Federation Account without any deduction in line with above constitutional provision.

“The federal government should agree on a percentage to be given to NNPC as cost of collection as it is being done to NCS (7%) and FIRS (4% of non-oil revenue).

“The cost of collection and any other deductions being made

presently by NNPC should only be administered monthly

by FAAC as it is being done to other revenue collecting agencies,” the audit report recommended.

It also noted that an examination of the record of collections into the Non-Federation Account by Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) revealed a net difference of N28,139,988,122.85 between amount collected into Special Accounts by the NCS and amount stated in the trial balance.

“The implication is that the revenue record of the Accountant General has been understated by the above amount. In his response, the accountant-general maintained that the difference was as a result of the cut-off date between Nigeria Customs Service and CBN; that Revenue and Investment Department of OAGF relied on the balances from CBN’s bank statement.

“However, due to the fact that the difference is a reasonable amount, audit is constrained to report on it,” the report stated.

The accountant-general was equally required to give reasons for the non-collection of levies into the Police Reward Fund, 10% Cocoa Levy, Service Charge Pool Account, IMPL Committee on FGN Landed Property, Cheque Operational Account, Monetisation (Motor Vehicle) and Privatisation Proceeds Account.

On the federal government share of trust funds for the period between 2011 and 2015, the report noted that the inflows into the funds had recorded mixed fortunes, even as it questioned the non-investment of the amounts in Ecological, Stabilisation and Development of Natural Resources as required by law.

“It has been observed over the years that the amounts in the following funds i.e. Ecological, Stabilization and Development

of Natural Resources were never invested.

“Audit evidence showed that the funds always have favourable balances at the end of each year. It will be economically beneficial to invest the amounts in these funds and the interest accruing there from would reduce the level of domestic debts that had escalated to trillions of naira.

“In the same vein, if these funds were invested, the amounts of federal government bonds floated with the accrued charges and the effect on CRF balances would have also reduced; also, the interest accruing from investing the balances would result in more funds for the three tiers of governments,” the report observed.

It also alluded to the non-establishment of an agency to administer the Ecological Fund, saying the audit revealed that amounts totaling N596,137,481,709.94 were deducted from the Federation Account to the Ecological Fund between June 1999 and December 2015.

“Meanwhile, contrary to the provisions of Section 5(4) of Revenue Allocation Act which requires that an agency be established to manage the funds, no agency had been established.

“Currently, the National Committee on Ecological Problems (NCEP) is the body responsible for handling ecological problems in the country.

“This committee is located in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and its chairman is the honourable Minister of Environment, Housing & Urban Development.

“This observation has been a subject of the Auditor General’s report over the years without any positive response,” the audit report said.

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NEWSEXTRA

Senate C’ttee Vows to Continue Investigation into Alleged N30tn Revenue Scam Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The Chairman of the Senate Joint Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff and Marine Transport, Senator

Hope Uzodimma, has pledged the determination of the committee to continue its ongoing investigation into alleged N30tillion revenue scam in the import and export chain.

Olori Wuraola Confirms Split with Ooni Olori Wuraola, estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, has confirmed that her marriage to the monarch, Adeyeye Ogunwusi 11, has crashed.

The Olori has also reverted to her maiden name Zaynab Otiti Obanor.

She disclosed this via an official statement on her official Instagram page @hhzynab yesterday.

Her post partly read: “What I can confirm is that the Ooni and I are no more. I inhale love and exhale gratitude.

“No matter how much time you’ve invested, no matter the use of media to silence & manipulate, no matter the circumstance, slander, embarrassment, threats and lies:

Get out and seek immediate help!

“My journey continues as a humanitarian aiding women and victims of domestic violence and abuse with the United Nations.

The revelation has confirmed media reports in recent times that the Oni marriage’s to the Benin-born queen was having crisis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the Ooni got married to his ex-Edo bride at an elaborate society traditional marriage held in Benin, the Edo State capital on March 16, 2016.

Although the monarch was not physically present, he was represented by his father, Oluropo Ogunwusi.

According to a statement by the committee’s media consultant, Mr. Duro Meseko, Uzodimma said this after meeting with some of the invited companies in Abuja yesterday where he added that the interest of the Senate in the investigation was to assist the government to recover monies trapped in the import and export chain. ‘’There are allegations that the investigation is borne out of personal interest. ‘Once a Senate in a committee of the whole passes a resolution such as this, it cannot be termed as the decision of a single senator. You may not like my face as a person but it is important to look at the credibility of the work we are doing.” ‘’This is so that together we will succeed in making sure that the import export circle is sanitised, trade is facilitated and non-oil revenue is recovered and

strengthened. In that manner, government will not rely so much on oil, and with that, whether crude oil is sold or not,’’ Uzodimma said.

The senator further stated that while some detractors had alleged that the investigation was a sham, some of the indicted companies had started refunding money running into billions of naira to the federal government ‘’As a result of this investigation, the banks which are the authorised dealers in the export and import chain have been making effort to remit everything collected by them to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). We are doing this on a friendly note because we do not want to send a wrong signal to the market. Although more funds other than the N120 billion I announced some time ago have been recovered but because we do not want to send the wrong signal we are limited to speak

further on how much has been recovered so far. However, we will definitely come up with the figures recovered at the end of the investigation, ‘’ he said.

Uzodimma explained that the committee was saving the figures till the end of the investigation because some of the companies were quoted on the capital market and would not want to send panic to the market.

He also explained that the committee resorted to interfacing with individual companies rather than meeting with them in group, adding that the strategy had yielded positive result.

“The companies are now free to admit and some of them have promised to make payments.

Today alone, three companies came with receipts of payment. If we did not embark on this investigation, we would not make these recoveries.

Through this investigation we have helped the federal government to recover some money, and we are sure that government will recover more money because we have detailed information that will aid more recovery. The companies so far are no longer contesting most of the documents of infractions we confronted them with” Uzodimma disclosed.

The chairman called for the support relevant stakeholders including the media in the ongoing investigation.

He added that the country would not be able to make the necessary progress if Nigerians were not committed in ensurimg that national interest was continually protected.

Uzodimma said though Nigeria was populated enough to be known as the giant of Africa, there was a need for commensurate commitment by citizens.

Group to Military: Stop Monitoring Nigerians on Social Media Solomon Elusoji An advocacy group, the Partnership for Media and Democracy, has condemned the Nigerian military for its apparent monitoring of Nigerians on social media, calling on the federal government to restrain such activities.

