Wednesday 27th December 2017

Fuel Supply Improves in Lagos, Scarcity Persists in Abuja Marketers attribute crisis to NNPC’s $6bn crude-for-product swap deal Crude oil slips towards $65 as Forties Pipeline moves closer to restart Ejiofor Alike in Lagos and Chineme Okafor in Abuja Relief may be on the way

for commuters as fuel supply to Lagos shows signs of improvement with queues at filling stations in

the metropolis thinning out yesterday.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had spent the Xmas

day touring Lagos depots and filling stations, empathising with distraught Nigerians, many of who had spent

long hours at the stations without getting petrol to buy, and assuring them that the products would be available

shortly.

But the scarcity of petrol Continued on page 8

Hunger, Malaria, Snake Bite Kill 13 Chibok Girls in Boko Haram Custody … Page 9 Wednesday 27 December, 2017 Vol 22. No 8287. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

TODAY'S WEATHER

ABUJA 25°C-33°C

MAIDUGURI 31°C-31°C

UT H

& RE A S O

ENUGU 25°C-28°C

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KANO 27°C-33°C

LAGOS 24C-27°C

PORT HARCOURT 20°C-30°C

FG Blasts Critics of $1bn ECA Withdrawal, Says They Are Unpatriotic Elements PDP: It’s red herring Bolaji Adebiyi in Abuja and Tobi Soniyi in Lagos The federal government’s patience with the unrelenting criticism of the National Economic Council approval for withdrawal of $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to fight Boko Haram insurgents, ran thin yesterday as it described its critics as unpatriotic elements.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai

Mohammed, vented the government’s anger at a news briefing in Lagos and said those who had imputed ulterior motives to the NEC action were wrong, contending that their comments were a disservice to the nation's service men and women.

"The controversy over the approval of $1 billion by the NGF (NEC) is absolutely unnecessary and unhelpful," Continued on page 8

MPC May Not Meet Due to Lack of Quorum Obinna Chima Following the refusal of the Senate to consider President Muhammadu Buhari’s nominees for the vacant positions in the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), its first meeting for 2018, scheduled for the third week of January, might not hold due to lack of quorum.

By the end of this year, eight positions in the 12-member committee would have become

vacant, making it impossible for it to form the quorum required for it to meet.

The president had in October nominated Mrs. Aisha Ahmad as a deputy governor of the CBN to replace Dr. Sarah Alade, who retired from the bank in June.

He also nominated Professor Adeola Festus Adenikinju, Dr. Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi, Dr. Robert Chikwendu Asogwa Continued on page 9

Buhari Eulogises Dogara, Says He Is Link Between Executive and Legislature... Page 10

CELEBRATING FIFTY...

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; flanked by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha (left); the celebrant and Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara (right); during a church service to mark Dogara’s 50th birthday at Living Faith Church, Winners Chapel, Goshen in Abuja…Tuesday

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Airline Operators Lament Failure of Security Agencies to Check Unruly Passengers Chinedu Eze Domestic airline operators have frowned on the failure of security operatives at the nation’s airports to rein in unruly passengers who react violently to flight delays and cancellations due to Harmattan haze that affects flights at the end of every year.

Many operators that spoke to THISDAY anonymously said over the years such incidents repeat themselves and security operatives allegedly seemed indifferent to such agitations, which also disrupt flight operations to other destinations not affected by unfavourable weather.

Since December 23, 2017 Harmattan haze has reduced visibility to many airports in the southern part of Nigeria, which witness passenger surge during the Christmas festivities.

According to the operators,

Enugu and Owerri passengers in particular have been extremely unruly and uncontrollably violent that some of the travellers in their midst were miffed by their excessive reactions.

Recently the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued a statement warning passengers to desist from violent reactions when flights are cancelled or delayed because such actions were taken to ensure safety and directed airlines and pilots to always abide by weather reports, which are critical to safe flight operations.

Aggrieved air travellers who spoke to THISDAY, however, urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and security agents at the nation’s airports to check the excesses of passengers, especially those on the services to Owerri and Enugu who often prevent others from boarding their

aircraft in protest against alleged delay of their flights.

Speaking with newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday, some of the passengers alleged that they were prevented from boarding their Air Peace flights in Lagos and Abuja for hours by their counterparts scheduled to fly to Enugu and Owerri.

One of the affected passengers, Mr. Peter Akpesiri, said he was prevented from boarding his Abuja-Lagos flight for hours by those travelling to Owerri whose flight was delayed. “It is quite shocking that some set of passengers could actually prevent others from flying simply because their own flights were delayed. While it is their right to seek redress where they feel dissatisfied, it is totally out of place for them to prevent others from flying.

Our airports, as a high security environment, should not be a place for people to exhibit such

condemnable act of lawlessness.

It is high time this worsening development was checked to prevent others from resorting to self-help,� he warned.

Another affected passenger, Mrs. Rose Waziri, told reporters that her Lagos-Abuja flight was prevented from boarding by Enugu-bound passengers, who barricaded the boarding gate for hours.

She wondered why a set of passengers should prevent others from flying because of the alleged delay of their flight, charging security agents to check the trend to prevent a clash at the nation’s airports.

Corporate Communications Manager of Air Peace, Mr. Chris Iwarah, confirmed the Lagos and Abuja incidents, describing them as unfortunate.

He explained that the Enugu and Owerri flights were delayed because of weather and technical challenges,

insisting that Air Peace would only operate a flight when it would not endanger the lives of its passengers and crew in line with its uncompromising stand on safety.

He disclosed that visibility went as low as 400 meters in Enugu, Owerri and even Akure, which is far below the 800 meters minimum accepted in most of the airports in the country.

Iwarah said the airline regretted the prevention of its passengers from boarding their flights by Owerri and Enugu passengers, assuring that the carrier would continue to do everything within its control to provide quality service and prevent acts of lawlessness against its guests and staff.

He said: "Air Peace would from henceforth refuse to do a flight where such an incident occurs, besides seeking the enforcement of the law against

such passengers. “While other passengers flying to other destinations would readily cooperate with the airlines in difficult moments, it is not the same with Enugu and Owerri passengers. During this period, passengers on the Enugu and Owerri routes travel with a lot of luggage, some with as many as 20 suitcases each! At the check-in counters, such owners would take over 30 minutes of our check-in time arguing on why they must not pay for excess luggage, citing how they travelled from Atlanta with those suitcases without paying a dime. “At the end, we waste over two hours checking in just one flight. The time the aircraft would have used in getting to its destination and back to its origin is expended on addressing the difficult passengers. At the end, it brings about serious delays for other routes.�

FG BLASTS CRITICS OF $1BN ECA WITHDRAWAL, SAYS THEY ARE UNPATRIOTIC ELEMENTS he stated firmly.

But in a swift response yesterday, the main critic of the decision, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the federal government’s position was nothing but red herring, insisting that the government had not come clean about the real purpose of the fund.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, told THISDAY that from the discordant tunes being sang by high level officials of government about the purpose of the fund, it was obvious that it would be used for political purposes.

The proposal to withdraw $1 billion from the ECA to fight the insurgency in the North-east was an initiative of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), which received the nod of the NEC, headed by the Vice President and populated by the 36 state governors of the federation as well as some officials of the federal government stipulated in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The decision, which was announced by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki after a NEC meeting three weeks ago, has been greeted by an avalanche of criticisms with some governors and public policy analysts querying its rational and legality.

But Mohammed described the criticism of the decision as unnecessary, uninformed and highly-partisan, explaining that the fund would be used not only to fight Boko Haram but also to tackle other security challenges, including illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping and cattle rustling.

He said: "Just because some people, under a different political dispensation, squirrelled away money meant to equip

the military in the past does not mean the military should be left to its own devices or that every allocation to the military will suffer the same fate."

Mohammed said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is a disciplined government that would not allow allocated funds to end up in private pockets or spent on prayers.

He said: "We will always empower the military and other security agencies to be better able to carry out their tough tasks.

The minister justified the necessity for the fund, saying that $1 billion was not too much given the gravity of the security challenges the country faced.

Citing the fight against Boko Haram, Mohammed said the aircraft being used for the war, including fighter jets and helicopters, altogether consume 64,021.08 litres of fuel per day.

He said: "With the aircraft flying a total of about 30 sorties a day, and at N275 per litre, it costs a total of N15,153,428.25 daily to fuel the aircraft."

According to him, the spares for the aircraft from January to November 2017 cost N20,019,513,739.88, while consumables for the aircraft (engine oil, plugs etc.) amounted to N3,863,600 monthly and N46,363,200.00 annually.

He said: "What about the cost of ammunition? Just for 42 days, from 5th November to 17 December, the cost of ammunition was over $5 million!"

Mohammed said that the cost of acquiring air force platforms should also be considered.

He said: "For example, the 12 Super Tuscano aircraft recently approved for sale to Nigeria by the US Government

costs a whopping 490 million dollars, yet this is government to government contract, and the costs of spares, munitions and other consumables are not included!

"Let's remember that the costs stated above are for the air force alone and restricted to operations in the North-east alone. We have not even talked of the Army or the Navy, which are also fully involved in tackling internal security challenges in the country. “Neither have we included the operating cost of the Nigerian Air Force in the Niger Delta to curb pipeline vandalism; in the North-west to contain cattle rustlers; in the North-central to curtail herdsmen and farmers' clashes; and kidnappings, armed robberies and separatism in other parts of the country."

The minister said there was nothing wrong in the opposition offering constructive criticism, adding that democracy allowed citizens to freely air their opinions.

He, however, warned that criticisms should not be a licence for anyone to distort facts, engage in crass sensationalism or bring partisanship to every issue, not the least one that concerned the security of the nation.

He said that those who viewed the $1billion from the prism of partisanship were wrong.

According to him, the military is undoubtedly the most national of all our institutions.

He said: "It serves all Nigerians, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or political party. It should never be dragged into the partisan arena."

He said that the fact that Boko Haram had been largely

degraded did not mean the war was over, explaining that asymmetric wars like the one against the insurgents did not end with an armistice.

"It is therefore curious that some of those who have criticised the $1-billion approval have hinged their argument on the fact that the Boko Haram has been degraded," he noted.

Mohammed claimed that fighting an asymmetric war was costlier than fighting a conventional war. He also said that war against terror was never fought with budgetary provisions.

He said: "It is common knowledge that the annual budgetary allocation to the military is not commensurate with the internal security challenges we face, for which we have had to continuously rely on the military to assist the police and the Civil Defence Corps.

"When insurgents take over a chunk of our nation's territory, we turn to the military.

When the farmers/herders clash escalates, we turn to the military. When kidnappers up their game, we turn to the military. When illegal bunkerers and pipeline vandals are seeking to overwhelm our oil production and export, we turn to the military. When ethno-religious clashes occur, we turn to the military.

"But when it is time to give the military the resources it needs to function, we say it is a waste of scarce resources; we come up with spurious reasons to deny the military its due."

He said that NGF acted wisely in approving the withdrawal from the ECA to fight Boko Haram and other security challenges in the country.

"Security of lives and property is at the core of the existence of any government and the NGF understands this quite well, going by its action in approving the withdrawal from the ECA," he stated.

He said that had the military been better equipped to tackle Boko Haram in the early days of the insurgency, thousands of lives, including those of service men and women would have been saved and that the war would have been over a long time ago.

Mohammed also said that if the funds meant to equip the military had not been diverted into private pockets, there might be no need today to withdraw any money from the ECA for that purpose.

But reacting to Mohammed yesterday, PDP’s Ologbondiyan said the federal government was fishing for justification for the $1 billion ECA fund, saying the reasons given for it had not been consistent.

He said: “Governor Obaseki was very clear in his briefing that the fund was approved for the fight against Boko Haram insurgents. When we queried the constitutionality of spending the federation’s money on a fight in a section of the country that the government claimed to have won, Vice President Osinbajo expanded the scope of the use of the fund to include expansion of the security architecture of the country. “But THISDAY reported Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State on Sunday as saying clearly that the fund was for the fight against insurgency in the North-east and the South-south. “So, what exactly is the fund for?�

Ologbondiyan insisted that

it would be unconstitutional for the NEC to lure the federal government to spend funds from ECA on security, which is on the exclusive legislative list.

According to him: “Security is on the exclusive legislative list, which means it should be the responsibility of the federal government. We are curious that the states are willing to donate their own share of the ECA, a fund that actually should be in the Federation Account for distribution to the three tiers of government, to the federal government even when they know that the central government has already been reimbursed for security through its massive share of 48 per cent of the revenue of the country.�

He said the PDP believed that the federal government ought to fund security, including the military through its share of 48 per cent of the nation’s revenue and if it felt overwhelmed, it should decentralise its security function.

He regretted the reference to the critics of the $1 billion proposed disbursement as unpatriotic elements, saying it showed how intolerant of dissent the federal government was.

According to him, rather than apologising profusely for leading the country into another round of hardship occasioned by its inability to make petroleum products available to Nigerians, the federal government was busy casting aspersions on their integrity. “What we think should engage the federal government’s attention now is how it will bring fuel to our filing stations and end the misery of citizens and not this frivolous attempt to justify an obvious fraud,� he said.

get full compliance on diversion and hoarding, we don't see it going beyond the next two days.

However, you know there is always a time-lag, but we will continue to put all the efforts to see that this does not go beyond the end of this week,� Baru said then.

He further buttressed his confidence on the corporation’s plans to curtail the situation, saying: “As I am talking, NNPC has 13 vessels that are discharging products in the various ports.

The 13 vessels will have about 650 million litres on the average, so there is product. And, we are also expecting three more vessels to come in before the end of the week. In terms of sufficiency, I can comfortably tell you that we have about 814 million litres of product that will be in the tank or distributed before the end of the month.�

THISDAY, however, reached out to the Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the corporation, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu,

for an update on the plans to supply more products to stations across the country, as well as certain claims raised by petrol marketers, and he promised to get back to it but never did before this story was filed.

Our reporter equally sent a text message to his mobile number on the request but he didn’t respond.

Meanwhile, DAPPMA whose

FUEL SUPPLY IMPROVES IN LAGOS, SCARCITY PERSISTS IN ABUJA in service stations within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja and its environs, which the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Sunday said would begin to ease off in 48 hours lingered on with a lot of stations remaining shut or still with long vehicular queues.

This is just as petrol marketers under the aegis of Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers

Association (DAPPMA) exonerated themselves from the current fuel crisis across the country, stating that they presently do not have fuel in their depots and tank farms nationwide.

THISDAY from its monitoring of situations in the city, observed that not much had changed since the NNPC assured that it was on top of it, and visible changes should be expected by Nigerians within two days. The NNPC also assured on Sunday that at most,

the country would see the end of the bad situation before the week ends.

Its Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said then at a press briefing that President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered security agencies in the country to tackle instances of petrol diversion and hoarding by marketers, and that with such presidential directives, the NNPC was sure of curtailing the scarcity. “With the drive and the load-out we are doing, if we

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Hunger, Malaria, Snake Bite Kill 13 Chibok Girls in Boko Haram Custody Wale Ajimotokan in Abuja Thirteen of the 276 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014 have died in the insurgents’ custody, according to a Wall Street Journal report monitored by TheCable News, on online news outlet.

Boko Haram fighters had kidnapped the girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno state.

Of that number, 163 are now free: 57 fled in the early days after their abduction, three more escaped later, and a Swiss-coached mediation secured 103.

In a revealing report on the kidnap incident, WSJ quoted officials in the know regarding the abduction as saying 13 of the girls have lost their lives during their nearly three years in Boko Haram custody. “Of the remaining 113, at least 13 have died, officials say. Some were felled by malaria, hunger or a snake bite,� WSJ report said. “The majority died in

airstrikes. Among those forcibly married to fighters, at least two died in childbirth.�

TheCable was unable to independently verify any of the claims.

The Bring Back Our Girls Movement (BBOG) has been on the forefront of the campaign for the girls’ release.

The group recently resumed their match to Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power, asking questions concerning the girls’ whereabouts while they also continue to hold a daily sit-out at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.

After the release of the last batch of the girls numbering 82, President Muhammadu Buhari had promised to ensure the last of the girls return home.

The report also said contrary to what is now common knowledge, the insurgents had only come to steal the girls’ school’s bricklaying machine.

It was only after they had stolen the machine that one of them raised question: “What shall we do with them (the

Chibok Girls girls)?�

The report said: “The night of the attack, when the girls emerged in the courtyard, they could see the men were not soldiers. They wore unkempt beards, flip-flops and tattered uniforms. Several were raiding the school cafeteria, stealing sacks of rice, beans and pasta.

Others poured gasoline on the school to torch it. “Boko Haram had not come to abduct the students. It had come to steal the school’s brickmaking machine. The insurgents had been on a kidnapping spree, and their camps faced a housing shortage.

“A commander fired his rifle in the air and demanded to know where the machine was kept. Once they found it, the fighters hoisted it onto a truck. “As they prepared to leave, one militant, motioning to the students, asked a fateful question. What shall we do

with them? “The unit’s commander turned to the girls. ‘Shekau will know what to do with them,’ he said. “The fighters ordered the students to climb into their trucks. The teenagers linked hands and arms as they stumbled through the dark.�

previously referred to as offshore crude oil processing agreements (OPAs) and crude-for-products exchange arrangements, who imported diesel for NNPC in November/December 2017, instead of petrol as stipulated in their contracts.

NNPC had in April this year signed about $6 billion worth of deals with local and international traders to exchange about 330,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil for imported petrol.

Under the latest DSDP scheme, the NNPC excluded the big players with strong footprint in the downstream sector such as Italy’s ENI, India’s Essar, Shell-BP, Forte Oil, Mobil (11Plc), Oando, Conoil, and NIPCO in an apparent move to empower smaller companies.

Even international oil trading giants such as Total, Vitol and Trafigura that made the list were allocated the same small volumes of crude – 33,000 barrels per day, with smaller Nigerian downstream players in the list.

THISDAY gathered that these oil traders engaged by the NNPC were supposed to bring back petrol into the country after taking crude oil to the international refiners.

It was, however, learnt that in the months of November /December, some of these companies converted their

DSDP contracts into diesel as they could not bring back petrol as a result of the high cost of the product in the international market.

The implication, it was learnt, is that the market is flooded with diesel, which is also imported by the other private marketers as a deregulated product, while petrol, which other marketers lack capacity to import and have been relying on NNPC for supply, becomes a scarce product, leading to the current crisis.

Crude Oil Slips Towards $65 as Forties Pipeline Moves Closer to Restart Meanwhile, oil edged lower towards $65 a barrel on Tuesday, but remained within sight of its highest level since mid-2015, as the looming restart of a North Sea oil pipeline offset support from OPEC-led supply cuts.

The North Sea Forties pipeline, which plays an important role in the global oil market, is being tested following repairs and full flows should resume in early January, its operator Ineos said on Monday.

Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, slipped 15 cents to $65.10 a barrel.

Prices hit $65.83 on December 12, 2017, the highest since June 2015. US crude was down at $58.40.

Trading activity was thin due

to the ongoing Christmas holiday in many countries.

Brent has risen 17 percent in 2017. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, plus Russia and other non-members, have been withholding output since Jan. 1 to get rid of a glut.

The producers have extended the supply cut agreement to cover all of 2018.

Iraq’s oil minister said on Monday there would be a balance between supply and demand by the first quarter, leading to a boost in prices.

Global oil inventories have decreased to an acceptable level, he added.

That’s earlier than seen by OPEC’s latest official forecast, which calls for a balanced market by late 2018.

While the OPEC action has lent support to prices all year, the unplanned shutdown of the Forties pipeline on Dec. 11 pushed Brent to its mid-2015 high.

Forties plays an important role in the global market as it is the biggest of the five North Sea crude streams underpinning Brent, the benchmark for oil trading in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Rising production in the United States is offsetting some of the OPEC-led cuts.

on the economy and relevant issues, you increase uncertainty in the system. “The central bank’s mandate is price stability and it is very crucial in any economy. We have always argued that such delays would always cause problem for us. “So, my advice is that they should stop this delay because it has adverse effect on the economy. So, even if they have to come back from recess and confirm the MPC members, they should do so,� However, in his reaction, the chief executive of the Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said there was no need for panic.

Rewane expressed optimism that the new MPC members would be confirmed before the next meeting.

He said: “I don’t think that is a problem. There is still time between now and then. The meeting is not until third week in January for the MPC and I believe the Senate would be able to deal with it before then.�

Nevertheless, when reminded that the Senate would resume fully on January 16, Rewane said: “They would postpone the MPC by one or two weeks! I don’t think it is something to panic about. “In any case, what does the MPC do? Most of the changes

in policy instruments have taken place outside the MPC meeting.

So, the MPC has become a ritual.

So, there is no need to panic.�

The MPC’s objective is to maintain price stability and support the economic policies of the federal government by formulating monetary and credit policies.

The MPC, according to the website of the CBN, shall comprise the governor of the Bank who shall be the chairman; the four deputy governors of the Bank; two members of the board of directors of the Bank; three members appointed by the president; and two members appointed by the governor.

FUEL SUPPLY IMPROVES IN LAGOS, SCARCITY PERSISTS IN ABUJA disclosure yesterday appeared to have dampened hope for a quick end to the fuel scarcity, said in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Adewole, that it could neither confirm nor dispute NNPC’s report of product sufficiency in the country.

Adewole said: “While we cannot confirm or dispute NNPC’s claims of having sufficient product stock, we can confirm that the products are not in our tanks and as such cannot be distributed. If the products are offshore, then surely, it cannot be considered to be available to Nigerians.�

The NNPC had stated that vessels filled with petrol were discharging the commodity in ports across the country on a daily basis, while marketers were lifting from directly from its stocks. However, Adewole insisted that its members' depots were empty.

He said that members of DAPPMA were ready to undertake 24 hours loading and truck-out of petrol if the corporation would provide it.

He also disclosed that its members had procured large orders of fuel from the NNPC, which were yet to be supplied to them. “NNPC imports and distributes through DAPPMA,

Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). Our members pay PPMC/NNPC in advance for petroleum products, and fully paid up PMS orders that have neither been programmed nor loaded is in excess of 500,000 metric tonnes, about 800 million litres, as at today, and enough to meet the nation’s needs for 19 days at a daily estimated consumption of 35 million litres,� Adewole, stated.

He equally blamed the unending fuel crisis on the challenges in the Direct Sales Direct Purchase (DSDP) scheme, rising price of the commodity in the international market and the high interest rates charged by banks in the country.

According to him: “We all know that we presently run a fixed price regime of N145 per litre for PMS without any recourse to subsidy claims, however, we also have no control on the international price of crude oil. We understand that the NNPC meets this demand largely through its DSDP framework, however, due to price challenges on the DSDP platform, some participants in the scheme failed to meet their supply quota of refined petroleum products, especially

PMS, to NNPC. This is the main reason for this scarcity.�

Adewole added that since Hurricane Katrina, the international price of petrol had not dropped below $600 per metric tonne, while the exchange rate used and the interest rate charged by banks are N306 to a dollar and 25 per cent respectively.

He noted that anytime the NNPC assumes the role of sole importer of petrol, there are usually issues of distribution because marketers own 80 per cent of the functional receptive facilities and retail outlets in Nigeria, not the NNPC. He said the oil marketers were still committed to the progress of Nigeria, adding: “We, petroleum products marketers do empathise with all Nigerians who are going through difficulties at this time, spending hours on fuel queues because of the current fuel scarcity due to no fault of yours. “Sadly, some people have blamed marketers for hoarding fuel. Unfortunately, this is so far from the truth. Hoarding fuel is regarded as economic sabotage and we assure all Nigerians that our members are not involved in such illicit acts.�

THISDAY had reported exclusively that the scarcity was caused by some of the participants in the DSDP scheme,

MPC MAY NOT MEET DUE TO LACK OF QUORUM and Dr. Asheikh A. Maidugu as members to fill the positions of four others whose tenures would expire at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, another deputy governor of the apex bank, who is also a member of the committee retired recently. The president is yet to name a replacement for him.

But upon the receipt of the nominations, the Senate said it would not consider them in line with its resolution to suspend all executive confirmation requests for positions not listed in the 1999 Constitution as amended until the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, was removed.

The Senate last week adjourned to January 9 for its Christmas/ New Year recess, while plenary session would begin on January 16.

This development has made uncertain the January meeting of the committee, which has operational independence in setting interest rate as well as designing monetary policy for the country.

Speaking in a chat with THISDAY, the Director General of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Prof.

Akpan Ekpo, expressed concern

over the development.

According to Ekpo, it would create uncertainty among investors.

He said: “There might not be an MPC meeting because they would not be able to form a quorum and if the MPC does not meet it would send a wrong signal to the international investors because it means that there is still uncertainty in the system. “The way it is now, we are in a limbo and if MPC does not meet, it means that there won’t be decisive actions on monetary policy. The MPC is the engine room for monetary policy and so if they cannot meet to deliberate

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NEWS

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

Buhari Eulogises Dogara, Says He is Link Between Executive and Legislature Over N300m realised from book launch as Dangote tops with N100m James Emejo in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, as a man with an impeccable character and contributor to national stability.

He praised the speaker for being a major backbone for the cohesive relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in recent times.

Speaking at the birthday reception for the Speaker who clocked 50 yesterday, the president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of

the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, said he had found Dogara to be a true patriot and consummate legislative leader, particularly at a period when he was searching for people who are reliable.

The birthday reception, which had eminent personalities and dignitaries in attendance also coincided with the launch of a book titled: ‘A Reed Made Flint’, which is a biography of Dogara at 50, authored by Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Mr. Dele Momodu, and reviewed by former presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati.

SEC Partners Securities Tribunal to Curb Market Infractions Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said it was ready to go into partnership with relevant bodies including the Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST) to curb potential cases of infractions in Nigeria’s capital market.

It said this was part of its quest to ensure zero tolerance on infractions in the country’s capital market, as well as ensure that perpetrators of fraudulent acts are brought to book.

In a statement from the SEC yesterday in Abuja, its acting Director General, Dr. Abdul Zubair, said the present management of SEC had zero tolerance on market infractions.

He noted that anyone that flouts rules governing the capital market would be made to face the consequences of such actions.

Zubair stated this when the chairman and members of IST visited him in his office in Abuja, where he also told the IST team that the SEC has embarked on a number of initiatives to protect investors in the market and ensure that they reap the benefits of their investments.

“SEC has rolled out a number

of initiatives and campaigns which have been yielding results. These initiatives are to ensure that investors are aware of what to do to protect their investments.

“The e-dividend is one of such campaigns and we enjoin investors to key in so that they can reap the benefits of their investments,” Zubair said.

Similarly in the statement, the Chairman of the IST, Mr. Isaiah Idoko-Akor, congratulated Zubair on his appointment, and expressed IST’s confidence on him to move the capital market forward.

Idoko-Akor commended the SEC for its supports for the IST, and craved for more support to allow the tribunal continue its works.

According to him, “IST is serving the market, it is very important to the market and that is why we commend SEC for its support to the IST. However, IST needs to be strengthened to be able to carry out its functions effectively. As the market is expanding, we also need funds to expand our operations to be able to serve better.”

He also called for increased enlightenment and sensitisation of the investing public, especially as it relates to seeking redress on issues relating to the capital market.

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who chaired the ceremony, also said he had found Dogara to be a hard-working gentleman who has proved to be reliable within the last two years.

He said a time when reliability appeared to be a scarce commodity in politics, the Speaker had showed he’s not only reliable but also a bridge builder.

He further commended him for making a huge impact in people during his first 50 years.

The reception brought to a conclusion, a week-long events staged in honour of the speakerincluding a charity football match involving the prominent figures in both politics and business circles- with intention to raise funds for the less privilege and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North-east which had been ravaged by insurgency and poverty.

Dogara, however, insisted that

all proceeds from the novelty football encounter and the book launch would be committed to IDPs and the less privilege.

Earlier in the day, he led friends and members of the National Assembly to both the Abuja Children Home and Treasure Orphanage, in Karo, Abuja where he spent some time with the orphans and made material donations to the homes.

Altogether, 19 orphanages were visited, with some House members donating on his behalf in other centers.

Nevertheless, the reception was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life, including the family of President Buhari, representative of business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, former Speakers of the House, Dimeji Bankole and Mrs. Patricia Etteh; former first lady, Mrs. Maryam Abacha; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; chieftains of the All Progressives

Congress (APC); Minister of Information and Communication, Lai Mohammed among other prominent Nigerians.

However, Dogara said the birthday celebration was to help him review how much he had invested in “what God has given me.”

He said while every other prior achievements doesn’t really matter to him, “What matters to me is the future.”

He recounted that his becoming a Speaker resulted from a national consensus, which turned a reality against all odds- an incident which bolstered his confidence and believe in the potential of the country.

He noted that the major challenge of the country and the African continent in general remained lack of credible leadership which the country had suffered from for sometime.

Dogara, among other things,

said investment in education and leadership training was the way forward if things must be made right.

He said while every kobo will be set aside for IDPs and the less privilege, the funds will never be mismanaged.

He added that leaders must address the root causes of violence including ignorance, poverty, lack of opportunities, stressing “that’s why we must invest in education.”

Addressing journalists earlier shortly after making donations to the orphanages, the Speaker stressed the need to give back to the society.

He said: “We need to be empowering others not ourselves at this age. All proceeds will be devoted to charity.

“We’ve been able to raise quite a lot and I promise that every dime we’ve raised in the Cont’d on Pg 48

IBOGUN DAY CELEBRATION

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; his wife, Bola; and Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Suraju Adekunbi, during the 2017 Ibogun Olaogun day celebration in Ibogun Olaogun community, Ogun State... yesterday

Policeman,Three Others Killed Buhari Hosts Int’l Conference on Lake Chad Early NextYear in Cross River Bassey Inyang in Calabar A policeman and three other persons have been feared killed following a renewed communal conflict between Ojor and Uyannga communities in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The killing of the four persons, according to sources in Uyanga, occured last Monday when youths from both communities clashed during a procession by Ojor youths who were alleged to be brandishing guns in the open while matching through Uyanga.

A local source who did not want to be quoted said the entire situation degenerated when the Uyanga youths, perhaps feeling insulted, confronted the Ojor youths.

The source said the confrontation resulted in violent conflict, leading to the killing of the policeman and three Uyanga youths.

The source who is from Uyanga said it was possible casualties were also recorded by the Ojor people.

The Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Irene Ugbo, spoke about the latest clash between both communities.

Ugbo confirmed that the communities were at arms against each other. She confirmed the death of the policeman, saying he was killed while mediating for peace between the two parties.

However, she said the police have not received any report concerning the alleged killing of any other person.

The PPRO said a strong detachment of mobile policemen has been deployed to restore calm in the conflict zone.

In June this year at least 15 houses were burned, and scores of people injured when the two communities engaged in violent exchanges.

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari will in February next year, host a three-day international conference tagged: ‘Saving the Lake Chad’ in Abuja.

The conference will include a one-day high level meeting between February 26 and 28, 2018 by presidents and heads of governments of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic and Libya.

A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the conference would revitalise the basin’s ecosystem for sustainable livelihood, security and development.

According to him, this is the first time an international conference on Lake Chad would be held among the six-member countries of the region.

He listed the key partners hosting the conference to include: Nigeria, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and relevant donors including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank and the governments of Germany, China, Canada and the European Union (EU).

The statement further said the main objective of the international conference is the drive to create global awareness on the socio-economic and environmental challenges arising from the shrinkage of the Lake Chad, threat to livelihoods including insecurity with a view to developing a comprehensive programme of action to save the lake from extinction.

It also said the conference would discuss and develop a consensus

on different options intended to restore Lake Chad, including the Inter-Basin Water Transfer project from the Ubangi River in Central Africa to the Lake Chad.

According to the statement, experts, researchers and resource persons will exchange knowledge and share information on water resources development and management in a crisis environment and to garner political and financial support for the restoration option identified for the restoration of the lake.

“Among the expected outcomes of the conference is a roadmap for the implementation of the recommendations of the conference that should lead to the restoration of the lake; restoration of fishing and irrigated farming as a way of alleviating poverty, strengthening climate resilience in the basin, creating employment, leading to reduction of terrorist activities

and increasing the revenue of the population and that of the Lake Chad basin countries.

“The lake Chad Basin, which is shared by Algeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Libya, Niger, Nigeria and the Sudan is about eight per cent of the size of the African continent, with a population of about 40 million inhabitants.

“Its surface area has shrunk from 25,000 square kilometers to just 2,500 sq.kms, roughly 10 per cent of its original size.

This development has adversely affected the economic, social and cultural environment of the area.

As at today, the lake is a source of insecurity, instability, and the loss of livelihoods.

“Since coming to office, President Buhari has used every available speaking opportunity at the international level to raise awareness of the need for action to save the Lake Chad,” the statement added.

T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27 2017

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NEWS

SERAP Asks Buhari to Propose Bill on Right to Regular Fuel Supply Ugo Aliogo A civil society organisation, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to take bold action in tackling the persistent fuel scarcity in the country.

The organisation urged the federal government to do this by proposing a bill to the National Assembly that would explicitly recognise access of Nigerians to regular fuel supply as a matter human right.

