Tuesday 7th February 2018

Saraki: EFCC’s Turn-around on CCT Chairman, Suspicious Appears at tribunal, closes defence after one witness

Damilola Oyedele and Alexander Enumah in Abuja The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has questioned the sudden turnaround by the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its decision to file corruption charges against the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mr. Danladi Umar, after the same commission had cleared

him of corruption allegations in April 2016.

In a post on his Facebook page, Saraki said the dramatic turnaround by the anti-graft agency was amusing.

The Senate President

maintained his innocence of the three charges for which his trial resumed yesterday at the CCT and expressed his confidence in the judiciary to do justice in all cases.

The post read: “I sympathise

with the chairman of the tribunal, Mr. Danladi Umar, for his travails in the hands of the EFCC which suddenly woke up four days to the resumption of this case to file criminal charges against him.

“You will recall that in April 2016, when our lawyers asked the tribunal chairman to recuse himself from our case because of the criminal investigation Continued on page 10

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NA Committee Adopts Amendment Altering Sequencing of Elections Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The Conference Committee on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill comprising the Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its counterpart in the House of Representatives yesterday voted to change the sequencing of general elections in the country.

The committee by its action has adopted the position of

the House which on January 23 voted for the National Assembly elections to be conducted first, followed by state Houses of Assembly and governorship elections, then rounded up by the presidential election.

The amendment to Section 25 of the Principal Act, which was substituted with Section 25(1), would be adopted at Continued on page 10

Missing Nigerian Masterpiece, Tutu Found in London Flat Okechukwu Uwaezuoke with agency report The long missing painting of an Ife princess that attained an almost mythical status after going decades unseen has been discovered in a north London flat, the London-based Guardian newspaper reported yesterday.

Ben Enwonwu’s 1973 painting of the Princess Adetutu Ademiluyi, known

as Tutu, is a national icon in Nigeria, with poster reproductions hanging on walls in homes all over the country.

The artist, regarded as the founding father of Nigerian modernism, painted three versions of Tutu and the image became a symbol of national reconciliation.

But all three were lost and Continued on page 10

Buhari Reinstates Suspended NHIS Executive Secretary... Page 13

HOMEBOY COMES CALLING IN LAGOS...

Chairman, BUA Group, Mr. Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during the governor’s courtesy visit to BUA’s headquarters in Lagos… yesterday

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Bankers’ C’ttee Abolishes Commission on Retail Forex Transactions External reserves hit six-year high of $42bn Obinna Chima The Bankers’ Committee rose from its meeting yesterday with a consensus that commercial banks in the country should henceforth desist from charging customers commissions on retail foreign exchange (forex) transactions.

Retail forex transactions include the purchase of dollars for personal travel allowance (PTA), business travel allowance (BTA), school fees and medicals.

The chief executive of the FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, Mrs. Hamda Ambah, disclosed this while briefing the media at the end of the meeting in Lagos.

Desirous of alleviating the pains of retail forex consumers, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in May last year had directed all banks

to sell the greenback for BTA, PTA, tuition and medical fees to customers at not more than N360 to dollar, down from N380 to the dollar at which forex was sold previously for retail transactions.

The CBN sells to banks at N357 to the dollar. However, it was learnt that some commercial banks have been charging commissions on such transactions.

To this end, Ambah explained: “One of the things we discussed was a measure that would provide some sort of palliative for all individuals in the country to at least enjoy the benefit.

“It was agreed that the forex that banks sell to their clients for PTA, BTA, school fees and medical bills, that henceforth all banks should charge N360/$ and there would be no commission whatsoever charged by the

banks for such sales.

“We want to make sure that this is uniform across all banks. Customers should report any bank that goes outside of this. It has actually been N360 for a while, but some banks in addition to the fee, are charging commissions.”

Earlier, the director, Banking Supervision, CBN, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi, who was also at the briefing, put the present value of the country’s external reserves at $42 billion, higher than $40.4 billion last month.

The last time the country’s reserves derived mainly from proceeds of crude oil exports hit $42 billion was in December 2013.

Recent Eurobond issuances have also helped in boosting Nigeria’s reserves position.

Abdullahi also expressed satisfaction with the positive

growth of all economic indicators.

Responding to a question on why the modalities on the Agric-SME fund agreed by the committee were yet to be implemented, the CBN director said: “We had detailed discussions on the issues agreed at the last retreat and the modalities for disbursements have been agreed.

“By February, we would see traction in that regard.

The modalities are now out and it is left for the customers to come forward.”

Also, the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Demola Shogunle, disclosed that during the meeting, there was a presentation on the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) by one of the special advisers to the president.

According to Shogunle,

a major aspect of the presentation was that the federal government had agreed to focus on key selected areas in the ERGP to accelerate investments and job creation.

“The focus areas include power and gas, agriculture and transportation, and manufacturing and processing. The Bankers’ Committee overwhelmingly agreed to be embedded in the programme.

“The banking community will participate actively to the extent that it will lead to job creation and additional investments in the economy,” he said.

In his briefing, the chief executive, Citibank Nigeria, Mr. Akin Dawodu, reiterated plans by the CBN to sanction exporters that fail to repatriate export proceeds.

“Oil export proceeds have

to be repatriated within 90 days and non-oil proceeds within 180 days. In the spirit of supporting the reserves position and economic growth, stricter measures were agreed regarding the repatriation of export proceeds, particularly oil export proceeds.

“A 90-day moratorium has been agreed for customers and corporate clients who have not repatriated their export proceeds within the stipulated timeframe for any delays to be cleared.

“After that, the CBN has the right to sanction any customer that defaults.

The sanction may include banning people from the forex window or more stringent measures.

“We think this is very important as a body to ensure that the rules are adhered to,” he said.

the Senate’s version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the House’s version.

“When we harmonise all the areas of differences between the Senate and the House, then we will report progress to both chambers.

“It is expected that when we concur, the Senate would sit and vote in support and the House would also sit and concur. After the concurrence (by both chambers), we will send the harmonised bill to Mr. President for his assent,” Pwajok said.

The development confirms recent reports by THISDAY over fears in the presidency and at INEC that the Senate would adopt the amendment of the House, which could significantly affect the outcome of the 2019 general election.

The concern in the presidency stems from the fact that the bandwagon effect of the first set of elections into the National Assembly could influence the other elections.

Under the current sequencing, the reverse is the case as the outcome of

the presidential elections, in particular, has a bandwagon effect on the governorship and state assembly elections.

The amendment would also throw INEC’s timetable for the 2019 general elections, which was released about a month ago, into disarray.

Going by the INEC timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections were slated for February 16, 2019, while the state Houses of Assembly and governorship elections were scheduled for March 2, 2019.

bidders in Lagos.

It is expected to sell for between £200,000 and £300,000. If it goes over the upper limit it will set a new record for a modern Nigerian artist.

Okri, writing in the forthcoming Bonhams magazine, said he hoped Tutu’s rediscovery would help bring about a wider re-evaluation of African art.

“Traditional African sculpture played a seminal role in the birth of modernism in the early years of the 20th century, but modern African artists are entirely absent from the story of art,” he said.

“This is an oversight that

urgently needs rectification if the art world does not want to imply that contemporary Africa has made no contributions to the world’s artistic achievements.”

Okri said Enwonwu was already world-renowned as the greatest living African artist when, in the summer of 1973, three years after the end of the Nigerian civil war, he encountered the princess and was entranced, asking to paint her portrait.

Enwonwu was a student at Goldsmiths, Ruskin College, University of Oxford, and the Slade in England in the 1940s. He became more widely known when he

was commissioned to create a bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria in 1956, a work that now stands at the entrance of the parliament buildings in Lagos.

However, Tutu is regarded as his greatest masterpiece – the image was on display at his funeral in 1994. The whereabouts of the other Tutu paintings remain a mystery.

However, Saraki, through his counsel, Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN), at the commencement of proceedings told the tribunal that he had lined up four witnesses to testify in his favour.

He, however, made a U-turn when his legal team decided to limit themselves to the first witness.

Shortly after the lone defence witness was crossexamined by the prosecution witness, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar asked the parties for direction for further proceedings.

Mr. Kanu Agabi (SAN), the lead counsel to Saraki conferred with his client in the box and at the end of the conversation, announced that the defence would no longer call the remaining witnesses.

He consequently applied

for an adjournment to enable the parties to adopt their final addresses.

The chairman of the tribunal subsequently adjourned the matter till February 27.

Although Saraki was arraigned in 2015 on an 18-count charge, the tribunal had on June 13, 2017, discharged and acquitted Saraki of all the charges in a no case submission.

The tribunal had held that the charges against him were based on hearsay.

However, the Court of Appeal, in delivering judgment on an appeal filed by the federal government, upheld the dismissal of 15 of the charges and ordered the Senate President to respond to three of them, prompting Saraki to return to the CCT yesterday.

NA COMMITTEE ADOPTS AMENDMENT ALTERING SEQUENCING OF ELECTIONS both chambers of the National Assembly before transmission to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent.

According to the amended version, the elections shall be held in the following order: (a) National Assembly elections (b) State Houses of Assembly and Governorship elections (c) Presidential election, on separate days.

The conference committee also voted to concur with all other amendments made in the version of the Act passed by the House at a session

presided over by the chairman of the conference committee, Senator Suleiman Nazif.

Section 87 was harmonised with the new Sub-section (11) on the sequencing and timing for the conduct of primaries of political parties.

The amendment specifies: “The primaries of political parties shall follow the following sequence: (i) State Houses of Assembly (ii) National Assembly (iii) Governorship, and (iv) Presidential.

“The dates for the above-

stated primaries shall not be held earlier than 120 days and not later than 90 days before the date of elections to the offices.”

The co-chairman of the conference committee, Hon. Edward Pwajok, responding to questions from reporters after the voting session, said the harmonised bill would be presented to both legislative chambers for adoption.

“From here, we are going to consider other items that need concurrence where there are differences between

MISSING NIGERIAN MASTERPIECE, TUTU FOUND IN LONDON FLAT became the subject of much speculation.

Reacting to the discovery of what might be the original Tutu, renowned Nigerian novelist and Booker Prize winner, Ben Okri, said it amounted to the most significant discovery in contemporary African art in over 50 years.

“It is the only authentic Tutu, the equivalent of some rare archaeological find. It is a cause for celebration, a potentially transforming moment in the world of art,” he said.

According to The Guardian, the discovery was made by Giles Peppiatt, the director

of modern African art at the British-based auction house Bonhams.

He estimated he gets sent a Tutu every eight weeks and it invariably turns out to be a print. But late last year, a family in north London approached him asking him to come and see a painting they said was by Enwonwu.

“Sometimes you go somewhere on a wing and a prayer, you don’t know what you are going to see ... this was an enormous surprise.

“It is a picture, image-wise, that has been known to me for a long time, so it was a real light bulb moment; I thought: ‘Oh my god, this

is extraordinary’,” he said.

The family have asked to remain anonymous, but Peppiatt described them as perfectly ordinary. The painting was something their father had acquired, he said, adding: “As is often the way, there are things your parents buy and you haven’t a clue why they bought it or what the value of it is ... you just inherit it.”

The painting will be sold at Bonhams in London on February 28 but such is the anticipated interest – “its appearance on the market is a momentous event”, said Peppiatt – that the sale will also be broadcast live to

SARAKI: EFCC’S TURN-AROUND ON CCT CHAIRMAN, SUSPICIOUS against him, the EFCC swiftly cleared Mr. Umar of any wrongdoing.

“Now, I find it amusing that in a dramatic turnaround, this same EFCC now thinks that Mr. Umar has a case to answer just before the commencement of my case before him.”

What has changed since April 2016, he queried.

Saraki also noted that as much as many Nigerians want to continue to believe that his case at the CCT was merely about assets declaration irregularities, the manoeuvres, manipulation, intrigues and scheming and the “House of Cards” nature of the whole case have proven otherwise.

“I really wonder whether those who genuinely love this government appreciate the damage that all this is doing to our so-called ‘War Against

Corruption’.

“However, in all of this, my confidence in the judiciary and its ability to do justice in all cases remains unshaken,” he said.

In an earlier post late Monday night, Saraki said he chose to appear before the CCT even though there was a pending appeal before the Supreme Court in respect of three of the 18 charges for which he had already been cleared by the CCT. “This is following the verdict of the Court of Appeal which ordered that we should go and open our defence on three of the counts.

“My lawyers actually advised that we should apply for a stay of the CCT proceedings, pending the determination of the appeal that we earlier filed before the Supreme Court.

“But I have a different opinion. I feel that despite the pending appeal before the apex court, I should and will put up my defence as regards the three counts.

“I am convinced of my innocence on these counts and confident consequently of a favourable decision of the tribunal on them. This has always been my position from day one.

“My greatest interest has always been to clear my name as soon as possible and it is my hope that justice will be expeditiously served by the tribunal,” Saraki said.

Saraki Closes Defence During the trial which resumed yesterday, Saraki’s legal team closed its defence after calling on its first witness, Dr. Ademola Adebo.

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PDP, SERAP, Falana Condemn Harassment of Kassim Afegbua Media aide files N1bn suit against IG, others, to report to police today Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Paul Obi in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and human rights lawyer and activists, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), have expressed outrage over what they have termed the “intimidation and harassment� by the police of Mr. Kassim Afegbua, the spokesman of General Ibrahim Babangida over a statement he issued on behalf of the former military president at the weekend.

Afegbua had issued a statement on behalf of Babangida, in which he had counselled President Muhammadu Buhari to step aside for a new breed of leaders come 2019.

However, shortly after the statement was released, another statement purportedly issued by Babangida asked the public to discountenance Afegbua’s statement.

Even though Babangida was later to speak to THISDAY affirming the authenticity of Afegbua’s statement and saying that he stood by it, the police went ahead to declare him wanted for what it termed, among others, “impersonation and defamation of character�.

The police chose this path without any charges pressed against Afegbua by Babangida.

Reacting to the development, the PDP yesterday cautioned the police and other security agencies not to allow themselves to be used by the sinking All Progressives Congress (APC) as instruments of persecution against Nigerians perceived to be against the re-election bid of the president.

PDP said it believed that the attempt to arrest Afegbua over Babangida’s declaration that Buhari should not be voted or to continue in office after 2019, was a ploy to set the table for a vicious muzzling of constitutionally guaranteed free speech and right to the opinion of citizens in the country.

In a statement issued by the PDP national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said recent distasteful events including unwarranted harassment of perceived opponents of the APC, supposed and actual presidential hopefuls, as well as opposition members, had shown that the APC has now gone into jittery mode, having realised that its chances of winning the 2019 general election have already vanished.

The party described the trend as a dangerous threat to the nation’s democracy and symptomatic of a failed party that is prepared to turn against the citizens in a desperate bid to hang on to power against the will of the people. “We now have a terrifying situation where people are harassed for daring to aspire for certain elective offices or even express opinions regarding governance in the country. “Nigerians and the international community have seen that almost all those who have openly expressed, or perceived to be nursing ambitions for certain offices, including the presidency, are now facing one trumped-up charge or the other, ostensibly meant to cow and discredit them. “The point is that the APC has refused to wake up to the reality of the fact that Nigerians have already reached a consensus rejecting them and that no amount of threats, intimidation and persecution with state apparatus of power can subjugate or make them change that determined resolve to vote out the APC and its candidates come 2019. “We, therefore, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to caution the APC. The fact that the APC is leaving office in 2019 has become inevitable and no one should be part of their desperation to completely ruin our nation before their exit,� the main opposition party said.

Equally, the civil society group, SERAP strongly condemned the intimidation and harassment of Afegbu by the police over the statement he issued on behalf of the former military president.

A statement issued yesterday by SERAP’s deputy director, Timothy Adewale, said: “Everyone has the right to speak out about political or other public interest issues. To do so cannot qualify as ‘making

Afegbua false statements’. And it’s certainly not ‘defamation of character’ let alone rising to ‘an act capable of instigating public disturbance’. “It is the essence of democracy and human rights. Declaring Afegbua wanted is unwarranted because there is no evidence of inciting violence against him.�

According to SERAP, Afegbua’s statement did not contain incitement to violence, adding that declaring him wanted simply for exercising his right to freedom of expression was the hallmark of an oppressive government. “The police should immediately withdraw its unlawful declaration and end the harassment of Afegbua. President Muhammadu Buhari should publicly instruct the police authorities that it’s their duty to facilitate people’s enjoyment of their freedoms, not to hinder them,� the civil society organisation stated.

Also joining in the condemnation, a human rights lawyer, Mr. Falana, however, said in a statement yesterday that since this was not the first time that Babangida had disowned controversial statements made by him, Afegbua ought to have been more circumspect in issuing the statement. “However, notwithstanding that the retired general has dissociated himself from the statement, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris has declared Mr. Afegbua wanted for alleged ‘character defamation’. “By declaring Mr. Afegbua wanted when he has not failed to honour the invitation of the police, the Inspector-General of Police has overreached himself. It is undoubted that it is the Inspector-General of Police who has defamed Mr. Afegbua by portraying him as a fugitive of the law. “Therefore, Mr. Idris is advised to withdraw the offensive declaration without any further delay. “Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the issuance of the public statement by Mr. Afegbua and the denial by General Babangida it ought to be pointed out that no criminal offence known to law has been committed to warrant the action of the Inspector-General of Police. “More so, that both General Babangida and President Buhari have not complained that the controversial press statement has defamed them. “In fact, if the statement is considered defamatory whoever is injured would have to institute a civil suit where he will be required to put his own reputation in issue,� Falana stated.

He noted that now that Babangida has since turned round to insist that he authorised Afegbua to issue the “controversial statement it is hoped that he will be prepared to say so in a criminal court�. “His testimony will go a long way to destroy the criminal case which the Inspector-General intends to institute against Mr. Afegbua. “However, the Inspector-General of Police should be advised not to popularise the

discredited views of both Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida who failed woefully to institutionalise democracy, rule of law, human rights, self-reliance and probity during the 20 years that both of them had ruled the country,� he added.

But in a new twist in the saga, Afegbua yesterday instituted a legal suit against the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Force Public Relations Officer, the Nigerian Television Authority, and Channels Television Limited, claiming N1 billion as damages for breach of his fundamental human rights.

The lawsuit was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja by his lawyer, Dr. Kayode Ajulo.

Afegbua, in the suit, is also asking the court for an “order of perpetual injunction� restraining the respondents, their officers and their agents from the continued “witch-hunt, harassment, intimidation and persecution� on the basis of a letter he wrote on behalf of his principal, Babangida.

He further requested the court to direct the respondents to “stay all action and to desist forthwith from proceeding with any process whatsoever, including but not limited to any purported investigation, detention or otherwise, which is connected and associated with the letter he wrote on behalf of Babangida�.

Afegbua also asked the court to direct the respondents to apologise to him through the media of NTA, Channels TV and three national newspapers.

In his grounds for the case, Afegbua said he is a renowned journalist, publisher, writer, spokesman for the former military president, and a former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, adding that following the letter he wrote on behalf of his principal, that there was never a time he received any formal invitation from the Nigeria Police Force, hence there was no attempt to arrest him.

He further averred that he had not refused to honour any invitation from the Nigeria Police Force and Inspector-General of Police, hence there was no basis declaring him wanted by the police.

The applicant added that by the police’s action, he had been painted as a “fugitive and common criminal with no modicum of dignity�, stating that he now lives in trepidation that he could be bundled by any individual or even killed by any law enforcement agent on the basis of the declaration of the respondents.

He added that the respondents had failed to adhere to procedures for declaring a person wanted and were in breach of regulations in this regard.

Afegbua further contended that his harassment and the threat of his arrest and detention were not for the public good but for ulterior motives and not based on a reasonable suspicion that he had committed any criminal offence, insisting that he had committed no crime.

The lawsuit, notwithstanding, Afegbua will report at the Nigeria Police headquarters in Abuja today.

According to Ajulo, who issued a statement on behalf of his client, Afegbua was on a trip and will be ready to report today.

Ajulo chided the police for declaring his client wanted without following the rules, saying that Afegbua has known addresses both in Lagos and Abuja and was not on the run.

He added: Our client, however, remains undeterred by the desperate efforts of some individuals to intimidate him and bend his will and rights against the Constitution provisions, framework of Nigeria Police Force Act and the laws of the land. “The circumscription of his constitutional right to the dignity of self freedom of expression and fair hearing denotes that there is a desperate attempt to scare him into submission. “We have advised Mr. Afegbua of his rights and remedies available to him as a law abiding citizen of Nigeria. He has elected to make himself available to the police on Wednesday (today) once he returns from his trip.�

Two-Minute BrieďŹ ng NEWS Buhari Reinstates Suspended NHIS

Y FEBRUAR Y 7, 2018 Ëž T H

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Buhari Reins Executive Se tates Suspended NHIS cretary Email davidso

Executive Secretary President Muhammadu Buhari has reinstated the suspended Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf.Yusuf was suspended by the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, in June 2017, following allegations of gross misconduct. Page 13

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President Muhamma du Buhari has reinstated the to requests for suspended Executive Secretary of the developme comments about controversi the nt.

Insurance SchemeNational Health es.

For the minister (NHIS), Usman The Yusuf. with Yusuf would to cooperate the suspension came weeks after million� which he allegedly Senate launched spent on health Yusuf was suspended Eluma Asogwa, not be easy, said into The panel established his activities as investigations recourse care training “without a legal practitioner. by the Minister of Health, by the October “This is a humiliation Isaac Adewole, The lawmakers the NHIS chief. approving to any appropriate health minister indicted 5, 2017, indicated in June 2017, Yusuf of the following which minister,� accused Yusuf authority.� following that he was suspended the committee that of gross misconduc allegations yesterdayAsogwa said on telephone of “corrupt expenditur The NHIS chief e of N292 Yusuf had submittedinvestigated night. t. denied any indefinitely. wrongdoing.