Less than 48 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari hinted of social media animosity in his latest national broadcast, the Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche, had told Channels Television that the military was now monitoring the activities of Nigerians on social media for hate speeches and anti-government rhetoric.

The move became necessary in the light of “troubling activities and misinformation capable of jeopardizing the unity of the country,” Enenche said.

But PAMED, which comprises the International Press Centre (IPC), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), and the Institute for Media and Society (IMS), believes the action is “a violation of the rights of Nigerians

to freedom of expression and the privacy of their communications guaranteed by the constitution and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party,” and that it would lead to “abuse of power” by the military.

PAMED, in its statement released in Lagos yesterday and signed by the Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of MRA, Mr. Edetaen Ojo and Executive Director of IMS, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, also noted that the move would undermine “the right of the public to know about the activities of the government including the security agencies which in a democracy are subordinate to civil authorities” and lead to the “non-guarantee of the safety of media professionals, especially online journalists and those covering the activities of the military.”

The advocacy group called on the military authorities to immediately rescind its decision and dismantle any media centres it might have established for such anti-democratic purposes.

PSC Summons Senator Misau over Bribery Allegation The Police Service Commission (PSC) has invited Isah Misau, the Chairman Senate Committee on Navy, to appear before its special panel investigating allegations of special promotions in the Nigeria Police Force.

The senator is expected to appear before the panel on September 6.

The Nigeria Police Force on August 27 declared Misau a deserter and accused him of carrying a forged retirement letter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also recalled that Misau had, in series of interviews with journalists, accused the Inspector General of Police of taking bribe to post police officers as well as diverting money paid by private

companies for police duties.

The Head, Press and Public Relations of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, announced in a statement yesterday in Abuja, that the invitation letter was signed by the Chairman of the Special Panel, Justice O. Adekeye (rtd).

He said that the immediate issue for investigation was the genuineness or otherwise of the two letters of retirement supposed to have emanated from the commission.

He said that the commission received correspondence from the Nigeria Police Force Special Investigation Panel (SIP) on August 24 relating to Misau’s retirement from the Nigeria Police Force.

HERE’S OUR REPORT

R-L: Head, Public Affairs, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB); Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Akin Olateru; and Director of Engineering, Mr. Mohammed Wali, at a press briefing on the release of aircraft serious incident and accident report at Air Safety House, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos ....yesterday . Kolawole Alli

AIB Calls on FG to Review Quality of Aviation Fuel Sold in Nigeria Chinedu Eze The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) yesterday called on the federal government to re-examine the quality of aviation fuel sold in Nigeria, saying low quality fuel might have been responsible for one of the accidents investigated by the bureau.

This call was made by the Commissioner of AIB, Akin Olateru, when he released the report of two accidents which took place in the country.

At a press conference held at the Bureau’s headquarters in Lagos, Olateru said the fuel samples carried out by the Bureau showed its low standard quality, disclosing that the bureau received different results when it carried out tests of the same fuel when conveyed into the airport and when it was to be fed in the aircraft.

The AIB Commissioner disclosed this while presenting the crash of the helicopter with registration number, 5N-POL, which was operated by the Nigerian Police

Force and was registered under the private category with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

AIB also advised that NCAA and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) should launch an independent inquiry into aviation fuel quality in Nigeria because “the resulting report should focus on the vulnerability and risk of each step in the distribution process.

This should yield firmer regulatory oversight mechanism that ensures international quality of aviation fuels used in Nigeria.

In the bureau’s release of the accident reports, Olateru said the two reports released involved a Nigerian Police Force Bell Helicopter, a trainer Tambico aircraft belonging to Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and a ground collision incident two Air Peace aircraft.

AIB said the Police Bell 427 Helicopter crashed at Kabong, Jos South Local Government in March 14, 2012, killing a deputy inspector general of police, John Haruna.

The NCAT Tampico TB9 aircraft

occurred on October 6, 2008 and the ground collision of two Air Peace Boeing 737-500 and Boeing 737- 300 aircraft occurred at the domestic terminal of the Lagos Airport. Olateru said the medical certificate of the pilot that operated the police helicopter had expired at the time of the accident, even as the simulation recurrency of the same pilot had also expired at the time of the accident.

Olateru said the final accident report revealed that the co-pilot of the Police Bell helicopter was not type rated on the aircraft type (Bell 427).

He said the engineer that released the aircraft prior to the flight had no type rating and training on the aircraft type.

On the NCAT Tambico aircraft, the AIB said the student crashed the aircraft because of inability to maintain directional control after touchdown.

“The resulting report should focus on the vulnerability and risk of each step in the distribution process. This should yield firmer

regulatory oversight mechanism that ensures international quality of aviation fuels used in Nigeria,” he said.

The AIB however urged the Nigeria Police to provide proper funding, conducive working environment, develop and implement a robust training programme for its technical and operational personnel.

Such arrangement, the AIB said, would ensure adequate supervision and approved equipment to enhance safety, urging that NCAA should ensure that the police air wing complied with approved maintenance requirements.

On the NCAT Tambico aircraft crash, the AIB urged the college to ensure that flying instructors checking on students on solo flight must at all times be at the control tower to monitor the progress of the flight.

“NCAT should procure equipment and train relevant personnel to conduct toxicological examination in its aero medical facility,” AIB said.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Ibadan Family Heads Go to Court, Ask Ajimobi to Reverse Self on Chiefs’ Promotions Govt says Ladoja’s crown intact Ademola Babalola in Ibadan Over 300 Mogajis (family heads) in Ibadan land have headed to court, asking the governor to either reverse the promotion of the Baales (village heads) to their new status of kings or await the court’s verdict which will bring the government’s reform on Olubadan chieftaincy system into disrepute.

One of the spokesmen of the group, Chief Wale Oladoja, a family head of the Akinsola from Labiran compound in Ibadan yesterday evening confirmed a statement earlier endorsed by him and another Mogaji from Adanla compound, Chief Abdul Jelili Karimu to THISDAY. He said 315 of them held meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, in solidarity with the monarch’s opposition to Oyo State Government’s elevation of high chiefs and Baales.

Oladoja who was a former

Director, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, said the forum of Mogajis are solidly behind the Olubadan and would seek redress in the court, just as he wondered how Baales, who, by Ibadan customs and tradition, were under them in hierarchy, could be promoted as kings at their (Mogajis) expense.

