Tuesday 19th September 2017

Onnoghen Gives CJs Marching Orders, Okays Special Courts for Corruption Cases NJC C’ttee to monitor judges Supreme, Appeal Courts get special dates for corruption trials Alex Enumah in Abuja The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen yesterday announced widespread reforms

in the judiciary that would give bite to the federal government’s war against corruption, including his directive to all heads of courts in the country to compile and forward to

the National Judicial Council (NJC) comprehensive lists of all corruption and financial crime cases being handled by their various courts.

This is even as the CJN

equally ordered the heads of courts to designate at least one court in their various jurisdictions as special courts solely for the purpose of hearing and speedily

determining corruption and financial crime cases, depending on the volume of such cases in their jurisdictions.

The CJN read the riot act yesterday at a special session

of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (SCN) to mark the commencement of the 2017/2018 Legal Year and Continued on page 10

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Buhari Takes Heat off Nigerian Army, Signs Proclamation Proscribing IPOB Saraki calls for due process in declaring separatists terror group, Buratai back tracks Northern govs embark on peace mission to S’East, S’South Wike, Ikpeazu assure of Nigeria’s unity, Aba curfew relaxed Olawale Olaleye in Lagos, Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt, Damilola Oyedele, Paul Obi in Abuja, Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto, Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia and Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu In a move to take the heat off the Nigerian Army and ensure that due process is followed, President

Muhammadu Buhari has signed a presidential proclamation proscribing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the group’s involvement in terrorist activities.

Making this known yesterday, sources in the Office of the Attorney Continued on page 10

CBN Gives Banks Four-week Ultimatum to Open FX Teller Points Pumps $545m into market

Obinna Chima

Piqued by the failure of the banks to comply with an earlier directive asking them to open teller points for retail foreign exchange (FX) transactions at

various locations, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a four-week deadline for them to comply or face stiff sanctions.

Continued on page 10

AMCON Takes over Kashamu's Best Western Hotels… Page 43

Mr. Akinlolu Osinbajo (SAN), flanked by his elder brother, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and the VP's wife, Dolapo, when Akinlolu was elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria at the Supreme Court in Abuja… yesterday

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PAGE TEN BUHARI TAKES HEAT OFF NIGERIAN ARMY, SIGNS PROCLAMATION PROSCRIBING IPOB General of the Federation informed THISDAY that the president signed the declaration on Sunday before his departure for the 72nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he will be expected to address other world leaders today.

Buhari’s decision to sign the proclamation was a fallout of the sharp criticism that followed the declaration of IPOB as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian Army at the weekend and the group’s proscription by the South-east governors.

Although the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai yesterday made a half-hearted attempt to deny that the army had declared IPOB a terrorist group, this did not stop the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki from insisting that due process should have been followed before the declaration and proscription by the army and South-east governors respectively.

With the signing of the proclamation

by Buhari, a source in the attorney general’s office explained that the presidency had effectively initiated the formal process of proscribing IPOB in accordance with the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011.

It also paved the way for the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) to head to court to give legal backing to the presidential proclamation.

Section 2 (1) of the Terrorism Act states that “where two or more persons associate for the purpose of, or where an organisation engages in: (a) participating or collaborating in an act of terrorism; (b) promoting, encouraging or exhorting others to commit an act of terrorism; or (c)

setting up or pursuing acts of terrorism, the judge in chambers may on an application made by the Attorney General, National Security Adviser or Inspector General of Police on the approval of the President, declare any entity to be a proscribed organisation and the notice should be published in the official gazette�.

Sub-section 2 goes further to state: “An order made under sub-section (1) of this section shall be published in the official gazette, in two national newspapers and at such other places as the judge in chambers may determine.�

The sources further added that Buhari was keen on signing the declaration before his departure for New York in order to have the right response in the event that the question over the declaration by the army was posed by other world leaders who have been watching events unfold in Nigeria. “The issue was extensively debated between Buhari, the AGF and other aides before he left for the UN General Assembly and the president decided to sign the declaration before leaving for New York, so he could say that due process was being followed if the question was raised by other world leaders at the UN,� the sources explained.

Saraki Demands Due Process But even as news got out that Buhari had signed the proclamation, the Senate President said yesterday that due process should have been followed before the declaration of IPOB as a terrorist group by the army.

Saraki, in a statement he personally signed, said the declaration of the separatist group as a terrorist organisation was unconstitutional and an act which failed to follow due process.

He also faulted the proscription of the group by the governors of the South-east states, stressing that the National Assembly would investigate what actually happened during the military exercise, code named Operation Python Dance II, in the region.

Saraki said that there are laws outlining steps to be taken for the categorisation of any organisation or persons as terrorist, which must be followed for such declaration to have effect.

He, however, expressed confidence that the president would initiate steps to ensure that due process was followed, thus demonstrating to the world that Nigeria is guided by the rule of law whatever the circumstances are.

While commending the military for its efforts at restoring peace to different parts of the country, the Senate President urged its personnel to be guided by respect for human rights and be wary in the use of force.

Saraki also cautioned against overstretching the military, which he said should not dissipate its fighting strength.

This, he said, could be averted by strengthening the police and enhancing its capacity to deal with civil crises.

The statement read in full: “Following the clash between the military and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), I hereby call for calm and restraint by all Nigerians so that we would all jointly find the right solution to the current problem

rather than worsening the crisis. “Our brothers and sisters in the South-east, in particular, should continue to maintain peace and tranquility and go about their lawful business. This crisis will not benefit anybody but would only expose innocent people to unwarranted danger. “At this point, Nigerians outside the South-east who have worked to ensure that the crisis does not spread to other parts of the country deserve our commendation. “I therefore call for continued efforts to sustain peace, unity and stability in all our communities so as to ensure that all residents, no matter their religion, tribe and creed, remain protected and safe under the law. “It is also important that commentators and purveyors of information on all media platforms should be conscious of the need, at all times, to maintain the unity of the country. “Therefore, they must refrain from circulating information that have the potential for aggravating the crisis. We should all realise, as individuals and as a collective, that Nigeria is all we have and it is in our individual and collective interest that we do not stoke the fire of crisis and fan the embers of discord through the messages we are spreading. “We must all protect and strengthen our country rather than contributing to her collapse and disintegration. “I also wish to state that the announcement of the proscription of the group known as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by governors of the South-east states and the categorisation of the group as

a ‘terrorist organisation’ by the Nigerian military are unconstitutional and did not follow due process. “Our laws make clear provisions for taking such actions and without due process being followed, such declaration cannot have effect. I am sure the president will do the needful by initiating the right process. “This will go a long way in demonstrating to the world at large that we are a country that operates by laid down processes under every circumstance. So, those who have been hammering on this point should maintain their cool. “We must commend the military for their efforts in restoring peace to different parts of the country and sustaining the unity of the country.

However, in the face of provocation, the military should allow themselves to be guided by their training, which emphasises respect for human rights, even in war. “Also, given the nature of this particular situation, the military has every reason to be hesitant in the use of force. “Also, it is my view that we should not over-stretch the military. We need to protect our military against dissipation of their fighting strength.

And this means we need to strengthen the police and equip them with the capacity to deal with civil crises. “That is why we, in the National Assembly, are already reviewing the Police Act and also looking at the possibility of enabling other paramilitary agencies to help in curbing civil unrests and maintenance of law and order. “I want to also make it clear that

the National Assembly intends to embark on a fact-finding investigation aimed at determining what actually happened during the period of the military exercise in the South-east. “We want to be able to sift the facts from the fiction and determine who did what. It is quite clear that all the facts are not yet known. We assure Nigerians that there will be no cover up. We intend to lay the facts bare. “On a long term, we want to remind Nigerians that the reason for embarking on the constitution review by the National Assembly was to enable us look into issues that are agitating the minds of Nigerians and creating tension among us. “We have promised that the exercise would be continuous. We intend to keep that promise by further taking decisions that would strengthen and improve on our structures. “The Eighth National Assembly, on resumption, will play its constitutional role by addressing all those issues that are agitating the minds of our people and over which they feel so strongly. I appeal to all our people to always direct their grievances to the right channels. “Let me further reiterate the need for all leaders of thought – political, religious and traditional – to continue to engage with our people on the need to maintain peace and be our brothers’ keepers.�

Buratai Back Tracks However, in defence of the military exercise in the South-east, the Nigerian Continued on page 41

CBN GIVES BANKS FOUR-WEEK ULTIMATUM TO OPEN FX TELLER POINTS Banks that fail to comply with the directive before

October 13, would among other severe sanctions be barred from all future CBN FX interventions.

The central bank stated this in a circular signed by its Director, Banking Supervision Department, Ahmad Abdullahi, a copy of which was obtained by THISDAY yesterday.

In a bid to ensure that FX was easily accessibly by travellers, the central bank had directed all banks to open FX outlets to sell dollars and other hard currencies at major airports.

The CBN had explained that the initiative would also ensure that transactions were settled at much more competitive exchange rates.

However, the circular revealed that most banks were in breach of the directive.

It said: “The attention of all banks is drawn to the CBN Circular dated March 3, 2017 with reference number: FMD/ DIR/CIR/GEN/08/006 wherein all authorised FX dealers were directed to, among others: “Open a teller point for retail FX transactions (PTA/BTA and SME) including buying and selling, in all locations in order to ensure access to foreign exchange by their customers and other users, without any hindrance,� it read.

In addition, the banks were expected to have an electronic display board at all their branches, showing rates of all trading

currencies, and customers must insist on processing FX transactions (for all the above windows) based on a display rate.

Continuing, the circular added: “The objective is to create awareness among members of the public regarding the availability of such facilities in branches of the banks at clearly disclosed prices. “Unfortunately, our observation has been that most Deposit Money Banks are in breach of the above directives. “You are, therefore, given a period of four weeks up to October 13 to fully comply with the above directives or face stiff regulatory sanctions, including but not limited to being barred from all future CBN foreign exchange

interventions.�

Since February, the CBN has sustained its intervention in the interbank FX market, which has helped in eliminating currency speculators and pushed FX demand away from the parallel market.

CBN spokesman, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor recently said the CBN had taken measures to check the activities of speculators and shield the currency from attacks, while also maintaining the value of the naira.

Okorafor maintained that authorised dealers have enough funds to meet the FX needs of customers and urged all to adhere to the extant guidelines on the sale of FX in the market.

He advised those in genuine

need of FX to continue to approach their respective banks for purchase, adding that the CBN remained optimistic that the Nigerian currency will fare strongly against other convertible currencies.

In this regard, the CBN yesterday sustained its interventions in various segments of the interbank FX market with the injection of $545 million, the largest weekly injection by the central bank in recent weeks.

Giving a breakdown of the Bank’s latest intervention, Okorafor said the retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) got the largest intervention of $285 million.

Other components of the released figures included $100 million offered for Wholesale SMIS, $90

million for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) window and $70 million for invisibles such as basic travel allowances, tuition fees and medical payments.

According to Okorafor, yesterday’s intervention underscored the CBN’s avowed commitment to ensure a liquid interbank FX market where all genuine requests will be met in line with extant FX guidelines.

He expressed optimism that with the accretion in the nation’s foreign reserve, the Bank would continue to fulfil its mandate of safeguarding the international value of the naira.

He further disclosed that the Bank’s management also remained optimistic about achieving a convergence between the forex

ONNOGHEN GIVES CJS MARCHING ORDERS, OKAYS SPECIAL COURTS FOR CORRUPTION CASES the swearing-in of 29 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) in Abuja.

To ensure the effectiveness of this new measures, Justice Onnoghen gave marching orders to all heads of courts to clamp down on both prosecution and defence counsel who indulge in the unethical practice of deploying delay tactics to stall criminal trials.

To this effect, the heads of courts will henceforth report cases of unnecessary delays to the NJC which in turn, would transmit them to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC), in the case of SANs, and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), in the case of other legal practitioners.

In the event where such cases come on appeal to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, the CJN directed the relevant departments to fix special dates solely for hearing and determining such appeals.

To properly monitor and effectively enforce the new policy, Justice Onnoghen announced that the NJC will constitute an AntiCorruption Cases Trial Monitoring

Committee (ACTMC) at its 88th meeting to be saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that both trial and appellate courts handling corruption and financial crime cases key into and abide by the renewed efforts at ridding the country of the cankerworm of corruption.

The CJN said with pre-election appeals cases now out of the way, the Supreme Court would henceforth channel its energy towards clearing as many of the corruption and financial crime cases as possible.

According to him, “We in the Supreme Court, having reduced the pre-election appeals in the course of the third term of the last legal year, will devote much of this first term in dealing, by way of task work, with the identified 18 EFCC, ICPC and economic crime cases alongside the normal civil, criminal and political cases.�

Justice Onnoghen also warned bribe givers to desist from their dastardly act and vowed to bring the full wrath of the law on anyone caught in the act. “I encourage members of the public to cut off the supply side of corruption by stopping the offering

of bribes to judicial officers. “The full wrath of the law will be visited on all those caught in this nefarious activity that is capable of eroding integrity and confidence in the judiciary,� he charged.

He also called on all state organs and individuals to obey the rulings of the court, stating: “Again, the pronouncements of every court ought to be firmly enforced and complied with, without exception unless such order/pronouncement is varied by proper judicial means. “It is therefore important to note that any attempt or apparent refusal by certain parties to comply with valid court judgments and pronouncements must be condemned. “Disobedience of or noncompliance with judicial orders is a recipe for breakdown of law and order. Such developments are at variance with the principles and tenets of the rule of law in a democratic government,� he stressed.

Calling on the 29 new SANs to guard their ranks jealously, the CJN warned that the award was a privilege, which stood to be withdrawn if abused.

“I must remind you that being a privilege, it can and shall be withdrawn if abused. The privilege you are conferred with today is not intended as a weapon of intimidation or licence for rudeness and arrogance,� the CJN added.

Justice Onnoghen reiterated his earlier resolved to leave a lasting legacy in the judiciary sector by pursuing relevant reforms that will reposition the judiciary in the country. “Upon my assumption of office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, my primary concern was, and still is, amongst others, to ensure a progressive upgrade of the judiciary especially in areas of administration, practice directions, ensuring the independence of the judiciary and contributing significantly to the fight against corruption. “I am therefore committed to ensuring that these developments are brought to fruition through concerted effort,� he said.

He also used the occasion to announce the advances the Supreme Court had made in the use of technology towards achieving fair and speedy resolution of cases to

include a technology-enabled judges’ bench, high-definition audio/video recording equipment, FTR software to enable real-time transcription and transmission of court proceedings, a high-tech mobile podium for presentations, document cameras to display exhibits, and viewing screens in the gallery, among others.

Also speaking, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) commended the courts for their quick responses to economic and corruption related issues.

He said the Supreme Court would soon be invited to intervene in some national issues affecting the national security of the country and the court would be expected to dispense justice in a fair and courageous manner as done in the past.

He said the federal government would do everything possible to institute peace and security in the nation, and ensure the survival of democracy, adding that all agencies under his ministry would be made to respect the judiciary.

He, however, called for staggered

vacations for judges instead of the current two and half-month long vacation that is akin to total shutdown of the judiciary between July and September every year. “I proffer this opinion confident of the capacity of the judicial arm to constantly renew and transform itself through a periodic review of its systems and processes,� Malami said.

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COMMENT

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

REMOVING POLITICS FROM PENCOM

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To ensure industry stability, Olumide Bajulaiye argues that the federal government must depoliticise Pencom

ympathisers of Mrs. Chinelo Amazu Ahonu have persistently criticised as illegal, her disengagement by the federal government before the expiry of her tenure as DirectorGeneral of Pencom. Facts were either ignored or twisted to give credence to a convenient interpretation of the Pension Reform Act 2014 to buttress this argument. It was further argued that Amazu was doing an incredible work at Pencom and her sudden exit was negatively affecting the stability and progress of the agency and the pension industry.

Thus, when recently on the eve of President Muhammadu Buhari’s return from medical vacation, the federal government announced that the second set of nominees to the executive management offices of Pencom should report to work in acting capacity, supporters of Amazu re-launched their media offensive to push forward the narrative of illegality of the government’s decision to sack her and called for her reinstatement.

Of course, the federal government’s directive is yet to be realised in view of the Senate’s position that the nominees could not assume duties until they are confirmed by it.

At the onset of Amazu’s disengagement, two cases were instituted at the Federal High Court, Abuja by individuals and organisations of Igbo extraction, challenging the legality of her disengagement and nomination of first, Mr. Aliyu Abdulrahman Dikko (from North-West) and later, Mr. Funsho Doherty (from South-West). It was argued that should Amazu’s disengagement remain, her replacement must come from the South-east zone. While we await the argument of lawyers and the verdict of the court in these cases, there is a compelling need to present another perspective to the conversation, especially in the light of persistent publications on the subject.

Amazu’s sojourn in the pension commission presents an interesting trajectory of controversy from entrance to exit. Readers following developments in the pension industry from its inception in 2004 would recall the controversy surrounding her appointment as Company Secretary and Legal Adviser on director level, despite the fact that she lacked the requisite experience for that office and grade as stipulated in the Public Service Rules. She served as director in the agency until December 2012, when she was appointed by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration as Acting Director-General following the exit of the pioneer executive management led by Mr. M. K. Ahmed. This was also done in defiance of the federal government Public Service Policy introduced by the President Yar’Adua administration, mandating the retirement of directors who served for eight years in office.

Amazu continued in office as acting director-general and Sole Administrator of Pencom from December 2012 to December 2013 when Jonathan appointed her as executive commissioner and acting director-general along with other three executive commissioners and Alhaji Ahmed Muazu as chairman. The controversial amendment of the Pension Reform Act to lower the qualifying experience for appointment as Director-General of Pencom was done in 2014. Since then, Amazu continued in office until April 2017, when she was disengaged by the Buhari administration along with the managements of other federal government parastatals.

But she has been resisting her disengagement, which is being advanced in the media and the law courts as well as in political and sectional circles.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S DIRECTIVE IS YET TO BE REALISED IN VIEW OF THE SENATE’S POSITION THAT THE NOMINEES COULD NOT ASSUME DUTIES UNTIL THEY ARE CONFIRMED

BY IT

What specific progressive projects and policies introduced and executed by Amazu for Pencom or the pension industry have been jeopardised by her recent exit as alleged by her supporters? It is claimed that she introduced a yearly World Pension Summit for Africa, which the officials confirmed were hosted by Pencom at a huge cost.

Some of her legacies itemised include some staff welfare programmes, introduction of the micro-pension scheme for the informal sector and opening of zonal offices in the six geopolitical zones.

However, the zonal offices were said to have been established by the pioneer executive management and that Amazu merely performed the commissioning ceremonies for the offices. There were also staff recruitment exercises undertaken by her for which the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character had severally queried its lop-sidedness in favour of her state of origin.

Yet operators were frustrated by Pencom’s inability to finalise and issue revised regulations and guidelines during her superintendence since the enactment of the 2014 Act. The regulation on investment of pension fund was only issued in April 2017, on the eve of her exit from the agency. Why was Pencom unable to resolve the issues inhibiting the opening of the transfer window, which the pension industry and contributors had been waiting for since the time of the pioneer executive management? Amazu’s inability to resolve the challenges obviously necessitated the regulatory action taken by the agency on First Guarantee pension fund administrator.

Finally, it is safe to leave the legality of Amazu’s disengagement for the court to decide since the issues have been presented before it.

However, it should be noted that the Pension Reform Act gives the president the power to remove any or all members of the Pencom executive management in public interest. Where the whole team was disengaged, it does not require a lawyer to realise the illogicality of the argument that the next director-general must necessarily come from the South-east. The argument would have been valid had there been occasional vacancy in Pencom created by exit of any individual member of the executive team, because the president would be compelled to appoint a replacement from the zone of the exited member in order to maintain the federal character principle stipulated in the Pensions Act. In addition, Section 106(4) of the act gives the president the power to appoint an entirely new board for the agency in the event that a new board has not been constituted more than six months after the dissolution of the previous board. It is a known fact that the boards of all agencies of the federal government were dissolved in 2015, which was almost two years by the time Amazu was relieved of her appointment.

The federal government must, therefore, not succumb to the ethnic and baseless clamours for the reinstatement of Amazu. Indeed, Nigerians must give credit to the pioneer executive management of Pencom for laying a solid foundation for the agency, such that the career staff are currently smoothly and competently navigating the tides of politics and ensuring regulatory stability in the pension industry. That is the sort of institutional stability we should focus on, evaluate and customise for adoption by other public institutions in Nigeria.

Bajulaiye wrote from Abuja

TIME TO TAKE THE CREDIT

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Governor Wike of Rivers State earns more recognition for doggedly pursuing a better life for the people, writes Simeon Nwakaudu

n the midst of national retrogression and unparalleled economic stagnation, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has emerged as Nigeria’s leading light, an icon of development and good governance.

Governor Wike has proved that in the midst of national failure, a leader can re-define the developmental reality for his people and set them for greater things. He has proved that Nigeria cannot be all bad news. He has shown to the world that there are great performers in Nigeria. Men committed to development and uninterested in propaganda and distractions.

Under the leadership of Governor Wike, Rivers State has transformed into Nigeria’s oasis of development. A huge construction site, with a growing economy that works for the people.

In the recent past, Nyesom Wike has been a recipient of several awards on the account of his performance. He won the Independent Newspapers Man of the Year 2016, the Authority Newspaper Man of the Year, 2016 and The Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year, 2016. He was also enthroned as Rivers State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle of Peace.

After over two years of total and rapid development of a New Rivers State , Governor Wike has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to sustainable cities.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has been nominated for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “Global Human Settlements Outstanding Contribution Award “.

This award is for the governor’s investments in

the development of urban renewal programmes, housing and projects that improve the living conditions of less privileged persons.

The “Global Human Settlements Outstanding Contribution Award� is organised by Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards (SCAHSA).

The group is supported by the United Nations Environment.

In a letter of notification of the award to Governor Wike, Secretary of Global Forum on Human Settlements and Main Representative to the United Nations, Mr Lu Haifeng said that the award will be conferred on the governor at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on October 31, 2017. The ceremony will be held as part of the 12th Global Forum of Human Settlements at the United Nations Headquarters in New York October 30 -31, 2017.

According to the main representative to the UN, Governor Wike is being recognised for his great commitment and contribution to sustainable cities in Rivers State. The group further lauded the governor for developing infrastructure in settlements in different parts of the state and ensuring that people have access to basic amenities.

Governor Wike was also applauded for constructing the Iriebe Medium Housing Estate, Rivers Quarters at the NNS Pathfinder, Quarters for Junior Staff of the DSS and facilitating the improved investment in housing by private investors.

The Rivers State Governor also received commendations for investing in land reclamation/sand filling in Asari-Toru, Degema, Akuku-Toru and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas.

The centre-piece of Governor Wike’s development programmes have been to improve the living conditions of Rivers people, by developing infrastructure that will enhance their living standards of the people.

The actualisation of the goals of the administration is a work in progress. However, it is safe to declare that so much has been achieved within the period under review. Governor Wike started his exemplary leadership with the development of critical infrastructure that improved the living conditions in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.

On his very first day in office on May 29, 2015, the governor launched the “Operation Zero Potholes�. This project created access to densely populated suburbs in Diobu and Borokiri/Port Harcourt Township.

The road and drainage infrastructure across Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor have led to better housing facilities in different suburbs, improved security and other basic amenities.

Aside, the massive development of road infrastructure in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike has constructed inter and inter community roads in 13 out of the 23 local government areas to create the required access to these areas. The creation of access to communities has led to the creation of additional settlements and improved housing.

Land Reclamation and sand-filling of areas to create additional land for housing and settlements have received the deserved attention of the Wike administration. The land reclamation projects in Asalama (Asari-Toru), Bakana (Degema) and

Nkpogu/Ogbunabali (Port Harcourt City) are projects that will develop new settlements in the state. In the case of Asari-Toru and Degema Local Government Areas, the beneficiaries of the reclaimed lands would be less-privileged persons.

Since May 29, 2015, Governor Wike has created the right environment for the development of affordable housing. The Iriebe Low Housing Estate completed and launched by the administration, accommodates 50 low income families, especially civil servants.

The administration constructed 50 one-bedroom houses for operatives of the Department of State Services working in the state.

There is the ongoing construction of the Nigerian Air Force Quarters, while the Rivers Quarters at the NNS Pathfinder has been completed and launched.

Private housing developers have been attracted to the state as a result of the programmes of the Wike administration. The Lekki Gardens Estate has been commissioned at the GRA in Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt has been made more habitable with the installation and revival of street and traffic lights, the construction of Port Harcourt Pleasure Park and the improvement of security across the state.

Governor Wike’s improvement of educational and health facilities across the state have re-established the framework for a rewarding growth of Port Harcourt and other towns in Rivers State. The global award to Governor Wike will serve as an encouragement to other states of the federation to pay more attention to infrastructural and housing development as means of improving the lives of ordinary people.

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EDITORIAL THE DISAPPEARING NIGERIANS

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Government must ensure that those suspected of criminal activities are given fair trial

o mark the International Day of the Disappeared recently, Amnesty International (AI) said that enforced disappearances in Nigeria were being used to instil fear into civilian population living in areas wracked by conflict and insecurity. The organisation, which feared that hundreds of people were being held in secret detentions--a conduct prohibited under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance to which Nigeria is a state party--called on the government to release details on the fate and whereabouts of all those who have disappeared.

We strongly endorse this call even as we urge the relevant authorities to investigate all the claims.

For instance, figures recently released by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) indicated that no fewer than 600 of their members could be accounted for.

Also, two weeks ago, the Femi Falana Chambers raised the alarm over a retired senior official of the State Security Service (SSS), Abba Kaka Mohammed, who has reportedly BOTH LOCAL AND been held without INTERNATIONAL trial since July 17 this INSTRUMENTS ALLOW year.

A MAXIMUM OF 48 It is sufficient to HOURS FOR A SUSPECT say that both local TO BE CHARGED TO and international COURT OR BE FREED ON instruments allow ADMINISTRATIVE BAIL a maximum of 48 hours for a suspect to be charged to court or be freed on administrative bail. But like Kaka Mohammed, hundreds of suspects now spend weeks, months and years languishing in Nigerian cells without arraignment. This violates the suspects’ fundamental human rights to personal liberty, dignity of person and fair hearing as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles five, six and seven of the African Charter on Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crises resulting from the activities of sundry criminal gangs, insurgency, communal and religious conflict, kidnappings, etc.,

Letters to the Editor

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have continued to pose serious challenges. Many of these activities have led to some senseless killings with monumental casualties among the civil populace aside the forced displacement and disappearance of citizens, leading to numerous cases of unaccounted and missing persons. In addition, there are hundreds of unknown victims lying in our mortuaries, hospitals and detention centres while their relatives continue to search for them.

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herefore, rather than dismiss the AI call to investigate all the cases of people who have disappeared without trace, we believe the federal government should empower the National Technical Committee on the Establishment and Management of Missing Persons Database in Nigeria (NTC). Even before the latest AI report, the NTC had been drawing public attention to all the people within our various communities whose whereabouts remain unknown. But as we stated in a recent editorial, the NTC is just an independent humanitarian mechanism that aims at responding to the rights of the families to know the fate and whereabouts of their missing relatives. It is the responsibility of the security agencies to help resolve many of the cases.

We therefore join the call on the Nigerian authorities to investigate all cases of enforced disappearances and bring all those suspected of criminal responsibility to justice in fair trials. It is painful and sad that many families of victims of enforced disappearance spend throbbing years searching for justice, truth and reparation but are ignored or misled about the fate of their relatives. The fate of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky is classical example.

In many of these cases, the federal government hid under the nebulous ‘’national security’’ to perpetrate what amounts to illegal and unconstitutional acts. It is wrong for the executive arm of government to be a judge in its own cases. If there are suspected breach of national security by anybody, the appropriate institution to determine that is a competent court of law. We must be accountable for the life of every citizen or resident of Nigeria.

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

OSUN, PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND CALLISTHENICS

ince the introduction of callisthenics into our public schools

by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, performances/displays at various anniversary celebrations had been restricted to about 15,000 pupils from schools in Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Areas.

With the new template as approved by Mr. Governor, selected public schools in all the nine federal constituencies as well as interested private schools can participate.

Secondly, participation is voluntary with the parents/guardians of the participating students responsible for their costumes. The government will only be responsible for the training and competitions which will hold in two stages – at the Senatorial level between teams representing federal constituencies and at the state level between the first placed teams at the Senatorial level competition. In addition to trophies, plaques, medals and certificates of participation for the participants, prize monies of N1 million, N750,000 and N500,000 will be won by the first, second and third placed teams respectively at the Senatorial level competition in September, 2017. By November 2017, the first team in each of the Senatorial level will compete for N2,000,000, N1,000,000 and N750,000 for first, second and third positions respectively. These prize monies will be used by the authorities of the combined participating and the host schools for the development of their sporting facilities and activities.