A panel inaugurate Adewole, in its report. “He has sent He said the d by the minister after report had embattled NHISa letter to the forwarded and encouraged a wrong signal Yusuf’s suspension later found chief, dated to Buhari for been amongst heads insubordination him culpable further action. of agencies against infractions of ministers. that nepotism to theft ranged from “This has of An administratio public funds. trend that now become a growing n official familiar does not portend with the developmen well for t said Buhari our polity, it does not even did not consider augur well for the anti-corrupt by a ministerial Yusuf’s indictment the president,� ion war of panel before asking he said. him to return Yusuf did not immediately to work.

According to the source, the to requests for comments respond letter of reinstateme about nt was sent reinstatement yesterday night. his to Mr. Adewole The House yesterday Adewole confirmed evening. demanded of Representatives had Yusuf’s reinstateme receipt of shortly the reinstateme nt night, but did nt letter yesterday saying after he was suspended, when Yusuf not elaborate on and the minister was wrong absolved would resume under which or any wrongdointhe NHIS boss of terms. g. “It is true that Yusuf reinstated him,� the president has that he had also replied the minister would not obey Adewole said. the suspension, The reinstatemen saying the to Premium Times, t letter according suspend minister had no powers to him. urged Yusuf to work closely with Yusuf, 54, took the minister upon resumption. health insurance over the state-run provider on Presidential spokesperso 29, 2016.

July n, Garba Shehu, did not But his reign immediately respond at the agency has been fraught with graft

Macron toVisit Nigeria, Addre National Assem ss bly

President Emmanuel Macron of France is billed Macron early July this to visit Nigeria in to furtherhoped to use the visit year and is expected deepen to address the Nigeria especially relations with joint National Assembly, session of the as youths, in areas such culture of France to Nigeria, Ambassador Responding, and creativity.

President Denys Gauer, has said.

Dogara challenged Muhammadu Buhari said members and Governor of House children during Speaking when Representa Tanko Al-Makura of the inauguratio to the Speaker he paid a visit National tives and indeed the ( 6th Feb 2017).

Tanko of Nasarawa n of Comprehe nsive Special School, State sharing Representatives, of the House of to listen Assembly would want some moments Lafia during president’s at the National Yakubu Dogara, whom to the French president official visit towith some physically said President Assembly, Gauer of our he described as “a man the state ...yesterday Macron has interest generation. in the future “He has brought and developme a lot of youthful Nigeria. nt of zest, dynamism, charisma and According to appeal to French a statement issued we by the Speaker’s politics and will Turaki Hassan, spokesperson, to him,� want to yield the floor Dogara said. that Macron Gauer revealed The Speaker had worked also in French embassy commended the the French Omololu Ogunmad his career for in Abuja early in Nigeria Government for assisting e in six months, �some in the fight Abuja his performanc years ago.�

Haram terrorists against Boko in Lagosand Chiemelie Ezeobi e and popularity and in the He also said pledged region. improve cohesion give expeditious to passage to all between the two whereas relations bilateral However, as President Buhari within the APC, APC a result of in 2015. has perception few years have countries in the last signed agreements that will be Confronted by apparent that Tinubu the Tinubu to lead the designated centred on security between Nigeria prevalent internal How Tinubu and was reconciliatio consultation, and France , during Macron’s will pursue squabble in the unhappy over the way mission and ruling All Progressive his n and confidence he was visit. treated after Buhari’s achieve the desired s Congress goals and (APC), President election, the building efforts.

FG Won’t Revisit former objectives therefore “The assignment remains an issue Buhari yesterday Muhammadu had Lagos State governor who Onshore-Offs been under to watch out resolving disagreemewill involve named Senator Bola Ahmed for..

Meanwhile, hore Dichotomy, for delivering intense criticism party Tinubu mixed reactions members, partynts among yesterday the South-West Says APC Chiefta of fresh reconciliatio as the leader APC trailed to leadership in 2019, might n efforts in the Tinubu’s appointmethe news of party. have issues to and political office holders in contend with Onyebuchi some t nt in sh ld E i b

AUGUST VISIT ORS

Buhari App oints Efforts in APC Tinubu to Lead Reco nciliation Mixed reactions

EDITORIAL Governors And Worship Centres

˜

trail appointme nt

ÍľËœ 2018

EDITORIAL

15

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye recently performed what is increasingly becoming a routine event: he laid the foundation stone of an 8500- capacity worship centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Page 15

GOVERNOR

Government should work

T

S AND WOR SHIP CENTRES jobs to

towards creating

allow the people he General Overseer benefit from their of the Redeeme Christian Church resource wealth d tor E.A. Adeboye of God (RCCG), Paswhat is increasingrecently performed ly becoming mosques. The routine event: a Sokoto State he Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, also stone of an 8500- laid the foundation approved N566 Waziri capacity worship tion of 189 Juma’at million for centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom Islamiyya schools. and daily prayer mosquesthe compleState.

Emmanuel asked Speaking at the event, as well as Aside from building Governor Udom individuals and his governm mosques, corporate ernment said ent it has been spendingthe Bauchi State govas “an avenue in building the centre that bodies to join annually to organise for God to bless would serve some Even though the people of Quranic recitation millions of naira These the the and project, which state.â€? others competitions. state billions is expected to Yerima, former are all faithful followers of cost the of public, EmmanuNaira, drew criticism from mosques and governor of Zamfara who Senator Sani a section of the el was only following indeed used built several where many religion as a weapon in a a growing trend governors are potent political state using religion public standing. general banditry. now weighed down by to criminality and built a glimmeri In 2015, Governor Rochas prop up their Okorocha Imo State Houseng “Basilicaâ€? dubbed the “MagniďŹ cent hat is particular year, Governor Chapelâ€? at a huge public ly worrying expense. Same their lean economic is that despite a “Christian Nyesom Wike who proclaime State resources, many are increasing built a Christian where God lives among d Rivers as states ly his children,â€?

Ecumenical money building spending huge sums of tive cost to taxpayers Centre the fact that worship centres . A similar centrealso at a prohibithere is hardly despite any today without was launched churches and major street in Nigeria THE MOST OBVIOU in nearby Yenagoa, worship and mosques, where S gather RESPONSE TO people can capital of Bayelsa pertinent questions for related activities.

A COUNTR Even at that, MIRED IN ECONOM Y 2017, construct in remain: How these worship much inuence the ed IC centres actually DIFFICULTIES do public expense at Judging by the by the rate of corruptiohave on their adherents?

BUILD MORE IS NOT TO state governm the country n and criminali ent. in spite of our OF WORSHIP PLACES ty in religiousity, However, the increasingly why are sucked into the THE PEOPLE FOR construction THI should states religious vortex? states of places EDITOR S DAY be competin ENGAGE THE. IT IS TO Why DEPUTY EDITORS

where members g with each worship centres?

˜ other in building of the MANAGING PRODUCTIVE PEOPLE IN

public could

it to manipula Is it to win the souls of DEPUTY MANAGINGDIRECTOR

ACTIVITIES worship the poor? Or te

DIRECTOR

CHAIRMAN is not restricted is people during and indeed exploit the ignorance EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR NATION’S elections? of the southern parts to the CAPITAL

Despite its oil of

many states country. Indeed, the in the country, wealth, Akwa Ibom, like in the in many states is struggling worship places, north, there is an abundanc servants and to provide decent pay the salaries of civil so that Muslimsconstructed by various state e of such infrastructure health T H I S DAY governments N E W S PA P to meet the needs and educational prayer rooms. could have comfortable EDITOR-IN-C ERS LIMI should states ablutions and Some governor of the people.

TED GROUP EXECUTIVE HIEF/CHAIRMAN

that of mosques in s DIRECTORS

that their people cannot fulďŹ l basic obligation So, why

their states as indeed cite the building ˜

˜

will demonstr achievements one of their remarkab DIVISIONAL ˜ ˜ they have abundan DIRECTORS ate godly virtuess think while

le

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL Ëœ Abubakar, Jigawa in ofďŹ ce. Early last year, t places to pray? because regulate

DIRECTOR How far can the behaviou

SNR. ASSOCIATE of N137 million State governor approved Badaru

religion ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

The most obvious r of someone who is the sum DIRECTORS for the construct CONTROLLER hungry? response to S

Ëœ ion of 90 daily nomic difďŹ cultie

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prayer DIRECTOR,

PRINTING PRODUCTION ˜

for the people. s is not to build more placesmired in eco

TO SEND EMAIL: It of worship

ďŹ rst name.surnam activities. We is to engage the people e@thisdayliv in productiv hope the governor e.com e and begin to act more responsib s will understand that ly.

W

Letters to the Editor

Letters in response to speciďŹ c readers may TO OUR READERS send such letters publications in THISDAY opinions on topical along with their should be brief local, national (150-200 words) 1000 words). and internatiocontact details to They should and straight be sent to opinion@nal issues providedopinion@thisdaylive.com. to the point.

Interested We also thisdaylive.com they are well-written and should alsowelcome comments and along with the not be longer email address than (950and phone numbers of thewriter

THE HAND O

F AFEGBUA

V

POLITICS Al-Makura: Architect of Modern Nasarawa

MIDWEEKPOL ITICS From inception, Governor Umaru E NEWS MAKER Tanko Al-Makura made it clear that Al-Makura:TArH ch itect of Modern Nasarawa his vision and mission in power were motivated by the desire to pursue a F holistic development of Nasarawa State. In 2011, he hit the ground running, making concerted efforts at frog-jumping the state from its unenviable backward status of a state... Page 18 T H I S D AY

Ëž WEDNESDAY,

FEBRUARY

7, 2018

Group Politic s Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.so niyi@thisday live.com 0803314613 9 SMS ONLY

President Muh ammadu Buha Tanko Al-Makur ri’s state visit a the opportuni to Nasarawa and Allahnan ty to showcase state a Attah his achievem today presents Governo rom inception, ents, report Alfre r Tanko Al-MakuraGovernor Umaru his vision and made it clear that d Akwe were motivatedmission in power by the desire pursue

to a holistic developm Nasarawa ent of participation State. the ground in running, making In 2011, he hit farmers to the agriculture by bringing at frog-jump concerted efforts in ing in large scale state. These farmers are foreign backward status the state from its unenviabl rice engaged e South of Doma cultivation in Rukubi paraphernalia of a state lacking in in Doma the basic Local Governme of modernity are growing To create a . nt Area. They high yield rice modern of land. Apart number of projects state, he embarked on 60,000 hectares on a that have given portunities to from providing employme new look far the state a the rural population nt opthem to the met decayed more than he met it. Al-Makur , it has exposed techniques of infrastructures a practice. The modern agricultura any other thing which made l the Japanese government has also so-called urban but an urban city or the state partnered government state.

International through the rural communitcentres looked like a village; The Japanese Cooperation the processing of Agency, JICA, Lafia, the state ies were in a state of disrepair. for the effort to boost rice for value addition while local capital lacked good road as government rice part network, of efforts are aimed production in the state. headquarters have modern These at transformi trade and commerce system was roads. The health care did not ng the state plagued with delivery into a destination opportunities medicals and lack of qualified given that and agriculture avail in tourism, solid the vast decay. The most of the facilities rippled staff, minerals education sector . This is further with the current worst as it was perhaps reinforced by drive for foreign was simply the to exploit the in comatose.

To address infrastruct investors coming state’s vast ural deficits, large mechanize potentials. Already embarked on Al-Makura robust d rice cultivation a is ongoing including urban and deliberate programm and processing in various parts es, The administra sector and land renewal; reviving the of the state. tion of Al-Makura health administration; premium on of education transforma places high the as sector especially development of the grammes have well as agriculture. These tion education over the years proschool levels the primary and junior successes, culminatin recorded tremendou secondary which governme s g in the inaugurati the foundation some of them of educationa nt considers as on of Government during his oneby President Muhamma l developm has du Buhari ent. of commitme also demonstrated a Realising the day working visit to the nt to the developm high sense importance of state. tertiary institutions the economic good road network ent of the prosperity of in Al-Makura provided funds . For instance the governmen wellbeing of the state and the people, Al-Makura the social t students that for the convocation of construction backlog made graduated which a cardinal focus over ten years; Before him, of his administratroad has no doubt had lingered of most urban the eased for in the state-owne construction of road and rural communition. of these communit transportation in in the state networks could hardly and out ies and as ies trade and as the constructiod university in Keffi be accessed during rainy well promoted Lafia Market at the commerce as especially as well n of four goods and services students in being exchanged their roads. season due to the poor The Karu Internationcentral area of old all the tertiary 250-bed space for This made transporta state of Lafia. . The are al and services tion of goods development has helpedimplication is that this Capital Territory Abuja Market near the Federal as the Federal University institutions as well most difficult. is perhaps the value for his the in Lafia. all the markets picture of bad When he became Lafia wore largest farm produce rural farmer have in governor, primary creation, no roads and for many yearsdismal their quality as well enhanced two phases. The the state and subdivided of was in near comatose education government of since phase 2 of into counterpart due to the informal made any appreciabl effort to construct The Al-Makurlives. section of the the market houses governme fund to secure the none payment of status as a capital modern roads befitting e refurbished and a administration has Believing market. nt fund meant release of the federal reinstated street also administra that health is wealth, city. In fact, its the for the developm drained road the Al-Makura of the subsector. Alwas constructe no single asphalt runs16-Kilometre stretch federal light lights on providing tion has made ent Makura counterpart its creation concerted d in the state through the highway that quality health fund and that swiftly paid the in 1996. since Agricultur city centre care services efforts at to access the being of Al-Makura enabled the from College e gate fund under is state of office the people in the state. On for the wellMakurdi Road to Akunza Roundabo the UBEC Scheme.

Lafia by buildingslowly but surely transformi Presently, Al- Makura ut on the exit. All urban modern road promptly restoredassumption of education primary and junior ng roads confidence with asphalt secondary networks asphalt constructe is witnessing the people’s in the sector, drained and line drains. overlaid been d by real transforma school infrastructural constructed by recalling provided with the administration have workers and paying by his administraThe roads so far tion in striking developm solar powered them their three years Considering tion in the entitlements. of instructional materials ent and provision street lights. Next he renovated and within Lafia the strategic past State remodelled package for hospitals in UAC-Tudun location of Nasarawa as well as metropolis in the North the general teachers. Besides Awe and Toto. alone are welfare Gwandara – Central geo-politic school structures, the country Agriculture Kwandare – the building as well al zone of benefited from his quick Other hospitals that loop, part of College the state governme of tripartite arrangeme award of constructio Super Cinema which is dualised; of Capital Territory, as its nearness to the win gesture nt in a Federal in the Abuja, the the embarked nt with the n Junction – New New Market Road; the SUBEB and on the constructiostate government has are the general hospitals and renovation works the Board of Relevant Lubona Cargo Technology 63, 000 desks in Akwanga He also awarded House Road Market-.Lafia East – Governme n of an Internation Airport in Lafia distributed and Karu and chairs to and the Sab contract f al X R nt s R d A i d h

FEATURES Warri: So Much Oil, Yet Little Ambition

Some 25 minutes intoWarri, from Benin-city, the scenery consists of vast stretches of green fields and wiry palm trees. But, soon, the greenery gives way to white soil, a couple of gas stations, uniformed school children by the roadside, waiting... Page 20

20

FEATURES

T H I S D AY

˞ ˜

ÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

Acting Featur es Editor Charle s Ajunwa Email charle s.ajunwa@this daylive.com

Warri: So M uch Oil, Yet Once, Warr Little Ambitio culture, andi had a similar destiny as even oil. Then Lagos. It had , the city miss n coastline, the ed its way.the colonial legac Solo

S

ome 25 minutes into Warri, Benin-city, the scenery consists from stretches of green of vast trees. But, soon, fields and wiry palm way to white the greenery gives soil, a couple stations, uniformed of the roadside, school childrengas waiting; but it is an army-check by that makes the official introductio point Above, the n into sun shines zooms past brilliantly as the city. wooden roadside the bus peddling fried stalls, hawkers snails and of dusty bungalow plantain, and rows s. I alight at which is an the first stop, open complex intersectiogarage lying at the edge of a of tricycle drivers n of expressways.

An army swarm around, taxi services. pitching my phone. But I wriggle away and cheap My out of the garageWarri contact tells mepull out to step and board one taxis at the of the public edge It’s a hot day, of the road heading east. but the harmattan all its dust breeze - with and grime - clogs the discomfort. nostrils with I heading east. slip into the front seat of a taxi A petite girl and one of my butt literally joins me in front driver’s handbrake has . Fortunatel to rest on the alights less than two minute y, the petite girl the driver a later. She rumpled note. so,� the driver “You see the hands money outside countryturns to me, “if you do money like this, The driver is a thirtyish dem go arrest you.� bearded man a red vest, faded sporting blue jeans counts his money while and a flat cap. He steering wheel.

Warri is a coastal his arms guide city rich in oil the Following I disembark my Warri contact’s directions, was not good enough. at a busy junction motorcycle driven “It is like you know somebody and board have to marijuana by a swarthy somewhere a he tells complains to get a job young me. Then -smoky incessantly, here,� last during the man who the rising cost “Sometimes, he sank into depression for long as air. But the silence does ride, hotels.ng we - Omasan . not business,� ride is spent of gas. Ironically, much about the past four I feel I have been very discuss his and I - begin money-making years,� lazy in to of the sitting to to school, he points out, “and Refinery, one coasting the length of prospects. He tap into his on the hotel Omasan tells me. We even the Warri the beauty skills, his abilities. needs and bed. The television are many doubts. in the country,of the three major oil of that is to if you go but muted, get a job. But But he has refineries a come out Offhandedly, none of which is on into so a self-servic where optimally, a let in light. curtain has been drawn he suggests ‘Yahoo Yahoo’, are functionin phenomenon He is doubting e economy: are the jobs? So it is apart to going a kind President Muhamma g made and Buhari recently help yourself.�

Last January, wonders whetherthe choices he has financial scam business of identity theft cum described as du been is Africa’s largest among Nigerians that became “disgracefu (NBS) released the National Bureau they better. But of Statistics popular a report that he feels powerlesscould have and crude oil producer,l.� Nigeria much imports a significant say I’ll bring in the early 90s. I applaud, unemployed Nigerians, put the number , not very but still (No in charge. He has food of chunk of the products it as at the third of 2017, at 16 plans matter to leave Warri laugh it off, but he wantsfor him in prison. petroleum consumes. how long I stay here, I belong here, virtually every me to understand We force of 85.08 million, out of a total activequarter Minutes later, don’t he tells me million people. labour that category Warri contact. I am in the company later), to maybe feel I in ‘Yahoo’. “If ambitious Warri youth or Asaba, The report said of unemploy you are not engages of my lifeline, but he feels like Lagos you the ed persons laughter beforeThere is an embrace, doing Yahoo million people he needs to are a not comprised kind then safe,� in Warri, of have a though, he leads me “who loud he 8.5 the cheapest With the heat insurance, to make the to a hotel, is that if you tells me. What he means, activity for at least engaged in an economic in leap. you rising, Omasan don’t have an hour� dank and reek that part of town - the one of move outside. people “who We find a balcony suggests we even cannot be seen as a decentmoney in Warri, did absolutely and 7.5 million is crampy, the with cigarette smell, halls are view of the While the national by family members. nothing.� human being, with an open community. the room bedsheets are numbers are the air conditionin Two guys hair and faded is not unemploy And coloured and depressing, jeans are there, with scruffy over being able to feed, clothe‘having money’ violence ment in Warri is g does not work, old, There roam freely. exacerbated your is a small and put a roof and it engenders But there is by the cough-syrup too, smoking. cars, visit head; it is being able . The region lot of yahoo power. “Thererodents them. “This to buy luxurious but this violence bottle beside clubs and flood is rich in oil, boys who lodge is codeine,� are a picks – militancy, contact, whose Omasan tells champagne, insecurity – the dance floor here,� my bunkering, general it up and scares away with even me. “It is the name is Nogho Omasan,Warri greetings with I nod knowingly. We me as he of lovers. Thispurchase iPhone 8 for foreign investors local oil companies exchanged your light that attracts is the Warri the scruffy-ha tells seats and . The young this is how Dream, he tells fleet perpetuate this and settle down ired guys, them.� people who to matter. violence grab me, pointing to enjoy the Yahoo economy While we converse, to governme justify their actions by silence and nt’s neglect the guys do not despite being I met Omasan of the region, speak. A roll two scruffy-haired the cash cow several years time at the University their lips, they of joint stuck the entire country that ago, during between our for more than has sustained of Benin as communic students. A bright, to talk about cannot be bothered. Then four decades.

I start Looking bubbly, fair-skinned ation renowned on economy a why ‘Yahoo’ is bad fo g h f lif d th

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BUSINESS Report: Raising Minimum Wage Long

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Group Busine

ss Email chika.amEditor Chika Amanze-Nwac

anzenwachukw

u@thisdaylivehuku

.com 0803329415

REPO 7

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Quick Takes

Overdue The federal government has been advised to speedily reach a consensus with the labour unions and increase the minimum wage for civil servants in the country.