In their statement jointly endorsed by him and Karimu, the Ibadan family heads (Mogaji) said the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) which on Tuesday claimed that 90 per cent of Ibadan indigenes back Governor Ajimobi’s chieftaincy review has no capacity to do so, as the CCII is just an umbrella organisation of socio-cultural clubs and societies where people drink beer and take pepper soup.

They wondered how, when and where the CCII leadership conducted its survey before arriving at such a ridiculous figure of 90 per cent, when town hall meetings were not

conducted.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government yesterday said the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has not rejected the obaship title it conferred on him on Friday August 25, 2017.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, an architect, disclosed this during an inter-ministerial press briefing held at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

According to Kolade, who addressed journalists with his counterpart from the Ministry of Information, Mr. Toye Arulogun, Ladoja said he was not available to receive the crown and the beaded-crown has been kept for him till whenever he would be available.

Ladoja had in a statement

issued by his media aide, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo, on Tuesday said he would not accept the crown because he would not be a king without domain, alleging further that the recent review of Olubadan chieftaincy was particularly targeted at him.

But Kolade said each of the 11 members of the Olubadanin-Council, including Ladoja presides over the traditional councils in each of the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland, adding that the installation of 21 kings in Ibadan on August 27 would not increase the expenditure of government because each member of the Olubadan-in-Council would continue to draw their salaries from the local government each of them presides over as they have been doing when they were ‘High Chiefs’ His words: “Honestly, I wonder where anybody saw that the Osi Olubadan has said

he has rejected the crown. I have not seen him rejecting the crown.

To us in the ministry, there is not a single letter with us in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, where the current Osi Olubadan has written to say he has rejected the crown.

“He has only said that he was not available. We are still expecting and waiting for his availability to pick up his crown.

Whenever he’s available, he will pick up his crown.”

Kolade also dismissed the speculations that the review of 1957 Olubadan of Ibadanland Chieftaincy Declaration by the government has placed the Baales (village heads) above the Mogajis (family head) “So, Mogajis still remain the Mogajis. They still remain the heads of their families in the city.

They still retain and perform all their rites. But all the Baales that have become obas don’t have

mogajis in the city. If anyone is in doubt, the person shojkd show me the mogaji that covers Ijaiye or the mogaji that covers Awotan and so on. Once you are entitled to Mogaji in the city, you don’t need to wear crown in the village.”

The Commissioner for Information, Toye Arulogun, in his comment said the Governor Ajimobi-led administration in the state did wide consultation before the review and the reform, adding that “the consultation even predates the current Olubadan. The issue of review and reform predate the current Olubadan of Ibadan.

It started with members of Olubadan-in-Council then, like Chief Omowale Kuye, the late Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, who raised some of these issues because of the low level of respect and dignity accorded to the ‘High Chiefs’, especially when they go to public functions.

Four Soldiers Feared Dead After Attack by N’Delta Militants JTF: No deaths recorded, all missing soldiers back alive Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa There was confusion yesterday in Yenagoa Bayelsa State, over conflicting reports of the death of some military men attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF) fighting militancy in the Niger Delta.

It was gathered that some gunmen suspected to be militants ambushed and killed the four soldiers and a civilian along the waterways of Letugbene, Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

But the JTF spokesman in the region, Maj. Ibrahim Abdullahi, told THISDAY on Thursday that the special security outfit had not lost any man.

He admitted that there was actually an incident in the creeks, but said all the soldiers who had earlier been missing had all returned and joined their colleagues in their regular units.

“They have all returned.

They were thought to be missing before, but they have been found alive and have since rejoined their fellow soldiers in the places they were deployed. So, I can tell you that no soldier died.”

“If the soldiers weren’t alive there is no way I will tell you that they have rejoined their colleagues,” Abdullahi said But sources said the team of soldiers were returning from Letugbene community when they were waylaid by armed youths who reportedly overpowered the soldiers, seized their arms and moved them to a location in the creeks.

The hoodlums were said to have, after probing the

soldiers for information on their operations, shot them dead, while one of the civilians, a boat driver was said to have escaped initially.

However, even the only survivor of the attack who reportedly jumped into the water, was later shot by the gunmen, according to a source.

Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Central Zone, Mr. Tare Porri, who confirmed that the incident indeed happened, condemned the killing of the soldiers describing it as bizarre and unprovoked.

Porri said they were killed in cold blood, adding that his zonal leadership would meet on Thursday (today) to discuss the issue and other problems affecting the zone.

But he expressed worry that the incident had already led to the deployment of soldiers to begin a military operation in Letugbene and Ebelabiri to fish out the alleged perpetrators.

“Two days ago, four military officers were killed in cold blood alongside other civilians. Military officers went to Letugbene community and on their way back, some persons accosted them and killed all of them.

“Only one of them escaped.

Military, yesterday morning retaliated, invaded the communities and burnt down houses. The operations are still ongoing and it is spreading to other communities like Ebelabiri”, Porri said.

A police source who did not want his name in print, said he was aware that some soldiers were killed in the attack, but added that the civilian attached to the soldiers escaped.

LAUNCH OF BEEC

L-R: Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Bernhard Schlagheck; and Minister of State in the ministry, Suleiman Zarma Hassan, at the launch of the National Building Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC) in Abuja ...Tuesday

APC Upholds Banire’s 10-year Suspension The Ward C chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State has upheld the decision of its Disciplinary Committee recommending the suspension of the embattled National Legal Adviser of the party, Dr. Muiz Banire, for a period of 10 years for engaging in various acts of anti-party activities.

The chapter had set up the committee chaired by Bolaji Abass to investigate the allegations contained in a petition written against Banire by two members of the party in the area, Olukayode Tunde Tolu and Ayodeji Adebayo.

Other members of the committee included Laide Badru (Secretary), Wunmi Bewaji (General Counsel) and Mrs Muinat Mustapha, while the sitting of the committee was held on August 14, 2017 at Bishop Aggey Memorial School, Ilasamaja, with Banire

shunning invitation to defend the allegations against him.

According to the petition, the petitioners (Olukayode and Adebayo) alleged that aside the fact that Banire had been continuously absented from ward meetings for more than two years contrary to Article 9 (2) (iii) of the party’s constitution, he has also been engaging in unrestrained media campaigns against the party, its organs, leaders and functionaries, a development deliberately calculated to embarrass the party and bring it into disrepute contrary to Article 9 (2) (I) of the constitution.