Callisthenics is very flexible. It all depends on creativity. At our level, displays take two levels – field composition and background display.

Activities at the federal constituencies to the Senatorial competition are only based on the field compositions. At the state level on the anniversary day, a background display consisting of rows of pupils seated in a gallery at Osogbo Township Stadium will be forming captions of different words and patterns, speaking to the competing teams in the main bowl. The background will not be competing. It will only add flavour and glamour to complement the competing teams and entertain the audience.

At another level, the field composition could also play background role to form different words and captions. Display can involve from a few dozen up to thousands of persons exercising in unison. As stated already, it is a function of creativity.

Callisthenics takes away pupils from average and below families away from harmful and vile out-of-school engagement into joyful and health activities especially in the absence of other healthy exercises in our schools today. It teaches discipline, cooperation and teamwork. It conditions the pupils to be physically and mentally sound. It brings participants from various background and orientation together in a happy atmosphere which is a fertile ground for developing pleasant, unforgettable experiences and perhaps, lifetime friendship.

In essence, the target of Mr. Governor is to institutionalise callisthenics into our schools curriculum as an integral part of processes to mould a complete new man/woman that is imbibed with tools he/she needs for daily application of life such that he/she will be completely educated in soul, mind and vision. Group calisthenics endows its

participants with acute sense of precision and organisational competence. Without unison and accuracy, the outcome of their efforts will not be plausible. Participants imbibe all the elements that make up a disciplined life: promptness and punctuality, especially. Should a dozen participants be late to training, not to mention absenteeism, the entire training for thousands other participants is endangered! Cooperation, team work and unity of purpose are at the heart of the calisthenics arts and are imbibed as healthy, life-changing virtues by participants through the course of their training. Calisthenics is the only single extra-curriculum activity that infuses in participants the desired ethical contents of all-round education.

Hence, the Government of State of Osun, under the visionary and unusual leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, adopted the calisthenics sport as a co-curriculum activity for its students from inception. It is not perchance, but an integral part of the total transformation of education in the state particularly targeted at the eventual production of future citizens who are completely new in social orientation, in addition to being sound in mind, physically healthy, educated and skilful.

This should not be taken in isolation. Just like the mega schools, school feeding, uniform, Opon Imo, training and re-training of teachers, incentives to teachers, etc. It is engraved in his six integral action plan with which he canvassed for votes in 2007 gubernatorial election in Osun.

Yaya Ademola, Osogbo

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

POLITICS

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

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING

Time to Restrict Soldiers to the Barracks The federal government’s decision to outsource law enforcement, which is the primary responsibility of the police, to the Nigerian Army is one that comes with dire consequences, writes Tobi Soniyi

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here is hardly any state in the country where soldiers are not on duty trying to maintain the peace. Today, soldiers are now found along major inter state roads checking vehicles, a duty that is the responsibility of the police world over.

In deploying soldiers, the authority often rely on the fact that the police are ill-equipped, indiscipline and irredeemably corrupt. Rather than correct the rots in the police force and strengthen it, those running the country have found it convenient to turn to the armed forces.

Soldiers generally have problems respecting human rights. They hate the concept of the rule of law. They have problems understanding the fact that they are to protect civilians by their calling. Instead of protecting the society, soldiers have ended up mal-treating the same civilians they were sent out to protect.

Those who ply Lagos-Abuja road frequently would have witnessed the hardship passengers in commercial buses, as well as drivers are subjected to on daily basis. One passenger who happened to be receiving call when the soldiers stopped the vehicle in which he was travelling was asked to come down from the vehicle, made to do frog-jump. He was throughly humiliated. He was released after the driver and other passengers pleaded on his behalf.

His offence: daring to answer call when the soldiers stopped the vehicle in which he was travelling.

Anyone who happens to wear any dress that bears some resemblance with army uniform and is unlucky to pass by a check point where soldiers are on duty will be lucky to escape with his life. In reality, the soldiers who are supposed to provide security for civilians ended up molesting the same civilians they are being paid to protect. They sometimes beat helpless old men. Worse still, most of the atrocities committed by soldiers are not reported. Few that get to the authorities are swept under the carpet.

On March 18, 2014, some soldiers, detailed to guide Dangote Cement factory in Gboko, a private company in Benue State allegedly killed seven young boys over a minor disagreement.

The youths were killed when the soldiers shot indiscriminately at unarmed members of the community, who were protesting the shooting of one of them –Terhile Jirbo – by a soldier. Jirbo was shot in his mouth when he refused to eat his excrement, as allegedly directed by one of the soldiers stationed at the Gboko Plant of Dangote Cement Plc. Jirbo went to defecate in a bush around the company and one of the soldiers demanded he remove his faeces with the use of his mouth. It was the inability of the young man to comply with this obviously unlawful order that infuriated the soldier, who shot him in the mouth with an AK 47 assault rifle. Dangote eventually compensated the relatives of the victims. End of story. Nobody was punished.

Professor Jibrin Ibrahim captures the security crisis Nigerians are daily subjected to correctly when he said: “The Nigerian citizen has long endured a culture of intimidation by the country’s security forces. Law enforcement agents have, since colonial times, developed a culture of reckless disregard for the rights of the people. The legal framework has not helped matters, given our colonial heritage of laws against vagrancy, illegal assembly, wandering, and illegal procession.

The state is constructed as an edifice against citizens who are assumed to have a natural tendency to break laws and must therefore be controlled, patrolled and constantly surveyed.

Not surprisingly, citizens learn to fear and avoid law enforcement agents. The ordinary Nigerian sees security agents as potential violators, rather than providers, of security. The reality of state security for ordinary people then becomes the

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai

perception of insecurity.”

As it is with Nigerians, we often ignore the real problems only to concentrate on symptoms.

Following last week clashes between the soldiers and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra in the South-east, many have engaged in the argument whether the President Muhammadu Buhari had the powers in the circumstances to deploy soldiers in the south-east. As usual, sentiment and emotion often becloud our judgment.

For instance, the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) while reacting to the clash between soldiers and IPOB said it “condemns the deployment of soldiers to the streets of south-eastern states of Nigeria by the Federal

One of the consequences of asking soldiers to handle law enforcement duties is that they now see themselves as a group of people who are above the law

Government. LEDAP states that military is not set up to conduct civilian policing duties but rather, only to interfere where there is war against Nigeria.” But that position can not be correct. While it is desirable that we enhance the capacity of the police to enable them maintain law and order, the argument that the president does not have the power to deploy the military in the south-east in the circumstance appears not to be supported by law.

The constitution which is the almighty law from where other laws derive their validity as any law which contradicts the constitution is deemed null and void is very clear.

The section to start with is section 217 (2) of the Constitution. For the avoidance of doubt Section 217(2) of the constitution provides: “The Federation shall, subject to an Act of the National Assembly made in that behalf, equip and maintain the armed forces as may be considered adequate and effective for the purpose of(a) defending Nigeria from external aggression; (b) maintaining its territorial integrity and securing its borders from violation on land, sea or air: (c) suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the President. but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly; and (d) performing such other functions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

Pursuant to Section 217 (2) (d) of the constitution the Armed Forces Act came into being. Now section 8 of the Act is the relevant section.”

Section 8 of the Armed Forces Act titled ‘Operational use of the Armed Forces’ which

is an Act of the National Assembly provides: (1) The President shall determine the operational use of the Armed Forces, but may, under general or special directives, delegate his responsibility for the day-to-day operational use(a) of the Armed Forces, to the Chief of Defence Staff; (b) of the Army, to the Chief of Army Staff; (c) of the Navy, to the Chief of Naval Staff; and (d) of the Air Force, to the Chief of Air Staff.

(2) It shall be the duty of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff, as the case may be, to comply with any directive given to them by the President under subsection (1) of this section.

(3) In this section, ‘operational use of the Armed Forces’ includes the operational use of the Armed Forces in Nigeria for the purpose of maintaining and securing public safety and public order.”

When the Act is read in conjunction with the constitution, there is no doubt that both the constitution and the National Assembly have empowered the president to deploy the military in any part of Nigeria.

The deployment is not restricted to defending the country against external aggression, it can be for internal security.

As it is, this is not about the power of the president to deploy the military, but whether it was necessary to do so in the circumstances Yes, there is a need to check the activities of Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB but this must be done within the concept of rule of law. Unleashing soldiers on him is an overkill. Suffice to say that Kanu has also been carried on as if he is not under the law. But he can be dealt with and should be dealt with within the civil process as against military onslaught. It is naive for anyone to think that he should not be arrested and charged to court for infraction of the law.

It is instructive that the federal government has charged Kanu to court. That is the proper step to take in a democracy. He should be allowed to have his days in court for the judiciary to determine if he has violated any law and to punish him in accordance with the law. But by unleashing soldiers on him, the federal government appeared to be saying that it does not believe in rule of law. Resorting to self-help does not allow democracy to thrive.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the military to desist from any acts capable of causing tension, public disturbance, fear and sense of insecurity in the country.

One of the consequences of asking soldiers to handle law enforcement duties is that they now see themselves as a group of people who are above the law. Lack of accountability ensures that no one is punished for atrocities committed by them. This is the case with the December 12-14, 2015 attack on members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria where hundreds of followers of the groups were killed. Nobody has been held responsible as at press time. It will also be an illusion to expect that some soldiers will be punished for what happened last week.

It is interesting to read the statement from the National Human Rights Commission asking the military to observe their rules of engagement and respect human rights when dealing with civilians.

It also called on the military to desist from any acts capable of causing tension, public disturbance, fear and sense of insecurity in the country.

However, when the military failed to observe their rules of engagement in the clash with the IMN what did the commission do? It issued an dubious report that not only rationalised the onslaught against the helpless civilians, but justified it.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

POLITICS

Profligacy in the Name of Religion eports put funds spent by both the federal and state governments to sponsor pilgrims for the last hajj exercise at N136.5 billion. Davidson Iriekpen questions the rationale for government committing tax payers’ money in religious activities

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ith the return of Nigerian pilgrims who went on hajj exercise, indications have emerged that over N136.5 billion, a large chunk of it contributed by both the federal and state governments, went into this year’s exercise.

This huge amount which could have been ploughed into education or physical infrastructure, has reopened the debate on whether or not governments should continue to use taxpayers’ money to sponsor few individuals on pilgrimage.

A Presidential Committee on the Restructuring and Rationalisation of Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies had in its report on April 16, 2012 recommended that government should stop sponsoring pilgrims. The committee headed by a former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye, said such sponsorship should be discontinued with effect from the 2012 fiscal year. But the government of then President Goodluck Jonathan rejected that proposal.

Today, the federal government is still engaged in the practice of concessional exchange rate for pilgrimage operations – which is uncalled for at a time manufacturers are finding it difficult to assess foreign exchange to import badly needed machinery.

Even the 2014 National Conference adopted the recommendation of its Committee on Religion asking government to hands off all religious matters, including the sponsorship of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem. It, however, resolved that religious bodies in the country should be given the mandate to handle all religious matters relating to pilgrimage through pilgrims commissions duly managed by them under a law passed by the National Assembly to regulate their functions and protect pilgrims.

It ecommended that in performing its oversight responsibilities to Nigerians, government should provide normal consular services for the pilgrims through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the country’s foreign missions.

The committee, chaired by Felix Ajakaiye and Nurudeen Lemu had recommended that in order to distance government from involvement in religious matters, henceforth, no government, at any level, should use public funds to sponsor of any religious programme, especially pilgrimages for any category of citizens, including government functionaries. When President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in 2015, one of his major policies on noticing an empty treasury was the discontinuation of state sponsorship of both Muslim and Christian pilgrimages as a cost cutting measure. He made it clear that stopping state funding of pilgrimages would save some money that could be used for development.

But many were surprised when afterwards, the government made a U-turn, announcing that it would subsidise this year’s hajj.

The federal government may well be the worst culprit, throwing in massive forex waiver every year. Last year, while official rate was N318.9 to a dollar, it, in a profligate bonanza, handed funds to pilgrims at a concessionary rate of N197 per dollar. The loss to the country in this singular transaction was the difference of N121.9 multiplied by 65,167 pilgrims (at $1,000 per pilgrim). This comes to tens of billions of naira.

While we may consider Abuja’s participation in this illicit disbursal of state funds subtle, nearly all the states have been brazen if not wanton in applying state’s funds in what is after all, no more than another private trip or holiday abroad.

This is why over the years, many informed Nigerians have called on government to end the sponsorship of religious pilgrimages, not just because of the corruption that has taken over the process, but because it is totally unnecessary. They wondered why a country which is backward in infrastructure, social amenities, health facilities and education, should continue spend huge money on religious expedition.

Those who spoke with THISDAY wondered why the government was involved in religion,

Buhari... recanted his promise to stop sponsoring pilgrims

a private matter.

Besides, the 1999 Constitution recognises Nigeria as a secular state. Indeed, Section 10, Chapter 1 of the cconstitution states that “The government of the federation or of a state shall not adopt any religion as state religion.”

Observers have concluded that it is a breach of the constitution for any government to spend taxpayers’ money to feed the private spiritual needs of selected individuals.

Recently the Lagos State Government announced that it had saved N2.4 billion with the stoppage of annual sponsorship of pilgrims to Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia. The state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, said the saving was ploughed back to finance infrastructural projects and other developmental programmes in the state. But other states which promised to do same, have not been able to follow their words with action.

Even though many observers have described the continued government sponsorship of pilgrimages as fraudulent, some states which have announced a stop to the exercise have continued to see a steady increase in the sponsorship of the exercise.

For example, recently, the Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari said his government spends not less than N1billion on hajj annually, a state which according to all statistical data, remains one of the poorest in Nigeria.

To see a government that blames the prevalent economic hardship in the country on reckless spending by the former regime embark on the luxury of subsidising pilgrimages is shocking

Many others have argued that why governments do not want stop the exercise is because it has become an industry of corruption, with millions of naira siphoned into private pockets and accounts.

“When they say that Nigeria or our leaders have not gotten their priority right, sponsorship of pilgrims is one way to demonstrate that.

How can they year in, year out spend multi billions of naira on what is not necessary?,” wondered Okon Bassey, a Lagos-based legal practitioner.

On his part, Amadi Igwe wondered why some Nigerians think that the government is justified by subsidising religious pilgrimages.

“Theologically, pilgrimage makes no sense, because after all God or Allah is supposed to be everywhere. So why travel to the holy land? Why? To go and do what? In that case, pilgrimage is just like travelling to ‘meet’ in Mecca or Jerusalem somebody who is already in Nigeria. Is that not absurd? Why embark on this patently futile venture? Why engage in such a self-ridiculing undertaking that, going by recent events, exposes you to the risk of losing your life?

“State sponsorship of pilgrims makes no economic sense for a poor country with distressed economy such as Nigeria. Going to pilgrimage to Mecca or Jerusalem does not contribute to the economy of the country. In fact, state funding of pilgrimages depletes the nation’s resources and to see a government that blames the prevalent economic hardship in the country on reckless spending by the former regime embark on the luxury of subsidising pilgrimages is shocking. Worse is seeing many Nigerians laud such a scheme as a mark of sterling leadership.

“First, the economies of the destination countries of these pilgrimages – Saudi Arabia and Israel – are far better than that of Nigeria, and pilgrimages benefit them and their economies because these religious tours bring in foreign exchange earnings. Without state subsidy, many Nigerian religious tourists would definitely travel for pilgrimages and contribute to these economies. So giving state subsidy is making additional contributions to the economies of the destinations countries at the expense of our own distressed economy. Is that not a shame?

Which reasonable government does that?

“Those who govern Nigeria at this point in time should be utterly ashamed of themselves for making this country a laughing stock.

Look at the situation throughout the country.

There is hyperinflation, scarcity of food, lack of jobs, violent crimes, limited power supply, decaying infrastructure, among others. And here we are talking about subsidising Hajj and Christian pilgrims. Why can’t Nigerians read in between the lines? Why can’t Nigerians understand that state sponsorship of pilgrimages is impoverishing and under developing their economy? Is subsidising pilgrimages a way of tackling poverty and addressing economic marginalisation in Northern Nigeria?”

Also, Islamic scholar and a lecturer at the University of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Sani Ninche, added his voice to the call on government to stop sponsoring pilgrims to the annual hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

According to him, the practice of sponsoring people from state coffers for hajj was un-Islamic and therefore cannot be accepted.

Rather, he proposed that all individuals who want to partake in hajj should be made to pay for the trip from their own resources and not from state coffers which belong to all. He explains that performing hajj was an individual religious issue and does not bring any direct benefit to the state as compared to for instance sponsoring the education of an engineering or medical student who would, in turn, become an asset to the country in a form of a direct benefit.

Also the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Most Revd. Adebayo Akinde, cautioned the federal and state governments against spending public funds on pilgrimages. The clergyman stated that Nigeria, being a secular state, had no reason to be involved in the sponsorship of pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia.

He said: “President Buhari, if I remember correctly, even said he was going to stop it (sponsoring pilgrimages). So, I am shocked that in 2016, government is still sponsoring people to Jerusalem or Mecca for pilgrimage.

People should spend their hard earned money to promote the advancement of their religion.

What government is doing is totally dishonest and a misdirection of national wealth. What if tomorrow, pagan worshippers say they want to go to Haiti? Would government start sponsoring them to go there?

“If tomorrow, the Ifa people say they want to start going to Brazil, will the government sponsor them? Or if a sizeable number of Nigerians are becoming Hare Krishna, would we start sponsoring them to go to India? We don’t have just two religions in Nigeria. These are contentious, explosive issues that government should have nothing to do with. Anybody who believes he must go to Jerusalem should talk to God. If God wants you to go, he will give you money. The same goes for anyone who wants to go to Mecca.”

Equally, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an NGO, advised the federal and state governments to stop sponsoring Muslims on hajj as it would be counterproductive on the long run. The MURIC Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, in a statement issued in Lagos recently, said that Muslim Ummah should determine their destiny by taking care of their hajj fare.

“Every intending pilgrim must be compelled to pay a particular amount to the coffers of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) before they leave for hajj. Those going for ‘Umrah’ should pay something higher. As we round up, we reaffirm our belief that it is time to correct misconceptions about hajj among Muslims.

“Hajj is once in a life time; but we ignore this principle and rush to Saudi Arabia almost every year. ‘Umrah’ (lesser hajj) is not compulsory but we force it on ourselves as an annual ritual.

We must open a new leaf. Gone are the days when anything goes. We must do what is right at all times. Politicians have hijacked it. They sponsor political thugs, hoodlums, riffraffs, mistresses and prostitutes, who may not even be Muslims.”

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

Easing Nigeria’s Food Burden

The Global Panel, an independent group of influential experts, recently unveiled a report on improving nutrition through improved food and diet, reports Olawale Ajimotokan

A cross section of participants at the launch in Nigeria of the policy document titled ‘Improving Nutrition through Enhanced Food Environments’

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ith backing of the UK Government and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition recently launched in Nigeria the Foresight Report that highlighted the severity of the global food crisis.

The report was compiled in Rome, Italy, last year after an intensive research. It revealed that more than three billion people from around the world are imperilled by malnutrition from the consumption of less nutritious diets.

It said that more than two billion people have insufficient vitamins and minerals, while incidences of obesity and overweight are on the rise in many regions, engendering concern about the rise of diet-related noncommunicable diseases including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancers.

With at least five per cent of global burden of undernutrition in Nigeria, and more than 14 million malnourished children, it is expedient for government to recognise that addressing malnutrition is indispensable for economic and social development

The Global Panel is an independent group of influential experts that is committed to tackling global challenges in food and nutrition security. The panel of 12 individuals is co-chaired by former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor and the former UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser, John Beddington.

Some selected people on the board include President, African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina; President, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, Agnes Kalibata; Director General Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), Tom Arnold; President, Public Health Foundation of India, Srinath Reddy; and DG Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Jose Graziano da Silva.

An expert in Kinetics and the head of Global Panel secretariat, Prof. Sandy Thomas spearheaded the launch in Nigeria of the policy document titled: ‘Improving Nutrition through Enhanced Food Environments’ and to propagate the work of the panel to ensure that agriculture and food systems support access to nutritious foods at every stage of life.

The unveiling of the ‘Foresight’ research report was preceded by the launch of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Agricultural Sector Food Security and Nutrition Strategy 2016-25.

The Nigerian strategy recognised the severity of malnutrition in Nigeria across all the geopolitical zones, which it noted is disproportionately higher in the Northwest and North-east. It makes case for a national approach in addressing the diverse challenges of malnutrition, in ways that prioritise high prevalence areas across the zones.

With at least five per cent of global burden of under-nutrition in Nigeria, and more than 14 million malnourished children, it is expedient for government to recognise that addressing malnutrition is indispensable for economic and social development.

The Nigerian agricultural sector has eight interrelated priority areas that will enhance and improve value chains for improved

nutrition, diversify food consumption by targeting women and increase access to micronutrient rich foods and promoting nutrition research and information system.

Others are to improve the agricultural sector capacity to address food security problem, nutrition surveillance and monitoring, nutrition education, social marketing and advocacy, promotion of nutrition research and information system and using food system to build resilience and protection for vulnerable groups.

The Foresight report gave a frightening projection for Nigeria as consequence for habitual consumption of unhealthy foods, projecting that the number of people suffering from Type 2 diabetes will double from 3.1 million to 6.1 million from 2011-2030.

It noted that Type 2 diabetes was an increasing non-communicable and cardiovascular disease which obese or overweight people were prone to in Nigeria. It is estimated that globally about two billion people are suffering from obesity.

The panel submitted that the risk is elevated by micronutrient deficiency, increase in ready to eat meals, snacks, sugar sweetened beverages, chocolates and ice cream plus a spike in ultra-processed food consumption such hot dogs, burgers, French fries among others.

Aside diabetes, the committee said failure to deliver secure and high-quality diets has resulted in child wasting in Nigeria, creating eight per cent stunted growth which affects almost one in three children in North-west and North-east, while 1 in 2 women of reproductive age are anaemic.

"South Africa is a good example of country that is seeing some of the effects which high rate of diabetes and cardiovascular disease can create. We hope Nigeria can make choices about how to shape its food environments by drawing from similar cases like Mali, U.S., Mexico, UK and South Korea," Thomas stressed.

She further echoed the need for transformation of the country's food environment in a way that promotes diversity, availability and safety of nutritious foods,

while appealing to government to curb food advertising and sales promotions to children as evidence has shown that food marketing to Nigerian children can influence their food and beverage preferences.

Some of the actions recommended for healthier food environments in Nigeria include, paying more attention to nutritious crops like fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, the imposition of taxes to make the food environment where food is bought more conducive.

In addition, she called on government to restrict marketing and promotion of food products to children in line with WHO recommendation and extending the reach of more nutritious reformulated products.

The panel also suggested eating of fortified crops to boost micronutrients, provision of high quality foods in public schools and shaping of fiscal incentives.

In a chat with THISDAY, Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah, the chief executive officer of John Agyeman Kufuor Foundation, said the former president was motivated to set up his own foundation in pursuit of the vision that Africa’s development is in the hands of Africans. He also believes the continent cannot indefinitely depend on external donations and charity to survive.

Kufuor thinks that if Africans succeeded in solving their nutrition problem, then more than half of the money which otherwise would have been spent on health is recovered, adding from the Global Panel report, the risk of nutrition, malnutrition in Africa outweighs the combined risk of malaria, HIV and tobacco .

Agyeman-Duah said Kufour is passionate about agriculture because he saw the other side of the sector as the fulcrum for Africa’s development. The former president believed that African countries will be missing a real opportunity for underlying development if agriculture which accounts for more than 75 per cent of African population is neglected.

“He (Kufuor) thinks all African countries should develop effective strategies to overcome their agricultural issues going

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FEATURES

L-R: Director of Global Panel, Prof. Sandy Thomas and Deputy Governor Kano State, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Developmen, Chief Audu Ogbeh

forward without leaving out nutrition. He is aware that most African countries produce much than we can even consume, but we are wasteful because of poor management. We don’t get good result but more importantly we don’t place emphasis on nutrition, so it is important that whatever we produce, we have to look at the whole chain of production in agriculture for instance,�

Agyeman-Duah, a former Adviser to the UN on Governance elucidated.

He lauded the nine-year Nigerian food and nutrition strategy, describing it as forward looking and adding that though previous policy interventions in agricultural and nutrition strategy by government were unsuccessful, there was a willingness to eliminate bureaucracy and promote a healthier food environment.

Agyeman-Duah, who founded a policy think-tank in Ghana called the Centre for Democratic Development, also inferred that Ghana was also confronted with similar challenges in different ways.

He appealed to both West African nations to engage in mutual learning, ensure political leadership and remove bureaucracy which remains a stumbling block in the march towards safer food and nutrition system.

He also stressed the importance of the entire food value chain, spanning production

L-R: Director of Global Panel, Prof. Sandy Thomas, Deputy Governor of Kano State, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar and Prof. Gbenga Ogunmoyela, at the event

Some of the actions recommended for healthier food environments in Nigeria include, paying more attention to nutritious crops like fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, the imposition of taxes to make the food environment where food is bought more conducive

processing, packaging and marketing, not leaving out quality control to mitigate the rejection of products labelled for export.

According to Agyeman-Duah, Ghanaian Government introduced a new policy called ‘Planting for Food and Job’ to tackle unemployment and the migration of young people from rural to urban centres in search of job.

He advised Nigeria to evolve similar agricultural policy that provides incentives like availability of electricity, water and decent shelters that will attract young people to leave the cities and settle in the rural area.

But Thomas, who is working in the field of science policy, admitted she was struck by the quality of the contemporary strategy on food system approach produced by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. She said the document was in alignment with the Foresight Report.

She, however, expressed reservation about

the ability of Nigeria and its partners in public and private sector to implement the strategies they were developing due to limitation of resources. “We had a really wide ranging discussions about challenges of implementing those strategies. How do you get down to state level, local level in terms of administering this policy, funding and coordinating them? These are things that people feel Nigeria and many other countries need to be better at. Such is the challenge where there is always a shortage of resource. But there are many willing hands and partners and I think we should be optimistic about taking a stronger course on nutrition in the next decade and being able to marshal the resource, persuade finance ministers because the economic data are compelling at the ratio of 16-1, which means for every dollar you invest you get 16 dollars back,’’ Thomas said.

She admonished Nigeria of consequence of business as usual approach to its food system policy, stressing people needed to eat healthy and balanced diet and more fruits and vegetables, which can be made available and affordable through subsidies. “Nigeria is a very big, resourceful country and the largest economy in Africa. So it is very important to show leadership, particularly in the West African region.

Cheap food imports coming in here means people have to think hard about the kind of crops they grow or export or consume.

So all the pressures are the same about other countries, but I think Nigeria with its emphasis on agriculture, its natural resources and the leadership it is showing now has the real opportunity to lead and also to take people along but I think first you will only be able to do that once you are really sure of implementing and that can’t happen overnight,� she said.

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IMAGES

L-R: Chairman, Harvest Committee, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ogudu-Ojota, Mr.Olugbenga Obisesan;Bishop, Ijesa, North-East, Diocese, Rt. Revd Joseph Olusola; his wife, Grace; Chief Harvester, Mr. Herry Imesekha; Vicar/Archdeacon, of the Church, Rt Revd. Dr. Kehinde Tope-Tapere; and Principal Harvester, Sir Ken Okolugbo, during the National/State Harvest 2017 of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ogudu-Ojota, Lagos...recently Yomi Akinyele

L-R: Director/ Senior Facilitator, Institute for National Transformation ( INT), Rev. Juliet Ovie - Binitie; Director/ Former Board Chair, INT, Prince Tunde Akindele; Director General INT International, Prof. Vincent Anigbogu; and Head, Administration, Mrs. Peggy Anigbogu, at the media briefing on the 10th anniversary of INT in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

L-R: 1st runner-up in the female dancing competition, Everson Helen Ene; Senior Special Assistant to Benue State Governor on Youth Aairs, Hon. Nyior Yerungwa Sunny, and winner, Okpong Esther, at the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour in Makurdi, Benue State...recently

L-R: Regional Sales Manager, Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Ltd., Mr. Femi Odusile; Planning Committee Chairman of Ita-Oba Day, Comrade Azeem Bello; Director of Sales, Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Ltd., Mr. Felix Aighobahi; Committee Member, Chief Samson Ogunnaike and Alhaji Lateef Deinde during the companyĂ­s corporate support for Ita-Oba Day celebration in Ota, Ogun State...recently

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

L-R: Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe(left) and Somkele Idhalama, during the unveiling of ldhalama as the face of DStv Explora 2 in Lagos...recently

L-R: Dr Kayode Afolayan, Dr Ade Adejumo, Prof. Idowu Awopetu and Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed after a meeting between representatives of Academic Sta Union of Universities, ASUU, and the governor at kwara State Governor’s lodge, Abuja...recently

L-R; Team Leader, Marketing Development Programme in the Niger Delta, Mr. Olatunde Oderinde; Managing Consultant, NESG Sustainability Policy Commission, Dr. Uzoamaka Egbuche; Project Coordinator, Heinrich Boll Foundation, Mr. Donald Ikenna Ofoegbu; and President, Nigeria LPgas Association (NLPGA), Mr. Dayo Adeshina at Sustainability Policy Commission Pre-Summit Workshop, in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R;: Minister of Tourism and Handcraft of the Niger Republic, Ahmed Botto; Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts of the Gambia, Hammat Bah and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed planting a commemorative tree at the 22nd General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in Chengdu, China...recently

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BUSINESSWORLD NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

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

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Quick Takes Eko Disco to Expose Energy Thieves

In its continued fight against energy theft within its area of operations, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company has launched ‘Operation Name and Shame’ to expose energy thieves.