Page 23

Ecobank Promo

tes Digital Learnin Ecobank Transnation al Incorporate a private sector g d (ETI) Education (GPE)‘partner of choice’ by the has been selected as Global Partnership quality education in its mission to ensure for inclusive and equitable The Presidents and promote lifelong learning of Senegal and opportuniti Financing Conference France are co-hosting es for all. , aimed at replenishing GPE’s 2018 which commence its ďŹ nancial resources, s in Dakar. GPE from donors is seeking to countries over support the education of to raise US$3.1 billion children in developing the next three Its goal is to years. enable governmen expenditure to ts to increase their education active in 31 of 20 per cent of their overall the 36 countries budget. GPE is currently footprint. Commentin that make up Ecobank’s DirectorofEcobank g on Ecobank’s involvemen pan-African t, theManagi signiďŹ cant economicSenegal,SergeAckre ng said: “Senegalisachieving budget in education, progress thanks to investing 24 per cent funded nurseries setting up a countrywid e programme of its L-R: Managing “By co-hosting and providing free universal of stateDirector FBNInsura GPE’s ďŹ nancing Onekhena; Chairman access nce Ltd, Mr. its rightful position conference, Senegalto schooling.

Val Ojumah; visit by NIA members Nigeria Insurers Associatio is asserting Deputy Commissio states to follow.â€? as an educational blueprint to NAICOM in n ner for Insurance, for other African Abuja...recently(NIA), Eddy Efekoha, and “Ecobank is proudAlso, Ecobank’s Group Finance CEO, Ade Ayeyemi Commissioner GPE to advance to be the ďŹ rst banking for Insurance, and Administration, George educational outcomes group to join forces said: Alhaji Mohamme with d Kari,during across Africa. a FirstBank Sponso FirstBankofNigeria rs Trade Confer Limitedandits ence have disclosed subsidiary, Trade & Financethat they recently sponsored FBNBankUKLimited the GTR West This was part Conference 2018.

Africa of trade and ďŹ nancethe Group’s resolve to lead Obinna Chima “Partnershipfor in the West African region.the development of The conferenceSustainedDevelopment,â€?took The event themed: The federal ECONO MY opportunities presents a comprehensive placeinLagosrecently. government In 2011, under available in the overview of the been advised has common trends, West trade tion of President the administra- as the to speedily reach a consensus challenges and African Market and explored President recently Goodluck Jonaforces, it however agribusiness, solutions than, with it hard was raised inauwithin areas labour unions commodities, the that a explained to N18,000 gurated a 30-member tripartite development. such as risk mitigation It committee to the minimum and increase mitigateminimum wage helps per month. The minimum and 15 countries,convenedabout300delegates and infrastructure negotiate the wage for civil wage has been the imbalance reviservants in from150companies between employers of power between a hotly contested issue sion of the National Minimum investments with speakers covering a the variety of topics and export ďŹ nancing.

Wage for workers the organised The Financialcountry. and lowwage workers.

FirstBank expounded on trade, labour and the federal Company Limited, Derivatives The committeein the country. on export ďŹ nancing government StructuredTrade With the absence the last two ’s members in represent which gave with this advice in of a wage years. floor, employers federal, state that deliberated Finance, Mr. Ikenna Egbukole, the bank’s Head of its The Nigerian private sector would exploit and bulletin, pointedlatest economic workers, as part of the Labour and maximising on: “Export Financing: Stimulating panel interests. there are strong that although purchasingthus hampering the gress (NLC) and other ConThe labor unions business growth “Thebankhas hard currency liquidity.â€? had cited continuedtoset favour of and arguments in earners, power of low income union factions have been labour deteriorating in sub-Sahara theagendafor economic urging tions the federal the report n businessdevelopme minimum wageagainst raising as a major reason condicommitted to African, having six subsidiarie The first National stated. increase the government to demand in the country, nt optimising these for the the benefits s Minimum minimum wage Wage Act for higher wages. development outweigh footprints to in the region and is to N56,000 of The last minimum While the report the costs. mended (1981) had recomfrom the current are situated,â€? the various countries where enhance the economic a monthly minimum N18,000 (the noted that a statement explained. wage the Bank’s subsidiaries in “a perfect minimum wage review was in the African world,â€?it would wage of N125. applies to organisatio 2011 when The bank’s continent include the economic be ideal for ofCongo,Ghana, This was revised FBNBank in the subsidiaries within ns, which employee wages landscape was employ at least radically different Democratic Republic to be determine upwards 50 workers). sponsorship TheGambia,Guinea,Sierra-Leon from current d by market in 1991 to N250 monthly, It appears of the GTR West eandSenegal. again in 2000 and is beginning the government economic realities. The underpins FirstBank’s Africa Trade The to N5,500. & Finance law commitment sub-Saharan demands of to yield to the to stimulating Conference Africa and the the labour unions the economy entire continent in at large Conti GCCA

BRAINSTOR MING ON INSUR ANCE SECTOR

Report: isin g Minimum Wage LoRa ng Overd ue

Investors Re

CITY STRINGS The UN Goes to School

H

L

d

CITYSTRING S

People do not only learn from their own mistakes but also from the mistakes of others. Experiences from past mistakes, when positively applied do not only lead to the avoidance of the reoccurrence of unpleasant situations, it also paves P way for informed and thoughtthrough decisions... Page 36

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T H I S D AY

The UN Goes to

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As the worl campaign tod marked the World Holo schools to catch t Day, the Unit them youncaus ed Nations took g. Peace Obi writes the peace

A cross section

of students

at the Holocaust

Day held at

School

Governmen

t College,

eople do not Agege...recently only learn their own from schools, mistakes catching and from the mistakes but also of others. young people with filling the minds of Experiences values of reasons to from tolerance, and countries to resist when positively past mistakes, racism, of hate and individual embrace peace, respect applied human rights, violence. "Today, normalisation that, only lead to reoccurrence the avoidancedo not and violence. to say no to for the six million "we decided we remembe hate children Jewish today to bring r paves way of unpleasant situations of the The UN who perished men, women and students from about for informed , it also Gutterres Secretary-General, 90 schools together trict 1 in Countless decisions, progress and thought-th in the Holocaus others in his message Antonio rough t. to create Lagos State Educationfrom Disand quality cruelty convulsed also lost their individuals for life for both Holocaust Remembr awareness Districts lives as as well as the world. ance Day withthe 2018 since the ‘Holocaust To spread the society Yet, decades the Holocaust, how about the dangers of Second World the a theme, Remembrance at it happened happened persistence actions gearedmessage of hope, peacelarge. Our Shared so that , why of anti-semit War, we see the Responsibility’, and Education: and towards building ism and an and happier Kayanga noted it does happen again."it called on people in other forms increase was that "the United through its society, the United a safer "Neo-Nazis of prejudice. formed Nations Nations and white international evil." And as one of the solutions are among special observanc supremacy days created that UN wants the main purveyor to this groups es to promote hatred. And awareness to ensure s of extreme it doesn't happen international and action that ever again where people ing from thetoo often, vile views on different The UN, founded to humanity are movissues. Today in 1945 after ent, because die because they are of societies margins to the mainstrea War II when , we are the and politics. differm their race. of their religion together against and the worldmany nations were World on We or in ruins all of you tocalling the normalisa must stand to create "This is the awarenes because of has ever since in desperate need “Wheneve tion s here. we stand r of remained committeof peace agains are abandoneand wherever humanity' hate. young people That is why we calledwant founding charters. t hate, hate s values values d to its d, we are to inculcate the In its drive us have a responsib its mandate, all at risk. speech into them of tolerance to live up to and violen the so that we ility to quickl All of that stand ce against and decisiv marks each the international or have a i i l l i p l

Y 7, 2018 Ëž T

INTERNATIONAL South Africa Suspends Jacob

H I S D AY

INTERNATIO NAL email:foreigndesk

45

South Africa Suspends Jaco Zuma’s Sta b te of the Nat ion Address

Zuma’s State of the Nation Address South Africa’s parliament has taken the extraordinary step of postponing President Jacob Zuma’s state of the nation address on Thursday... Page 45

@thisdaylive.com

South Africa’s parliament has the extraordinar taken him as president.

President Jacoby step of postponing Earlier on Tuesday the address, nation addressZuma’s state of the Mandela , the Nelson but Foundation the president, “when we met pressure grows on Thursday, as Zuma we then learnt to step down. urged Mr that he BBC reported. on him to resign, was South Africa to parliamen already writing The opposition had “systematic t had threatened looting� underseen postponement�.to ask for the to disrupt the Zuma’s Zuma could speech, saying Mr sooner rule, and he “must Mr Mr Zuma’s no longer remain go a statement office later said rather than in office. in later�, the that “the president foundation has requested said in a statement.

The governing In a statement ANC has due to certainthe postponement called a meeting , Baleka Mbete said developments�. of the party’s top body that recent On Monday, for disruption for Wednesda “calls Freedom the Economic decide the � of the speech y to “caused Fighters (EFF) president’s us great concern�. would not said it future.

Mr Zuma, allow Mr Zuma Therefore address calls to quit 75, has resisted been the decision to had instead, the nation and would, allegations. over corruption roomtaken, she said, to push for a no-confide for establishin “create debate. nce He was replaced more conducive g a much as leader by The EFF and political his deputy, party atmosphere opposition partiesthe other major Ramaphosa, in Cyril 65, Ms Mbete parliament�. welcomed the postponem is now the front in December. He this said that “with ent. runner to succeed in mind�, No new date Mr Zuma approached has been set was the speech, about postponin for g of the year.the main political event

British Mona rch Confers Light Awar Commonwe d on Niger ianVolunteer alth Point of in Abuja

Alex Enumah

“Itoro Eze-Anaba Queen Elizabeth founded Nigeria’s first II yesterday seek prosecutio recognised sexual assault referral n of perpetrato therefore reducing a Nigerian Itoro Eze-Anaba, then, centre in 2013 and rs, since as the fourth she has helped Commonw “The Mirabel their impunity. over 3,100 victims of ealth of Partnership Centre is a project rape. The honour of her Point of Light in Centre has Mirabel rape for established of rape and support for victims and sexual Justice where itself as a key service provider sexual assault. assault victims can access The award, for victims of free sexual assault and counselling forensic medical statement from according to a an increasing in Lagos State, with Public Affairs the Press and Responding, services.� accessing the number of clients Office of Eze-Anaba expressed delight British High centre, indicating over Commissio the growing awareness Abuja, is among membersa noting that it further the award, in appreciatio n in of the public highlights the importance of the existence inspirationa n of centre of tackling l volunteers of the and rape and sexual assault. the across the 52 Commonw provides,� the crucial services it difference they ealth nations for the “On behalf statement read. of the dedicated, It added that each tireless and communities are making in their Commonwealth resolute team Point of Light and determined that The statementbeyond. will receive is to personalised signed by certificate signed a voiceless, strengthgive voice to the Joseph Abuku the Queen. to the weak by hope to appreciation disclosed that the and the hopeless, is part of build The award I am sure that this award to the Commonw up was presented for Itoro Eze-Anabe marks the beginning ealth Heads of a joint effort yesterday at the Government of High Commissio to uproot Meeting (CHOGM) British that in London relentlessly battles this evil the British High ner’s Residence by on April 19 our future. to 20. “This award “By sharing Nigeria, Paul Commissioner to our message is a reiteration of service, the Headsthese stories of Arkwright. of ‘No To Rape’!�

The UK High of Governme She said. meeting will Commissio nt said: celebrate inspirationa ner “Eze-Anabe acts of volunteerin According to has shown l impressive dedication t g acro Heads of G the statement the the C

SPORTS Eagles, Others Lose Points, to Drop in

FIFA Ranking The controversies that have trailed the yardstick employed by world football body, FIFA, in its monthly ranking remain unabated as most of the countries that participated at the just ended African Nations Championship (CHAN) did not make progress in the February ratings to be released nextThursday.

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WEDNESDAY SPORTS

AFTERM

AT H O F CHAN

T H I S D AY

Ëž WEDNESDAY,

FEBRUARY

7, 2018

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ik hazuagbe@th isdaylive.com

Eagles, Others Los e Points, to Drop in FIFA

Femi Solaja

Ranking

from January and are expected The controver sies that have to move up. trailed the yardstick Tunisia will by world football employed 915 maintain her points just body, FIFA, in its monthly still be on 875as Senegal will unabated as ranking remain Egypt points is on 814 points. while countries that most of the Democrati Only the just ended participated at outside c Republic of Congo Championship African Nations teams the World Cup bound make progress (CHAN) did not of 715 enjoyed the same status ratings to be in the February Cape points, Algeria (585) and Verde (530) released next Thursday. points.

Meanwhile, third Aside third placed placed Sudan, Sudan improved on Namibia, Congo the ranking with all the other and Angola, the seven more points from including the 12 countries thingprevious 260. The same competition, winner of the 300 applies to Namibia from Nigeria the Morocco and fromto 305 points while Congo lost points. runner up, all Angola369 to 387 points and from 200 to 214 points.

Against earlier The CAF President, promise by has FIFA ranking formula CHAN 2018 Ahmad, that criticismalways attracted to evaluate would be used analysts from most football countries in claiming that monthly ranking, the it was learnt disproportional and doesit is yesterday that often represent not competition as FIFA treated the strength the ‘mere friendlies’ of teams. relative and of no consequen Because of this, ce in the rankings rating. alternative The Atlas football statisticians, by such as that that won Lions of Morocco World of dropped fromthe competition the Football Elo Ratings and rec.sport.soccer 748 to 696 points just like second Statistics Foundatio the tournamen best team in emerged. n rankings, have to 582 from t, Nigeria, down According to points. They the previous 651 Press an Associated are (AP) going report to drop when in the rankings in June 2006 on February to be released fourththe US team was ranked Home-based Eagles ew 15. in the world into Lagos However, World in April African Nations 2006, even their Champions‌last early hours of yesterday Carthage Eagles Cup-bound shocked players from Morocco and felt flattered! were Sunday of Tunisia, the Teranga where they That subject Lions of Senegal was after they were won the silver of intense debate. and the Pharaohs beaten 4-1 at medal of the On of least two instances, of Egypt all by Germany.

2018 retained their The ranking FIFA has anythe, “calculation is simple: respective points had to adjust team that does December 1992 started in “ A team’s According the yardsticks. world and had been football wins well in points over total number of the FIFA’s explanations, to a four-year period past 12 months points the basic logic which enable it to and the average number climb the is determined by adding world ranking. average number the of of points gained from matches points gained from older matches during than 12 months (depreciates yearly).�

...Silver-winning Back from Mo Team Lulu Floors EFCC in Appeal rocco Cou

The Home-ba Olawale Ajimotok delegation to sed Eagles Europe the 5th African an in and Asia.

Abuja Nations Justice Ahmad Sunday Faleye (CHAN) Championship in judgment, said: Belgore in his by is wanted Austria, the Public In a landmark Morocco “This appeal returned to in Okechukwu while striker Court judgment, the has merit and the judgment Act, PPA, and Procurement Africa the country the early hours as such should of Appeal in of the Federal 2010 World Gabriel, defend sitting Cup. of Tuesday, who netted the Lulu and proudly clutching winner Abuja, yesterday, set aside in delivered on High Court, charges themselves in the in February leveled among otherhis co-accused the 2016 is silver medals. their andboth the quarterfinal judgment of the Federal hereby set aside 22, by the EFCC. against them also things were semifina Court, High the appellant, Players and accused of and

by Morocca l, is wanted FebruaryAbuja delivered Lulu and Sani Abdullahi officials on Lulu, discharge n giants arrived three others, due process in the flouting 22nd, Amanze Uchegbul d acquitted.

Murtala Casablanca as well as Raja E. S. Chukwu 2016 by Justice of two Marcopol purchase Muhammedthe Justice Belgore � in Norway, clubs a which dismissed am, o buses for Switzerland ‘no-case-submission said the former first vice president a the national teams.

Airport, LagosInternational Russia. case was an and by NFF; Chief of appeal against ’ filed While, Sani Abdullah aboard a Royalat about 3am Taiwo Midfielder Ifeanyi i Lulu, a the judgment of the Federal a former executive Ogunjobi, Amanze the appeals of Air Maroc aircraft, and High Court, Ifeanyi former President of committee Uchegbulam has and by officials were received the attracted interest in Football Federationthe Nigeria delivered Maitama Division member and NFF former Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi SecretaryMajor of (NFF) in Chukwu by Justice the Nigeria , Sani Soccer League the corruption Football Federatio E.S. Ojo-Oba General, Dr. Bolaji Lulu’s co accused charge brought on February are still against n (NFF), (MLS) in the US were arraigned pending at the including Court Appeal, former Nigeria 37-year-old Rabiuwhile even by the him and three others wherein the Appellan22, 2016 on Septembe the fourth international Economic and r 6, 2010 ts suit alleged of a ‘no-case Ali could play the fi accused for Fin sub Abd p Ci B l i i il l l Y

rt, Acquitted

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

13

NEWS

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

Buhari Reinstates Suspended NHIS Executive Secretary President Muhammadu Buhari has reinstated the suspended Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf.

Yusuf was suspended by the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, in June 2017, following allegations of gross misconduct.

A panel inaugurated by the minister after Yusuf’s suspension later found him culpable of infractions that ranged from nepotism to theft of public funds.

An administration official familiar with the development said Buhari did not consider Yusuf’s indictment by a ministerial panel before asking him to return to work.

According to the source, the letter of reinstatement was sent to Mr. Adewole yesterday evening.

Adewole confirmed receipt of the reinstatement letter yesterday night, but did not elaborate on when Yusuf would resume or under which terms.

“It is true that the president has reinstated him,” Adewole said.

The reinstatement letter according to Premium Times, urged Yusuf to work closely with the minister upon resumption.

Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, did not immediately respond

to requests for comments about the development.

For the minister to cooperate with Yusuf would not be easy, said Eluma Asogwa, a legal practitioner.

“This is a humiliation of the minister,” Asogwa said on telephone yesterday night.

“He has sent a wrong signal and encouraged insubordination amongst heads of agencies against ministers.

“This has now become a growing trend that does not portend well for our polity, it does not even augur well for the anti-corruption war of the president,” he said.

Yusuf did not immediately respond to requests for comments about his reinstatement yesterday night.

The House of Representatives had demanded Yusuf’s reinstatement shortly after he was suspended, saying the minister was wrong and absolved the NHIS boss of any wrongdoing.

Yusuf had also replied the minister that he would not obey the suspension, saying the minister had no powers to suspend him.

Yusuf, 54, took over the state-run health insurance provider on July 29, 2016.

But his reign at the agency has been fraught with graft

controversies.

The suspension came weeks after the Senate launched investigations into his activities as the NHIS chief.

The lawmakers accused Yusuf of “corrupt expenditure of N292

million” which he allegedly spent on health care training “without recourse to any appropriate approving authority.”

The NHIS chief denied any wrongdoing.

The panel established by the health minister indicted Yusuf following which he was suspended indefinitely.

Adewole, in a letter to the embattled NHIS chief, dated

October 5, 2017, indicated that the committee that investigated Yusuf had submitted its report.

He said the report had been forwarded to Buhari for further action.

Macron toVisit Nigeria, Address National Assembly President Emmanuel Macron of France is billed to visit Nigeria in early July this year and is expected to address the joint session of the National Assembly, Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Denys Gauer, has said.

Speaking when he paid a visit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, at the National Assembly, Gauer said President Macron has interest in the future and development of Nigeria.

According to a statement issued by the Speaker’s spokesperson, Turaki Hassan, Gauer revealed that Macron had worked in the French embassy in Abuja early in his career for six months, ”some years ago.”

He also said whereas relations between the two countries in the last few years have centred on security,

Macron hoped to use the visit to further deepen relations with Nigeria especially in areas such as youths, culture and creativity.

Responding, Dogara said members of House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly would want to listen to the French president whom he described as “a man of our generation.

“He has brought a lot of youthful zest, dynamism, charisma and appeal to French politics and we will want to yield the floor to him,” Dogara said.

The Speaker also commended the French Government for assisting Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and pledged to give expeditious passage to all bilateral agreements that will be signed between Nigeria and France during Macron’s visit.

FG Won’t Revisit Onshore-Offshore Dichotomy, Says APC Chieftain Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Vice Chairman (South-south) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ntufam Hilliard Eta, has said the federal government will not resuscitate the rested issue of onshore-offshore dichotomy despite its inclusion in the report on fiscal federalism and restructuring submitted by the Malam Nasir el-Rufai-led committee to the ruling party recently.

Eta, in a statement issued yesterday by his Media Aide, Bassey Ita, said the federal government would not resurrect the issue “for obvious reasons” which will amount to waking up an issued already resolved by a previous administration.

Against the background of renewed agitations in some quarters

that the issue of onshore-offshore dichotomy be considered along with other conditions in the APC’s restructuring report, the South-south APC chieftain declared that the issue has been affirmed by previous governments and therefore cannot be whipped up again. ‘’I have been in touch with the presidency on this and I have had the assurance of the president that the issue of the political settlement of the onshore-offshore dichotomy can only be reaffirmed by this government. So the idea of resurrecting it now does not arise,” Eta said.

He reiterated government’s assurance to impact the lives of oil bearing communities which he said have suffered neglect and untold hardship arising from exploration activities in the area.

AUGUST VISITORS

President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Tanko Al-Makura Tanko of Nasarawa State sharing some moments with some physically challenged children during the inauguration of Comprehensive Special School, Lafia during president’s official visit to the state ...yesterday ( 6th Feb 2017).

Buhari Appoints Tinubu to Lead Reconciliation Efforts in APC Mixed reactions trail appointment Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Chiemelie Ezeobi inLagos Confronted by apparent and prevalent internal squabble in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday named Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the leader of fresh reconciliation efforts in the party.

The appointment of Tinubu for this onerous task is obviously a smart and well thought-out initiative by the president as Tinubu himself had been in the news until late last year as one of those perceived to be aggrieved in the party, having been allegedly sidelined by the president since he assumed office in 2015.

Following his perceived grievance, suspicions have been rife that Tinubu whose delivery of the South-west to Buhari was the major factor which heralded Buhari’s victory at the March 28, 2015, presidential poll, may not be disposed to repeating the same feat come 2019.