The petition read: “That the member (Banire) has openly been encouraging and inciting court actions against the party, its organs and functionaries when internal dispute resolution mechanisms have not been explored or exhausted contrary to Article 21 (A) (ii) of the constitution.

“The member (Banire) has been

conducting himself in such a way and manner as to constitute a distraction to the good policies and programmes of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari contrary to Article 21 (A) (ii) of the constitution.

“That the member (Banire) collected campaign “materials and logistics” – for the 2015 general election and the recent local government elections without deploying, disbursing or applying same for the benefit of the party.

He has failed to pay, as at when due or howsoever, party dues and levies.

“That the member (Banire) has been conducting himself and continues to conduct himself in such a way and manner as could jeopardise, endanger or damage the electoral fortunes of the party and the party brand contrary to Article 21 (A) (ii) of the constitution.”

After reviewing the allegations against Banire, the committee, in its decision, held that the

embattled Legal Adviser be suspended from party activities as well as debarred from holding any party office or contesting public office on the platform of the party for a period of 10 years.

“In view of the gravity of the complaints as alleged and proved, and to serve as deterrence to others of his (Banire’s) ilk or similar proclivity, the aforementioned punishments shall run consecutively with effect from Monday, 21 August, 2017,” the committee held.

However, Banire has described those who claimed to be members of the party and purportedly announced his suspension as an impostors.

He said they are fake and not known to the party in Mushin Local Government Area.

Banire in a statement said he would not shy away from ensuring the party follows due process in its conduct at all times.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

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˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

2017 RANKING OF NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES BASED ON APPLICATIONS

FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES Using JAMB's data, applicants for admission into Nigerian universities consider academic stability, popularity, affordability, available facilities and quality of the teaching faculty in determining their choice of preferred universities. This ranking shows JAMB's 2017 UTME application data below: INSTITUTION 01 University Of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State

TOTAL 104,038

INSTITUTION

TOTAL

16 University Of Abuja, Abuja, FCT

27,250

02 Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State

89,688

17 Federal University Of Technology, Akure, Ondo State

23,515

03 University Of Benin, Benin City, Edo State

85,486

18 Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Kaduna State

22,218

04 University Of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State 05 University Of Lagos, Lagos State 06 Bayero University, Kano, Kano State

79,073 78,899 68,241

19 Federal University Of Technology, Owerri, Imo State

21,373

20 Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State

19,357

07 University Of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State

62,295

18,794

08 Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State

60,875

09 Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State

51,556

10 University Of Jos, Jos, Plateau State

49,505

11 University Of Maiduguri, Borno State

42,370

12 University Of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

41,230

21 Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Niger State Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, 22 Umudike, Abia State Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, 23 Bauchi State Federal University Of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun 24 State 25 Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State

13 University Of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State

41,025

10,588

14 University Of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State

38,036

15 Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Sokoto State

30,673

26 Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State Federal University Of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue 27 State 28 Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State

INSTITUTION Modibo Adama University Of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State 30 Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State 29

TOTAL 9,754 9,390

31 Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State

8,828

32 Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State

7,489

33 Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State

6,933

34 Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State

6,887

15,420

35 Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State

6,855

13,297

36 Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State Federal University Of Petroleum Resources, 37 Effurun, Delta State 38 Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State 39 Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State 40 National Open University Of Nigeria, Lagos, Lagos State

6,221

13,173 11,591

10,340

TOTAL

10,201

4,540 3,807 1,897 110 1,212,818

Compiled by Economic Confidential

STATE UNIVERSITIES INSTITUTION

TOTAL

INSTITUTION

TOTAL

INSTITUTION

TOTAL

01 Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State

36,119

16 Northwest University, Kano, Kano State

10,932

30 Anambra State University, Uli, Anambra State

4,643

02 Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Kaduna State

28,914

17 Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State

10,787

31 Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin, Kwara State

3,385

03 Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State

28,672

18 Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State

9,419

3,352

04 Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State

28,236

19 Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State

7,987

05 Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State

27,611

20 Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

7,856

32 Sokoto State University, Sokoto, Sokoto State Rivers University Of Technology, Calabar, 33 Cross Cross Rivers State 34 Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State

06 Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State

27,579

6,826

23,748 20,897

5,746

18,943

24 Plateau State University, Bokkos, Plateau State

5,729

10 Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, Katsina State 11 Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State 12 Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State

15,601 15,597 13,471

5,252

13 Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

12,807

14 Gombe State University, Tudun Wada, Gombe, Gombe State

11,255

25 Tai Solarin University Of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology, 26 Ogbomoso, Oyo State 27 Kano University Of Science And Technology, Wudil, Kano State 28 Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State

35 Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State Kebbi State University Of Science And Technology, 36 Aliro, Kebbi State Ignatius Ajuru University Of Education, Port 37 Harcourt, Rivers State Ondo State University Of Medical Sciences, Laje 38 Road, Ondo, Ondo State Ondo State University Of Science And Technology, 39 Okitipupa, Ondo State

2,553

07 Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State Rivers State University Of Science And 08 Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State 09 Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State

21 Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State Enugu State University Of Science And 22 Technology, Enugu, Enugu State 23 Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot-Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State

15 Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State

11,098

29 Bauchi State University, Gadau, Bauchi State

4,815

5,804

5,230 5,002 4,910

40 Edo University, Iyamho, Edo State 41 Eastern Palm University, Ogboko, Imo State TOTAL

2,906 2,694 2,427 1,971 1,111 399 165 12 442,461

Compiled by Economic Confidential

PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES INSTITUTION

TOTAL

INSTITUTION

TOTAL

INSTITUTION

TOTAL

01 Covenant University, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State

2,438

23 Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State

91

46 Crown Hill University, Eiyenkorin, Kwara State.

20

02 Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State

1,599

24 Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State

83

47 Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State

19

03 Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

1,455

25 Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Ekiti State

81

48 Kings University, Ode-Omu, Osun State

18

04 Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State

485

26 Caritas University, Amorji-Nike, Enugu, Enugu State

80

49 Obong University, Obong, Ntak, Akwa Ibom

18

05 Nigeria Turkish Nile University, Abuja, FCT

478

27 Novena University, Ogume, Delta State

76

50 Summit University, Offa, Kwara State

18

06 Baze University, Abuja, FCT

476

28 Mountain Top University, Makogi-Oba, Ogun State

73

51 Coal City University, Enugu, Enugu State.

17

07 Al-Qalam University, Katsina, Katsina State

427

29 Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State

69

52 Augustine University, Ilara, Lagos, Lagos State

15

08 Madonna University, Okija, Imo State

359

30 Achievers University Owo, Ondo State

68

53 Michael And Cecilia Ibru University, Owhrode, Delta State

12

09 American University Of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa State

325

31 Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos State

55

54 Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State.