It said the proposed bill should impose specific responsibilities on the authorities to proactively prevent and combat the problem of fuel scarcity and the associated human rights violations.

The organisation described as “a moral outrage” the fact

that millions of Nigerians are suffering due to fuel scarcity.

“Preventing and ending the problem of fuel scarcity is not only a moral duty for this government but also a legal and human right obligation”, it said.

In a statement issued yesterday by its Deputy Director, Timothy Adewale, SERAP argued: “Access to regular fuel supply is logically derived from the people’s right to their natural wealth and resources.

“Oil shouldn’t be a ‘curse’ for Nigerians; being endowed with natural resources ought to be a synonym for wealth and development, and not extreme poverty and suffering.

“The recognition of the right to regular fuel supply would be a building block to initiate the chain of decisions necessary

Falana Urges Lagos CJ to Inspect Detention Centres Akinwale Akintunde Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urged the Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Opeyemi Oke, to order a monthly inspection of all police stations and detention centres in Lagos State to prevent rights abuses.

In a letter to the CJ, Falana urged her to designate Chief Magistrates to conduct monthly inspection of all police stations and other detention centres to prevent the illegal detention of citizens and foreigners.

Falana said he would ask the court for an order of mandamus to compel the chief judge to designate the magistrates should she fail to act before December 31.

He said the request was pursuant to Section 34 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

It provides: “The Chief Magistrate, or where there is no Chief Magistrate within the police division, any Magistrate designated by the chief judge for that purpose, shall at least every month, conduct an inspection of police stations or other places of detention within his territorial jurisdiction other than the prison.

“During a visit, the magistrate may call for, and inspect, the record of arrests; direct the arraignment of a suspect; where bail has been refused, grant bail to any suspect where appropriate if the offence for which the suspect is held is within the jurisdiction of the magistrate.”

Falana said in view of the provision, the chief judge may wish to monitor the monthly inspection by directing the designated chief magistrates to submit monthly returns of such inspection to her office forthwith.

“It is hoped that Your Ladyship will not hesitate to grant our humble request in view of the urgent need to compel the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to respect the fundamental rights of every person to liberty and dignity guaranteed by sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“Take notice that if the said Chief Magistrates are not designated by Your Ladyship before December 31, 2017, we shall not hesitate to pray the Lagos State High Court for an order of mandamus with a view to ensuring urgent compliance with the law,” Falana said.

Adedoja Disowns ‘Fresh PDP’, Says Court ‘ll Redress National Convention Injustice Ademola Babalola in Ibadan Former Minister of Sports and one of the national chairmanship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the last convention of the party, Professor TaoheedAdedoja, yesterdaydescribedtherumoursthathe was behind the newly formed splinter group under the banner of ‘Fresh PDP’ as false and unreasonable.

He said it was true that he sued the party on the ground that his name was omitted from the ballot papers during the convention but he has never dumped the party for any other party.

Adedoja, who spoke while addressing his teeming supporters across the country led by Prince Ibrahim Jalingo who visited him in his Ikolaba, Ibadan country home, Oyo State, urged the leadership of the party to avoid impunity for the progress of the party.

According to him, entreaties were being made by prominent Nigerians for dialogue with him but

he needed to consult his followers to decide the way forward.

He said: “I am not a member of the ‘Fresh PDP’. My political future is dented with the omission of my name from the ballot papers at the convention, and I need to clear it.

The struggle to fight for the right thing in PDP is my contribution to the survival of democracy in Nigeria and PDP as the greatest party in Africa.”

Adedoja, therefore, urged his supporters to continue supporting the course of PDP, saying his going to court was not to be controversial but to clear his name which he has been building in both private and public sectors for many decades.

Reacting to Adedoja, leader of his supporters’ group, Jalingo, commended him for his steadfastness and commitment to the party, saying they were very happy to know that their boss never thought of dropping the party for unknown destination.

to prevent the dire effects of persistent scarcity.”

SERAP noted that successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999 have failed to ensure availability of fuel nationally, thereby rendering already impoverished citizens incapable of satisfying their minimum needs for survival.

It advised President Buhari to send a strong message that his government will not tolerate a situation under successive governments, which permitted increasing wealth for some and perpetrating a growing poverty for others.

According to the organisation, “given the persistent problem of fuel scarcity in the country, the appropriate course of action is to explicitly establish a human right to regular fuel supply and to criminalise hoarding of fuel by marketers. Recognition of the right to regular fuel supply is the best opportunity to thwart scarcity and its effects, and improve access for large portions of the country’s population.”

The statement read in part: “The issues involved in fuel scarcity stem largely from the lack of recognition of it as a human right. Fuel is required for a range of different purposes to realise many human rights.

“In the short-term, Buhari must move swiftly to end the fuel scarcity, and end fuel price jumps by marketers, if his government is to reverse the growing unemployment and hunger for tens of millions of poor and disadvantaged Nigerians.

“Persistent fuel scarcity is contributing to the deprivation of Nigerians’ right to secure a livelihood, which in turn is seriously encroaching upon the quality of life they enjoy. ” “Fuel scarcity will not be solved through policy decisions or legislation alone, but will also require the coordinated efforts of the entire institutions of governance and anti-corruption agencies to combat the systemic corruption and impunity of perpetrators in the oil and gas

sector.

“SERAP is concerned that the exploitation of the country’s natural resources has historically gone against the interests and fundamental human rights of disadvantaged and marginalised Nigerians. “We note the 1962 General Assembly resolution 1803 (XVII) which declares in its preamble that states’ right to dispose of their natural wealth and resources must be exercised in the interest of their national development and the well-being of their people.

“Under international human rights law, the government has obligations relating to the provision of services such as fuel, required for the enjoyment of human rights.

“Even where such services are provided with the involvement of private sector, the government is responsible for ensuring quality, affordability, and accessibility and has the duty to protect individuals against abuses committed by private service providers such as oil marketers.

“According to a 200-page

report by Nigeria’s House of Representatives, corruption in state-run fuel subsidy scheme drained $6.8bn from the country’s treasury over a three-year period.

“This resulted in increased spending on oil hand-outs between 2009 and 2011. Fuel subsidies, part of a decades-old programme meant to keep fuel prices low for millions of ordinary Nigerians, jumped to 2, 587 trillion naira from 384bn in the period.

“The report identified the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), ranked the world’s least transparent state oil firm, as the key culprit.

“The firm was single-handedly responsible for almost half of the siphoned subsidy funds and was ‘found not to be accountable to anybody or authority’.

“Seventy-two fuel importers, some with allegedly close links to senior government officials, were also singled out. In one case, payments totalling exactly $6.4million flowed from the state treasury 128 times within 24 hours to unknown.”

BUSINESSMEN UNWINDING

L-R: President, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo; Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; and Chairman, Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, during Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel in Lagos...recently Kunle Ogunfuyi

Boko Haram: UNDP Trains 2,000 Civilian JTF, Vigilantes on Capacity Building Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with three Northeastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa has begun the training of 2,000 members of the Civilian JTF and other vigilante groups who are involved in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

Speaking at the passing out parade of the first batch of the trainee numbering over 700 yesterday in Jos, after three weeks of intensive drilling in various areas of capacity building, UNDP Country Director, Samuel Bwalya, said as Nigeria continues to wage war against Boko Haram insurgency,

it would stop at nothing in supporting the country in terms of intervention projects.

According to Bwalya, the intervention includes reconstruction and rehabilitation of destroyed public infrastructure; restoration of livelihoods for conflict affected persons; support for local governance including access to justice and rule of law as well as in the area of community security and social cohesion.

He added that the capacity building programme designed for about 2,000 Civilian JTF members from the Northeast zone was aimed at strengthening their capacity to render quality protection services to their communities,

improved protection of human rights, increased prevention of gender-based violence and promotion of community cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

Represented by the Programme Coordinator, Mr. Mathew Alao, the Country Director, added that the special training programme equally afforded the beneficiaries the opportunity to acquire skills in technical and vocational trades of their choice that would enable them to live an economically and socially viable life long after the insurgency might have ended, pointing out that the capacity building training, was part of the German-funded Integrated Regional Stabilization Project

(GIRSP) of the Lake Chad Basin in four countries including Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.

In separate remarks, representatives of Borno State Government, Mr. Ali Kaka, and his counterpart from Gombe State, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Adesola Olusade, who was special guest of honour and chairman of the occasion, commended the UNDP for the intervention programmes and collaboration in the fight against Boko Haram, promising that government would not rest until the war against insurgency is completely won in Nigeria, particularly the North-east.

T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27 2017

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COMMENT

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

A GLIMPSE INTO A GOLDEN HEART

Turaki Adamu Hassan pays tribute to Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, at age 50

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As I clock 50, what is uppermost to me, really, is not longevity, I want to see how well I have invested the 50 years that God has given me. You know, when you are alive, you can choose to invest in yourself, or in others. I think honour is when you serve others,� so said Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, the 14th Speaker of the House of Representatives at a charity football competition organised to raise funds for internally displaced persons and the less privileged last week in Abuja. He was born on December 26, 1967 at the then Tafawa Balewa province, North East Nigeria.

The story of Hon. Dogara’s 50-year sojourn on earth is that of abundance of the grace of God whose unfailing love and mercy have been all sufficient in his life. It is a true story of how the invisible hands of the almighty and His guardian angels have been watching and guarding him all the way. His life journey is a manifestation of God’s unfailing love.

In all his adult life, Dogara has never celebrated his birthday. He had always said that he won’t celebrate until he reaches 50 years of age and all efforts and attempts to make him do anything symbolic of celebration proved abortive. Principled as he is, he has faithfully kept to his resolution. I could recall that on December 26, 2015, at around 9am at his family home in Gwarangah, Bogoro local government area, Bauchi State, his wife, Mrs. Gimbiya Dogara, prepared a cake on a table for him to cut and all of us waited so we could join him but to our utter shock, as soon as he sighted the cake, he turned away from it, and went on to greet visitors in the living room. She then beckoned on their eldest daughter who joined her to cut the cake on his behalf.

That is Dogara. His yes is yes, his no is no and people who know him will tell you that if he gives you his word, you cannot only take it to the bank but you can as well go to bed and sleep with your two eyes closed. His integrity and credibility are his greatest assets and this has been attested to by all and sundry including the general overseer and founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, who two months ago said, “I have zero doubt about his integrity, I will stand with him anywhere.�

To mark his golden jubilee, instead of the pomp and pageantry that usually charaterise birthdays of people of his status, the Speaker opted to hold a thanksgiving service in the church and visited 19 orphanages and motherless babies homes, and gave them words of hope and encouragement and also offered token donation of food, clothing, and other items.

This moved Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man to extol the virtues of the speaker and commended him for choosing to celebrate his birthday by embarking on philanthropic and humanitarian activities to help the IDPs and the less privileged. The man, Dogara, is a natural born leader whose sterling qualities are exceptional. He is one man who grew steadily through hard work, discipline, prudence, fear of God, honesty and can best be described as a bastion of hope, courage, and an epitome of humility. In his public and private utterances and conduct, he remains a unique individual and is made so by his uncommon humility, courage, honesty, credibility and integrity.

Whilst he acknowledges God’s divine grace and favour over his life since childhood, Dogara never took it for granted that this divine grace may abound as an upright man. A highly devoted Christian who fears God and does not take that which is not his, he is also a prudent manager of resources and at the same time, a generous man.

Friends, foes, and even his worst critics, admit that he is an embodiment of leadership. No wonder, Nigeria’s eminent jurist and legal luminary, Professor Ben Nwabueze, said that each time he sees and

IN HIS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UTTERANCES AND CONDUCT, HE REMAINS A UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL AND IS MADE SO BY HIS UNCOMMON HUMILITY, COURAGE, HONESTY, CREDIBILITY AND INTEGRITY

listens to the Speaker presiding in the House, it gives him hope that all is not lost in Nigeria and that we still have people who can be entrusted with the affairs of Nigeria.

To Dogara, public office should never be used for personal elevation or gain but should be seen as a call to duty, to serve God and humanity. It is his philosophy and belief that leaders are like the moon whose light should radiate and reflect in their followers like the stars and that leadership is not a zero-sum game and that the primary purpose of government in a democracy is to serve the common good of the people. Every government decision must be one that is anchored on delivering greater good for the greater number of the people. To achieve this, it is his conviction that education must not only be free and compulsory, but also of the highest possible standard.

It must also be given priority over and above all other considerations as the cornerstone of development of every society without which no progress can be made at both societal and individual levels.

It is also his belief that democracy – which is the best system of government to have ever been invented by mankind – should deliver on its promises of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

And honest that he is, he would openly admit that the challenges confronting Nigeria are direct result of failure of leadership. Thus, leaders, according to him, must collectively admit that they have failed the people and then chart a new course for the socio-economic and political development of the nation.

His dream, vision and aspiration is that sooner rather than later, a better Nigeria will emerge where both the haves and the have-nots will have a place that will accommodate them in the system; where a room will be available for all.

These are his thoughts, this is his vision, and what he wants to see come to reality in our nation. He is not a man of just words but also of action and the House of Representatives under his able leadership is making giant strides and has broken all previous records of performance since independence in 1960. In two years, about 200 bills were passed, work is in progress on 1000 others, over 1000 resolutions addressing different spheres of our national life have been passed, in addition to almost a thousand public petitions from Nigerians which have been addressed. This has surpassed records by all previous assemblies and was made possible by Speaker Dogara’s foresight when he commissioned a team of legal luminaries and experts to reform Nigeria’s outdated and obsolete laws that dates back to 1800s.

He believes and practices politics of give and take, consensus building and compromise-accommodating both friends and foes - putting aside that which is personal for the collective interests of all.

The Speaker strongly believes in dialogue, negotiation and consensus building, which are the cardinal pillars of his leadership. His quality of being peaceful and one who strongly believes in building bridges of friendship and love across the divides have in no small way, helped in bringing the desired stability in the House. He has continued to enjoy enormous support and loyalty from his colleagues, who acknowledge his transparency and open-door policy.

The speaker pushed for passage of the #NotTooYoungToRun bill aimed at reducing the minimum age required by law to stand for elections in Nigeria. He is also a strong advocate of autonomy for local governments in Nigeria. As a legacy and to his eternal credit, his North East Development Commission Bill is now an Act and the commission that pioneered the work of rebuilding the region has been created.

Hassan is the Special Adviser on Media & Public Affairs to the Speaker

SECONDUS AND OSUN GUBER ELECTION (1) There should be a level playing field for all aspirants, writes Lawson Makinde

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he convention which produced Prince Uche Secondus as national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Eagle Square, Abuja on December 9, 2017 has come and gone. But sundry issues relating to his emergence as the occupier of the coveted position such as the allegation of monetisation of the election process, the formidable support he received from the 11 PDP governors, particularly Nyeson Wike and Ayodele Fayose and the refusal of the party leadership to zone the chairmanship seat to the South West have continued to generate reactions from stakeholders, commentators and analysts.

Although the debates that have arisen from the foregoing are quite interesting, majority of PDP members in Osun State, who have fresh ideas on how to create a new and vibrant identity for the party and strongly believe in the nomination of tested technocrats for elective positions in the state, have their minds on the political implications of the emergence of Secondus for the state. The question on the lips of most people in this progressive camp centres on whether Secondus will work towards the realisation of their objective of infusing new blood in the leadership of Osun PDP or not.

These party members who are assiduously working to bring about political revival of PDP in Osun State have a good number of reasons for this scepticism. First, they do not see Secondus

as belonging to their fold. And this thinking is quite understandable. Secondus is a member of the old guard whose ascendance to the position of national chairman of the opposition party was facilitated by governors who are more interested in protecting their entrenched interests. The former positions occupied by Secondus in the PDP also underscore the fact that he is a new wine in an old wine skin. Between 1999 and 2007, Secondus was the chair of PDP in Rivers State. Later on, he became the deputy national chairman of the party and subsequently acted as national chair of the controversial national working committee of the PDP shortly after the party lost the 2015 presidential election.

Another source of worry for stakeholders in Osun State is the rumour emanating from the political camp of Senator Iyiola Omisore to the effect that the newly elected national chairman of PDP has given the former gubernatorial candidate assurance of over 70 per cent of state party structure, a situation that will facilitate his nomination as PDP gubernatorial candidate in Osun State.

Although, it has been established that the rumour making the rounds in the state is a mere usual propaganda by supporters of Omisore in order to misinform the people of the state, it is feared that the new PDP helmsman could easily buy into the script of deceit and manipulation being written by supporters of the former deputy governor of the state.

Senator Omisore was not even at the forefront of selling Secondus to the PDP members in Osun.

If anything, the former national secretary of PDP in the person of Professor Wale Oladipo as well as Hon. Wole Oke should be credited to a large extent in this regard. Even at that, this nexus should not be exploited for political aggrandisement to the detriment of people who crave for new leadership in Osun PDP. The immediate past national caretaker committee chairman of PDP, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi is on the same page with those calling for new ethos of freshness in the leadership of Osun PDP. In his post-election address, he charged Secondus to see the resolution of festering intraparty disagreements in Osun and Ogun States as his first major assignment, reiterating the need for Secondus to facilitate greater involvement of youths in both politics and governance.

The erstwhile interim national chairman of PDP further tasked Secondus to ensure a free and fair electoral process in Osun State. His words: “A level playing field must be availed all members so that we avoid a situation in which we create many other problems while trying to solve one. In words and actions, we must continuously assure and reassure members that loyalty to the party indeed pays and is rewarding�.

This task of forging unity among party members in the state can only be accomplished by the new national chairman if he acts in tune with the wishes

and aspirations of the people of Osun State by ensuring that new politicians are not politically alienated in the state. If Secondus does otherwise, he will fritter away the good will which the people of the state currently have for the PDP. It is worth noting that the PDP is seen as the most viable alternative platform by the electorate in Osun State for doing away with the All Progressive Congress – led government in the state, a party they perceive to have in the last seven years made life extremely difficult for them. Being a civil service state, the economy of the state has remained prostrate while the living standard of the people has precariously nose-dived due to the payment of half salary to workers in the state by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Like the way the people unanimously voted out Governor Bisi Akande in 2003 following the mass sack of workers in the state, they are also set to dislodge APC from the state. But the people are wiser this time around. They are not only interested in sacking the political party that has imposed poverty on them. They want to pitch their tents with new and competent gubernatorial aspirant who understands their plight and will do everything possible to turn around the economy of the state, rather than a candidate who could whimsically and capriciously divert the scarce resources of the state to his private pockets and those of his political associates.

Makinde is a Lagos-based public affairs analyst

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EDITORIAL FUELLING A BLEAK CHRISTMAS

There is need to deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum industry

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t was a bleak Christmas in Nigeria as many people across the country spent considerable time running from one ďŹ lling station to another searching for petrol that was, in most instances, not available.

Where it was available, the prices per litre were astronomical. With the cost of transport jerked up and the fuel scarcity yet to abate, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has come under heavy criticisms.

But the conspiracy theory that the scarcity, which has become perennial, was targeted against the celebration of Christmas is untrue and rather unfortunate.

While both President Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo have assured Nigerians of the efforts being made to address the situation, we believe there are compelling arguments for ending the regime of subsidy that has over the years become inefďŹ cient and dysfunctional. We are also of the strong opinion that properly managed, there are economic beneďŹ ts to the deregulation of the downstream sector THERE ARE COMPELLING of the petroleum ARGUMENTS FOR industry as has been ENDING THE REGIME demonstrated in the OF SUBSIDY THAT telecoms sector over HAS OVER THE YEARS the last one decade.

BECOME INEFFICIENT AND That, in our view, is DYSFUNCTIONAL the only enduring solution to this problem.

As we have consistently argued, a regime of unbridled subsidy in which a huge percentage of the national budget goes to service the consumption of one single item is not only unsustainable but also antithetical to the development of any nation. Even when subsidies might be necessary as a way of achieving strategic objectives beyond the remit of the market, such subsidies must be targeted and must be effectively implemented.

This one unfortunately does not meet either of the

Letters to the Editor

criteria. There were attempts in the past to end it, but the political will was lacking.

In June 2014, for instance, the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) urged the Senate to cancel the subsidy because it was “a fraud against the countryâ€?. But in rejecting the proposal at the time, the then Senate President, David Mark said: “If we sit here now and say remove fuel subsidy, I think that those who are beneďŹ ting from subsidy are very powerful and tomorrow they would inuence media reports and create the impression that the Senate is antipeopleâ€?.

We agree with the FAAC that there is no justiďŹ cation for the retention of the subsidy regime but the argument given by the Senate is precisely the reason why government dithers on the decision that appears to be the most sensible in the circustance. But the current situation harms rather than help the people.

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hat President Buhari and his administration must realise is that as long as the subsidy remains, the incentive for private and public actors to game the system will continue to be there. Also, as long as there is default in subsidy payment, which is not inconceivable given the current state of our ďŹ nances, supply will be constrained, which necessarily pushes pump price many times above the market price, with serious impact on cost and volume of production in the economy and untold hardship on the populace, especially the poor.

It is therfefore our considered view that something has to be done to end the current scarcity. But as a permanent solution, the federal government must muster the requisite courage to overhaul the downstream sector of the petroleum industry which goes beyond periodic hikes in the pump price of petrol. The sector has to be more accountable, transparent and efďŹ cient and the only sure way to doing that is total deregulation.

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

WISH ME NOT A MERRY CHRISTMAS

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or Nigerians, it is anything but the common good.

Queues as tall as the hills of Idanre. Traffic jam everywhere. Passengers are stranded. No bus to board home. Hours of productive time is lost on unending journeys. The cost of transport and the prices of goods are skyrocketing. We are again at the mercy of the oil cabal. Yuletide does not come without fuel scarcity. Should you ever lose track of time, you need not fret. Wait till you see the long queues, wait till your neighbour groans of fuel scarcity, and you know it’s likely to be Christmas. Even without shortfall in crude oil production, fuel is made gold.

It is possible to have a smooth celebration devoid of pain and agony. But that does not profit the cabal. They will rather hoard oil, to sell at higher prices in the black market. It doesn’t matter if ordinary Nigerians are choking. They give no hoot. For them, it’s simply economics. Cut supply, let demand rise significantly, then watch consumers hasten to buy at increased prices.

This is really not new. But it isn’t just about oil marketers.

It is also about you and I. In our little space we equally wield instruments of oppression. Whenever chance permits, we make those beneath us feel the weight of our might. We just don’t operate on the national stage yet. At the base of the problem of Nigeria is persuasive greed and selfishness. It is always each one for his own. We think, but only of ourselves. It is always my family, myself, and I. It matters not whose child slept hungry the previous night.

A civil servant in a ministry will insist on being tipped before

doing his salaried job. If you decline payment, he will ensure your file is not found and you’re stranded. He is making you bear the brunt of his greed in his own sphere of influence. But he will complain hours later when he is driving home and the police man demands some money. He won’t make the connections that the officer is simply demanding his own cut in his area too.

Pick any sector of the economy and you will see how people exploit the system to their advantage. You will see how personal ambition is made to override the collective good. Nigerians are all about, trying to milk one another out of existence. It is the tiny drops of dishonest Nigerians that make an ocean of corrupt nation.

The change begins with me campaign is rational; it would have worked if President Muhammadu Buhari possessed the moral strength necessary to engender hope and inspire a new nation. There is indeed good reason to be wary of a leader who would not lead by example, but rather claims change begins with his followers. For example, though Buhari is the Minister of Petroleum and the fuel crisis is biting, the presidency is busy airing a documentary titled ‘The Human Side of President Buhari’, to ‘spice the holiday’. Buhari is supposed to be some form of deity, whose human side needs unveiling. That is perhaps, inspirational leadership.

Societal transformation can only occur when a critical mass of people stops thinking of self, outside of the collective good. The individual has to be at the core of any sustainable reform. When

we yearn for good leaders we are not blind to this. What we need is a leader who will possess the moral character to serve as a symbol of such reform.

We need a leader who can teach the populace to make personal sacrifices for national development. Buhari who wouldn’t even touch his country’s health system with a pole is clearly not that man. We need a leader who would respect the rule of law. We need a leader who will be impartial and would be able to wield the sword of justice even if his kinsmen are in line. Buhari has at least shown that though he is for everyone, he is for some more than others.

So friends, as the celebration continues, do not wish me a merry Christmas. I barely need your wishes anyway. Christmas stew is not dependent on them and Jesus - the supposed reason for the season, is a God of inclusion. Rather than your Christmas wishes, let me see your collective faces and be sure my children won’t have to inherit a failed country. Let me see your faces and know I have reasons to hope.

Do not wish me a merry Christmas, let me be sure I can trust you as colleagues to always shun evil, and seek the common good. Do not gift me goodies at Christmas, those are perishable anyway. Instead gift me confidence, that you won’t be easily swayed by bigotry, prejudice and selfish interest. Gift me faith, that when election comes you won’t vote the highest bidder, but will rather pitch your tent with rational arguments, critical appraisals and feasible plans.

Olusola Adeyoose, Lagos

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

NEWSMAKERS

Buhari’s Unimpressive Outing

Now that it is clear that President Muhammadu Buhari will seek a second term in office, Davidson Iriekpen asks if he has done enough to deserve another mandate

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t is increasing becoming clear that President Muhammadu Buhari will contest the 2019 presidential election.

Since he dropped the hint of his seeking a re-election in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on November 29, Buhari’s body language, actions and utterances and those of his aides and supporters now suggest that nothing will stop him from seeking a re-election.

Also, moved by the outpouring of affection from the people of Kano State during his two-day official visit recently, Buhari vowed to overwhelm any opposition in 2019 if he seeks re-election. Since then, frivolous solidarity visits to presidential villa have commenced, with various groups urging him to re-contest and remain in office till 2023 “to enable him finish the good work he has started.” Others are telling him that he is the only one who can save Nigeria. In some parts of the country, his supporters under the aegis of the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) have launched Buhari’s 2019 bid. His foot soldiers have commenced meetings and mobilisation to convince the voting public why he would be the best candidate in 2019.

On his part, the president has started mending fences with members of his party who were aggrieved that they were abandoned by the administration after the 2015 general election.

Though many observers believe that Buhari has the constitutional right to seek a re-election in 2019, the audacity to nurse the idea of a second term when he has nothing to show so far is a surprise to them. Added to this are his poor state of health and his age both of which have made him not to attend to state functions with the desired agility.

Buhari in 2015 rose to power with a promise to tackle insecurity, fight corruption and restore the economy, but many analysts believe that so far, the country is worst off since he assumed power.

To many Nigerians, not only have more people been killed under Buhari than any other president in the history of Nigeria, the country today is more divided along ethnic lines than ever.

President Buhari With impunity, under Buhari’s nose, Fulani herdsmen have been on rampage all over the country.

Only last week, the National Bureau of Statistics country, leaving in the trail, a large number of deaths and sorrow anywhere they invade. (NBS) released a startling data showing that Armed robbery, kidnapping and other dangerous the country’s unemployment rate has worsened crimes have all risen beyond comprehension. from 16.2 per cent in the second quarter of Even the Boko Haram insurgency which the 2017 to 18.8 per cent in the third quarter of the president promised to tackle upon assumption year. The statistical agency said the number of office, is still substantially high despite the of people within the labour force who were billions of naira so far expended on the battle. unemployed increased from 13.6 million in In the area of fighting corruption, only members the second quarter of the year to 15.9 million of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the third quarter of same year, with more (PDP) have been hounded and intimidated than two million people unemployed within while the anti-graft agencies have ignored the period.

As if Nigerians have not seen the worst of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and those who helped the party to the current administration, the ongoing fuel scarcity and the hardship they are going through attain power.

On the economy, analysts believe that Buhari’s under a president who is also the Minister performance has been unimpressive. From of Petroleum has further portrayed him as an economy growing at 2.35 per cent he a leader who has nothing to offer Nigerians inherited in 2015, based on his wrong policies leading a regime not different from others. and decisions, the country was plunged into It is against this backdrop that Nigerians are recession with the attendant mass poverty and wondering what the president is coming to hunger. This has triggered a wave of massive do in the presidential villa when he has not retrenchment of workers across all sectors of justified the mandate given to him. the economy, while hundreds of companies have been forced to shut down on account of the economic downturn. In the last two years, over 10,000 have lost their jobs in the banks and another 12,000 from oil and gas companies. Inflation has gone up 300 per cent.

While after two years in power, majority of Nigerians cannot find good roads to drive to their home towns and villages, due to the On the economy, analysts deplorable state of roads in the country, there believe that Buhari’s is no concrete policy to tackle epileptic power performance has been which everybody knows is key to attaining development and alleviating poverty in the unimpressive

It is for this reason that former governor of the old Kaduna State and leader of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Baralabe Musa, last week said the APC has nothing to offer Nigerians. Musa who spoke during the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PRP in Kaduna said APC rode to power on falsehood and empty promises. According to him, since the party came into power about three years ago, it has nothing to offer Nigerians other than subjecting them to untold hardship.

Musa said since 2015 when the APC came to power, the economy has remained comatose, unemployment has assumed critical proportion, while Nigerians are no longer safe even in their homes as a result of insecurity, occasioned by kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

“As you are all aware, our nation today remains in a very sorry state despite all the lofty promises and flowery speeches made by the ruling government of the APC at the inception of the administration in 2015. The economy remains comatose, and in some sectors, particularly in industry and commerce, it is even getting worse. Monetary and fiscal management has continued to lack coherence and consistency, or even predictability and strategic planning.

“Unemployment, particularly amongst the youth, who constitute the bulk of our population, has assumed critical proportions and is now, for all practical purposes, a national emergency.

Yet, this APC administration, which rode to power on the back of false promises to this generation of hapless young men and women, seems to have no answers to this ticking time

bomb beyond slogans such as N-Power.”

Speaking further, Musa lamented that instead of creating jobs, the administration is busy cutting existing ones in the name of ‘rightsizing’ or ‘downsizing’. This government, both at the centre and in the states that it control, has proved that it has little or nothing else to provide Nigerians other than further mass impoverishment, frustration and hardships.

“If we turn to the security front, the same sad picture confronts us. Perhaps, Buhari’s greatest appeal for many in 2015 was the belief that he was capable of dealing a death blow to the insurgency, particularly as manifested

by Boko Haram.

“In these almost three years that the APC has been in power, the reality has been otherwise.

“Yes, the Boko Haram camps in the Sambisa forest may have been wiped out, but the security menace that the group poses continues to manifest, with suicide bombs exploding almost on a weekly basis, particularly in the North-eastern parts of the country. But apart from the Boko Haram insurgency, others have emerged in different parts of the country.

Recently, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) unleashed mayhem in the South-east.

Similarly, the militants in the Niger Delta are yet to sheath their swords.

“Even more ominous is the threat to public safety and the security of lives and property posed by the marauding gangs of cattle rustlers, killer herdsmen and armed kidnappers. We ask, where is the security promised Nigerians by this APC administration? In so far as the political environment is concerned, again the story is a sad one. Lacking any internal cohesion within itself, the APC administration has only spawned and promoted institutional political decay in the country.

“In the name of an anti-corruption campaign, the government has been consistently assaulting due process and the rule of law. Court orders are flagrantly disobeyed by the very institutions that should enforce them. Basic democratic rights are being cynically abused.

While talking glibly about fighting corruption, the government shamelessly looks askance where corruption is exposed within its own very ranks, closets and cocoons.”

An opposition governor who has been very consistent that Buhari and his party have nothing to offer Nigerians is the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike. Recently, the governor reiterated that the APC has nothing to offer in terms of developmental projects, apart from circulation of lies. He also stated that APC’s fight against corruption which seems to make it look as if it is doing well, is targeted at the intimidation of political opponents and prosecuting former PDP governors, while indicted former APC governors were allowed to roam freely. Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when he granted audience to the Abuluoma Council of Chiefs, the governor said there was no sincerity in the fight against corruption by the APC. “Nigerians have seen that the present ruling party has nothing to offer them except to tell lies. They claim they are fighting corruption, but how many APC former governors have been arraigned. Nobody is against the government fighting corruption, but it must be fought with sincerity. Even when an APC former governor is indicted by a judicial commission of inquiry, they fail to prosecute such a person. I just heard that they have arrested the former Niger State governor after two years. Maybe because political activities are picking up and they want to intimidate him; that is why this is happening now,” Wike added.

On his part, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State said from the current happenings in the country, it is now clear to Nigerians that the ruling APC and Buhari have nothing positive to offer except hunger and deception.

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MIDWEEKPOLITICS

In Defence of Aregbesola Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola has been the subject of scathing criticism.

Abiodun Akomolafe argues that the governor does not deserve the attacks

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merican minister and author, Norman Vincent Peale famously stated that the magic in enthusiasm “spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.�

Peale’s statement above brings to mind the State of Osun’s very slippery slope, pre-2011; and Rauf Aregbesola’s conscious efforts towards remedying a system that had grown bad over time.