The president had mainly failed in three consecutive presidential polls between 2003 and 2011 because his performances in the South had always been abysmal as the North alone could not guarantee his victory no matter the degree of

his performance and popularity in the region.

However, as a result of the perception that Tinubu was unhappy over the way he was treated after Buhari’s election, the former Lagos State governor who had been under intense criticism for delivering the South-West to APC in 2019, might have issues to contend with should Buhari throw his hat in the ring in the end.

Naming him as the chief reconciliatory officer of the party therefore, as the political activities towards 2019 polls gather momentum, is strategic as it amounts to putting him on the spot and making the support of South-west for APC in 2019 promising.

In a terse statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, yesterday, Buhari gave Tinubu’s terms of reference to include: leading consultative and reconciliatory moves aimed at rebuilding confidence in the party.

Buhari also assigned Tinubu the responsibilities of resolving existing disputes among party men and women as well as between party leadership and political office holders in some states.

“As part of on-going efforts to

improve cohesion within the APC, President Buhari has designated Tinubu to lead the consultation, reconciliation and confidence building efforts.

“The assignment will involve resolving disagreements among party members, party leadership and political office holders in some states of the federation,” the statement said.

Given these responsibilities, the job of Tinubu is tasking as the crisis in APC is endemic.

First, there are party men and women who felt betrayed by Buhari for allegedly leaving them in the cold after working assiduously for his election.

Secondly, there are others who have had running battles with their benefactors within the party in some states. A good example is the acute face-off between Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Ganduje, and his benefactor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Kwankwaso was last week forced to put off his proposed rally in Kano following a stern warning from Ganduje that his security could not be guaranteed in the state that he governed for two different terms. Yet, it was Kwankwaso who unilaterally brought Ganduje and installed him as his successor in the same

APC in 2015.

How Tinubu will pursue his mission and achieve the desired goals and objectives therefore remains an issue to watch out for..

Meanwhile, mixed reactions yesterday trailed the news of Tinubu’s appointment.

While some lauded the appointment, the general consensus however was that the government of the day finally remembered Tinubu because of the forthcoming general election.

One of such people was one Dr. Dipo Awojide who succinctly said: “It’s election season. Tinubu is important again.”

Usman Ibrahim said: “I want to believe Buhari has something on Tinubu and willing to use it if he (Tinubu) does not play ball.

“It’s the only reason Tinubu will do anything Buhari asks after the betrayal, disrespect, level of nepotism and bad governance we have witnessed.”

Nnamdi Abana said: “ Tinubu will be a fool to co-operate with Buhari. I wonder if Buhari thinks Tinubu will listen to him after placing him on the bench for three years.”

Raphael Omonu also said: “Tinubu will disappoint me if he

Cont’d on page 49

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍľËœ 2018

COMMENT

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

TRUMP AND GENOCIDAL KILLINGS Genocide is a crime against humanity, writes Sonnie Ekwowusi

T

he human person is often vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters especially genocidal killings. Noticing that the Israelites were multiplying during the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt, Pharaoh ordered the murder of all the male children in Israel. Greatly enraged that he had been outsmarted by the three wise-men in his secret plot to murder the infant Jesus, Herod similarly ordered the massacre of all the male children in Bethlehem. Some 73 years to this day, what is referred to in history as the Holocaust, that is, the massacre of six million European Jews by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany, has not ceased to resonate in the world. From April 1994 to July 1994, over 800,000 Tutsis were massacred in the worst Rwandan genocidal killings ever recorded.

From 1966 to 1970 what is considered in history as the Igbo genocide which claimed the lives of about 2.1 Igbo people especially women and children occurred in Nigeria. The Igbo genocide later became the foundational genocide of postindependence Nigeria. Some 47 years after the Igbo genocide, the Fulani herdsmen have launched a serial genocidal attacks and killings in Nigeria. Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has declared that the herdsmen have murdered no fewer than 1,878 citizens of Benue within the last three years.

Genocide is a crime against humanity. It is a big threat to human civilisation. All cultures in the world are united in the battle to eliminate genocide. That is why the elimination of genocidal killings in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria should be given priority by the Buhari government in Nigeria. United States President Donald Trump is waging a strident war against infanticide being committed in the world.

Already, less than two months into 2018, over 1.2 million unborn babies have been killed. You can imagine what the figure will look like by the end of 2018. That is why Trump is very keen on offering defenceless children especially black children the much-sought-after protection. Ms. Margaret Louise Sanger (1879-1966), eugenicist, founder of Planned Parenthood of America, is one woman the black world must never forget in a hurry. Sanger endorsed genocide against the so-called “socially undesirable people� or people she considered were unfit to live, many of whom were AfricanAmericans. She specifically directed her Planned Parenthood of America to exterminate African-Americans. Apart from making gay rights the centre-piece of American foreign policy, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton respectively, contrary to the philosophic traditions and founding principles of the

THE SOLIDARITY AGAINST GENOCIDAL KILLINGS AND INFANTICIDE IS A TELLING LESSON IN LOVE. ONLY TRUE LOVE CAN SAVE THE WORLD. WE SHOULD LOVE OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES AND SOCIAL CONDITION

American founding fathers as implicitly enshrined in the words of Declaration of American Independence, endorsed infanticide. In fact, Hillary Clinton publicly stated that pregnant women who wanted to kill their babies by cutting off their heads at birth could do so.

Unlike Obama and Clinton, Trump has spared no word in ceaselessly denouncing genocidal killings and infanticide.

He believes in the philosophy of live-and-let-live. He believes that human life is the most precious jewel that should be preserved. Trump teaches that every child, regardless of his or her disability, gender, appearance, or ethnicity; whether he or she is coloured, white, black, Latino, Afro-American, etc., should be given a chance to live. To reinforce this teaching, Trump has stopped the use of U.S. taxpayers’ money to support foreign organisations that commit or actively promote infanticide in Nigeria and other developing countries. Last April, Trump signed a legislation that overturned an Obama administration rule which allowed U.S states to fund infanticide in Nigeria and other developing countries. Trump has promised to sign into law the Conscientious Objection (Medical Activities) Bill, which seeks to protect medical doctors and medical professionals who do not want to commit or partake in the committing of infanticide. On the last American National Day, Trump signed an executive order proclaiming that day as the American religious right day. On January, 19, 2018, Trump addressed the participants of the 45th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. thus becoming the first American President to address the March for Life participants. Trump has proclaimed January 22 (that is, the day in which ROE V WADE was decided by the American Supreme Court) as the National Sanctity of Human Life Day thus affirming the truth “that all life is sacred, that every person has inherent dignity and worth, and that no class of people should ever be discarded as non-human.�

The solidarity against genocidal killings and infanticide is a telling lesson in love. Only true love can save the world.

We should love our fellow human beings, regardless of their circumstances and social condition, whether or not they are unborn children, physically-challenged children, rich or poor, tall or short. We are all members of the same human family. God created us and put us is this world to love and cherish our fellow human beings, not to kill them or intentionally allow them to die.

ABIA’S UHURU IN THE HORIZON Chuks Akamadu pays tribute to Alex Otti, administrator and politician, at age 53

S

upposing the governance history of Abia State is, for the purpose of objective evaluation, broadly divided into two namely, “Abia under military rule� and “Abia under democratic rule�, every fair-minded Abian would agree that save for Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu’s brief stay in office as a third republic governor and Col. Ike Nwosu’s purposeful leadership as military administrator, Abia since her birth in 1991, has almost always been a victim of leadership misfortune.

Supposing further we choose to discountenance, for good measure, Abia’s years under the military - since military rule is universally accepted as an aberration - and focus strictly on God’s Own State’s fourth republic experience, we would have, perhaps unwittingly, approached a mathematical bend where we may have to find the sum or product of or sum and product of OUK8+TAO8+OVI21/2 – if OUK8 = 8 years of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu; TAO8 = 8 years of Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji; and OVI21/2 = 2 and half years of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. Any guesses?

Truth be told, Abia people, in 2015, did a diligent job of critically appraising their state’s performance since Nigeria’s return to constitutional democracy in 1999, and their verdict had been most damning: For 16 uninterrupted years, the duo of Dr. Orji

Uzor Kalu and Chief T.A Orji put Abia and her destiny on reverse gear.

By the time election year 2015 beckoned, Abians were all too eager to vent their just anger, through the ballot box, on the people who brought odium to their state a nd reduced her in the eye of discerning public to the butt of a joke. Thankfully, the growing resentment and determination to start afresh that pervaded Abia were to find eloquent expression, in due season, in the people’s somewhat fetish choice of a man who, for all intents and purposes, was the closest approximation of their collective aspiration as a governorship candidate to queue behind. The rest, as the saying goes, is history; and to be sure, the reason for this birthday eulogy can be located in the socio-cultural, political, psychological and indeed historical significance of the phenomenal appearance of Dr. Alex Otti in the political firmament of Abia State.

It is not debatable that Dr. Otti was, by the judgment of the people, a sudden light that appeared at the terminal point of Abia’s political tunnel‌and he had shown up at a time when darkness was at its thickest, at a time when the political space was being totally yielded to thugs and opportunists who in saner climes would at best have been hewers of wood and fetchers of water, at a time the Abia narrative was set to become a bestseller – for all the

wrong reasons in the world, at a time vice had become virtue and vice versa and at a time vainglory was allowed to walk tallest in the land!

There is no doubt that the coming of Dr. Otti in 2015 did restore the dignity of Abians who had started wondering at what point their state was lowered into the cesspit of mediocre leadership; for, here is a state that gave Nigeria her first Army general and military head of state, Maj-Gen. J.T.U Aguiyi-Ironsi; a state that gave defunct Eastern Region a superlative, first-among-equals premier, Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara; and a state that gave Nigeria her first industrial city, Aba, rightly proclaimed as “Japan of Africa�. What an irony stretched to the limits that same state had her third 11 allowed to be doing 90 minutes on the political pitch! It is for the foregoing reasons that Abians remain eternally grateful to Dr. Otti for picking up the gauntlet in the face of group/elite cowardice to re-validate their individual and collective humanity, as an antithesis of the rotten order he challenged in 2018.

It was refreshing to have an iconic figure like Dr. Otti whose background, integrity, rare brilliance, sterling accomplishments as a captain of industry and expansive goodwill rise to diminish comic characters in charge of Abia’s affairs since 1999 and it was even more heartening that his joining

the political fray among other things cancelled out Abia’s deepening moral and reputational insolvency. This explains why it would appear that for many Abians, 2015 was a good year – to the extent that although Dr. Ikpeazu came in to rule, Dr. Otti reigns indisputably. What is more, 2019 is within earshot and millions of Abians cannot wait to commission the Dr. Alex Otti Project they started in 2015.

The occasion of Dr. Otti’s birthday, this writer, reckons, is an opportune time to celebrate this great Abian whose footprints have transcended national and continental boundaries. Please let the highly cerebral Otti, erudite scholar, great manager of men and resource, politician with a distinction, Abia’s uhuru-in-the-horizon, the best graduating student of University of Port-Harcourt for the year 1988 (with First Class Honours), erstwhile Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank PLC, past chairman of Committee of Bank Chief Executives in Nigeria and member, Institute of Directors rise and take a deserved bow, as he marks his 53 remarkable years on this planet.

Dear Dr. Otti, “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make His face shine upon thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace�.

(Numbers 6: 24-26).

Akamadu (Nko Abia) wrote from Abuja

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍľËœ 2018

EDITORIAL GOVERNORS AND WORSHIP CENTRES

Government should work towards creating jobs to allow the people benefit from their resource wealth

T

he General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye recently performed what is increasingly becoming a routine event: he laid the foundation stone of an 8500- capacity worship centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at the event, Governor Udom Emmanuel asked individuals and corporate bodies to join his government in building the centre that would serve as “an avenue for God to bless the people of the state.�

Even though the project, which is expected to cost the state billions of Naira, drew criticism from a section of the public, Emmanuel was only following a growing trend where many governors are using religion to prop up their public standing. In 2015, Governor Rochas Okorocha built a glimmering “Basilicaâ€? dubbed the “MagniďŹ cent Imo State House Chapelâ€? at a huge public expense. Same year, Governor Nyesom Wike who proclaimed Rivers as a “Christian State where God lives among his children,â€? built a Christian Ecumenical Centre also at a prohibitive cost to taxpayers. A similar centre was launched in nearby Yenagoa, THE MOST OBVIOUS capital of Bayelsa in RESPONSE TO A COUNTRY 2017, constructed at MIRED IN ECONOMIC public expense by the DIFFICULTIES IS NOT TO state government.

BUILD MORE PLACES However, the OF WORSHIP FOR construction of places THE PEOPLE. IT IS TO where members of the ENGAGE THE PEOPLE IN public could worship PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES is not restricted to the southern parts of the country. Indeed, in many states in the north, there is an abundance of such worship places, constructed by various state governments so that Muslims could have comfortable ablutions and prayer rooms. Some governors indeed cite the building of mosques in their states as one of their remarkable achievements while in ofďŹ ce. Early last year, Badaru Abubakar, Jigawa State governor approved the sum of N137 million for the construction of 90 daily prayer

Letters to the Editor

mosques. The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, also approved N566 million for the completion of 189 Juma’at and daily prayer mosques as well as Islamiyya schools.

Aside from building mosques, the Bauchi State government said it has been spending some millions of naira annually to organise Quranic recitation competitions.

These and others are all faithful followers of Senator Sani Yerima, former governor of Zamfara who built several mosques and indeed used religion as a potent political weapon in a state now weighed down by criminality and general banditry.

W

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hat is particularly worrying is that despite their lean economic resources, many states are increasingly spending huge sums of money building worship centres despite the fact that there is hardly any major street in Nigeria today without churches and mosques, where people can worship and gather for related activities. Even at that, the pertinent questions remain: How much inuence do these worship centres actually have on their adherents?

Judging by the rate of corruption and criminality in the country in spite of our religiousity, why are states increasingly sucked into the religious vortex? Why should states be competing with each other in building worship centres? Is it to win the souls of the poor? Or is it to manipulate and indeed exploit the ignorance of the people during elections?

Despite its oil wealth, Akwa Ibom, like many states in the country, is struggling to pay the salaries of civil servants and provide decent health and educational infrastructure to meet the needs of the people. So, why should states that cannot fulďŹ l basic obligations think that their people will demonstrate godly virtues because they have abundant places to pray? How far can religion regulate the behaviour of someone who is hungry?

The most obvious response to a country mired in economic difďŹ culties is not to build more places of worship for the people. It is to engage the people in productive activities. We hope the governors will understand that and begin to act more responsibly.

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.

THE HAND OF AFEGBUA,VOICE OF IBB

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he statement issued by former military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), through his spokesman Kassim Afegbua has generated humongous reactions not on account of its content but the drama surrounding it’s immediate rebuttal by the former leader.

The denial trailing the statement has made many to submit that Afegbua most certainly wrote the statement with permission from the General. Indeed, Babangida told THISDAY newspaper that he stood by the statement released by Prince Afegbua.

Already some reports say the IGP has declared him Afegbua wanted. Why should he be declared wanted when his principal has admitted Afegbua did the right thing?

Regardless of the rebuttal, Nigerians, indeed President Buhari can figure out what may have transpired. The first statement is my major focus. That actually reflects the mood of a segment of Nigerians who have refused to accept the denial. It is also possible some people who love IBB do not want another friction between him and PMB may have quickly coupled the rebuttal so hastily they forgot he is GCFR. It is also possible that some of the issues raised in the statement ridicule the entire north which him IBB should not be seen to canvass. It is also possible that they reasoned he could draw the attention of PMB privately on the general perception of Nigerians on the current direction

of leadership instead of going public. It is also possible that he doesn’t want Nigerians to think he is opening old wounds, trying to remove PMB once again via public opinion. These are permutations, which may not be far from the truth.

The import of the statements against the leadership content and character of PMB for the past three years as in the case of IBB or of former President Obasanjo is the reflection of the desire of many Nigerians to feel the impact of the change they have elusively yearned for since 2015. My honest reservation over the flying statements around Buhari is the fact that these “brothers� of PMB could privately ask him to throw in the towel and bow out without going public. For OBJ, its characteristic of him but IBB, this is likely a first and maybe one-off attempt. Some unconfirmed sources said PMB may not run, citing he can’t use “public� funds to run his campaign. Other unconfirmed sources said he finds it difficult to present himself after all the dissenting voices. These will be clearer with time, which is not favourable on every side of the divide.

We may recall that what is happening to Buhari on his public leadership scorecard played itself out during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, particularly towards the electioneering period. When letters, statements, comments from notable Nigerians flooded the media space for him to quit and allow a fresh hand on the rudder,

Jonathan was persuaded by sycophants to continue. He knew the odds were against him but those who “loved� him more urged him to his political doom.

Buhari may have a good number of followers who would vote him any day in the north which accounts for a large chunk of his votes, and which may make his case a little different from his predecessor. The crux is not in barreling or packaging him back but service delivery and traceable developmental achievements, which is evidently lacking since 2015.

Nobody is hunting for his replacement from another part of the country but the same north. Nobody is playing God any more than those who wished and worked for Jonathan’s exit. Once the interest of the entire country exceeds the parochial satisfaction of a few, it is always nice to abide with popular reasoning especially from right thinking people.

Interesting contrast from the series of statements from OBJ and IBB shows that the elderly wants the youths to take their place with fresh ideas. As the confusion trails the real and fake statements, the “third force� is in full force with old people who will certainly present themselves for election if the script written by OBJ is expected to be played to its last scene. It is not yet Uhuru, if Nigerian youths are people within the ages of 70.

Israel A. Ebije, ebijeo5@gmail.com

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2018

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018

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MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

THE NEWSMAKER

Al-Makura: Architect of Modern Nasarawa President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to Nasarawa state today presents Governor Tanko Al-Makura the opportunity to showcase his achievements, report Alfred Akwe and Allahnana Attah

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rom inception, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura made it clear that his vision and mission in power were motivated by the desire to pursue a holistic development of Nasarawa State. In 2011, he hit the ground running, making concerted efforts at frog-jumping the state from its unenviable backward status of a state lacking in the basic paraphernalia of modernity.

To create a modern state, he embarked on a number of projects that have given the state a new look far more than he met it. Al-Makura met decayed infrastructures which made the state any other thing but an urban city or state. The so-called urban centres looked like a village; the rural communities were in a state of disrepair.

Lafia, the state capital lacked good road network, while local government headquarters did not have modern roads. The health care delivery system was plagued with lack of qualified staff, medicals and most of the facilities rippled with decay. The education sector was perhaps the worst as it was simply in comatose.

To address infrastructural deficits, Al-Makura embarked on robust and deliberate programmes, including urban renewal; reviving the health sector and land administration; transformation of education as well as agriculture. These programmes have over the years recorded tremendous successes, culminating in the inauguration of some of them by President Muhammadu Buhari during his one day working visit to the state.

Realising the importance of good road network in the economic prosperity of the state and the social wellbeing of the people, Al-Makura made road construction a cardinal focus of his administration.

Before him, most urban and rural communities in the state could hardly be accessed especially during rainy season due to the poor state of their roads. This made transportation of goods and services most difficult. Lafia wore dismal picture of bad roads and for many years since creation, no government made any appreciable effort to construct modern roads befitting its status as a capital city. In fact, no single asphalt drained road was constructed in the state since its creation in 1996.

Al-Makura is slowly but surely transforming Lafia by building modern road networks overlaid with asphalt and line drains. The roads so far constructed by his administration in the past three years within Lafia metropolis alone are UAC-Tudun Gwandara – Kwandare – College of Agriculture loop, part of which is dualised; the Super Cinema New Market Road; the Lubona Junction – New Market-.Lafia East – Government House Road and the Sabon Pegi- Awe Street Road. Others are the Lafia East – Governor Isa’s House Road linking Makurdi Road; Sandaji –“B” Division Road, Adamu Muazu/GRA Road as well as the Dalhatu Araf –Governor Al’Makura’s House Road. Still there is also the Stanbic Bank Junction – Dakin Kowa – Kurikyo Road.

Other new roads within Lafia Metropolis are the GSS Maina – 16 Mango – Tudun Gwandara Road Link, UBA –ERCC Road, ERCC- Shinge Road Link, UAC- Saint James Road, Lafia.

In Doma, Akwanga, Wamba, Nasarawa Eggon, Awe, Obi, Nasarawa and Keffi, several kilometres of standard roads laid with asphalt drains have also been constructed. Today most of the urban centres are wearing new looks from their old decadent state. In all, over 200 kilometres of asphalt drained township roads have been constructed at the cost of N10 billion.

Al - Makura’s road programme did not exclude rural communities particularly because most of the economic activities especially agriculture are based in rural areas. Over 600 kilometres have been constructed across the three senatorial districts of the state, opening up rural communities. This

Al-Makura

has no doubt eased transportation in and out of these communities and as well promoted trade and commerce as goods and services are being exchanged. The implication is that this development has helped the rural farmer have value for his farm produce as well enhanced their quality of lives.

The Al-Makura administration has also refurbished and reinstated street light lights on the 16-Kilometre stretch federal highway that runs through the city centre from College of Agriculture gate to Akunza Roundabout on the Makurdi Road exit. All urban asphalt drained roads constructed by the administration have been provided with solar powered street lights.

Considering the strategic location of Nasarawa State in the North Central geo-political zone of the country as well as its nearness to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the state government has embarked on the construction of an International Cargo Airport in Lafia.