Speaking to correspondents after launching the programme at the Corporate Headquarters of the company in Lagos, the Managing Director and CEO of EKEDC, Mr. Oladele Amoda said the exercise was aimed at fishing out everyone engaging in energy theft through meter bypass, illegal connection or reconnection and publishing the names and house address of such people in both conventional and social media.

This, he said, would be in addition to handing over culprits caught in the criminal act to law enforcement agencies for possible prosecution.

The Eko Disco MD said the company would not fold its arms and watch some unscrupulous criminal elements prevent it from its goal of giving the very best of services to its customers.

Speaking further, he said since energy theft is a crime against the law of the land, law abiding citizens should not aid and abet perpetrators by keeping quiet when they see such acts being perpetrated within their vicinity.

US Drillers Cut Most Oil Rigs

A WARM WELCOME

L-R: Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex A. Okoh, exchanging pleasantries with the Managing Director of Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc, Mr. Joseph Ugbo, during the working visit of the privatisation boss to The Mint headquarters in Abuja... recently

Kachikwu: $100 Oil Impossible in 2018 Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has said it would not be possible for the price of crude oil to rise to $100 per barrel in 2018 as the current market conditions did not support such expectations.

Speaking to some reporters recently in Abuja, Kachikwu, predicted that at most, oil prices could settle at $60 per barrel.

He explained that already, more countries were beginning to cut down their dependence on fossil fuels as the main fuel source to power their economies.

He, however, noted that the industry could experience better

ENERGY market conditions towards the last quarters of 2018. “Everything all added up together is showing us that towards the last quarter of 2018, we expect a better market. Does that better market translate to your $100 price? Never! I don’t see it, frankly I don’t see it,�

Kachikwu said. “It’s going to take a major calamity. Largely because on the back of all these, countries are racing away from oil. If Europe is saying: ‘in five years’ time, we are going to exit oil cars to electric cars,’ oil, therefore, is getting its last years, except for those who produce and use it for local consumption

because they’re moving slowly away from it but in terms of an income resource, you can begin to count the years in your hands. In 10 years’ time, I’d be very surprised if any country that hasn’t diversified enough is counting really seriously on oil,� the minister explained.

While expressing his expectations for Nigeria’s crude oil in the global oil market, the minister added that: “This year, I’m knocking on the wood for $60 but I don’t think it’s going to happen, so mid $50s. If I get $55 at the end of the year I’m content and by late 2018 early $60s.�

He also reiterated the need to have private finance to help develop and revive Nigeria’s

petroleum infrastructure, adding that as long as the country rejects such options, its oil industry infrastructure base may remain undeveloped and inefficient. “Pipelines, infrastructure whether it’s gas whether it’s crude there’s absolutely no way you can have this country get away from these inefficiencies we see unless we get the private sector build pipelines, build infrastructure, tariff those infrastructure, then you’ll suddenly see the books of NNPC, government income, stability would all improve, more jobs would be created, you’ll have gas to power much Continued on page 22

Abuja, Kano, Ibadan Discos Lead in Accidents with Fatalities Ejiofor Alike The latest ranking of the 11 electricity distribution companies on electrical accidents by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) showed that Abuja, Kano and Ibadan electricity distribution companies are leading other discos in terms of the number of accidents with fatalities between January and August 2017.

According to the data obtained by THISDAY, the Abuja Disco recorded 18 accidents with fatalities out of the 75 accidents with fatalities recorded in the power sector during the period under review.

The data showed that Kano

ENERGY and Ibadan recorded 10 accidents with fatalities each, while Jos and Benin Discos, which came fourth and fifth, recorded nine and seven accidents with fatalities, respectively.

Port Harcourt Disco and Kaduna Disco recorded five and four accidents with fatalities, respectively, while Yola and Enugu had four and three accidents with fatalities.

While Ikeja Disco recorded two accidents with fatalities, Eko Disco and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) recorded the lowest accident rates with two and one accident with fatalities, respectively.

NEMSA data further showed

that no staff of Abuja Disco was involved in any of the 18 fatal accidents recorded by the company, while 22 other persons died.

Abuja Disco also recorded two vehicular accidents and seven accidents that ended in only injuries with two staff and nine other persons injured.

Out of the 10 fatal accidents recorded by Kano Disco, none of the company’s staff was involved but 12 other persons were affected in the fatal accidents.

The company also recorded nine accidents that ended only in injuries with three staff and 11 other persons injured.

The data also showed that no staff of Ibadan Disco was

involved in the 10 fatal accidents recorded by the company as the fatalities affected only 10 persons who are not staff of the company.

Ibadan also recorded five accidents with injuries only with three staff and two thirty party injured.

The nine accidents with fatalities suffered by Jos Electricity Distribution Company affected five staff and six other persons, while three staff and one other person were injured in five accidents with only injuries recorded by the company during the period under review.

Also one staff and six others were affected in the seven acContinued on page 22

US energy firms cut the most oil rigs in a week since January as a 14-month drilling recovery stalled due to weak crude prices.

Drillers cut seven oil rigs in the week to Sept. 15, bringing the total count down to 749, the least since June, General Electric Company’s Baker Hughes energy services firm said in its closely followed report at the weekend.

Drillers have not added any rigs since the week of Aug. 11. The rig count, an early indicator of future output, is still higher than the 416 active oil rigs a year ago as energy companies had mapped out ambitious spending programs for 2017 when they expected US crude to be higher than the $50 per barrel where they are currently trading.

Crude prices were up about five per cent so far this month after declining in five of the past six months, including a near six per cent drop in August as rising US output helped to add to a global glut.

US production is expected to rise to 9.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2017 and a record 9.8 million bpd in 2018 from 8.9 million bpd in 2016, according to federal energy projections this week.

Venezuela to Shun US Dollar

Venezuela published the price of its oil and fuel in Chinese currency on Friday in what it called an effort to free the socialist-run country from the “tyranny of the dollar,� echoing a plan recently announced by President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro last week said his government would shun the dollar after the United States announced sanctions that blocked certain financial dealings with Venezuela on accusations that the ruling Socialist Party is undermining democracy.

The global oil industry overwhelmingly uses the dollar for pricing of products. A weekly Oil Ministry bulletin published on Friday listed September prices in yuan, while including prices from previous weeks and months in dollars. “This format is the result of the announcement made on Sept 7 by the president ... that Venezuela will implement new strategies to free the country from the tyranny of the dollar,� the ministry wrote in a statement released after the bulletin.

Venezuela’s yuan-based prices appear to be the result of multiplying dollar prices by the dollar/yuan exchange rate .

The price per barrel for the week ending Friday was 306.26 yuan, equivalent to $46.76 based on the exchange rate listed in a footnote. That is up from the previous week’s price of 300.91 yuan, or $46.15 based on the corresponding exchange rate.

“It is true that there was a time in our recent past that only Americans would know if there was a problem in Nigeria; that time has passed�

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola

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BUSINESSWORLD KACHIKWU: $100 OIL IMPOSSIBLE IN 2018

easier,� he noted. “As of today, we have hit 7,000 megawatts of electricity but we only have the capacity to distribute about 4,000 meaning about 3,000 is sitting there. What does it take?

Infrastructure! So, we’ve got to step out. All over the world, state by state you have about two or three power providers and they are running their metering, charging the right tariffs for it, life goes on and they can do their investment in terms of generating the power so they are fundamental things that we need to do especially in the oil industry but we are being very constrained,� the minister said “Look at refining for example, if you open up refining, just like what Dangote is doing, if we have three or four or five Dangotes building refineries, the equation changes. We’ll be dealing with how do we export and then the prices begin to come down because efficiencies and competition hit the table,� he added.

ABUJA, KANO, IBADAN DISCOS LEAD IN ACCIDENTS WITH FATALITIES

cidents recorded by the Benin Disco, which ended in fatalities.

In the PH Disco, 12 others also died in the five accidents with fatalities recorded by the company while no staff was affected.

PH Disco also recorded two accidents with only injuries where one staff and 10 others were injured.

Kaduna Disco also lost two staff and two other persons in the four accidents with fatalities recorded by the company, while two staff and one other person were injured with three accidents that ended in only injuries.

The company also recorded one explosion during the period under review.

Yola Disco lost one staff and three other persons in four accidents, while one accident ended in only injuries suffered by a third party.

Enugu Disco, according to NEMSA ranking, lost two staff and one other person during the period.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Cap Mkt)

NEWS

Coker: We Will Make Tourism a Huge Money Spinner Chika Amanze-Nwachuku The Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr. Folorunsho Coker has expressed his confidence that the Nigerian tourism industry would be refocused as a thriving business and a major money spinner.

In an interactive session with journalists, weekend, Coker noted that Nigeria was endowed with several tourist sites which could enhance her revenue if properly harnessed.

He said: “Tourism is responsible for 10per cent of the global GDP; it is about $8trillion in value; it is responsible for one in eleven jobs, more than the oil industry; it is the largest employer of labour in the world, about 292 million people. And strategically, it employs predominantly women and the youth. It is responsible for about 1.4 trillion in foreign exchange; it is responsible for 10 percent of world trade, and responsible for 30 percent of service export.

But for it to make this huge contribution to any economy, it has to be treated as a serious business and not as leisure or past time activity that it has always been classified as. It has to be invested in for you to reap the huge values out of it.�

The NTDC boss identified lack of direct investment in the tourism industry due to inconsistent policies, negative global perception due to insecurity propagated by bad press as some of the impediments to the growth of the industry.

He said the focus of the agency was to change the perception that tourism is just arts and culture and refocus it as a thriving business and a major revenue source.

According to him, a strategic five-point action plan, ‘CHIEF’ has been launched to drive the initiatives. CHIEF, he explained, stands for corporate governance and regulations; human capital development, infrastructural development; events and marketing; and finance and investment.

Coker said that the Nigerian tourism landscape accounts for about 1.7per cent of total GDP and is a major and primary source of investment and revenue for Nigeria.

He cited a recent research

by the Institute of Directors of Nigeria, which predicted an increase in contribution by tourism to economic progress from about N962.7billion in 2015 to about N1.56trillion by 2025, pointing out that the right policies must be in place for this to happen.

The NTDC boss applauded the recent election of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, as Vice President of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, saying it underscores the

importance of Nigeria in the global tourism industry.

Mohammed was elected by acclamation to speak for Africa, alongside Cape Verde, at the 22nd General Assembly of the UNWTO, which held in Chengdu, China.

His election followed Nigeria’s unopposed nomination by the UNWTO Commission on Africa (CAF).

Reacting to his election, the minister said: “To be called upon to serve as a Vice President of the General Assembly of the UNWTO is a very big honour

to Nigeria. �It has proven one thing, that in the last two years, we have succeeded in pushing tourism and the Creative Industry as a whole from the back burner to the front burner from a side issue to the main issue. This has also been noticed by the global community and I feel highly gratified by it.�

Nigeria, which will serve on the UNWTO General Assembly until 2019, will host the 61st edition of the UNWTO CAF Meeting in Abuja 4th-6th June 2018.

STANDARD BANK CLOSING GONG CEREMONY

L – R: Head of Channels, Standard Bank, Claudio Banze; Head, Collection, Standard Bank, Charl Van Rhyn; Head, Human Capital, Standard Bank, Lauretta Theys; Acting Head, Corporate Services Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Pai Gamde; Executive Structured Products, Standard Bank, Jersey, Chris Berry; Head, Finance, RRB Standard Bank, Tendani Sikhwivhilu and Acting Head, Strategy, NSE, Okon Onutuei, at the Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange ‌ recently

TCN Records 15 System ICRC Offers to Provide PPP Expertise for NNPC Depots Collapses in 2017 Ejiofor Alike The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has so far recorded 15 system collapses in 2017, indicating strong evidence of the weakness of the transmission infrastructure to wheel power from the generation companies to the distribution companies, THISDAY has learnt.

According to the second quarter 2017 performance scorecard by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which was obtained by THISDAY, TCN recorded five system collapses in the first quarter of 2017 and 10 system collapses in the second quarter of 2017.

The scorecard showed that the five system collapses recorded in the first quarter were total collapse of the transmission grid.

However, eight out of the 10 system collapses in the second quarter were total collapses while two were partial collapses of the system, according to NERC. THISDAY gathered that the weakness of the transmission infrastructure has continued to manifest in the frequent collapse of the system whenever generation improves significantly.

However, in few instances,

the system has collapsed as a result of very low generation.

Though the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola had claimed that TCN has a capacity to wheel over 6,500 megawatts, statistics showed that the system goes down once generation exceeds 4,500MW. Fashola recently berated the Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, Mr. Dallas Peavey for telling the eight-member Congressional delegation from the United States that weak transmission infrastructure had stalled the evacuation of 700 megawatts of electricity from the power station.

The minister’s annoyance stemmed from the fact that TCN is under the control and ownership of the federal government, unlike the distribution and generation companies.

Peavey had told the Congressional delegation led by Senator Christopher Coons, who is a member of the Appropriations, Foreign Relations, Judiciary, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Ethics committees, that the plant was being owed N125 billion for power supplied to the national grid, a revelation, which also irked the power minister.

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has offered to lend its expertise on Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiation, design and execution to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to revive its petroleum depots across the country.

The NNPC has up to 5000 kilometres of pipeline network, 21 petroleum products storage depots and nine liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) depots, but of these facilities have not functioned optimally.

But speaking at the inaugural Nigerian International Pipeline Technology Security Conference (NIPITECS) organised by the Pipeline Professionals Association of Nigeria (PPAN) in Abuja, the acting Director General of ICRC, Mr. Chidi Izuwah stated that the agency could help the NNPC restore the efficiency of its depots using PPP arrangements.

Izuwah noted that pipelines and depots as means of transporting fuel would have to be prioritised by the NNPC, while the Nigerian government should give the country’s road networks some relief.

“Nigerian roads cannot be healthy if the NNPC depots and pipelines don’t work.

Our roads are not built are not built to transport heavy products and loads because they are not concrete, and 70 per cents of NNPC’s pipelines have exceeded their lifespan,� he said.

He further stated: “ICRC will help the NNPC on its plans to adopt PPP for its depots. We are ready, able and willing to work with MDAs to use PPP to change Nigeria.�

Also in his remarks at the event, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru explained that the continued destruction of the corporation’s pipeline networks has contributed to high cost of products distribution in the country, as well as loss of revenues.

He called on the PPAN to devise new ways of protecting pipelines in the country, adding that pipeline destruction contributed to Nigeria’s recent economic recession.

Baru stated: “As we all know, pipelines today remain the cheapest means of transporting crude oil, petroleum products and gas across the country.

Nigeria has about 5,000km of pipeline network for petroleum

products transportation and distribution while natural gas pipelines constitute over 2,800km in length. “This is exclusive of thousands of kilometres of the small sized pipelines, otherwise called flow lines, for crude oil and gas gathering and transportation to flow stations and gas plants. These pipelines traverse the length and breadth of the country.

Due to population growth in Nigeria, the pipelines are now within major settlements and therefore difficult to protect.

Even more challenging is the encroachment to the pipeline Right of Way (RoW) by buildings and major settlements,�

Baru explained. “These pipelines serve a wide range of purposes especially in transporting crude oil from the production fields to refineries and export terminals; transporting natural gas to power plants, cement and fertiliser plants and many more other industries that require natural gas for their operations. They also serve as a primary feeder to LNG plants that liquefy natural gas which serves as virtual pipelines. As such protecting these pipelines has now become a national security concern,� Baru added.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

Promoting Local Content with Zabazaba Deepwater Project Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is set to witness a beehive of activities as the local content plan in the Zabazaba deepwater field being developed by Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited and Shell targets to exceed the accomplishments achieved by Samsung Heavy Industries for Total’s Egina project. Ejiofor Alike reports With the federal government’s increasing lack of capacity to fund the joint venture cash calls for the development of JV projects with the international oil companies (IOCs), a production sharing contract (PSC) model was developed to rescue the country from the funding challenges.

It is estimated that crude oil production by the NNPC JVs with Shell, Chevron, Total and ExxonMobil dropped by over 50 per cent in the last 10 years as a result of the inadequate funding of the JVs by the NNPC. Statistics also revealed that the country should have been producing between 500,000 barrels per day and 1 million bpd more than it is producing currently if the government had been providing adequate funding for the JV cash calls.

This also largely accounted for the country’s inability to meet 4 million barrels per day production capacity and 40 billion barrels reserves target set out by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo for 2010.

But while poor funding slashed production in the JV assets, output from projects under the PSC arrangement, which are solely funded by the IOCs, has risen by about 700 per cent over the same period, according to estimates.

Under the PSC, an alternative fiscal regime, modelled after Indonesia’s Production Sharing Agreement, NNPC does not contribute any fund as the PSC contractor (IOC) provides 100 per cent of the risk capital, as well as technical and manpower requirements, and only recoups the investment outlay when it starts the export of crude oil.

Apart from the Total’s Egina deepwater field, which will come on stream in 2018, the IOCs have developed deep offshore fields such as Shell’s Bonga, ExxonMobil’s Erha, Total’s Akpo and Usan; and Chevron’s Agbami, under PSCs. The five prolific offshore fields were developed by the IOCs without financial pressure on the Federation Account, thus making funds available for the country’s other competing needs.

These producing assets have also added over 1 million barrels of crude oil to the country’s daily production.

Local content contribution However, most of these producing offshore assets made very little or no contribution to Nigerian content as the local content aspiration of the federal government was a mere policy when these projects were developed.

With no legislative backing to drive the implementation of the policy, the IOCs did not key into the policy during the development stage of the assets.

So, most of the jobs were done outside Nigeria, thus impacting negatively on job creation, development of local skills and the Nigerian economy.

But with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD) of 2010, newer projects, particularly the ongoing Egina project has larger Nigerian content scope as the legislation stipulates that more oil and gas industry jobs should be executed locally to build local capacity and ensure that a large chunk of the industry’s yearly spend is domiciled in the country. The Egina deepwater field is currently being developed at the cost of $18 billion by Total Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI) and a large chunk of this fund is being retained in the Nigerian economy.

In Egina for instance, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has fabricated six out of the 18 modules in the Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel in Nigeria, representing over 30 per cent of the main packages of the $3.3 billion Egina FPSO. In the previous deepwater projects, the fabrication of all the modules of the FPSOs was done in foreign yards, thus encouraging

Egina FPSO in SHI’s Goeje Shipyard in South Korea capital flight.

But for the first time in history, six FPSO topside modules for Egina FPSO were fabricated in-country across fabrication yards.

These modules will be integrated into the main FPSO when the FPSO arrives at the Samsung Yard (SHI-MCI yard) in Lagos later this year, before the vessel sails to the 200,000 barrels per day Egina field located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 130.

The planned integration of the Egina FPSO will be the first of its kind in Africa.

In order to carry out the local fabrication and integration of the Egina FPSO as required

by Total, and the NCDMB, Samsung Heavy industries has built a new fabrication and integration yard with $300 million of investment.

The investment led to the creation of an independent entity, Samsung Yard (SHI-MCI FZE) located within Takwa bay, LADOL free zone, a portion of approximately 121,000m2 which was a virgin land mass.

This investment will grow the country’s GDP, create job opportunities, enhance local capacity development and contribute significantly to the federal government’s efforts to boost local participation in the oil and gas business through Nigerian content.

Zabazaba deepwater project As the oil and gas industry celebrates the new records set on Nigerian content by Samsung Heavy Industries in the Egina project, a new deepwater project, Zabazaba project is set to exceed the targets achieved in the Egina project, according to the Nigerian content plan unveiled by the NCDMB. On August 30, 2017, the federal government, Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) and Shell Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) completed the technical and commercial evaluation of bids for the main packages in the development of the $13.5 billion Zabazaba deepwater oil field in Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 245 within 14 months.

Shell and Agip acquired OPL 245, which contains the Zabazaba field, from Malabu Oil and Gas in 2012 for $1.3 billion.

THISDAY had reported that the acquisition

has been the subject of a corruption probe and prosecutions in Italy and Nigeria but has not deterred Shell and Agip, which have both maintained their innocence, from going ahead with the field’s development.

Agip is developing the Zabazaba field with proven reserves of 560 million barrels of oil as a standalone development in the eastern portion of the Niger Delta in water depths ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 metres.

The Agip-operated Zabazaba project will set a new record in local content development as the major contractors bidding for the project were said to have submitted competitive costs and concrete plans to fabricate and integrate over 50 per cent of the topsides of the FPSO in the country.

While SHI fabricated six out of the 18 modules of the Egina FPSO in Nigeria, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has stipulated that the contractors must fabricate and integrate over 50 per cent of the topsides of the Zabazaba FPSO in Nigeria.

Agip plans to achieve first oil in 2020 and is determined to start execution of the project in the fourth quarter of this year.

Already, the main contractors that submitted technical and commercial bids for the main packages for the Zabazaba project have in their submissions, offered to meet the NCDMB’s Nigerian content target, thus meeting the country’s aspiration of maximising local capacity in the oil and gas sector at the most competitive cost. The main packages in the Zabazaba project include the construction of the FPSO units, subsea installations and drilling rigs.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, who confirmed the development at the weekend, said the execution of Zabazaba would grow local capacity.

Apart from Total’s Egina field that will begin production next year, Nigeria currently has five other giant deep offshore oil fields that are producing – Shell’s Bonga, ExxonMobil’s Erha, Chevron’s Agbami and Total’s Akpo and Usan fields.

But Wabote stated that the Zabazaba field

would impact the Nigerian economy much more than previous deepwater projects.

Wabote, who confirmed that the technical and commercial evaluations of bids for the Zabazaba main packages had been finalised, added that the NCDMB carried out detailed scoping of the project to ensure that the targets exceed the accomplishments achieved for Total’s Egina.

He stated that the entire approvals and evaluations for Zabazaba were completed in 14 months, setting a record in the industry as against the 24-36 months project cycle time that bedevilled the Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for many years and contributed to the high cost of projects. “It has taken just 14 months since Agip approached the board with their Nigerian content plan. Agip and NCDMB worked closely and went through the standard contracting process, including the invitation to tender, clarifications, technical and commercial bid evaluations and facility audits. “We completed the process and issued our final report on August 30. This is in confirmation that NCDMB does not delay projects and we can achieve the six months contract cycle target if operators comply with set directives,� Wabote explained.

Wabote had earlier stated that more FPSO modules would be fabricated locally for future deepwater projects.

According to him, NCDMB would not rest on its oars with regard to the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act and “new projects must look at doing local FPSO integration and more.�

Increased domiciliation of deepwater projects and future FPSO projects is expected to create jobs in the economy.

This will help build local capacity and lead to increased industry activities that will keep the Nigerian manpower and facilities busy as they execute more challenging jobs in the oil and gas industry.

The projects will also boost the country’s crude oil production, grow the GDP and impact the economy positively as the industry’s yearly spend is domiciled in the country.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

Dwarfing Competitors with Innovation, Regional Expansion Jonathan Eze writes that a superior business strategy, with regional and global expansion goals in focus, has set Dangote Cement miles apart from its competitors The successes recorded by Dangote Cement Company (DCN) and other subsidiaries of the Aliko Dangote’s business empire are product of constructive thinking, a global perspective and approach to doing businesses laced with an uncommon goal to be the best and pacesetter in their different product lines.

Companies that lack international perspective are often timid about moving into new markets. Fear of the unknown is normal but the ability to see beyond things and business ideas that are obvious and keying into them, has been the greatest asset of the richest man in Africa. This is however, the albatross of the Dangote Cement competitors.

They struggle to prioritise global expansion, because they are not convinced they need to diversify geographically in order to scale.

But for Dangote, global marketing and localisation, are not seen burden but huge advantage against competitors. The company believes that these enable it to attract customers in other markets, serve them better, and convert them into advocates for their brands.

It is a common knowledge that businesses with unimpressive global trajectories make the common mistake of diluting the importance of international growth, either by placing ownership at lower levels of their organisation that cannot influence strategy or within multiple silos across the organisation but such is not the case with the drivers of the DCN. When globalisation becomes decentralised and has no clear owner, the business struggles to coordinate all the moving parts and drive international strategy forward.

On the other hand, when proper support for globalisation is in place, the end result is a “global first� culture. Employees throughout the company begin to display a globally minded attitude, which spills over into business processes. This undoubtedly is the reason behind the astronomic rise of the Dangote brand.

Just last week, Dangote Cement Plc confirmed plans to acquire the entire share capital of South Africa’s leading cement firm, PPC Limited.

In a notification signed by the Company’s Secretary, Mahmud Kazaure, which was sent to the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), the board of directors of Dangote Cement revealed that it had communicated its interest to acquire the PPC’s share capital to the board of directors of the South African firm.

The company, however, added that the acquisition talks are still at the preliminary stage. “This communication is still at the preliminary stage. Further details will be published subsequently, as appropriate,� the notice read.

Dangote Cement has been on an aggressive move to expand its operations to other African countries. The company posted a revenue of N412.7 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2017, up by 41.2 per cent from N292.2 billion in the corresponding period of 2016.

It ended the first half with profit before tax (PBT) of N155.5 billion, with an increase of 24 per cent from N124.8 billion in 2016.

It achieved massive revenue increase across Nigeria and other African countries. The company posted a 12.6 per cent increase in sales volume across Africa, showing a growing capture of Pan-African market as Dangote Cement continues to gain grounds.

Revenues from operations in Nigeria increased by 34.5 per cent to 291.4 billion while Pan-Africa revenue increased by 63.7 percent to 124.4 billion from 76.0 billion mainly as a result of increased volumes and foreign exchange gains when converting the sales from country local currency into Naira.

Analysis of the half year result revealed that sales volumes of African operations increased by 12.6 per cent to 4.7 million metric tonnes with Sierra Leone making a 53 kilo tonnes maiden contribution.

Record of sales from its operations scattered around the African continent revealed that a

Dangote Cement Factory in Obajana

Dangote total of 1.1million ‘metric tonnes of cement was sold in Ethiopia, almost 0.7 million metric tonnes sold in Senegal, 0.6 million metric tonnes sold in Cameroon, and 0.5 million tonnes in Ghana.

Also, 0.4 million metric tonnes of cement was sold in Tanzania and 0.3 million tonnes in Zambia. Sales volumes from Nigerian operations reportedly fell from 8.8Mt to 6.9Mt, occasioned by the onset of rains which stalled many construction projects.

Reflecting on the half year results, Dangote Cement’s Chief Executive Officer, Onne van der Weijde, expressed satisfaction that the company’s revenues have continued to grow despite low sales from the Nigerian operations noting that the revenues grew on the strength of sales from other African operations “Our revenues have continued to grow despite the lower volumes seen in Nigeria, especially because of the recent heavy rains. Our margins have improved significantly, helped by improved efficiencies and a much better fuel mix in Nigeria. “We are using much more gas and increasing our use of coal mined in Nigeria, thus reducing our need for foreign currency and supporting Nigerian jobs. �Our Pan-African operations are growing well and increasing market share. We saw our first sales from Sierra Leone in the first quarter and our new plant in the Republic of Congo will be in production soon, further increasing our footprint across Africa and

strengthening our position as its leading manufacturer of cement.�

The company reported that it estimated that Nigeria’s total market for cement was 10.2 million tonnes (Mt), 23.2% lower than the estimated 13.3Mt sold in Nigeria in the first half of 2016. Of total market sales in the first half of 2017, just 0.1Mt was imported. “As a result of the slower market, our Nigeria operation sold nearly 6.9Mt of cement, down 21.8% on the 8.8Mt sold in the first half of 2016. We estimated our market share to have been about 64.5% during the first six months of 2017.�

Dangote Cement is also a delight to its millions of shareholders. It is a high-growth, low-debt, internationally diversified company that has just paid a dividend amounting to nearly 75 per cent of 2016 net profits to shareholders. “The recent publication of our credit ratings highlights the financial strength we have achieved through our unwavering focus on the profitable expansion of the business, underpinned by our belief that we must remain prudent in our financial management,� Mr. Weijde stated.