Much as it is impossible to deny Aregbesola’s place in history, there are those who, out of sheer ignorance, argue that the governor’s great strides could only have been made by a mediocre leader. On the pages of this argument lies a succession crisis which, lately, has been making some people act on fantasy and banking on the opportunity presented by 2018 as a fig leaf for deepening threats to stability. There are even those who comically opine that the governor’s troubles started with the sudden death of Isiaka Adeleke and only peaked with the eventual defeat of Mudasiru Hussein at the battle of Osun West on July 8, 2017. Well, though space constraint may not favour the enumeration of confused and erroneous opinions prevailing at a time like this, one is not in doubt of the fact that Adeleke’s tragic fate served as a reawakening balm for the ruling party and one can only pray that it would make a good use of this unfortunate-yetrare opportunity.

By convention, a mediocre leader is inaccessible and torpid. He is nippy, reactive and insensitive. Since he has a reputation for following the herd, he neither delights in improving the lives of the people nor dares to broaden the socio-economic landscape of the community he’s elected to lead. Contrast this with a first-rate leader whose relational glue is limited to “a small number of specific people�, not “a lot of people�. He is a team leader who draws inspiration by discovering a deeper level of intimacy and new aspects of the people’s moral fiber.

With delicious ambiguity, a mediocre mind will be quick to condemn the provision of school uniforms and other Aregbesola education materials to 750,000 pupils of government primary and secondary the beaten tracks. More importantly, an schools in Osun but will rather display administration that revitalized the educahereditary prejudices to support the tion sector in all ramifications would sewing of Christmas cloths for 20,000 never succumb to the trivial, misguided children in Ekiti. Destined for unrhymed and unmeasured campaigns of a crowd poems and unclear stories, the opposition of traducers. won’t only describe the efforts of this With free health services at all levels, ‘repository of trust and confidence’ at provision of drugs and Ultrasound giving Osun a cargo airport as a ‘bogus Scanners for its hospitals, construction of project’, the it’ll also prefer ‘stomach 80 new Primary Health Centres (PHCs) infrastructure’ to a feeding programme and Tuberculosis Control Laboratory, which currently consumes N12.7m daily coupled with the refurbishment of 9 to feed 254,000 school children for 200 State Hospitals, among others, the Health days in a year. sector cannot deny having had its own It is nothing but amiable mediocrity to fair share of Aregbesola’s attention. The see “so much hunger, disease, poverty� administration’s massive road construcin Osun, when available indices point to tion for the rapid and infrastructural the contrary: 2nd only to Oyo State in development of the state is visible even poultry production; 2nd richest state in Nigeria; 5th largest economy in Nigeria with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing at 7.3% per annum; and 13th crime-free state in Nigeria. Furthermore, the state is 2nd in Human Capital Index and has maintained 2nd position in four Nigeria is under intense years in a roll in the global Multidimenpressure because the sional Poverty Index (MPI). only business currently A government that productively engaged more than 40,000 youth and making waves - and the impacted no fewer than 20,000 of its indigenes with requisite skills in Informa- only valuable means of tion Communication Technology couldn’t livelihood - in this part of have been led by one whose portion is in

the world is politics

to the blind while its social protection programmes have also gone a long way in reducing poverty and hunger as well as improving healthy living. His encouraging intervention in Agriculture was geared towards arresting “the imminent fear of political disenfranchisement, economic stagnation and sociopsychological insecurity.� It was meant to guarantee food security, target and create employment for the youth as well as support partnership and investors in agriculture.

Oyo! Benue! Ondo! Kogi! Kwara!

Ekiti! Edo! Even, Bayelsa and Delta States! But then, why does the opposition delight in using the salary bug as a narrative to insult our collective intelligence even as Osun has fulfilled its side of the bargain with Labour? At the moment, more than 15 states are under the yoke of the salary ruckus. Without doubt, this is where enemies and doubters have again missed it. For example, how much is Osun generating monthly compared to what an economically viable state like Lagos rakes in daily? What was the size of Nigeria’s exports of crude oil and petroleum products some 3 years back compared to what we are now cosmetically priding ourselves in? What was the exchange rate in 2013 and how has it fared in 2017?

Again, there can’t a better opportunity

for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to wake up from the witches-andwizards slumber currently threatening its success stories. Behaving as if 2019 will be a ‘go-it-alone’ affair without votes input from its political appendages will not help matters. As things stand, Nigeria is under intense pressure because the only business currently making waves - and the only valuable means of livelihood in this part of the world is politics. The sickening reality is that ours is more of a political economy that spends so much in tending to the struggles of bureaucracy and the frictions of administration even as our tax regime is poor.

Agreed! Civil servants have all along been the state’s greatest asset without whose support this administration wouldn’t have gone this far. But, settling down to the stark realities in which the state has now found itself, can it make any meaningful on the salary challenge without progressive thoughts on staff rationalization? On the other hand, how best can the electorate reciprocate government’s good gestures, bearing in mind that to whom much is given, much is expected?

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria! t,PNPMBGF XSPUF JO GSPN *KFCV *KFTB 0TVO TUBUF

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

Someone to Lean On Losing loved ones to untimely death often leaves an open wound which time may not immediately heal. But a non-governmental organisation, Ehibam Griefshare Foundation, a voluntary driven forum founded by Ms. Modupe Irele is bridging that gap, offering support to those in bereavement to live a normal life. Funke Olaode reports

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t may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future when you have lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend and you have probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you have never faced before. At this time, it takes faith and personal conviction not to go into deep depression or become suicidal if not carefully handled.

But for someone who has been there he or she knows where the shoe pinches. Ms. Modupe Irele would always remember June 10 of every year with sadness. It was the day her entire world crashed when her only child and promising 35-year-old son, Ehisieme Osarieme Alonge died in faraway United Kingdom to pulmonary embolism (blood clot). For Irele, she thought the end had come. It has been over 30 months of sorrow and anguish, but on December 1, 2016 the day Ehi as he was fondly called would have been 36, Irele dropped the garment of mourning by launching a foundation in memory of her late son.

The solemn gathering which held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, paraded the crème de la crème. Among the guests of honour were the wife of the Vice-President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo including Mrs. Leila Fowler, Iyalode Shade Ogunbiyi, Mrs. Jumoke Asiodu, Pastor Yeside Staveley, amongst others.

Ehibam Griefshare Foundation (EGF), according to Irele, is a voluntary driven foundation with the aim to guide those who are grieved to live a new normal life. The foundation’s seminar and support group are led by people who understand what the bereaved are going through and want to help them recover and rebuild their broken lives.

On December 1, 2017, eminent personalities led by Prof. Adebayo Akinde converged on Lagos Country Club, Ikeja Lagos for the first year anniversary discourse of the foundation with the theme: ‘Open Arms, Light Hearts, Leaning on Others in Times of Grief’.

In her opening remarks, founder and chairman of EGF, Irele said the discourse became imperative because of people’s response to the new support system. “The response is not encouraging. It has been one year since the foundation was established with four centres in Bode-Thomas Street, Yaba, Basie Ogambia Street, Surulere, Obanikoro and Jide Oki Street, Victoria Island. These centres have volunteers who are ready to assist those who are willing to share their loss experiences. I have experienced personal loss and it helps because I also found a support group which I attended in United States in those turbulent moments in my life.�

Speaking further Irele said the cultural factor of mourning in silence is affecting this vision. “I am not discouraged. I have had people call me on one-on-one. They are just getting to know about the foundation and again, the element of culture is there. I mean this belief that ‘you don’t discuss death with people’. It is a problem with us in Nigeria as people don’t see it as a platform to chart a new course. When you are in bereavement, you are surrounded by a family member for a short period of time, but when it comes to mourning, it is a personal thing that can take a whole lifetime. And that is where the Ehibam Griefshare Foundation wants to come in. We

L-R: Ven. Feyi Ojelabi, a guest, Mrs. Jumoke Asiodu, Iyalode Folashade Ogunbiyi, Mrs. Yemisi Jaiyeola, Prof. Adebayo Akinde, Mrs. Yeside Staveley and founder, EGF, Ms. Dupe Irele, at the event

L-R: Nosa Alonge, Mrs. Jumoke Asiodu, Iyalode Shade Ogunbiyi, mother of the deceased and Founder of Ehibam Griefshare Foundation, Ms. Modupe Irele, at the event

Ms. Modupe Irele would always remember June 10 of every year with sadness. It was the day her entire world crashed when her only child and promising 35-year-old son, Ehisieme Osarieme Alonge died in faraway United Kingdom to pulmonary embolism...

On December 1, 2016 the day Ehi as he was fondly called would have been 36, Irele dropped the garment of mourning by launching a foundation in memory of her late son

want to create a forum where you can meet those who have overcome loss and you can share with others. In my early days of grief, there are certain feelings that I might not want to share with a family member because I don’t want to affect that person with my emotion.

But if I am among those who have been there before I would open up.�

In her short remarks, Vice-Chairman of the Foundation, Iyalode Folashade Ogunbiyi said the foundation was a friendly caring group of well-trained people and volunteers which provides and offers support to those in bereavement, walking them through the healing process, offering a helping hand through the challenging journey towards a new normal life. The discourse, she said, was about creating awareness of the existence of a place of safe haven located in Victoria Island, Surulere, Yaba and Obanikoro. The response according to her, has not been encouraging as it is envisaged because of perceived cultural norms that forbid people from sharing their grief with outsiders. “Today as we mark the second anniversary of the foundation which falls on Ehi’s birthday, our message is to share and spread the mission

and vision so that people can know that there is help out there.�

In his paper titled ‘Culture and Death: A Multi-Cultural Perspective’, Dr. Taofiq Salisu of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, was of the view that culture is part of religion which reflects in every facet of human life. Giving accolades to Nigerian nay African culture that throws its weight behind bereaved person, Salisu is still of the opinion that culture shouldn’t prevent people to express their sadness over the departed. “In your time of grief, who are those who would get you out?� He asked rhetorically. “It is inevitable to die but when, where and how we don’t know.�

While many people believe that it is only death that can bring grief, Salisu stressed that loss of pregnancy, job, and calamity and so on can bring a short-lived grief but loss of loved one unexpectedly can bring an everlasting grief.

Delving on the cultural aspect of grief: should the bereaved be allowed to mourn? asked Salisu. He answered in affirmative. “Usually, when there is a sudden loss, there is a notion of disbelief and anger with the

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clichĂŠ ‘Why Me?’ And sometimes they (the bereaved) would be blaming others for their woes. This can lead to depression. We should allow people to cry and mourn their loved ones as long as they can as it reduces tension.

Salisu ended his paper by reminding invited guests that nobody prays for eventuality but it is written that everybody will die one day but keeping the memory of the departed alive is better than mourning the departed forever.

In his paper themed ‘Understanding and Managing Grief, a Cross Cultural Perspective’

by Prof. Yemisi Obashoro of Department of Adult Education, University of Lagos, he said it was a topic that affects every human being as we have our world with us in terms of family part, health, actualisation, expectations and so on but as we live through it, there is an event that will lead to reality. Understanding grief, according to him, “is something we must understand and hold on to. What can cause grief? Of course, the symptoms are always there and when the feelings come we must respond to it.� Grief, he said, is a response to loss which leads to sadness that may never end. How do you handle grief? According to Obashoro, grief is a personal thing but the cause and circumstances may differ; a person who lost one child out of four and another who lost only child would adopt different approaches to grief. The first would only remember while it stays with the second woman forever.

Throwing more light on the multi-cultural perspective he said just as cultures differ from one community to another, mourners must be sensitive to cultural differences while mourning. “If you want to support the person in grief, you must ask about the family, position and community about grieving so you don’t run contrary to what may be considered a taboo.

Although culture keeps evolving and there is this clichĂŠ that ‘wounds heal with time’. But of significant note is to recognise the chief mourner in every situation and help the person through it.â€?

On religion and spirituality in adjusting to bereavement, Ven. Feyi Ojelabi of St. Jude’s Church Ebute-Metta, Lagos, said the question of bereavement or death was a subject that we usually don’t want to think or openly talk about. Explaining the concept of religion and spirituality which is the belief and worship of God and the other being the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material of physical things. Ojelabi noted that often it appears that people lose consciousness that death is our companion in our journey of life. This he said gives rise to the sense of bereavement or loss of physical separation that we experience citing Ecclesiastes 12:7.

Although there is a saying in Yoruba parlance that we would not suffer loss in any form but the Bible has made it clear that there is time to be born and also time to die because death is inevitable. He emphasised that life is immeasurable, limited, phased, transients and expires. But as Christians it is therefore comforting that in moments of bereavement we should see it not as a loss but a transition. He concluded by admonishing guests that bereavement should strengthen their faith and reassure their hope in the imperative of yielding their lives and accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Rounding up the discourse with her paper, ‘The Challenges of Bereavement of Support Group in Nigeria Society’, Grief Consultant and CEO, Serendipity House, Nigeria, Olori Yemisi Jaiyeola commended EhibamGrief Share Foundation for bridging the gap. She made a passionate appeal to government at all levels to create support system centres that would help in times of bereavement as it’s done abroad. “I have experienced it because second year into my husband’s death, I couldn’t get any help. I have visited Ministry of Women Affairs that women’s lives, is not all about poverty

As Christians it is therefore comforting that in moments of bereavement we should see it not as a loss but a transition

L-R: Mrs. Yemisi Jaiyeola and Venerable Feyi Ojelabi

A cross section of guests at the event

Nosa Alonge giving vote of thanks in front of the poster of the deceased, Ehisieme Osarieme Alonge, at the event

alleviation or occasional empowerment but emotional care is also important, that Grieving Centres should be in every local government and community but there is no response.�

For Jaiyeola, apart from Nigeria’s culture of “die in pain� as she can’t understand why someone who lost her husband at 28 is still widowed at 62 having refused to remarry because of what the society may say or think,

she pointed out that awareness is low because some grieving centres don’t have knowledge on how to deal with the situation why those in bereavement sometimes believe that they don’t need help and should be left alone.

Jaiyeola concluded by calling out to government, leadership, and churches to lend their support while all existing Grief Centres should reach out to those who lost their loved ones

by following up and make some noise about their activities.

Drawing the curtain on the anniversary discourse, Prof. Akinde called on all and sundry to stand up against a culture that sees women as properties. Not only that, he enjoined the larger society to rise in defence of widows and not allow cultural values to override the basic principles.

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IMAGES

L-R: Manager, Bank of Agriculture( BOA) Benin branch, Mr. Peter Isojie; Zonal Manager, Mrs. Adesuwa Kalgo; Executive Director Finance & Risk Management, Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Prince Niyi Akenzua; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; and Executive Director, Retail Banking BOA, Mr. Emmanuel Ameh at a collaborative meeting between BOA and the Edo State government in Benin... 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: Former President, Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN), Azoma Chikwe; Chairman, Board of Trustees Health Writers Association of Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Enabulele,, Managing Director, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba Lagos, Oluwayemi Ogun and , Professor of Community Health LUTH, Prof. Akin Osibogun at the 8th Annual Symposium of HEWAN supported by Coca-Cola Nigeria at Lagos Television...recently

L-R; Founder of FCMB Group Plc, Otunba Olasubomi Balogun; his wife, Olori Abimbola Balogun and Otunba Balogun’s sister, Mrs. Aderonke Atere, during the Christmas Carol organised by the FCMB Founder at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state on December...recently

Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad (4th left), Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (sitting), Kwara State Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Wasiu Odewale (right) and others during the signing of 2018 Appropriation Bill into Law at Government House, Ilorin...recently

L-R: National Coordinator, Mta Nigeria, Dr. Qasim Akinreti; Acting Missionary-in-Charge, Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Maulvi Tahir Adnan; Country Project Manager Mta, Nigeria and Ghana, Ahmed Owusu Konadu and Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mash’hud Adenrele Fashola, during an interactive volunteers meeting with Mr. Konadu in Lagos...recently.

L-R: Wife of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mrs. Janet Adeyemo; Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo; Wife of a former governor of the state, Chief Kemi Alao-Akala; Wife of the governor, Chief Florence Ajimobi; and Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Ola Makinde, at the state’s Christmas Carol and thanksgiving service, held at the Agodi Gardens, Ibadan... on Sunday. Photo: Governor’s OďŹƒce

L-R; Goodluck Onorienobohwo (Adviser, Okugbe NGO ); Daniel Rhogho,Secretary,; Dr. Jacob Otabuko, President ; Hajia Asabe Shehu Yar’Adua, Founder/President, Asabe Shehu Yar’Adua Foundation; Alfred Ukrukpe,Vice President; Alex Egberughe, Auditor; Pa A. Omije, Director, Asabe Foundation and Hon. Kegbe Irikefe Spokesman, Okugbe NGO duing the visit of the Club to Asaabe Foundation in Minna, Niger State...recently

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BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

R A T E S

1 5 ,

MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 3.75% 4.33%

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

4.00% 5.08% 6.25%

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

D E C E M B E R S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

330.07% 0.41% 0.52%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

2 0 1 7

8.03% 21.75%

EXCHANGE RATE N306.25/1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes Afreximbank, ICD Sign Deal

MEN OF TIMBER AND CALIBRE

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, GEOPLAX, Wole Ogunsanya; General Manager, Corporate Business, Sterling Bank, Gboyega Adegun; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, Ranti Omole; Managing Director, Sterling Bank, Yemi Adeola and Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Sterling Bank, Kayode Lawal, during the 2017 PETAN Oil industry Dinner and award held at Oriental Hotel, VI Lagos...recently

Report: Ineffective Metering Major Drawback to Power Sector Reform Obinna Chima Ineffective metering remains a major problem to the success of power sector reforms in Nigeria, a report has stated.

The report by Lagos-based CSL Stockbrokers Limited, noted that some consumers avoid paying for power consumed through meter bypass, while others are made to pay for what they haven’t consumed through estimated billing by the distribution companies (discos).

The report cited a new draft meter regulation proposed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which stated that electricity customers can now acquire meters under a 15-year lease facility from the discos guaranteed by third party meter providers.

It recalled that NERC had proposed a business model for the licensing of Meter Services

ENERGY Providers (MSP) who would provide for the financing, procurement, installation, maintenance and replacement of electronic prepaid meters for end-users of electricity.According to the document, customers would make payments to MSPs through the collection account of the discos or through the vending platform for all meters supplied by the providers.

According to a report published by NERC on its website, out of 7,476,856 total number of registered customers as at August 2017, only 3,451,611 (46%) were metered.

Therefore, CSL noted that, with this development, Nigerians, who previously did not pay for meters (at least on paper) would now pay for their own their meters and would

not be allowed to remove them when moving houses. “We believe NERC is going this way, as previous efforts to ensure adequate metering have all failed. “Ineffective metering remains a major drawback to the success of power sector reforms in Nigeria. “While some consumers avoid paying for power consumed through meter bypass, some other consumers are made to pay for what they haven’t consumed through estimated billing by discos. Discos have been largely unsuccessful with metering their customers,� it added. The report stressed that effective metering view would be a step ahead in solving the myriad of problems embattling the Nigerian power sector. “Though previously supposed to be unpaid for, many end customers in a bid to avoid

the bureaucracy associated with getting meters have paid N50,000-60,000 (US$138.9-166.7) to get their own meters. “If by this draft regulation, getting meters can become a seamless process and less cost heavy (as payments are to be made piecemeal over the 15year period of the lease), we believe it may enjoy some level of success,� it added.

In a related development, the Interim Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Usman Gur-Mohammed, recently revealed that the TCN recorded a new national peak electricity transmission capacity of 5,155.9 Megawatts (MW) on December 8, exceeding a previous national peak of 5074.70MW. According to him, nationwide average peak load capacity at Continued on page 24

SEC Moves to Strengthen Monitoring of Bond Proceeds Usage Goddy Egene There are strong indications that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will introduce a new strategy for reporting of the usage of proceeds of bonds raised from the nation’s capital market.

This new strategy, it was gather, will lead to better assessment and verification of judicious use of such funds.

While the capital market has been a source of capital raising, especially through bonds by federal, state governments and other corporate organisations, there have been allegations of diversion of some of those funds to other usage.

CAPITAL MARKET This development is having a negative impact on investor confidence in the market. Although SEC has a mechanism for monitoring the usage of such bond proceeds, THISDAY checks showed the capital market apex regulator is working on improving the monitoring and reporting method.

According to sources close to the commission, a new reporting template may be introduced that will include more disclosure, which will enable those tasked with the monitoring process perform better. “Given the experience of the

past where some state governments have been accused of diversion of bond proceeds, SEC is moving to reform and strengthen the monitory and reporting process. This is part of efforts to deepen the market and sustain investor confidence,� a source said.

Only recently, the federal government raised N100 billion via Sukuk that is tied to various road projects across the country. Lagos State has been a regular user of the capital market to raise bonds to fund infrastructure development.

Also, the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosu recently visited the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and

indicated the interest to access the market soon.

Speaking to journalists at the closing Gong ceremony on the Lagos floor of the NSE recently, Amosun explained that he was at the exchange to explore opportunities in the market. “The capital market isn’t a place where you just jump into, you need to prepare and I want to believe we can do better.

There are some responsibilities that come with borrowing money. So when you are in a position to not fulfill those obligations then there is crisis.

When we came in, we were doing N700 million monthly, Continued on page 24

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private sector (ICD)andtheAfricanExport-ImportBank(Afreximbank)havesigned a line of ďŹ nancing agreement for a$100-million facility.

The USD 100 million line of ďŹ nancing facility would be utilised by Afreximbank to provide Shariah-compliant ďŹ nancing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in its member countries in Africa.

A statement explained that Afreximbank has a solid pipeline of projects in the industrial, communication, technology, healthcare, construction and agricultural sectors that would be ďŹ nanced by the ICD Line of ďŹ nancing.

Speaking at the event, the CEO of ICD, Mr. Khaled Al Aboodi said: “The proposed ďŹ nancing facility is a token of a good partnership between ICD and Afreximbank, with the purpose of supporting privatesectorbusinesseswithaShariahcompliantfacilitystructure in our common African member countries.â€? “This facility will give a boost to our eort to implement our current strategy which prioritizes intra-African trade; intra –African investments and export manufacturing of the labour intensive type,â€? the Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, Mr. Amr Kamel stated. “It will also promote our knowledge in Islamic ďŹ nance and provide us with additional manoeuvring capacity in terms of product oerings to our clients.â€?

Transcorp Power Meets BPE Terms

Transcorp Power Limited has met and exceeded its terms of agreementwiththeBureauofPublicEnterprises(BPE)asmandated in 2013, a report stated.

When the Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc. took over the Ughelli Power Plant in November of 2013, it presented a strategic plan to increase the supply of power to Nigeria’s national grid to power more schools, hospitals, businesses and improve the overall standard of living. The power plant was handed over to Transcorp only after the conglomerate agreed to increase generating capacity from 160 Megawatts to 670 Megawatts in at least ďŹ ve years (Fifth yearendingDecember2018). Accordingtothereport,thePresident/ CEO,Transcorp Plc, Adim Jibunoh, recently visited the oďŹƒce of the BPE in Abuja to submit the evidence of the feat to Alex A. Okoh, the Director General, BPE. Jibunoh stated: “Transcorp will never stop emphasising how critical power generation is to the success of the Nigeria project. In line with our commitment to improving lives and transforming Nigeria, Transcorp Power Limited has shown a level of enterprise, excellence & execution that should serve as an example to all Nigerians of what we can achieve when we face a challenge with resolve.â€?

Lottery Market Gets New Investor

Nigerians are set to give their dreams a wing to y and win as TOTI Prima, a new lottery company led by experienced lottery operators, recently unveiled a dynamic lotto brand in Nigeria. The lotto brand was unveiled at a ceremony that took place recently in Lagos.The event witnessed the presence of the media, celebrities and Nigerians from all walks of life including the representatives of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the Lagos State Lotteries Board who endorsed the transparency and openness of all activities of TOTI Prima Lotto. At the occasion, the Chairman, TOTI Prima, Mario Camilleri revealed that the company had engaged in painstaking market research and strategic mapping which took about two years of planning, to come to the conclusion thatTOTI Prima should play lotto in the Nigerian market. According to him,TOTI Prima believes in Nigeria, her economy and her people.

The company sees a country where it can contribute its own quota to make the economy more robust.

He added that the company feels the energy of the people and the vast opportunity in the land for companies that are ready to bring something refreshing to the people and the economy. TOTI Prima is ready to give the people the game to y their dream, he said.

The chairman further revealed that, apart from the approval from both the Lagos State Lotteries Board and the NLRC, they also discovered that the Nigerian market is a mature economy.

“CBN will provide some form of forbearance such that if a bank lends a certain percentage of its funds to SMEs, maybe its CRR would be lower than that of other banks not embracing the initiative�

CBN Governor

Mr. Godwin EmeďŹ ele

d

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REPORT: INEFFECTIVE METERING MAJOR DRAWBACK TO POWER SECTOR REFORM the beginning of the year was about 4,000 MW. He also noted that the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP) had attracted financing for several projects from donor agencies and the completion of those projects would result in expansion of the grid transmission capacity to at least 20,000MW in four years.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is in charge of transmission – wheeling power around the grid and installing transmission lines. “It goes without saying that transmission is a critical aspect of the power value chain. The GenCos and the IPPs can ramp up available capacity closer to installed capacity; the discos can improve their distribution networks, optimise metering and improve collections efficiency; and gas supply and the gas transportation pipeline network can be made fit for (domestic) purpose.

SEC MOVES TO STRENGTHEN MONITORING OF BOND PROCEEDS USAGE we could not come here with that but now we are doing about N6- N7 billion so we can relatively come to the capital market and say this is who we are and what we have done, we are here for their support. If I come here to take money, I must pay it back.

The crisis we find ourselves in today is that we are borrowing short and spending long, it is financial chaos and that is what is happening,� he said.

According to him, now is the time, people believe in his government, stressing, “ If you come here and they look at the numbers all those boxes would be ticked straight in our favour. If I came here years back, nobody would have wanted to hear us out but we are here now and ready. Even though I have just a year to go, the governance of Ogun State is not going to end with me.

But I think with where we are now, we can take advantage and the benefits of several offerings that the NSE has and that is why I am here.�

Group Business Editor

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

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NAHCON Urged to Give Priority to Indigenous Carriers Chinedu Eze Medview Airline CEO, Muneer Bankole has condemned the policy of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) whereby it tends to favour foreign airlines in the allocation of airlift of pilgrims to the Holly Land.

He therefore called on the Commission to give priority to indigenous carriers over their foreign counterparts to create employment opportunities for Nigerians, noting that it would benefit the country and the nation’s economy to do so.

Bankole’s call is coming on heels of NAHCON awarding the lion share of the pilgrims to be airlifted to foreign operators over the years.

The CEO made the call in Abuja during the inauguration of the a 28-member Air Carriers Screening Committee for the 2018 Hajj operations.

He commended the commission for the transparency and accountability it has displayed in the handling, screening and selection of air carriers since its inception in 2006.

The screening committee, which is headed by NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Moddibo has its membership drawn from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Meteorologica Agency (NIMET}, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency

Capital Market Editor

ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?

Senior Correspondent

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

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

(NAMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB} and the Nigerian Custom Service.

Inaugurating the Committee,

the acting Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo charged them to handle the assignment diligently and with the fear of Allah.

The acting Chairman further

advised them to select qualified and competent air carriers with viable capacity that would effectively transport Nigerians pilgrims to and from the Holy Land.

Medview Airline and Medview International Travel and Cargo Ltd are among the eight airlines that applied to participate in the airlift of pilgrims for the 2018 Hajj.

WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION

L-R: CBN Deputy Governor Operations, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, presenting award “For Sustainable Transaction of The Year in Agricultureâ€? to the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Mr IďŹ e Sekibo, who was represented by the Executive Director of the bank, Mr Jude Monye at the inaugural Nigeria Sustainable Banking Award convened by the Central Bank of Nigeria, during Bankers Committee Meeting held in Lagos.. recently

Linkage Assurance Promises Better Returns to Shareholders Ebere Nwoji Linkage Assurance Plc said it has embarked on a new phase of growth that will guarantee greater returns on investment (ROI) for its shareholders.

The company at its 23rd annual general meeting held in Lagos, said this is part of strategic initiative of its new management targeted at navigating the company towards better performance and profitability even with the challenges of the current market environment.

Chairman, Board of Directors, of the company, Dr John A. Eseimokumoh , addressing shareholders at the meeting

said that Linkage is positioning to take competitive advantage of the transformation and regulatory efforts of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), which is intended to deepen insurance penetration in the economy, and provide huge growth prospect for underwriting firms.

He further said that the company, is gradually introducing affordable (or pocket friendly) retail products with superior value propositions to the insurance market via numerous business channels, especially online platforms, to increase insurance acceptability and improve perception by the teaming population.

Eseimokumoh, stated that as part of the firm’s strategic initiatives “we have developed and launched a number of retail products, including the Linkage Third Party Plus, which is a budget friendly motor insurance that provides not only the compulsory third party cover but an additional own damage protection to the tune of N250,000. This is only available from your Company Linkage Assurance Plc�. “We also have the Linkage Purple Motor Plan, an exclusive comprehensive motor insurance for women; Linkage SME Comprehensive; Citadel Shield, which provides compensation as a result of injuries

from accident for pupils and students in recognised academic establishments; Linkage Events Xclusive Insurance; Linkage Shop Insurance and the Linkage Estate Insurance.

He told shareholders that the company’s online portals would be deployed in due course. This initiative would make products and services more widespread, processed quicker, and readily available to all its customers.

Speaking, Dr. Pius Apere, Managing Director/CEO of the Company told the shareholders that this is a new era in the life of the company, assuring them that come next AGM, shareholders would be glad

they invested in Linkage. “We have repositioned the company for growth and stronger returns on investment for shareholders, and this is evidenced in our half year 2017 performance, which is already in public domain�.

Apere further assured shareholders that the Company will continue to explore new growth opportunities in the economy to increase its market share; reengineered its operations for increased efficiency via state of the art business technology to drive productivity and empowerment of its workforce in its efforts to deepen insurance penetration in the economy.

NITDA, Microsoft Partner to Boost ICT Innovation, Adoption Emma Okonji

Comms/e-Business Editor

Ă—Ă—Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă“

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Microsoft Nigeria, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Information and Communications Technology (ICT) innovation and adoption in the country.

The partnership will see both NITDA and Microsoft collaborate in ICT development and innovation in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of cloud policies, data protection

and privacy laws and data classification frameworks.

NITDA mandate is to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices in Nigeria. The Nigerian Government priorities include anti-corruption drive, security, private sector led economic growth and job creation, youth training and skills development.

Technology will be at the heart of driving and building a digital

economy which will bring these priorities to fruition.

Speaking on the collaboration, NITDA’s Director-General/CEO, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Microsoft; as regulators, our mandate is to create the right policies that foster innovation and help build a robust digital economy. Nigeria is a forward-thinking economy and one which is ready to compete in the 4th industrial revolution by having policies which drive growth and encourage investments.�

He further added, “This is a positive move towards digitalisation of government processes and provides a tremendous opportunity to scale up citizen’s access to services and concurrently improve the quality of services.�

The General Manager Microsoft Nigeria, Akin Banuso said: ‘‘We are excited to collaborate with NITDA. Microsoft is committed to providing technology you can trust; we have been actively involved in discussions with governments around the world to digitally transform and

are also frequently asked by governments to identify best practices for moving to the cloud; we are honoured to be able to work with the Nigerian government on this framework.�

According to him, the collaboration would aim to foster detailed discussions of recent regulatory and policy development, including global best practices, to create cloud regulatory frameworks appropriate for driving innovation and improve how the public sector operates and delivers citizen services.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Intels Showers Gifts, Cash on Less Privileged Children Top management of Intels Nigeria Limited were guests to the children of Compassion Centre, Nkpogu Village in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently as they hosted the children and staff of the centre to a lavish Christmas party and donated several gift items and cash to the home.

Intels also donated loads of gifts to the children and cash to the home, which was established and managed by the Religious Sisters of Charity.

The Compassion Centre has a simple and selfless vision: to educate and rehabilitate physically challenged children according to the needs of each individual.

Director of Intels Nigeria Limited, Mr. Silvano Bellinato, who led staff of the company to the centre to celebrate Christmas with the

children, said the gesture was to demonstrate the company’s belief that “physical challenge should not stop anyone from enjoying full and happy life�. “Intels is a highly responsible company. We believe strongly in giving back to the society as has been demonstrated through our unique CSR and community support initiatives.

We are particularly happy for the opportunity to support the Compassion Centre and put smiles on the faces of the children,� he said.

Bellinato said Intels has been in the forefront of providing charitable support to organisations that cater for the needy in the society.

He said in the past, Intels had refurbished four dormitories, the computer room and the administrative block of the Compassion Centre even as it provided computers for

use of the children and staff.

Intels has also donated wheelchairs, provided and still provides scholarships and sponsors corrective surgical operation for as many of the children as may need it.

Medical Coordinator of the Centre, Sister Pauline Butler, who led other members of staff to receive the Intels team, commended the company for its numerous support to the Centre.

She said Intels has contributed in no small measure to the well-being and happiness of the children.

According to her, for several years, Intels has been in the forefront of ensuring that children of the Compassion Centre are supported and empowered to realise their full potentials and contribute meaningfully to the development of the society.