A peoples’ governor, Al-Makura has taken the lead in the provision of modern markets across the state. The development of the market sub-sector of the economy has not only broaden the state’s economic base, it has also created massive employment opportunities for the teeming population. The markets include Lafia Ultra- Modern Market located along Kwandare Road Lafia, the state capital; Akwanga Modern Market located along Akwanga- Lafia Road, Akwanga; Keffi Modern Market along old Keffi- Nasarawa Road, Keffi and the Lafia Neighbourhood Market located at the former

Realizing the importance of good road network in the economic prosperity of the state, Al-Makura made road construction a cardinal focus of his administration

Lafia Market at the central area of old Lafia.

The Karu International Market near the Federal Capital Territory Abuja is perhaps the largest of all the markets in the state and subdivided into two phases. The phase 2 of the market houses the informal section of the market.

Believing that health is wealth, the Al-Makura administration has made concerted efforts at providing quality health care services for the wellbeing of the people in the state. On assumption of office Al- Makura promptly restored the people’s confidence in the sector, by recalling striking workers and paying them their entitlements.

Next he renovated and remodelled the general hospitals in Awe and Toto. Other hospitals that benefited from his quick win gesture in the award of construction and renovation works are the general hospitals in Akwanga and Karu.

He also awarded contract for the construction of X-Ray and Scanning Unit of the same Akwanga General Hospital even as he has completed the building of the permanent site of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lafia and ensured the relocation of students to the site along Shendam Road, Lafia.

Meanwhile, his government is determined to end the out –of- stock syndrome in drug supply in the state and has provided funds for the procurement of drugs under the Drug Revolving Fund Scheme. It has also completed the multi million Naira Central Medical Store along Shendam Road, Lafia which is expected to house the state’s medical store and distribution point. With over 80 per cent of its citizens engaged in agriculture, the Al-Makura administration is without choice than to prioritise and modernize the sector. Therefore, to boost and sustain agriculture as a noble vocation as well reduce dependence on white collar jobs, which are scare to come by, the administration has procured well over 50,000 metric tons of assorted fertilizers and sold same at subsidized price to genuine farmers in the state. Besides the provision of fertilizers at subsidized rates to farmers over the years, government also provided improved seedlings of various crops to boost production.

Government has also tried to encourage private

participation in agriculture by bringing in foreign farmers to the state. These farmers are engaged in large scale rice cultivation in Rukubi in Doma South of Doma Local Government Area. They are growing high yield rice on 60,000 hectares of land. Apart from providing employment opportunities to the rural population, it has exposed them to the techniques of modern agricultural practice. The government has also partnered the Japanese government through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, JICA, for the processing of rice for value addition as part of effort to boost rice production in the state. These efforts are aimed at transforming the state into a trade and commerce destination given the vast opportunities that avail in tourism, solid minerals and agriculture. This is further reinforced by the current drive for foreign investors coming to exploit the state’s vast potentials. Already a large mechanized rice cultivation and processing is ongoing in various parts of the state.

The administration of Al-Makura places high premium on the development of the education sector especially the primary and junior secondary school levels which government considers as the foundation of educational development.

Government has also demonstrated a high sense of commitment to the development of the tertiary institutions. For instance the government provided funds for the convocation of backlog of students that graduated which had lingered for over ten years; the construction of road networks in the state-owned university in Keffi as well as the construction of four 250-bed space for students in all the tertiary institutions as well as the Federal University in Lafia.

When he became governor, primary education was in near comatose due to none payment of counterpart fund to secure the release of the federal government fund meant for the development of the subsector. Al- Makura swiftly paid the counterpart fund and that enabled the state to access the fund under the UBEC Scheme.

Presently, primary and junior secondary school education is witnessing real transformation in infrastructural development and provision of instructional materials as well as welfare package for teachers. Besides the building of school structures, the state government in a tripartite arrangement with the SUBEB and the Board of Relevant Technology distributed 63, 000 desks and chairs to primary and junior secondary schools.

Other incentives provided by the APC-led administration in the state is the payment of NECO fees for SSS3 students in all public schools as a way to stimulate students’ interest in learning as well as take the burden of payment of the examinations fees off the shoulders of parents.

In 2014, Al-Makura introduced free education at primary and secondary school levels.

Realizing the importance of security, the state introduced a robust security measure aimed at securing the people. Some of the measures introduced include among others the provision of well over sixty Hilux trucks to the police, the army, the State Security Service and the civil defence. This, according to the state government is to enable security operatives to discharge their responsibilities with ease and efficiency.

The provision of electricity to both urban and rural communities across the state has remained a cardinal project pursued by this administration since inception. Within his first one hundred days in office, Al-Makura bought and distributed 40 500KVA Transformers plus 3 HT and 8LT spans each to boost power supply in the state.

The transformers were distributed to various parts of the state especially Lafia, Akwanga and Keffi. This has contributed immensely to improving power supply to most parts of the state and particularly in Lafia the state capital.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018

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POLITICS

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

Wike: New Power House in PDP The national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party last December saw the emergence of the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike as the de facto national leader of the party. Will he end up a hero or a villain as the 2019 elections draw near? Segun James looks at the man and his politics

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) brims with colourful politicians whose showmanship cannot be equalled. But none of them has matched the sense of political showmanship of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, the party’s new leader.

He swept into national fame and recognition from a “mere” governor when he was able to take over the leadership of the PDP to the chagrin of supposed political heavyweights in the party.

Not only did he install one of his acolytes, Mr. Uche Secondus as the national chairman of the party, he even told the entire southwest caucus of the party that it did not matter as the region has nothing to offer the party but wanted the leadership of the party on a platter of gold.

To a lot of people in the party - both friends and foes – the surprise rise of Wike has turned him into an enigma who must be respected or cut to size, depending on which of the divides they belong to.

If truth is to be told, Wike is the most powerful man in the party today. He will ultimately decide who becomes the presidential candidate of the party; and to a large extent, he will have a say on who becomes the governorship candidate of every state in the federation. It is a Wike world right now!

But how did he rise to this pre-eminent position in less than three years? Arguments about money are always tiresome, particularly when the sum is meagre, but when it is a mega sum, it is easy for all interests to measure their interest and benefit. Following the crisis that rocked the PDP, Wike allegedly became the major sponsor of the Ahmed Makarfi-faction of the party.

At a time when many were nowhere to be found. At a time when some had become pessimistic and were no longer sure whether PDP would be returned to them, Wike took the battle head on. It is to his credit that the party secured a major victory at the Supreme Court. He was the chief opposition figure to Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff faction. So when it was time to share the booty, few qualified to share as much as Wike. It was at this point he took over the leadership of the party as Makarfi and his team began to do his bidding.

By the time the Supreme Court affirmed the leadership of Makarfi, Wike was effectively in charge of the party. At the point, he demanded for and was given the national chairmanship of the party which he gave to his candidate, to the consternation of many.

Today, opposition to Wike and Secondus within the party is swirling up. To a lot of members of the party, the Secondus-led leadership is weak and has proved unable to assert its authority; a situation that is gradually leading to a silent disintegration going on within.

Many ambitious members of the party are afraid that, as situation remains in the party today, Wike will determine their future, a privilege they are afraid he would misuse. They are also afraid that since Secondus took over last December, the fortunes of the party have not improved as such. Members continue to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress en mass. The consensus among many members of the PDP is that Secondus doesn’t have what it take to move the party to the next level. Many are contemplating a change of leadership before the 2019 general election.

Furthermore, the battle of supremacy between Wike and the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for the soul of Rivers state as well as his battle for a second term as governor of Rivers state will prove enough challenges for Wike. He may not have time to concentrate on the election at the centre.

Wike is a creation of his cousin, former governor Rotimi Amaechi who today is now his number one enemy. They have both

Wike

engaged themselves in so many battles that and are both prepared to continue the battle.

Observers fear that in the absence of a truce, Rivers state may again become a killing field during the 2019 elections. If past experiences are anything to go by, this fear is real.

There was never much doubt that it was greed, inordinate ambition, thirst for power and the belief that the party’s future is tied to the future of a particular person or group that was responsible for the leadership crisis in PDP today, but how this will play out will be determined by how Wike plays his cards.

Ezenwo Nyesom Wike was born on the 13th of December 1967. He is a lawyer. He is an Ikwerre from Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State. He was educated at Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

Wike was appointed Minister of State for Education on 14 July 2011 by then president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan. He was later appointed the Acting Minister of Education.

In 2014, he won the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party primary and chose former Secretary to the State Government Ipalibo Banigo as his running mate for the governorship seat He defeated Dakuku Peterside of the APC in the April 11 gubernatorial polls to emerge as governor.

Wike was born to the family of Reverend and Mrs. Nlemanya Wike of Rumuepirikom community, Rivers State. He holds degrees in Political and Administrative Studies as well as Law. After a brief stint with private

Observers fear that in the absence of a truce, Rivers state may again become a killing field during the 2019 elections. If past experiences are anything to go by, this fear is real.

legal practice, Wike was elected twice as the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. He served his two terms in office from 1999 to 2002 and 2004 to 2007.

Wike also served as Deputy President, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, in 2004 and was later elected the President of ALGON. He also represented Africa as a member of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Local Governments Forum.

As council chairman, he embarked on projects that re-defined council administration and, as ALGON National President; Wike played a pioneering role in national security and primary healthcare, leading all local councils to commit themselves to high level grassroots development across the country.

Between October 26, 2007 and May 28th 2011, Wike served as the Chief of Staff to Governor Rotimi Amaechi and was later appointed the Director-General of Governor Amaechi’s reelection Campaign Organization. On the 14th of July, 2011, he was appointed and sworn-in as the Minister of State for Education.

Following a cabinet shake-up, Wike emerged the nation’s Supervising Minister of Education on September 12, 2013. As the Minister of State for Education, he made impact in the basic education sub-sector, spear-heading a nationwide reform of the nation’s education system.

The fundamental programmes that were driven by the former Minister of State for Education include the creation of access to quality education for 9 million Almajiri children in northern Nigeria through the construction of dedicated schools in affected states, construction of basic education vocational training schools for out-of-school children in Southern Nigeria and Special Girl-Education Schools for less privileged girls in 16 states of the country, while also championing free distribution of books across the nation. Over 60 millions of textbooks and library resource materials were distributed since 2011.

Determined to ensure that teachers have

the capacity to deliver on the Transformation Agenda of the Jonathan administration, the former minister initiated the training of close to 500,000 basic education teachers and school administrators.

Wike took proactive measures to resolve key challenges in the basic and tertiary education levels. Under his watch, the Federal Government established four new federal polytechnics, with one sited at Bonny, Rivers State.

He facilitated the N1.3 trillion Intervention fund for public universities in Nigeria, the very first of its kind aimed at reviving university education in Nigeria. He facilitated the revival of infrastructure in 51 state and federal polytechnics and ensured the construction of micro-teaching laboratories in Colleges of Education in Nigeria.

His efforts have been recognized by stakeholders within and beyond the shores of Nigeria. He was conferred with the Best Performing Minister, 2011 by the Nigerian Pilot Newspapers, African Network Campaign on Education For All, ANCEFA, awarded him the Policy Champion Award for Africa to recognize his roles in the creation of quality access for Nigeria Children. The Abuja Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, conferred on him a “Recognition Award for Reviving Basic Education in Nigeria”,while the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, conferred on him “Award of Performance in the Education Sector”. He has received several other awards from reputable stakeholders in the education sector who appreciated his investments of energy and intellectual resources in the system.

On December 8, 2014, PDP delegates from all the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State unanimously voted for Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2015 election in the state.

A holder of several traditional chieftaincy titles, Wike is married to Justice (Mrs.) Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, a high court judge with the Rivers State Judiciary, and blessed with three lovely children; Jordan, Joaquin, and Jazmyne.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

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FEATURES

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

Warri: So Much Oil, Yet Little Ambition Once, Warri had a similar destiny as Lagos. It had the coastline, the colonial legacy, the culture, and even oil. Then, the city missed its way. Solomon Elusoji writes

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ome 25 minutes into Warri, from Benin-city, the scenery consists of vast stretches of green fields and wiry palm trees. But, soon, the greenery gives way to white soil, a couple of gas stations, uniformed school children by the roadside, waiting; but it is an army-checkpoint that makes the official introduction into the city.

Above, the sun shines brilliantly as the bus zooms past wooden roadside stalls, hawkers peddling fried snails and plantain, and rows of dusty bungalows. I alight at the first stop, which is an open garage lying at the edge of a complex intersection of expressways. An army of tricycle drivers swarm around, pitching cheap taxi services. But I wriggle away and pull out my phone. My Warri contact tells me to step out of the garage and board one of the public taxis at the edge of the road heading east.

It’s a hot day, but the harmattan breeze - with all its dust and grime - clogs the nostrils with discomfort. I slip into the front seat of a taxi heading east. A petite girl joins me in front and one of my butt literally has to rest on the driver’s handbrake. Fortunately, the petite girl alights less than two minute later. She hands the driver a rumpled note. “You see the money so,� the driver turns to me, “if you do money outside country like this, dem go arrest you.�

The driver is a thirtyish bearded man sporting a red vest, faded blue jeans and a flat cap. He counts his money while his arms guide the steering wheel.

Following my Warri contact’s directions, I disembark at a busy junction and board a motorcycle driven by a swarthy young man who complains incessantly, during the ride, about the rising cost of gas. Ironically, much of the ride is spent coasting the length of the Warri Refinery, one of the three major oil refineries in the country, none of which are functioning optimally, a phenomenon President Muhammadu Buhari recently described as “disgraceful.� Nigeria is Africa’s largest crude oil producer, but still imports a significant chunk of the petroleum products it consumes.

Minutes later, I am in the company of my Warri contact. There is an embrace, then loud laughter before he leads me to a hotel, one of the cheapest in that part of town - the halls are dank and reek with cigarette smell, the room is crampy, the bedsheets are coloured and old, the air conditioning does not work, and rodents roam freely. But there is power. “There are a lot of yahoo boys who lodge here,� my Warri contact, whose name is Nogho Omasan, tells me. “It is the light that attracts them.�

Yahoo economy I met Omasan several years ago, during our time at the University of Benin as communication students. A bright, bubbly, fair-skinned guy, he was renowned on campus more for his entrepreneurial energy than for the ability to cram pages of media theories. When I started selling fiction pamphlets on campus, he signed up as one of the distributors. In our penultimate year, he took up catering and started a music blog. In 2014, months before our final examinations, he dreamt up a photography magazine that would capture the cultural essence of Nigeria. He was always full of ideas, always trying to make a mark on the world.

But as he leads me to my hotel room, more than three years after graduation, Omasan is a subdued man. His gait, a kind of steady rhythm, has not changed much, but the spark in his eyes is gone and the cadence of his voice is flat, no irregular excitement, no joy. After youth service, which he observed in Kebbi, he had returned to Warri but had found it difficult to hold down a job or sustain a business. He worked in a hotel for about six months, but was paid just once; he started a catering business with his girlfriend, but the rented kitchen was flooded and burglars were a constant menace; he applied for tens of job vacancies, both in the government and private sectors, but his Communications degree

Warri is a coastal city rich in oil

was not good enough. “It is like you have to know somebody somewhere to get a job here,� he tells me. Then he sank into depression. “Sometimes, I feel I have been very lazy in the past four years,� Omasan tells me. We are sitting on the hotel bed. The television is on but muted, a curtain has been drawn apart to let in light. He is doubting the choices he has made and wonders whether they could have been better. But he feels powerless, not very much in charge. He has plans to leave Warri (No matter how long I stay here, I don’t feel I belong here, he tells me later), to maybe Lagos or Asaba, but he feels like he needs to have a lifeline, a kind of insurance, to make the leap.

With the heat rising, Omasan suggests we move outside. We find a balcony with an open view of the community. Two guys with scruffy hair and faded jeans are there, too, smoking.

There is a small cough-syrup bottle beside them. “This is codeine,� Omasan tells me as he picks it up and I nod knowingly. We exchanged greetings with the scruffy-haired guys, grab seats and settle down to enjoy the silence and

Unemployment in Warri is exacerbated by the violence it engenders.

The region is rich in oil, but this violence – militancy, bunkering, general insecurity – scares away foreign investors and even local oil companies.

The young people who perpetuate this violence justify their actions by pointing to government’s neglect of the region, despite being the cash cow that has sustained the entire country for more than four decades

hotels.ng

marijuana-smoky air. But the silence does not last for long as we - Omasan and I - begin to discuss his money-making prospects. He needs to tap into his skills, his abilities. But he has so many doubts. Offhandedly, he suggests going into ‘Yahoo Yahoo’, a kind of identity theft cum financial scam business that became popular among Nigerians in the early 90s. I applaud, and say I’ll bring food for him in prison. We laugh it off, but he wants me to understand that virtually every ambitious Warri youth engages in ‘Yahoo’. “If you are not doing Yahoo in Warri, you are not safe,� he tells me. What he means, though, is that if you don’t have money in Warri, you cannot be seen as a decent human being, even by family members. And ‘having money’ is not being able to feed, clothe and put a roof over your head; it is being able to buy luxurious cars, visit clubs and flood the dance floor with champagne, purchase iPhone 8 for your fleet of lovers. This is the Warri Dream, he tells me, this is how to matter.

While we converse, the two scruffy-haired guys do not speak. A roll of joint stuck between their lips, they cannot be bothered. Then I start to talk about why ‘Yahoo’ is bad for the local economy and one of them, the one closest to me, raises his voice. “I disagree with you,� he said. “This thing helps the economy; it distracts people from crime.� His English is not broken or hesitant. It is smooth, composed and nothing like his faded jeans. His joint is completely incinerated. “Look at this hotel for example,� he continues, “it is sustained by people who are ‘doing street’. Do you know how many people this hotel employs? Do you know how many people are able to eat just because this hotel exists?� There are a dozen brilliant ripostes to this line of logic, but I am thrilled by the delivery, so I simply lean back and ask him to tell me his story.

He starts with his name, but I make a mental note not to remember it. About two years ago, he had graduated from Delta State University, Abraka, studying Economics. During his youth service, together with a friend, he conceived the idea of starting a waste recycling business, but he could not secure a start-up loan. Then he turned his attention towards agriculture, although start-up funds, too, have been difficult to come by.

Now, he tells me, he is ‘doing street’ - Yahoo - so he can fund his agriculture business. “I want to boost the Nigerian economy,� he says. For him, the end justifies the means because, he insists, the government has failed his generation. “You need an enabling environment to start a

business,� he points out, “and even if you go to school, the beauty of that is to come out and get a job. But where are the jobs? So it is a self-service economy: help yourself.�

Last January, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released a report that put the number of unemployed Nigerians, as at the third quarter of 2017, at 16 million, out of a total active labour force of 85.08 million people. The report said the category of unemployed persons comprised 8.5 million people “who engaged in an economic activity for at least an hour� and 7.5 million people “who did absolutely nothing.�

While the national numbers are depressing, unemployment in Warri is exacerbated by the violence it engenders. The region is rich in oil, but this violence – militancy, bunkering, general insecurity – scares away foreign investors and even local oil companies. The young people who perpetuate this violence justify their actions by pointing to government’s neglect of the region, despite being the cash cow that has sustained the entire country for more than four decades.

Looking for life The next morning after arriving Warri, I decide to visit the Warri Port. The city is drenched in harmattan mist, with dusty cold that assaults the nostrils and hurts. I board a motorcycle but, first, we have to look for an Automated Teller Machine to withdraw cash. We find one at a filling station. The screens and buttons are splattered with grime and it is “temporarily unable to withdraw cash." And, according to the motorcycle driver, there are little alternatives. The nearest ATM is probably more than 4km away.

So he drives to a shopping complex. There, a woman with a POS machine collects my card over a counter and asks how much cash I want.

At a Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) administrative building just beside the Warri Port, an NPA media official, Ejike Nworgu, refuses to speak to me. “Go to Lagos,� he says. Unperturbed, I descend five floors and walk towards the Port entrance which has a wide green-background billboard which has ‘Delta Ports, Port of Warri’ scrawled on it in yellow font. The gateman is hesitant to let me in, until I show him a THISDAY identification card. It’s almost past ten in the morning. The clouds are clear but the sun is yet to show up for work.