12

10 Veritas University, Abuja, Fct

288

32 Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State

55

55 Paul University, Awka, Anambra State

12

11 Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State

256

33 Tansian University, Oba, Anambra State

52

56 Rhema University, Obeama, Rivers State

12

12 Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State

247

34 Godfrey Okoye University, Urgwuomu- Nike, Enugu State

51

57 Southwestern University, Okun-Owa, Ogun State

11

13 Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State

214

35 Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State Crawford University Of Apostolic Faith Mission 36 Faith City, Igbesa, Ogun State 37 Clifford University, Owerrintta, Abia State

45

58 Renaissance University, Ojiagu-Agbani, Enugu, Enugu State

11

59 Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State

10

60 Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State

8

42

61 Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State

8

40 35 29

62 Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State

6

63 Wellspring University, Irhihi-Ogbaneki, Benin City, Edo State

6

64 Chrisland University, Owode, Ogun State

5

65 Koladaisi University, Ibadan, Oyo State.

5

66 Legacy University, Okija, Anambra State.

5

14 Al- Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State

205

45

15 Igbinedion University, Okada, Benin City, Edo State Pan-Atlantic University, Ahmed Onibudo Street, 16 Victoria Island, Lagos State 17 Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State

204

173

38 Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State 39 Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State 40 Dominican University, Ibadan, Oyo State.

18 University Of Mkar, Gboko, Benue State

168

41 Mcpherson UNIVERSITY, SERIKI SOTAYO, OGUN STATE

27

19 Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State

141

42 Ritman University,Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa-Ibom State

26

20 Bells University Of Technology, Ota, Ogun State

123

43 Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State

25

21 Redeemers University, Ogun State

122

44 Wesley University, Ondo, Ondo State

24

45 Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State

23

22 Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State

195

99

67 Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State TOTAL

4 11,924

Compiled by Economic Confidential

53

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

Injury Knocks out Akpeyi for Ezenwa Okon Bassey in Uyo Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has confirmed that FC IfeanyiUbah goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, will start tomorrow’s World Cup 2018 qualifier against Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

South Africa-based goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, has been deputising for Carl Ikeme who has been down with leukemia. The Chippa United goalkeeper was in goal last November when Nigeria defeated Algeria 3-1 to consolidate on the first win in Ndola Zambia.

However, Akpeyi, fluffed the chance to keep the number one keepers’ gloves when he conceded two cheap goals in South Africa’s defeat of Eagles in an AFCON 2019 qualifier at the same Nest of Champions ground in Uyo. Speaking yesterday at the last media parley before the first of the Russia 2018 doubleheader clash with Cameroon, Rohr announced that injury has forced Akpeyi to the sideline to thrust Ezenwa to the front burner.

“This boy (Ezenwa) who plays in Nigeria will now start the game,” Rohr began.” He did well with the home-based national team (against Benin

Republic) and he will do well (against Cameroon). We will protect him and give him confidence. The home fans will also give him confidence,” the Franco-German Eagles supremo stressed with confidence at the media briefing which held at the team’s Ibom Meridien Resort in the Akwa Ibom capital.

Ezenwa captained Nigeria’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) squad that eliminated Benin Republic penultimate weekend in Kano to qualify for next year’s continental finals in Kenya.

Former junior international Dele Ajiboye, who is number one goal-tender for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table-toppers Plateau United was called in to replace Akpeyi.

Rohr reassured Nigerians that he has no fear in the composition of the team to confront Cameroon.

“The list of players makes the difference, not so young, more of experienced players.

We already have six points; all players are in high spirit.

“We know that we have a good team, we are ready to make the difference, we have all confidence to beat the Indomitable Lions here in Uyo,” he emphasised.

NFF, Zenith Plan Big for Future Eagles Tourney The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and financial giants, Zenith International Bank PLC, have expressed confidence that more future stars will emerge as the second edition of NFF/ Zenith Bank U-13/U-15 Future Eagles Stars Championship takes centre stage.

At a press conference held in Lagos yesterday to herald the competition, Zenith Bank’s Head of Digital Marketing, Mr. Pascal Or, who represented the Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Peter Amangbo, said the institution was delighted to be part of the initiative to empower the youths of the country and was confident future Super Eagles players would emerge through the competition.

He said: “When a good idea is thoroughly packaged, you know from the onset that it will be successful. The NFF has done brilliantly well with the way they handled the first edition and the plans they have unveiled for the second championship.

“My challenge goes to other organisations to get involved in forms of youth development.

The youth is the heart and soul of every nation and they should be happy.

“Zenith Bank is keen to continue to support and be identified with this programme especially because sports development is a key area in our social responsibility role in the country.”

NFF’s 1st Vice President/ Chairman of Youth Football

Committee, Seyi Akinwunmi, said that calls had gone out for entries from the states for the second edition, with September 10 set as deadline for entries, and the zonal finals will take place between September 13 and 16.

“The group stage matches/ final of U-13/semi finals of U-15 will come up in Kano 20th -23rd September, while the final of the U-15 will come up on a date to be agreed with the sponsors, and will also have the Future Eagles play against a top academy as curtain raiser,” he said.

He said that the NFF remains very grateful to Zenith bank for the sponsorship.

“The NFF as an institution remains very grateful to Zenith Bank for this partnership, which has enabled us to give fillip to our vision of youth football development. The first edition produced players who formed our U-15 National Team (Future Eagles) that recently impressed in a two –match tour of Morocco against the Morocco U-15 squad.

“For this second edition, we have planned for it to be much bigger, and we have the support of Zenith Bank. We are committed to sustaining the credibility and integrity of the championship through thorough screening that will take several stages and dimensions, and we also want to breed the next generation of Nigerian referees by using very young referees,” he noted.

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) receiving the 2017 FIBA Women AfroBasket Tournament trophy won by D’Tigress in Mali last Sunday from the Minister of Sports and Youth Development , Mr. Solomon Dalung, during the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja... yesterday godwin omoigui

Buhari Receives D’Tigress, Announces Cash Rewards for Players, Officials Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday received the victorious female Nigerian basketball national team, D’Tigress, who won the 2017 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Tournament in Mali and qualified for the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Spain.