Newly Appointed NAHCO Boss Meets Stakeholders Chinedu Eze The Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO), Mr. Idris Yakubu, has visited key aviation regulators and stakeholders promising he would continue the synergy between operators and service providers to ensure seamless passenger and cargo facilitation.

Yakubu’s first point of call was the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) where he met with the Director – General, Capt. Muhtar Usman who urged the company boss to continue to abide by the rules.

Muhtar expressed satisfaction with the way NAHCO had been conducting business around the airports and hoped other operators would emulate the company.

On hand to receive Yakubu alongside the Director General were the Director of Finance and Accounts, Hajia Bilkisu Adamu Sani and the Director of

Operations and Training, Capt Abdullahi Maikano Sidi.

On his first visit to the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) since assuming the mantle of leadership at NAHCO, Mr. Yakubu was received by FAAN’s Managing Director, represented by its Director of Commercial and Business Development, Mr. Abdukadir Rafindadi, and the Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA), Mrs. Nike Aboderin.

The NAHCO boss said the visit afforded him the opportunity to come and say thank you to FAAN, whom he described as NAHCO’s “landlord� for its support to the company. He pledged to sustain and improve on the cordial relationship existing between FAAN and NAHCO adding that NAHCO was a part of FAAN before its excision and eventual privatisation.

Yakubu stated that he was

positive that the present cordial relationship that exists between the two organisations would be further deepened in a way that value would be added to the two major aviation industry players.

The representative of the Managing Director, Rafindadi, said: “NAHCO remains one of the best partners of FAAN� even as he urged NAHCO to continue to maintain its high level of service delivery.

He described the relationship between FAAN and NAHCO as a win – win situation and expressed the hope that the two organisations will continue to work together.

Aboderinon on her part observed that FAAN does not have any issue with NAHCO which she described as one of the major partners of the Authority in the industry. She commended NAHCO for the way it has been conducting its business at the Airport.

Group Organises Customer Appreciation Forum Vine Morris Links Limited, the Nigeria Partner and Distributor of Dorco Company Limited, Korea and key Distributors and dealers of Vine Morris (Dorco) in the country has organised its 2017 customer appreciation forum recently in Lagos.

Declaring the event open, the Chairman, Vine Morris Links Limited, Chief Obiwulu Obiora, expressed appreciation to the Almighty God for His infinite mercies and grace, while commending the brand distributors for their unflinching loyalty and customers for their patronage, adding that in period such as this when many brands and competition are flooding the market (both internal and external), “while some are slowly fizzling out of circulation due to economic indices experienced in the year.�

Obiora further commended the company’s staff for their

steadfastness and application of survival strategies that gave the company and its brand a resounding successful business year, while also commending its foreign partner, Dorco Company Limited, Korea, on whose wings he noted the company has been flying for all years and “the various government agencies for their unwavering support as the company drove through the year to a successful destination.�

The group in a statement added: “Highlights of the event included cash gifts for various categories of staff including a CAR gift for the overall most outstanding performing staff, which was the “Business Development Manager.� “The climax of the event was witnessed with the Dorco Xmas Customer Appreciation Promo 2017, which came alive with lots of prizes, with different distributors presented with

winning prizes according to their performance and category, as well as awards were lavished on virtually all the distributors from every part of the country who were present at the cozy venue. “Prizes won were chest freezers, split air conditioners, plasma television, generators, gas cookers and LG Home theatre sets, standing fans. In addition to these prizes won, cash gifts of N500,000 ($1,639.34) was given to 10 outstanding customers with a plague as motivation and appreciation for the patronage and loyalty for the business year 2017. “While the overall ‘most valuable customer’ which purchases for the year 2017 from Vine Morris Dorco was more than 3,000 cartons still counting.

Based on his performance and patronage, he won the Star Prize (Hyundai Accent car).�

ELEVATING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Marie-Therese Phido

You Too Can Be Significant in 2018 One Aha! Moment I had when I started to run my business and give of myself is the fact that you have a stronger opportunity to achieve significance for yourself when you work for yourself and give of yourself than when you work for a big employer or establishment because of the control you have. However, you can achieve significance wherever you are – whether as an employee or an employer of labour.

When I came out of my ivory tower, I began to see that there was a whole big world out there, I had not explored. I also came to the realization that a lot of people were making significant impact with their talent and time by giving and achieving great results in their significance journeys.

Please do not get me wrong, it is great to work for a big organization and many people have achieved significance working in big organizations as they grow into and succeed in their careers. These organizations play a pivotal role in our lives as they help in giving financial stability as you start out in life. You get to understand structure, working with people and teams, learn new concepts and theories to apply in your area of specialization, and contribute to the overall mandate of the organization in order to take the organization to the next level.

The only snag here, is that we usually forget and subsume ourselves when we work for these organizations because we do not know that we can also think about building ourselves up in all ramifications separate from the organization as we work in these organizations.

If you are reading this and saying that’s me, because that was me too, then this article is for you. If this is for you, you need to take action. Start by looking at the lives of people who have achieved significance, they did not stumble upon significance they were intentional about making their lives matter.

Soren Kierkegaard said, “to dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneselfâ€?. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the worldâ€? and Steve Jobs, the ultimate disrupter said, “here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers, The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently‌.Because people who think they are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.â€?

As indicated above, the number one

Please do not get me wrong, it is great UP XPSL GPS B CJH organization and many people have achieved signiďŹ cance working JO CJH PSHBOJ[BUJPOT as they grow into and succeed in their careers

catalyst to achieving significance is to take action. Jim Rohn said, “One of the best places to start to turn your life around is by doing whatever appears in your “I should list�. John Maxwell said, “every time we choose action over ease we develop an increasing level of self-worth, self-respect and self-confidence. In the final analysis, it is often how we feel about ourselves that provides the greatest reward from any activity. In life it is not what we get that makes us valuable. It is what we become in the process that brings value to our lives.

Action is what converts human dreams into significance. It brings personal value that we can gain from no other source.�

Living a life of significance will help you find your voice, develop your character and achieve fulfilment. I am on this journey and I know you can too. Joshua Becker, in his article “Stop Chasing Success. Seek Significance�, gave these correlations on success and significance.

Seeking success alone, which is very good, without weaving in significance can be detrimental to our significance journey because of its inherent limitations: t 4VDDFTT FCCT BOE GMPXT XJUI UIF economy: As recent years have proven, financial success is always at the mercy of a national economy and increasingly, a world economy. When the economy takes a downturn (as it always does), so does net worth. t 4VDDFTT FOET PO UIF EBZ ZPV EJF On the day you die, all wealth and possessions will be immediately transferred to someone else. And even if you get to pick where they go, the reality is that person is always someone other than you. t 4VDDFTT JT OFWFS FOPVHI Financial success will never satisfy the inner most desires of our soul. No matter the amount of financial success earned, it always leaves us wanting more.

On the other hand, compare the advantages of significance: Significance always lasts: Significance will always outlast you. Even when you are no longer present, your significance will still be yours. And nothing can ever take that away from you.

Significance carries on: Significance keeps on giving. When you positively change the life of another human being‌ and that person changes the life of another‌ who impacts the life of another‌ who influences another.

Significance satisfies our soul: While the thirst for success is never quenched, significance satisfies our deepest heart and soul Don’t waste your potential in life, success is very good and should be at the forefront of what we do. But, remember to also seek significance: realize life won’t last forever, live a life worth copying, find an interest outside your job, realize that significance is not always dependent on financial success, read the biography of people who sought significance and start to mould your own story of significance.

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

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Who Gets 9mobile As foreign and local firms jostle to acquire 9mobile, Chika Amanze-Nwachuku and Raheem Akingbolu examine the strengths and weaknesses of the top contenders

Globacom, Chairman, Mike Adenuga

In June this year, the media was awash with reports that Etisalat Nigeria (now 9mobile) would be taken over by a consortium of banks following its default on a loan repayment scheme of $1.2 billion due the local banks.

Etisalat as it then was had cited the economic downturn and its effect on the naira as the reason for its default in servicing the loan.

The crisis forced the Abu Dhabi’s Etisalat, which held a 45 per cent stake in the firm to terminate its management agreement with its Nigerian arm after talks with its lenders to renegotiate the loan failed.

However, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) intervention saved the company from collapse and prevented its creditors from putting it into receivership. The development also led to a change in its board and management, as well as the new brand name-9mobile.

Though the brand has since moved on, it is still like a one legged man, who needs crutches for support, hence the need for a new investor to revitalise the ailing firm.

In October, 16 firms had submitted expressions of interest (EoIs) to Barclays, which has the mandate to handle the sale of 9mobile, after Citigroup and Standard Bank, previously in the running for the role, were dropped.

Five Firms Shortlisted Already, five firms have been prequalified for the next stage by Barclays. The five entities are telecom giant, Globacom; Airtel, Smile Communications, Helios, and Teleology Holdings Limited.

The Executive Vice-Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta confirmed the emergence of the five firms at the 82nd edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament in Abuja recently.

He said that the five shortlisted firms for 9mobile have been allowed to access the firm’s data room to enable them access its financial situation and subsequently make bids for its takeover.

Danbatta also gave a firm assurance that due diligence would be carried out on the financial and technical capacity of any potential bidder, adding, “In the final analysis, we will like to see a 9Mobile taken over by a bidder who has the financial and technical capacity to improve on the operations of the telco and add value in delivery of qualitative telecom services in the country.�

Grandmasters of data, Globacom Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s second largest network operator was founded in 2003 by business mogul, Chief Michael Adenuga; India’s Bharti Airtel, operating as Airtel in Nigeria; Smile Telecoms Holdings, is a Pan-African telecommunications group with operations in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda; Helios Towers was the former owner and operator of the largest telecoms tower network in Nigeria and other countries, before

Airtel CEO, Segun Ogunsanya

operator who owns cutting-edge infrastructure including towers, generators, MSC and datacenter buildings and does not owe anyone for its assets on which the network is running. “Glo has a robust Fiber network with huge capacity spreading across the whole land mass of Nigeria connecting all major towns to carry the traffic.

It is the only private operator in Nigeria that fully owns Submarine cable connecting Nigeria to Europe and the Americas and from there to the rest of the world. “Besides, Globacom has the most experienced and competent workforce with years of experience in managing the complexities of rollout, integration and operation of a multivendor network with its own employee unlike others who rely on managed services.�

According to him, with this huge strength and capacity, Globacom has demonstrated that it is strategically positioned to acquire 9mobile and give its operation a facelift in terms of infrastructural investment, capacity and increase its reach to its customers in Nigeria.

SMILE CEO, Godfrey Efeurhobo

it sold its Nigerian infrastructure to HIS and Teleology Holdings Limited, a special purpose vehicle led by a former chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Adian Wood, and Ericsson.

According to THISDAY investigation, promoters of the various brands are currently working round the clock to take over ownership of 9mobile. The winner will eventually get the nod to own the fourth largest telecom operator in Africa’s most populous country.

Strengths and weaknesses Considering the credentials of the various firms that have been shortlisted in the race to acquire the brand, they all look good given their business heritage. However industry experts argue that beyond their financial status, many other things need to be considered to give the 9mobile brand a seamless transition. In line with this, industry analysts have suggested that for the exercise to be perfect, technical and infrastructural strengths should be considered in the deal to sustain the tempo of the telecom company in the market.

The company that has technical experience and infrastructural support to push the brand should be the choice, analysts said.

Interestingly, one of the shortlisted firms, Globacom appears to have both the technical and financial muscle to revamp 9mobile and imbue a new life into its business existence once again. “From any angle one chooses to look at it, Globacom is the only network among other contenders that appears to be most equipped in terms of infrastructure to rebuild the capacity of 9mobile that will lead to its sustainability in providing telecom services to the Nigerian

people�, said an industry expert.

Another analyst, Mr. Fadare Adekanmi, said the fact that the promoters of the Glo brand have firm understanding of the market will be an advantage. ‘’Two things will make it easy for Globacom to take 9mobile through the market strongly. One is market understanding that is inherent in the patriotic seal of Mike Adenuga and his team.

The other is technical knowhow, which enabled the company to change the game few years ago, when the then giants in the market insisted that per second billing was a tall dream. “I’m also aware that almost all the telecoms operators in the country are indebted to banks. Globacom appears not to be in the same boat. It is not known to be indebted to any banks and the company is running its operations smoothly without financials constraints.�

4G Network Adekanmi also argued that Glo is better poised to bring in the wireless Broadband revolution faster and to a larger cross-section of the Nigerian population because it already has the biggest 4G network covering the major cities in 700 Mhz band unlike any other operator in Nigeria.

He added: “Much as I will like any qualified firm to acquire the business, I still believe that Globacom as the Second National Career licence holder, which enables it to have fixed line, broadband, mobile telecommunication platforms, will be able to build the brand.

Glo’s operation is boosted by its submarine cable from Europe which is laid across the length and breadth of Nigeria. Glo is the only

9mobile at a Glance At a time many people thought the telecommunications market had lost any room for expansion, Etisalat (now 9mobile) entered in 2008 as the fourth GSM operator with a promise that it would change the game.

Of course, not a few analysts dismissed the promise as a dream of an ambitious brand.

But to the promoters of the brand, who stated from day one that they had done enough market research before coming in, the brand promise turned out not to be a mere fluke.

Though the brand was left with very slim or no chance of survival, considering that the bulk of the high net worth and discerning subscribers at the heart of the market at that time already had at least one or two GSM network lines, but through articulated campaigns and exciting products, Etisalat quickly hit the ground running and became a brand to reckon with.

Deliberate and strategic brand differentiation, therefore, became necessary for Etisalat, as it’s stating the obvious that the network was contending with the challenges of being the fourth entrant. Thankfully, the telecommunication company got the message by creating innovative carrots to eat into the market share of existing operators. This share had given the early movers advantage through an undeniable seven-year head start. Also, the brand leveraged on the crest of innovation, youth and customer friendliness to build a strong equity.

Today, 9mobile, as is now known, has an impressive customer base of more than 21 million.

It is also reputed for its generous freebies as well as for its relatively good internet services.

It has won several awards based on quality of service indices and excellent customer service.

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Fuel Crisis Erodes Gains of 2017 Despite the modest achievements recorded in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry in 2017, the current nationwide petrol scarcity, the first fuel crisis in Nigeria since last year’s upward review of the petrol price, has dealt a great blow to the sector. Ejiofor Alike reports Nigeria’s oil and gas industry unarguably recorded modest achievements in 2017, with a raft of measures initiated by the present administration to reposition the industry.

Top on the list of the accomplishments was the steady rise of the country’s crude oil output since the beginning of 2017, following deliberate and constructive engagements with all the agitating groups in the Niger Delta by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

Before the recovery of the country’s crude production in 2017, the daily output had dropped below 1.4 million barrels per day at a point in 2016 as a result of militant attacks on oil facilities.

The disruption of the country’s production had prompted the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to exempt the country from the cartel’s production cut when the output deal was sealed in November 2016.

The cartel had in its latest meeting on November 30, 2017 agreed to extend the oil output cuts until the end of 2018 as part of the global efforts to eliminate excess oil supply in the international market.

With the improvement recorded in Nigeria’s production in 2017, OPEC had also decided to cap the output of Nigeria at 2017 production levels without deciding on figures.

Earlier in their July 25, 2017 meeting, OPEC and non-OPEC producers, led by Russia had approved the decision of the federal government to cap Nigeria’s oil production at a sustainable volume of 1.8 million barrels per day (mbpd).

However, despite the rise in the country’s output to 1.8 million bpd in August 2017, the producers after a meeting in Vienna, Austria, on September 22, 2017, still extended Nigeria’s exemption from crude oil production cut.

Kachikwu had admitted at the September 22 meeting that even though Nigeria hit 1.802 million barrels per day in the month of August 2017, the improvement was not enough justification for a call by some countries for Nigeria to be brought into the fold.

Today, Nigeria’s crude oil production is already above 2 million barrels per day, including large volumes of condensates, which are in high demand by foreign refineries but are not included in OPEC cut.

As the country’s production was recovering in 2017, it was a double blessing for the country as oil prices were also recovering as a result of the OPEC and non-OPEC output deal, which stabilised the prices above $60 per barrel, from the $27 per barrel in January 2016.

Year-end petrol scarcity Despite the giant strides recorded in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry in 2017, the year ended on a sad note as petrol scarcity, the first fuel crisis since May 11, 2016 when the federal government increased petrol price, inflicted pains on Nigerians, potentially eroding the gains recorded in the sector during the year under review.

Before the crisis, the May 11, 2016 price review had stabilised fuel supply as queues disappeared from filling stations following the renewed capacity of private marketers to import petrol and break even with the new pump price, especially as the price of crude was around $40 when the new price regime took effect.

However, the challenges of accessing forex, coupled with the rising cost of crude to about $60 per barrel, led to high cost of petrol, which made it difficult for marketers to import and sell at N145. With the high cost of petrol in the international market, the private marketers started to rely on NNPC for supply, a development, which led to huge supply gaps.

NNPC’s efforts to bridge the supply gaps became unsustainable, resulting to a threat issued by the Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to shut down over 900 filling stations in Lagos and Ogun stations by December 11. IPMAN had promised to carry out the threat if the NNPC continued to undersupply petrol to its members.

IPMAN argued that with undersupply from the NNPC, its members source for products from the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association

Passage of reform bill However, despite the petrol scarcity that marred the end of the year, another gain recorded in 2017 was the passage of one of the petroleum industry reform bills - the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), by the Senate in May 2017, after the failure of the previous administrations to consolidate all the existing legislations in the petroleum sector in the form of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and pass it into one law, The PIGB, when concurred to by the House of Representatives and assented to by the president, would institute a new governance structure in the management of the nation’s oil industry assets and its manager, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

The Senate had promised that it would pass the remaining versions of the petroleum reform bills - Petroleum Industry Administration Bill (PIAB); Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill (PIFB); and Petroleum Host Community Bill (PHCB) within the first quarter of 2018.

Ibe Kachikwu

(DAPMA), which allegedly buys at N117 per litre from the NNPC and resells to IPMAN members at N141 per litre.

Though IPMAN did not implement the threat, the country was hit by petrol scarcity as the supply gap widened.

Despite NNPC’s claims that the country has enough petrol, only a handful of the 28 active depots in Lagos have regular stock of petrol during this crisis period.

Having failed to bridge the supply gap arising from the inability of the private marketers to import petrol, the federal government and the NNPC have resorted to blame game, accusing the marketers of hoarding petrol in anticipation of official increase in price.

Rather than blame the undersupply and the role of his association for the crisis, the President of PENGASSAN, Mr. Francis Johnson had also reportedly accused the marketers of causing the crisis by hoarding and diverting products in a bid to push for an increase in the price of the commodity.

PENGASSAN had contributed to the fuel crisis as a planned strike by these senior oil workers, also exacerbated the fuel supply situation by fueling panic buying by motorists.

PENGASSAN had on December 7 announced its intention to embark on strike due to what it described as “unfair labour practices� and the “seemingly untameable posture� of some indigenous oil and gas companies, including Neconde Energy and marginal field operators by the relevant agencies of government.

However, the strike was suspended following the intervention of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr. Chris Ngige; and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

Even the ruling party - All progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend joined the fray, claiming that there was no scarcity of petrol in the country.

According to a statement reportedly released on its Twitter page, some marketers are hoarding products in order to cause artificial scarcity and panic buying. But the results of the surveillance mounted by the DPR on the depots showed that most of the 28 depots are dry, contrary to the claims by the government that the depot owners are responsible for the crisis.

As part of the efforts to curb the alleged illegal activities of the marketers, the regulatory agency has since unveiled a new set of strict sanctions for marketers that hoard petrol and sell above the official prices. But no depot has been sanctioned as most of them are dry and cannot be accused of hoarding. Instead of hoarding as widely alleged, a handful of private depots that have stock of petrol have jerked the ex-depot price and this is

where the marketers and the regulatory agency have worsened the crisis.

After buying at exorbitant ex-depot price, the retail outlets are also selling above the N145 pump price.

Regulatory lapses The inability of DPR to effectively enforce official prices in the few depots and filling stations that have petrol has worsened the crisis with prices hitting the roof tops.

Investigation revealed that some depots were selling petrol at N146 per litre at the depots, against the federal government’s ex-depot price of N133.28.

With this high ex-depot price, filling stations have also since jerked the pump price, while the few that are still selling at the official price, has adjusted their meters to shortchange customers This is a serious indictment of both the regulatory agency that regulates the price, and the NNPC, which supplies the marketers with product.

THISDAY gathered that marketers actually buy from the NNPC at official ex-depot price but are also made to pay huge bribes to the NNPC officials before they could access NNPC product at official price.

To recoup the bribes paid to NNPC, the marketers resort to selling above the official prices at their depots and retail outlets. With effective regulations, it is expected that the NNPC and the marketers must sell at official prices even if the product is available in only one depot and one filling station in the country.

Even before the current crisis started, the regulator had concentrated its oversight on the retail outlets in Abuja, Lagos and other major cities, leaving the independent marketers in majority of the states and hinterland to sell petrol above the N145 pump price.

Failed promises on reďŹ neries The country also recorded failed promises in refineries after the government’s repeated promises to revamp the refineries remained unfulfilled promises.

The issue of revamping the refineries to boost Nigeria’s local refining capacity and make the country less dependent on petrol importation has remained a mirage.

Kachikwu had in September 2015, as the then Group Managing Director of NNPC, given a 90-day ultimatum to the Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), to commence full production at 125,000 barrels per day.

However, exactly 27 months after the expiration of the ultimatum, the poor performance of the country’s refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna have forced the country to depend solely on imported petroleum products.

Nigeria’s exit from JV cash calls Nigeria’s successful negotiation of cash call exit policy was another accomplishment in 2017, which has potentially restored the upward trajectory of the country’s oil and gas sector, previously retarded by chronic funding shortages.

With this achievement, the country’s attainment of the 4 million barrels per day production and 40 billion barrels of reserves targets by 2020, subject to the successful resolution of the security challenges in the Niger Delta, is achievable.

Before the country’s exit from the JV funding regime, the federal government, through the NNPC had over the years, demonstrated lack of financial capacity to provide its cash calls to fund joint venture projects.

Poor funding led to declining production in the JV assets, while production from projects under the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) arrangement, which are solely funded by the IOCs, was rising.

The country’s efforts to resolve the funding challenges paid off in 2017 with the successful signing of the cash call exit agreement between the NNPC and the IOCs. At the end of the negotiation, the IOCs agreed to be paid their accumulated arrears up to December 2015, over the period of about five years.

New policies on oil and gas During the year under review, the federal government also developed separate policies for oil and gas.

To curb the challenges that hamper the development of the country’s gas resources to boost power generation, the federal government had also developed a National Gas Policy to encourage new investments for gas development.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) at a meeting presided over by Osinbajo then in his capacity as the Acting President, had on June 28, 2017, approved the National Gas Policy, following a presentation by Kachikwu.

The new gas policy document seeks to pursue the policy goals of the federal government for the gas sector as presented in the Seven Big Wins developed by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the National Economic Recovery & Growth Plan (ERGP 2017 – 2020).

The policy, which intends to remove the barriers affecting investment and development of the sector, also sets an implementation plan for the introduction of an appropriate institutional, legal, regulatory and commercial framework for the gas sector. FEC also approved a new Petroleum Policy during the year under review.

The new policy seeks to restructure the Nigerian Petroleum Investment Management Services Limited (NAPIMS), an arm of NNPC, and strip it of its responsibility of regulating costing of projects. By this new policy, projects costing will be done by an independent regulator, which will emerge from the restructuring of DPR. NAPIMS will be a pure asset management agency while cost regulation would reside with the sector regulator.

The National Petroleum Policy awaits gazetting by the federal government.

T o a p v w d r i

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Renewed Focus on Agriculture in 2017 Amid low oil prices and the recession, the federal, state governments and private sector investors in 2017 turned to agriculture, Jonathan Eze writes For over four decades, the Nigerian economy mostly depended on proceeds from the sale of crude oil. This was at the expense of other sectors such as solid minerals and agriculture that hitherto, contributed significantly to the economy of Nigeria.

Even though there had been history of clamours for diversification of the economy, it was only during the recent recession that struck the nation that stakeholders focused on reviving the non-oil sector which helped in a large way in the fair recovery that re-bounced the economy. Now, as the curtain of 2017 falls, there should be a renewed passion and interest to invest more and heavily in Agriculture.

It has been reported that Nigeria has 75 per cent of its land suitable for agriculture, but only 40% is cultivated. That indicates there is much room for the county to focus on. This addresses the food security and agriculture component of their plan along with the focus on employment for all.

However, to move forward, the country must increase the low productivity of current agricultural companies, engage competition within the agricultural sector, develop domestic policies and increase funding.

In terms of the 20-20-20 plan for agriculture, growth promotion is the first goal. There are also goals in the areas of livelihoods improvement, sustainable development and policy and institutional reforms. This involves conducting agricultural surveys, and establishing smallholder fattening schemes for livestock. It also includes the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructures and expansion of those structures as well. There is also a call for a capacity community farm center; there should also be a plan for increasing the effectiveness of fish hatcheries by establishing parent stock programmes and vaccination programmes for livestock.

There should be a revision of the guaranteed minimum price system for crops and livestock; as well there will also be government training for new agricultural workers.

According to Omorogbe Omorogiuwa of the Nigerian American University, one component in determining how to use agriculture to improve economics in Nigeria is to evaluate the historical efforts in terms of agriculture that Nigeria has engaged in since its independence. “This will ensure that the country does not repeat past mistakes. In addition, this evidence will demonstrate whether or not it is feasible for agriculture to be a primary factor in Nigerian economic development. Along with historical factors, there must be an evaluation of both internal and external factors that could impact the Nigerian agriculture market. In addition, it is important to identify the strategies needed to enhance economic growth through the use of agriculture.

Nigeria is fortunate to have an abundance of fertile soil along with a climate suitable for agriculture. There is also a supply of human resources that could benefit from having the agricultural sector to work in. As stated above, Nigeria can join the league of economically developed nations by focusing on the improvement of its agricultural sector.�

He added that a recent group study examined the effect of other channels of growth on the decrease in poverty and the overall growth rate in six low-income countries of Africa, noting that the findings of that research can be applicable to Nigeria as well. “According to the study, industrial growth is less effective in reducing poverty than agricultural growth because a major percentage of the population (about 70%) live in rural areas. “The agricultural sector is favourable as it allows greater employment opportunities for the poor. Even though the industrial sector is important for boosting the economy, it failed to create sufficient employment opportunities for the poor and unskilled workers.�

In 2018, investors and governments should focus on developing the following areas: Cocoa Nigeria should see a bumper cocoa harvest

Audu Ogbeh

in the coming season as late rains have helped boost pod production.

President of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) Sayina Riman, expects output for the new season to hit between 300,000 tonnes and 320,000 tonnes, up sharply from the season just ended which was blighted by poor weather.

The cocoa season in Nigeria, the world’s fourth biggest producer, runs from October to September, with an October-to-February main crop and a smaller light or mid-crop that begins in April or May and runs through September.

The 2016/17 season started at a slow pace after drought cut the mid-crop harvest by 40 per cent. Output for that season was estimated to reach 260,000 tonnes, Riman said, lower than a revised forecast of 280,000 tonnes and down from 340,000 tonnes forecast at the start of the season. “We have late rains which has affected production. We are hoping that from the first week of October, we should be talking of increased yield,�.

The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO), however, gives much lower estimates of Nigerian cocoa output. It forecast last season’s production at 220,000 tonnes.

Riman did not give a reason for the discrepancy.

Nigerian government production figures are also significantly higher than ICCO estimates. “We are looking at new plantations ... rehabilitation of old farms, the level of youth coming into farming and the recovery rate of abandoned farms,� he said.

World cocoa prices have declined by a third

Nigeria is fortunate to have an abundance of fertile soil along with a climate suitable for agriculture. There is also a supply of human resources that could beneďŹ t from having the agricultural sector to work in

in the last year amid a global supply glut after record production from top growers Ivory Coast and Ghana. ICCO predicts a global surplus of 371,000 tonnes for 2016/17.

Cocoa trees need a delicate balance of rainy and dry weather. Too little rain and they wither; too much and they become susceptible to insects or fungal black pod disease. Beans can also go mouldy if small farmers are unable to dry them outside.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the global efforts to turn cocoa beans farming into an economically-viable venture.

To this end, the country has joined the sustainable and traceable cocoa farming team. It participated with other cocoa producing nations at the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Technical Committee meetings held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Present at the meeting on “Sustainable and Traceable Cocoa� were Chairman, National Mirror Committee on Cocoa, Mr. Shamsideen Olusegun Aroyeun from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN); Margaret Eshiett; Abdulkadir Jelani Abubakar, and Benjamin Grace all of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); and Jayeloa Olayinka of CRIN. According to Eshiett, who led the Nigerian delegation to the meeting, ISO members have been instrumental in the development of the current draft ISO 34101 series of standards in sustainable and traceable cocoa beans.

She stated that the draft ISO 34101 series of standards was aimed at specifying requirements for a management system for the farming of cocoa beans, making production more sustainable.

The SON Lead Delegate added that the draft standard features a dynamic farm development plan, using a stepwise approach to improve the economic, social and environmental impact in the coca value chain.

The series, according to her, will help support the professionalism of cocoa farming around the world and support cocoa farmers to produce sustainably.

She further stated that when work is completed on the standards, the use of the ISO 13401 series of standards will have valuable impact on the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their families.

She said it will help them transform their farms

into economically viable businesses.

Poultry Farming: According to Gboyega Adewole, the Coordinator of Natnudo broiler project, opportunities in the broiler market are substantial and all we need to do is to take a closer look at the value chain. “Take for example, the feed mills. If we are allowed to produce the 1.5 million tonnes of chickens consumed locally, the feed mills will have to supply about N700bn worth of feed, the hatchery N145billion worth of day old chicks (DOCs) and the animal pharmaceutical industry will have to deliver drugs and vaccines worth about N45 – N55 billion-naira. “Those numbers that I have given you put together is about N900 billion. And that is just on the input side of the business but 70% of that money is not allowed to be made in our system because of the imported chickens blocking the flow. Ideally, Nigeria has enough poultry farmers who are ready to breed broilers because they have the space and the farm but because of this constraint, nobody is willing to fully exploit that market.

He added that from available statistics, Nigeria consumes about 1.5 million tonnes of chicken annually but Nigeria produces only 30% of that.

It is not that we do not have the capacity to produce 100% of what we consume, it is just that 70% of the chickens that we consume are imported (smuggled). Some people call them ‘cadaver’ chickens because of the long and poor storage process that they must go through before they get into the country. “This is basically one of the biggest challenges confronting the broiler market in Nigeria. So, from an economic perspective, it’s affecting all the stakeholders in the value chain, namely: farmers, farm workers, transporters, input suppliers (feed, DOC,), laboratories, extension officers, veterinary doctors, financial service providers, processing plants etc. 1.5 million metric tonnes of chicken is 1.5 billion kilograms of chicken. The average breast chicken is 1.4 kg so that gives us 1, 071,428,000. That is the amount of chicken that we consume every year.

There are several areas of farming that can boost the economy if deliberate and conscious efforts are made to invest and revive them in the new year.

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ANALYSIS

Tough Year for Industry The manufacturing sector witnessed monumental losses arising from the economic downturn, the challenges of foreign exchange scarcity, and epileptic power supply, among others. Yet, at the tail end of the year, there was a seeming recovery. Jonathan Eze reports Nigeria’s manufacturing sector performed dismally in 2017 as manufacturers faced challenges which affected them negatively.

The business environment was plagued by epileptic power supply, bad roads, high interest rate and high cost of energy which contributed to high cost of production and impediment to competitiveness of the sector.

Operators said that the sector was faced with myriads of challenges ranging from scarcity of foreign exchange, infrastructure deficit, high banking charges and lack of raw materials.

About 272 firms were shut, while some reduced their production, staff strength and remuneration of workers.

The President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Frank Jacob, said that industrial capacity utilisation hovered around 20 per cent during the year. “More than half of the surviving firms are classified as ailing which posed serious threat to the survival of the manufacturing sector.

A major challenge was the acute scarcity of foreign exchange which restricted the ability of manufacturers to import raw materials for production.

The apex bank had earlier maintained an official exchange rate with the bound of N197 to N199/ USD from February 2015 to June 2016.

To address the problem of foreign exchange scarcity, the CBN introduced a new foreign exchange system and some monetary controls in 2016 and 2017.

Under the new flexible exchange rate system, the naira exchange rate to the dollar depreciated to the average of N320 in the official market and N485 in the parallel market during the year.

The CBN also banned 41 raw materials from getting foreign exchange for importation at the official segment of the foreign exchange market.

MAN, however, said that the new foreign exchange system worsened the plight of manufacturers as it led to a cumulative loss of N500 billion for manufacturers.

To further address the foreign exchange crisis, the CBN, directed banks to allocate 60 per cent of their foreign exchange sales to manufacturers for procurement of raw materials, plants and machineries.

In spite of this directive, the problem of foreign exchange scarcity persisted.