The first thing that strikes you about this Port is its voidness. It’s a Wednesday morning, but there are no incoming or outgoing trucks; a group of Navy officials are jogging across the grounds, their heavy grunts echoing in the distance. I find

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IMAGES

L-R: E&Y Nigeria Consultant, Babajide Adejumo; Sustainability Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), Eduvie Martin; Chairman, Nigerian Independent Tobacco Association (NITA), Rasheed Bakare; Head of Leaf, BATN, Kayode Oshodi; and E&Y Consultant, Segun Okunola, at the BATN leaf pricing ceremony held in Iseyin, Oyo State...recently

L-R; Group Head, Securities, Wealth & Asset Management Ecobank Capital; Paul-Harry Aithnard; Group Executive Director, Consumer Banking, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Patrick Akinwuntan; Managing Director, Noble Oil, Mr. Michael Okparanta; Executive Director, Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Carol Oyedeji; and Executive General Manager, Financial Planning, Nedbank, South Africa, Lloyd Buthelezi, during the Premier Banking by Ecobank/ SWAN joint breakfast session with customers in Lagos...recently

L-R: Kwara State Head of Service, Mrs. Susan Oluwole, Director, Damien Foundation, Belgium, Osman Eltayeb, Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Olaitan AdeďŹ la and OďŹƒce Manager, Damien Foundation, Ivy Amoakohene during courtesy visit to the Governor by the Foundation at Government House, Ilorin...recently

L-R: Project Manager and GM, Proudly Nigeria Campaign, Mr. Michael Abugo; Manager, ICT Research, Mr. Hassan Tajudeen and Manager, ICT Relations, Mr. Peter Nwabuoku, during the press conference on the forthcoming Conference/Exhibition and Award theme�Cost and Ease of Doing Business in Ogun State� at Eric Moore, Surulere, Lagos...recently kolawole alli

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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; Executive Director, National Film and Censor Board, Adedayo Thomas; Director China Cultural Centre, LI Xuda; Ajibolu Al-Maro Yinka, representing Chairman House Committee on Information and Vice-President Star Times, Guo Z I QI during a press brieďŹ ng to announce the Chinese Spring Festival and a cultural Exchange between China and Nigeria hosted by Star Times Nigeria held in Abuja...recently. julius atoi

L- R; The Book Reviewer, Pastor Tunji Adeyinka; Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Femi Atoyebi; the Author, Pastor Noruwa Joseph Edokpolo; his wife, Bridget; and Pastor Magnus Maduka, at the launching of Marks- a Business Start Up Hand Book� to mark the 50th Birthday Anniversary of Joseph Edokpolo in Lagos...recently sunday adigun

L-R: Vice .President, Marketing, Lumos Mobile Nigeria, Mr. Olufemi Ashipa; Sales Director, Ojoma Okotie; Marketing OďŹƒcer, Mr. Franklyn Okotie and Solar Energy Sales Executive, Mr. Deola Okorodudu, during the exhibition of Lumos Mobile Solar solutions for SMEs at the Connect Nigeria SME e-Business Fair in Lagos... recently kolawole alli

L-R; Honoree, Distinguished Prof. Toyin Falola of University of Texas, Alake of Egba Land, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Former Access Bank MD, Aigboje AIG Imoukhuede and Chairman, Board of directors First Bank Plc, Ibukun Awosika during the honorary doctorate award given to Falola at the convocation ceremony of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State‌recently

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21

FEATURES

a motorcycle driver who takes me round and we travel kilometres without encountering much. We pass an Intels administrative block; a rare truck whistles past; we speed past signs screaming ‘Don’t Take Photographs’. At a berthing terminal, a couple of security officials linger, but there is no ship, no life. “This place, it is anytime dem see ship, dem see ship,� my motorcycle driver tells me. He points to a ship in the distance. “That’s the only big ship that has arrived this year,� he says. The ship, apparently a private ship ferrying things for Julius Berger, is painted blue with yellow-coloured cranes sitting atop its deck.

On the side, it bears the letters: combi-lift.net.

Perhaps the dormant state of the Warri Port is a kind of metaphor for how the city has stagnated despite its oil riches. One of the security guards at the berthing terminals, a round man with a bushy moustache, tells me the Port’s inactivity is a “pure political issue�. According to him, it is more expensive to ship via Warri rather than Lagos due to shallow waters and higher security insurance fees. But none of the problems, he maintains, are intractable, if the government really wants it to function. He appears to be heading towards the promulgation of a popular theory, one that suggests how Nigeria’s federal structure is set up to benefit some regions, more than others.

From the Warri Port, I decide to visit some of the oil tank farms in Ifie community. The air in this part of town carries the sharp smell of oil and the roads are splattered with dark liquid; oil tankers are everywhere. The private tank farms (I counted six) are clustered at the mouth of the lagoon that connects to the Atlantic. At Matrix, one of the private tank farms in the area, some tanker drivers are creating a small scene, claiming they are not being allowed to load oil products despite having made payments. The local NUPENG office is rowdy. It’s a chaotic little world, but things are working.

It’s well past noon, almost 2p.m., by the time I leave Ifie. I want to head to the Warri Refinery, but my attention is drawn to a much more interesting story: the abandonment of a multipurpose youth training centre in Egbokodo community. The centre was built during the tenure of Mr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as governor of Delta State and was equipped by the United Nations Development Project (UNDP). The idea behind the project was to create an institution where young people could go to learn new skills. So it was equipped with the tools necessary to learn Welding and Fabrication, Automobile Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control, Catering and Hotel Management, Wood Works, Electrical Engineering and ICT. The centre was also designed to be able to award City and Guilds 1 and 2 directly from London. After it opened circa 2015, the centre was managed by United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and trained its first batch of 150 students. In 2016, it was handed over to the Delta State Government.

When I visited, the centre, a sprawling set of buildings fitted with recreational courts, is deserted and overgrown with weeds. The people at the gate tell me no one is allowed inside but intimate that the state government is attempting to revive the centre. While we discuss, a young man with luggage appears, saying he has been posted to the centre for work. He is directed to one of the buildings. “This country needs deliverance,� one of the gate people say. “Under the United Nations, the whole place was standard. But immediately the government came in, they said they don’t have money to spend on this place.� The government’s renewed interest in the centre, they argue, is a political move designed for the 2019 polls.

Later that evening, I sat down with Mr. Martins Micah, a lawyer who has practised in Warri for the past five years. He studied Law at Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma and was called to bar in 2012 after a brief stint in politics and business. The problem with Warri, he tells me, is the successive enthronement of poor leadership both at the state and local level. “They’ve been unfortunate with the kind of leaders they’ve had,� he says. Most mornings, he wakes up to find black substances clustered on his car, a result of the local bunkering and illegal refining that goes on in his community.

A fallen star Warri used to be a British colonial headquarters during the early 20th Century, but its known history dates as far back as the 15th Century

moved such departments such as finance/ treasury and major recruitment/procurement logistics to Port Harcourt. The city protested, but it was too late. “No one wants to stay in an environment that is not safe,� Ekhareafo says.

The University Don, however, lays most of the blame on successive state and local governments in Delta State. “If you go to Warri and see the roads, you will be ashamed,� he says. “How can this be an oil city? This is a place that is supposed to be the centre of attraction but successive state governments did not pay attention. I see no reason why you cannot give Warri a world class look; it’s not rocket science.

Warri is a place that can easily be turned into a tourist centre, but if you don’t have visionary leaders, what you get is the Warri of today.�

Writing in the early 2000s, former Presidency spokesman and veteran journalist, Reuben Abati, wrote of Warri: the city “is a haggard old lady with tired feet and a mouth that has been robbed of its teeth.�

A multi-billion multipurpose youth training centre in Egbokodo community is overrun by weeds

Major economic activities at the Warri Port are virtually nonexistent

when it was visited by Portuguese missionaries.

Once, the name Warri Province was previously applicable to the area now called Delta State, under the Colony and Protectorate of Southern

If you go to Warri and see the roads, you will be ashamed. How can this be an oil city? This is a place that is supposed to be the centre of attraction but successive state governments did not pay attention. I see no reason why you cannot give Warri a world class look; it’s not rocket science. Warri is a place that can easily be turned into a tourist centre, but if you don’t have visionary leaders, what you get is the Warri of today

Nigeria. However, now, its boundaries are much more defined, bounded in the Northeast by the Sapele/Udu Creek, Forcados River in the Southeast and Jameson Creek in the Southeast.

The city, today, is one of the major hubs of petroleum activities and businesses in all of southern Nigeria, while harbouring quite distinct, cosmopolitan population comprising originally of Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ijaw people.

To say, at the time of Nigeria’s independence, Warri’s destiny was similar to that of Lagos is barely an exaggeration. It had everything: the coastline, the colonial legacy, the culture.

It even had oil. (Lagos was only declared an oil producing state in 2016) But while Lagos is, on its own, now among the largest economies in Africa, Warri is only a fledgling urban town, a young bird that is still learning how to fly.

Despite all its riches, there is nothing spectacular here, no grand projects, no dizzying ambition. “One problem Warri had was that its three major ethnic identities - Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw could not unite for a common purpose,� a Political Communications Scholar at the University of Benin, Dr. Daniel Ekhareafo, tells me. The city was once earmarked as Delta State’s capital before it went to Asaba, and it used to play host to more oil and gas companies, who have been forced to move key operations further east to cities like Port Harcourt because of Warri’s constant communal clashes. In 2005, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which used to be the highest employer of labour in Warri,

Homecoming On Thursday morning, two days after I arrived Warri, I pack my bags, ready to leave.

But before I exited, I head to Warri South Local Government Council Office. It’s an impromptu visit and a random pick. (There are two other local government authorities in Warri). The Local Government Chairman, Mr. Michael Tidi, is locked in a meeting with his party members.

I wait for about an hour before I get someone to speak to, the Council’s Head of Information Unit, Metsese Anthony.

Anthony is a contradiction, a reporter’s dream.

Along with his government job at the council, he also runs a private news magazine, Fresh Angle News, which attempts to generate as much original content as possible, rather than regenerate the stories published by the mainstream newspapers. “I discovered that Nigerian journalists were always reporting the same stories,� he tells me. So in 2010, he started Fresh Angle with the intent to publish more local stories across the Niger Delta and Middle Belt region.

How does he manage the contrasting identities? “I really can’t separate both,� he says. “Yes, I can’t write anything negative about Warri South Local Government, but outside here I am a journalist.�

When I asked him about what the local government is doing to create an “enabling environment� for young people to thrive, he starts by telling me that youths who believe in the merits of ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ lack initiative and creativity. “Our people are looking for money, not skills and jobs,� he says, “only lazy people cry that there are no jobs. Youth empowerment in the Niger Delta is all about ‘ego’, money, not people wanting to learn skills. “Our society does not have value for you if you don’t have money. And any society where people place value on money rather than inventiveness and intellectual strength, that society is doomed.�

Then he practically informs me that I have come to the wrong place to ask the right questions.

The local government, he explains, has virtually no power to effect any substantial change. They are simply vassals to the state government. “Revenue collection in the local government here is carried out by the ‘boys’ of those in Asaba,� he says. “They are the ones feeding fat on these revenues while the local governments are impoverished. So what happens is that the revenue collection is contracted out to a third party and the person pays a stipend to the Council per annum. And they are usually loyal party boys. For example, they can pay a hundred thousand to the council while they go ahead to make millions. At the end of the day, almost nothing comes to the council. And even the little that trickles in is not properly accounted for.�

He also questions the calibre of persons elected as local government chairmen in the state and for a moment I cannot shrug the feeling that the public relations official is indirectly taking a swipe at his boss. He describes the elections as “coronations� and the people who emerge victorious as “baby state commissioners�.

As I leave Anthony’s office and head for the bus-park, I wonder about what I have learnt from my short trip to Warri. Two obvious things perhaps: one, that leadership matters; two, in the words of seminal economic historian, David Landes, “that wealth is not so good as work, nor riches so good as earnings.�

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BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

Í° Ëœ Í´ Ëœ Í° ÍŽ ÍŻ Íś MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

REPO 11.60 % ͯͰ˛ͯ; Ϲ

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

14 % 15.63 % ͯ;˛͜͜Ϲ

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

342.38 % -0.21% -0.21%

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

3.92 % 3.92 %

EXCHANGE RATE ͹͎ͳ˛;ͳ˚ͯ ̊ ̊

Quick Takes Ecobank Promotes Digital Learning

BRAINSTORMING ON INSURANCE SECTOR

L-R: Managing Director FBNInsurance Ltd, Mr. Val Ojumah; Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, Finance and Administration, George Onekhena; Chairman Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), Eddy Efekoha, and Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari,during a visit by NIA members to NAICOM in Abuja...recently

Report: Raising Minimum Wage Long Overdue Obinna Chima The federal government has been advised to speedily reach a consensus with the labour unions and increase the minimum wage for civil servants in the country.

The Financial Derivatives Company Limited, which gave this advice in its latest economic bulletin, pointed that although there are strong arguments in favour of and against raising minimum wage in the country, the benefits outweigh the costs.

While the report noted that in “a perfect world,�it would be ideal for employee wages to be determined by market

ECONOMY forces, it however explained that a minimum wage helps mitigate the imbalance of power between employers and lowwage workers.

With the absence of a wage floor, employers would exploit workers, thus hampering the purchasing power of low income earners, the report stated.

The first National Minimum Wage Act (1981) had recommended a monthly minimum wage of N125.

This was revised upwards in 1991 to N250 monthly, and again in 2000 to N5,500.

In 2011, under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, it was raised to N18,000 per month. The minimum wage has been a hotly contested issue between the organised labour and the federal government in the last two years.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other labour union factions have been urging the federal government to increase the minimum wage to N56,000 from the current N18,000 (the minimum wage applies to organisations, which employ at least 50 workers).

It appears the government is beginning to yield to the demands of the labour unions

as the President recently inaugurated a 30-member tripartite committee to negotiate the revision of the National Minimum Wage for workers in the country.

The committee’s members represent federal, state and private sector interests.

The labor unions had cited deteriorating economic conditions as a major reason for the demand for higher wages.

The last minimum wage review was in 2011 when the economic landscape was radically different from current economic realities. The law

Investment in stocks has continued to deliver significant rates of returns to investors that beat inflation, an analysis of the performance of the market in January 2018 has revealed.

Most investors in the stock market reaped bountifully in 2017 as the market rebounded from a three-year decline to gain 42.3 per cent.

The positive market rally continued in 2018, pushing stocks to new highs at the end of January, defying apprehension of illiquidity and profit taking.

THISDAY checks showed many investors smiled home from the market, recording returns that are significantly above the inflation rate that stood at 15.37 per cent in

CAPITAL MARKET December 2017. While some analysts are projecting a further reduction in the inflation, some investors in the stock market are not worried about what the inflation will be because the returns on their investments are very high.

For instance, Skye Bank Plc gained 194 per cent in January followed by Unity Bank Plc that appreciated by 187 per cent.

Diamond Bank Plc fetched investors 112 per cent. FCMB Group Plc appreciated by 107 per cent, just as Sterling Bank Plc chalked up 94.4 per cent.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc grew by 86.8 per cent, while Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc went up by 82.9 per cent. Jaiz Bank Plc

went up by 69.8 per cent, while Transcorp Plc and FBN Holdings Plc garnered 59.5 per cent and 58.5 per cent respectively.

C & I Leasing Plc, WAPIC Insurance Plc and Livestock Feeds Plc recorded significant growths, posting 51.1 per cent, 50 per cent and 46.9 per cent in that order among others.

On the negative side, the highest price decline in the month January was 16 per cent. Three stocks- LASACO Assurance Plc, Glaxosmithkline Consumer Nigeria Plc and ABC Transport Plc depreciated by 16 per cent apiece. This was followed by AG Leventis Nigeria Plc and Newrest ASL Plc that shed 14.2 per cent each among others.

In all, the stock market maintained its leading position

FirstBank Sponsors Trade Conference

FirstBankofNigeriaLimitedanditssubsidiary,FBNBankUKLimited have disclosed that they recently sponsored the GTR West Africa Trade & Finance Conference 2018.

This was part of the Group’s resolve to lead the development of trade and ďŹ nance in the West African region. The event themed: “PartnershipforSustainedDevelopment,â€?tookplaceinLagosrecently.

The conference presents a comprehensive overview of the trade opportunities available in the West African Market and explored common trends, challenges and solutions within areas such as agribusiness, hard commodities, risk mitigation and infrastructure development.Itconvenedabout300delegatesfrom150companies and 15 countries, with speakers covering a variety of topics on trade, investments and export ďŹ nancing.

FirstBank expounded on export ďŹ nancing with the bank’s Head of StructuredTrade Finance, Mr. Ikenna Egbukole, as part of the panel that deliberated on: “Export Financing: Stimulating business growth and maximising hard currency liquidity.â€? “Thebankhascontinuedtosettheagendaforbusinessdevelopment in sub-Saharan African, having six subsidiaries in the region and is committed to optimising these footprints to enhance the economic development of the various countries where the Bank’s subsidiaries are situated,â€? a statement explained.The bank’s subsidiaries within the African continent include FBNBank in the Democratic Republic ofCongo,Ghana,TheGambia,Guinea,Sierra-LeoneandSenegal. The sponsorship of the GTR West Africa Trade & Finance Conference underpins FirstBank’s commitment to stimulating the economy in sub-Saharan Africa and the entire continent at large.

GCCA Launched

Continued on page 24

Investors Reap High Gains as Stock Market Returns Beat Ination Goddy Egene

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has been selected as a private sector ‘partner of choice’ by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) in its mission to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The Presidents of Senegal and France are co-hosting GPE’s 2018 Financing Conference, aimed at replenishing its ďŹ nancial resources, which commences in Dakar. GPE is seeking to raise US$3.1 billion from donors to support the education of children in developing countries over the next three years.

Its goal is to enable governments to increase their education expenditure to 20 per cent of their overall budget. GPE is currently active in 31 of the 36 countries that make up Ecobank’s pan-African footprint. Commenting on Ecobank’s involvement, theManaging DirectorofEcobankSenegal,SergeAckre said:“Senegalisachieving signiďŹ cant economic progress thanks to investing 24 per cent of its budget in education, setting up a countrywide programme of statefunded nurseries and providing free universal access to schooling. “By co-hosting GPE’s ďŹ nancing conference, Senegal is asserting its rightful position as an educational blueprint for other African states to follow.â€? Also, Ecobank’s Group CEO, Ade Ayeyemi said: “Ecobank is proud to be the ďŹ rst banking group to join forces with GPE to advance educational outcomes across Africa.

as one of the top performers globally. In terms of market capitalisation the Nigerian equities market added over N2 trillion in January alone.

A Lagos-based investment banking firm, Cordros Capital Limited (CCL) had last week said the 2018 economic outlook favours the equities market.

Group, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Cordros Capital Limited, Wale Agbeyangi, who led the management team to present to investment outlook titled “Nigeria in 2018: Looking Beneath the Surface� said when compared to the last two years, Nigeria’s macro outlook is more favourable to equities.

Their outlook for outlook Continued on page 24

Nine leading companies in the cement and concrete sector have launched the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), a progressive new association, dedicated to developing and strengthening the sector’s contribution to sustainable construction.

AccordingtoastatementissuedbyLafargeAfricaPlc,theassociation willfocusondrivingadvancementsinsustainableconstruction,working toenhancethecementandconcreteindustry’scontributiontoavariety of global social and developmental challenges. It added: “GCCA will promote the development of durable, resilient and environmentally sensitive buildings and infrastructure at global level.

Withconcretenowrepresentingtheworld’ssecondmostconsumed product after water, issues at the forefront of the organisation’s agenda include sustainable development and urbanisation, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation.�

“Data on bank accounts, property and trusts, which has come automatically from a number of countries is being used to support the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme�

Minister of Finance,

Kemi Adeosun

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REPORT: RAISING MINIMUM WAGE LONG OVERDUE requires that the minimum wage be reviewed at least once every five years; this review is two years overdue.

According to the FDC report, in 2011, the minimum wage was equivalent to $111 monthly and $3.71 per day, which was above the international poverty line of $1.9 per day stipulated by the World Bank. “Today, the current minimum wage is approximately $45 monthly and $1.49 per day, leaving all minimum wage earners living in extreme poverty. “To worsen the situation, some states still owe their workers’ months (sometimes years) of salaries and pensions. “In the same vein, the purchasing power of fixed income earners, particularly the minimum wage earners, has halved as the consumer price index (CPI) and, in essence, headline inflation has almost doubled,� it added.

INVESTORS REAP HIGH GAINS AS STOCK MARKET RETURNS BEAT INFLATION for equities comprised three scenarios, saying that in their past 10 years of existence, Cordros Capital forecasts have been close to reality.

According to the Head, Research and Strategy, CCL, Christian Orajekwe, the first scenario assumes that equities will return excess of 40 per cent in 2018. “We have considered five possible triggers of the rally.

The probability of the triggers is low to moderate. The possible triggers, in order of importance to Nigerian equities are: significantly favourable macroeconomic and political backdrop; strong corporate earnings growth; strong portfolio inflows; mergers and acquisition (M&A) activities; and strong moderation of fixed income and treasury yields,� he said. Their second scenario assumes about 10 per cent to 15per cent equities return in 2018.W“We have considered four possible triggers of the rally. The probability of the triggers is moderate to high.

PWYP Faults NNPC’s Continued Retention of $16.8bn NLNG Dividend Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Nigeria, has faulted the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for its continued withholding of dividends, amounting to $16.88 billion, paid by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to it for the Federation Account.

The monies, which have reportedly not been remitted to the Federation Account is being held by the NNPC. The NNPC said it was holding on to the money on the orders of the President.

However, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) said in its 2015 oil and gas audit report which was published three weeks ago that it could not trace the monies paid by the NLNG to NNPC since the year 2000 as dividends to the Federation Account.

NEITI also observed in the report that the NNPC claimed it had instructions from the Presidency to hold the NLNG income.

NNPC, the NEITI report also stated, said it was holding the monies in trust and would administer same as directed by the government.

But speaking on the issue on the sideline of a recent PWYP

Nigeria training workshop for civil society organisations in Kano, to address the remedial issues in the report, the National Coordinator of PWYP, Mr. Peter Egbula, said the NNPC’s non remittance of the NLNG dividends was wrong.

He noted that: “There is a difference between the federal government and the Federation.

If you are an entity and you

are operating in the interest of the Federation, the Federation becomes your first point.� “There are appropriation processes and even if an officer within the federal government writes to you and issues you a directive, you should recourse to the law, the constitution, the appropriation bill that establishes your own entity.

There is a difference between the Federation and the Federal Government,� he further said.

Egbule, also explained: “What has been happening is that some of the entities within the federal government, I think, are conniving with some NNPC officials to appropriate this (NLNG dividend) to the federal government. The federal government, especially the

executive arm do not have the right to appropriate this money without the National Assembly.�

He expressed the hope that the training will increase the capacity of civil society groups in the country to push for issues flagged up by NEITI audit reports and close the gaps created by non-remediation of the issues.

SEALED AND SIGNED

L-R: Managing Director, CourierPlus, Mr. Wale Adisa; General Manager International Business, CourierPlus, Mrs. Adetutu Sanni; Vicepresident/CEO Superux Group, Mr. Gabriel Okonkwo; Head International Operations, Priority Express(PES), Ghana, Mr. Maxwell Ansah and Chief Financial OďŹƒcer, Superux Group, Mrs. Gbemi Laditan, at the signing of partnership agreement between CourierPlus and PES in Lagos ‌ recently

6.8m Nigerians Benefitting Directly from Social Investment Programme, Says FG Obinna Chima The federal government has put the total number of direct beneficiaries under its National Social Investment Programme (NSI-P) as of January 9, 2018, at 6.802million.