The growth of the Dangote firm has been systematic. When it commissioned a cement factory in Okpella, Edo State worth $1bn, it didn’t come as a surprise to industry watchers because Dangote has continued to show his plans to expand across several African countries by 2019.

However, prior to the inauguration of the Okpella cement factory, it was announced that Dangote commenced the construction of a 3 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) grinding plant in Ivory Coast.

Currently, Dangote Cement is present in almost all the regions in Africa that are rich in limestone deposits, which is an essential component for the production of cement.

Dangote has established cement plants of over 43 MMTPA capacity across sub-Saharan Africa, while being fully operational in about many African countries. Its ambitious strategy for Africa, and the company is now targeting a total capacity of 75 MMTPA by 2019.

This is due to the fact that there is currently no other cement producing company that has its foot prints across Africa with a capacity higher than Dangote Cement.

Dangote Cement in Nigeria controls about 65 per cent of the market and over 30 per cent of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. According to

Dangote, the group’s cement production had surpassed Nigeria’s average total consumption of 20 million metric tonnes.

In terms of market capitalisation, Dangote Cement is competing so highly.

In a recent interview for the 2017 KPMG CEO Outlook, the President of Dangote Group, revealed the secret of his business successes. He said the group was focused on aggressive growth. “I think really, the future is looking very, very bright,� he said.

When it comes to entering a new geography or a new business line, Dangote said he has a very specific point of view.

Rather than entering a new market through acquisition, he said the company is always focused on building a business from scratch and then “start competing with a lot of existing players.â€? “Areas where some of our competitors have been, for 50 years before us, we’ve gone there, we’ve struggled with them, we’ve taken more market share ‌ with no advertisements, nothing,â€? he added.

Another key element behind the group’s impressive growth is its relentless focus on quality. “What we’re doing is making sure the quality is unquestionable,� he said, adding that when “you’re providing the highest quality product in the market, you’re able to attach a very good price to that product.�

For instance, he explained that when the company entered the cement business, he realised the burning question was whether they’d be able to produce cement that rivalled the quality of the established and only other cement producer operating in Nigeria at that time. He said: “We concentrated on quality.

We knew customers would not trust our brand because they’d been used to one brand for over 50 years. That’s how we came out to have the best quality ever.�

On the topic of leadership, for any company to be successful, Dangote said: “The main objective for any CEO is to make sure there’s ownership. Some of our competitors are not doing well because there is nothing like ownership in their businesses. “What we try to train our people on is that they must be committed and they must have ownership of the business. Don’t take it as something that you’re doing just to earn a salary. I think that kind of outlook can bring a major change in any business that you operate.�

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FG Inaugurates Committee for Sustainable Economic Growth Stories by Jonathan Eze President Muhammadu Buhari, has emphasised the need to sustain and scale up reforms to achieve economic growth and development.

To this end, the president has announced the setting up an implementation Unit for the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP) to closely monitor critical initiatives, periodically evaluate implementation progress against set targets and milestones.

The Implementation unit, according to him, will provide early warning signals of potential risks and articulate actionable measures to be

taken against any identified constraints.

The President, who made the remarks during the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos last week, said government would continue to strive towards improving the overall business environment, through deepening the effort of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) by simplifying the process of confirmation of companies’ names on the website of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Represented by the Minister of State for Budget and Na-

tional Planning, Hajiya Zainab Hammed, Buhari stated that the visa-on-arrival policy has equally commenced to facilitate the entry of investors into the country. He added that his administration has also designed series of capacity development and funding initiatives to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

According to the president, to further support the growth of the manufacturing sector, the federal government has issued executive orders on the promotion of transparency and efficiency business environment and on improving the patronage of locall y made goods.

Buhari explained that with the 0.55 per cent growth recorded, there is need to sustain and scale up reforms to achieve economic growth and development, stressing that in the coming months, officials of the implementation Unit will be interacting with members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) towards ensuring improved performance of the industrial sector.

According to him, the federal government is also placing high priority to fixing infrastructure which is expected to reduce the cost of doing business in the country. “This is evident in the huge capital allocation of

N554 billion and N242 billion respectively to Ministries of Power, Works and Housing and Transportation in the 2017 budget . These investments have enabled the resumption of work on several stalled road, rail and power projects across the country,� he said.

Earlier, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Saraki, represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Sen. Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim said for Nigeria to maintain the path of economic growth, private sector investment must be encouraged to play a central role in our economic

recovery efforts, saying that public private partnership (PPP) will go a long way in aiding and sustaining Nigeria’s current economic recovery and growth. The MAN President, Frank Jacobs, said the theme of the AGM tagged, ‘Recovery and Growth of the Nigerian Economy’ was necessitated by the prevailing economic exigency in the country, the need to overcome it and how to sustain a post-crisis economy.

He added that the issue of power should be given priority, pointing out that without adequate and stable power, economic and social development will be a mirage.

Cassava Export as Money Spinner Investing in cassava production for export is a thriving business and a money spinning venture, writes Uba Godwin The federal government still encourages diversification via Agriculture. The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh has retreated the importance of diversification to Agricultural products such as yam, cassava and rice production and processing.

The present government has paid attention on the development of agriculture and other nonoil exportable products. Through Agricultural development food security, self-reliance on local food consumption and export will be enhanced.

Cassava production, processing into chips & pellets, industrial starch, ethanol, garri, flour and foo-foo is still a very lucrative agro- industrial project. Here some of those potentials are discussed. Cassava is an important annual food grown throughout Nigeria. It is tuberous and has the ability to thrive in poor soils and has considerable resistance to drought. It is also used to refer to the root of this tropical plant.

It is botanically called manihot esculenta and also called maniac or tapioca. Cassava is seen as readily available raw materials for establishment of small and medium scale industries in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s staple garri is produced from the root of this crop.

Production Nigeria is a major producer of this tropical crops with output conservatively put at over 50, 000 metric tons. Cassava and its allied products were on the export prohibition list for quite long time. From 1996, its ban was lifted. With this policy action, Nigeria exporters were given the opportunity to develop export markets for this product. Apart from Nigeria other major tropical developing countries that produce cassava include Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia and Zaire.

Nigeria’s over 60,000 metric tons of cassava is almost totally processed and consumed locally.

Uses Cassva is used to produce Garri, foo-foo, cassava flour and ethanol for local consumption.

Cassava is used mainly for producing animal feeds. The dry roots chips and pellets are usually preferred by industrial animal feeds producers in America and Europe. Alcohol is also extracted from cassava. Textile industries and food industries need starch as raw materials for production.

Food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries (to mention few) need starch as raw materials Export types Cassava for export includes dry cassava leaves, chips & pellets, starch and ethanol. All these products can be exported and very lucrative business. Detailed research reports and feasibility studies report on establishment and running of any these aspects of the project as well as export market information are available and would be given to prospective investors.

Export Globally, only 15 percent of total production of cassava is exported with Thailand being the major exporter of cassava products. As earlier stated cassava and its derivatives were de-listed from

70 percent, 70 percent and 62 percent stand for chips, flour and pellets respectively while moisture content is 14 percent, fiber five percent and ash-three percent content for all the three products. Details would be given to prospective investors on contacting the writer.

Chips are normally white or near white, clean, free of mould, foreign matter insect damage and without off odors. Length of chips should be 4-5mm. It should be noted that if quality standard is not maintained the export project is bound to collapse. Therefore must be worked out carefully.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh the export prohibition lists since 1996 and any Nigerian can invest and export any processed product(s). Its export is now encouraged among other food crops for which Nigeria is a major producer by present administration.

Direction of export The direction of cassava export is mainly Europe and North America with European Union accounting for about 90 percent of the total buyers. Details of the foreign buyers of industrial starch, cassava chips & pellets and cassava flour would be given to prospective investors on contacting the writer. About 30 percent of cassava production globally s used for starches and other industrial products and only less than one percent is processed into ethanol particularly in Brazil. It is a choice animal feed material because of its high carbohydrate content. It is however mixed with protein source such as Soya beans.

Europe market overview The Europe is the major importer of cassava for animal production. Details would be given to prospective investors. Animal production being the main attraction of Agriculture in Europe, accounted for about 70 percent of total agricultural output. The compound feed formulation is the main attraction for cassava. About 90 percent of the traded cassava in the Europe is from the developing countries, Such as Nigeria. Main suppliers are Thailand (about 85 per cent),

Indonesia (about six percent), sub Saharan Africa is yet to contribute significantly to world trade in cassava with about three (3) percent recorded in the early part of the millennium.

The principal buyer of cassava in the Europe is Netherlands, (accounting for over 40 percent of total Europe imports); Germany (about 20 per cent), Belgium and Luxembourg (about 13 percent), France (eight percent), U.K (10 percent) and Italy (two percent). Details breakdown would be given to prospective investors the exportable quality standard.

Transportation and handling Transportation and handling constitute high levels of cost of inputs in preparation of cassava for export. This is due to the bulky nature of the product. This cost could be as high as 50 per cent of total cost. Proper management of cost reduction programme is therefore recommended for those who wish to venture into the export of cassava as reduction of costs will afford better competitiveness. Cassava pellets are usual cheaper to transport and handle than other exportable processed cassava products like industrial starch.

The standard of the product is very important.

Quality Standards Feed millers are very critical about quality.

Consistency of quality is very important for them to maintain the standards of their products.

Quality is usually in terms of nutritive value.

Minimum standard specifications are as follows

Projects

Chips & Pellets

Industrial starch/ flour

Ethanol

Payback period

Within 1 year

Within 1 year

Within 1 year Within 1 year

Return on investment

52%

68%

40%

Garri / foo-foo

60%

Global Packaging Requirements Packaging is done in sacks of cotton, multi-craft paper bags or clean jute bag or woven sacks; pellets should be uniform in shape and size, less fragile and should be compatible for handling, storage and transportation. Palletizing equipments exist for production of pellets. Prospective investors should not afraid of the quality control because the writer through years of experience can guide any investor to success.

The current price of Thailand hard pellets (Nigeria’s equivalent) is as high as 3,500 DM per ton, industrial starch $2,500 US per ton as at April 2017(please note that the international price fluctuates and project plan market price) would be worked out based on the current.

Establishing the Cassava processing plants The plants and machinery for setting up of the cassava chips and pellets, industrial starch and flour, ethanol, garri and foo-foo producing and packaging plants for both locally and export markets are locally available. However, arrangements can be made for foreign machines on request. There are foreign machines from China South Korea, Japan, India etc. Prospective investors would be given the details and would be comprehensively worked out in the bankable feasibility studies report.

The raw materials, labor and all other required inputs are locally available. All other essential details including accommodation, manpower, production technology, packaging and marketing will be embodied in a bankable and comprehensive feasibility report for prospective investor. Prospective investors can start very small and gradually grow.

Investment Analysis The proposed project is always very lucrative.

The EPZ (export processing zones) can provide accommodation to serious investors. At the same time would ensure quality processing of their export products. Details would be given to prospective investors on contacting the writer.

Details would be given to prospective investors on contacting the writer.

Uba, Godwin Global Trust Consulting, 56, Ishaga Road (1st floor), Surulere, Lagos Tel: 08034494437, 08023664368, 08171555133 Email: ubagodwin@yahoo.com

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

T H I S D AY TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Sterling Bank Takes Giant Strides in Housing Sector Nigeria has a worrisome deficit in housing, which as at 2012, was estimated at a minimum of 17 million units. Recently, the figure was raised and, according to experts, it could be up to 20 million units, if a proper investigation of the state of affairs in the sector was undertaken. Interestingly Sterling Bank Plc., has been playing significant financing role on both the demand and supply side of the housing sector, designed to contribute to a reduction of the deficit. Bennett Oghifo writes

M

ajority of Nigerians live in blighted and unplanned areas that are unfit, and some are unfit for human habitation, and most of these communities are in cities.

Some housing experts argue that the deficit in the 2012 report of the World Bank was as a result of these unplanned communities like Lekki, which, though have beautiful homes, but was not documented as livable because of the unplanned environment.

Recently, stakeholders met in Abuja at a housing show where awards were presented to firms and individuals that contribute to the development of the nation’s housing sector.

Sterling Bank Plc., was one of the institutions that stood out with an award, distinguishing it as the Housing Friendly Commercial Bank of the Year. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who was at the event with other senior government officials, remarked that Nigeria has been contending with a huge deficit in the housing sector over the years. He decried the current situation which effectively enables only one per cent of the Nigerian population access mortgage facilities, saying it is extremely low relative to a country like the United Kingdom with 77 per cent.

Fashola expressed concern that the deficit was apparent both on the supply and demand sides, stating that it was not just that the housing situation was grossly inadequate to satisfy the needs of the population, access to a mortgage was also inadequate.

The minister noted that financial institutions have allocated barely one percent of their loan portfolios to housing and about 11 percent to construction in the last 30 years. However, stakeholders saw the award as due recognition to Sterling Bank Plc., a financial institution that has played a significant role in the housing sector by adopting an innovative model that takes adequate care of the demand and supply sides.

All things considered, Sterling Bank won the award as a result of its remarkable impact on housing delivery in the country. Specifically, the Commercial and Institutional Banking Group within Sterling Bank has established a firm footing in the housing sector by wholly and partly financing some landmark real estates in the country.

Some of the housing estates include; the

Managing Director/CEO, Sterling Bank, Mr. Yemi CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele Adeola

part-financing of Crown Court Mabushi in Abuja for Crown Realities Plc. The project comprises 72 units of 3-bedroom flats, 18 units of 4-bedroom semi–detached houses and 16 units of detached 4-bedroom houses.

Prior to this, Sterling Bank had part-financed the prestigious Crown Estate in Lekki, located on a 41.7 hectares gated private estate along the Lagos-Epe Expressway in 2000.

Other residential projects part–financed by Sterling Bank in collaboration with developers include, Diamond Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos; 360 low-cost housing units for Diya Fatimilehin & Co., Friends’ Colony Estate, Lekki Lagos; a 210 semi–detached and detached housing units for Aircom Nigeria Limited, Common Wealth Court, Lekki; 36 apartments of Defacto Properties Limited and Bourdillon Court Estate, Lekki, Lagos comprising 192 housing units (flats and Terrace houses) for Aircom Nigeria Limited.

Others are Cromwell Court’s 180 units of apartments; Milverton Estate’s 240 units of apartments, Northern Foreshore Estate’s 566 mixed housing units; Napier Garden’s 220 mixed housing units, all for Aircom Nigeria Limited in Lekki, Lagos and Tarino Towers’ 29 units of apartments for FMT Parkview Limited located in Ikoyi, Lagos. Sterling Bank also part-financed Visage Apartment’s Victoria

Island Lagos, 40 units of apartments for Sat Leasing Limited on Victoria Island, Lagos; Primewaterview Gardens’, phases I & II 539 units of apartments for Primewaterview Ltd in Lekki Lagos; Eko Court, Parkview Estate’s,12 units of apartments for Samtl Properties Ltd in Ikoyi, Lagos; Happy Haven’s Banana Island’s 16 units of apartments for Samtl Properties Ltd in Ikoyi, Lagos; Doby Haven’s 20 units of apartments for Eco Building Ltd in Lekki, Lagos and Pearly Gate Estate’s 40 mixed housing units for Edward Properties Konsult. The bank has also wholly financed another residential estate for Crown Court in Durumi, Abuja which was inaugurated recently by the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Mohammed Bello.

Managing Director and Chief Executive, Crown Realities Plc, Mr. Darl Uzu, commended Sterling Bank for stepping in to provide critical financing for development projects in the country, particularly in a period of recession.

Uzu said the financial institution has proven to be a dependable partner in times of need for Crown Realities Plc. “At the height of the recession when funds are scarce and investors’ confidence was at its lowest, Sterling Bank stood by us and extended credit to finance our operations,” he said, adding that Crown Realities will not disappoint

the bank and will do everything possible to further strengthen the confidence reposed in the company. “We’ll always do our part every time.”

Executive Director, Commercial and Institutional Banking of Sterling Bank, Mr. Lanre Adesanya described the bank’s partnership with Crown Realities as a huge success. He said the real estate development company was tested and found to be well-managed, prudent and cost efficient. Adesanya noted that Sterling Bank has also made significant commitments in the real estate segment especially in Lagos. According to him, the bank has done quite well in retail real estate financing and is ready to provide credit to real estate developers who emulate Crown Realities’ prudent project selection and management model.

“We are happy to be part of the success of Crown Court Durumi, another landmark project which further strengthens our partnership with Crown Realities Plc. It means that Sterling Bank will always do more with a trusted party who never disappoints, and that’s what Crown Realities has proven to be - a trusted party,” Adesanya said.

He said the partnership is a success story for Sterling Bank, adding that the bank is willing to do more for whosoever is willing to do what Crown Realities has done.

Group Head, Non-Interest Banking Group of Sterling Bank, Mr. Basheer Oshodi noted that apart from Housing Friendly Award, Sterling Bank also won a similar award tagged “The European-Islamic Bank of the year Africa in 2016” in London which was organised by a UK based magazine, The European. He said the awards were won in recognition of the giant strides also being taken by the Non-Interest Banking Group in Nigeria’s housing sector.

Oshodi said the model of engagement created by the NIB group enhanced the ability of many Nigerians to own houses under a flexible mode of payment, adding that the NIB group has done so much in making affordable housing available to Nigerians.

According to him, customers who express interest in the home ownership model are made to contribute between 20 and 30 per cent equity over the construction period of 18 months after which the facility is booked for future ownership. He added that rentals in the scheme are less than what would have been paid in a conventional banking arrangement.

Haven Homes Donates Bins to LASPARK Bennett Oghifo Haven Homes, a foremost developer and promoter of lifestyle homes in the country has donated a large quantity of giant refuse bins to the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK). LASPARK is the Lagos state agency for landscaping and beautification of spaces in the environment to transform them into alluring parks and gardens.

A statement by the company said this was designed to further the company’s unalloyed commitment to meeting the needs of its immediate environment and that of the larger community.

The gesture was also intended to create value under its corporate social responsibility programme, according to officials.

The bins were presented to LASPARK on behalf of Haven

Homes’ General Manager, Mrs. Ufuoma Ilesanmi, accompanied by the firm’s Clients Service Officer, Mrs. Vivian Olowu.

The items were received on behalf of the agency by the special assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, accompanied by the General Manager of the agency, Mrs. Abimbola Jijoho-Ogun; and the Chief Executive Officer, African Clean-up Initiative, Mr. Alexander Akhigbe.

Mrs. Ilesanmi, who represented the Managing Director/ CEO, Mr. Tayo Sonuga, said, “Haven Homes was motivated to make the bin donation because our firm believe LASPARK can improve on the impressive work it is doing to beautify a mega city like Lagos through parks and gardens. We are making this donation to

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Environment, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe; General Manager, Laspack, Mrs. Abimbola Jijoho-Ogun; General Manager, Haven Homes, Mrs. Ufuoma Ilesanmi; Snr. Clients Officer, Haven Homes, Mrs. Vivian Olowu; CEO, African Clean up Initiative, Mr. Alexander Akhigbe, at the presentation of waste bins to LASPARK… recently

encourage LASPARK to do

better than they are doing

currently. Even though they

are doing great now, there is always room for improvement and it is such little gestures like ours that will help to achieve that goal. As modest as our donation seem, we are aware that little drops of water make a mighty ocean.

We sincerely hope that other corporate organisations will emulate our humble gesture and contribute to a very worthy cause, after all, the environment is an important matter to all and Lagos must be kept clean and beautiful.”

On their part, LASPARK appreciated Haven Homes’ kind gesture and wished that other corporate organisations would do likewise because government subventions alone would not be enough for them to do all that they would want to do in the onerous task of beautifying the environment.

29

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

National Park Service Needs Help, Says Conservationist

Conservationist and development communication specialist, Paddy Ezeala was a press officer in the Nigeria National Park Service and a Senior Manager, Media and Public Affairs of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). He was also Africa Communication Officer of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). He discusses the state of Nigeria National Parks and the way forward, in this interview with Bennett Oghifo

A

s a conservationist, what, in your opinion, is the state of National Parks in the country?

Nigeria’s National Parks today are nothing to write home about. Both the Federal Government and the management of the National Parks are culpable in the continued degradation of the National Parks in the country and the evident and steady loss of biological diversity.

Our National Parks have not in any way fulfilled or served the purpose for which they were established, if at all they have been of any use. This is so because nature is intolerant of corruption and mismanagement. If you embezzle the money meant for feeding animals in a zoo, the animals will die. If you don’t protect the plants and animals in a National park, poachers and illegal timber extractors will finish them. It is as simple as that. National Parks are those special areas where a sovereign state considers very important and deserving of conservation for posterity. It also includes important monuments. National Parks are very serious establishments and are held sacrosanct.

They are not places to go and play or perturb the environment. Nigeria’s National Parks were established on these same foundations. Firstly, Decree No 36 of 1991 that originally set up the National Parks was born out of the wave of environmentalism that swept across the world in the 1980s and the early part of 1990s. So Nigeria was acting in response to that. You remember that the Earth Summit was held in Brazil in 1992. It was during the same period that we had the Endangered Species Decree 11 of 1985, the Establishment of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency in 1988 under Decree No 58 and the promulgation of Environmental Impact Assessment Decree No 86 of 1992. National Parks should be central in our thinking, socio-cultural orientation and our quest towards the diversification of the economy.

How many National Parks are there in the country?

There are seven National Parks, namely, the Cross River National Park, Kainji Lake National Park, Old Oyo National Park, Gashaka Gumti National Park, Kamuku National Park, Chad Basin National Park and Okomu National Park.

The former Yankari National Park was taken over by the Bauchi State Government. These National Parks are characterised by rich biodiversity and places of scenic importance. That’s why they qualify as National Parks in the first place.

These Parks are witnessing various forms of degradation, or should I say abandonment. The management of the National Park Service, as constituted over the years, has proved incapable of protecting the natural resources within the confines of the National Parks. They have also failed abysmally to present the true position of things to the Federal Government and thereby deny the institution the serious attention it deserves. Park management and protection is a serious matter. Those who cannot rise to the occasion should give way. You should also note that there are no serious linkages and collaborations between educational and research institutions that we have in the country and our National Parks. How do we then interrogate our environment and instigate development-inducing findings. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) previously supported the National Parks in this regard, but nothing serious is happening anymore.

We have rare species of plants and animals with some of them endemic to Nigeria. We neither make effort to understand what we

Ezeala

have nor protect them. We even help other countries destroy theirs by constituting a traffic route for wildlife and its products. Nigeria is a traffic route for ivory but we don’t even have sizeable populations of elephants anymore.

What is the way forward?

National Park management is a serious business. Nigeria National Park Service needs help.

They need help from technical partners and international donor agencies. I would not recommend the wholesale importation of models from other countries. Park management strategy must take into cognisance the peculiarities of the country. We have peculiar issues bothering us as a country. For instance, in developed countries, they do not eat bush meat nor roam in the forests looking for subsistence or even timber. In the United States, The National Monuments and Icons Sector is established under the Homeland Security and Presidential Directive. The US Park Police trains Park officials on awareness of suspicious activities. In South Africa, The South African National Defence Force is involved in the protection of rhinos in Kruger National Park. You can understand that tourism is an integral part of South African economy. Rhino poaching has cost the country hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. All I am saying is that management and protection of our National Parks must be brought under the security architecture of the country. You cannot militarise a National Park but you must strike a balance. It is ludicrous when you see Nigerian National Parks have 10 old double barrell guns and machetes to guard thousands of square kilometres of forests. Even illegal loggers now carry guns while cutting timber in Cross River state. Many Park rangers have died in Nigerian National Parks in the hands of poachers and bandits. If we have the Niger Delta Development Commission to take care of oil producing communities why can’t we have a development programme for communities in and around our National Parks across the

country since they are forbidden from living off the Parks? The people have survived for centuries through their interaction with the forests. Our mind-set towards park management must change. You also have to make sure that you have the research component of the National Parks well-organised and linked to different educational and research institutions. There should be some measure of collaboration with pharmaceutical companies and knowledgeseeking natural healthcare providers. National Parks must encourage and support research.

Tourism must be promoted in a way that it will not impact negatively on the park even if it means privatising the tourism aspect of the park to those who can run it very well and generate revenue. It is only in Nigeria that some government establishments do not even know that they are supposed to be generating revenue. Collaboration with existing tour operators and the hospitality industry would not be out of place. Conservation and/national Park management must be an integral part of our story with regard to socio-economic development. National parks can contribute in many ways to economic development.

Tourism is big business that raises huge funds, especially when there is peace and political stability. Tourism is better promoted and run by professionals. You must have people who are knowledgeable enough within the parks, and who will link up with others that are also knowledgeable in and outside the country.

We cannot privatise National Parks. They are national heritage. You cannot give thousands of plant and animal species in National Parks, including forested landmass approximating 1% of Nigeria’s territory to individuals in the name of privatisation or economic development.

But you can privatise the tourism aspect of it, promote it and generate revenue.

You stated that National Parks could constitute serious threat to national security, please explain.

If you have National Parks you must know what is inside. Where we have less than 100 park rangers with a few Den guns and 20 machetes to guard a National Park, we are not serious. Let’s accept that. It poses grave danger because four out of our seven National Parks are contiguous with equally rich and diverse forests and Parks in neighbouring countries.

The military will tell you the difficulty inherent in handling situations in such areas; even the United States of America with all their fire power, suffered a lot in Vietnam. Our National Parks today are harbouring all kinds of people and security agencies are finding it difficult to track them down. We must make sure that National Parks are under constant surveillance.

We must have adequate number of well-trained park rangers mixed with professional security men. There is a nexus between hard-to-handle insurgency or rebellion and very large thick forests. The experience of Angola, Colombia, Congo DR and Uganda readily comes to mind.

Should I mention Sambisa forest, which used to be part of Chad Basin National Park? How can people equipped with outdated guns be made to confront bandits with AK 47 riffles and they continue to keep quiet while being killed. Where have the National Parks featured in the story of the insurgency in the North-east?

We are not telling our story accurately. There have been pockets of what we call insurgency today in and around the parks for years and park rangers have been sighting them, sacking villages and police stations and running back into the forest. If we protect every part of the parks and know what is happening everywhere, this kind of things won’t be happening.

You said Nigeria’s National parks are a huge joke and mere corridors for possible invasion of the country anytime, how best can this be addressed?

They are a huge joke. There is no aspect of the Park management that you can score up to 20%. In all the departments, they have failed.

But what people should be concerned about now is that it is not a joke for you to laugh at.

It is a joke that has very terrible consequences.

We never knew that the military would find it difficult to handle insurgency and all that because forest topography is different. In forest topography, anything can happen so they are not the only ones that find it difficult.

Americans found it difficult in Vietnam; in Colombia, rebellion has been intractable.

Anywhere there are large forests, it requires different approaches for military manoeuvres to yield results. So, we should know the seriousness of bringing our forests into the country’s security dragnet. We are losing revenue by mismanaging a place that should be an employer of labour. We are not contributing to knowledge as we should. Some people don’t know their environment; they don’t know the names of their plants, they don’t know the animals that they have; they don’t know anything. Not even the size of the country; the size of the National Parks they don’t know.

And the National Park Service doesn’t provide the information they should provide. The total land area within the National Parks is more than 22, 000 square kilometres - more than 2% of the total size of Nigeria that is inadequately protected. Battalions of soldiers can come into the country, move into the National Parks and you will not know until maybe after a month or two. So that is where I come in and relevant authorities must act accordingly and fortify our National Parks; update and upgrade the management and engage more manpower and equipment.

30

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍˇËœ 2017

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

India Offers to Buy N367bn Pulse Beans from Nigeria Olawale Ajimotokan Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË India has approached Nigeria to supply it with $1billion (about N367 billion) worth of Pulse Beans.

The Director, Agricultural Business, Processing and Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Azeez Olumuyiwa, made this revelation at a sensitisation workshop on agriculture held for officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

He said that the offer was tabled by the Indian Ambassador to Nigeria, Nagabushana Reddy, at a parley with Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh. “The Indian ambassador said Pulse Beans is a food variety consumed four to five times daily

by Indians. He has offered to buy $1billion worth of the products from Nigeria if we can produce it,� Azeez said.

According to him, India, the world’s second most populous nation, required 27 million metric tonnes of pulse beans. Nigeria’s

current production capacity for the produce is about 47 million metric tonnes.

Pulse Beans is a good source of iron and is mainly grown in Bauchi, Bornu States as well as in Shaki, Oyo State. The federal government has also admitted unease at China’s plan to begin to use bio-ethanol gasoline across the country by 2020. The use of bio-fuel, seen as an alternative to fossil energy, is discomfiting for Nigeria as China is one of the major buyers of her crude oil.

Rather than continue to import fuel, China wants to focus on bio-ethanol gasoline production which is a derivative sourced from sugarcane and corn.