Director-General, Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association (NTMA) Hamma Kwajaffa, said that the textile industry nearly went into extinction due to inability to access foreign exchange for critical raw materials.

Kwajaffa said that no textile manufacturer had accessed foreign exchange in spite the $660 million earmarked for manufacturers at the official interbank market.

The Managing Director, May and Baker, Nnamdi Okafor, told the visiting Minister of Trade, Industry and investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, that the inability of manufacturers to access foreign exchange through the interbank affected industrial production and contributed to inflation. “It has been a herculean task running any business in Nigeria, especially import-dependent manufacturing business. “I can confirm to you that as a company, we have not been able to access official forex allocation in the past six months. “In fact, some of the letters of credit we opened as far back as the fourth quarter of 2015 have not been funded by the banks. “Consequently, we incurred huge exchange rate losses in 2016 and these will likely impact on bottom-line at the end of the year,� Okafor said.

Erisco Foods Limited, an indigenous tomato paste manufacturer, relocated its 150 million dollars tomato paste processing plant to China due to the same problem.

Erisco Foods had a production capacity of 450,000 metric tonnes of tomato paste annually and had 22 brands with over 2,000 workers in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer, Erisco Foods, Eric Umeofia, said that the company relocated to friendlier business environment since it lost over N3.5 billion in Nigeria.

On his part, the Director-General, Lagos Chamber

Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah.

of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Muda Yusuf, said the inability of manufacturers to access foreign exchange at the interbank market impeded growth in the real sector.

He urged the federal government to ensure more liquidity in the foreign exchange market to restore investors’ confidence in the economy.

Industry experts also urged the CBN to review its policy on the 41 items restricted from the official foreign exchange market as it had stifled production and forced many firms out of business.

They urged the apex bank to redirect its policies towards stimulating the economy rather than tightening money supply.

They said that monetary and fiscal policies should be coordinated for economic revival and growth.

The experts also called for review of some monetary and fiscal policies that had hindered the growth of the manufacturing sector.

However, there were ray of hopes for the sector in 2017 as indicated by the PMI. Some of the challenges were surmounted with deliberate government policies like the Ease of Doing Business Bill among others.

Power infrastructure was also a major challenge facing Nigeria’s economy, even as privatisation of the power sector is yet to yield the desired result to resolve perennial electricity shortage in the country.

Currently, the power generation capacity is very low, which is quite insufficient for a population of over 180million. To further improve power supply and sustainability, the federal government approved

The greatest challenge, especially for the industrial sector, is power crisis, which is why local manufacturers cannot compete with their foreign counterparts

N3.9billion for power transmission infrastructure.

This came few weeks after the National Economic Council (NEC) approved N1.3billion for manpower development and training of 3,700 people under the National Power Sector Apprenticeship Scheme (NAPSAS).

The managing director, IPWA Plc, manufacturers of industrial coatings, marine and building paints, also the Chairman, Paints Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Tella Sulaimon Ibikunle, spoke on the measures government must put in place to revamp the sector, the need for government to grant manufacturers licenses for independent power generation and the demand for a commercial court by Bank of Industry (BoI) to tackle non-settlement of bank loans.

For our economy to achieve optimum growth, Ibikunle said: “There must be stability to enhance sustainability both in the medium term and long-run expectation.

The greatest challenge, especially for the industrial sector, is power crisis, which is why local manufacturers cannot compete with their foreign counterparts. For instance, a company can run its plant 16 hours a day on generator.

In fact, Nigerians should be able to challenge the electricity distribution companies for poor services. They give us estimated bills instead of pre-paid meters that we ought to use. For instance, last month they gave us at IPWA an estimated bill of over N600,000 for the month. You can imagine that huge amount for a manufacturing firm for one month, even when electricity supply is not stable. “Other manufacturers are paying similar electricity bills, yet they spend so much buying diesel on daily basis to power their generators.

He argued that government does not have information about the true picture of the industry. “Government is trying but the barriers are with those handling government projects. Some of them are conscientious while others are not. Look at the Local Content Act for example, government came up with the policy for local industries to thrive, but implementation is the issue now.

To turn around the sector, Ibikunle said government should grant manufacturers licenses

to generate their own power, because refusal to give us approval to generate electricity for our own use is affecting our operations.

Aside from that, each state should generate its own power, rather than depending on the Federal Government. The 36 states must be involved in electricity generation and distribution for us to have constant power supply. Generally, the power sector should be flexible like telecommunications. “When GSM started in Nigeria over 10 years ago, I bought a SIM card for about N45,000 but today, it is free because different companies were given the opportunity to come into the sector to invest.

However, with the recent PMI report, both Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing sectors showed further expansions. Manufacturing PMI settled at 55.0 points, 0.3 points lower than September but above the baseline threshold of 50.0 points. This indicates the manufacturing sector expanded for the seventh consecutive month in October, albeit at a slower pace relative to previous month.

The Non-Manufacturing PMI rose 0.4 points M-o-M to 54.9 points, suggesting activity in the sector improved at a faster pace relative to previous month. The upbeat performance of both the Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing sectors is not surprising, given improving macroeconomic stability anchored by rebound in FX liquidity and cyclical recovery in the oil market.

The report however stated that it is expected that PMI data in subsequent months would stay robust as we remain confident on near term economic prospects on the back of stronger FX earnings and structural reforms by policy makers. Hence, we retain our FY:2017 and FY:2018 growth forecasts of 1.2% and 2.6% respectively.

However, with the considerable growth recorded in the last quarter of 2017, the achievements and ongoing efforts on ease of doing business are laudable, more so that the target set was surpassed; yet, feasible reforms, especially in areas where the country is poorly rated such as getting electricity and trading across borders, need to be given utmost priority in order to truly attain a competitive and attractive business environment.

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PERSPECTIVE

2018 Budget of Consolidated Struggle Akintujoye Ayo Bankole in this article identifies the pitfalls in the 2018 budget The 2018 budget is important to Nigeria in two major ways: 1) It is the last full-year budget to be implemented by this administration, one that rode to power on the back of tremendous goodwill and popular vote, but has largely failed to meet the expectations of the majority; 2) It is the first budget after the recovery from the recession which hit hard into Nigerians’ living standards in 2016/Q1’17. So, to the average Nigerian, this is the last hope that government may still deliver on some of its campaign promises.

It was therefore with high-hopes that Nigerians listened to President Buhari’s budget speech to the National Assembly, I was particularly looking out for pointers to drastic transformation and strategic spending to curtail excesses and send strong message that 2018 won’t be business as usual. But many were largely disappointed, both with the budget, and the lacklustre speech of the President. Largely indifferent from previous budget speeches, with little or no reason to show that 2018 will be different, or to jolt the overwhelmingly corrupt public service that 2018 is the year to sit tight and deliver the President’s mandate. I struggled to extract a few takeaways from the budget, and broke them down to basic implications for the ordinary Nigerian: 1.Budget tag - ‘Budget of Consolidation’ – Though the budget, at 8.612trillion (16% higher than 2017) is regarded as the ‘largest ever’ budget, a conversion of the budget to real-currency makes a joke of it. There is very little to consolidate with a budget of a meagre $24billion in 2018; in an economy of over 180million people, when Angola, a similar oil major, as at 2017, had a budget of $44billion with a population of 30million.

President Muhammadu Buhari

2. It appears the major objective of the Budget, from the President’s speech, is to ‘reinforce and build on recent accomplishments; and sustain reflationary policies’ – there were little or no accomplishments since 2015 in the first place, so this implies the budget will have to build on little or nothing.

3. The two major success claims by Buhari – movement on the 2018 World Bank’s ease of doing business and peace in the Niger Delta – were achieved when he ‘stepped aside’ for medical treatment in the UK – this rubs off badly on the administration, and the President must quickly change this baba go-slow perception, while his Vice-President was quick to record measurable achievements in his absence, or we may achieve nothing again in 2018 4.

Increase in external reserve to $34billion, extra $500million in Sovereign Wealth Fund, and an increase in our trade surplus – while all good macro-indicators, have almost zero-impact on most Nigerians who work in the informal sector. These majority require ONE major thing to drive their economic activity – infrastructure, and this can only be achieved by a focused and firm government, that is totally committed to budget implementation, devoid of corruption, to ensure every naira allocated/released is spent. As it appears, we still expect the likes of Ameachi, Ngige, Dalung, Ogbeh & other political jobbers to execute the 2018budget– so, fellow Nigerians, another dead end.

5.

Infrastructure: With the massive deficit, only 30% was budgeted to Capital Expenditure, that’s $7billion! I assume that’s campaign costs in 2018, because that amount won’t scratch the surface if this government intends to make any impact before 2019 elections 6.

FX: FX rate at 305/1US$, when the economy runs on the parallel-market of 363/1US$ and the Investors’&Exporters FX-Window is 360.46/1US$ shows one thing – continued currency peg – this tells the world that our leaders are still very ignorant about economic realities, and market-determined exchange-rate.

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun

7. Revenue forecast: Oil production of 2.3million bb/pd, when average crude oil production in 2017 has been less than 2million bb/pd – we have over-estimated revenue again, then next year, we’ll be back with stories of low income. What’s wrong with doing a worst-case scenario planning?

8.

Personnel and Overhead costs: To increase by 12%. This is unjustifiable.

Government should be investing heavily in projects that will drive employment in the private sector. Any increase above 5% here shows we haven’t learnt anything from history 9.

Power: Budgeted 12billion for transmission lines and substations to address challenges with power transmission and distribution networks – First, most of the allocated funds may be diverted, second, $33million is grossly insufficient to fix the Transco and Disco end of the power value chain. More importantly, government failed to address the fundamental regulatory issues that impedes on the growth of the

power sector. Throwing money at power has repeatedly failed to solve the problem.

So, darkness again in 2018.

10. Agriculture: 6staple-crop processing zones to be established to support investors and boost crop production, processing and storage – as usual, nothing will come of this.

Certainly not under Ogbeh. Even the brilliant Akinwunmi Adesina couldn’t end the food crisis, how much more Ogbeh 11. Budget deficit: 2trillion; to be financed through new borrowing of 1.7trillion, and balance of 306billion from privatisation of non-oil assets – we are already spending 23% of 2018 budget on debt service, 7% less than our CAPEX, so as it is, our borrowing is already impeding our development. And we are sinking deeper into the debt hole. Debt-service-to-revenue ratio is also uncomfortably high. While borrowing is inevitable for development, we must quickly balance infrastructural growth with rise in debt profile, otherwise, we’ll be back to 1999, begging for debt pardon, which may not come.

12. Given that it is the same government that has foot-dragged since 2015 that will implement this budget, a large part won’t be implemented (less than 60% in 2017).

Some funds will be diverted, especially as elections are fast approaching. So effectively, Nigeria is expected to survive 2018 on less than $15billion. Absolute disaster.

13.

Finally, elections are here. Nigerian politicians have better things to think about than fixing roads and providing electricity.

They’ll rather share bags of rice. Stomach infrastructure, poverty perpetuation.

14.

2018 Budget new name – The budget of consolidated struggle. Aluta continua Nigeria! rAyo-Bankole Akintujoye is a Political Economist and Strategist. He has worked with some of the world’s biggest consultancies to advise organisations and governments in the areas of Strategy, policy formulation, transformation, and process improvement.

He holds a Master’s degree in Political science. He tweets from @AyoBankole

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PERSPECTIVE

Boosting Ease of Doing Business in Ogun Moving Ogun State from the 35th position in 2010 to the top five in 2014, Governor Ibikunle Amosun is set to remove all vestiges of disincentives to business development, writes Soyombo Opeyemi Recently, the media was awash with the news of Ogun State losing about N5billion monthly to illegal haulage revenue collectors. This is a lot of money, especially in this time of economic crunch, when government needs all the funds it could muster to scale up the infrastructural development of the state.

It is cheery that the news story was not just about revenue loss but the measures put in place to block the leakages.

Ogun has made phenomenon progress in its Internally Generated Revenue in recent years, moving from an average of N750 per month by the previous administration to about N6.5 billion monthly within the six years of Senator Ibikunle Amosun as governor of Ogun State.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has consistently rated Ogun in recent years as only next to Lagos State in terms of IGR. Analysing the same NBS report, BusinessDay had in September, 2017 observed as follows: “Lagos and Ogun states are fast moving away from other states in the country in financial capacity, following their ability to generate over 60 per cent of their revenue internally. The two states generated 73 per cent and 63 per cent of their revenue internally in 2016. This means that in the event of a failure or shortfall in allocation from the Federation Account, the two states can internally generate at least N63 out of every N100 needed monthly.�

The economic success of Ogun State under the Ibikunle Amosun administration is also better appreciated against the backdrop of the state coming a distant 25 out of 36 states of the country in monthly allocation it receives from the Federation Account. If Ogun, under the present government, is Number 25 in terms of allocation it gets from the Federation Account, yet it is Number 2 in the country in terms of its Internally Generated Revenue, one wonders what the IGR will become if Ogun were to be among the first 10 states in the size of revenue from the Federation Account!

This is because you also need revenue to generate more revenue.

One should mention at this juncture that the current Revenue Sharing Formula is unfair to Ogun State as it does not reflect the present realities. The template s h o u l d b e re v i e w e d w i t h o u t f u r t h e r ado because as it stands today, Ogun is only next to Lagos in terms of its non-oil contribution to the Federation Account.

Multiple taxes are major headache of big businesses and small and medium scale enterprises (SMSEs). For the latter, multiple levies may sound the death knell or put the enterprise on tenterhooks for years. Multiple taxes add to the cost doing business, which is transferred to the consumers. It impacts o n p ro f i t a b i l i t y a n d u l t i m a t e l y l e a d s to job losses in the name of rightsizing or down-sizing in order for the company to stay afloat. For developing economies such as Nigeria, the effects o f m u l t i p l e t a x e s a re m u c h w o r s e .

Unfortunately, over 30 per cent of revenue from these levies end in private pockets, being illegally collected by touts in and out of uniform and is not available to government to improve infrastructure for the general good.

Therefore, it is commendable that the Ogun State government has taken the bull by the horns, starting with the launch of Haulage Harmonisation Tickets in Abeokuta recently.

According to the state Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Adewale Oshinowo, the new initiative will, among others,

Amosun

The economic success of Ogun State under the Ibikunle Amosun administration is also better appreciated against the backdrop of the state coming a distant 25 out of 36 states of the country in monthly allocation it receives from the Federation Account. If Ogun, under the present government, is Number 25 in terms of allocation it gets from the Federation Account, yet it is Number 2 in the country in terms of its Internally Generated Revenue, one wonders what the IGR will become if Ogun were to be among the ďŹ rst 10 states in the size of revenue from the Federation Account

“streamline the process of toll collection and ease of doing business in the state, end illegal and multiple taxation, reduce time wasting and unwarranted embarrassment by touts, reduce operational costs and leakages and increase IGR of the state.� As a testament to the economic achievements recorded by the present administration, Ogun State had from the last position in 2010 World Bank Doing Business in Nigeria report emerged in 2014 to be among the top five in the report of the global financial institution.

The remarks of the World Bank remain evergreen and soul-lifting: “Ogun improved on three of the four Doing Business indicators benchmarked.

The construction permitting system was radically overhauled, with the state government authorities decentralising the approval system and a new committee monitoring delays.

Building permit applications and payments can now be made simultaneously in district offices. Private professionals issue environmental-impact assessments in accordance with the conditions and templates set out in a framework agreement. The certificate of completion is issued on the spot, immediately following the final inspection.�

To begin a business in Ogun State, according to the World Bank, “Entrepreneurs no longer need to travel to Ibadan or Lagos, thanks to the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s new stamp

duty office in Abeokuta. In addition, the state Ministry of Commerce and Industry abolished the requirement for a physical inspection of the business premises - today, a proof of company address, such as a utility bill, is sufficient. A business premises permit is issued on the spot upon payment of the fee. Finally, Ogun’s Bureau of Lands digitalised property records with the aim of enabling electronic title searches and making property registration more efficient.�

The Amosun government has clearly lifted Ogun from economic obscurity to popularity. Today, there is hardly any industry worthy of note in Nigeria that is not in Ogun State. Ogun has become the industrial hub of Nigeria due to the friendly business environment created by the present government.

There’s hardly any week that Governor Amosun won’t be invited to inaugurate one multi-billion naira company or the other with potential for thousands of direct and indirect jobs being a source of joy for the state’s helmsman.

There is no doubt that the new harmonization policy on haulage revenue will further enhance the ease of doing business in the state and contribute further to the socio-economic well-being of residents.

-Soyombo, media aide to the Ogun State Governor, sent this piece from Abeokuta via densityshow@yahoo.com

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EDUCATION 2017: Another Year of Unfulfilled Promises The Nigerian education sector in 2017 witnessed some down sides, which drew attention to the rot in the system. With only a few days to the end of the year, there is a glimmer of hope as Nigerians look forward to a better deal in the coming year.

Funmi Ogundare highlights some of the events that shaped the outgoing year Qualitative investment in education is said to bring about lasting economic development to a nation. However, controversy trailed the poor budgetary allocation of 7.04 per cent to the sector by the President Buhari-led administration which is lower than the 26 per cent of national budget recommended by the United Nations (UN), to enable nations adequately cater for rising education demands.

While some stakeholders opined that poor budgetary allocation to the sector may bring about unrest and insecurity, others said it should be increased to ensure the needed change.

In the budget proposal presented to the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari allocated only 7.04 per cent of the N8.6 trillion 2018 budget to education. The total sum allocated to the sector is N605.8 billion, with N435.1 billion for recurrent expenditure, N61.73 billion for capital expenditure and N109.06 billion for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The allocation is lower than the 7.4 per cent the government allocated to the sector in the N7.4 trillion 2017 budget.

When compared with the previous year, the N605 billion allocated to the sector is higher than the N550 billion allocated in 2017; there is however, a decrease in percentage terms.

The decrease according to a report, aside expanding the gap with respect to the UN recommendation, is also in spite of the government’s commitment to increase spending on education following a strike from August 13 by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that forced Nigerian universities to shut down academic activities. The ASUU President, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, said the union took the decision to declare the strike after deliberations at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja, over the federal government’s failure to implement the 2009 agreement and the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He highlighted some of the issues as nonpayment of salaries, non-payment of earned academic allowance (EAA), removal of universities staff schools from funding by government and non-implementation of provisions of the 2014 pension reform act with respect to retired professors and their salaries, among others.

In a document titled ‘Strike Bulletin No.1’, which was signed and issued by Ogunyemi, the union said the strike was to be a total, comprehensive and indefinite action whereby no form of academic activities including teaching, attendance of any meeting, conduct and supervision of any examination at any level, supervision of project or thesis at any level should take place at any of the nation’s universities.

The union recalled that it had to embark on a six month strike between July and December 2013 and the strike was suspended when government signed a MoU with the union and that of all the items contained in the MoU, only the N200 billion out of a total of N1.3 trillion of the Public Universities Revitalisation (Needs Assessment) fund was released. The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) also commenced a nationwide strike on September 11, which was called off 10 days later.

Similarly, their polytechnic counterpart, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) also embarked on an indefinite strike following the non-implementation of the report of the needs assessment survey of polytechnics, sustained shortfall in personnel cost, withdrawal of their allowances since December, 2015 and non-payment of promotion arrears.

The union had threatened to withdraw its services following directive by its National Executive Council (NEC).

However, after considering the impact of the strike on the society, parents and students, as

Buhari

well as pleas by well-meaning Nigerians, the union suspended its 15 day-old strike.

The President of ASUP, Usman Dutse during a press conference held at the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, said the union had engaged in series of meetings with the federal government which culminated into an agreement signed between it and the union and that the suspension was to give government an opportunity to implement resolutions agreed upon by the two bodies. As a way of pacifying the teachers and other workers, the government decided to increase funding of the universities and to implement the 2009 agreement and others, which also increased the financial commitment of the government to the universities.

On a not too cheery note in the outgoing year, about 21,780 out of 33,000 teachers failed the primary four test administered to test their competence in Kaduna State.

The Governor, Nasir El-Rufai explained that the test was conducted by the state government to know the ability of the teachers, saying that many teachers would be redeployed across the state to balance the issue of teacher-pupil ratio.

While receiving a World Bank’s delegation in the state, he said: ‘’We tested our 33,000 primary school teachers, we gave them primary four examination and required they must get at least 75 per cent but I am sad to announce that 66 per cent of them failed to get the requirements.

He affirmed that hiring of teachers in the past was politicised and that the state intends to change that by bringing in young and qualified primary school teachers to restore the dignity of education in the state. “Teachers would be redeployed across the state to balance the issue of teacher-pupil ratio, we have a challenge with the teacher-pupil ratio in the urban schools; there is concentration of teachers that are not needed.�

There was a ray of hope with the release of new set of 82 abducted Chibok school girls since the kidnap of more than 200 of them from Government Secondary School, Chibok by Boko Haram terrorists in April 2014.

Their plight has remained a major global concern. In the last three years, options in the effort to rescue them had ranged from outright military action to futile negotiations and fraudulent

prisoner swap deals.

Following their release Nigerians had expressed delight about the development while calling for the release of the remaining girls.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said the development indicated what we could achieve as a nation when the people unite around a common cause. “Nigerians stood together as a people with a purpose to free these girls. Despite the many setbacks, the government, civil society and the citizens all stood together and today, we are enjoying this victory as a people. “While we rejoice with the families of the freed girls and indeed all Nigerians, we must commend President Buhari whose efforts are yielding results. We also join in congratulating the leadership of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS) and the military, the Swiss Government and the International Red Cross for the synergy of efforts that led to the release of these girls. “We thank the various civil society groups, especially the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, for their persistence and pressure on the federal government and the international community.�

Also in the outgoing year, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) witnessed an improvement in the performance of Nigerian candidates in the May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

A breakdown of the result as announced by the council’s Head of National Office (HNO), Mr Olu Adenipekun, showed that 923,486 candidates representing 59.22 per cent obtained a minimum of credits in five subjects and above including English Language and Mathematics.

He observed that 59.22 per cent performance of candidates that obtained five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics in the WASSCE for School Candidates represents an improvement to the result in 2015 and 2016 which was 38.68 and 52.97 per cent, respectively.

The percentage of candidates who attained this feat in 2014, 2015 and 2016 diets were 31.28 per cent, 38.68 per cent and 52.97 per cent respectively.

However, the council’s November/December diet result released in Katsina witnessed an abysmal performance as out of a total of 133,223 candidates that sat for the exam, 34,664 obtained a minimum of credits in five subjects and above,

including English Language and Mathematics, representing 26.01 per cent.

The HNO attributed the performance to effort by some of the candidates to make up their deficiencies for the WASSCE for the school candidates results, to enable them gain admission into the higher institutions of their choice.

Perhaps the most unprecedented record in the outgoing year was that set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which aside enhancing the Computer Based Test (CBT) which avails candidates the opportunity to step up the knowledge and be intellectually competitive, remitted more than N5 billion to government, the highest ever in the board’s 40 years of existence.

The board also reduced the cut-off points from 180 for universities and 165 for polytechnics, to 120 and 100 respectively for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examination (UTME). This drew criticism and controversies from Nigerians who felt that it would further lower the standard of education in the country.

In its response, the Spokesperson of JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said despite the criticisms, the board would not lose focus, adding, “the much trending controversy over the just released cut off marks for 2017 admission exercise by stakeholders at the policy meeting is quite unnecessary. Today, we are where we are because many are afraid to say the truth for fear of being condemned rather than being celebrated and set free as commanded by the Holy Books. “This notwithstanding, JAMB will not be deterred, we will continue to say the truth as it is and support policies that would bring our education system out of the woods. Today, it is a known fact that millions of Nigerians are out there schooling in mushroom institutions and they will at the end come back with all kinds of degrees and certificates that we cannot explain their content.�

On the amount remitted, he said the money was saved through the transparent and judicious use of resources.

To round up the year, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the establishment of six new private universities, including a Naval University in Delta. The Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, who announced this while briefing the State House Press Corps at the end of its meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, said the approval was a result of the memo submitted to the council by the ministry. The universities are Admiralty University, Ibusa, Delta State, owned by the Naval Holding Company; Spiritan University, Nneochi, Abia State and Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan.

Also approved are PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt; Atibe University in Oyo Town, Oyo State; and Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, Lagos. Adamu said more applications were received by the ministry which would later present them to the council for approval, adding that FEC had directed the National Universities Commission (NUC) to look into the quality of courses offered by new and existing universities in the country.

On her assessment of the sector in the outgoing year, the Director, Edumark Consult, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde said, “I am not sure we have made much progress in the education sector in 2017.

The Kaduna issue and some other incidents drew attention to the rot for a while but these are things we already know. The problems are many but we need to begin from somewhere. “I have always believed that if we are serious about changing this nation, the transformation must begin from our education system. One of the key problems that we can no longer afford to postpone is raising the right calibre of teachers that would be able to nurture the kind of adults that will transform these nations.

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EDUCATION

Vocational Education: VPDA to Encourage Women in Construction Service Skills Uchechukwu Nnaike Among other objectives, the newly established Vocational and Professional Development Academy (VPDA) has expressed its willingness to encourage women to develop skills in tiling, electrical, plumbing and other construction service skills, and has promised to give discount to women who enroll for such programmes.

The Founder of VPDA, Mrs. Ekua Abudu, who announced this at the opening of ‘Building 1’ of the academy in Yaba, Lagos, said VPDA is committed to delivering an excellent standard of education which meets international standards. “This is why we offer International Vocational Qualification and we have partnered with international awarding bodies and vocational colleges in the UK, leveraging on best practice in vocational education delivery; thus ensuring that our qualifications meet international industry standards.�

She said from January 2018 as part of the first phase, the academy would start courses like ICT, Film Production, Food Safety and Hygiene for the

Hospitality Industry, as well as specialised programme like Oil and Gas- Chemical Processes/ Natural Gas Professionals. “In phase two, we would be developing other workshops in a state-of-the-art building to be created also on the premises. We will offer additional courses in phase two once the workshops are ready.�

According to Abudu, the VPDA will be unique because of its international qualifications and partnerships, including City and Guilds; excellent facilities in a safe/controlled environment; its plans to employment opportunities after training with its industry partners; entrepreneurship training at the end of every course through the SME boost programme which helps new entrepreneurs and business owners to keep track and manage their finances effectively when they start their own business.

Other unique features of the academy she said include career development opportunities for professionals; scholarships for deserving students, who are bright but cannot afford to pay their fees. “We are in the process of developing a scheme

to recruit such students.�

The educator also announced plans to embark on a nationwide campaign to change the mindset of people about vocational training. “It is not a last resort as many people think, but a viable option to facilitate entrepreneurship and increase employment. We want people to know that a wide range of skills come under the term ‘vocational’ including; logistics, oil and gas services, health and safety, security, media and photography, travel and tourism, IT, business skills etc.�

On the rationale for establishing the academy, she said: “Consistent questions that came to mind included why workmen fixed the same thing again and again? Why do most

of the Nigerian construction sites employ Togolese and Ghanaians and Chinese? So many claim to have received some form of training and yet they are unemployable.

This coupled with repeated problems with electricity and plumbing at my home and in my business increased my passion to start a vocational school, but one with the highest standards which is why we commenced talks with City and Guilds.�

Abudu solicited the support of stakeholders for the project, which she said would impact the society greatly either through funding/sponsorship of the building or the purchase of equipment or through the sponsorship of bright and deserving students.

She thanked the Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation for throwing its weight behind the project, as well as members of the board for their integrity and commitment which led to the successful completion of the first phase.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation, Mrs. Mimi Ade-Odiachi, said the foundation is big on education because of the gap in the sector so it looks for educational projects to support.

Having supported various educational projects, she said when the company got the proposal for the academy, “we were very interested because there are not many opportunities for people to learn a trade apart from the traditional apprenticeship,

which is almost like slavery, and even then if you have an incompetent master then you will have an incompetent training because it is what your master knows that he will pass on to you and then it is not really certified.�

According to her because it was a laudable initiative, the company decided to give it its full backing by paying for the renovation of the building, the furniture and the equipment.

On the expectation from the initiative, Ade-Odiachi said “education is a long-term investment, we are expecting to see a better workforce; people that are better prepared to enter the workforce; people that now have a competitive advantage; to narrow the gap so that more people are employable.�

Emir Sanusi Urges FG to Review Education Policies Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Emir of Kano, Dr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has urged the federal government to take a second look at education policies and curriculum with a view to making all secondary schools in the country conform to the norms of the federal unity colleges, irrespective of the ownership status.

The emir, who said this while addressing principals of unity colleges, who paid him a courtesy visit in his palace, noted that the unity colleges were primarily established to forge national integration and to set academic standard.

He expressed dismay over the inability of many citizens to acquire a true Nigerian identity many years after independence despite all the measures introduced by successive governments to

bring about national unity.

Sanusi, who is an old boy of King’s College, Lagos and one time Vice-President of the old boys of the college, said it was sad that the aggressive moves by government to unite the nation after the civil war through the expansion of the unity colleges has not fully achieved the desired result.

According to him, every individual has multiple identities of tribe, religion, sex, among others, but maintained that none of these could stop any one from being a Nigerian.

Earlier, the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Alhaji Mohammed Karage, who led the principals on the courtesy call, said they were in Kano for their 2017 annual general meeting which is rotated on zonal level.

Wike Awards N40m Scholarship to 12-year-old Musician Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has awarded a lifetime scholarship to a talented 12-year-old musician, Master Nengi Jaja.

The scholarship, worth N40 million will cover Jaja’s education from secondary school to university level.

Wike announced the scholarship on Sunday at the State Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt during the thanksgiving service in honour of the new National Chairman of the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, where the young musician performed soul-lifting songs.

The governor directed the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Province 5 to open an account for the musician in liaison with his family for the purpose of his training.

He urged the church to closely monitor and guard Jaja to ensure that he fulfils his destiny.

Jaja emerged as the second runner up in an international music festival where over 10,000 children participated.

L-R:The Chairman, Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation, Mrs. Mimi Ade-Odiachi; the Founder Vocational and Professional Development Academy (VPDA), Mrs. Ekua Abudu; Senator Daisy Danjuma; wife of the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; the Group MD, Custodian, Mr. Wole Oshin; and the Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Very Rev Akinpelu Johnson, at the opening of the VPDA in Lagos... recently

Polys should be Upgraded to Award Higher Degrees, Says Rector Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The outgoing Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Dr. Theresa Akande, has said the only way polytechnics can regain their lost glory and be at par with universities is by allowing them to award higher degrees.

She said polytechnics in some Francophone African countries were allowed to award masters and doctoral degrees, this she said accounted for why technology education is better in those countries than in Nigeria.

Akande, who made this known at a press conference to mark the end of her tenure as the institution’s chief executive officer, called on the federal government to rejig polytechnic education in Nigeria so that

the country can operate at the same level with other advanced countries that are making waves in the world of ICT. “Francophone countries like Cote D’Ivore, Guinea Bissau and Guinea were allowed to award masters and doctorate degrees. I have been there and saw it work, so Nigeria must adopt this because no country can grow in these modern days without better technological innovation. “Even in Germany, you would have to be proficient in technology by acquiring better training and do internships before you can be employed.

So Nigeria must come to terms that polytechnic education is very essential and should not be treated as being too low to universities.�

The former rector added that the polytechnic under her was rated as the best in terms of promotion of staff welfare in the country, urging her successor to build on this achievement.

According to her, she has upgraded the polytechnic’s vocational and entrepreneurial education through investment in Olusegun Obasanjo Engineering Innovation concept of the institution to train students in skills acquisition to make them self-employed after graduation.

Akande added that the promotion of staff was an issue of priority to her while in office, saying: “When I became the rector, we had less than 10 PhD holders in this polytechnic, but today we have over 100 of them.

“This didn’t happen through magic, I encouraged our lecturers through overseas scholarship, which was funded through TETFund and internally generated revenue of this institution to train them. “Our lecturers in this institution are better than those in the universities. I can beat my chest for them and that is what we should do to build the appropriate human capital that can drive technology schools in Nigeria.�

On the persistent labour restiveness that greeted her reign in the polytechnic, Akande described the scenario as unwarranted attacks targeted at vilifying and portraying her as being incompetent by those she branded as enemies of progress.

Lawmakers Enrols 16 Indigent, Physically Challenged Students for SSCE In what appeared like a rare gesture, a member representing Oredo East at the Edo State House of Assembly, Osaogbovo Iyoha, has paid the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) enrolment fees for 16 indigent students with disabilities.

Iyoha, who is also the House Chief Whip, while handing the cheque of the students from Ihiogbe College l, Benin

to the school principal, said he has been doing this since 2015 when he was elected, adding that he desires to see that the issue of money does not truncate the education of the indigent students. While promising to keep up with the annual tradition, he said, “I see a bright future in them and as such, I am moved to see that this becomes a reality; that nothing, especially money

prevents them from realising it. I am proud to tell you that some of these students that God assisted me to help are proud students in some higher institutions today.�

He appealed to wellmeaning individuals and organisations beyond his constituency to assist the students in this regard.