While thanking the D’Tigress for doing Nigeria proud, Buhari announced a cash award of N1 million to each of the players and N500,000 to each coach.

The President made the announcement while

hosting the victorious players and officials before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari directed the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, to ensure the money is released to the players and the officials promptly.

He assured the team of Federal Government’s support to ensure that they excel in Spain.

Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, attributed the team’s victory to the new leadership in the federation who are determined to bring success

to the game in the country.

D’Tigress Captain, Aisha Mohammed, expressed her excitement over the reward to the players and officials, stressing that it would spur them to go for gold in Spain next year.

“We feel overjoyed that the President invited us to come here to the Presidential Villa.

We are excited. We promise to give Nigeria more victories and by the grace of God we will go to Spain and win.

The President of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Ahmadu Kida, attributed the success of the team to the democratic

process that has returned to the federation.

He added that if the team could achieve such result in three weeks of the new executive, more of such were in the offing.

Kida who is the deputy managing director of Total Nigeria Plc said that the magic in the team’s victory “is that this time there was an election that was very democratic and we are actually the result of democracy in sports where the true stakeholders who have the passion for the game are the people administering the game.”

D’Tigress Celebrate Senegal Broken Jinx Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja D’Tigress of Nigeria have continued to bask in the euphoria of their 2017 Women Afrobasket victory with a solemn declaration that their triumph has finally ended the domination of Senegal over them as the standard benchmark of basketball for women in Africa.

The Nigerian ladies remarkably won all eight matches at the campaign in Bamako, Mali and capped it all with a double over continental powerhouse, Senegal.

They defeated the Lionesses 48-44 in Group B match and capped it with another win in the final to secure their third continental title since 2003 and 2005.

Nkechi Akashili and Sarah Ogoke summed up the upbeat mood when the team was hosted in Abuja upon arrival from Mali.

“For sure, we have ended Senegal domination over us in continental basketball. They have dominated us for ages and after we surged past Mali in the semi-final, we resolved to beat Senegal to prove a point, and we did that we actualized in the final. The way forward is for the board to put in camp in time for the World Championship in Spain. We need to train more together so that we can forge a better understand of ourselves. The better when we stay together,” said Akashili of First Bank basketball team Her position was echoed by team mate, Ogoke, who plays for Real Club, Celta Vigo of Spain.

The US-born guard, described the Afrobasket win as a new dawn for female basketball in Nigeria, stressing that they now want to rule the continent for many years to come.

“What I believe is that when your preparation is good, success will follow. it was not easy but we were able to accomplish it. Senegal used to be our bogey team, our biggest rival. But we have broken their jinx. It is the new era for Nigeria. We had a lot of new players and better players with experience.

It’s just the beginning for us,” Ogoke said.

She attributed their impressive outing to the superb coaching and tactics of the coaches led by Sam Vincent, in addition to a crop of players that refused to lose.

“The next target is the World Championship. But we just have to put our house in order and improve this team and achieve our goal of a top four finish in Spain. We have to work towards that,’’ she said.

Ogoke... thrilled by AfroBasket victory in Mali

THURS ˜ ͱͯ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵ ˾ T H I S D AY

54

THURSDAYSPORTS S U M M E R T R A N S F E R F I N A L D AY

Liverpool Agrees £40m Oxlade-Chamberlain Deal Liverpool has agreed a £40m deal to sign Arsenal and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The 24-year-old rejected a move to Chelsea on Tuesday after a fee had been agreed.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has started each of Arsenal’s four games so far this season despite telling manager Arsene Wenger he would not sign a new contract.

He has made 198 appearances for Arsenal since joining them from Southampton in August 2011.

The fee would have been Liverpool’s club record deal, but the Reds have agreed to sign RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita next summer for £48m.

So far this summer, Liverpool has signed winger Mohamed Salah from Roma for £34m, full-back Andrew Robertson from Hull for £8m and striker Dominic Solanke after his contract at Chelsea expired.

Liverpool has also been pursuing Monaco’s £75m-rated winger Thomas Lemar and Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, while the Reds’ Brazil forward Philippe Coutinho remains Barcelona’s number one transfer target.

Belgium striker Divock Origi could leave Anfield and join Bundesliga side Wolfsburg on loan before the transfer window closes today, BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty observed yesterday.

The 22-year-old is highly rated by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp but the imminent arrival of OxladeChamberlain from Arsenal means his chances in attack are likely to be restricted this season.

Origi wants regular football throughout Belgium’s build-up to next summer’s World Cup and Liverpool will also be eager to see the talented young forward continue his progress, so it is expected he will leave Anfield before the deadline.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is Liverpool bound

Golf: 3e Actuaries Unveils US OPEN: Dimitrov, Thiem Advance to Second Round Ibadan Mesiogo Open Grigor Dimitrov made an assured start to his US Open with a 6-1 6-4 6-2 win over Czech qualifier Vaclav Safranek yesterday.

The 26-year-old seventh seed, who won the Cincinnati title earlier this month without dropping a set, advanced in an hour and 48 minutes.

Austria’s Dominic Thiem made short work of Alex de Minaur in their rain-delayed match, securing a 6-4 6-1

6-1 victory.

The sixth seed resumed 1-0 up in the third set on Wednesday and took less than half an hour to complete his win.

Thiem will play either Cypriot veteran Marcos Baghdatis or American 20-year-old Taylor Fritz in the second round.

Elsewhere, French 26th seed Richard Gasquet, who reached the semi-finals at the US Open in 2013, lost

3-6 6-2 6-4 6-2 to world number 59 Leonardo Mayer.

Tomas Berdych ensured there would be no repeat of home-crowd favourite Ryan Harrison’s 2016 heroics.

American Harrison beat sixth seed Milos Raonic on his way to the third round at Flushing Meadows last year, but was swept aside 6-4 6-2 7-6 (7-4) by the Czech 15th seed.

Gael Monfils won the all-French contest on Court

17, seeing off compatriot Jeremy Chardy 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 6-4 to set up a secondround meeting with Donald Young.

Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov, whose defeat by world number 114 Thiago Monteiro earlier this month is being investigated by the sport’s integrity unit, beat Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff after retirements in the first round in 2015 and 2016 at the US Open.