Ogbeh, who revealed government’s mood on the development, also stressed that two months ago, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, India, Norway and the Netherlands have indicated plans to ban fuel-run cars in about two decades, to reduce air pollution and save fossil fuel energy. “It is not a particularly soothing news for us because with this

development, there will be less demand for oil and gas. By 2030, all these countries will be using electric cars. The only way to prepare us from the revenue that will no longer be available from oil is by focusing on agriculture,�

Ogbeh said in a speech read by his Special Assistant, Winifred Ochinyabo.

The minister said that only 44 per cent of Nigeria’s 79 million hectare of arable land was currently utilised, while the country requires six million metric tonnes of rice per annual to feed its large population.

The agricultural workshop was held for the NAF officers to encourage them to embrace farming after retirement.

The programme covered orientation on distribution of inputs materials, warehousing, processing of food, livestock farming, bio-fuel production and running of agric extension work. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, was represented at the workshop by NAF Chief of Administration, AVM Lawal Alao.

Fidelity Bank Set to Reward 200 Customers in Promo Nume Ekeghe As part of efforts to enhance savings culture and increase financial inclusion, Fidelity Bank Plc has introduced another promo, through which the bank seeks to give out N110 million in cash to 200 customers.

This promo which is the 10th savings promo in seven years by the bank is slated to last for six months.

Announcing at this promo at the bank headquarters in Lagos on Friday, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, said promos by the bank in the past had attracted the unbanked

and increased customers savings culture.

Representing the MD/CEO the Executive Director of Shared Services & Products Mrs. Chijioke Ugochukwu, the bank CEO said: “This is the seventh promo the bank would be running in the past 10 years and this is a staple in Fidelity Bank. “It also something we strive to do every year and this is by far the biggest promo the bank would be running. “And for the first time in the history of the bank, we would be giving away one prize of N10million and several others

prizes were 200 winners would emerge.�

He added: “We would be giving away a prize of 10 million amongst several other prizes and 200 winners would emerge.�

Also speaking on how a customer can qualify for the promo, the Promo Committee Chairman, Mr. Obaro Odeghe said: “To qualify, all you have to do is open a Fidelity Bank account, grow it up to N20, 000, and then you can qualify for the monthly draws.� “Now for the monthly draws, they are into two categories of people winning N1 million monthly of 58 winners.

Ogbeh

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Broad Money (M2)

23,840,392.42

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,520,166.67

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,820,415.90

---- Demand Deposits

9,699,750.76

-- Quasi Money

12,320,225.75

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,353,504.03

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,486,888.39

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,774,684.47

---- Credit to Government (Net)

4,595,579.89

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

7,436,917.79

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

Heritage Bank, Cross River, Partner on Climate Change Heritage Bank Plc, has aligned forces with Cross River State and Senator Florence ItaGiwaled Seagull Band to educate the people on climate change.

The event, which held in Lagos recently was put together by Seagull Band, at a symposium titled ‘An evening of lecture and stage presentation of the Seagull winning theme of the 2016 Carnival Calabar,’ edition which dwelt extensively on climate change and the need for an affirmative action to manage the environment on a sustainable basis.

Speaking at the programme, Managing Director/Chief

Executive of Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo said the bank collaborated with the state government because it believed so much in making the lives of mankind better by preserving it today so that it could transfer it to future generations.

He also explained that the bank developed interest in the alignment because the cause conforms to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulation on Sustainability Banking.

Represented at the occasion by the bank’s Head, Sustainability Banking, Chioma Obiakor, Sekibo said that Heritage Bank always operates in tune with

the standard set by the apex bank for operators in the sector. “We have set up a framework within Heritage Bank which helps us to work with the CBN’s principles for sustainability banking. “We are very much interested in collaboration with any corporate organisation that shares the vision of safety of environment and its sustainability with us.� The Chief Executive Officer observed that “if we destroy the environment, we will pay for it,� adding that there is need to prevent what is happening in Benue State where several thousands of people had been displaced by floods.

Stanbic IBTC Bank Unveils Value Proposition Nume Ekeghe Stanbic IBTC Bank has unveiled an electronic value proposition for educational institutions to address the often cumbersome and costly payment and collection processes in schools as well as address the financial and investment needs of schools.

The proposition includes a payment and collection solution, investment and funding solutions for schools.

The launch took place recently in Lagos at a function the bank organised to

appreciate its customers in the education sector.

The Bank said in a statement that the new education solution, which is cost effective, easy and convenient to deploy and use, was set to revolutionise all aspects of financial transactions in schools.

According to the bank, with the e-solution, parents and guardians can now seamlessly pay for their wards’ school fees and other school payments from the comfort of their homes or offices without having to engage the school

at any stage of the payment process while the school is also able to track inflows and match each payment with specific student or project without the need to verify by engaging parents.

In his address, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Dr. Demola Sogunle, thanked the customers for their patronage. “Stanbic IBTC’s role goes beyond financial intermediation.

We see ourselves as solutions providers committed to driving your progress always,� Sogunle said.

(MILLION NAIRA)

DECEMBER 2016

-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 FRIDAY 15, SEPTEMBER 2017

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $53.64 a barrel on Friday, compared with $53.63 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), Zafiro (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)

31

˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

01 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.58

0.58

0.00%

4,019,518,598.40

1.48

0.38

0.14

8.93%

0.45

02 Fidson Healthcare Plc

3.10

3.04

1.97%

4,650,000,000.00

0.50

6.46

0.41

1.56%

0.69

03 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

3.00

3.10

-3.23%

4,872,656,250.00

0.36

9.51

0.69

5.88%

0.85

04 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

3.05

3.05

0.00%

5,242,187,484.75

-0.90

-3.23

0.79

24.05%

0.15

05 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

06 Unity Bank Plc

0.53

0.54

-1.85%

6,195,349,109.26

0.19

3.16

0.08

0.00%

0.08

07 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.18

2.78

0.85

6.00%

0.41

08 Skye Bank Plc

0.53

0.52

1.92%

7,356,559,747.30

-2.93

-0.21

0.05

49.18%

0.08

09 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

8.80

8.75

0.57%

11,058,764,340.80

1.29

6.96

0.70

1.11%

0.90

10 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.43

1.43

0.00%

14,833,024,366.16

0.30

4.51

0.54

8.96%

0.69

11 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.90

1.90

0.00%

15,067,375,550.20

-0.40

-5.19

0.35

7.62%

0.50

12 Wema Bank Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

19,287,233,040.50

0.07

7.59

0.37

0.00%

0.41

13 Mansard Insurance Plc

1.90

1.90

0.00%

19,950,000,000.00

0.25

7.57

0.96

2.63%

0.99

14 FCMB Group Plc

1.02

1.06

-3.77%

20,198,764,996.62

0.09

13.13

0.13

8.93%

0.12

11.00

10.51

4.66%

20,660,222,440.00

-0.64

-18.74

0.70

10.77%

2.15

3.60

3.60

0.00%

21,174,711,102.00

1.06

3.35

0.51

3.93%

0.64

17 Cap Plc

33.00

33.00

0.00%

23,100,000,000.00

2.17

15.89

3.54

3.33%

16.77

18 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

25.00

25.00

0.00%

25,000,000,000.00

5.69

4.73

1.87

0.37%

0.72

19 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

21.40

21.40

0.00%

25,591,756,843.20

3.02

6.95

1.67

1.43%

1.50

20 Diamond Bank Plc

1.14

1.14

0.00%

26,402,843,423.52

-0.29

-4.02

0.13

0.00%

0.12

21 Sterling Bank Plc

1.03

1.02

0.98%

29,654,130,669.78

0.18

5.86

0.27

8.57%

0.35

22 U A C N Plc

15.45

15.45

0.00%

29,677,354,779.15

3.37

4.44

0.38

6.68%

0.38

23 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

13.00

13.00

0.00%

34,442,698,914.00

0.91

14.26

1.88

4.23%

4.28

1.30

1.30

0.00%

37,651,361,399.60

0.39

3.54

0.26

11.68%

0.21

30.87

30.87

0.00%

40,748,400,000.00

-2.89

-11.83

0.32

4.39%

0.64

1.27

1.33

-4.51%

49,175,666,729.75

-0.03

-43.98

0.83

0.00%

0.57

90.30

90.30

0.00%

57,845,309,778.90 -21.86

-4.21

0.52

2.39%

5.47

170.00

170.00

0.00%

61,301,194,540.00

22.61

7.69

0.67

4.14%

2.92

29 Forte Oil Plc.

47.90

47.90

0.00%

62,388,844,833.70

3.66

13.66

0.50

6.90%

1.38

30 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

66.50

66.50

0.00%

63,435,015,000.00

5.15

12.75

4.36

0.15%

3.68

5.75

6.05

-4.96%

69,199,058,640.50

0.29

23.59

0.18

10.95%

0.43

27.40

27.40

0.00%

71,904,098,923.80

3.71

7.82

0.14

6.90%

0.72

225.00

225.00

0.00%

76,392,413,325.00

43.58

5.43

0.28

5.92%

3.41

34 International Breweries Plc

38.95

38.95

0.00%

128,311,009,456.00

0.02 1,642.11

4.58

0.68%

11.11

35 Guinness Nig Plc

96.65

96.65

0.00%

145,544,093,370.20

-3.06

-25.17

1.12

4.16%

2.94

36 Unilever Nigeria Plc

41.80

41.80

0.00%

158,141,783,250.00

0.81

49.26

2.17

0.13%

12.95

37 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

13.72

13.65

0.51%

164,640,000,000.00

2.01

6.92

0.77

3.60%

2.19

38 FBN Holdings Plc

5.41

5.60

-3.39%

194,193,534,004.72

0.16

35.99

0.35

2.55%

0.35

39 Lafarge Africa Plc

49.00

49.97

-1.94%

223,190,188,690.00

3.71

15.36

1.18

5.26%

1.04

40 Presco Plc

58.00

60.49

-4.12%

230,287,668,610.00

0.03 2,338.93

3.81

1.90%

6.49

456.76

480.79

-5.00%

252,730,018,565.88 -82.02

-5.88

4.21

3.30%

0.71

42 Access Bank Plc

9.73

9.90

-1.72%

281,469,163,969.63

13.18

0.76

0.76

5.50%

0.64

43 United Bank for Africa Plc

8.85

8.85

0.00%

321,073,807,949.70

1.99

4.81

0.91

6.26%

0.78

44 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

18.00

17.80

1.12%

330,291,921,870.00

0.68

26.61

0.56

3.44%

0.53

45 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

39.50

39.20

0.77%

395,000,000,000.00

2.85

14.20

2.59

0.25%

2.88

46 Zenith Bank Plc

22.01

22.10

-0.41%

691,036,828,229.86

4.13

5.52

1.41

7.89%

1.02

1,205.00

1,205.00

0.00%

955,150,783,660.00

10.00

122.02

5.32

2.38%

31.32

48 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

38.00

37.00

2.70%

1,118,384,810,512.00

4.49

8.79

2.78

4.48%

2.16

49 Nigerian Breweries Plc

170.00

175.00

-2.86%

1,347,947,150,960.00

3.58

51.23

4.64

1.96%

8.77

50 Dangote Cement Plc

205.80

205.80

0.00%

3,506,936,423,949.00

13.34

15.95

4.93

3.76%

4.40

15 Cadbury Nigeria Plc 16 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

24 Fidelity Bank Plc 25 Julius Berger Nig. Plc 26 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc 27 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc 28 Mobil Oil Nig Plc

31 Oando Plc 32 Flour Mills Nig. Plc 33 Total Nigeria Plc

41 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

47 Nestle Nigeria Plc

TOTAL

11,415,161,937,201.90

TOTAL MARKET CAP

12,021,505,155,435.20

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

94.96%

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 15-Sep-17

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion) Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Close 18-Sep-17

Change %

35,005.57 12.07

34,873.07 12.02

-0.38% -0.39%

147.26 11.47

146.61 11.42

-0.44% -0.44%

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open Close Change % 15-Sep-17 18-Sep-17

Cadbury Nigeria Plc Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Fidson Healthcare Plc Skye Bank Plc Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

10.51 37.00 3.04 0.52 17.80

11.00 38.00 3.10 0.53 18.00

4.66% 2.70% 1.97% 1.92% 1.12%

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open Close Change % 15-Sep-17 18-Sep-17

Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd Oando Plc

480.79 6.05

456.76 5.75

-5.00% -4.96%

Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc Presco Plc FCMB Group Plc

1.33

1.27

-4.51%

60.49 1.06

58.00 1.02

-4.12% -3.77%

Market starts week bearish with a modest loss of 0.38% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today - Monday, September 18th, 2017 ended negative as the market closed red. This was further highlighted by negative performance from the NSE Subsectors: Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas (Save Banking and Insurance). Also, trading activities decreased in volume as 160.14 million shares worth N2.96 billion in 3,361 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 162.74 million shares worth N1.54 billion in 3,225 trades were carried out on Friday. Topping in volume terms are: Access Bank Plc, Meyer Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc; while Access Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with 0.38% (-132.50) decrease to close at 34,873.07 from 35,005.57 the previous trading day. Market capitalization depreciated in tandem to N12.02 trillion from N12.27 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index closes with a decrease of 0.44% to 146.61 from 147.26 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N11.42 trillion from N11.47 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 14 stocks gained on the bourse today while 18 stocks declined, leaving 78 stocks unchanged.

Leading the pack again was Cutix Plc led with a gain of 4.92% to close at N6.82 per share. It was followed by Cadbury Nigeria Plc with a gain of 4.66% to close at N11.00 per share. Others on the gainers’ list include: C&I Leasing Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and N.E.M Insurance Co (Nig.) Plc. On the decliners’ list, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc led with a loss of 8.57% to close at N0.64 per share. It was followed by Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd with a loss of 5.00% to close at N456.76 per share. Others on the decliners list include: Oando Plc, Cutix Plc and Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc. Cadbury Nigeria Plc emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 4.66% to close at N11.00 per share. It was followed by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc with a gain of 2.70% to close at N38.00 per share. Others on the gainers chart include: Fidson Healthcare Plc, Skye Bank Plc and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated. On the decliners’ list, Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd led with a loss of 5.00% to close at N456.76 per share.

It was closely followed by Oando Plc with a loss of 4.96% to close at N5.75 per share. Others on the decliners’ list are: Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc, Presco Plc and FCMB Group 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

32

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͷ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

MARKET NEWS

Stock Market Remains Bearish as Bellwether Counters Decline in Value Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie The equities market remained bearish yesterday when the trading resumed as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index fell by 0.38 per cent to close at 34,873.07.

Similarly, value of trading dipped by 47/9 per cent.

The market had closed

weaker last week following persistent negative sentiments.

While some bargain hunting is being envisaged this week, the market closed lower yesterday as bellwether stocks recorded losses.

The depreciation recorded in the share prices of Access Bank, Lafarge Africa, Seplat, Nigerian Breweries, and Zenith Bank was mainly responsible

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DEALS

for the negative close.

However, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc led the highest price gain, shedding 8.5 per cent, trailed by Seplat with 5.0 per cent. Oando Plc and Cutix Plc went down by 4.9 per cent and 4.7 per cent respectively. Transcorp, Jaiz Bank Plc, and Presco Plc closed lower by 4.5 per cent, 4.2 per cent and 4.1 per cent

N I G E R I A N

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

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ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͚͙˛͘ ͔͖͒

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VALUE TRADED ( N )

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ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͗˛͗ ͑˛͙͗ ͚˛͙ ͑˛͙͕ ͓͔˛͙ ͒˛͔͒ ͑˛͘ ͕˛͙ ͕˛͚ ͑˛͙͔ ͑˛͖

ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͒​͒˜͕͗͘˜͚​͚͕ ͒˜͕͚͒˜͔͚͔ ͖͙˜͙͚͒ ͙˜͕͓͒˜͙͑͗ ͓͑˜͔͚͑˜͔͖͒ ͒˜͙͑͒˜͚͖͗ ͓͖˜͚​͚͕˜͓​͓͚ ͖˜͘​͓͘˜͓͔​͔ ͓͖͒˜͓​͓͖ ͔͖͑ ͙͑​͑ ͔͘˜͚͗​͗˜͕͚͒ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͓͕͒˜͙͓͗ ͖͔͑˜͒͑​͑ ͓͑​͑ ͔˜͑​͑​͑ ͕​͕˜͕͒​͕ ͚͑​͑ ͖˜͒͑​͑ ͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͕͑͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͔͙͕ ͒˜͕͒͘˜͖͒͑ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͓͖˜͒͑​͑ ͓͗˜͒͑​͑ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͒˜͑​͑​͑ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͕͖͑˜͖͗͘ ͔͓͖˜͕͑​͑ ͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͔˜͖͔͑˜͕͔͑ ͓͒˜͙͔͑ ͙˜͕͕͘˜͚͖͚ ͓͒˜͚͕͘˜͙͙͑

ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͗͘˜͙͑͒˜͔͗͘˛͙͒ ͚​͚͑˜͒͘​͒˛͚͙ ͖͗͑˜͔͘​͘˛͖͑ ͗˜͙͑͗˜͚͚͒˛͚͒ ͕͘​͘˜͖͒͑˜͑͒͘˛͚͖ ͒˜͕͒͘˜͓͚͘˛͓͑ ͙͒˜͓​͓​͓˜͚͑͑˛͔͑ ͓͘˜͖͑͘˜͕͔͒˛͕͑ ͒˜͙͖͒˜͖͑͑˛͕͒ ͓͗͘˛͖ ͕͙͑ ͗͒͑˜͓͑͒˜͕͖͒˛͙​͙ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͓͒͗˜͗͒​͒˛͓͑ ͖͔͑˜͓͚͖˛͑​͑ ͒͑​͑ ͕˜͘​͑͘˛͑​͑ ͔͗˜͚͒͗˛͕͗ ͕͖͑ ͓˜͖​͖͑˛͑​͑ ͖͑​͑ ͓͑​͑˜͖͑​͑˛͑​͑ ͖͑​͑ ͚͓͒ ͚͓͑˜͗​͕͗˛͙͕ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͓˜͑͘​͑˛͑​͑ ͓͘˜͒​͒​͒˛͑​͑ ͓͚˜͙͒​͒˛͑​͑ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͒˜͕​͕͑˛͑​͑ ͒˜͕​͕͑˛͑​͑ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͒˜͔͚​͚˜͔͕͑˛͚͒ ͒˜͙͕͑˜͖͚͘˛͑​͑ ͖͑​͑ ͕˜͙͚͗˜͔​͔͓˛͕͒ ͓͒​͒˜͚͗͗˛͗͑ ͔͒˜͕͒͘˜͕͖͑˛͚͕ ͔͙˜͖​͖͚˜͚​͚͘˛͙͘

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͔͕˛͙͔ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͓˛͓͒

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͓˛͔͖ ͗͑˛͚͓ ͒͗˛͖͒ ͒​͒͘˛͖ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͒͑͗˛͖ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͕˛͒ ͗˛͒ ͙͒ ͒˛͒ ͘˛͔͑ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͚ ͗͑​͑ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͓˛͙͑ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͓͒˛͒͗ ͔͕

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͑˛͖͚ ͒˛͖͑ ͑˛͖ ͒˛͖͚ ͑˛͚͘ ͑˛͖ ͑˛͖ ͑˛͖ ͑˛͖ ͑˛͖ ͑˛͖ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͓˛͖͙ ͒˛͙͑ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͒˛͕͘ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͔˛͖͑ ͔˛͔͓ ͑˛͖ ͒˛͔͒ ͒͘ ͔˛͘

in that order.

Other top price gainers included: FCMB Group Plc (3.7 per cent); FBN Holdings Plc (3.3 per cent); NAHCO Plc (3.2 per cent); Nigerian Breweries Plc (2.8 per cent) and Lafarge Africa Plc (1.9 per cent).

On the positive side, Newrest ASL Nigeria Plc led the price gainers with 4.9 per cent, trailed

by Cadbury Nigeria Plc with

STO C K

4.6 per cent with 4.6 per cent.

C & I Leasing Plc added 4.2 per cent, while GTBank Plc and N.E.M Insurance Plc appreciated by 2.7 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, investors staked N1.54 billion on 162.73 million shares in 3,225 deals, down by 47.9 per cent from N2.96 billion. The three most actively traded sectors were: Financial

Services (122.49 million shares), Industrial Goods (23.11 million shares), and Conglomerates (5.59 million shares), while the three most actively traded stocks were: Access Bank (35.38 million shares), Meyer (18.90 million shares) and Fidelity Bank (18.60 million shares).

In terms of sectoral performance, three of five indices closed in the red.

E XC H A N G E

MAIN BOARD FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE ÏËÖÞÒÍËÜÏ ÜÙàÓÎÏÜÝ

ʶ

ÏËÖÞÒÍËÜÏ ÜÙàÓÎÏÜÝ ÙÞËÖÝ ÒËÜ×ËÍÏßÞÓÍËÖÝ

˛ ˛ ʶ

˛

̋ ˛ ÒËÜ×ËÍÏßÞÓÍËÖÝ ÙÞËÖÝ HEALTHCARE Totals ICT

ÏÜàÓÍÏÝ

˛

ÏÜàÓÍÏÝ ÙÞËÖÝ ÜÙÍÏÝÝÓØÑ ãÝÞÏ×Ý

ÜÙÍÏÝÝÓØÑ ãÝÞÏ×Ý ÙÞËÖÝ ICT Totals

ßÓÖÎÓØÑ ËÞÏÜÓËÖÝ

˛ ˛ ˛ ˛

˛ ßÓÖÎÓØÑ ËÞÏÜÓËÖÝ ÙÞËÖÝ ÖÏÍÞÜÙØÓÍ ËØÎ ÖÏÍÞÜÓÍËÖ ÜÙÎßÍÞÝ

˛ ÖÏÍÞÜÙØÓÍ ËØÎ ÖÏÍÞÜÓÍËÖ ÜÙÎßÍÞÝ ÙÞËÖÝ ËÍÕËÑÓØÑ˹ ÙØÞËÓØÏÜÝ ˛

ËÍÕËÑÓØÑ˹ ÙØÞËÓØÏÜÝ ÙÞËÖÝ

ÙÞËÖÝ

Metals

˛ ˛ Metals Totals ÙÞËÖÝ

ØÏÜÑã ÛßÓÚ×ÏØÞ ËØÎ ÏÜàÓÍÏÝ

ʶ

ØÏÜÑã ÛßÓÚ×ÏØÞ ËØÎ ÏÜàÓÍÏÝ ÙÞËÖÝ

ØÞÏÑÜËÞÏÎ ÓÖ ËØÎ ËÝ ÏÜàÓÍÏÝ

ØÞÏÑÜËÞÏÎ ÓÖ ËØÎ ËÝ ÏÜàÓÍÏÝ ÙÞËÖÝ ÏÞÜÙÖÏß× ËØÎ ÏÞÜÙÖÏß× ÜÙÎßÍÞÝ ÓÝÞÜÓÌßÞÙÜÝ

˛

˛

˛

˛

˛ ÏÞÜÙÖÏß× ËØÎ ÏÞÜÙÖÏß× ÜÙÎßÍÞÝ ÓÝÞÜÓÌßÞÙÜÝ ÙÞËÖÝ âÚÖÙÜËÞÓÙØ ËØÎ ÜÙÎßÍÞÓÙØ

âÚÖÙÜËÞÓÙØ ËØÎ ÜÙÎßÍÞÓÙØ ÙÞËÖÝ

ÙÞËÖÝ SERVICES ÎàÏÜÞÓÝÓØÑ

ÎàÏÜÞÓÝÓØÑ ÙÞËÖÝ ÙßÜÓÏÜ˹ ÜÏÓÑÒÞ˹ ÏÖÓàÏÜã

̋

˛ ÙßÜÓÏÜ˹ ÜÏÓÑÒÞ˹ ÏÖÓàÏÜã ÙÞËÖÝ ÙÞÏÖÝ˹ ÙÎÑÓØÑ

˛

ÙÞÏÖÝ˹ ÙÎÑÓØÑ ÙÞËÖÝ ÜÓØÞÓØÑ˹ ßÌÖÓÝÒÓØÑ

̙ ̚ ˛ ÜÓØÞÓØÑ˹ ßÌÖÓÝÒÓØÑ ÙÞËÖÝ ÜËØÝÚÙÜÞ̋ ÏÖËÞÏÎ ÏÜàÓÍÏÝ

ÜËØÝÚÙÜÞ̋ ÏÖËÞÏÎ ÏÜàÓÍÏÝ ÙÞËÖÝ ßÚÚÙÜÞ ËØÎ ÙÑÓÝÞÓÍÝ

ʶ

˛ ßÚÚÙÜÞ ËØÎ ÙÑÓÝÞÓÍÝ ÙÞËÖÝ SERVICES Totals ÙËÜÎ ÙÞËÖÝ ËÓÖã ß××ËÜã ̙ ÛßÓÞÓÏÝ̚ ÍÞÓàÓÞã ß××ËÜã ÙØ ÙËÜÎ Ï FINANCIAL SERVICES ÙÜÞÑËÑÏ ËÜÜÓÏÜݘ ÜÙÕÏÜÝ ËØÎ ÏÜàÓÍÏÝ

ÙÜÞÑËÑÏ ËÜÜÓÏÜݘ ÜÙÕÏÜÝ ËØÎ ÏÜàÓÍÏÝ ÙÞËÖÝ FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Ï ÙËÜÎ ÙÞËÖÝ ËÓÖã ß××ËÜã ̙ ÛßÓÞÓÏÝ̚ ÍÞÓàÓÞã ß××ËÜã ÙØ ÙËÜÎ

FINANCIAL SERVICES ËØÕÓØÑ

ËØÕÓØÑ ÙÞËÖÝ ÞÒÏÜ ÓØËØÍÓËÖ ØÝÞÓÞßÞÓÙØÝ

ÞÒÏÜ ÓØËØÍÓËÖ ØÝÞÓÞßÞÓÙØÝ ÙÞËÖÝ FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

ßÓÖÎÓØÑ ËÞÏÜÓËÖÝ

ßÓÖÎÓØÑ ËÞÏÜÓËÖÝ ÙÞËÖÝ

ÙÞËÖÝ

ÙËÜÎ ÙÞËÖÝ ÛßÓÞã ÍÞÓàÓÞã ÙÞËÖÝ

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

͓˜͕͗͒ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͒ ͒ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͔͒ ͓͒ ͕ ͗ 2 ͔͘ ͔͙

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͑˛͖

Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͒ ͒ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͒ ͒ 2

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͒˛͔

Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ 7 2 7 ͒​͒ ͒ ͓͑ ͕͙ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͖͒ ͖͒ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͔ ͒ ͕ ͗͘

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͒​͒˛͓͖ ͗˛͙͑ ͓͚˛͗ ͕˛͓͙ ͑˛͙͘ ͕͓

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͒˛͑͒ ͕͒˛͖͘ ͒ ͑˛͗​͗ ͒˛͚͖

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͑˛͖

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͒˛͕͖ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͔͗˛͕͖ ͚˛͚͗

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

͙͘˜͚͓͗˜͚͚͑

͕͚͗˜͖͑͗˜͔͓͚˛͖͚

ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͔͙͘˜͑​͑​͑ ͔͙͘˜͑​͑​͑ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͖˜͒͘​͘˜͕͚͑ ͒​͒͑˜͔͖͒ ͖˜͖͑͒ ͒​͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͚͑​͑ ͖˜͔͕͑˜͖͕͑ ͗˜͕͓͑˜͖͕͑

ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͔͚͗˜͑​͑​͑˛͑​͑ ͔͚͗˜͑​͑​͑˛͑​͑ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͖˜͙͒͘˜͖͑͘˛͑​͑ ͒˜͖​͖͒˜͔͙͒˛͙​͙ ͕˜͘​͑͘˛͒͑ ͘˜͔͑͗˛͓͑ ͒˜͙͔͗˛͑​͑ ͗˜͕͔͘˜͖​͖͙˛͙͒ ͘˜͒​͓͒˜͖​͖͙˛͙͒

ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͓˜͕͔͙ ͓˜͕͔͙ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͒͑​͑˜͑​͑​͑ ͒͑​͑˜͑​͑​͑ ͓͒͑˜͕͔͙

ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͔˜͓͔͑˛͓͒ ͔˜͓͔͑˛͓͒ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͖͑˜͑​͑​͑˛͑​͑ ͖͑˜͑​͑​͑˛͑​͑ ͖͔˜͓͔͑˛͓͒

ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͒​͒˜͕͖͑ ͓˜͚​͚͘ ͒˜͓͖͒˜͓͒͘ ͕͒͒˜͕͓͚ ͔͑​͑ ͓͔˜͔͚͑ ͒˜͔͚͕˜͕͙͗ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͚͓͘˜͙͒͗ ͚͓͘˜͙͒͗ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͑͘˜͔͑͑ ͒͑​͑ ͑͘˜͔͒͑ ͓˜͓͖͗˜͚͕͗

ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͔͒͑˜͒͑​͑˛͑​͑ ͒͘˜͔͓​͓˛͗​͗ ͔͖˜͚͑͘˜͓͑​͓˛͔͑ ͕͗͑˜͕͔͒˛͓͕ ͓͕͚ ͚͙͘˜͒͘​͘˛͕͑ ͔͘˜͚͑͘˜͔͓͑˛͗͑ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͒˜͕͓͒˜͙͕͑˛͔͑ ͒˜͕͓͒˜͙͕͑˛͔͑ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͓˜͖​͖͓˜͖͚͔˛͖͑ ͒˜͑͒͗˛͑​͑ ͓˜͖​͖͔˜͚͗͑˛͖͑ ͕͒˜͕͖͑˜͖͓͘˛͕͑

Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͒ ͒ ͒

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͚˛͖͘

ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͓˜͑​͑​͑ ͓˜͑​͑​͑ ͓˜͑​͑​͑

ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͙͒˜͖͕͑˛͑​͑ ͙͒˜͖͕͑˛͑​͑ ͙͒˜͖͕͑˛͑​͑

Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ 2 2 Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͗͘ ͗͘ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͒͗ ͓͑ ͓​͓͚ ͓͑ ͒ ͒͗ ͔͓͑ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ 2 2 ͔͙͓

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͑˛͖

ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͙͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͙͒˜͑​͑​͑ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͒˜͓͘​͓˜͕͔͕ ͒˜͓͘​͓˜͕͔͕ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͔͖˜͒͑​͑ ͓͙͕˜͕͔͗ ͚͖͑˜͓​͓͑ ͓͒˜͑͒͘ ͒͑​͑ ͙˜͙͓͗ ͒˜͓͕͖˜͚͗​͚ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͖˜͖͒͑ ͖˜͖͒͑ ͓˜͚​͚͒˜͓͙͔

ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͚˜͑​͑​͑˛͑​͑ ͚˜͑​͑​͑˛͑​͑ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͙˜͓͔͕˜͕͑͗˛͖͒ ͙˜͓͔͕˜͕͑͗˛͖͒ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͒˜͚͒͑˜͚͙​͙˛͕͗ ͙​͙͗˜͕͚͘˛͓͘ ͖͗˜͔͚​͚˜͔͚͗˛͘​͘ ͔˜͓͖͒˜͖͒​͒˛͑͘ ͔˜͙͑͘˛͑​͑ ͓˜͕͑​͑˜͚͑͒˛͓͒ ͕͗˜͚͑͘˜͓͕͗˛͚͖ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͓˜͕͖͑˜͖͑͒˛͖͑ ͓˜͕͖͑˜͖͑͒˛͖͑ ͕͘˜͔͙͖˜͚͕͘˛͚͗

Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͒ ͒ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ 2 ͔ ͖ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͒ ͔ ͕ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͒ ͒ 2 Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ 7 ͗ ͔͒ Ù˛ ÙÐ ÏËÖÝ ͕͒ ͒ ͖͒ ͕͑ ͔˜͙͗͘

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͑˛͖

ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͖​͖˜͑​͑​͑ ͖​͖˜͑​͑​͑ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͖͖͘ ͓͚˜͚͑͑ ͓͚˜͗​͖͗ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͔͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͕͒˜͑​͑​͑ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͖͑​͑ ͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͒˜͖͑​͑ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͒͑͒˜͖͑͑ ͕͗˜͙͑͒ ͕͒͘˜͙͖͒ ßËØÞÓÞã ÜËÎÏÎ ͓͕͘˜͚͔͘ ͒˜͑​͑​͑ ͓͖͘˜͚͔͘ ͖͓͔˜͚͙͚ ͒​͒​͒˜͕͗͑˜͚͓͒

ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͓͘˜͖͑​͑˛͑​͑ ͓͘˜͖͑​͑˛͑​͑ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͓˜͕͖͗˛͖͘ ͓͗˜͗͑͘˛͙͑ ͓͚˜͓͖͔˛͖​͖ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͔˜͖​͖͑˛͑​͑ ͗͒˜͓͔͗˛͗͑ ͖͗˜͔͒͘˛͗͑ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͔͖​͖ ͓˜͚͒͑˛͑​͑ ͓˜͖͕͖˛͑​͑ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͓͖͘˜͙͗​͗˛͖͑ ͒​͕͒˜͗​͓͗˛͕͖ ͔͚͑˜͖͓͙˛͚͖ ËÖßÏ ÜËÎÏÎ ͓͕͓˜͓͔​͔˛͙͗ ͖͑​͑ ͓͕͓˜͔͘​͔˛͙͗ ͖͘͘˜͔͕͘˛͚͗ ͒˜͖͑͗˜͙͑͗˜͔͓​͓˛͙​͙

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͕˛͒͘ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͔͖˛͕͚ ͔˛͓͕ ͓͗˛͖ ͓͖͘˛͚​͚ ͔͚˛͔͑ ͓͑͘ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͔͙͑

ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͕˛͕ ͑˛͚͒ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͔˛͖͗ ͕˛͚͙ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͑˛͙͗ ͓˛͚͒ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͓˛͔͘ ͓˛͖͘ ßÜÜÏØÞ ÜÓÍÏ ͑˛͚ ͑˛͖

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˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Vetiva S & P Nigerian Sovereign Bond ETF Pays N2.50 Interim Dividend Unit holders in the Vetiva S & P Nigerian Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) are to receive an interim distribution of N2.50 per unit. Those who received the interim payment are investors whose names appeared on the register of the fund as at September 13, while the payment was made last Friday.

When the fund was floated and listed, the Managing Director of Vetiva Fund Managers Limited, Mr.

Damilola Ajayi had said that it provides access to a basket of federal government long-dated securities and creates a mechanism for retail investors to trade these securities freely.

“The Vetiva S&P ETF was developed to track the S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Index.

The Index was launched in December 2013 and tracks the performance of local currency denominated sovereign long-dated debt

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

publicly issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he said.

Also, The Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF recently paid an interim distribution of 17.5 kobo dividend per unit for the half-year period ended June, 30, 2017.

Speaking on the interim distribution, the Director of Asset Management of Vetiva Fund Managers Limited, Mrs. Oyelade Eigbe said: “The interim distribution is in line with

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 15-September-2017, unless otherwise stated.

the structure of the fund to remit distributions to unit holders twice a year. Also, the VG 30 ETF continues to represent a convenient investment vehicle for exposure to the Nigerian equities market via a single security. Equity exchange traded funds have reported impressive performance so far this year based on the recently bullish equities market.

This further validates the attractiveness of ETFs as market proxies.”

The VG 30 ETFs designed to track the performance of the constituent companies of the NSE 30 Index and to replicate the price and yield performance of the index. The index tracks the top 30 companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in terms of market capitalisation and liquidity.

Vetiva also manages a series of other Exchange Traded Funds, namely the Vetiva Banking ETF, Vetiva Consumer Goods

ETF and Vetiva Industrial Goods ETF. These ETFs track the performance of the NSE Banking Index, NSE Consumer Goods Index and NSE Industrial Goods Index respectively.

The existence of ETFs in the Nigerian market is beneficial to retail and institutional investors because the funds offer a direct and inexpensive way to attain diversified exposure to an index, commodity, sector, or region.

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 168.39 169.06 32.59% Nigeria International Debt Fund 231.59 232.35 9.51% 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 0.79 0.80 13.41% 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 18.77% 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 16.74 17.25 35.60% ARM Discovery Fund 355.64 366.37 23.84% ARM Ethical Fund 25.34 26.10 13.43% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.30% 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 140.82 141.81 33.88% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.80% 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 19.91% Paramount Equity Fund 11.56 11.85 23.47% Women's Investment Fund 95.00 97.43 12.30% 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 19.70% FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,130.25 1,131.39 11.43% FBN Heritage Fund 139.34 140.57 25.00% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 19.13% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $110.84 $111.85 7.78% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $110.09 $111.10 7.80% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 148.42 150.58 31.82% 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 1.31 1.33 40.43% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.87 2.87 11.53% 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 2,861.57 2,904.55 29.74% Coral Income Fund 2,356.44 2,356.44 11.98% 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 15.85% 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 18.47% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.04 2.06 21.20% 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 13.28% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,041.51 1,041.51 8.32% 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 12.37 12.48 28.02% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 18.96% 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 1.16 1.19 17.61% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.78 10.84 3.69% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.47% 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 119.89 122.00 18.31% 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 1.37 1.37 10.19% 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 2,135.12 2,146.81 16.59% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 164.46 164.46 6.82% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.93 0.95 22.08% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 209.42 209.42 12.06% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 165.87 168.04 27.77% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.62% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,154.64 9,253.68 20.67% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.30 1.31 16.33% United Capital Bond Fund 1.41 1.41 15.19% United Capital Equity Fund 0.83 0.85 24.04% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.43% 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 12.20 12.38 25.64% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.94 13.08 18.21% Zenith Income Fund 18.45 18.45 11.61%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 130.37

1.01% 5.16%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.40 101.70

10.50 103.61

20.61% 34.21%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.23 9.49 16.33 19.17 132.88

4.27 9.57 16.43 19.37 134.88

52.86% 34.79% 38.16% 20.06% 4.97%

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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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

37

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

North Korea Says Sanctions Will Accelerate Nuclear Programme North Korea has warned that more sanctions and pressure will only make it accelerate its nuclear programme.

In a strongly worded statement, the foreign ministry called a new round of restrictions imposed by the United Nations “the most vicious, unethical and inhumane act of hostility”.

Meanwhile, the US and South Korea carried out joint military exercises over the Korean peninsula.

North Korea will be a key issue at the UN General Assembly this week.

The country fired its latest missile over Japan on Friday, in what was described as its farthest-reaching test.

The launch, which followed a fresh round of UN sanctions, was unanimously condemned by the UN Security Council as “highly provocative”.

What has North Korea said?

The foreign ministry statement, carried by the country’s official news agency KCNA, said: “The increased moves of the US and its vassal forces to impose sanctions and pressure on the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] will only increase our pace

towards the ultimate completion of the state nuclear force.”

It also said that the goal of the new UN sanctions, approved on 11 September, was to“physically exterminate” the country’s people, system and government.

The sanctions are an attempt to starve North Korea of fuel and income for its weapons programmes, and restrict oil imports and ban textile exports.

The fresh measures followed the

sixth and most powerful nuclear test conducted by Pyongyang earlier this month.

But some critics have raised questions over the effectiveness of the restrictions, as North Korea is still able to trade internationally.

The country’s commerce with China was partially responsible for an estimated economic growth of 3.9% last year, Bloomberg news agency reports.

Hurricane Maria Strengthens As It Nears Caribbean Islands Hurricane Maria has strengthened to a major category 3 hurricane, US forecasters say, as it heads towards the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean.

Maria is moving roughly along the same path as Irma, the hurricane that devastated the region this month.

It is due to hit on Monday night local time.

Hurricane warnings have been issued for Guadeloupe,

Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Martinique, St Lucia and the US and British Virgin Islands.A hurricane watch is in effect for Puerto Rico, St Martin, St Barts, Saba, St Eustatius and Anguilla.

Some of these islands are still recovering after being hit by Irma - a category five hurricane which left at least 37 people dead and caused billions of dollars’ worth of damage.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

UN Urged to Punish Myanmar Army over Rohingya ‘Atrocities’ Pressure grew on Myanmar Monday as a rights group urged world leaders to impose sanctions on its military, which is accused of driving out more than 410,000 Rohingya Muslims in an orchestrated“ethnic cleansing” campaign.

The call from Human Rights Watch came as the UN General Assembly prepared to convene in New York, with the crisis in Myanmar high on the agenda.

It also came on the eve of a highly-anticipated national address Tuesday by Myanmar’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, her first on the crisis in Rakhine state.

The exodus of Rohingya refugees from mainly Buddhist Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh has sparked a humanitarian emergency. Aid groups are struggling to provide relief to a daily stream of new

arrivals, more than half of whom are children.

The number also includes 70,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women, according to Bangladesh’s information minister Hasanul Haq. Myanmar has suggested it will not take back all who had fled across the border, accusing them of links to the Rohingya militants whose raids on police posts in August triggered the army backlash.

Any clear moves to block the refugees’ return will likely anger Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheik Hasina. She will use the General Assembly to press Myanmar to take back all the Rohingya massing in shanty towns and camps in Bangladesh near the border.

Human Rights Watch also called for the“safe and voluntary return”of the displaced as it urged

governments around the globe to punish Myanmar’s army with sanctions for the “ongoing atrocities”against the Rohingya.

“The United Nations Security Council and concerned countries should impose targeted sanctions and an arms embargo on the Burmese military to end its ethnic cleansing campaign against Rohingya Muslims,” the group said in a statement.

Myanmar’s military was hit with Western sanctions during its 50-year rule of the country. But most have been lifted in recent years as the generals have allowed a partial transition to democracy.

“Burma’s senior military commanders are more likely to heed the calls of the international community if they are suffering real economic consequences,”said John Sifton, HRW’s Asia advocacy director.

New Zealand Jet Fuel Shortage Leaves Passengers Stranded Thousands of airline passengers are stranded in Auckland after a burst pipeline cut fuel supplies to New Zealand’s largest airport.

The pipeline is Auckland Airport’s only source of jet fuel.

Local media said it was damaged by a digger on a rural property, causing a leak and the pipeline to be closed.

Fuel supplies have been rationed and airlines are looking to refuel in Australia and elsewhere to keep long-haul services running.

About 2,000 passengers were affected by cancellations on Monday, according to Air New Zealand.

The disruption is expected to last at least a week as repair work continues, the pipeline’s operator said.

Government ‘not responsible’ The New Zealand Herald said the damage to the pipeline is believed to have occurred months ago, near Ruakaka, about 130km (80 miles) south of the city.

But it was reported to have burst on Thursday.

Air New Zealand said fuel supplies at the airport were down to 30% of normal capacity, forcing some long-haul flights to make additional refuelling stops at airports in Australia and the Pacific.

“Aviation is a critical transport industry and the lifeblood for tourism. We are naturally extremely disappointed with this infrastructure failure,”it said.

Qantas, Cathay Pacific and Emirates also said that some flights had been affected by

the fuel shortage. At least 27 international and domestic flights were cancelled over the weekend.

Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett denied the government was responsible for the failure.“It’s a private company that owns it and you would expect them to have better contingency plans,” she told Radio New Zealand.

The pipeline is operated by Refining NZ, which said “a 30-strong team has been working on a 24-hour basis over the last four days”to repair the damage.

Environmental concerns The Green Party and environmental advocacy group Greenpeace were among those that expressed concern about potential contamination of the surrounding land.

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Nigeria’s Zannah Mustapha Wins UN Award for Educating Boko Haram Victims Yet country has 11.5m out-of-school children Kuni Tyessi in Abuja with agency report A teacher who takes in orphans of both Islamist fighters and Nigerian Army soldiers has won this year’s UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award.

“They are the best of friends,” Zannah Mustapha said of his pupils.

“This should be a template for world peace,” he advocated.

Mustapha is the founder of one of the few remaining primary schools in Nigeria’s troubled city of Maiduguri.

According to the BBC, he also negotiated the release of 82 Chibok girls, kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014.

A former barrister, Mustapha played a crucial role mediating between the Nigerian government and the Islamists for the release of the abducted schoolgirls.

More than 100 of the 276 girls kidnapped from their school in Chibok are still unaccounted for, and are presumed to still be in the custody of Boko Haram.

At Future Prowess Islamic Foundation School, the volunteer teacher provides the students with free education, as well as free meals, uniforms and healthcare.

“We have the largest number of girls in school in the whole of the region,” Mustapha told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

He added that the children of a “senior member of the insurgents” were studying there.

The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award honours those who give “extraordinary service to the forcibly displaced”.

Previous winners include Graça Machel, Luciano Pavarotti and

Eleanor Roosevelt.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools for helping refugee children overcome the horrors of violence and forced displacement,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

“The work (Mr) Mustapha and his team are doing is of the utmost importance,” Grandi observed.

Mustapha will be presented with his award at a ceremony in the Swiss city of Geneva on October 2.

But despite the efforts of the likes of Mustapha and the huge sums allocated to the education sector, Nigeria has continued to remain stagnant in its bid to fight illiteracy with a record 11.5 million out-of- school children, while 63 million youths and adults are estimated to have attained different levels of illiteracy.

This was revealed yesterday by

the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu in Abuja to mark the World’s 51st International Literacy Day with the theme, “Literacy in a Digital World.”

The minister said the time had come for Nigeria to uphold her constitutional obligations for equal opportunities through education for all citizens and be actively committed to its pledge as a signatory to the world conference on education for all and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

The minister, who was represented by the permanent secretary in his education ministry, Mr Sunny Echonu added that based on the 2017 theme, the importance of information and communication technology was embedded in its ability to create greater access to information and communication

among the undeserved population.

He said: “Worldwide, 750 million adults today still lack even the most basic literacy skills. Some 246 million children and youths are not benefitting from education.

“Different official estimates put youth and adult illiteracy levels in Nigeria at about 63 million. It is also estimated that over 11.5 million children are out-of-school. A large share of children who are in school are not attaining the learning outcome benchmarks.

“Addressing these skills gap is an educational and development imperative,” he asserted.

The executive secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy (NMEC), Prof. Abba Abubakar Haladu, in his address, said very little can be achieved without the support and significant contributions from the

state and local governments, adding that they are statutorily responsible for the provision of basic education including adult literacy.

He said: “I would like, therefore, to take this opportunity to urge states and local governments to deploy the needed political will and provide the necessary material support for the eradication of illiteracy in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

“Such support is urgently needed if only to ensure the establishment of adult literacy classes and vocational skills acquisition centres, the recruitment and payment of part-time literacy facilitators, the provision of teaching and learning materials, including facilities for ICT, and logistics for monitoring and evaluation of mass education programmes and centres among other forms of support,” he stated.

the North. We are one and I want to assure you of the security of all Abia residents.”

Alluding to the crisis that Abia was plunged into following the clashes between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB last week, Ikpeazu assured his visitors that the separatist activities of IPOB would not be allowed to cause the breakup of Nigeria “We cannot allow an infinitesimal few to separate us,” he said, assuring that normalcy had returned to Abia and Muslims went to their places of worship on Friday peacefully.

However, the Abia governor announced that the dusk-to-dawn curfew he imposed on the commercial city of Aba would now be relaxed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

said by the chairman and the way he conducted the meeting, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on his part, showed an accommodating disposition for an amicable resolution of the crisis, and more specifically a disposition to reconsider the threat to stop or disrupt the 2019 elections and the Anambra State governorship election on 18 November, 2017, but emphasised that the decision did not lie with him alone and that the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) must be carried along.

“Accordingly, it was agreed to meet with the leadership of IPOB in order to try to secure their agreement and support.

“Regrettably, while the follow up meeting was being arranged, the attack on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s home in Umuahia by soldiers of the Nigerian Army on 10th September, 2017 occurred, as reported in the news media, which, expectedly, triggered clashes between the IPOB supporters and the army in Aba, Umuahia and other places, resulting in the deaths of, or injury to several people.

“Reacting to this sad development, the IPOB leadership indicated its intention not to attend the planned meeting. Despite all this, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu made it known that in the spirit of a search for an amicable resolution of the crisis, he personally would still attend the planned meeting, now fixed for Friday 15th September 2017.

“However, a day or so before that date another attack on his Umuahia residence by soldiers, armed with guns and armoured vehicles, involving serious causalities, was reported in the media, which caused Nnamdi Kanu to renounce his intention to attend the planned meeting, even despite all the provocation that led to its repudiation by the IPOB leadership.

“It seemed unreasonable and unfeeling to expect him to attend the meeting when the causalities included two of his cousins,” Nwabueze said.

Nwabueze added that even on September 15, he had travelled back to Enugu from Lagos for the meeting and even spoke on the phone with the Ebonyi governor, who never mentioned a word to him about the decision, which must have taken days before, to proscribe IPOB. “I had arrived to Enugu from Lagos for the meeting on Friday, 15th September. But without the IPOB leadership, especially without Nnamdi Kanu, it seems to me that the essential purpose of the meeting had been defeated. So I went back to Lagos.

“The meeting should be reconvened when the tension caused by these developments have quietened down,” he suggested.

BUHARI TAKES HEAT OFF NIGERIAN ARMY, SIGNS PROCLAMATION PROSCRIBING IPOB Army stated yesterday that it acted within the ambit of the law.

Responding to its critiques, the Chief of Army Staff, who spoke to journalists in Abuja shortly after addressing principal staff officers, corps, formations and operations commanders at the Third Quarter Nigerian Army Conference in Abuja, said the army acted constitutionally and within the purview of the law.

Buratai contended that the military was under compulsion to uphold its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and properties in the face of internal and external threats to the territorial integrity of the nation.

Describing the army’s operations in different parts of the country as continuous training of the troops, he said: “Training is a continuous exercise; apart from the obvious exercises that you see, there are lot of other exercises from different formations of the Nigerian Army and even skills. So it is not a new thing, we have been training, we have been exercising on a regular basis.

“But once in a while we come and carry out large scale exercises to harmonise all the aspects of training that have been taught in training institutions and unit formations.

“Since we came on board in 2015, we have been having a series of exercises and we did the same set of exercises in 2016 and we are repeating the same thing this year.

“You are aware of Habin Kunama II in the North-west, the on-going Egwu Eke II (Python Dance II) in the South and very soon at the end of Operation Python Dance we would move to Crocodile Smile II in the Niger Delta.

“This is just to reassure Nigerians, law-abiding citizens that the Nigerian Army and indeed other security agencies are really concerned with the safety and security of their lives and property. You are very much aware of the security challenges in the country,” Buratai explained.

On the categorisation of IPOB as a terrorist organisation and if the army had succumbed to political pressure in making its declaration, Buratai said the army did not declare the group a terrorist group “per se”, adding that it was simply a pronouncement.

According to him, “You see, you spoke about political pressure, but you should understand the context in which the Nigerian Army is operating.

“The Nigerian Army is part of the political consideration in the democratic system.

“It is part of the democratic process, it is a product of democratic governance. We are not succumbing to any pressure. We are guided by what the constitution has provided for us.

“Constitutionally, we have responsibilities, so we are not under any pressure whatsoever. Whatever

anyone is saying, we will refer him back to the constitution.

“There are several provisions that give us those responsibilities and also to carry out such tasks as duly assigned by the government or by the constituted authority.

“Be rest assured that we don’t have any other role that is outside the constitution.

“As regards to the declaration (on IPOB), this is what I want to say: the federal government will take a final decision on that. We did not declare them a terrorist group per se. That was a proclamation.”

On declaring the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu wanted, Buratai said he was awaiting the directive of the federal government on the issue, explaining that it was only the government that has the jurisdiction on declaring him wanted.

“There are guidelines as provided in the the Terrorism Act and I’m sure that the relevant government agencies I’m talking about will take the appropriate steps on whether to arrest or whether to take any other actions (against Kanu) and we will receive the appropriate directives from the authorities,” he clarified.

Northern Govs on Peace Mission

Meanwhile, a delegation of the Northern Governors’ Forum yesterday kicked off a two-day visit to the Southeast and South-south geopolitical zones in a bid to douse tension and promote peace and dialogue among all sections of the country.

The delegation met with the Rivers State governor, Mr. Nyesom Nwike and his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, in Port Harcourt and Umuahia respectively, where it was assured by both governors of their commitment to the country’s unity.

According to a statement issued by the media aide of the Sokoto State governor, Mr. Imam Imam yesterday in Sokoto, the delegation was led by the chairman of the forum and Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima.

Other Northern governors in the delegation included Tambuwal, Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Simon Lalong of Plateau States.

“The delegation will hold meetings with their counterparts in Rivers, Abia and Imo States.

“Apart from the visit to political leaderships in those states, the delegation is expected to meet with traditional and religious leaders.

“The governors will also during the visit confer with Northern residents in those states.

“Importantly, the delegation will reassure their counterparts in the South-south and South-east that all Nigerians are free to stay in all parts of the country, especially in the North, and that the entire

North stands with the people of the South-east in this period of heightened tension,” Imam stated.

He said the delegation had the blessings of the president and the consultations will continue with all stakeholders so as to enhance unity and peace in the country.

Wike, Ikpeazu Meet Northern Colleagues During their meeting with Wike, his counterparts from the North commended him for taking urgent steps that led to the protection of lives of all Nigerians in Rivers State.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Shettima said the Northern governors were in Rivers State to identify with Wike and commend the governor for nipping in the bud the unfortunate conflict that erupted in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The forum said his actions, especially his statewide broadcast, helped to restore peace, despite the challenges.

Shettima stated: “Governor Wike we are mightily proud of you. We are mightily associating ourselves with you. Nigeria is greater than political differences. We belong to one political family and that is the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“No interest should be bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You believe in the Nigerian project. For that, we remain eternally grateful.”

The Northern Governors’ Forum also called for the enthronement of peace-building measures despite the challenges facing the country.

According to the forum, no law-abiding Nigerian deserved to be punished because of where they reside and do business.

Shettima said despite the unfortunate incident in Abia, steps had been taken to ensure that there was no retaliatory attack in different parts of the country.

In his response, Wike declared that he would continue to protect all Nigerians and foreigners living in the state.

He said: “Rivers State believes in the unity of this country. Rivers State will not be a part of those calling for the disintegration of Nigeria. We owe it as a duty to protect every Nigerian living in the state.

“I will not allow any group to intimidate, harass or attack other Nigerians living in the state. We are Rivers people and we belong to the Niger Delta.”

While stating that violence could never lead to the resolution of any grievances, Wike urged those who are aggrieved to embrace dialogue in the interest of peace and development.

“I am not against anyone who wants to protest any grievances, but there are channels for such protests,” he said.

Wike added that the people of Rivers State have their own peculiar grievances over developmental issues

in the country.

He pointed out that as governor he had raised the issues, but would never support the disintegration of the country.

In Umuahia, where the delegation met with Ikpeazu, the Northern governors called on the people of the South-east zone to have faith in a united and indivisible Nigerian nation.

The governors who arrived late in the evening, were received by Ikpeazu in the executive chamber of his office, after which the delegation went to the banquet hall of Government House and addressed the Hausa community.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Shettima said they were in Abia “to reassure the people that we have faith in one Nigeria” and to show solidarity with Ikpeazu.

“We are here on behalf of Northern governors to commend Governor Ikpeazu on his high quality leadership in handling the crisis in Abia.

“He rose to the occasion and declared a curfew in Aba just as Governor Lalong also declared a curfew in Jos to avert a reprisal attack on Igbos.

“We are here to show solidarity.

We have a moral obligation to ensure that Nigeria remains one. Nigeria is the largest conglomeration of black people in Africa and we cannot afford to separate.

“If we separate, where do we go?

North is the Sahara desert and Chad cannot contain us. If we go South, it is the Atlantic Ocean. The South is too small for us and the mountains of East Africa with their so many challenges cannot accommodate us,” he said.

Shettima said Nigeria had come a long way as a nation with a rich diversity, hence the need to sustain the country’s unity, adding that it was in the interest of all Nigerians to stay together and work to build a strong united nation.

“We are here to remind Nigerians that we are better as one. We are here to also invite our South-east colleagues to also come to the flash points of the North to speak to Ndigbo living in the North,” he said.

The Borno State governor noted that those of them that had served in the National Assembly had intermingled with other Nigerians from different parts of the country and had come to see Nigeria as one and built alliances across the nation.

He said irrespective of the challenges of nation building, there was no strong reason for the country to be allowed to disintegrate.

In his response, Ikpeazu expressed gratitude to the Northern governors for coming to show solidarity with the people of Abia, saying: “When this crisis started, I asked myself what will my brother Tambuwal in Sokoto do if he is in my shoes or Shettima of Borno?

“I thank you for coming Your Excellencies. I am delighted by this show of solidarity by our brothers from

Nwabueze: Reopen Talks with Kanu But even as the Northern governors met with their counterparts in Rivers and Abia States, renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN) yesterday in Enugu asked governors of the South-east zone to re-engage Kanu in fresh talks once the tension caused by last week’s clashes between his members and the military have quietened down.

In a statement made available to journalists by Nwabueze, who is also the chairman of the Igbo Leaders of Thought, he said Kanu had indicated that he was ready for a peaceful resolution of the impasse before the military invasion on parts of Abia State and his home last week.

Since the invasion of his residence, Kanu’s whereabouts and that of his parents have remained unknown.

But the elder statesman, who had accompanied Kanu to meet with the governors in Enugu on August 30, dismissed as false insinuations in some quarters that Kanu was opposed to the amicable resolution of issues during the meeting.

He said on the contrary, Kanu was not just ready to shift grounds but had insisted that the entire leadership of IPOB must be involved in the discussions.

Nwabueze also expressed dismay over the disturbances in Umuahia, Aba and other parts of the South-east on account of the attempt to clampdown on the separatist group.