Responding, the Principal, Mr. Iyekeplolor, who received

the cheque on behalf of the students, said he was moved with the gesture of the lawmaker. He said throughout his years of teaching, he has never seen an individual with such kind gesture.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Mabel Paul thanked the lawmaker, saying that her parents have been thinking of how to raise money for her enrolment fees.

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MOUAU Female Staff to Build N112m Skills Centre Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The female staff of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) have concluded their 2017 women and girls empowerment week with a vision to provide education and skills for women and girls residing in the rural communities.

To this end the university women under the aegis of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Women Association (MOUAUWA) have set their minds on building an ultra-modern skills acquisition centre estimated at N112 million.

The President of MOUAUWA, Mrs. Bertha Otunta, the wife of the Vice-Chancellor, made this known at the ‘friend raising luncheon’ held at Umuahia to raise friends who would assist

the group by providing the needed funds for the project.

She said the centre would serve the needs of rural women and girls in the South-east and South-south zones, as well as the rest of the country by empowering them in agriculture and acquisition of vocational skills. “We believe that we are specially positioned as the only agriculture specialised university in the entire South-south and South-east regions of Nigeria to change the narrative of the rural women and girls from lack to empowerment.�

According to her, there was no better way to give women and girls than to empower them through education and skills.

Otunta appealed to friends and well-wishers of MOUAUWA “to open your minds, your hearts, your purses and wallets

to support the association in order to realise its vision of empowering rural women and girls.�

Though she acknowledged that the skills acquisition centre “is a tall order� given its estimated cost, she said MOUAUWA nonetheless is optimistic that “with God helping us and our friends, we can’t make it a reality.�

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Francis Otunta, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joy Nwabueze, commended the female staff members for the dream of taking empowerment to the grassroots, adding that the institution would stand by them.

The Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu said

he has always been an advocate of women empowerment so the vision of MOUAU was in line with his, which he is pursuing through his OUK Foundation.

Kalu, who was represented by his younger brother, Mascot, supported the MOUAUWA empowerment project with N2 million.

Senator Theodore Orji, who represents Abia Central in the Senate, also thanked the MOUAUWA for the vision on practical steps to make life better for the female gender in the rural areas.

The immediate past Abia State Governor, who was represented by the former Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Longman Nwachukwu, supported the project with N0.5 million, saying that empowering women would guarantee a healthy and prosperous nation.

Pupils of the Foreshore School, Ikoyi during the school’s Chrstmas concert... recently

DuďŹ l Takes Santa to Physically Challenged Children In the spirit of the Christmas season, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles recently took Santa Claud on a visit to some physically challenged children to present gifts to them and put a smile on their faces.

According to the Public Relations Manager of Dufil, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, the visit simultaneously held across the country. “So we should not assume that it is only in Lagos. Apart from the places we have physically visited, some of them we just make deliveries and move on since we cannot go to all the places.�

On the idea behind the visit, he said: “We know that there are quite a number of people

out there that will not have the opportunity of going round just like every other person. So rather than them coming out, we can as well bring the Santa and the euphoria of the season to such homes. It is Christmas season, it is end of the year season and it is a way of saying thank you for another year.�

Some of the places visited in Lagos were Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children, Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired, Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, among others.

On the choice of places to visit, Ashiwaju said “we looked at those credible organisations that we have worked with in the past and people who

we keep getting information and details about them either from the government or nongovernmental organisations.

We know there are many of them, since we cannot reach all of them we said let us look at the ones around us and those we know are very credible.�

Apart from just visiting and presenting gifts, he said the company would listen to them and find out some of their challenges with the hope of intervening. “The challenges are enormous and it is not something that can be solved immediately, but I can assure you that as a socially responsible company in our own bit we will try as much as possible to intervene.�

Responding, the Principal of Pacelli School, Sister Jane Onyeneri thanked the company for its continued support for the school. She said all the students are on scholarship and the school usually gets sponsorship from corporate organisations, religious bodies, schools and individuals.

She said there are orphans and some children that cannot afford the token of N60,000 each student is expected to pay annually for their basic needs.

The Second Vice-Principal of Westley School 1, Mrs. Elizabeth Alugwo, who also thanked the company, said the school is in dire need of a bus, as well as visual aids, interactive white boards and computer.

LBS Donates to Bethesda Educational Foundation As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative of adding value in the area of education, the Lagos Business School (LBS) has donated 500,000 to Bethesda Child Support Agency, a non-profit organisation that caters to the needs of less privileged children. The donation, which was presented at LBS recently, was in fulfillment of one of the pledges made in 2016 to commemorate the school’s 25th

anniversary.

The Head, Corporate Communications, LBS, Aderayo Bankole, said during the presentation that the donation was in line with the school’s vision of giving back to the society, particularly in the area of education where it chooses to make an impact.

In achieving that, Bankole explained, “LBS sought for a foundation that has a structure with a good track record and

found Bethesda Child Support Agency worthy of this donation.�

She added that the donation was for a good cause towards providing educational opportunities for children in poor communities, advancing the education sector in the society, and implored the management of the foundation to make good use of it. The Programme Director, Bethesda Child Support Agency, Ijeoma

Nwachukwu, thanked LBS and promised that the money would be used to improve the lives of over 800 students currently under the direct care of the agency. “Presently, we have over 869 students in Bethesda direct care who receive free education from nursery to secondary school level. With this donation, we would be able to pay the school fees of students as well as acquire educational materials for others.�

Grill-Watch asYou Celebrate! Ă™ ÞÒĂ? ÖÙà Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? ËŠ Ă&#x;ĂŁĂ‹ËŞ Ë&#x;Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ™Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ëœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă?×ÙÕĂ?ĂŽ ʨĂ?Ă’Ëœ Ă?×ÙÕĂ?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂŁĘ¨Ă?Ă’Ëœ Ă?×ÙÕĂ?ĂŽ ĂŁĂ‹Ă—Ëœ ĂœĂ™Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ˜Ë&#x; Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă?Ăž Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ëœ ĂĄĂ? Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ÙÙÎĂ? ĂŒĂŁ Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ÖÙà Ă?ĂŽ ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ–ĂŽĂĄĂ“ĂŽĂ?Ë› ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă? Ă‘ĂœĂ?ËÞÖã Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂŁ Ă‹ Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă?ĂŁËœ Ă?ÙÚÒÓĂ?ÞÓĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÖÙÙÕ˛ ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă“Ăž Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă•Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă– ĘŽĂ‹Ă Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÙÙÎ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ËŞĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› Ă˜ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ ÞÒÓĂ?Ë? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ëž ÞÒĂ? Ă?×ÙÕã Ă‹ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă‹ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÙÙÎ˞ ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă?ÚÓĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÙÙÎ Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ÙÙÕĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă‹ĂŽĂŽ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă‹Ă&#x;Þã Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÙÙβ Ă’Ă?Ă˜ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ëœ ʨĂ?Ă’ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă–ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽËœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž ĘŽĂ‹Ă Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă‹Ă•Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĘŽĂ‹Ă—Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• ĂŽĂ“ĂœĂ?Ă?ÞÖã Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÙÙβ Ăž ÞÒĂ?Ă?Ă? ÞÓ×Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă?Ă‹Ăœ Ă™ĘĽËœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂšĂ?ÚÚĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă‘Ă‹ĂœĂ–Ă“Ă?Ëœ Ă™Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ÞÙ×ËÞÙĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ùã Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ëœ ÙÓÖĂ?Ëœ Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă‘Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂšĂ‹ĂžĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă?ĂœËœ ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ë› ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ÙÙÎ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă’Ă?ËÖÞÒÓĂ?Ăœ Ă™ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă—Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ÙÓÖ ÞÙ Ă?Ù×ÚÖĂ?ĂžĂ? ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë› ĂŁ Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ÙÙÎĂ?Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ËŞĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĘľĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŽĂ™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ËŞĂ Ă? Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ&#x;Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă Ă?Ă‘Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ åÓÞÒ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ʨĂ?Ă’Ë› Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ ÞÙ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ&#x;Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂŁ Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă Ă?Ă‘Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă? ÞÙ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă?Ă? ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă• Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă‹ĂœĂŁ Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂž ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ™Ă•Ă?Ëœ Ă™ĂŒĂ?Ă?ÓÞã Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ ÞãÚĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœË› ÙÖÙĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă– Ă?ĂœĂ&#x;Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă Ă?Ă‘Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˘Ă“ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ? ÞÒËÞ ĂŽĂ?ÞÙâÓĂ?ĂŁ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă— Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ™Ă™Ă?Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă“Ă—Ă—Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă? Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă—Ë› Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ Ă’Ă?ËÖÞÒÓĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ăœ Ă?×ÙÕĂ?ĂŽ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă–ĂžĂœĂŁËœ Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă? ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă–ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ë› ÙåĂ?Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ÒÙÖĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ™Ă– Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă? ĂŒĂŁ ĂžĂœĂ“Ă—Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ùʼ Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ë› ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă–ĂžĂœĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă• Ă™Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ÙÙÎĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĚ‹Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ù×ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă‹Ă? ÙÖãĂ?ĂŁĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă? ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă? ĂŁĂŽĂœĂ™Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂŒĂ™Ă˜Ă? Ě™ Ă?Ěš Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ™Ă?ĂŁĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă? Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ě™ Ă?̚˛ Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ę¨Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ëœ ʨĂ?Ă’ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă–ĂžĂœĂŁË› Ăž Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂœĂ™Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂŽĂœĂ“ĂšĂ? Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ÞÒĂ? ÒÙÞ Ă?ÙËÖĂ?Ëœ Ę¨ĂœĂ?åÙÙÎ Ă™Ăœ Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă˜ ĂŽĂ?ÚÙĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ÙÙÎ ĂŒĂŁ ĂŒĂ™ĂžĂ’ ÞÒĂ? ĘŽĂ‹Ă—Ă?Ă? ÞÒËÞ˪Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă&#x;Ăš Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂŽËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?×ÙÕĂ?Ë› Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ù×ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ëœ ʨĂ?Ă’ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă–ĂžĂœĂŁ ĂŽĂ“ĂœĂ?Ă?ÞÖã Ă—Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă˜Ă‹Ă•Ă?ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’ Ă’Ă?Ă‹Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› Ă™ ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĚ‹Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ù×ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă˜ĂŽËœ Ă?ÙËÕ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ʨĂ?Ă’Ëœ Ă—Ă?Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă–ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ ÖÙå Ă?Ă‹Ăž Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ë› Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă‘Ă?Ă?Ăž ÞÒËÞ Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă— Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă? ĂŒĂŁ Ă&#x;Ăš ÞÙ ͡͡ ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă’Ă? ÞãÚĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ĂŽĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă“Ę¨Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĚ‹ĂšĂœĂ™Ă™Ę¨Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă?ĂœĂŒĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ÚÓĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˘Ă“ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ? Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ‹ĂœĂœĂ“Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ—Ă?Ă&#x;Ă– Ă?Ù×ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‘ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ë›

Ě‹ Omoru writes from the UK

Nigerian Breweries Builds Classrooms for Lagos School Nigerian Breweries Plc has donated a newly built block of six classrooms and conveniences to St. Patrick Grammar School, Epe, Lagos State.

The project, undertaken through the Nigerian Breweries -Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund further extends the education intervention initiatives of the company in Lagos and Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony recently, the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Kufre Ekanem, said the donation was a demonstration of the company’s unwavering commitment to the developmental aspirations of the people of Lagos State.

He added that the company’s interest in the state and Nigeria goes beyond doing business and making profit to adding value and touching lives in critical sectors of the economy. “We believe that the right investment in the education of our children will secure a bright future for our nation. And in line with our corporate philosophy of ‘Winning with Nigeria’, we are resolutely committed to this

going into the future.�

Ekanem urged the school authority and students to use the facility to the good and progress of Lagos and Nigeria.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekoya, commended Nigerian Breweries for the donation and acknowledged the company’s commitment to the development of education and other skilled manpower around the state and country. “That Nigerian Breweries Plc is a responsible corporate entity is not a subject of debate.

Her intervention in this school with the provision of a block of six classrooms, five toilets, 24 fans complimented by the supply of 150 dual students’ furniture and six sets of teachers’ furniture speaks volume about her passion for the development of education and production of skilled manpower to help the growth of the economy of Lagos and Nigeria.�

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°ÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

US Don Tasks Private Varsities on Creative Skills Sylvester Idowu in Warri Private universities in the country have been urged to evolve teaching techniques that would develop the oral communications and creativity skills in their students so as to equip them with the fast growing networking of the 21st century global teamwork in their various disciplines.

The President, Reinhardt

University, Waleska, Georgia, USA, Prof. Kina Mallard, gave the advice in a paper titled, ‘Workforce Training and Development Needs of the 21st Century; The Role of Private Universities’, delivered at the second distinguished lecture of Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

Mallard, who emphasised the need to bridge the gap between

Foundation Donates Skills Acquisition Centre, Bookshop to YABATECH Ikenna Ekwerike The Proprietor of the Rose of Sharon Foundation, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, has described the outgoing Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Margaret Ladipo as a perfect agent of positive change and pride to womanhood.

She stated this recently when she led the Board of Trustees of the foundation on a courtesy visit to the rector and to inaugurate and handover a skills acquisition centre and bookshop her foundation donated to the institution.

According to her, the foundation had a divine call to wipe tears off the faces of widows and orphans across the country, adding that it recognises the key role education plays in empowerment; hence it chose YABATECH because of its long history of academic and vocational excellence.

Alakija said the institution

was partner in progress since it was one of her foundation’s objectives to see that widows and orphans were educated. “We decided to partner this college so that we can rub minds together; so that we have mutually beneficial activities that we can do to assist each other. That is why we have been able to support many of your staff who are widows through this organisation. It is also why you as a college have been able to provide training skills for members of our organisation who are beneficiaries of our foundation.�

She commended the outgoing rector for her giant strides especially in the area of establishing ventures that have the capacity to boost the internal revenue generation of the school, including a campus radio station, water treatment plant and water bottling plant; and expressed hope that her successors would build on the foundation that she had laid.

StartZone Inspires Female Students with Technology Funmi Ogundare StartZone recently hosted over 500 female students from various private schools across Lagos for the ‘Girl Meets Tech Teen’s conference aimed at inspiring and empowering them to build a better life and future by leveraging technology.

The programme with the theme, ‘A Whole New World of Opportunities with Technology’, which held during the Computer Science Education Week, is one of the organisation’s initiative to transform Africa, individual and business at a time.

Speaker after speaker at the programme gave an insight into the boundless world of tech and possible tech careers girls can pursue and leverage to earn a living and compete favourably wherever they find themselves.

In her remarks, the Programme Manager, Mrs. Titilope Oni, who stressed the need for females to get the required skills for the fourth revolution characterised by digital revolution, internet of things and artificial intelligence, said tech should not just been seen as a preserve for boys, but that girls should also get involved, adding, “You should also be

interested in coding.�

The Chief Executive Officer of Smids Animation, Mrs. Damilola Solesi recalled how she rose through the tech ladder and built a company which has been in operation for seven years. Her story was inspiring and aroused the curiosity of the girls, who asked series of questions.

A blogger, popularly called Miss Tech, Oluwatobi Ayeni highlighted the various careers in tech and their importance, while encouraging the girls to build skills that would make them relevant in the future and pursue any of the many technological careers available.

The Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, Mrs. Lola Akande represented by the Director of NGOs, Mrs. Joke Oshodi, reaffirmed the state’s support for women and women in technology.

A virtual reality enthusiast from Andela, Blessing Orazulume, introduced the girls to virtual reality, its importance and how people can leverage on it, saying, “using virtual reality can help to overcome stage fright and improve public speaking.�

the formal method of learning where students are confined to their course of studies throughout their duration in higher institutions, noted that the global trend now combines teaching in both students discipline and liberal arts skills in order to develop independent minds. “Focus on workforce needs without sacrificing fundamental courses. Many universities, including Reinhardt are strategically growing new academic programmes in areas such as health care, computer science and cyber security. These are high-demand, vocational skillsbased professions that build on the liberal arts. “Colleges and universities

are increasing their focus on internships, externships and practical real world experiences before graduation. These experiences need to be tied to student learning outcomes and offered in every major.�

The visiting lecturer noted that faculty should adapt their teaching to meet the way students today learn, adding “as institutions of higher learning with a commitment to prepare our students for the competencies and skills, we need to have the hard discussions about how we prepare our students. Teaching liberal acts and skills in an active and challenging way helps develop independent thinkers and workers.

“Requiring students to take a more active role in their learning increases their problem solving, collaboration, oral communication and creativity skills. Universities cannot expect professors who learned by the sage on a stage method to automatically embrace new pedagogy. Moving from passive to engaged and active learning takes persuasion, courage and faculty development training,� she said.

Mallard also observed that the use of technology in teaching has moved beyond a novelty to a necessity, stressing that faculty training in best practices for using technology to engage students should be part of annual faculty development workshops.

“For those who are reticent about their technological skills or intimidated by what they don’t know, I suggest student technology assistants for classes.�

The Vice-Chancellor of Edwin Clark University, Professor T. Olagbemiro recalled that his institution and the US university signed a memorandum of understanding to provide reasonable cooperation in a variety of joint academic and education activities.

Prior to signing of the MoU, he said the university received over 10,000 volumes of books from Reinhardt University and that the books enhanced and facilitated the status of his institution.

A cross section of the staff and management of Midwestern Oil and Gas and its JVpartner, Suntrust Oil Company, with some stakeholders and beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme recently awarded to 42 students at a ceremony held in Kwale, Delta State‌ recently

NBC to Empower 18,000 Youths in 2018 The Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), anchor bottlers for Coca-Cola has promised to continue its empowerment programme for the youths through various initiatives.

Speaking at a media parley in Lagos recently, the Director, Legal, Public Affairs and Communications, Mrs. Sade Morgan said NBC, which started the youth empowerment initiative this year, would continue in 2018 by empowering 15,000 youths.

Morgan said the idea behind the empowerment is in line with the company’s vision, which is geared towards imparting the youths with employability and entrepreneurship skills.

While commending the media for their support in the last 12 months, she said the company

is already looking forward to sustaining and improving on existing relationship hence the essence of the gathering.

She explained that NBC would continue to intensify efforts by focusing more on some of its life-changing initiative for youths which she noted are open only to people between the ages of 18 and 30.

Apart from these initiatives, she said NBC is also involved in a couple of programmes meant to better the lot of others above that age bracket.

While assessing its 2017 activities, Morgan said NBC had already empowered no fewer than 120,000 females through its ‘Educating Nigerian Girls in New Enterprise’ initiative, adding that some of the participants are now proud retailers for Coca-Cola.

“I must say that our focus this year has been largely on the youths because we believe that they hold the future for Nigeria.

We cannot afford to ignore them.

That explains why our youth empowerment and personal development programmes are aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger in the country.�

Commenting on other activities, Morgan said the company had sustained its empowerment for women by training 100 of them every year to become certified mechanics through the lady mechanic initiative. “When next you go to a mechanic’s workshop, look out for a female mechanic; we need to encourage these people.�

Responding to questions from journalists, the Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca Cola Nigeria, Nwamaka

Onyemelukwe stated that CocaCola is ready to improve on its support for sports in the coming year, adding that plans are already on ground to the roll out of initiatives on sports for the youth. “We want to encourage the spirit of sportsmanship in young adults. It is important that we engage the youths to prevent them from being a tool for criminal activities.

She explained that the idea was to help the youths to channel their energy into productive ventures to reduce restiveness among them.

According to her, one of the initiatives, COPA Coca-Cola grassroots football has had massive impact in the lives of young boys in villages across the country.

Recognise, Encourage Citizens’ Seless Services, Don Tells Leaders The African Coordinator of the Bradley University, US, Prof. Kunle Jegede, has called on leaders to recognise and encourage selfless services of their citizens to promote excellence and growth in various fields of endeavour.

He made the call in Lagos during the conferment of honorary Doctor of Science in Educational Management on the immediate past Principal of the Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, Rev. Chris Ugorji by the university. Ugorji was honoured alongside Mr. Seidu Abdullahi.

Badley University is in affiliation with the Higher International Institution, Incorporated, Osun State, an educational, motivational, developmental and a non-governmental outfit.

Jegede stressed that there must be a reward system to bring out the best from individuals, for any nation to move forward. “Excellence does not go unnoticed no matter how one may want to look at it.

Success is usually not measured by wealth or popularity. “There are people who labour sincerely for their nation, but die unrewarded except they are

rewarded in heaven. We must acknowledge among us, men and women of high societal standing, who have sacrificed their lives in moving the country forward. “We should call them and honour them. While their companions slept, they toiled even in the night. Surely, we can make our lives sublime and at our departure, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time,� Jegede said.

He urged Nigerians to continue to be patriotic everywhere, saying that posterity would always reward hard work and

advised the award recipients to protect their good names and be good ambassadors of the university.

Jegede also urged the awardees to improve on their achievements.

Responding, Ugorji expressed delight at the honour, saying that it imposed on him a responsibility to do more for Nigeria. “I feel honoured for being remembered for the modest service rendered to my country and humanity. This is encouragement for higher services to God and humanity.

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CITYSTRINGS

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Facelift for Ladipo Market Following moves by the Lagos State Government to rehabilitate major link roads in the state, Ikenna Ekwerike went to the popular Ladipo market to assess the state of its roads

Drainages being constructed on Alhaji Akinwunmi Street, Ladipo

Work in progress on Alhaji Akinwunmi Street, Ladipo

P

eople always evaluate a government that is truly for the people by the amount of quality critical infrastructures it is able to provide for them with the limited resources at its disposal. Among these key infrastructures, good road networks top the list and play overarching roles in the realisation of all other social amenities. This is why the first indicator of a progressive and prosperous city or town or village is the availability of good road networks.

Consequently, the Aguiyi Ironsi International Trade Centre otherwise known as Ladipo Auto-spare parts market, Lagos, has begun a transformative journey that will eventually usher it into the league of progressive and prosperous business districts in Nigeria. A major milestone in this direction is the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrading of the long neglected Alhaji Akinwunmi Street, the hub of business activities at the market, by the Lagos State Government.

Traders recalled that prior to the on-going intervention by the state government, Alhaji Akinwunmi Street was a nightmare and fortune killer rather than a fortune driver. Indeed, Alhaji Akinwunmi Street was the thorn encircling the economic roses of traders in Ladipo Market.

The innocent old street would never be

The Aguiyi Ironsi International Trade Centre otherwise known as Ladipo auto-spare parts market, Lagos, has begun a transformative journey that will eventually usher it into the league of progressive and prosperous business districts in Nigeria.

A major milestone in this direction is the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrading of the long neglected Alhaji Akinwunmi Street, the hub of business activities at the market, by the Lagos State Government

blamed for the mindless decay that suddenly invaded and completely overran it. It had not anticipated that it would at some point become a strategic economic haven that would play host to heavy human and vehicular activities.

Marauding cargo trucks bearing containers loaded with tonnes of vehicle engines and other auto spare parts march endlessly in and out of the street dealing deadly blows on the fragile street tars. The tars fail, giving way for pot-holes, water and mud which are the equal opposite reactions to the effects of booming socio-economic activities witnessed along that corridor.

Little wonder traders in the area could not hide their joyful feelings as their lips were filled with praises for the government over the rehabilitation project which they cried was long overdue. Although the road construction led to the demolition of market complex fences and affected some shops, the traders were still in high spirits and have long found their way around the matter.

The wide drainage systems being put in place on both sides of the road have forced many of the shop owners to take to street trading since customers can no longer access their shops. Oluchi Ogbaje, one of the street traders said they do not disrupt work by their trading activities.

He noted: “You can see that these iron cages

for the gutters will not allow customers cross to meet us in the shops. So, what we do is display some of our goods by the roadsides so that they can at least, locate us. When the people come with their machines to work on any portion, you see people happily pack their things and give way for them to do their job.�

While admitting that things had become increasingly tough since the construction began three months ago, the traders, however, agreed that it was a temporary discomfort they had to suffer in order to enjoy the long term benefits that will follow.

Chuka Obi, another shop owner in the market but who now engages in street trading too, appreciated the efforts of the current government. “Sincerely, we like the road they are building. It is for our good and we have been cooperating with them. When this road is completed, it is going to change our lives for good,� Obi said excitedly.

Consequently, Anayo Okoye, who is also a trader in the market, regretted that the on-going construction was depriving them of the usual Christmas sales boom. He cried: “If not for this road they are building, Christmas season is the time we sell more. Now if a customer calls, before he will locate you, someone else who is selling along the road would have convinced him to buy from them.�

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CITYSTRINGS

The traders say they were witnessing an era of government with human face. “The best part of it is that the government did not close the road completely; business is going on side by side with the construction work.

At least those of us inside the market can come out like this to look for what to eat and take back home for the children since customers still find their way into the market through the road,� Obi noted.

Making an assessment of the speed of the job being done, most of the traders shared the view that the eighth month completion target may not be realistic as the pace of work was very slow. They expressed confidence in the quality of work done so far.

Meanwhile, a major concern for some of the traders especially those who do not own shops is rumour making the rounds that street trading might be banned at the completion of work on that road. Although no official pronouncements have been made in that regard according to sources, yet, street traders are worried that there are no alternative provisions for them since the plazas have been filled up.

Customers who spoke with the reporter said the thought of going to the market alone gave a psychological torture. Many said they now come to Ladipo only when they could not get what they wanted elsewhere.

The reporter observed that the market pressure has automatically shifted to Ladipo Road, which is equally in a terrible situation, especially the junction where Akinwunmi Street and Ladipo Road intersects; adjacent the newly constructed market complex where motorists, motorcyclists and heavy engine barrow pushers lock horns for hours. This has further destroyed the road making it nearly impassable.

But, remedy is on the way as the Lagos State Government has declared a state of emergency on dilapidated major link roads across the state including roads in and around Ladipo Market in continuation of its drive to ensure smooth flow of traffic and by extension, wealth to ordinary Lagosians.

Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Lagos State, Mr. Sina Thorpe made this known to journalists recently when he revealed that government in realising the economic value of Ladipo Street which is a 2.87km road that connects Agege Motor Road to Apapa-Oshodi Expressway service lane at Toyota Bus Stop, has decided to rehabilitate and upgrade the road to a dual carriage way.

Thorpe announced that, besides the already on-going rehabilitation and upgrading of Alhaji Akinwunmi Street, which he said was a strategic road that connects Ladipo Street to Apapa-Oshodi Expressway at Five Star Bus Stop, the Obagun Road, which links Badejo Kalejaiye Street with Fatai Atere Way, which in turn connects Ladipo Street with Agege Motor Road would equally receive a facelift.

He added: “To further ensure interconnectivity to these networks of roads and ease traffic in the corridor, part of the ongoing expansion and upgrading of the Oshodi-International Airport Road would see the provision of a U-Turn ramped bridge to serve motorists in the area. “The state government, therefore, urges road users and commuters along the corridor to cooperate with the contractor in order to speedily deliver the road projects as scheduled, while being mindful of the present, albeit,

Sincerely, we like the road they are building. It is for our good and we have been cooperating with them. When this road is completed, it is going to change our lives for good

Work in progress on Alhaji Akinwunmi Street, Ladipo

Street traders taking over the Alhaji Akinwunmi Street, Ladipo

temporary discomforts.�

However, it was observed that work is yet to commence on other link roads except on the Alhaji Akinwunmi Street which is already being transformed.

Consequently, it is no coincidence that the development-conscious and vibrant governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode shares same first name with the economically powerful Akinwunmi Street, Ladipo Market.

Hence, stakeholders and lovers of the state are highly hopeful that the contractor and the construction company handling that road would deliver an enduring legacy that will become a point of reference for years to come.

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email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Liberia Election Run-off: It’s a Choice Between Ex-footballer Weah and Vice-president Boakai

Liberians voted on Tuesday in a historic run-off election to choose a successor to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after 12 years as Africa’s first elected female head of state in the West African country’s first democratic transition since 1944.

Tuesday’s election pitched Vice-President Joseph Boakai, 73, against former international footballer George Weah, , 51, both of whom joined voters in casting their ballots.

Nigeria’s immediate past president Goodluck Jonathan, who is monitoring the election as part of the National Democratic Institute Observer mission, told the BBC he was certain it would be free and fair.

“Liberia has, true, some challenges,” he said.

“We’re witnessing a situation where the sitting president will hand over to another democratically elected president. That will tell the whole world that Liberia is now a stable country democratically and that the remaining thing is

to grow the economy.”

The ballot, according to AFP, was delayed for seven weeks due to legal challenges lodged by Boakai’s Unity Party against the electoral commission over the conduct of the first round of voting.

Weah starred in top-flight European football teams Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan in the 1990s before playing briefly for Chelsea and Manchester City in England later in his career.

He and Boakai voted in polling stations near their homes in Paynesville, a suburb of Monrovia, the capital of this nation of 4.6 million people.

Both declared victory was theirs for the taking. “We’re going to win because the people believe in us and they know we represent the best,” said Boakai, a public servant of four decades standing, seen as the establishment candidate.

But Weah was resolute that his second run for the presidency would be successful.

“The victory is certain, I am sure that I am going to win,” he told journalists after casting his ballot.

Weah alleges that electoral fraud cost him the presidency in 2005 and the vice-presidency in 2011.

His CDC party contested those results, but has refrained so far this time.

AFP quoted Weah as warning after voting on Tuesday that “what happened in 2005 and 2011 cannot be repeated”. Boakai also sounded a cautionary note, saying he would accept the result provided the National Elections Commission met “all of the standards”.

Boakai waged a bitter legal battle over problems with queue control and voter identification in the October 10 first round.

On Tuesday polling stations displayed voter lists as a mark of transparency.

“This time everything is OK. It was very easy for me to find my voting place,” said Gabriel Peters as he cast his vote at Calvary Chapel Mission School in Monrovia, which he said had opened on time.

There were fears however that

Israel ‘in Touch with 10 Countries’ over Embassy Moves Israel’s deputy foreign minister has said her government is “in contact with at least 10 countries” over the potential relocation of their embassies to Jerusalem, according

to Al Jazeera.

Tzipi Hotovely’s comments on Monday came a day after Guatemala announced plans to move its embassy to Jerusalem,

following a similar decision by the US earlier this month which sparked widespread international condemnation and mass rallies across the Muslim world.

holding an election the day after Christmas could hit turnout.

Polling stations opened at 8:00 am (0800 GMT) for the country’s 2.1 million voters, and were expected

to close at 1800 GMT. Results are expected in the next few days, according to the electoral commission.

Weah topped the first round

of voting with 38.4 percent while Boakai came second with 28.8 percent. That triggered a run-off as neither made it past the 50 percent needed to win outright.

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Hijab Controversy: Hundreds Protest in Ilorin Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Hundreds of youths including women at the weekend protested in some parts of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital over the denial of a law school graduate, Firdaos Amasa, from being called to Bar by the Council of Legal Education on account of her wearing of Hijab to the

ceremony.

Armed with placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Save Our Soul from being Oppressed,’ ‘Justice is Demanded for Firdaos’, ‘Mandela Challenged the Status Quo, Firdaos is Doing the Same’, ‘Say No to Religious Persecution,’ ‘Enough of this Chronic Humiliation’, the demonstrators under

Atiku Dismisses Face-off with Secondus Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has distanced himself from a statement purportedly made against the new leadership Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as fake and contrived.

A report in the social media quoted Atiku as having expressed misgivings over an alleged control of the PDP leadership by governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, through the newly elected National Chairman, Uche Secondus.

In a statement issued by his media office in Abuja yesterday, the former vice president said he enjoyed cordial relationship excellent relationship with the Secondus-led leadership and

other organs of the party .

The statement said: “It has come to the notice of the Atiku Media Office that there is a statement purportedly attributed to Atiku currently making the rounds on social media.

“We wish to state for the records that the purported statement aimed at pitching the Waziri Adamawa against the National Chairman of PDP, Secondus, PDP NEC, PDP governors and stakeholders of the PDP is contrived and baseless.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Atiku enjoys excellent relationship with Secondus, the party’s NEC and all serving PDP governors and stakeholders of the party.”

the banner of ‘Justice for Firdaos’, took off from Challenge to Ahmadu Bello Way, Umaru Audi Road, Tanke and terminated near Tanke Oke-Odo. Although the authorities of the Nigerian Law School have not officially commented since the issue took place about two weeks ago, there have been barrage of criticisms across the globe over the convention of the institution, which bars Muslim female graduates from appearing in hijab (veil) at the venue of the Call to the Bar. Eminent Nigerians including varsity scholars believed it was the fundamental human rights of Firdaos Amasa, guaranteed by some sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended to wear hijab.

However, the convener of the protest, Mr. Nurudeen Ibrahim, in a chat with journalists in Ilorin during the protest, described the denial of the female law graduate from being called to the Nigerian Bar as an injustice.

Ibrahim noted that the

plight of Firdaos has become a global issue, pointing out that what the Council of Legal Education did, was a flagrant infringement on her fundamental human right.

He stated that the gathering of the demonstrators was designed to draw public attention and send a signal to the authorities that the time has come for Nigerians regardless of religious differences to co-exist peacefully.

“Our gathering has to do with an injustice meted against one of our sisters, who was denied her fundamental human right, because of the fact that she refused to pull off her hijab during the call to the Bar ceremony held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.