Organisers of the IMEGA Open briefing the press... recently

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Financial engineering and legal advisory company, 3e Actuaries has unfolded plans for the inaugural edition of Ibadan Mesiogo Golf Championships.

The professional tournament, themed ‘Beyond Golf in Ibadan’, is scheduled to hold between October 4 and 8 at the Ibadan Golf Club.

It has a prize tag of N10 million and will parade top professional golfers from Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world.

The top ranked golfers from the event will qualify for the 5th edition of the coveted 3e Actuaries Equatorial Guinea Open in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea between December 13 and 16.

The Ibadan Mesiogo Open is one of the international qualifying tournaments billed for Sao Paulo, Dubai, Harare, Cape Town and Los Angeles, leading to Mongomo with a crop of 50 professional golfers, drawn from over 30 nations, including Nigeria, battling for $250,000.

The CEO of 3e Actuaries, Olawale Opayinka, said the event was conceived to use golf to celebrate Ibadan and restore the historic city as an economic hub.

“Golf attracts decision makers, chief executives of multinationals, high net

worth individuals and local and international investors.

Staging the Mesiogo Open and IMEGA (Ibadan Mega Awards) week will help to put the city in world-view and bring these people to witness the progress that we have made and our readiness to be an economic hub again.

Ultimately, Ibadan and by default the whole of Nigeria will benefit,” Opayinka said.

Amateur players will also be drawn to the tournament on October 8. All amateur golfers in Nigeria that wish to participate are eligible.

The maximum handicap for participants is 20 for Men and 28 for ladies.

The IMEGA Awards will honour eminent Nigerians and those who have contributed to the development of the game of Golf. The awards will include IMEGA Lifetime Achievement Award, Ibadan Mesiogo Heritage Award, Legacy Award for sports, Best Golf course in Nigeria, Best Nigerian under 18 Young Golfer (male and female) among others.

The IMEGA Awards 2017 will also give awards to leading sportsmen across about 30 sports under the administration of the Oyo State Sports Council. The awards hold the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre on October 7 with a gala night.

NPFL: Rivers Utd Sustains Unbeaten Pledge with Eunisell Rivers United made a bold statement in the month of August as the team kept a promise with front-of-shirt sponsor, Eunisell, to become the only unbeaten team in the Nigeria Professional Football League, in August.

The month of August was completed in style on Sunday when Rivers delayed Plateau United’s victory party as their hosts came from behind to share points on match day.

Emeka Ogbugh’s first half goal shocked the football community, but Plateau United fought back with an equaliser from Peter Eneji.

Interestingly, Eunisell Group Managing Director, Chika Ikenga, watched the team for the first time earlier this month and charged the players in the dressing room before their 3-1 road trip victory at Remo Stars.

Ikenga returned after the victory to boost their spirit with more messages for matches ahead.

Remarkably, Ikenga’s motivational talk was enough to sustain the team as they maintained their groove in August.

“Mr. Ikenga’s motivational message served as our watchword,” said club Captain and goalkeeper, Rotimi Sunday.

On Match day 33, Rivers shared points with Katsina United before the match day 34 victory at Remo Stars.

A home win over Enyimba was next on Match day 35 and the month of August was concluded with the impressive draw at log leaders, Plateau United.

Rivers United’s Technical Manager, Stanley Eguma is happy with the trend in August, particularly the draw with Plateau in Jos. He also was quick to heap praises on

the players and said Plateau United should be happy for the draw they pulled.

“I am happy we got this point, we would have won if not the penalty kick but the most important thing is that this is a big boost for us to give our best to remain in the top league.

“It was a very good game and I must commend the team because they made me a happy man, it is draw but to me represents a big win,” Eguma said.

Rivers United returns to Port Harcourt this Sunday to host already relegated Gombe United in a fixture most believe should count the full three points to stow them further away from the drop zone they had languished around for most of the campaign.

They go into Sunday’s game on 13th place with 49 points and will make the short drive to Umuahia on the last day against Abia Warriors.

Celebration time for Rivers United’s duo of Ifeanyi Nweke (left) and Bolaji Sarkin. The Eunisell sponsored team was unbeaten in August

T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

55

TR

Thursday, August 31, 2017

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Price: N250

MISSILE Commonwealth Doctors to Buhari “The country needs to think of how to reverse this unfortunate trend. Nigeria is in a recession and this is not the time for us to drain our economy by political oďŹƒce holders, whose expenses are borne by the state. I hope and pray that we will have the right leadership that will act by example to sort this out because that is the ďŹ rst stepâ€? – Vice-Chairman, Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, criticising President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to develop the nation’s health sector while spending huge sums of Nigeria’s money for treatment abroad.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Hate in the Age of Charlatans T

hat most Nigerians are ever so judgmental when it comes to discussing the ‘other’ person is reflected in the fact that there is hardly any compassion or restraint in the interventions they provide, particularly in the public space. You need only to see the way Nigerians tear one another to shreds on the internet to understand the level of intolerance in the country though it may be necessary to rehash the creative threads in an imaginary Facebook conversation between an American and a Nigerian I once used on this page to drive home my point: The American: Hello, my name is Sandra Stone, I am from Florida, I love my husband so much and I can do anything to please him.

But I have recently been falling in love with his cousin, what should I do?

COMMENTS THREAD: t +BNFT 'PPE "MBCBNB I think you need to talk to your husband because marriage is all about communication. I am sure the two of you will find what the problem really is after which you can then deal with it together. t 4BSBI .PVOUBJO #PTUPO Oh my dear, sorry about that. I have been in your shoes before. I had to wake up to the reality that I am married. t .JDIBFM 1BQFS /FX :PSL Well, just remove your mind from the guy, ensure you don’t get too close to him and make your husband do the things you like in his cousin.

The Nigerian: My name is Mulika, I stay in Abuja and am married with a kid. I have a good husband but I think I am gradually falling in love with his cousin. I am confused‌ COMMENTS THREAD: t &NNBOVFM 0OBPEPXBO 4BQFMF This Waka Waka woman don kolo big time! Just confess that you need deliverance and I will take you to my Pastor who will cast out the demon from you. Meanwhile, my number is 020999999 just in case you get tired of your husband’s cousin too. Yeye woman! t .BZPXB *CJLVOMF "LVSF Oloriburuku, omo alashewo‌ I pity the man who is keeping a public dog like you as wife. O ma she o! t *ESJT "VEV ,BOP Allah ya tsine miki anya ke musilma che kuwa? Stupid idiot!! t "NBLB "DIPMPOV &OVHV Tufia kwa!