“On 30th August, 2017, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko and I met with the South-east Governors’ Forum.

The meeting was chaired by the current chairman of the forum and governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Dave Umahi, who, in his conduct of the meeting, exhibited his characteristic sagacity, candour and forthrightness tempered with friendliness.

“Perhaps charmed by the things

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NEWS

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

ASUU Calls off Strike, Fuel Scarcity Looms as Tanker Drivers Down Tools NNPC assures jetty fire will not cause scarcity

Ejiofor Alike Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? Senator Iroegbu Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) last night called off its over onemonth strike after reaching an agreement with the federal government.

The ASUU President, Ogunyemi Abiodun, announced after a meeting with the union’s executives that they would suspend the industrial action for one month till end of October.

Abiodun said this was to allow government enough time to fulfill its promises as contained in the recent agreement reached with them.

To this end, the union directed university lecturers to resume duty from today.

The union had embarked on an indefinite strike on August 13, following government’s failure to implement the agreement reached with the union in November 2016.

THISDAY gathered that the union’s decision to suspend the strike was reached after an almost four hours closeddoor meeting with the federal government delegation led by the Minister of Labour, Chris

Ngige.

At the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed by the union and Ngige on behalf of the federal government.

Others who signed the document were: President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi and other members of the government team.

He listed highlights of the agreement reached to include; funding of government universities, payment of earned academic allowances, government responsibility as regards academic staff schools (primary wing), pension matters for professors, payment of salary shortfalls on which implementation has already commenced and resolution on exemption of TSA payment system in certain areas.

The labour minister said the grey areas were conclusively dealt with to the satisfaction of both parties which he attributed to the spirit of giving and taking exhibited by both parties with great acknowledgement

China Opens Visa Centre in Abuja Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja has opened a new visa application centre in Abuja to facilitate procurement of Chinese visas for Abuja residents and environs. The centre, located at Churchgate Plaza, Central Business District, will commence operations from September 20, 2017, according to the Deputy Ambassador, Mr. Lin Jing.

Jing said the visa application centre was opened to improve the service standard for applicants but not to harm the procedure.

Speaking to journalists at a media briefing yesterday in Abuja, Jing said: “From Wednesday, all ordinary passport holders wishing to visit the People’s Republic of China are requested to apply for visas at Abuja China Visa Application Centre,� He however said diplomats and official passport holders or applicants applying for Hong Kong/Macao Special Administrative Region visa/ entry permits are to submit their applications directly to the Chinese embassy.

He said another centre would also be opened in Lagos where visa applications would be submitted there.

Jing said nevertheless, application process and duration for visa issuance remain unchanged.

“We have limited resources and facilities and over the past years we have seen visa applicants sweating under the sun shine. “We have been trying hard to improve our service and make it more comfortable for visa applicants while waiting for their interviews or to submit applications. “We are happy to announce that China visa application centre will open on September 20, 2017. We hope that with the opening of the centre, we will improve our services for applicants from all walks of life. “The centre would be located at Churchgate Plaza, Central Business District, Abuja. “The centre is entrusted to receive visa applications on behalf of the embassy and we have a duty to oversee their operation,� he said.  The envoy reiterated that the decision to approve or disapprove visa applications still resides with the embassy.

He added that successful applicants are also expected to pick their passports from the centre.

The deputy ambassador who disclosed that the new visa application fee is now 31,250 which included service fees and VAT, adding that the application centre is a commercial entity and independent of the Chinese embassy and urged prospective applicants to be patient with the new development.

of the economic situation of the country.

Expressing hope that ASUU would call off the strike, Ngige said: “ASUU will go back to consult its organ with a view to calling off the strike. We hope to hear a good news from them in the next 24 hours so that our children can go back to class.

They got nearly everything they wanted.�

Reacting, ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, said: “Government will hear from us in the next 24 hours. It could even be less than that because our members are waiting for us.�

Ogunyemi who promised that the union would not rest on its oars until the country’s education system is transformed, said it was high time Nigeria returned back to the era of being an educational tourist destination for other African countries.

He appreciated both the labour minister and the education minister as well as other stakeholders that were involved in the series of consultations that resulted in the milestone reached through the signed agreement Meanwhile, despite the assurance by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that it has in stock sufficient quantity of diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel to

serve the country, fuel crisis looms as the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) yesterday stopped loading at the various depots in Lagos.

This is coming as the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, assured motorists and other consumers of petroleum products nationwide that the fire incident, which occurred at Apapa loading jetty at the early hours of yesterday would not affect supply of petroleum products.

According to the NNPC boss, the corporation has more than 1.6 billion litres of petrol, enough to last for 48 days.

No fewer than four people lost their lives with several others severely injured when the Apapa PWA loading jetty belonging to the NNPC caught fire in the early hours of yesterday.

Apapa has three jetties – PWA, BOP and NOJ-all belonging to NNPC for the discharge of imported petroleum products.

Despite the NNPC’s commitment to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products, NUPENG has embarked on strike in solidarity with the Joe Ajaero-led United Labour Congress of Nigeria (ULC), which commenced nation-wide

industrial action yesterday.

NUPENG, which also comprises Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), belong to Ajaero’s labour faction.

Efforts to reach the Western Zonal Chairman of NUPENG, Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, were unsuccessful as his mobile phone was switched off, but THISDAY confirmed that the drivers did not load fuel at the depots.

ULC had urged Nigerians to stockpile foodstuff and other basic necessities that could last them during the duration of the strike as critical sectors of the economy would be affected by the action.

Ajaero listed critical sectors that would be affected to include transportation, petroleum products supplies, power supply and banking and other financial operations.

ULC’s action was in protest against what it described as the militarisation of some states and had demanded that“the federal government bans the stationing of the army and police in our workplaces and factory premises.� “This will stop employers who are now colluding with the army and other security agencies from setting up garrisons in our factories for the purposes of intimidating and harassing workers in order to deny them their rights and

privileges. The army and the police should immediately withdraw their garrisons in the different workplaces where they are currently stationed.�

The NNPC has, however, advised motorists not to engage in panic buying over the jetty fire incident, adding that they should report any challenge they may have in the course of purchasing to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) which is statutorily empowered to deal with such issue THISDAY gathered that the fire at PWA Jetty started around 3 a.m. when hoodlums tampered with the manifold, which is the connecting pipe to the vessel, to scoop fuel.

It was not clear how hoodlums managed to enter the jetty, which is heavily guarded by personnel of the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies.

But there are concerns that security officials allegedly connived with miscreants, who scoop fuel from the pipelines at the jetty every night and in the early morning hours.

The fire incident was said to have occurred shortly after a vessel, MT HISTIA IVORY, finished discharging petrol at the jetty.

Though the jetty was gutted by fire, the vessel was not affected.

Cont’d on Pg 46

SOLIDARITY VISIT

L-R: Governors Atiku Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi); Simon Dalong (Plateau); Aminu Bello Masari (Kastina); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Kashim Shettima (Borno); and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), during the visit of Northern State Governors’ Forum delegation to Abia State... yesterday

INEC Releases Fresh Timetable for Melaye’s Recall Process Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Cynthia Ndukwu Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Independent National Electroral Commision (INEC) yesterday issued a fresh timetable for the recall of the senator representing Kogi West senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Dino Melaye.

The process is now to start from October 3rd with the

issuance of notice of recall and end on October 14 with the conduct of verification in all poling units in the Kogi West district.

INEC had earlier set date for the commencement of the recall process as requested by some electorate from Kogi West constituency but the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an injunction temporarily stopping

the process.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the commission, Mrs. Augusta C. Ogakwu , the commission said: “Further to the statement by the independent national electoral commission issued on September 12, 2017, the commission today issued an amended timetable and schedule activities pursuant

to the petition for the recall of senator Dino Melaye.            In fixing the timeline for the verification, sufficient time has been provided for the senator to study the petition and accompanying materials to effectively prepare for the verification exercise in accordance with the order of the Federal High Court.

Abuja.â€?Â

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AMCON Takes over Kashamu’s Best Western Hotels Obinna Chima The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has taken over Best Western Hotels in Ikeja

and Victoria Island, Lagos over a N27 billion debts, following a court order.

The order mandated AMCON to seal up and take over the management of the

Anambra Guber Poll: INEC Deadline for Submission of Candidates’ Name Expires APC’s Nwoye finally gets ticket Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË The deadline fixed for political parties to submit the names of their candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the November 18 governorship election expired yesterday.

The management of the electoral umpire met yesterday to formally receive the list of candidates being submitted by the parties.

According to the timetable issued by the commission for the Anambra State gubernatorial contest, submission of candidates was to be completed as at close of work yesterday, September 18.

THISDAY gathered that most of the political parties fielding candidates for the governorship election struggled to beat the deadline by furnishing the commission with completed forms containing the names of the governorship candidates and their running mate.

The list of the parties that have submitted their candidates name include, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), United Progressive Party (UPP), Peoples Progressive Party (PPA), Democratic People’s Congress (DPC), Alliance for Democracy (AD) and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

APC summoned the courage after days of apparent indecision to submit the name of the winner of its August 26 governorship primary, Hon. Tony Nwoye.

The National Working Committee (NNC) caved in to pressure, recognise Nwoye candidacy and presented him the certificate of return.

The party which faced a strong protest and lobby from one of the leading contestants, Senator Andy Ubah, to annul the August 26 primary election finally submitted Nwoye’s name.

The NWC of the APC yesterday finally issued certificate of return to Hon. Nwoye as the party’s candidate for the November 18 Anambra State governorship election.

Uba, one of the APC governorship aspirants, among other petitioners, had questioned Nwoye’s emergence at the primary, demanding a repeat of the exercise.

The aggrieved aspirant petitioned the party, seeking an outright cancelation of the primary and his declaration as winner.

Uba said: “I complained to some members of the Primary Election Committee sent from the headquarters of the party. To be frank, I continued with the exercise in protest after observing all these irregularities. Most of the disgruntled delegates of the primary election have gone to various courts to depose to an affidavit of events that transpired.”

THISDAY however, gathered that the Appeal Panel set up to hear the petitions recommended a repeat of the governorship primary.

But rising from several hours at a closed door meeting at the party’s national headquarter in Abuja, the party’s NWC resolved to uphold Nwoye’s victory and to forward Nwoye’s name to the INEC in order to meet the deadline for submission.

Confirming the development to journalists on telephone, National Organising Secretary, Osita Izunazo, said the NWC threw out Uba’s petition against Nwoye and also overruled the recommendation of the Appeal panel for total concellation of the primary poll.

“I can confirm to you that the NWC has issued certificate of return to Nwoye as APC governorship candidate forNovember 18, Anambra election.”

Also while confirming the development, the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party did find the allegations in the petition sufficient enough to invalidate the primary election.

Abdulahi who spoke to THISDAY on telephone yesterday, said even though the exercise may not flawless but that it tried its best to ensure a transparent election.

Meanwhile, the Anambra governorship candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Osita Chidoka, has picked economic strategist and multitalented administrator, Chief Marcel Ogbonnaya Okeke, as his running mate.

In a statement issued yesterday by the UPP’s spokesman, Ogbuefi Dike the party said that Okeke’s selection was after extensive consultations among key opinion leaders and stakeholders, in line with the UPP’s determination to enthrone meritocracy, visionary leadership, dynamism, and allinclusiveness in the governance of Anambra State.

hotel belonging to embattled Ogun politician, Senator Buruji Kashamu, pending a resolution of the debt.

The obligor, the Group Managing Director of Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited, Mr. Edward Akinlade, was alleged to have owed Oceanic Bank, bought over

by Ecobank N13.4 billion.

The debt has been a subject of litigation for some time now.

THISDAY learnt that since AMCON obtained the court order, it has not been able to take over considering the fact that it is a hospitality business.

The corporation said it did not want to create any scene in order not to scare customers but that the “owner has been difficult; preventing

court bailiffs and other law enforcement officers assigned by the court to carry out the assignment from dosing their jobs.”

AMCON said it was working according to a court order, dated August 4, 2017 granted

by Justice M.B Idris, which confirmed that the corporation had sued the Inspector General of Police, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and civil defence corps and the Lagos State Commandant of the Corps as defendants and AMCON which gave it as a government agency, the mandate to take over possession of a non performing loan.

The judgment stated that due to the default of the debtor to liquidate its indebtedness to the

plaintiff (AMCON) the powers and rights of the plaintiff as a secured creditor under the three Deeds of Legal Mortgage registered as 32/32/2033, 88/88/2032 and 89/89/2028 in respect of the properties earlier listed have arisen and therefore become exercisable.

AMCON under the current management team led by its Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, has continually maintained that there would be no rest for recalcitrant debtors of the corporation like in the case of the promoters of Gateway Portland Cement Limited, which he said remained the only way AMCON mandate could be realised within the

timeframe of the assignment and in the interest of the country’s economy.

Kuru recently disclosed that 350 obligors’ accounts represented about 80 per cent of AMCON’s current exposure of N2.5 trillion as at December 31, 2016.

Kure had also said it was based on this that AMCON repositioned its debt recovery approach to strengthen legal and credit restructuring units to collaborate on the aforementioned 350 accounts, which he termed “defaulters”; enhance the restructuring and turnaround team; and engage in asset tracing to enhance recoveries.

HUGE INVESTMENT IN KADUNA

L-R: Managing Director, Crown Flour Mills, Anurag Shukla; MD/CEO, Africa and Middle East, Olam International, Srivathsan. V; MD/CEO Grains, Olam International, KC Suresh; and Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at the inauguration ceremony of Olam Poultry and Feed Mill in Kaduna... recently.

Again, Lai Mohammed Accuses IPOB of Using Fake Videos to Hoodwink Int’l Community

Olawale Ajimotokan ÓØ Abuja

The federal government has for the second time accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of using fake videos of mass killings, harvested from other parts of Africa and doctored to look current, to mislead the international community and win their support.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this when he hosted online publishers in Lagos yesterday. ‘’We must warn the nation against IPOB’s next line of action, which is to externalise their lies and propaganda.

Now they are writing to the governments and the national parliaments of some Western nations to give the impression that they are

victims of an ethno-sectarian violence orchestrated by the government, hence they need protection. ‘’Some of the tools that have been employed by IPOB include blatant lies and cheap propaganda, and the medium of choice for the organization is the Social Media. IPOB has harvested gory videos and pictures from other lands and the distant past, which they are now circulating via the Social Media, to deceive the international community into believing that the people of the South-east are being subjected to state-sponsored, ethno-religious violence. ‘’Such videos, which have very high emotive quotient, are circulating on the Social Media as we speak. These videos are doctored to make

them look current. They are fake!’’ he said.

Mohammed said some illinformed foreign individuals are already trumpeting IPOB’s lies and propaganda and even alleging genocide, adding: ‘’It is either they do not understand the meaning of genocide or are being mischievous. Either way, there is nothing like genocide anywhere in our country today.

What we have in the South-east is a clampdown on a band of lawless people who have no regard for the laws of the land.’’

He appealed to the online publishers to help counter the fake narrative on the social media on the situation in the South-east ‘’In the interest of the nation and your own interest, you must counter this fake narrative, report the issues responsibly and without sensationalism

and present the truth to the public. If the social media, your platform, is discredited because of the activities of quacks and Internet Trollers, you too will be discredited and your publications will simply go down. ‘’That is why you must distinguish yourselves, as trained and tested professionals, from the charlatans who have seized the social media by the jugular, those who have no regard for the truth and who do not care whether their fake posts set the nation ablaze,’’ the minister said.

He reiterated his earlier statement that IPOB is being sponsored by a coalition of politically-disgruntled and treasury looters, and that the organisation is a contraption against the Buhari Administration.

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Restructuring: APC C’ttee Begins Sitting in S’East as Enugu, Ebonyi Reject Regionalism S’West governors, leaders vote for restructuring, power devolution

Christopher Isiguzo, Chidinma Odigbo ÓØ ØßÑßËØÎ Ademola Babalola ÓØ ÌËÎËØ Amid growing demands for the restructuring of the country in order to address myriads of challenges threatening the unity of Nigeria, the All Progressives Congres( APC) yesterday commenced consultations on the vexed issue in the South-east zone.

Speaking during the commencement of consultations on restructuring in Enugu, the leader of the committee for the South-east zone, Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor, said the party’s constitution and manifesto showed the party’s commitment to the principles and ideals of true federalism and restructuring.

He said his committee which membership include the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, and Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba, was in the zone to receive memoranda from various stakeholders in order to effectively accommodate the views of a vast majority of the populace.

In their presentations, members and leaders of APC from Enugu and Ebonyi States expressed their opposition to regionalism but however differed on state police.

While Enugu State in their presentation made by the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, kicked against state police, Ebonyi State on their part endorsed it in their presentation made by a former Commissioner for Inter-Party Affairs, Chief Egwu Chima.

The two states agreed on the scrapping of state Independent Electoral Commissions, even as they also supported the need to grant both political, electoral and economic autonomy for the local government system.

They also endorsed power sharing and rotation at federal, state and local council levels; presidential system of government and upward review of derivations. However, both states differed on state police as Enugu endorsed it while Ebonyi opposed it on the grounds that some governors would use it to intimidate opposition elements in their states.

While Egwu said returning to regionalism was akin to returning to Egypt, Okechukwu said Enugu had always voted against it.

They also agreed that an additional state be created in the zone in order to bring it at par with other zones.

Also speaking, a former Secretary to Enugu State Government, Chief Onyemauche Nnamani, asked the APC and the presidency to package a bill to the National Assembly in order to come up with a definite roadmap on how to ensure that the committee’s job becomes law without another tampering by the legislature.

“We must have a road map for the actualisation of a new constitution and restructuring before going round the country for memorandum.

“Recall that during Abacha’s reign there was a committee, along Obasanjo government there was a committee as well as Jonathan, there was and there were documents. And the National Assembly has

been undertaking constitutional review for the last 10 years yet nothing came out of it.”

Among notable APC chieftains who attended the public sitting were former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi; Senator Chris Nwankwo; Chairmen of APC, in Enugu and Ebonyi States, Dr. Ben Nwoye and Rev. Eze Nwachukwu, respectively.

Also in the South-west yesterday three states, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos, were unanimous in their call for the restructuring of Nigeria to reflect true federalism and devolution of more powers to the states.

South-west leaders also warned all those calling for disintegration of the country to drop the idea.

They said the solution to the problems facing the country is

restructuring of Nigeria to reflect the principles of true federalism as envisioned by the founding fathers of the country.

Many leaders took their turn to present their memorandum to the committee on true federalism which has the mandate to review all the ideas variously referred to as restructuring , devolution of powers, resource control and regionalism among others with a view to articulating and aligning the public position with the ruling party’s manifesto and campaign promises.

Present at the event were the APC leaders in Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States, the APC Committee on True Federalism led by its Chairman, the Plateau State Governor, Bako Lanlong , the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Moses Alake, and former Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sulliva Chime.

Others included prominent traditional rulers led by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji , Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, and Onijeru of Ijeru, ObaSunday Oladapo.

Also present were members of the organised labour unions who spoke on the need for autonomy for local government administration.

Before making the Oyo State government presentation, the state Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by his Deputy, Moses Alake, described the APC-led administration as a responsible and responsive government , with the people’s interest and well-being as its cardinal focus.

To him, the agitation for restructuring is an indication that something needed to

be addressed on the current structure or arrangement in the country.

Also, the first class monarch, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi in his address called on federal government and political leaders to find a way of restructuring the country as soon as possible to avoid what happened in Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) and other countries such as Romania.

The Alaafin who presented memorandum on behalf of traditional rulers from Oyo, Ogun and Lagos State said that the present structure where state with the highest population (Lagos) with over 20 million people is having only 20 local government while Kano with six million population is having 44 local government areas is unjust and unfair.

Students in Violent Protest in Ekiti over Rape of REWARD FOR HARD WORK L-R The Celebrant, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole; former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama, George Eriyamremu, during Female Colleague the conferment of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on Ohwovoriole in Abuja....yesterday

Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ

caught in the web of violence that engulfed the town.

Tension rose in Ikere Ekiti The violence also disrupted yesterday following a violent commercial activities at Odo Oja clash between some students area of Ikere Ekiti as many of and commercial drivers over the them hurriedly closed shop rape of a female student (names probably to prevent looting of withheld). their wares.

The 200 level student of the It was gathered that the lady College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, has been taken to hospital for was alleged to have been medical treatment. raped by a commercial driver When contacted, the state along College-Igbara Odo way Police Public Relations Officer, last Sunday.

Mr. Alberto Adeyemi, described The lady, who was said to the rape as the highest point of be having malaria fever and criminality which he said would went to town to seek medical not be tolerated. treatment, was allegedly raped Adeyemi said normalcy had by a commercial driver fondly returned to the beleaguered town called (Akoto driver ) at about and that the police had launched 8p.m. a serious manhunt for the alleged Enraged by the action, students rapist. of the institution yesterday trooped “Yes, the lady was sick and to the streets and dealt with any was being conveyed to the college known commercial driver sighted when she was raped. The police along the way. don’t tolerate any criminal action This led to the blockage of the in any way and this won’t be an Ado-Ikere-Akure road, which exemption. caused disruption of traffic flow “We have launched a manhunt for several hours. for the man. The police are on Those travelling to Akure had his trail and we shall bring him to make a detour and returned to justice by the grace of God,” to Ado-Ekiti to prevent being he explained

FG Spends N67.5bn on Pensions in Eight Months Ebere Nwoji The federal government has said it has so far spent N67.5 billion this year on the payment of pension benefits to 250,000 pensioners under the old Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.

The amount was paid to police pensioners, paramilitary and pensioners of parastatals under the scheme.

The Defined Benefit Pension scheme is managed by the Pension Transition and Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).

The Executive Secretary of PTAD, Sharon Ikeazor, who disclosed this yesterday while answering questions from journalists at the takeoff of the 11-day pension verification exercise for pensioners residing in Lagos, said of the 250,000 pensioners, 21,000 of them were resident in Lagos.

“PTAD has come to verify

civil service pensioners in Lagos State. Here, we have a mixture of those who are purely federal civil servants and the state pensioners who have a federal share.

“The exercise is a forum for PTAD to verify genuine pensioners because when PTAD was established, it inherited pay roll that was not verified. In the exercise, we are capturing their biometrics, their finger prints, photographs and we are taking all original documents, including letters of appointments,” she explained.

According to her, pensioners involved in the exercise are those who retired after June 2007, while those before then, fall under the management of the Contributory Pensions Scheme.

Ikeazor, who admitted that she was satisfied with the conduct of the exercise in Lagos, said this may be the last verification ever for civil service pensioners, adding that

“once we have credible secured data base for pensioners, they will not need to come out for verification anymore.”

She said PTAD started the verification exercise nationwide because of initial challenge it faced after its establishment.

According to her, PTAD had in its payroll pensioners it was not sure of their existence. “We had in our payroll pensioners we were paying but not sure of whom we were paying. In December 2015, we had 15,600 pensioners’ accounts dropped because they had no BVN but have been receiving pension without BVN. She said after the verification exercise done in different parts of the country, especially in Southsouth and Northeast, the directorate reinstated 18,000 pensioners to payroll, assuring that after the Lagos exercise, in less than six months, the directorate would reinstate genuine pensioners whose

names were dropped.

“With all the documents available, we will do quality assurance; we will sit down, compute every pensioner’s benefit and effect payment,” Ikeazor stated.

She said the directorate currently has about 250,000 pensioners in its payroll on whom federal government spends N7.5 billion on monthly basis.

The above figure, having been paid to the retirees between January to September amounts to N67.5 billion, adding that government has been releasing the pension benefit funds on regular basis through budgetary allocations just as the pensioners receive their benefits before the end of every month.

She however said in receiving the pension allocation, PTAD, does not maintain any commercial bank account but lodges the same into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Peter Obi: I Never Said I Will Fight Anambra Election with the Last Drop of My Blood Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has described as wicked and ungodly the report in a newspaper (not THISDAY), quoting him as having said he would fight the state governorship election with the last drop of his blood.

Answering questions on the matter during the Awka Diocesan Laity Week in Awka, Obi said it was malicious and ungodly of anyone to ascribe such language to him. “Those who know me over the years will easily tell you that the statement is antithetical to everything I stand for,� Obi

stated.

On the actual statement he made, Obi said he only encouraged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) people to embrace reconciliation and go to the election with everything that they have, especially as a united family.

He said: “I said the PDP would fight the election the way the PDP had never done before and that it would be the first time PDP conducted only one primary and that the party must reconcile now and go to the election as a united family. I emphasised the need for reconciliation by saying that

what the PDP needed was reconciliation, reconciliation and reconciliation.�

Recalling his political odyssey, Obi said he had gone through tough times in politics, including the denial of his victory in 2003, his impeachment in 2006 and the truncating of his tenure in 2007. The former governor noted that in those critical times, even when his followers had different views, he did not make any statement, asking how can he make such statement when he is not contesting. “During my time, I welcomed other opposing parties that came

to Anambra State to campaign against me. At times, I provided them with logistics. I did that when Mr. Babatunde Fashola came to campaign for Dr. Chris Ngige and when Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu led the PPA to campaign in the state-all against me, during the electioneering for my second tenure. “Even when my people suggested we should place very high tariffs on billboards and posters, I refused, insisting that much as we sell our manifestos to the people, the election should be prosecuted as one family.

During campaign for Governor Willie Obiano, whether running

around or doing other things at that time, we did not do it with the last drop of our blood.

All in all, I cannot use such language even in my dream,� he said.

Furthermore, Obi said in his eight years as governor of the state, that he worked passionately for the growth and development of the state, and has continued to do so. I always desist from anything, be it act or utterances, that is not expected in a fair game.

On the accusation that he went to the shrine for the person he is supporting to remain obedient to him,

Obi started by thanking the candidate of his party, Mr. Oseloka Obaze for engaging in campaign of issues.

He advised those who had chosen blackmail to think twice, as according to him, the campaign would be run by the incumbent showcasing what he has done in four years to be worthy of the confidence of the people and by new candidates showing what they would do.  “All I can tell you is that the story of shrine and related nonsense are clearly the antics of the opposition that is afraid of facing reality,� he said.

IPOB: We’ll Not Be Intimidated by Army’s Threats David-Chyddy Eleke Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ•Ă‹

governors now supporting genocide against their people ever uttered The Indigenous People of a word in opposition.

Biafra (IPOB) yesterday said “82 Division of the Nigerian no intimidation would make Army at Enugu, a mere 13 it to surrender its fight for an kilometers from where Fulani independent Biafra nation. herdsmen armed with sophisticated It described the proscription weaponry attacked innocent of its activities by the South- villagers, did not rise up to aid east governors as well as the Enugu people. recent declaration of the army “They did not storm the hideout that the group is now a terrorist or known settlements of Fulani organisation as a nullity and of herdsmen in Enugu. There was no no effect on it. stop and search of Fulani people.

The group in a statement There were no arbitrary arrests of made available to journalists Fulani men. Fulani women were in Awka, Anambra State by its not carted off to be raped and Media and Publicity Secretary, dehumanised by Nigerian soldiers.

Emma Powerful, wondered why “Fulani leaders and Arewa North herdsmen that had severally never rose up in condemnation wreaked havoc in different parts of Fulani herdsmen. The group of the country had not been vowed to continue its struggle declared a terrorist organisation. irrespective of the intimidations, It accused the federal adding that in the end, governors government of having a secret in the South-east would regret their agenda to exterminate the Igbo action of fighting their own people. race, adding that the Abia State The group added: “We must not Commissioner of Police was stop to let the police and Nigeria playing a rehearsed script.

DHQ know that Biafra restoration The group said: “It is also on project led by Nnamdi Kanu record that till date, no police cannot be moved or deterred by commissioner or governor in any threats or killing of unarmed the South-east or South-south innocent civilian populations.â€? has dared to rise up against the It added: “We also want to let fourth deadliest terrorist group them understand that they don’t in the world we know as Fulani have the power to declare the herdsmen. peaceful and nonviolent IPOB “When Fulani herdsmen a terrorist organisation. It is attacked Enugu, Anambra, unfortunate that the Nigerian Ebonyi and Abia States, none police and DHQ cannot of the police commissioners in differentiate between freedom these various states or any of these fighting and terrorism.â€?Â

Niger Boat Mishap: 12 Bodies Recovered, Buried Laleye Dipo Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ Twelve bodies of the victims of last Sunday’s boat mishap have been recovered from the River Kaduna in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

While 10 of the victims were women, the other two were a male adult and an eight-year-old boy.

The 12th body was yet to be identified as at press time.

It was gathered yesterday night that the bodies were recovered by the combined efforts of men of the marine police at Shiroro dam and some local divers in the

areas.

The bodies were buried at the river bank in Kuduru, according to tradition and culture in the area.

Nine of the victims believed to be Christians were  buried separately near each other while the three Muslims were also buried separately.