“As a result of this, it has become a global issue. Because what happened at the ICC was a flagrant infringement on the fundamental human right of that sister of ours.

“What we are doing is just to sensitise the public and to let those in authority know

that it is high time we coexist, we allow ourselves to be together in peace and we should allow our sisters to put on their hijabs irrespective of their educational pursuits,” Ibrahim said.

Also speaking, a former Dean, Postgraduate School, University of Ilorin, Professor Badmas ‘Lanre Yusuf, said it was disheartening that those who are regarded as custodians of the law have turned violators.

He said the rights of Firdaos were enshrined in the nation’s law book and therefore should not be denied by any convention.

Yusuf, a Professor of Islamic Studies, noted that the denial of the female law graduate to be called to the bar because of her wearing of hijab was a deliberate expression of hatred against Islam and should not go unchallenged.

“It is very unfortunate that those who are supposed to be custodians of the law, are the ones violating the law. In the Nigerian Constitution, there is affirmation for fundamental

human and religious rights and there is no any law that would be superior or that would supercede the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“So, what they called the convention in the Nigerian Law School, as may be part of their code of ethics and the rest of it. There is no reason if there is no any religious bias that such a convention would supercede the law.

“I just want to look at it as a deliberate expression of hatred against Islam and the Muslims by those who supposed to know. But they know what they are doing, because all over the globe, the agenda is to antagonise anything that is Islamic.

“If you look at the picture of Firdaos (Amasa), you would see that the way she put on her hijab was modest enough and was reasonable enough that it would take a discerning eye to recognise that she put on hijab; it was not flamboyant, and that is why we are surprised.”

BUHARI EULOGISES DOGARA, SAYS HE IS LINK BETWEEN EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATURE course of this event, including the event we are holding today will be sown back to cater for the less privilege in the society.”

He said:”I call on other Nigerians too and spirited individuals to always extend the hand of support to the less privilege and if we do that, we’ll have a better society.

“For me really, it’s not as special as I thought, all these while, I was determined I was not going to celebrate any birthday- that I’m not going to mark my birthday until I’m 50.

“So, it’s very special to me and what I’m taking stock of is how I’ve invested these 50 years that God has given to me.

“It’s not the position that I am; a lot of people say, oh, because you are Speaker, they call you the number four person in Nigeria, you’ve achieved a lot.

“But to me, that’s not achievement- measuring my life by the impact those 50 years have brought to bear on the lives of others and I have seen it myself; so many people have told me how I’ve been able to impact their lives these few years.

“So, it’s a special moment for me as I mark 50; my next journey in life is to be able to assess where I’ve not done very well so that I can strengthen those areas and to strengthen my resolve to better serve humanity.

On what he thinks Nigeria would be in the next 50 years, he said, “For me, Nigeria is a great country and it could be greater and that’s if all of us do our work.

“The problem we have now is that virtually everyone look up to government; where you have a democracy where people refer to government too much,

there’ll be no progress; rather, it should be government expecting things from citizens.

“Every Nigerian must go to work; and if Nigerians go to work, if we do the right things, in the next 50 years, this nation will be a pool of prosperity for all the citizens of this nation; everything we run abroad for, we will have them in this country.

“All that it’ll take is the collective efforts of every Nigerian not just people in government.”

Meanwhile, Dangote had launched 100 copies of the book with the sum of N100 million while Saraki didn’t make his donation public.

The Bauchi State Government launched the publication with N10 million; the committee of past speakers, N5 million; Edo State government, N10 million; and businessman,Emeka Offor, N20 million.

Also, Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila announced all the remaining 359 House members will get a copy of the book for 50,000 each (N17,950,000).

The National Working Committee (NWC) of APC donated N1 million for copies as well as the Northeast caucus of APC which gave N500,000.

Also, all 109 senators purchased copies of the publication at N60,000 each (N6,540,000).

Also, Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal announced a N30 million donation for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States while the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru N5 million.

Amosun also announced a N10 million offer for copies of the speaker’s biography.

Among other donors, the PDP Caucus in Senate also got copies of the book for N1 million.

EMINENT NIGERIANS

L-R: Former Minister of Power, Bert Nnaji; former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; President, Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies (AES) Nigeria Governing Council, Ausbeth Ajagu; former Minister of Industry and Chairman AES Excellence Club, Mrs. Nike Akande; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd); Publisher, The Guardian Newspapers, Mrs. Maiden Ibru; and former Minister of External Affairs, Bolaji Akinyemi, during the annual CEOs’ Dinner/Awards Nite by AES Excellence Club in Lagos…recently.

FCTA Misses Deadline on Completion of Abuja Light Rail Project Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The November-December 2017 proposed delivery of the Abuja Light Rail is no longer realisable following the inability of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to meet the target.

The light rail is a strategic project designed to ease the transport burden of commuters in Abuja by linking up several communities with the city centre.

The contract for the light rail project is undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at a cost put at $823 million (about N299 billion).

However, after many years of delay the completion and formal handover of the project will still

remain on hold.

FCTA officials have fingered the late arrival of the coaches from China as the reason for the failure to realise the project on schedule.

The coaches have berthed at the Apapa Port, Lagos but government is in a fix because the nation’s bad road tracks make it almost impossible to transport the heavy machinery to Abuja.

FCTA Transport Secretary, Kayode Opeifa, declined to offer more insights on the situation when we sought official position via the phone last night.

“We said the project will be completed by the end of the year and we are still on course,” he said before the phone went off.

He refused to receive and return subsequent calls to his line last night But FCTA sources in the

know said the Light Rail service is expected to be inaugurated in January 2018, after the coaches and locomotives are coupled for the train service to be test-run.

“As you are aware, the coaches meant for night.-run have arrived in Lagos and being cleared. It is only a matter of when the coaches are delivered in Abuja for the train light train service to commence,” a source said last night The total length of the double track rail project segmented into three Lots is 45.245 kilometres.

The strategic Lot 3 will connect the new International terminus at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport to the Central Business District Central Station, enabling travellers the comfort of getting to the airport by train instead of the regular means of cabs.

At various times, FCT Minister, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, had declared the project more than 98 per cent completed, assuring that residents would begin to ride on the trains by Christmas.

This assurance was hinged on the completion of the major components that will facilitate the take off of the project.

All the 12 railway stations, including the main hub at Idu have been completed and installed with mechanical and electrical works.

In addition, 13 railway bridges, 50 culverts, 15 flyover bridges, nine pedestrian overpasses and bridges are said to be 100 per cent completed.

These are in addition to locomotive rolling stock depot plus communication and signaling centres.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Dayo Exco Drags PDP to Court over Dissolution, Seeks Removal of Akinwonmi The Adebayo Dayo-led executive committee of the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) has dragged the national executive of the party to the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging its

NCC Plans Unused Data Roll over to 14 Days Following complaints, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is to extend the grace period of unused data roll over to 14 days.

But the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has said the days was not enough.

Instead, the association has called for an extension of unused data roll over to 30 days.

The President of NATCOMS, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, disclosed this to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Ogunbanjo, while describing the idea of 14 days as a welcomed development, said it was not enough considering the present economic situation as subscribers were not getting value for their money with regard to data usage.

“NCC should give at least 30 days grace instead of 14 days, because of the recent economic situation.

“One may also have pressing needs or competing demands in the family and may not have money to subscribe within the 14 days period.

“The grace period for voice recharge is 90 days, hence, data subscription should not be different,” the NATCOMS president said.

The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said subscribers would be given the 14 days grace, even if they do not renew on the date of data expiration.

Danbatta said this would stop the present practice where subscribers would lose the entire unused data, if they failed to renew on the date of expiration of the present subscription.

According to him, NCC recognises that telecommunications services are very important to the country’s development.

“NCC also recognises more importantly, that the consumers of telecommunications services deserve to get value for their money.

“NCC also recognises that consumer should be treated as a very important stakeholder in the scheme of things, as far as service delivery is concern.

“Let me recall that in the eight points agenda of my administration, the issue of empowerment and protection of consumers occupied the sixth position.

“The vision in this agenda is to protect consumers from unfair practices through availability of information and education to make informed choices in the use of ICT services,” he said.

powers to dissolve the committee.

The suit, which was instituted by Chief Adebayo Dayo and Semiu Sodipo on behalf of themselves and the Ogun State executive committee of the party, has the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Yemi Akinwonmi as the first, second and third defendant respectively.

The plaintiffs are also praying the court to replace Akinwonmi, who was elected Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP at its National Convention on December 9, with Segun Seriki.

The former National Caretaker Committee of the party, led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, had dissolved the executive committee in August and replaced it with a caretaker committee.

The Dayo-led exco wants the court to determine whether the national leadership of the party has the powers to dissolve the state executive committee when its tenure has not expired.

The plaintiffs also want the court to determine whether the national headquarters of the PDP could organise congresses in Ogun

State as it did on October 21 and 28 as well as November 4, 2017 with the aim of tampering with the structure of the Executive Committee of the 1st defendant in Ogun State led by the plaintiffs by electing and or constituting another executive committee of the 1st defendant in Ogun State when the tenure of the plaintiffs has not expired “having regard to the provisions of Articles 25(1), 47(1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2012), Section 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the judgment of this court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/636/2016 between Chief Adebayo Dayo & Anors Vs Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) & 5ors delivered on the 24th June, 2016.”

Dayo and his executive committee are also challenging the use of those who emerged from the congresses held in Ogun State as delegates to the National Convention of the PDP which held in Abuja on December 9, since there is a substantive judgment which recognises the Dayo-led exco as the authentic one.

The plaintiffs then ask the court to declare that “by the provisions of the Articles 25(1), 47(1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2012), Section 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the judgment of this honourable Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/636/2016 between Chief Adebayo Dayo & Anors Vs Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) & 5ors delivered on the 24th June, 2016, the first defendant cannot validly dissolve the Executive Committee of the 1st defendant in Ogun State led by the plaintiffs while their tenure is still subsisting till May, 2020.”

The plaintiffs also seek a declaration that by “the provisions of Articles 25(1), 47(1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2012), Section 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the judgment of this honourable Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/636/2016 between Chief Adebayo Dayo & Anors Vs Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) &

5ors delivered on the 24th June, 2016, the 1st defendant is bound to accept and replace the name of the 3rd defendant, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi, with that of Segun Seriki for the position of the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the 1st defendant being the nominee and the candidate of the plaintiffs who are authentic members of the Executive Committee of the 1st defendant chapter in Ogun State.”

In a similar development, Chief Pegba Otemolu is also challenging the use of persons who emerged from the congresses held in Ogun State on October 21 and 28 as well as November 4, 2017 as delegates to the national convention of the party on December 9.

Otemolu, who instituted the suit on his behalf and behalf of the South-west Zonal Executive of the PDP, is praying the court to nullify the election of Hon Aribisala Adewale as the National Treasurer and Hon Diran Odeyemi as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP and asks the court to replace them respectively with Chief Folorunsho Babalola and Mr Bamidele Salam.

Troops Recover 200 Cows from Rustlers, Kill Three Terrorists Paul Obi in Abuja The Nigerian Army said yesterday that troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole operating in Borno State have recovered over 200 cows from Boko Haram members, while three of the insurgents were killed during encounter with soldiers.

According to the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.

Gen. Sani Usman, the troops also recovered weapons of different calibre from the Boko Haram fighters.

Usman said in a statement in Abuja that “troops of 21 Brigade, Operation Lafiya Dole, in conjunction with elements of 121 Battalion, on Friday, December 22, 2017, laid an ambush for Boko Haram terrorists at one of their suspected crossing points near Firgi, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

“During the ambush, the troops neutralised one of the terrorists suspected to be an expert Improvised Explosives Device (IED) expert, while other terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds.

The gallant troops recovered one gas cylinder suspected to be for IED, two water bottles and one motorcycle.

“In another development, troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade, Operation Lafiya Dole on Saturday, following a report that suspected Boko Haram terrorists have rustled and carted away over 200 cows at Makandari Village in Kala Balge Local Government Area, mobilised a fighting patrol which pursued the terrorists to Beneri village

where contact was made.

“The patrol team engaged the terrorists and neutralised two of the criminal Boko Haram cattle rustlers. They recovered one AK-47 Rifle, an empty magazine, two motorcycles and one national identity card. In addition, the gallant troops also recovered all the rustled cows and returned to the rightful owners.’

Meanwhile, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major Gen. R. I. Nicholas, has given insight into how soldiers repelled the attacks of some Boko Haram terrorists at Molai area, outskirts of Maiduguri on Christmas day.

He said in a statement: “This evening, there was an attempted attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorist who came with Person Borne Improvised Explosives Devices (PIED) and gun trucks to steal foodstuff and also attack troops around Molai area, outskirts of Maiduguri, but met stiff resistance from troops of Operation Lafiya Dole who repelled them and secured the community.

“No loss of lives to own troops and normalcy has since been restored.

‘Meanwhile, troops have been on the trail of the remnants of the terrorists. Unfortunately, during their retreat, they set two vehicles on fire and some thatched houses at the outskirts of the city gate.

“Both ground troops and the Nigerian Air Force are on hot pursuit and interdicting the fleeing terrorists that are now in disarray.”

BUDGET DEFENCE SESSION

L-R: Members of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Donald Alasoadura; and Senator Attai Idok; and Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. during the ministry’s budget defence session at the National Assembly, Abuja....recently

Exam Ethics Collaborates with ICPC to Curb Malpractices The Exam Ethics Marshal International (EEMI ), a nongovernmental organisation, has said it will strengthen its collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC ) to check examination malpractice in the country.

The Founding Chairman of EEMI, Mr. Ike Onyechere, said this in an interview at Abuja yesterday.

Onyechere said the large scale of corruption being experienced in the society was traceable to corruption in examinations which if not handled properly could jeopardise the integrity of the country.

He said that there were challenges militating against the continued fight against exam malpractice and other related vices which informed the

decision of his NGO to partner with ICPC to check the trend.

He said the challenge of exam malpractice ranges from the use of sophisticated modern computer components, microchips and associated materials.

According to him, not too conducive exam environment, impersonation of candidates and nepotism have also been identified to have aided exam malpractice in the country.

He added that the role of the organisation had been to work closely with relevant agencies to stop the scourge of examination malpractice in the education system.

“As an organisation, we are keen to working tirelessly to stop the problems of exam malpractice encountered in our various education institutions.

“We find a lot of infractions in our education system and we make reports to the appropriate agencies.

“We work very closely with ICPC. This is because we cannot make any arrest but when we get a case of exam malpractice that has to do with corruption, fraud and extortions, we alert ICPC and they take it up.

“But like any other individual in this country, there are instances when something becomes so close to your heart and you seek leave of government to do prosecution but we have not reached that level.’’

According to him, arrest is not the only measure one can use to curb malpractices, we are looking at other areas that we can deploy

to curb the menace.

He noted that prevention, sensitisation and getting people to change their mindset was key to eradicating malpractices in the education sector.

“Eradicating corruption is everybody’s responsibility and must start from the primary schools.

“Developing the minds of the young people to the dangers of malpractices will be translated to a nation with corrupt-free citizenry. “ If we must have a nation that is devoid of corruption, we must begin to tell our youths that examination malpractice is not an option to a bright future.’’

He therefore urged other stakeholders to join in the fight to eradicate exam malpractices in the country.

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Umeh Appeals to INEC Not to Stop Anambra Central Rerun Election Davidson Iriekpen With various groups and individuals pressurising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obey the recent judgment of the Federal High Court judgment by giving Dr. Obiara Okonkwo certificate of return, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, has urged the commission to ignore them.

He also appealed INEC not to stop the Anambra Central rerun election fixed for January 13, 2018.

Umeh who is APGA’s candidate for the rerun poll, made the remark in an interview against the backdrop of the judgment delivered last week

by Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, directing the electoral body to issue a certificate of return to Okonkwo as the validly elected senator for the senatorial

district.

Justice Tsoho gave the directive while delivering judgment in a preelection matter where Okonkwo sought to be declared the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the March 28, 2015 Anambra Central senatorial election.

The court order came about three weeks after the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja had instructed INEC to within 90 days conduct the Anambra Central rerun with the exclusion of PDP as directed by its Enugu Division which quashed Uche Ekwunife’s election on December 7, 2015.

The APGA standard bearer, however, said he was confident that INEC, as a responsible institution of government, would not obey the high court ruling against a subsisting Appeal Court verdict on the Anambra Central rerun issue.

“INEC would take a decision based on the superior judgment on

Ekiti LG Polls Confirmation of Our Popularity, Says PDP Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said its sweeping victory in the Ekiti State local government elections is a clear and firm evidence of its popularity not only in Ekiti State but also in the entire Southwest and the nation at large.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement yesterday, described the election as credible, free and fair, adding that “the landslide victory is a direct response by the people to the achievements of the Governor Ayo Fayose-led PDP government, in line with the ideology, vision and programmes of the party.”

Stating that the South-west region has always been its stronghold, the PDP further said it has repositioned to retake the governorship of all its original states, particularly those in the South-west and the northern

parts of the country while ultimately winning the presidency and the majority in the National Assembly, come 2019.

The party said Nigerians have since seen through the deception and incompetence of the APC and are now very eager to kick out the ruling party at all levels of government.

The PDP thanked the people of Ekiti State for their unrelenting support and charged the newly elected officials to reciprocate the gesture by working hard to ensure that the people continued to enjoy the dividends of democracy as already consolidated by Governor Ayodele Fayose.

It congratulated Fayose and urged its members across the nation to redouble their efforts in mobilising for future elections, particularly, the 2019 general election.

record on the matter. INEC has no right to choose a high court order against a Court of Appeal order that is subsisting. The constitution of Nigeria provided for hierarchy of courts – Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court. And when Court of Appeal renders a decision, all the authorities and persons and all courts of subordinate jurisdiction will abide by it. INEC cannot choose between Court of Appeal order and high court order. Two of them don’t have the same level of authority in our jurisprudence.

A high court is a high court. The decision of the Court of Appeal comes before that of high courts,” Umeh argued.

Noting that the order of the lower court that Okonkwo should be sworn in is standing on nothing, the APGA chieftain stated: “The Federal High Court judgment did not make any reference to the Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the election. The high court did not make any reference to the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on November 20 that ordered INEC to conduct the rerun election within 90 days.

It did not say INEC should ignore those Court of Appeal decisions.

What it simply said was that it delivered a judgment on who was

the candidate of PDP between Ekwunife and Okonkwo. That was the judgment and he (Justice Tsoho) proceeded to make fallacious orders that Obiora Okonkwo should be sworn in. Sworn in on the basis of which election? An election that has been nullified? If the election had not been nullified, and he comes to the conclusion that Okonkwo was the rightful candidate of PDP, yes, he can order that Okonkwo should be sworn in.

“But in the present case, the election in question has been destroyed by the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on December 7, 2015, which nullified the election.

And that is why the seat has been vacant till date. So, Okonkwo is not going there to replace anybody because there is nobody there. The election has been voided by the Court of Appeal which is the final court vested with the authority to adjudicate over National Assembly matters. And that was what the Supreme Court judges told Ekwunife on February 10, 2017.

They told her that they don’t have any authority to tamper with the judgment of the Court of Appeal, that the judgment is final. So, the election remains nullified forever. A high court cannot pretend that it is treating a pre-election matter and

fail to recognise the fact that nobody can be winner of a nullified election.

There is nothing for Okonkwo to claim because the election does not exist anymore. It has been invalidated.”

Countering Okonkwo’s contention that pre-election matters take precedence over tribunal cases, Umeh argued that “What he (Okonkwo) is saying is a misconception. If the election is alive and somebody is deriving benefit from the election and it is finally determined that the person who is occupying the seat was not the right person, it should be the other person, then, the pre-election matter can be given validity. But when the election has been nullified, there is nothing left again. Assuming, Ekwunife is in the Senate, for example, and Justice Tsoho determine that Okonkwo should be sworn in, then Ekwunife will appeal against that judgement and remain in office. When the Court of Appeal finishes, Ekwunife can appeal to the Supreme Court again. Until the Supreme Court finishes, Okonkwo cannot go there. But in the present case, the Court of Appeal has nullified the election. That is the difference.

So, the analogy he is making is misconceived. He was talking

about Governor Okezie Ikpeazu that high court ordered Ogah to be sworn in and INEC issued Ogah certificate of return. It was because the governorship election of Abia State was still valid and somebody qas governor. So, he can be replaced. But in this case, the election has been nullified. It is dead and buried. That is the difference! That is the ignorance he (Okonkwo) is exhibiting on television today. You cannot claim anything from nothing.”

The ex-APGA chairman pointed out that the only way a Senator can now emerge for Anambra Central in the eyes of the law is through the rerun election ordered by the Court of Appeal, adding that “those who are still running around and trying to contrive one mischief or other should go home knowing that it’s over. How can you imagine that in just one election, PDP has projected so many candidates? The first one was Ekwunife. The second one was Peter Obi. The third one is now Okonkwo - all from the same party in respect of one election. And remember that there is also the case of Annie Okonkwo hanging. So, PDP should buried itself in shame and allow the Anambra Central people to have peace.”

John Holt Celebrates 120 Years With Indigent Patients, Orphans, Others John Holt Plc has donated products and cash to orphans, patients, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and prison inmates in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Maiduguri and Enugu as its hallmark of activities to mark it 120 years of existence.

The giant conglomerate described the gesture as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, even as it restated its commitment to positively impact on humanity by giving back to the society through effective CSR activities.

The Group Managing Director, Dr. Christopher Ezeh, who stated this during a visit to inmates in the Ikoyi Prisons, noted that John Holt Plc would continue to support good causes in the society, especially those that have a direct impact on human development.

The company, according to him, will continue to seize opportunities to add value, listing such opportunities to include support provided through entrepreneurship programmes, protection of vulnerable groups

among others.

“It is our own way of adding value to the society, a society to which we owe the longevity of our operations,” he said.

Among beneficiaries of the latest gestures are IDPs at Muna camp, Maiduguri, Borno State; Our Savior Orphanage Home, Port Harcourt; indigent patients at Braitwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt; Red Cross Motherless Babies Home, Enugu; indigent patients at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozara, Enugu State; Unity Orphanage Home, Gwako, Gwagwalada, Abuja; indigent patients at National Hospital Abuja; indigent patients at Lagos Island General Hospital; inmates of Ikoyi Prisons and orphans at Modupe Cole Memorial/Child Care and Treatment Home, Akoka, Yaba in Lagos.

Coordinating activities, Group Marketing Manager, Mr. Solomon Ezeanah, said: “In John Holt Plc, we believe in giving back to the society and to support the less privileged, which is in line with our CSR goals and objectives.”

XMAS MASS

Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (left), with the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Most Rev. Jude Thaddeus Okolo, after the Christmas mass at All Saints’ Catholic Church, Nkpor, Anambra State....yesterday.

Wike Advises APC to Apologise for Executing Evil against Rivers People Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that unless the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government and its agents apologise for plotting and executing evil against Rivers State, they will continue to falter in governance.

He stated that as long as the federal government continues to execute evil plots against Rivers people, they will never be able to conceptualise meaningful projects.

He spoke on Boxing Day during a special meeting with Bolo people at the Bolo Civic Centre, Ogo/Bolo Local Government Area .

He said: “Anything you do against Rivers State will affect

the entire Nigeria. When you see us cry, listen to Rivers State.

Until they leave this state alone, they will never know peace.

When they try to distract Rivers State, they will never be able to conceptualise projects.

“Until they come to apologise for plotting and executing evil against Rivers State, they will continue to falter.”

He noted that despite the evil machinations of the APC, Rivers State remains one of the very few flourishing states in the country. He said APC states have gone under, grappling with the payment of salaries.

“I challenge the APC to go to their states and talk about projects, when they cannot even pay salaries.

Here we have paid salaries and pensions and we are consistently rolling out projects, even during Christmas,” he said.

He noted that the APC dislodged a son of the Niger Delta from the presidency, only to resort to excuses for their failures.

The governor called on the federal government to ensure that it uses funds from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to address environmental problems in the Niger Delta, the way it is doing for insurgency.

He used the occasion to announce the approval of the construction of the internal roads of Bolo town.

The governor also upgraded the stool of the Amayanabo of Bolo

to a second class status.

He lauded the Majority Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Evans Bipi for the major constituency project in the area.

Earlier, Chief Victor Alabo who spoke on behalf of the chief and elders of Bolo thanked Governor Wike for the numerous projects in the area.

He commended the governor for funding the Bolo Civic Centre which is a constituency project facilitated by the Majority Whip of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Evans Bipi.

He announced that the Bolo people have endorsed Governor Wike for a second term because of his outstanding developmental strides.

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Lagos Rolls out 820 Buses to Mitigate Traffic Congestion We are building Lagos steadily, says Ambode Gboyega Akinsanmi The Lagos State Government yesterday disclosed that it would roll out 820 high occupancy vehicles next year to kick-start its Bus Reform Initiative, a public transportation project designed to ease the daily commute of Lagos residents.

On this account, the state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, acknowledged that he had succeeded in putting the state on good standing in the last two and half years with the support of its 24 million people.

This was contained in an address he delivered yesterday at a special Christmas party the

Ex-PDP Governor Dumps Party for APC The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State has lost one of its prominent politicians, a former acting governor of the state, Sani Danladi, to the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC).

Danladi, alongside his supporters, will today in his Bachama ward, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, announce his move.

“Yes as I am talking to you now, we are on our way to my local government where I will this Tuesday defect to APC, from ward level to local before state,” the former acting governor told Premium Times in a telephone interview.

His exit came barely one month after the former state acting governor, Garba Umar, defected to APC. Messrs. Umar and Danladi hail from the same local government and constituency.

Danladi, who was recently removed from the Senate as lawmaker representing Taraba North, following a Supreme Court verdict , was said to be at loggerhead with Governor Darius Ishaku. He has, however, denied this.

“I’m not at loggerhead with

anyone, but politics is all about interest, and this is where my people want me to go and bring change in the political landscape of our dear state.”

For now, his exit is seen as a blow to the fortunes of the PDP in Karim Lamido, and Taraba even as a PDP leader says the action won’t change anything for the APC in the state.

“No, we are not rattled at all, let him go, PDP wishes him luck,” David Dogo a PDP chieftain in the state said.

Danladi, a grassroot politician, started out as a councillor, then chairman and finally deputy governor of the state during the late Governor Danbaba Suntai administration.

Though he was later impeached, he won his case at the Supreme Court and was reinstated as deputy governor.

He eventually became governor in an acting capacity and then emerged the PDP flag bearer in the controversial Wadata Plaza primary election for the seat of the senator to represent Taraba North senatorial district, until a Supreme Court judgment ruled in favour of Shu’aibu Isa Lau.

Stop Opening New Varsities, Iwuanyanwu Advises FG The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Calabar, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has advised the federal government to stop establishing more universities and enhance the standard of existing ones.

Iwuanyanwu gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Atta Ikeduru, Imo State yesterday.

He said that instead of frequent approval of new universities, government should concentrate on improving standards in the existing ones to produce quality graduates.

Iwuanyanwu said the standard of education in Nigerian universities had dropped when compared with what obtained more than 40 years ago. ““During our days in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before the outbreak of the civil war, Nigerian universities were rated among the top universities in the world but the situation today is something else.

“Government must do something to change the university system,” he said.

Iwuanyanwu said that the quality of education was central to the advancement of the nation, adding that emphasis must be placed on

specialisation by universities for expected gains in the education sector.

The elder statesman expressed support for the restructuring of the country with a view to tackling corruption, repositioning the local government administration and power sector.

“I must commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his courage in embarking on anticorruption fight.

“Buhari embarked on War Against Indiscipline as Head of State and now fighting corruption as a civilian president.

“All I want Buhari to do is to extend the anti-corruption fight to all sectors not at the level of leaders alone because a policeman collecting N50 from drivers on the road is involved in corruption.

“The one giving gift to somebody in office is also involved,” he said.

The pro-chancellor said that there must be ethical revolution in order to eliminate corruption for Nigeria to get things right.

On the lingering petrol scarcity, Iwuanyanwu advised the federal government to construct refineries in all the 36 states as a way of ending the recurrent challenges associated with short supply of petroleum products.

state government organised and held simultaneously in 20 Local Government Areas in the state.

Ambode had proposed the Bus Reform Initiative with a view to deploying over 5,000 airconditioned buses to replace the yellow commercial buses, which he said was no longer befitting for the state’s mega city status.

Aside the N30 billion fund already set aside to kick-start its implementation, Ambode had said the state government would float a N100billion public transportation infrastructure bond, which he said would span between seven and 10 years to implement the initiative.

With a plan to roll out 820 buses next year, the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr. Abiodun Dabiri, said transport infrastructure in the state would transform to one that eases the daily commute

of the average Lagos in 2018.

Under the state Bus Reform Initiative, Dabiri disclosed that the state government had already procured 820 high occupancy vehicles (HOV) to mitigate traffic congestion across the state, noting that the buses would be deployed before the first half of the 2018 fiscal year.

With 820 buses expected before the first half of 2018, new bus termini and bus shelters are also planned to be built and completed, Dabiri added, saying the transportation landscape “will change to one that gives more access to transportation infrastructure in the state.”

He, therefore, urged Lagos residents to key into the vision of multimodal integrated transport system, which he said the Ambode administration had been implementing to ease human and vehicular movement in the

state.

When fully implemented, the managing director noted that commuting in Lagos would be comparable to transport system available in Europe with huge opportunity for employment and growth of the economy.

Dabiri assured Lagosians that the Ambode administration would complete the Light rail line (Blue Line) project, noting that the project would be operational for the benefit of the people and uplift of the state’s economic growth.

At the Christmas party held in Epe, his country home, the governor said he could not have achieved much as the governor of Lagos State without profound support he received from all residents of the state.

He, therefore, noted that public support “is the cornerstone of the modest achievements we have recorded in the outgoing year. I

assure you that our Lagos project is on course. We are gradually and steadily moving towards actualising the dream of building a state that works for all.”

Under his administration, Ambode said the state government would move into the new year with more vigour and determination “to move our state to the next higher level particularly in the critical sectors including transportation, sustainable and healthy environment, social and physical infrastructure development, power, housing, tourism and education.”

Together, he said, we can and we would achieve more landmark successes in 2018. “I look forward to your continued support in the performance of your civic obligations, obedience to rules and regulations and ensuring peace and harmony in all our communities,” he said.

PRAISE THE LORD......

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (left), 12-year-old musician, Nengi Jaja; and his mother, Mrs. Jaja, praising God after the governor awarded scholarship to the musician at the State Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt....yesterday

Six Killed in Benue Christmas Day Attack At least six persons were reportedly killed on Christmas day after unknown gunmen invaded Utonkon village in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attackers also seriously wounded several other persons while many were declared missing.

However, the state police command said two people died in the attack.

Eyewitnesses said the four-man gang stormed the community on motorbikes while some of

the locals were busy sharing meat they had bought for the Christmas celebration.

An eyewitness said: “I had gone to the village to visit a friend at about 2p.m. when suddenly, we saw about four men on motorbikes, armed with pump action riffles shooting sporadically at the people who were busy sharing the meat they bought for the Christmas festivity.

“People were scampering for safety, women and children were

crying and running into nearby bushes to take cover. About six persons were not so lucky as they were gunned down in cold blood.

“The armed men at a point came down from their bikes and started moving from one compound to another as if they were searching for something or somebody, shooting at anything in sight including animals.”

“Shortly after, they all mounted their bikes and fled.

The injured persons were rushed

to the General Hospital in Igumale for treatment.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident said only two persons were killed during the attack while five others sustained injuries.

Yamu said: “The information at my disposal indicated that the attack was carried out by two yet-to- be identified gunmen who stormed the village on motorbikes. But investigation into the matter has commenced.”

NCAC Holds Retreat for Zonal Directors The Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Segun Runsewe, has held a three-day retreat for all the zonal directors of the council in Abuja.

The retreat was to review the mandate of NCAC under the current dispensation for the purpose of repositioning it for improved efficiency and better performance.

At the retreat, the DG

emphasised to the zonal directors the new vision of the council which is to use arts and culture as a veritable tool for job creation, income and wealth generation that will in turn stimulate rapid socio- economic growth and development.

He added that the council is now more determined to move Nigeria from total dependence on oil

for economic growth by harnessing its arts, crafts and cultural products in diversifying the economy for integrated growth and development.

Runsewe directed them to carefully study the waste to wealth programme initiated at the headquarters and see how they can integrate and implement it in their various zones.

On skill acquisition, Runsewe said it is aimed at equipping unemployed Nigerians especially the women and youths with skills that will make them to be independent.

The retreat also afforded the NCAC management the opportunity of working out a road map and a strategic plan for 2018 programme conceptualisation and implementation.

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Iheanacho: NNPC’s Monopoly of Petrol Supply Causes Scarcity Nigerians want heads to roll An oil and gas merchant, Capt.

Emmanuel Iheanacho, has attributed the persistent scarcity of petrol to monopoly of the product by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Iheanacho, who is also the Chairman, Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday that inability of NNPC to create a window for private importers to import petrol also contributed to the scarcity.