You are a big disgrace to womanhood!

The foregoing is funny and we may laugh over it, especially since the imaginary comments fall within the context of free speech. But that is actually the ‘introductory chapter’ because what usually follows such conversations in our climes is ethnic profiling.

For instance, rather than deal with the woman as an individual, many would rather look at the ethnic group to which she belongs and make a slanderous comment about the character of such people. That will also necessitate a push-back from those who share

Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami the same ethnic identity. And with that, all manner of invectives would be exchanged by people who had never met before and may never meet.

Yet, in a plural society such as ours, hate speech not only creates and perpetuates a poisonous social environment; it also makes peaceful co-existent very difficult.

That perhaps explains why, at a recent retreat on national security, which had in attendance state governors, ministers and other stakeholders, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said proponents of hate speech in the country would henceforth be treated as terrorists.

It is easy to understand why Osinbajo would take such a hard-line position on hate speech. In an age when people are easily susceptible to all manner of propaganda, instigating hostility and violence against ‘other’ people and groups is fast becoming the order of the day in our country. By manipulating the visceral feelings of their audience, some of these characters also know how to mobilise support around themselves, having mastered what Robert Greene described as “The Science of Charlatanism, or How to Create a Cult in Five Easy Steps� in his 1998 bestseller, “The 48 Laws of Power�.

Most people, according to Greene, have an overwhelming desire to believe in something and wily individuals who emphasize “enthusiasm over rationality and clear thinking� also know how to play divisive games. The first four steps along this direction comprise stimulating hazy dreams in mobs, who will make their own connections and see what they want to see; dazzling them with visual splendour and spectacles; talking and acting like a prophet and never disclosing sources of income when your coffers begin to swell because “your followers want to believe if they follow you, all sorts of good things will fall into their lap.�

I am sure readers can put faces to people who have today, and at different times in our recent history, applied “The Science of Charlatanism� as a tool to wealth and political power. But it is in step five, when they finally

create an Us-Versus-Them Dynamic that they become dangerous. “To unify your group, to strengthen your power, you must manufacture an enemy out to destroy you. If you have no enemies, invent one. Given a straw man to react against, your followers will tighten and cohere. They have your cause to believe in and infidels to destroy.�

Yesterday, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd), a former Military Governor of Kaduna State—and one of the few respected Nigerians whose views are never coloured by ethnicity or religion—warned against the move to re-arrest Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the so-called Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on grounds that he may have contravened the terms of his bail. And the opening quote to Umar’s statement, credited to Sheikh Usman Danfodio, is very revealing: “One of the swiftest ways of destroying a kingdom is to give preference to one particular tribe over another, or to show favour to one group of people rather than another, and to draw near those who should be kept away and keep away those that should be drawn near.�

We must understand that hate speech is never self-driven. It erupts when signals in the political space dredge up buried subliminal impulses. For instance, it was President Donald Trump’s utterances and body language that have now emboldened the buried racial hate in the American psyche as was evident in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Suddenly, hitherto remote words like ku klux klan, white supremacist, Nazis etc. have re-entered America’s active vocabulary.

Coming back home, I suspect that the postelection utterances of President Muhammadu Buhari energized certain subliminal impulses in our society, thus problematizing what had been considered settled points. With the dire economic situation in the country, it was

also easy for some demagogues to gather all sorts of rabbles around themselves under the fantasy of founding a new country. Besides, whenever there is a systemic discrimination in the application of laws—as it is evident in the manner the Police and the Attorney General of the Federation are treating the threats from IPOB as against that of the ‘Arewa youths’— the perpetrators of hate crimes will, quite naturally, feel a sense of impunity.

While we must commend the Borno State Governor, Mr Kashim Shettima and his colleagues in the Northern Governors Forum for the proactive stance that eventually led to the rescinding of the “quit notice� served Igbo people residing in the North, it is also important for leaders in the South-east to have some quiet word with Kanu. Igniting a violence in which the people whose interest he claims to be promoting could get killed betrays an abysmal lack of common sense.

In the course of a meeting yesterday between the Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah and ‘Friends of the Kukah Centre’, some of the divisive issues in the country came up for discussion. In his intervention, Bishop Kukah said most of the challenges that plague the nation can be located in the breakdown of trust. In the light of the current situation regarding hate speech in Nigeria, it is difficult to fault Kukah’s thesis.

Therefore, the federal government must understand that trying to re-arrest Kanu while ignoring the threat from the ‘Arewa youth’ cannot help in the restoration of normalcy in the country. The only way to render the entrepreneurs of hate irrelevant and permanently put them out of business is to inculcate a new conduct of presidential leadership that is even-handed and genuinely inclusive.

.ST 0TJOCBKP T $IBSHF UP 5FFOBHFST Prevention is better than cure. That essentially was the message from the wife of the Vice President, Mrs ‘Dolapo Osinbajo, to teenagers last Saturday at the 2017 edition of the RCCG (TEAP) Teens Career Conference in Abuja. But I must first express my appreciation to her for honouring our invitation. When I sent in the letter through her office, I got a feedback that she would most likely attend but that we should not announce it. That was not reassuring, especially since subsequent efforts to get any firm commitment from her end proved futile. But last Friday, I got a call from her office asking for the time she was expected to arrive the venue and she was there at exactly the time we requested of her.

At the conference, Mrs Osinbajo spoke like a mother while placing emphasis on substance abuse as a one-way ticket to destruction. She should know, based on the insights shared in her 2014 book, “They Call Me Mama: From the under bridge diaries�, which documented her efforts to

reform some Lagos street boys who were hooked on drugs and had been abandoned by the society.

According to Mrs Osinbajo, who like her husband is a lawyer, when she became a worker in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), the first department she worked was with Teens and Children and that must have inspired the cause she took upon herself. “For 10 years, I was under the bridge in Lagos with ‘Area Boys’. So, every kind of drug that there is, I know about it. I have seen them before and I have seen the effects as well�, she told the teenagers before she added that many of those who have been destroyed by drugs were not different from them. “Some of them too have parents in the church. Some of them have parents with very big names.

There were people whose parents lived in America and yet their children were under the bridge. So, do not ever imagine that it cannot happen to you� said Mrs Osinbajo who warned on the consequences of such addiction.

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