The government also stated that it is currency supporting 69.6 per cent of its targeted direct beneficiaries, further adding that the programme has also supported about 1.750 million secondary beneficiaries.

The Special Adviser to the President on NSI-P, Maryam Uwais, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos at the weekend.

The NSI-P is a portfolio of

programmes that were created in 2015 by the government to deliver socio-economic assistance to the poorest Nigerians.

Today, over 622,649 identified poor and vulnerable households (PVHHs) so far, of which over 439,859of these have been enumerated (information captured into the National Social Register –NSR) in 5,538 communities, from 233 local government areas (LGAs) in 23 States.

Under the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, which aims to provide targeted transfers to poor and vulnerable households, with the ultimate objective of graduating them out of poverty, the Special Adviser disclosed that as of January this year, Caregivers in 297,973

eligible households (HHs), from 9,567 communities, 202 LGAs, 19 States and Borno (IDP camps),are currently benefiting from the programme.

Also, under the school feeding programme, she said 6.045 million pupils are being fed daily in 20 states by 61,352 cooks in 33,981 primary schools. “We are set to commence feeding in six more states the first quarter,� she added. “Today, 259,451 loans have been successfully disbursed through the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) across 36 states and the federal capital territory, out of 478,388 eligible beneficiaries processed. “Today, 200,000 N-Power

graduates have been successfully deployed and are being paid in all 36 States and the FCT. Volunteers have been engaged for N-Power Agro, N-Power Tax, N-Power Health and N-Power Teach sub-Categories. “Next round of 300, 000 graduate volunteers have been pre-selected. 10,000 N-Build artisans have been verified, supplied with tool boxes for 3 months training and assigned to 160 skill centres in 22 States. “After training is concluded, Artisans have the opportunity to become interns for 9 months before exiting. Eighty more centres in 15 states being audited to engage 10,000 more.

20,000N-Knowledge about to take off in hardware, creativity

and software category trainings,� she explained.

According to Uwais, with Nigeria’s population currently growing to overtake the United States to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050, the issue of poverty continues to remain a significant threat to development.

Based on the World Poverty Clock statistics (by the World Data Lab), Nigeria needs to ensure that 11.9 people are graduated out of poverty per minute, to escape extreme poverty.

Today, Nigeria has a deficit of 6.8 people every minute.

This means every minute 6.8 Nigerians enter the poverty bracket.

‘W’Africa’s Leading Data Centre Largely Sustained by Nigeria’s National Grid’ 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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Comms/e-Business Editor

Ă—Ă—Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă“ Capital Market Editor

ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?

Senior Correspondent

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

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ ĂœĂ™Ă•Ă? (Labour) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Cap Mkt) ÔÓÙĂ?Ă™Ăœ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? (Energy) Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?ÔÙ (Nation’s Capital) ĂŒĂ“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă“Ă—Ă‹ (Money Mkt) Reporters

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

Solomon Elusoji MainOne, a provider of telecom services and network solutions for businesses in West Africa, has said that its Data Centres, which are achieving almost 100 per cent uptime availability, receive over 90 per cent of their power directly from the national grid.

This comes as the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola recently noted that the lack of adequate electricity in Nigeria cannot be responsible for the country’s slow-paced industrialisation, or drop in levels of her economic growth, noting that country cur-

rently has up to 2000 megawatts (MW) of redundant power that could go to its industries.

In the same vein, General Manager of MainOne Data Centre subsidiary, MDXI, Mr. Gbenga Adegbiji, has debunked the myth that power hungry industries, such as data centres, cannot successfully operate in Nigeria. According to Mr. Adegbiji, MainOne is poised to achieving 95% availability in 2018, based on a growing partnership with a local power distribution company, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc. During an interview recently, Adegbiji stressed that MainOne’s data centre facility was purpose-

built to mitigate all challenges that global businesses may have in a Nigerian data center.

He mentioned that before constructing the data center, the company realised constant power supply was a critical challenge for businesses requiring high availability colocation infrastructure within Nigeria and invested in a direct private connection to the National grid through Eko Electricity Distribution Plc. “We recognised the crippling impact of downtimes, the peculiarities of the Nigerian power environment as an albatross that had forced many companies to

relocate outside Nigeria and ensured MDXI was established with the most robust electricity power and back-up arrangements, in line with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) ANSI/TIA-942, the leading Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers,� Adegbiji said.

He added: “Though we made provision for the full complement of generators and diesel tanks with capacity of over 100,000 liters to secure the data center’s operations and guarantee 99.995% availability, we also partnered with Eko Disco and co-invested in a

dedicated 33KV feeder and line connection to the National Grid through the Ajah sub-station. “Connecting directly to the grid provides us access to multiple power generating plants and guarantees backup in the event that one power plant goes down. This was a capital investment of hundreds of millions in substation equipment and dedicated power lines which bypass all ‘last-mile’ challenges encountered in electricity distribution. This has guaranteed an increase in power availability at the data center from 50% average commercial power availability to between 95% and 98%.�

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

ExxonMobil, Chevron Earned $19.7bn, $9.2bn Respectively in 2017 Ejiofor Alike Exxon Mobil Corporation at the weekend announced fourth quarter 2017 earnings of $8.4 billion and an estimated 2017 earnings of $19.7 billion, compared with $7.8 billion earned in 2016, just as Chevron reported fourth quarter earnings of $3.1 billion and annual earnings of $9.2 billion.

According to ExxonMobil’s results, the US federal tax reform in the fourth quarter resulted in a non-cash earnings gain of $5.9 billion, due to revaluation of deferred income tax balances.

Non-cash asset impairments of $1.5 billion were recorded during the year, mainly relating to assets in the Upstream. “The impact of tax reform on our earnings reflects the

magnitude of our historic investment in the U.S. and strengthens our commitment to further grow our business here,� said chairman and chief executive officer, Darren W. Woods. “We’re planning to invest over $50 billion in the U.S. over the next five years to increase production of profitable volumes and enhance our integrated portfolio, which is supported by the improved business climate created by tax reform,� he added.

Fourth quarter upstream earnings were $8.4 billion, including $7.1 billion from US tax reform and asset impairments of $1.3 billion. Fourth quarter earnings excluding US tax reform and impairments increased $1 billion, to $2.5 billion, driven by higher

prices as liquids realisations increased more than $10 per barrel.

Upstream earnings were $8.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, up $9 billion from the fourth quarter of 2016.

Higher liquids and gas realisations increased earnings by $1.2 billion. Lower volume and mix effects decreased earnings by $110 million. All other items increased earnings by $7.9 billion driven by U.S. tax reform impacts of $7.1 billion, lower asset impairments of $847 million, and gains from asset management activity.

In a related development, Chevron Corporation reported earnings of $3.1 billion for fourth quarter 2017, compared with $415 million in the 2016 fourth quarter.

NCC Takes Code of Corporate Governance Workshop to Kano Emma Okonji Consistent with its industrywide consultative approach and stakeholders’ engagement for effective regulatory oversight, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will on Thursday, February 15, 2018 host a sensitisation workshop on the Code of Corporate Governance for the Telecommunications Industry in Kano.

The Kano edition is the third in the series of the sensitisation workshops by the Commission, across the geopolitical zones.

The inaugural one was held in Lagos, August 11, 2017, while the second was in Enugu on November 16, 2017; Kano will be the third zone to host the workshop.

The Code of Corporate Governance for the telecoms industry, which was introduced in July, 2014 and reviewed in 2016, outlines the minimum global best practices covering processes, procedures and general corporate behaviours for the telecommunications sector operators.

The code, which was introduced on voluntary compliance, has since transited to mandatory compliance framework with monitoring and enforcement regime in full effect.

The workshop in Kano is in furtherance of stakeholders’ engagement with the North-west geopolitical zone in line with the consultative plan of the Commission and

has therefore invited Industry players, network operators and stakeholders across the zone to the event, slated for the Bristol Palace Hotel, Farm Centre of the ancient City of Kano.

The Commission solicits the buy-in and support of all stakeholders.

The Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, who announced the Kano forum, said the keynote speaker would be President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr. Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (SAN), while the Chairman of the NCC Board, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye and the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, would be hosts of the workshop.

BNIŽ Nigeria Joins Global Celebration of 2018 International Networking Week Nosa Alekhuogie BNIŽ Nigeria, has joined in this year’s celebration of the international Networking week.

International Networking Week is about celebrating the important role that networking plays in the development and success of businesses around the world.

The annual event, which is always held during the first week in February is slated to hold from February 5-9, 2018 and centered around helping businesses in every part of the world, including Nigeria, achieve growth and success through effective networking.

This year’s theme is about the importance of having a diverse personal network.

According to an initiative of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organisation, the Week presents an opportunity for networking groups, companies, organisations, and individuals across the globe to start 2018 by taking proactive steps to strategically use networking to promote business growth.

International Networking Week 2018 will be observed worldwide through hundreds of events, large and small, in areas such as Nigeria, Australia, Canada, England, South Africa, the United States, and more.

In Nigeria, activities for the 2018 International Networking Week will include press conferences, seminar, open networking events for business owners, executives and professionals to be held on Thursday February 8th in Lagos, Abuja and Abeokuta respectively. Also lined up are business visits to media houses and interactions with corporate organisations These celebratory events will feature presentations by respected networking experts, provide participants with powerfully effective networking tips and strategies for achieving long-term business growth, and give attendees plenty of opportunities to network with like-minded business professionals and entrepreneurs.

Founder of BNI and the Referral Institute, Ivan Misner, stated that: “Different countries,

different cultures, different races, different religions, different people, different places. We are all united by one thing. We all speak the language of referrals. We all want to do business with people we know and trust.

Relationship networking is not only a great way to get business, it’s an even better way to do business; I urge people worldwide to utilize International Networking Week to focus on doing something to improve their own networking efforts because there really is no better time than now to start strengthening your business relationships.�

International Networking Week is open to business professionals, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, students, press representatives, government and council representatives, and absolutely anyone who would like to know more about how business networking can grow individual businesses, strengthen local communities, and make a powerfully positive impact on the global economic landscape.

ELEVATING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Marie-Therese Phido

Feeling Stuck I have been speaking to a number of people in recent times who are feeling stuck in their careers and do not know how to take the next step. Their situation is not strange to me. Talking to them took me back to when I really felt stuck in my career and needed to change the course of its trajectory.

As I have shared with many of you, I worked in one organisation for over 20 years. I was able to stay there for that number of years because I performed many different roles and rose to a high level.

Despite this versatility, I eventually started to feel stuck because I needed a change of environment, do new things at a higher level and meet new people.

Luckily, the opportunity came, and I got a job that ticked all of my boxes. Like the rich man in the bible, I thought it was now time to relax and live the good life. Alas, was I mistaken. Despite the fact that it met all of my supposed needs, the environment was not for me. So, I had to resign.

This was not an easy decision to make.

But, thankfully, I was at a point in my life, where my mental well-being mattered more to me than my financial. Making the choice to leave a job that was giving me stress though very difficult, was doable.

Many of us do not have this leeway to decide whether to stay in a job or to leave the job because of the financial or societal obligations we have.

According to Elizabeth Garone, in her article, Turning Around When Your Job Feels Like a Dead End�, she said: “It is nearly a career certainty: that unpleasant feeling of being stuck and not really knowing what to do about it comes around at least once over the course of a working life.

If you think that everyone else is happy at work, think again. One-third of employees around the world say they are dissatisfied at work and nearly as many say their jobs are just “ok�, according to a Glassdoor. com ongoing company review survey with data from companies in 190 countries. Of course, there are circumstances beyond your control that can cause your career to sputter: economic downturns, unanticipated restructurings, and bad bosses, to name a few. But for that plain old feeling of stuck-in-place, there are solutions.�

One question, I tend to ask people these days, is what next? Many people stay in careers and do not think about the next step until dissatisfaction seeps in. We get so comfortable being in the same organisation and going through the same routine without thinking about tomorrow. This scenario happens at all levels, but I worry more for the people at the top and middle levels.

We need to start thinking proactively about the next step. However, not everybody has the luxury to even start to think about this next step before they start feeling stuck.

Here are some tips from me and Elizabeth Garone on what to do when you are stuck.

Make a lateral move While some career coaches do not recommend a lateral move within your current company, since it can leave lingering doubts when you look for another job, many consider it an excellent way to jumpstart a stagnating career — if you will be adding new skills or setting yourself up for a future promotion. “A lateral move into another group can offer you the excitement and the challenge of a new position without the bigger risks of changing organizations. It can help you avoid that overwhelming feeling of being stuck in a dead-end job,� and allows you to bring relevant and valuable experience

from your past group to the new position.

A lateral move can also help when a more senior position eventually opens up. Having diverse experience in the organization should give you “a leg up on your fellow employees� when it comes getting a promotion�.

Keep your eye on postings internally and ask colleagues in groups you are interested in transferring to whether there are openings upcoming that might not be posted. It also pays to take the temperature of people in the target work group — make sure they, too, do not feel stuck in their jobs.

Back to school I know many people who have used going back to school as an escape route. Many believe it is the easiest and best way to jumpstart their careers. But that isn’t always the case, said Al Stewart, founder of Business Mentors “I watched many individuals enroll in coursework that was going to do little for them after their graduation,� he said. The main problem: many people do not do critically research before enrolling in a particular major. “In a market where there are few jobs, even an additional degree doesn’t help if the market is stagnant or slow,� he said.

That’s not to say going back to school for a degree program or a certificate is not a good idea. The key is to focus on fields that are “hot� and in need of talent.

Is the grass greener somewhere else?

One of the most direct way to get your career on the upswing: find a job with another company. You would not be alone. According to the 2012 Candidate Behavior Study from employment site Careerbuider.com, 74% of the 1,078 workers surveyed were either actively searching for a new job or were open to a new opportunity.

Get your resume or CV out there. Let people know you are available for new opportunity. Make sure you are up to date and reflect the sorts of skills you want to use in your next job. “It’s important to hold onto your job until you get the next job so that you are perceived as more valuable� said Dan Schawbel, author of the upcoming book Promote Yourself: The New Rules for Career Success.

Start a Business and Become an Entrepreneur You may also decide to turn your passion into a business. I read a quotation on twitter a few days ago, which said, “You will never become incredibly wealthy by working for someone else. And you will never become incredibly wealthy by living a “safe�, “positive work-life balance, “time-clock punching professional life.�

So, maybe that feeling of being stuck is God’s way of telling you, it is time to get rich, become an entrepreneur and leave a legacy for generations unborn.

Many entrepreneurs who have made great impact in their chosen endeavours started by feeling stuck in the activity they were engaged in before striking out to start their businesses.

Whether you decide to make a lateral move, go back to school, seek a position elsewhere, or start a business, you’ll need to take a more proactive approach to those things you can control to lessen your chances of feeling stuck again. .

.– 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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Brighter Horizon for Flour Mills of Nigeria With improved nine months results and the N39.9 billion rights issue that will enhance its bottom-line, the shareholders of Flour Mills of Nigeria should hope for higher returns going forward, writes Goddy Egene Going by the financial results of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, shareholders should expect a robust dividend at the end of its financial year. Earnings per share (EPS) for the nine months stood at 456 kobo, up from 250 kobo the corresponding period of 2016.

If the impressive performance that led to the high EPS is maintained in the remaining quarter of the year, then shareholders would smile home with a good return in form of dividend per share. In 2017 when the company recorded an EPS of about 303 kobo, a dividend of 100 kobo per share was paid to shareholders. This implies that with a higher EPS, the probability of the company paying a higher dividend is very high. While FMN has been a regular dividend payer, one major factor that has affected its inability to pay high dividend was low bottom-line as a result of huge finance costs.

However, the company is currently in the process of addressing that issue by raising N39.9 billion in equity to reduce the huge debt which has been a drag on its profitability. It is also believed that with additional equity capital, the interest charges paid on borrowings would reduce and eventually boost its bottom-line and create more value for stakeholders.

Nine months performance Group revenue was N427.5 billion in 2017, up by 10 per cent from N389.9 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2016.

The company was able to reduce cost of sale by 10 per cent from N336.448 billion to N371.473 billion, boosting the gross profit to N56.036 billion, from N53.493 billion in 2016. However, administrative expenses went up by 30 per cent from N10.234 billion to N13.311 billion. But the company got a major boost in net operation gains that stood at N5.507 billion, compared with operating loss of N11.756 billion in 2016.

Finance cost remains high, standing at N25.157 billion, up by 43.1 per cent from N17.756 billion in 2016. FMN ended the year with profit before tax (PBT) of N19.50 billion, showing a growth of 89 per cent from N10.3 billion in 2016. Profit after tax (PAT) grew slower by 79 per cent to N13.27 billion, compared with N7.39 billion. The slower PAT growth resulted from a higher tax paid by the company, which soared by 116 per cent to N6.755 billion in 2017, from N2.892 billion in 2016.

According to the company, the food business is responsible for an increase of N44.7 billion of the Group’s turnover, coming from its Flour, Pasta and noodles product portfolio.

The packaging business of the group contributed N1 billion to the group’s profit, an increase of 150 per cent.

Commenting on the results, Gbededo said: “We are delighted to report another quarter of solid performance, despite harsh operational environments, which have been compounded further by traffic congestions in Apapa. Our food business has continued to show impressive results, in line with our strategy to lead the market in all major categories. We shall continue to drive efficiency and grow our footprints in the Agro-allied segments also in achieving our core focus of feeding the nation, everyday.�

Gbedebo

accelerated by 418 per cent. Sequentially, sales, PBT and PAT fell by between 13 per cent quarter on quarter (q/q) 17 per cent q/q. Compared with our forecasts, although sales missed by 13 per cent, PBT and PAT beat by 41 per cent and 31 per cent respectively, thanks to the positive surprises in gross margin.�

FBN Quest explained that in terms of sales split, the foods business grew by nine per cent and contributed around 79 per cent of total group sales. However, the revenue contribution from the agro-allied division fell to 16 per cent (from 18 per cent in Q2) due to a 33 per cent reduction in sales. Sales for FMN’s packaging business which contributed around four of group sales also fell by 43 per cent. “Similar to the prior quarter, we believe the improvement in foreign exchange (FX) liquidity brought about by NAFEX, and the lower costs of inputs and power were the key

drivers of the marked improvement in gross margin y/y. We note that the United States dollar ($) to Naira(N) rate has now stabilised to c N360/US$ on the NAFEX compared with over N400/US$ prior to the platforms introduction. We also believe that the nine per cent reduction in wheat prices between July and December 2017 was a key driver in the gross margin expansion. Bloomberg consensus wheat forecasts indicate that prices are expected to rise marginally by around 10 per cent through 2018 (end-Dec). As such, the company still faces downside risks from an uptick in raw material costs,� they added.

FBN Quest, however, noted that FMN’s nine months PBT of N19.5 billion tracks well ahead of consensus 2018 PBT forecast of N20.4 billion. “As such, we expect to see upward revisions

FLOUR MILLS NINE MONTHS FINANCIAL SUMMARY 500 450 400 350

DEC 2017 N427.5Bn

DEC 2016 N389.9Bn DEC 2017 N371Bn DEC 2016 N336.4Bn

300 250

Analysts’ Assessment Commenting on the third quarter (October to December) results, analysts at FBN Quest said the results showed that PBT grew by a stellar 303, saying that the marked growth in PBT was mainly driven by a gross margin expansion of 322 basis points (bps) to 15.9%. “To a lesser extent a positive result of N431 million in other operating income compared with a loss of N3.7 billion in the corresponding period also contributed. These positives completely offset a four per cent decline in sales, a 26 per cent spike in interest expense and a 17 per cent rise in opex. Further down the P&L, PAT

150 200 150 100

DEC 2017 DEC 2016 N4.0Bn N4.2Bn

50 0

REVENUE

COST OF SALES

SELLING/DIST. EXPENSES

DEC 2017 DEC 2016 N25Bn N17.6Bn

FINANCE COSTS

DEC 2017 N13.2Bn

DEC 2016 N7.2Bn

PROFIT AFTER TAX

to consensus 2018E PBT forecast and a positive reaction from the market,� they stated.

Rights Issue Boost The ongoing Rights Issue by FMN is expected to boost its earnings and general performance going forward. The company is offering 1,476,142, 418 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each offered at N27 per share to existing shareholders at the ratio of nine new ordinary shares for every 16 ordinary shares. The issue which opened last month is expected to close on February 21, 2018.

The company last week made a ‘Facts Behind the Issue’ presentation to fund/portfolio managers, shareholders and other stakeholders in the investment community at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos.

According to the Chairman of FMN, John Coumantaros, the Rights Issue is being undertaken primarily to pay down some of the company’s outstanding short-term debt in order to reduce its finance costs which have increased significantly in recent times, and reshape its balance sheet.

In his presentation, Gbededo said: “The Rights Issue is part of our strategy to grow and build long-term value for all stakeholders. The proceeds from the Rights Issue will be used to strengthen the company’s capital base by deleveraging our balance sheet, supporting our working capital needs and positioning the company to exploit value-accretive opportunities, whilst giving greater operational and financial flexibility to ensure business growth and continuity.�

According to the GMD, the vision and forward looking strategy of the company is to have sustainably secure supply chain; increase local content in the FMN business portfolio; cater to the needs and aspirations of Nigerian demographics and improving performance in a challenging operating environment.