According to him, the current shortage in fuel importation gap was caused by the landing cost margin of N171 per litre and the selling cost pegged at N 145 per litre.

Iheanacho said this was not realistic for marketers to import and sell at that rate.

“The selling of the product at N145 per litre is no longer feasible with the current exchange rate.

“Shortage of foreign exchange and increase in crude oil prices have made it unprofitable to import petrol

and sell same at N145 per litre.

“The problem is that importation of petrol is being handled, almost 100 per cent by NNPC, while private importers backed out because the increase in crude oil price has made the landing cost high,’’ he said.

Iheanacho said the marketers’ huge debts of over N800 billion had also contributed to the inability of marketers to import petrol.

He said most independent marketers had closed their companies due to inability to pay their workers.

Iheanacho urged the federal government to settle all the outstanding debts owed marketers since 2015.

According to him, commercial banks have started taken over the property and tank farms of some companies that could not pay back their loans.

NAN reported that loading of petrol had commenced in Apapa.

A visit to Apapa yesterday

showed that hundreds of trucks were on queue waiting to load the product at Total, Forte Oil, Oando Plc, MRS, NIPCO and other private depots.

In areas like Ikorodu, Epe, IbejuLekki, Oshodi, Ajegunle, Ikotun, Bariga and Sango-Ota, some stations were still selling petrol for between N180 and N200 per litre.

In Ikorodu area, many filling stations were selling at N200 per litre, while only few were selling at the official price.

Commercial bus operators increased their fares by more than 100 per cent, claiming that they bought petrol above the official price of N145 per litre.

Transport fare from Ikorodu Garage to CMS has increased from N300 to N350 before the scarcity to N1000.

Also, from Epe to Ketu,

passengers were being charged N1, 500 against N700 they were charging before scarcity, while the fare from Ketu to Costain was between N300 and N500.

Meanwhile, Nigerian have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to deal decisively with those responsible for the current scarcity of petrol.

Some who took to their twitter handles prayed the president to punish those who by their actions or inaction, caused the ongoing scarcity.

Replying to a Christmas Day message from President Muhammadu Buhari on his twitter handle @MBuhari, some of them particularly called on the president to sack any of his appointees responsible for the ongoing hardship.

President Buhari on Christmas

Day wrote on his handle: “I wish all Nigerians Happy Christmas celebrations.

“As I noted yesterday, the fuel scarcity that has caused many of you to spend this period on fuel queues is deeply regretted.All relevant agencies of Government are working round-the-clock to bring relief to you.”

But his message was greeted with negative replies, some calling for his resignation as Petroleum Minister and others urging him to reshuffle his cabinet and take on more productive ministers.

They urged President Buhari to quickly do something to redeem his government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in line with all its campaign promises.

A twitter user, Victor Lawal, with handle @Vlawal, said the president should stop apologising for the

long queue ocassioned by petrol scarcity and sack non-performing appointees.

“Oga, please stop giving excuse. Who have you fired? The #FuelScarcity is primarily a failure of your government and until heads roll, I have stopped taking you serious. No difference between you and previous governments.

For Charles Ameh, with twitter handle @engrameh, he believed that the only solution to the problem of scarcity of petrol was for there to be consequences for failures.

She wrote: “How can the country move forward when there is never consequence for failure and ineptitude? How many Ministers have really delivered in their role?

“Under your government, the consequence for failure is to keep the job and keep failing. This is shameful.

2018 Digital Switch Over Deadline Not Sacrosanct, Says Adokwe Emmanuel Ukumba in Lafia The Chairman Senate Committee on Information, Senator Suleiman Adokwe, has said the 2018 deadline set for the digital switch over of broadcast in the country from analogue to digital broadcasting is not sacrosanct but a standard set by Nigeria to enable the country benefit from the terrestrial broadcast system.

The information committee chairman stated this when interacting with journalists in his country home, Agwatashi, in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, adding that it is not something that must be met.

“But I want to assure the Nigeria populace that the deadline for the digital switch over is not sacrosanct.

It is not something that we must meet. It is a standard that we set by ourselves so that we can benefit from the terrestrial broadcast system.

We are well ahead of other African

countries,” he maintained.

Adokwe, who represents Nasarawa south senatorial district at the National Assembly, explained that the deadline was for the country’s own good, but he was however quick to add that if Nigeria did not meet the deadline, it means it might not have benefits from most of the terrestrial broadcast that is going on globally.

He however promised: “With the Africa standard, we are well ahead of other African countries. So I don’t think there is any cause for alarm.

We will work hard and make sure that the digital switch over begins in every station in the county.”

Adokwe thereafter called for a very high wage for journalists in the country.

“We would expect that the government that owns media houses should set the standard where journalists are not only well paid, but paid in time like in other jurisdictions,” he concluded.

Ishaku: Taraba Funds are for Development Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, yesterday said he prefers to do landmark achievements than sharing the state’s funds with politicians.

He also asked traditional rulers to pray for peace and “attitudinal change in the state.”

The governor spoke in his Takum country home while celebrating the Christmas with his cabinet members, House of Assembly members, chairmen of local government councils, party executives, political supporters and traditional rulers.

He noted that his administration was heavily challenged by paucity of funds.

He said: “The challenge is that what we are getting today is a far

cry from what those who were with the late former governor, Danbaba Suntai, were getting.”

Ishaku said his priority was to develop Taraba and leave behind a good name rather than sharing the little resources available because he wants a second term.

He pleaded with the people of Taraba State to forgive him, if he had erred in the course of steering the affairs of the state within the two and half years, “I am very sorry, if I went wrong.

I do not have two brains, so forgive me,” he said.

He asked the people continue to love one another and sustain the relative peace to enable him achieve more for the state.

AFRICA’S CULTURAL ICON AT 70.....

L-R: Renowned Choreographer, Peter Badejo; former Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka; his wife, Lola; Tourism Icon, Omotayo Badejo Omotosho; and Mama Badejo, at the platinum jubilee honour of Peter Badejo at 70 at the Freedom Park, Lagos... recently Abiodun Ajala

Ijaw Youths Disagree over NDDC Board Tenure Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Leaders of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide, yesterday disagreed over the ruckus caused by the rumoured extension of the current board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The Central Zone of the IYC, covering the entire Bayelsa and parts of Rivers State, said in a statement in Yenagoa, that it was not part of a recent protest by a faction of its national body, stressing that it would support any board that had capacity to bring development to the region.

The Peretubo Oweilami-led national body of IYC had led a protest to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, along with a Niger Delta activist, Ankio Briggs, and demanded the dissolution of the Senator Ndoma

Egba-led board.

Mr. Tare Porri, Chairman of the central area who distanced the zone he leads from the controversy, said the entire youths from Bayelsa had earlier taken a position not to distract the current management of NDDC to enable it deliver on its mandate.

He said the zone would never be involved in the politicisation of NDDC management as far as the current board remained focused in giving the zone its share of developmental projects.

He added that persons, who, arranged the Port-Harcourt protest failed to even consult the zone, which they claimed was supposed to produce the next management of the board.

Porri warned some “Abuja-based politicians” against hijacking the IYC to play dangerous politics insisting that Bayelsa remained the epicentre of the council.

“We have said it before and we want to say it again. Count us out of this NDDC tenure controversy.

“The central zone of the IYC was not aware and was never part of whatever protest that had been done in Port-Harcourt. The zone was never consulted and we don’t know whatever that happened there.

“We are the epicentre of the IYC, the Jerusalem of the Ijaw nation. Nobody should use the IYC to play party politics in Abuja”, he said. He added: “Our position as a zone is that IYC is interested in an NDDC board; we are interested in a board that will bring developments to Bayelsa State and by extension, the central zone.

“We are interested in an NDDC board that will partner with the government of states in the region in order to come up with priority projects for the overall good of our

people.

“We will not accept a board that will destroy the foundation of the Ijaw people. We don’t want divide-and-rule board. So, the issues of tenure elongation or no tenure elongation, we are not interested.

“Our number one interest is that we want a NDDC board that will engage young people. We want NDDC board that will certainly partner with the government and people of Bayelsa state to come up with priority projects.”

He listed the Ekeremo-Sagbama road, the road leading from Yenagoa to Oporoma and the Ogbia-Brass road, as some of the priority projects NDDC could partner with the state government to deliver to the people.

According to Porri, if there is any controversy anywhere, President Muhammadu Buhari should know what to do, insisting that that the matter has been ‘unduly over-flogged’.

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Strange Killings Worry Niger LG Boss Laleye Dipo in Minna The series of recent strange killings and corpses discovered in some parts of Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State have become a source of serious worry to the local council Chairman, Alhaji Ado Abubakar, who has called for more vigilance from both security agencies in the area and people in the community.

It was reported that mutilated dead bodies were almost on daily basis being recovered from the bushes in the area without any

trace of the identities of the corpses or their killers.

According to reports from the area, the activities of those described as “one chance drivers” could have been responsible for the development.

Already, one suspected ‘one chance driver’ was last Friday mobbed and burnt to death by irate crowd in the Madalla area of the local government area.

The local government chairman has summoned an emergency meeting of political appointees and other stakeholders in the

area to tackle the frightening trend.

Abubakar told the meeting that “this is becoming a serious issue for us now because whenever they call us that a corpse is discovered in the bush, we always discover that the victims are strangled to death and then thrown into the bush by the perpetrators.

“This is a challenge to the council because these incidents always begin from the Zuba park where people board vehicles. So, it is difficult for us to monitor and curtail it. We are working with security agencies to come up with measures to tackle it.

Abubakar, therefore, called on the people to be more vigilant by

ensuring that people of questionable characters did not infiltrate the communities during and after the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“When you participate in ensuring the security of lives and property, the dividend is always positive. Through giving useful information to relevant authorities,

a lot is done security wise.

“The council is working with all security agencies to keep the relative peace enjoyed by residents of the council area intact,” adding that the local government is supporting the security agencies to enable them discharge their duties adequately.

Devt of Nuclear Technologies will Enhance Nigeria’s Economic Position in Africa, Says Russian Envoy Alex Enumah in Abuja The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Nigeria, Nikolay Udovichenko, has said the development of nuclear technologies will greatly enhance Nigeria’s position as one of the leading economies in the African continent.

The envoy, who stated this during a roundtable with journalists in Abuja on relations between Nigeria and Russia in the outgoing year, noted that nuclear technologies apart from being able to fast track development of the country by synergising with other technologies is capable of creating hundreds of thousands of job to address Nigeria’s unemployment challenges.

“We are confident that the development of these nuclear technologies would allow Nigeria to strengthen her position as one of the leading economies of the African continent. We understand that the project is of a large scale and of strategic importance. It would bring about thousands of new jobs; it has accumulated effect with synergy with other space development.

“We see that this project would lead to development of infrastructure, to new levels of education, new skills and generation of specialists, so it is very important,” the envoy said.

Udovinchenko disclosed that Nigeria and Russia’s partnership on development of nuclear technologies started in 2009 when the two countries reached agreement on cooperation and establishment of the technology in Nigeria.

It was in 2009 when we signed the government agreement on cooperation on the peaceful usage of nuclear technologies. It was followed by an agreement on cooperation in design construction, operation and the commissioning of the nuclear power plant in Nigeria.

“This year we signed an intergovernmental agreement on design, construction, operation and

the commissioning of a research center housing a multipurpose nuclear research reactor. Also in October, we signed another agreement to realise the general intergovernmental agreement to implement our plans to construct nuclear power plant and nuclear research center.

“We also signed the roadmap on how to do it. We have fixed terms and we have fixed date, the roadmap includes feasibility studies, work capacity, equipment list by which we could ensure the nuclear center is equipped with some technologies,” he said.

While remarking that the implementation of the agreement by the two countries have been running smoothly, the envoy commended Nigeria’s recent upgrade among countries with ease of doing business, adding that the situation would attract more Russian companies to do business in Nigeria.

He also commended Nigeria’s latest effort at resuscitating the moribundAjaokuta steel industry and advised the government to involve the Russian firm that initially built the company.

“We are also glad to see that the Nigerian government is strongly committed to reactivating Ajaokuta steel plant and we hope that the Russian company which is an initial builder of the plant would be involved in the process.

“Also just a few days ago came the good news that the Nigerian government practically settled the dispute over the ALSCON Company where our Russian company has some shares as they confirmed the title of ownership of ALSCON that these shares belong to the Russian company. So it is also a good development. And maybe just soon, we would see that the Russian company would reactivate ALSCON factory, it means that thousands of people in the local community would come back to jobs,” he added.

St. John’s Old Boys Hold Grand Reunion The Old Boys Association of St. John’s College, Fugar (SJCOBA) is set to hold its grand reunion today at the school premises.

The event is scheduled to coincide with the 56th anniversary of the college will also witness the coming together of all past students of the college and the inauguration of projects executed by the national body of the association at the school compound.

The National President of the association, Imhakhu expressed

delight at the cooperation of his executive members and all old boys in ensuring the speedy completion of the projects to be inaugurated.

The events lined up include election of new national executive and a gala night and he enjoined members to always be good ambassadors of the school in their places of endeavour, noting that the school was founded on solid principles of discipline, uprightness and good morals.

CHURCH MINISTERS

L-R: Secretary of Conference, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Rt Rev. Michael O. Akinwale; Bishop of Tinubu Methodist Church, Rev. Omotayo O. Babalola; Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Uche; and Bishop of Evangelism, Rev. Edoka Amuta, during the 2017 Christmas Church Service at Tinubu Methodist Church, Lagos....Monday Kolawole Alli

Fuel Scarcity Kills Boxing Day Aura in Jos Govt getting around the situation, says DPR Seriki Adinoyi in Jos As the prevailing fuel scarcity continues to bite harder in Jos, Plateau State, the usual aura that usually characterises the Boxing Day, in which families visit their loved ones and tourist centres, were completely lost in Jos/Bukuru metropolis.

When THISDAY visited Jos Wildlife Park, Jos Zoological Garden, and Solomon Lar Amusement Park, the turnouts were relatively low compared to previous festive seasons when the centres received unprecedented visitors, even as streets within the city were deserted.

Meanwhile, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has appealed to citizens to continue to

be calm, reassuring that government was working round the clock to ensure that fuel becomes available in the state and nation-wide soonest.

Addressing journalists in Jos, the state Operations Manager of DPR, Mr. Jeremiah Mashat, explained that “there has been dip in supply of fuel to the state in the past three weeks, noting that a total of 214 trucks have been supplied to the state during this period, and if you divide 214 trucks by 21 days, you will get an average of 10 trucks per day for a state that has 17 local government areas.

“You can see that some local governments may not get the product at all; that is how critical the situation is. Under normal

condition Plateau gets about 30 trucks per day, but it has now gone down to as low as 10 trucks per day.

“The fact is that there have been administrative challenges between government and marketers taking sometimes to be resolved. Once in a while government has to reconcile its records with the marketers, and that takes a while. But I can assure you that government is working round the clock to get the issues resolved. We have sent reports from the state to the Minister, and I believe the other states have done same. And I can assure you that government is working hard to resolve the crisis; and I believe in a short while the situation will be brought under control.”

He dismissed the insinuations that the scarcity has anything to do with yuletide period, saying “it is not aimed at making life difficult at Christmas; it’s a mere coincidence.”

He added that in spite of the scarcity, the DPR in the state has ensured that the product is not sold above government official price of N145 per litre.

“We go around every day to monitor the filling stations to ensure that the product is not sold above N145 per litre. We have also put some measures in place to ensure that trucks that leave the depot are tracked till they get to their destinations to ensure that the product is not diverted to wrong destinations.”

NOPRIN Foundation Honours Lagos CP For his commitment to professionalism and promotion of police community partnership, among other feats since his assumption as police boss, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal, has been honoured as the Police Officer of the Year by a non-governmental organisation, Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN).

NOPRIN Foundation is a network of 49 civil society organisations spread across Nigeria and committed to promoting law enforcement accountability and respect for human rights.

It was established to provide opportunities for civil society involvement in police reform and the enhancement of safety, security and justice.

According to the National Coordinator of NOPRIN, Mr.

Okechukwu Nwanguma, the choice of Edgal is squarely based on his clear and demonstrable commitment to police professionalism, transparent and accountable policing, respect for and protection of human rights, promotion of police community partnership, openness and collaboration with civil society groups and other critical stakeholders in the criminal justice sector, and his innovative and effective operational strategies for combating crime and protecting citizens from crime and victimisation.

Prominent among his initiatives that have stemmed crime drastically in the state is the introduction of regular town hall meetings with communities to enable him understand their peculiar needs and enlist their support and to

factor the community needs and priorities into his anti -crime plans and strategies, among others.

Nwaguma said: “Edgal is firm and vigorous in tackling crime yet conscious of maintaining professional ethics, sensitive to preserving human rights and uncompromising in his anti -corruption stance. This is not just in mantra but also in deed.

“He has exhibited sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable groups such as women and children and has demonstrated his special interest in addressing their special and peculiar safety and security needs. He is open, approachable, unassuming and keeps to his words.”

Responding, Edgal thanked the group for the award but expressed surprise that NOPRIN which is known for criticising the force is now honouring him.

He said: “Am accepting this award with apprehension because NOPRIN is not known to giving awards. I thought they were coming to criticize me or my actions. Even though they are critics, we see them as partners.

“With this award, NOPRIN is putting me on a radar. They are telling me that they are expecting more from me. I assure Lagosians that we are here to deepen our involvement in institutionalising police community relationship as a strategy to reducing crime in this state. I dedicate this award to the Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim, for his leadership and initiatives in ensuring a crime free country.”

Others at the event were DCP Elkanah Ayuba, Police PPRO, SP Chike Obi amd Mrs. Gloria Egbiji

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Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Rohr to Earn $30,000 Win Bonus at Russia 2018 While Super Eagles players and top team officials will pocket $15,000-a-match win bonus in the first round of the World Cup in Russia next year, team’s Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr will earn double that amount.

SCORENigeria has further gathered that both Rohr and the rest of the team will be entitled to an additional bonus for advancing to the Round of 16 with the Franco-German coach again getting twice what each player will get.

And a win in the Round of 16 will see Rohr pocket an additional $40,000, while the players and officials are paid $20,000 each.

That will be the template for subsequent rounds of the World Cup should the Eagles make the expected progress at Russia 2018.

Rohr only recently agreed a new two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with President Amaju Pinnick revealing his monthly salary of about $50,000 was also reviewed upwards.

Each player will earn a bonus of $15,000 for a win in

the first round of the World Cup, where they are drawn against Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.

Meanwhile, Croatia national team manager, Zlatko Dali, has clarified his comments about knowing the starting line-up that will take to the Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad pitch against Nigeria on June 16.

The Croatians are aware that Argentina are nailed-on favourites to top Group D of the World Cup, so they are focusing their attention on the next strongest rival on paper, Nigeria, in the buildup to the Mundial. ‘’I got a clue in my head. I think every coach knows the first 11 for the World Cup. But certainly there is space for one or two changes. You have to have a vision, so you can do it,’’ said Dalic to Sportske Novosti.

Croatia has already lined up friendlies against Peru and Mexico during the next FIFA window, and are wrapping up talks to face an African team with the same playing style as Nigeria in June. ‘’That’s my plan to check

L-R: Senior Brand Manager, Segun Ogunleye; Head of Marketing, Norden Thurston both of Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc; Highest Goal scorer & MVP of the tournament, Ibrahim Aminu of Pepsi Academy Kano; and Director, Pepsi Football Academy, Kashimawo Laloko, during the Pepsi Festival of Youth held at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos…last Thursday

in early June, and then on June 8 or 9 before leaving Russia. The other should

be an African national team with a similar style to Nigeria,’’ added Dalic.

The Super Eagles are due to take on Poland in a friendly on March 23, and

proposed warm-up matches with England and Egypt are still in the works.

Prosineki Writes off Eagles, Tips COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2018 Croatia to Qualify withArgentina Team Nigeria Athletes Intensify Training in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt Former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder Robert Prosineki has written off the chances of the Super Eagles and Iceland beating Croatia at the 2018 World Cup. The 1987 Golden Ball winner at the FIFA U20 World Cup recalled that the Croatians were excellent at the 2016 European Championship, in which they topped a group containing Spain, Turkey and Czech Republic. ‘’If we have a top class - and we have it unquestionably - then we can not talk about Nigeria and Iceland as rivals that can eliminate us. Respect and respect absolutely, but with quality we are far ahead of them, will not we doubt it,’’ Prosineki said to Sportske Novosti.

‘’Croatia has a fantastic team, has a long-standing generation that has shown its ambition and character and that is why we are optimistic about our chances in Russia. ‘’In France we were very good at the Euro, but now we have to be even better. We have to go through the group and get to the knockout phase, although there is no rival that Croatia cannot beat. ‘’Maybe we are not the best in the world, but we are so strong that we can play with everyone and beat them on a good day.’’

Nigeria and Croatia will meet at Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad in both countries opening match at the 2018 World Cup on June 16.

SWAN Advisory Council Applauds NEC over Mitchell Obi’s Re-election The Chairman, National Advisory Council of the

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Steve Alabi has applauded the role played by the Honour Sirawoo-led Executive Committee towards the re-election of Mr Mitchell Obi as President AIPS Africa at the just concluded Congress in Nairobi, Kenya.

Alabi, accompanied by Sani Zaria, Olu Amadasun and Saidu Abubakar, all members of the Council which consist of the association’s past presidents, stated this during a visit on the SWAN

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President, Honour Sirawoo in his office at the National Stadium Complex, Abuja.

He said, “As part of our regular evaluation session with you, we are here to sincerely applaud steps taken to ensure victory for Nigeria. As past presidents, we are pleased with your efforts and commitment to ensuring that SWAN plays its promotional role not only in Nigeria’s sports development, but Africa.

“As a way of building on the success, you must ensure that states chapter leadership key into your vision, just as we expect members to rally round your administration to enable quick cover of lost grounds; we have a defined role and we we must unite to effect it,” he declared Responding, the SWAN President, Honour Sirawoo described the re-election of Mitchell Obi as a soothing balm for Nigeria’s sports and a clear statement of SWAN’s leadership role in Africa’s sports journalism.

Team Nigeria athletes preparing for the Commonwealth Games billed for April 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia have intensified preparations in various camps across the nation.

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports began its first phase of camping on December 17, 2018 in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

Boxers, Table tennis and Para Table tennis players are camping in Lagos, the weightlifters are in Abuja while Port Harcourt is hosting Athletics and Para Athletics.

Speaking on activities at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Gymnasium where the boxers are currently training, the Camp Commandant Dr Segun Akinlotan said that a total of 32 boxers and four coaches led by Tony Konyegwachie will camp till January 16, 2018 for the first phase.

According to Akinlotan,

the boxers are in high spirit.

“The boxers and officials are in high spirit. Training kit including track suits, T-shirts, slippers and knickers have been supplied to the boxers. Feeding is okay and the atmosphere is generally conducive.

“By the end of the first phase of camping, the boxers will be reduced to 16 as the 2nd phase is billed to start from Jan 17th to 16th February 2018.”

Elsewhere at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Yaba, Lagos, 16 players including eight para-table tennis players, eight able players and 14 officials are also carrying out training at the place.

Camp Commandant, Ms Mbora Ikana Mbora said the players train twice daily at the Knock-up hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos and are well kitted for training.

“Feeding is adequate and timely as supervised by the Medical team. Haruna Quadri and two other para players Faith Bazuaye and Tope Ogunsanya have already qualified for the games.

We are targeting a podium appearance”, Mbora said.

In Abuja, a total of 12 Weightlifters comprising 7 female and 5 male are camping at Package B of the Abuja National Stadium.

The Camp Chaperone Mrs Chinedu Ezeala said that the lifters have shown great sense of responsibility and discipline.

“The weightlifters have obeyed camp rules to the latter and have displayed a great sense of responsibility.

We want to ensure a podium performance at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Australia,” Ezeala stated.

The IAAF High Performance Center at the University of

Port Harcourt is hosting 40 track and field athletes and nine Para athletes.

Camp Commandant and Assistant Director Elite Athletes, Mrs Maria Wophil said athletes enjoyed a peaceful celebration on Christmas Day. “We celebrated Christmas in camp and it was peaceful.

There are no complaints on feeding.”

Wophil spoke further on preparations to get the best athletes for the Commonwealth Games.

“Our first trial comes up on January 15, 2018. It will be an open trial as athletes who are not in camp will be allowed to fight for qualification. The second Phase of camping will commence immediately after the trials as we expect changes in times and performance.

Facilities here are of high standards so we also expect good performances from the athletes,” Wophil said.

Diogu Excited to Be D’Tigers’ Captain, Looks Forward to World Cup Qualifiers As Nigeria looks to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China, D’Tigers’ Captain, Ike Diogu, has reaffirmed his passion to play for his parents’ country.

An emblematic player for Nigeria over the course of the past five years, the 6ft 9in (2.05m) power forward has experienced joy, frustration and hope while wearing the jersey of Africa’s No.1 team.

In his national team debut at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Venezuela, Diogu lined up along some of Nigeria’s finest players - including Al Farouq Aminu, Tony Skinn, Ade Dagunduro, and Chamberlain Oguchi, just to mention a

few - as the team took the world by storm.

In that tournament, D’Tigers not only beat European powerhouse Lithuania and Greece but became the firstever African nation to advance to the Olympic Games via OQT. A FIBA AfroBasket 2015 title - although he sat out the entire tournament due to a leg injury suffered a few days before the start of the competition - and two consecutive Olympic appearances give Diogu a sense of worthiness.

However, there is still an accomplishment missing in his illustrious career: playing at the FIBA Basketball World

Cup, the sport’s biggest stage.

In February, Nigeria will go up against Uganda, Mali, and Rwanda in Group B of the first round of the African Qualifiers. If D’Tigers finish in the top three, they will advance to the 12-team second round of the qualifiers.

“As I’ve always stated, my passion is to continue to represent Nigeria for as long as I can. So I’m excited to be the captain and look forward to a very successful run,” Diogu told FIBA.Basketball. yesterday.

“The World Cup is a huge goal of ours. We have not played in one [since 2006]. So we want to make sure to put our best foot forward in the

Qualifiers not take anything for granted at all. So It will be a challenge with the new rules but one we are up for.”

Nigeria’s recent ascent can’t be explained without the impact of Diogu, who has led his country in scoring in four straight major international tournaments.

Two months ago, at FIBA AfroBasket 2017, he did a bit of everything for his team, leading all players in scoring with an average of 22.0 points per game and grabbing a team-best 8.7 rebounds.

While Nigeria fell to hosts Tunisia in the Final, Diogu’s impact and value were recognized as he was named the tournament’s MVP.

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Obi to Federal Govt

“I cannot imagine what people are going through. Our staying in this country is becoming unbearable. I came to the park as early as 7 a.m. and this is noon. I have not seen a vehicle to convey me to my village.You can see the crowd yourself. Why is it that this scarcity occurs around the Christmas season every year?� – Ernest Obi, a Christmas traveler to the eastern part of the country, lamenting to the federal government commuters’ woes occasioned by the perennial fuel shortages that have crippled movements nationwide.

ISSAAREMU GUEST COLUMNIST

In Praise of the UN Resolution On Jerusalem

P

redictably my reflection entitled “Donald Trump; Israeli’s Friend or Foe?� in the THISDAY edition of December 13, 2017 following Donald Trump’s infamous unilateral recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel elicited scores of binary on-line responses; “for� and “against� Israel.

Predictably because, no country on the planet has painfully polarized humanity vertically and horizontally like Israel.

It is either “forâ€? or “against,â€? “Left or rightâ€?, Zionist or anti-Zionist, doves or hawks‌â€? Of course old prejudices hardly give way, but I must confess it beats imagination that some old prejudices had made a jaundiced lot in Nigeria. It is a sad commentary that the age long, Palestinian/Israeli question has further exposed the underbelly of Nigeria’s fault (sorry; false) lines of faiths while putting to task our sense of justice and solidarity. The good news is that the international community is increasingly less “sentimentalâ€? with Middle East crisis.

On the contrary, the world is pragmatic and realistic to judge all parties based their genuine commitment to sustainable and just peace in the region. President Trump has conclusively demonstrated his ability to stand the acid test, as Israel’s enemy (not necessarily friendly as he postures!).

He more than anybody turned an unprecedented tide against the state of Israel through his reckless Jerusalem policy. It is increasingly self- evident that global Solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians is a major commitment in many countries.

Nigeria last Thursday commendably joined 127 other countries to back a UN resolution, which effectively called on the U.S. to withdraw its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Togo (politically imploded with a renegade President!) was the only African country that voted against the resolution. A total of 128 countries approved the non-binding (but morally weighty) resolution. Nine countries reportedly voted against it, 21 did not turn up to vote, while 35 abstained. Other eight that voted against the resolution were the U.S., Israel, Guatemala, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, and Palau. Apart from US, the remaining seven are appendages of America.

Four permanent Security Council members, namely China, France, Russian Federation and the United Kingdom voted in support of the resolution . Not even the earlier threat of President Donald Trump that the U.S. could withdraw funding for countries backing the resolution deter many to isolate US in the resolution. Between American dollars and justice for the

Trump

Israeli Prime Minster, Benjamin Netanyahu

Palestinians majority of the world opted for the latter! The resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly states that any decisions regarding the status of Jerusalem are “null and void� and must be cancelled.

The point cannot be overstated that the status of Jerusalem goes to the heart of Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians. Israel occupied the east of the city in the 1967 Middle East war and regards the entire city as its indivisible capital. The Palestinians insist on East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. We must praise the UN historic resolution in solidarity with Palestinian people informed by the knowledge that final status of the historic city is critical and sensitive to the resolution of the crisis.

Worthy of mention is the reaffirmation of UN’s relevant resolutions, including resolution A/RES/72/15 of 30 November 2017 on Jerusalem, resolutions 242 (1967), 252 (1968), 267 (1969), 298 (1971), 338 (1973), 446 (1979), 465 (1980), 476 (1980), 478 (1980), and 2334 (2016). The Resolution goes further to say “Guided by the purpose and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirming inter alia, the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force,

Bearing in mind the specific status of the Holy City of Jerusalem and, in particular, the need for the protection and preservation of the unique spiritual, religious and cultural dimensions of the City, as foreseen in the relevant United Nations resolutions, Stressing that Jerusalem is a final status issue to be resolved through negotiations in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, Expressing in this regard its deep regret at recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem, Affirms that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered, the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council, and in this regard, calls upon all States to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the Holy City of Jerusalem, pursuant to resolution 478 (1980) of the Security Council; Demands that all States comply with Security Council resolutions regarding the Holy City of Jerusalem, and not to recognize any actions or measures contrary to those resolutions�. It’s time Nigerians took a flight off numerous insular

We cannot be outraged by the alleged remarks of Donald Trump that Nigerians are prehistoric who live in huts, but excited when same Donald Trump supports his bid to push the Palestinians to the caves through biased and unjust policies in favour of Israel

preoccupations from “restructuring� and “petrol shortages� and reflected on injustices in the world.

There was a Nigeria which as a frontline state led the struggle against apartheid/ racist South Africa, supported the legitimate demand of Palestinians for home land and backed the demand of Saharawi for self determination from Moroccan imperialism. We cannot be outraged by the alleged remarks of Donald Trump that Nigerians are prehistoric who live in huts, but excited when same Donald Trump supports his bid to push the Palestinians to the caves through biased and unjust policies in favour of Israel.

An injury to one is an injury to all.

Again we must promote literacy of global issues. Following the pogroms of 1880-1881 in Eastern Europe, some Jews moved towards the Holy Land of Jerusalem in nostalgia for their messianic homeland. To the local Arabs, the “return� of Jews after 2000 years of abandonment equalled colonial invasion.

In 1917, the British occupiers confirmed the Arab suspicion when they forcefully took over the Holy Land from Ottoman Empire and gave it out to the Jews to form their homeland under the controversial Balfour Declaration.

One forceful land acquisition and land grabbing begets another: from Golan Heights to West bank and Gaza Strip.

The seed of endless cycles of violence was planted in 1948 during which the Jews had upper hand in an inter-ethnic war with the Palestinian Arabs.

Even at that following United Nations’ resolution of the conflict, the Zionist founders of Israel state took more lands than the UN allocated them.

UN granted the Jews 14,000 square kilometres of territory, but the Jewish military forces actually conquered 20,000 square kilometres, sacked as many as 750,000 Palestinian Arabs and put as many as 100,000 Arabs under their internal colonial control.

It is self evident that Israel is today hunted by its unjust origin of forceful occupation and unfair land acquisitions that is comparable in history only to the discredited apartheid South Africa’s despicable litany of forceful eviction of Africans from their land. (Indeed Zionist Israel collaborated in acts of unjust deeds with apartheid South Africa for as long as the latter was allowed to last by humanity!).

While countries like Nigeria at independence, allowed Cameroon to assume independent status, Israel Jewish state flourished on unsustainable aggression, colonialism and addictive denial of Palestinian autonomy from day one. t$PNSBEF "SFNV JT B .FNCFS /BUJPOBM *OTUJUVUF ,VSV BOE +PT

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