The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, was represented at the burial by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Mikhail Emitosahi, who described the incident as unfortunate and urged the people to see it as an act of God.

FAREWELL VISIT

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; outgoing Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade; member of the State Judiciary, Justice Yetunde Idowu; and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, during the outgoing Chief Judge’s courtesy visit to the Lagos House, Ikeja....yesterday

NCAA Certifies Lagos Airport, Says It Meets International Standards Chinedu Eze After months of remedial work and remodeling of facilities at the Murtala Muahmmed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has certified the nation’s busiest airport for meeting global safety and security standards as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

This is the first international airport out of the four that would be certified in the next few weeks; the others are the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

With the certification, the Lagos airport would now be cited among the standard airports in the world and airlines, which hitherto could not operate to the airport due to lack of categorisation can now operate to the airport.

The certification is also expected to bring down insurance premium on Nigerian

airlines and the airports, as insurers describe the Nigerian operational environment as hostile but the certification shows that the airport and the other international airports that would soon be certified have met all safety and security standards in tandem with other major airports in the world.

Speaking at the event in Lagos yesterday, the Director-General of NCAA, Muhtar Usman, said the current drive towards the certification of Nigerian airports was very significant not only as a requirement by the ICAO and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, but even more importantly as  one of the critical safety targets set by the Abuja Ministerial Declaration of July 2012, that mandated all African states to certify their international airports. “The certification is an enabler for the attainment of a regional hub which Nigeria desires for Lagos and Abuja. It is an enabler for airports in its territory to meet regulatory safety requirements on a continous basis, and that it is providing uniform conditions for safe and efficient operation of aircraft from all other States,

as required by Article 15 of the Chicago Convention. “Aerodrome Certification is therefore an ICAO strategy for the standardisation and harmonisation of airport services, facilities and procedures, as well as ensuring uniformity in safety critical aerodrome elements irrespective of differences in ownership and management of such aerodromes,� Usman said.

He also said that the certification would assist states to effectively implement the critical elements of a safety oversight system in accordance with Annex 14 Vol. I, and other relevant ICAO specifications.

Usman noted that the certification would signify to aircraft operators and other organisations operating at the aerodrome that, at the time of certification, the aerodrome meets the specifications regarding its facilities and operations, and that it has, according to the certifying authority, the capability to maintain these specifications for the period of validity of the certificate.

He remarked that NCAA is required to immediately

commence the implementation of a post certification surveillance plan for the continuous monitoring of airport services, facilities, procedures and manpower levels to ensure that the Acceptable Level of Safety is not infringed on.

The Director of NCAA said:�

In the regulatory body’s  safety oversight responsibilities, it would ensure compliance with ICAO and national regulations at all times, and where necessary, sanctions would be imposed or certificate suspended to enforce compliance with standards.�

Similarly, FAAN has the utmost responsibility of operating the Murtala Muhammed Airport in accordance with ICAO standards and recommended practices, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, as well as any special conditions on which the certificate is issued.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is also required to promptly notify the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority of any changes in aerodrome services, facilities, procedures or staffing levels that can affect the certification of the aerodrome.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017Ëž T H I S D AY

46

NEWSXTRA

12 Killed in Suicide Attacks on Borno Village Michael Olugbode Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“ Twelve persons were lost in suicide attacks unleashed on Mashimari village in Konduga, Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The Chairman of the state Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), Ahmed Satomi, in a message to journalists, said: “We regret to announce that 12 people lost their lives while 28 other persons were injured in the Monday (yesterday) morning suicide attack on Mashimari village of Konduga town.�

Satomi added: “All victims have been evacuated from the scene of the attack to medical facilities in Maiduguri, while

those with minor injuries have been referred to Konduga hospital for treatment.�

The figure by Satomi fell short of the earlier figure given by the agency’s Head of Rescue Operations, Bello Dambatta, who was in Konduga to conduct the rescue operations at the scenes of the attacks.

Dambatta had told journalists that 15 persons were killed in the attacks with 43 others injured.

Dambatta, who claimed he was in Mashimari village to oversee the rescue operations, said women were mostly affected by the attacks.

He equally lamented that going by the severity of the injuries, the death toll might rise. Â He however, said most of

Proscription of IPOB as Terrorist Organisation is Illegal, Says Falana Ejiofor Alike Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has described the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by the South-east governors and the labeling of the group as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian Army as illegal and an act of hypocrisy of the ruling class,.

Falana said in a statement yesterday that neither the Nigerian Army nor the governors were empowered to proscribe or label the IPOB a terrorist organisation.

The human rights lawyer reminded the Chief of Army Staff and the governors that Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2011 as amended, provides that a terrorist organisation can only be proscribed in the country on the order of the Federal High Court based on an application made by either the National Security Adviser, Attorney-General of the Federation or Inspector-General of Police with the approval of the president.

Falana recalled that when the Nigerian Army declared a journalist and two human rights defenders wanted last year for alleged links with the satanic Boko Haram sect, he had pointed out that it was an act of illegality.  According to him, the Terrorism (Terrorism) Act 2011 as amended by the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 has not conferred any such power on the Nigerian Army. “In a prompt reaction to my criticism the suspects were immediately transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) which interrogated them and released them on bail,� he added. Falana stated that he had advised the federal government to direct the Nigerian Army to withdraw from Abia State and allow the Nigeria Police Force to deal with the reported criminal offences alleged to have been committed by Mr. Nnamdi Kanu and the IPOB led by him.

He noted that his advice was ignored as the Nigerian Army and the governors of the Southeast purportedly proscribed the IPOB. “However the alleged intimidation of innocent people

by IPOB on account of ethnicity or religion should cease. Since the burning of police stations, killing and harassment of some innocent traders from the northern part of the country allegedly carried out by the IPOB cannot be justified under the law the suspects should be arrested. The suspects should be charged to court to serve as s warning to criminally minded people who may want to direct their frustration at fellow victims of the oppression and poverty unleashed on them by the ruling class,� Falana explained.

He argued that though the IPOB members are free to associate for the protection of their interests by virtue of section 40 of the Constitution, he insisted that the group has to agitate peacefully in a way that the rights of other citizens to live peacefully in the south east zone are respected.

The human rights lawyer further stressed that even if the IPOP has decided to declare a war on the State, its troops cannot attack unarmed civilians under the Geneva Conventions. “The federal government is duty bound to ensure the protection of the life and property of every citizen as the fundamental right to live peacefully in any part of the country is guaranteed by section 43 of the Nigerian Constitution.

To that effect, all efforts must be made by the federal government to prevent reprisal attacks on innocent people in the northern part of the country,� Falana said.

Responding to the call by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on President Buhari to dialogue with Kanu, the human rights lawyer stated that President Obasanjo ought to have apologised publicly for the military invasions of Odi in Bayelsa State and Zaki Biam in Benue State ordered by him.

the victims were evacuated to away from Maiduguri. medical facilities in Maiduguri Also, the Caretaker and Konduga.

Chairman of Magumeri Another source, Bunu Local Government Area of Bukar, the Secretary of the the state, Alhaji Abubakar Hunters Association in the Abdulkadir, yesterday told state, said three suicide journalists in Maiduguri that bombers staged the attack the terrorist group also killed after gunshots got villagers a village chief Imam and four fleeing. others were slaughtered by  He said the scene of the suspected Boko Haram attack was not far from members in the state, the Mandarari Internal Abdulkadir said: “The Displacement Camp that chief Imam of Kurmiri village was attacked last August. and four other persons were According to Bukar, “the slaughtered by suspected Boko Haram first fired members of Boko Haram sect gunshots around 9a.m last night (Sunday)�. yesterday, which scared The slain Chief Imam, Ustaz the villagers to run out and Goni Bukar Tabare, was the head towards Konduga and elder brother to a popular unknown to the villagers, politician in Magumeri, Mallam three suicide bombers sneaked Goni Kundube. into their midst and blew up.�  Kurmiri village is in Titiwa “We don’t have a specific Ward, about 15 kilometres from figure of casualties but, it’s Magumeri Local Government definitely high though, Area of the state. emergency aid workers have Magumeri has witnessed mobilised and we will be series of deadly attacks in evacuating the victims to recent times, including the Maiduguri any moment ambush, killing and abduction from now. of oil exploration workers “Mashimari is the last with the Nigerian National village before the checkpoint Petroleum Corporation into Konduga town and just (NNPC), contracted staff of few metres away from the University of Maiduguri and Mandarari IDP Camp that 15 members of Civilian JTF was attacked by suicide in Bornoyesu village of council bombers in August this year,� in July this year.

Bukar explained. A resident of the village who Mashimari is a village few spoke anonymously to our metres away from Konduga correspondent, said the suspected town, about 30 kilometres Boko Haram members came into

the village armed with AK47 rifles, knives and machetes.

He said they however slaughtered the victims with knives, as they believed that using of gun would have alerted many residents who would could have engaged them and repel them.

Abdulkadir who regretted the incident, assured his people that adequate security had been provided and that normalcy had been restored.

He said: “We in Magumeri woke up this morning (Monday) and received a distress call that one of our community witnessed Boko Haram attacks. “Five people were slaughtered including Chief Imam of Kurmiri village.

We regretted this attack and we Pray Allah (God) grant Aljanul Firduas to the souls of the deceased and their families to bear the irreparable loss. “I want to commend the effort of our Civilian JTF members, security agencies for their prompt action which led to the apprehension of one of the attackers. “I also want to urge members of the general public not to panic, but go about their businesses as the situation is under control,� Abdulkadir stated.

Meanwhile, police in the state have confirmed the killing of a village chief Imam and

suicide attacks at a Borno village.  The Public Relations Officer of Borno State Police Command, Victor Isuku, in a statement, said: “Yesterday, at about 2230hrs, some suspects, reasonably believed to be Boko Haram terrorists, attacked Kurumari village, which is about 14 kilometres east of Magumeri town, in Magumeri Local Government Area. Four persons, including the Imam of the village were reportedly killed during the attack. He added that: “Today ) yesterday), at about 1050hrs, two males and a female suicide bombers, carried out coordinated suicide bomb attacks at different locations in Mashemari village in Konduga Local Government Area. The first explosion occurred when there was sounds of sporadic shooting in a farm. In the ensuing stampede, the first bomber detonated. While the other two bombers detonated within the village, and close to the house of the village Head (Bulama). Thirteen persons including the three suicide bombers died in the three explosions, while sixteen persons sustained injuries and were evacuated to General Hospital, Konduga.�

Isuku revealed that police EOD and SARS teams were mobilised to the scene, and normalcy had been restored

DRIVING AGRICULTURE IN CROSS RIVER

Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade (middle), with the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Anthony Eneji (right) during an inspection of the Ayade Integrated Rice Farm in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State....weekend

ASUU CALLS OF STRIKE, FUEL SCARCITY LOOMS AS TANKER DRIVERS DOWN TOOLS It was also gathered that the casualty figures would have been much higher if security officials of NIPCO Plc on duty had not opened the company’s exit gate through which the people at the jetty escaped from the raging inferno.

When THISDAY visited the facility, the four dead bodies were still lying unattended to.

A source close to the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), which manages the three NNPC jetties at Apapa, told THISDAY that

it took the intervention of fire fighters from the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and NIPCO for the fire to be put off. “The fire started around 3 a.m. when hoodlums tampered with the manifold at the jetty to scoop fuel. Nobody knows how hoodlums managed to enter the jetty with the large number of naval personnel on ground. MT HISTRIA IVORY just finished discharging petrol and was supposed to have sailed away on Sunday. When a vessel finished discharging,

the pipelines and manifold still contain many trucks of product and that was what those people went to scoop,� he explained.

The spokesman of NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu has, however, assured motorists and other consumers of petroleum products nationwide that the fire incident would not affect supply of petroleum products.

Ughamadu said in a statement yesterday that NNPC had also deployed a team of engineers to the jetty while

the repair of the affected parts would commence immediately.

He disclosed that the fire was sparked from the activities of hoodlums who were scooping fuels spilled from ships discharging fuels at the jetty.

According to him, Baru, who has been fully briefed on the incident, described the occurrence as unfortunate, assuring that NNPC has more than 1.6 billion litres of petrol, enough to last for 48 days.

47

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

W A F U C U P O F N AT I O N S

Nigeria Defeats Ghana’s Black Stars to Qualify for Semis Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles scored two second half goals against host Ghana’s Black Stars yesterday evening to book their passage to the semi final of the ongoing 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations in Cape Coast Stadium in Ghana.

Lobi Stars of Makurdi forward, Anthony Okpotu, capitalised on flip-flop defending by Ghana’s central defender, Vincent Adaeh Antigah, to grab the first goal for Eagles in the 53rd minute. The Lobi man fired a thunderous strike under the roof of the Ghanaian net for the opener.

Three minutes later, Peter Eneji, whose brace against Enugu Rangers in the last game of the season penultimate Saturday helped Plateau United win the Nigerian Professional Football League for the first time, added Eagles second goal to take the game beyond the Black Stars.

Maximum changes made by the Ghanaian coach failed to make any difference as the Nigerians who until last night had not won any game in the group stage were not in any doubt of running away with maximum points to grab one of the tickets to the semis.

Earlier in the game, the Black Stars were dealt a blow following the injury that forced out their dependable defender, Isaac Twum in the third minute. Twum was replaced by Ahmed Adams. Hard tackle from Kano Pillars’ Rabiu

Ali sent Twum to the sideline.

In the second half, another Ghanaian, Gideon Waja, also limped out to be replaced in the 60th .

The Ghanaians who had already qualified for the semi final stage of the competition following wins over the Sily Nationals of Guinea and the Eagles of Mali in the first and second group matches respectively, appeared shocked by the quality the home-based Super Eagles brought to the game that was going to determine their fate.

With Nigeria yet to record a win in the group after recording stalemates with both Mali and Guinea, Coach Salisu Yusuf knew that anything short of victory was going to put a question mark on his capacity to lead the team to the next African Nations Championship (CHAN) which the team had qualifies for next year.

It was little surprising that the changes he made to the squad brought about the quality that lifted Nigeria above the Black stars who are their perennial rivals.

Nigeria as runners up on five points will now battle the winners of Group B for a place in the championship game of the sub-regional tournament.

In the other Group A game, Guinea played out a 1-1 draw with Mali after they had led 1-0 by the interval. Mali finished third on two points, while Guinea were bottom also on two points but with an inferior goals difference.

12TH GOTV BOXING NIGHT

Otto, Fijabi Are World Beaters, Says Oshodi The rising profile of Olaide Fijabi and Otto ‘Joeboy’ Joseph in the boxing profession will soon transform them to global icon in the next few years according to their Manager, Wahid Oshodi.

The duo have remained unbeaten since turning professional in 2015 and have shown that they are capable of becoming world beaters based on their exploits within the professional ranks.

Wahid Oshodi, chairman of WEO AllSports, the management company looking after the boxers said that the pugilists are capable of extending their dominance to the world stage.

Ahead of the 12th edition of the GOtv Boxing Night on October 1, Oshodi said the boxers are in good hands as they are being tutored by one of the most experienced and successful coaches in Africa, Joe Mensah.

He added that this would put them in good shape for the challenges on Independence Day. “I have no doubt in the abilities of Otto and Fijabi because they have shown that they can grow to be world beaters. Throughout their sojourn in the amateur ranks they have shown they have what it takes to get to the top.

“Apart from Fijabi who had only one split decision in all his eight bouts, the two boxers have

indeed lived up to expectations with their mesmerising skills and punching power which stands them out of the crowd.

Fijabi’s Tyson-like explosive punching power has made him a crowd favourite while Otto Joseph’s ring craft is quite astounding for such a young talent.

They go into the ring not only to fight but also entertain their fans. I am sure they know what is ahead of them and they are indeed working hard to make Nigerians proud come October 1,” he pointed out.

Oshodi, added that the boxers have been given the necessary support to do well while he pledged that more boxers would emerge from the stable of WEO AllSports in the near future.

For the encounter, Oto will be battling for the 10-round Commonwealth Africa Lightweight title against South Africa’s Yule Dillion, who also had five bouts with three knockouts since turning pro in 2015. The Cape Town-based boxer will be aiming for the title in his sixth bout.

Fijabi will be facing a daunting task as he will be aiming to retain his West African Light Welterweight title against an experienced Ghanaian boxer - Ben “Congo Soldier” Ankrah.

Home-based Super Eagles celebrating the 2-0 defeat of Ghana’s Black Stars in the on-going 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations in Cape Coast… last night

Rooney Fined, Handed Driving Ban for Two Years Former England captain Wayne Rooney was yesterday banned from driving for two years and ordered to perform 100 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to drink driving.

The Everton forward was stopped by police when driving a woman’s black Volkswagen Beetle at 2:00 am (0100 GMT) on September 1, while his pregnant wife and their three sons were on holiday.

Stockport Magistrates’ Court in the northwest of England heard Rooney was almost three times over the legal drinkdrive limit. A breathalyser test showed his alcohol level was 104 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath.

The drink-drive limit in England and Wales is 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath.

Rooney apologised for his “unforgivable lack of judgement” after his guilty plea.

“Following today’s court hearing I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgement in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong,” he said in a statement.

“I have already said sorry to my family, my manager and chairman and everyone at Everton FC. Now I want to apologise to all the fans and everyone else who has followed and supported me throughout my career.

“Of course I accept the sentence of the court and hope that I can make some amends through my community service.”

Rooney’s legal team asked the judge to consider not imposing a community order because of his ongoing charitable work.

However, the judge said he was “not convinced” that imposing a large fine “would have the same effect”.

Earlier, Rooney, 31, made no comment as he was confronted by a media scrum outside the court.

Wearing a blue suit with his hands in his pockets, he walked into the court building accompanied by a small entourage.

He has been married to his high-school sweetheart Coleen since 2008 and they are expecting their fourth child.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman said earlier this month the matter would be dealt with “internally”.

Rooney was given a warm welcome at Old Trafford on his return to former club Manchester United on Sunday but it ended in disappointment with a 4-0 defeat

for Everton.

Rooney, England and Manchester United’s record goalscorer, made a successful start to his second Everton spell following his return to the club from United in the summer, scoring on his first two Premier League appearances.

His form moved England manager Gareth Southgate to offer him an international recall, but he decided to call time on his England career.

Everton are currently 18th in the Premier League after three successive defeats.

Rooney first burst onto the scene aged just 16 at Everton and went on to score 17 goals in 77 appearances for the “Toffees” before moving to Manchester United, where he won multiple trophies, including the Champions League.

Falz, Saka Thrill Fans at AIMS Confirms May 12 Date MTN/ArsenalViewing Centres for 2018 Okpekpe Race Football enthusiasts were entertained at viewing centres yesterday in Lagos and Ibadan, while watching the English Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC. The MTN, Arsenal partnership afforded excited fans an opportunity to interact with MTN Ambassadors, Falzthebahdguy and Saka.

They were at O’jez Restaurant, Lagos and the WaterShed Centre, Ibadan respectively, and raffle draws were held and a number of gifts given to lucky winners.

General Manager, Brand & Communications, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, gave a sneak

peek into what to expect going forward.

“This is set to be an exhilarating season. In addition to surprising fans like this, we have planned a number of offers to keep our customers thrilled.

Football lovers will be given the chance to participate in a fantasy football league, be granted access to exclusive Arsenal match chants, wallpapers and caller tunes, and some lucky fans will also win all expense paid trips!’

“Football is like air to many Nigerians. Through this initiative, we will continue to reward their passion for the game,’ concludes the MTN executive.

Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) has confirmed Saturday May 12, 2018 as date for the sixth edition of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) bronze-label Okpekpe International 10km Road Race which will hold in Okpekpe, near Auchi in Edo State.

The Okpekpe race is the only road race in Nigeria that is listed on the 2018 calendar of AIMS, a member-based organisation of more than 400 of the world’s leading distance races from over 100 countries and territories.

“The Okpekpe race is also the only member of the prestigious organisation in Nigeria and the

first to have its route measured by an IAAF/AIMS accredited measurer,” said spokesman for the race Dare Esan.

“As we are speaking, the race is also the only road race in Nigeria and West Africa to have an IAAF label rating and one of only three in Africa last year. This means it is the only race in Nigeria today that the IAAF has designated as one of the leading road races around the world. We are hoping for an upgrade to silver this year as we met all the requirements needed for an upgrade following the benchmark organisation of the fifth edition last year in Okpekpe,” he further said.

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Tuesday September 19, 2017

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Price: N250

MISSILE Ikpeazu to Mischief Makers

“To mischief makers who want to use Abia as their base, let me announce to you that henceforth, Abia will be too hot for you to carry out your wicked acts as the government will work with the security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property in the state without fear or favor. There will be no hiding place for you.” – Governor Okezie Ikpeazu warning mischief makers who sought to take advantage of the IPOB versus security agencies’ face-off to engage in nefarious activities to leave the state in their own interest.

eniola.bello@thisdaylive.com

@eniolaseni 08055001956

Biafra: Kanu and a Country Deferred

R

unaway leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, with his loudly threatening separatist agitation over the last two years of the Buhari administration, has been fishing for trouble. And he’s now got loads of it. The way the separatist agenda was being pushed, either Kanu and his IPOB, or Ndigbo, or Nigeria, or all three were in danger of being consumed. What was not in doubt is that something was bound to give to avert a catastrophe, and that has to be IPOB. The recent clampdown on the organisation’s activities should have come much earlier.

Critics have blamed the Buhari administration, and justifiably so, for its mishandling of the IPOB campaign in Kanu’s arrest and prolonged detention, its undisguised shut out of the Igbo people from political and public service appointments, and its refusal to play the politics of the growing agitation for the country’s politico-economic restructuring. There has been the tendency to weigh the Buhari administration’s heavy-handed approach to the secessionist campaign against its immediate predecessor’s indifference that appeared to have neutralized the IPOB and rendered Kanu ineffectual. Those who make such comparison, however, have failed to realize that the conditions prevalent in the Jonathan administration are sharply different from the Buhari’s. The Jonathan era was one of high oil prices with its attendant positive impact on the economy, as well as access to, and redistribution of, free funds.

The Igbo political elite were major players in the Jonathan administration as those who held critical political appointments ensured their people populated government agencies. Kanu’s ranting on Radio Biafra therefore sounded distant, and it was easy to ignore, if not dismiss, him. The situation changed following widespread hunger arising from the recession, and Buhari’s refusal to give the Igbo a fair treatment in his government partly because of an almost total rejection by the southeast in the 2015 presidential election, and possibly because of the hangover from his civil war experience.

There are three possibilities that could have allowed Kanu, who nobody took serious under Jonathan, to suddenly become an issue under Buhari. The first was Buhari’s victory in the 2015 election.

There is every likelihood that some elements of the Igbo political elite, particularly those in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that lost the 2015 election, may have given Kanu more than tacit support to energise his secessionist campaign. It couldn’t have been a coincidence that Kanu returned home from his base in the United Kingdom and IPOB activities dramatically intensified on Buhari’s victory and inauguration as president. Under Jonathan, there was a whispering campaign that the escalation of the Boko Haram movement into an

Kanu

Islamic militancy, and the Chibok girls’ kidnap, were politically engineered to discredit that government with a view to ensuring that power returned to the north. In the same vein, there are elements in the Buhari administration that believe that some factions of the Igbo political elite in the PDP may have opted to surreptitiously use the IPOB to make the APC (All Progressive Congress) administration uncomfortable from Day One and ultimately as a blackmail weapon to bring about an Igbo presidency in 2019.

Indeed Information Minister Lai Mohammed did accuse, without elaborating, those who looted the economy of sponsoring IPOB activities to derail the APC government.

Should there be any truth to this theory, Kanu must have been advised to return home to bait the Buhari administration.

The fact is, Radio Biafra was not only illegal the contents of its broadcast were treasonable. By the laws of our land since the 1963 through the 1979 to the 1999 Constitution, secessionist campaign is treasonable. To worsen matters, Kanu had also appeared on video soliciting for funds to procure arms with a view to achieving his Biafran agenda, as he put it, “by any means possible”. And lately, there has been talk of Biafran National Guard, Biafran Secret Service, etc. So however you make look at it, Kanu had been walking the land mines of treason with his eyes wide open, and by returning to Nigeria, he was daring the security agencies to arrest him. The government not surprisingly went for the bait. In today’s complex global power play, where small arms could easily be procured, and where the nation’s internal and external enemies, in pursuit of their mercantile interests, would have no qualms funding arms procurement in promotion of any cause, it wouldn’t have been in the interest of national security for the government to do nothing about Kanu. However, if he was to be arrested, as he should have been, the government ought to have done

its homework for a quick prosecution and conviction. Kanu’s prosecution was, as most criminal prosecutions by this administration have been, bungled, as he was indeterminably detained, court orders for his release on bail serially disobeyed, and his trial consequently politicized.

The second possibility is that Kanu had planned to use the secession campaign as a means to aquire wealth, influence and power. Gani Adams did this following the annulment of the June 12 1993 presidential election. He led a faction of the O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC), a militant group in the southwest that torched and maimed and killed, and made major Yoruba cities ungovernable in protest against that annulment. Today, Adams is a man of means, a honoured guest in government houses, a respected Yoruba leader nominated to Jonathan’s 2014 constitutional conference, rubbing shoulders with politicians as well as the rich and powerful. Asari Dokubo, Government Ekpemupolo and some other Niger Delta militants also did it. Having led different cells of militants to kidnap for ransom, bomb oil installations while maiming and killing in the process, they are today not only very wealthy, they are men of influence and power. Someone like Tompolo even became a political godfather, nominating and endorsing politicians into elective offices. If Kanu’s plan was to walk the path of the Adams and the Tompolos and the Dokubos, he succeeded almost to perfection. Before IPOB’s proscription, Kanu had attracted to himself an army of jobless youths attending to his every whim, following him wherever he wanted, and lapping up his every word and directive. On his release from detention following negotiated bail conditions, some Igbo leaders including Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu scrambled to take a group photograph with him. In a recent group photograph after another meeting in Enugu, the southeast governors clasped their hands behind their backs as Kanu stood like an emperor in their midst, waving his trademark fan, a grin on his face.

The third possibility is that Kanu genuinely took the separatist agitation as an end in itself. His successful mobilization of jobless Igbo youths into the membership of IPOB, his contemptuous attacks of other ethic nationalities north and south of the country, his attempts to source funds to procure arms, his threat to disrupt the November governorship election in Anambra State and every subsequent elections in the southeast, his resort to intimidation and blackmail of other Igbo elite who have problem with his methods, and his - It must be Biafra or nothing - made that possibility real. Were that his goal, then, he failed to learn the lessons of history. Not only that Kanu’s IPOB neither had the arms nor the resources to procure them, the

Igbo business, political, traditional and intellectual elite who could otherwise have assisted with funds, knowhow, contact and mobilisation do not think IPOB’s Biafra is what Ndigbo should be pushing for, not with the devastation and excruciating scars of the 1967-1970 civil war still so evident.

Indeed the IPOB did not appear to have a quality leadership cadre to envision, strategise and execute their agenda. Any wonder why Kanu would call himself Supreme Commander?

It could be safely inferred that Kanu’s renewed energy started from the first possibility, evolved into the second, and assumed the third. The Igbo elite, traditional and political and intellectual and religious, in their failure to engage and denounce Kanu, wittingly or unwittingly strengthened his hands. The political elite in particular, following the mindless theft of funds allocated to the southeast states since 1999 and the resultant poor governance, created the objective conditions for Kanu to easily exploit. The mob of jobless and hopeless unemployed youths who had been brainwashed to worship at Kanu’s feet, and had through their IPOB membership fees, purchase of flags, t-shirts and other emblems provided unearned funds for Kanu’s comfort, made him lose his head. With the fanatical followership he commanded, Kanu may have begun to see himself as bigger than the southeast governors and National Assembly members and Ohanaeze leadership combined; he may even have begun to see himself as the biggest thing to have happened to Ndigbo since Ojukwu. Any wonder Kanu only appeared to listen to himself! It is a human thing. It is difficult for any mortal to be the subject of deification the way Kanu had been from thousands, if not millions, of followers, and not be cut off from reality.

The unfortunate thing is that in more ways than one, the IPOB campaign may only have succeeded in weakening the Igbo position in the country’s power relations. The fact is since the end of the civil war, the political, military and traditional establishments in the north, despite their political alliances with the southeast, have not mustered the requisite confidence and trust to support an Igbo for the presidency. The IPOB campaign, its antagonism to, and alienation of, other nationalities from the south, and what is seen as the conspiracy of silence of the Igbo establishment, would only have succeeded in making the realization of Igbo presidency much more difficult to achieve any time soon. The Igbo elite, at the best of times politically naive and selfish, would need to work extra hard to repair the damage. For them Nigeria still remains a better deal, however. For had Kanu succeeded in getting his Biafra, he would probably like his hero, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, placed their heads under the guillotine.

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