Speaking on why the investing in FMN is profitable, Gbededo said: “The company has an integrated business model, proven management team, extensive distribution network, strategic initiatives along the value chain, exciting new product development, import substitution, balance sheet optimisation, market leadership and strong brands.�

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Nigeria Beyond Oil Obinna Chima writes on the need for Nigeria’s policy makers to prepare the economy for a post-crude oil era A 2017 study that was published by Stanford University suggested that fossil-fuelled cars would vanish within eight years – and citizens will have no choice but to invest in electric vehicles or similar technologies.

This, according to the report, would bebecause the cost of electric vehicles – including cars, buses, and trucks – will ultimately decrease, resulting in the collapse of the petroleum industry.

Led by Stanford University economist, Tony Seba, the report had caused spasms of anxiety within the oil industry, when it was released.

Entitled “Rethinking Transportation 2020-2030,� it had detailed how people will ultimately switch to self-driving electric vehicles, stating that they would be ten times cheaper to maintain than cars that run on fuels.

According to the report, in less than a decade, it would become very difficult for consumers to find petrol stations, spares or mechanics knowledgeable enough to fix combustion engines. His ultimate premise was that modern-day car dealerships would disappear by 2024 as the long-term price of oil.

Clearly, while the advent of electric cars may not be embraced in Africa in the coming years as estimated by Seba, this innovation coupled with shale oil as well as other technologies in crude oil production is going to disrupt the sector.

Indeed, it is going to have an attendant effect on the demand for crude oil from Nigeria and other oil producing economies.

In Nigeria, oil accounts for almost 90 per cent of the country’s export and 95 per cent of revenues, respectively.

In fact, when the economy slipped into recession in 2016, it was because of the collapse in crude oil revenue and an increase in oil production saw the country exiting recession.

But the oil industry contributes little in direct employment relative to its contribution to government revenues.

The foregoing therefore was the reason why experts that spoke at the Nigeria Economic Outlook Conference (NEOC) 2018, stressed the need for government to genuinely pursue its much talked about drive for economic diversification.

No doubt, the country’s abysmal low tax base, as well as the internally generated revenue are all because of laziness on the part of the country’s political leaders since the discovery of oil.

In addition, the political tension and civil arrest in the country have in most cases by traced to the fight for share of the revenue accruing from oil revenue.

Nigeria has been projected to be the world’s third most populous country by 2050, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. With that, the country would have a median age of 22, making Nigeria the third most populous country in the world, after India and China Also, there have been outstanding and rapid developments in the field of robotics, leading to the emergence of robots that can replace human in many manufacturing process.

As a result, the manufacturing activities that were typically outsourced to developing countries in the past due to high labour cost.

To the President of Times Economics, an economic consulting firm and the organiser of the NEOC, Dr. Ogho Okiti, there need for policymakers in the country to start preparing for a Nigeria that is not driven by activities in the global crude oil market.

He noted that for five decades, Nigeria’s relationship with the global economy was shaped by the sale crude oil and the attraction of investment to the sector.

Okiti, however, pointed out that in the last decade, two important features have continued to threaten the allure to the country’s oil sector. “First, we have seen and continue to see, very aggressive development of alternative sources of energy.

“Secondly, we have also seen the development of technology that made previously inaccessible crude oil available at reasonable cost. “Combined, the implication is that today, the world thinks more about when there would be a peak in the oil demand, compared to about 20 years ago, when the thought was about whether the world would run out of oil,� Okiti explained.

These, he also noted would have severe implications for the Nigerian economy and its future relationship with the global economy. “If development continues at this pace, the manufacturing route to prosperity which was once open to Asian tigers, could be closed to Nigeria. “The shift towards nationalisation as seen in United States and the Brexit referendum has also influenced hostility towards international trade and migration,� he warned.

Human Capital Development To the founder and chief executive of the Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), Mr. Austin Okere, there is need for increased investment in human capital to drive activities in the country, especially the non-oil sector of the economy.

Okere noted that the issue about crude oil is that it dominates so many other sectors and makes it difficult for policymakers to take their eyes away from it. “Crude oil prices would go up and down and nothing is going to hold it stable. There are other areas such as media, entertainment, agriculture, that we can develop and even export. “I think we should start looking at the fourth industrial revolution and how we can leapfrog on it. But I think we shouldn’t be too fixated on crude oil prices,� he added.

Also, the chief executive, Rise Network, Mrs. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, urged Nigerians to disregard the notion that the country is an oil-rich economy, saying that countries are not adjudged to be rich because of what they have, but because of their know-how.

She expressed disappointment that since the discovery oil in the country several decades ago, it has remained only at the stage of primaey production with no value addition. “At the end of the day, oil will not refine itself, you need the human capital of those countries to be able to refine the oil. “If you really appraise the parameters you measure to know whether countries are successful or not, Nigeria does not feature in any of it. But the challenge is the amount of energy we spend discussing issues around oil. There is need for the country to prepare for a post-oil economy. “We need to start thinking about how to move on from a country that is so oil dependent to a country where we can begin to create wealth. The truth is that economies that consume are superior to economies that produce,� she argued.

On his part, the chief economist at Macroafricaintel Investment LLC, Dr. Rafiq Raji, noted that less demand for crude oil as a result of electric car and other innovations in crude oil production means that any supply management by the organisation of petroleum exporting countries (OPEC) in the future may not succeed. “Our vulnerability extends to the fact that we are not preparing for that future. The best we have been able to do is to talk about how agriculture can help us. “Now, if developed economies can produce goods with less human needs and in a cheaper manner, that means there is nothing we can do to be competitive,� he explained.

FG’s Response The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, recently pointed out that the federal government was no longer bothered by fluctuations in the price of crude oil. According to Adeosun, the federal government has learnt to live with a low crude oil price. “We have gotten to a point where we don’t care whether oil prices will be sustained at the level that they have recently risen to.

“We have been able to balance our budget at $45-$46 per barrel and we’ve got to learn to live comfortably at that level,’’ she said.

She said the government’s diversificationefforts include pushing for agricultural expansion to reduce a heavy food-import bill and boost exports. Adeosun while noting that the government was seeking to plug an infrastructure gap of $25 billion, said “the infrastructure gap is significant, it is far bigger than anybody had imagined, in power, in roads, in rail.�

Way Forward For Raji, there is need to increasingly encourage activities in the non-oil sector, especially as regards to innovation, as well as make sure there is adequate policy around credit. “When you don’t resolve some of the structural challenges, like power for instance, there is not much that can be done.

Unless we resolve some of these constraints, we are not going to extract wealth from the real sector,� he advised.

Also, Okere pointed out that the biggest employers of labour in the country presently are the entrepreneurs, stressing the need for capacity building and other incentives that would encourage business owners. “Many of them can do better if they are empowered with technology and inclusiveness.

The human capital development is extremely important, because that is where the wealth is. “Power is the fundamental for industrialisation. Another thing that very important is broadband,� he added.

The foregoing shows that there is an urgent need for the country to fast-track its transition to a post oil economy. Government at all levels need to start thinking and encouraging creativity and innovation. All over the world, there are resource rich countries that are not dependent on commodities and have been able to transform their economies. What the country requires today is to enhance its investment in infrastructure, education and manpower development, which would in turn drive competitiveness.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

FirstBank Records N2.8tn ATM Transactions in 2017 First Bank of Nigeria Limited has revealed that its ATMs dispensed over N2.8trillion between January and December 2017.

This is just as the bank stated that its payment cards presently accounts for 37 percent of transactions on ATMs in Nigeria’s banking industry.

In 2017, about 402,102 bill payments were made through the bank’s ATMs while the value of airtime purchase was about N1.7 billion, the bank revealed in a statement.

To cater for the financial

services needs of its customers and in line with its strategy to drive convenience and ease in banking, FirstBank claimed it presently has the highest number of ATMs, with 2,897 machines deployed across the Nigeria.

This, according to the bank, made it the nation’s financial institution with the widest retail footprint. “The bank’s ATMs have unique functional features which include bills payment, cash transfer, air-time top-up, cash deposit among others. The

bills payment option is the non-cash transaction feature on the ATM that makes it easier for customers to pay for bills such as Cable TV subscription, post-paid phone bills, and prebooked airline tickets. “These transactions can be executed through the Quickteller option on any of the Bank’s ATMs. The Transfer feature enables customers to transfer money from their accounts to both intra (within FirstBank) and interbank (other banks) accounts, thereby reducing the queues in the banking

hall, saving time as well as providing a more convenient option for customers’ money transfer needs,� the statement added.

Furthermore, it stated that the bank was currently responsible for over 15 percent of interbank transactions and 21 percent of airtime vending. “As active mobile network users in Nigeria are over 142 million and the need to recharge is on the increase, the Bank’s ATMs also provide the platform for convenient and easy top-up. “To further enhance con-

venience, FirstBank’s ATMs operate the Cash Deposit function which allows customers to deposit funds without customarily having to enter a banking hall for this transaction. “The bank’s ATMs are also equipped with cardless functionality that makes it easier for non-bank customers to deposit or withdraw money from the ATMs without a Debit card.

This is a direct testament to its value proposition of putting customers first,� it added.

The Bank’s Group Head, E-Business, Chuma Ezirim,

stated that the distinct developments in FirstBank ATMs were achieved as a result of the desire to reach out to more people in the country and as part of putting customers at the heart of the business. “FirstBank is positioned to meet the needs of its customers and to reach out to the under banked and unbanked. Our mission is to remain relevant in the lives of our customers by continually working at making banking services a more convenient experience for our customers, he further stated.

NDDC Trains 22,612 Youths, Women on Vocational Skills Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) said it has so far trained and built the capacity of 22,612 youths, including the 100 that just graduated in Home Finishing Skills.

The Managing Director, Mr. Nsima Ekere, made the disclosure at the 6th Graduation of Empowerment Support Initiative, ESI, and NDDC Entrepreneurial and Skill Acquisition Training for Niger Delta Youths in Home Finishing Skills in Port Harcourt.

He remarked that the NDDC was currently processing the training of about 5,000 more youths in various skills, noting that the mandate of the Commission went beyond physical infrastructure.

According to him, “It is also about building capacity and equipping our people with skills and competences that enable them to join the rising global workforce.

This aligns with the local content policy of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.�

The NDDC boss said that the human capacity development strategy of the Commission was anchored on the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan, NDRDMP, which recommended the development of a highly skilled workforce that would enable the region to compete on equal terms with the leading players in the global market.

Ekere said that NDDC had trained internationally certified welding instructors in Nigeria and South Africa, adding that most of the beneficiaries were currently employed as non-destructive test engineers in the oil and gas industry. “We have also trained 700

school certificate holders in welding and fabrication, 65 engineering and geology graduates in highly specialised petroleum and drilling technology, 150 youths in solar power technology, 180 in oil spill management, 180 in fibre optics installations and thousands of others in various other skills and empowerment programmes, such as fashion design, catering, food processing, computer literacy, among others�, he added.

Ekere said that the healthy partnership between NDDC and ESI demonstrated what could be achieved by collaborating with credible partners driven by the objective of finding solutions to the socio-economic difficulties and challenges confronting the Niger Delta region.

He noted that the building industry in Nigeria was facing a dearth of manpower, particularly in the critical area of office and home finishing and would require several trained hands locally to curtail the dependence on foreigners.

He commended the Board and Management of ESI for going the extra mile to bring world class experts in home finishing skills, from the United Kingdom, to lay a solid foundation for the pilot phase of the programme.

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the federal government was determined to create new jobs in all sectors of the economy.

He said that President Buhari administration had added millions of new jobs to the economy since it took office in 2015, stating: “before this government came into power; the nation had five million rice growers but today 12.2 million rice growers have been added.

A BOOST TO PETROLEUM SECTOR

L-R: Operation Manager Africa, Puma Energy, Mr. Sandile Lekhuleni; Managing Director/CEO, CITA Petroleum Ltd. Dr. Ogungbangbe Thomas; Global Aviation Operations Manager, Puma Energy, Mr. Peter John; General Manager/Chief Operating Manager, CITA Group, Mr. Betiku Olasimbo; and COO West Africa, Puma Energy, Mr. Myles Bouvier-Baird, at the Presentation of the PUMA CITA Partnership in Nigeria, held in Lagos ... recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

University Don Sues Peace Mass Transit, Claims N10m Damages A Professor of Accounting at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Prof. Michah Chukwuemeka Okafor, has dragged a transport company, Peace Mass Transit Limited, to court, claiming the sum of N10million as special and general damages for the injuries he sustained as a result of alleged recklessness and negligent act of a driver of the company.

The driver’s alleged recklessness while conveying the plaintiff and other passengers to Abuja in a commuter bus belonging to the company, the plaintiff, added, resulted in an accident that affected him.

The accident was said to have occurred on September

17, 2016, along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, leaving Okafor seriously injured.

Particulars of the special damages indicated that the sum of N613,420 was the hospital expenses the claimant incurred in treating himself.

In the suit no HUM/13/2017, brought before an Abia State High Court, Isuochi, Okafor, who is also the Director of the University’s Bookshop said that he had an appointment to keep in Abuja and decided to board a Peace Mass Transit Limited bus, registration no. AKL 08 ZT at Umuahia. He claimed that but due to the driver’s recklessness, the vehicle collided with a truck on the same lane.

The university don said that he was trapped in the car after the accident, but was eventually brought out and taken to the Okigwe General Hospital and later to Hill Top Clinics, Enugu, a private orthopaedic hospital, where he was hospitalised for six weeks and five days.

Okafor contended that despite the “manifest reckless driving� of the said bus driver that almost rendered him incapacitated, the mass transit company has failed/refused to compensate him for the injuries he sustained.

He therefore prayed the court to order the company to pay him the sum of N10million as special

and general damages for the injuries he sustained as a result of the “negligent act of the driver of the defendant company�, which resulted in an accident that affected him.

However, in a 21-paragraph statement of defence, the mass transit company denied owing the university don further responsibility, insisting that “he was fully compensated according to the terms of welfare scheme acceptable to the defendant, which on writing his name on the passenger manifest, the claimant became bound by the terms of the contract clearly spelt out in the passenger manifest.

The company therefore urged the court to dismiss the suit as baseless and frivolous.

Cuba to Fast Track Economic Relations with Abuja Chamber of Commerce Senator Iroegbu in Abuja A renewed commitment by the Republic of Cuba to strengthen economic relations with Nigeria was made known in Abuja by the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Treso Saso.

Saso reiterated this while on a courtesy visit to the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(ACCI), Prince Adetokunbo Kayode.

The Ambassador in a statement by the Media and Protocol Office of ACCI, Mr. Gena Lubem, emphasised the need to galvanise resources for more joint economic activities in the health industry, medical tourism, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and sports business.

According to him, Cuba was also interested in the manu-

facturng of critical vaccines in Nigeria, to tackle endemic ailments like Hepatitis, B and C, Meningitis, Lassa fever and diabetes as well as establishment of Cuban-Nigerian joint venture hospitals in Abuja Accompanied by the Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Leydis Bernal Suarez, the Ambassador also expressed interest in developing a strategic relationship with the Abuja Chamber

in these areas to exponentially improve commercial activities and enhance the balance of trade between Nigeria and Cuba.

Kayode thanked the envoy for demonstrating genuine interest in improving the economic ties between Nigeria and Cuba. “This is in line with the strategic plan of the Chamber to forge strong ties with inter-

national business community to develop joint ventures and enhance foreign direct investment�, he noted.

He urged the international community to work with Nigeria in all areas of businesses especially now that the environment is getting better and there is the market and a young as well as the dynamic workforce. “The Chamber is also

encouraging Public Private Partnerships (PPP). The government now realises that the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and the public sector exists to advance the economy and the general good of the country hence the renewed and on-going effort at ease of doing business program which is improving and enabling business environment in Nigeria�, the stated added.

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BUSINESSWORLD NAICOM Partners NIRSAL on Index-based Agric Insurance Ndubuisi Francis and Udora Orizu in Abuja The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in collaboration with Nigeria Incentive based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) has championed an inclusive agric insurance scheme, which will enable farmers have good access to insurance coverage.

Speaking at a workshop on index insurance, product design, evaluation and risk transfer process in Abuja, the Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari noted that index insurance is a new concept to Nigeria, hence the need for capacity-building to enhance progress in the drive to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in index-based agric insurance in the country.

Kari said: “Our drive in this regard is tending with the ongoing effort of this present administration to diversify the economy and create opportunities to promote agricultural business and youth empowerment and index based agric insurance is one program that is in support of this policy of the government. “For us at the National Insurance Commission, we desire to create penetration and market growth; we have embraced index- based agric insurance as a strategic initiative for insurance penetration as well as contribution to the development of agriculture,� he said

According to him, in the last one year, NAICOM has played active role in promoting access to agricultural finance, adding that there was the need to request for further support from its partners especially in the areas of facilitation of comprehensive feasibility study on pilot bases.

Others, he listed, are technical assistance on the provision of historical weather index data, and technical capacity building to regulatory persons who should be learned in product design, risk modeling, capital management, design of regulatory and supervisory framework, development of frameworks and guidelines for index-based insurance regulation and supervision of operations, training and educational programmes for key agricultural staff.

Kari expressed his delight that the collaboration between NIACOM, Africa Re, International Finance Corporation (IFC) has already achieved product approval for five insurance companies who are participating in the pilot scheme.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of NIRSAL Aliyu Abdulhameed stated that the target of NIRSAL over the next few years is to work towards reaching about 3.8 million individual primary producers comprising farmers with innovative insurance products. According to him, index space insurance is a new and innovative development that speaks to the current multiplicity of problems that farmers face.

NEWS

Fuel Marketers Begin Repairs of Apapa Road Ejiofor Alike Fuel marketers and other private business owners under the aegis of Committee of Directors, Ibru Port Complex, at the weekend, flagged off the palliative repairs from Sunrise to Coconut section of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, after waiting endlessly for the intervention of the federal government and the Lagos State government.

These stakeholders have also raised the alarm that the Apapa bridges are in near collapse as they were not designed for trailers and tankers laden with cargo or petroleum products parking for days.

This is coming as 10 lives were said to have been lost in Sunrise-Coconut section of the Apapa-Oshodi Road between October and November 2017.

Speaking during the flag off ceremony at the weekend, the Chairman of Committee of

Directors, Ibru Port Complex, Olorogun Oskar Ibru called on the federal government and the Lagos State government to pay serious attention to the roads leading to Nigeria’s premier ports – Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports.

He said the flag off of the repairs would also alleviate the sufferings of their customers, commuters and members of the public from what he described as the horrendous unbearable congestion that has led to loss of lives and properties. “Apapa residents and its environments have been on the receiving end of the continuous degradation of roads without timely intervention of maintenance. The bridges in particular are near collapse as they are not designed for trailers and tankers laden with cargo or products remaining stationary for days. The drivers and their motor boys use any available drains or space on

these roads of bridges as toilets and places to wash and dump refuse. The nuisance value and its effects on the residents and commuters are obviously severe,� Ibru explained.

Ibru said the initiative was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the organisations to assist the government in order to prevent the road from total collapse.

Also speaking at the flag off ceremony, the Area Comptroller of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mrs. Lami Wushishi said the revenue of the agency had dropped as a result of the traffic congestion caused by the bad road leading to Apapa. “The bad road has affected businesses, especially we, Customs. It has affected our revenue. It has affected trucks coming to do business with us- the volume has really come down. We have tried

our best to see how to make it possible- we exploit the use of barges for them to bring cargoes but it has not been easy for us,� Wushishi explained.

She commended the stakeholders for committing their private resources to make the road better.

Also speaking, the President of Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi called on the National Assembly to enact a legislation that would empower the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to utilise a certain percentage of their revenues to repair Apapa roads.

Ogungbemi said he had attributed the poor state of Apapa roads in the past to status of Lagos State as an opposition party, stressing that he was shocked that Apapa roads had collapsed even when Lagos State is also being controlled by the party at the centre.

FG Hosts New Oil Summit to Revive Africa’s Oil Industry Chineme Okafor in Abuja The federal government has given reasons why it is hosting a new oil and gas summit – the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) in Abuja this February.

According to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of petroleum resources, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the government decided to host the new oil summit to help revive Africa’s oil industry, which has been challenged lately.

Yemi-Esan said Nigeria as the continent’s largest oil producer and economic powerhouse, took the initiative to champion the renaissance of Africa’s oil industry, hence the new summit.

She made this disclosure in a statement from organisers of the oil summit recently in Abuja.

The statement also said major international oil and gas companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria’s oil fields have confirmed their participation and support for new oil and gas conference and exhibition.

It added that apart from the IOCs, other top indigenous players in the country’s oil industry have made their commitment and support for the conference known to the ministry.

Buttressing the decision of the government on the conference to help lead a renaissance of Africa’s oil and gas industry, Yemi-Esan said: “The oil and gas sector has faced several

challenges in the recent past.

Nigeria being Africa’s largest producer and its economic powerhouse took a position to lead Africa’s response to these challenges.�

She added in her explanation of the broad vision for hosting the summit, that: “There will be a session at NIPS that will focus on tangible steps for delivering sustainable and equitable socioeconomic improvement through industrial diversification. We will be having key policy shapers drawn from National Assembly.�

The Permanent Secretary also noted in the statement that all advertised speakers have confirmed their attendance.

She listed them to include Aliko Dangote, who is the President of Dangote Group, Tony Elumelu, who is the Chairman of UBA Plc and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).

According to her, Elumelu will join other outstanding personalities in business, finance and the economy as a special guest and speaker at the NIPS. “Confirmed international guests include the Secretary General of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Seyed Mohammad Hossein Adeli, the Secretary General of the International Energy Forum (IEF), Sun Xiansheng, and Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, who is the Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

CONGRATULATIONS

L-R: Head of Lubes OVH Energy Marketing, Mrs. Lillian Ikokwu; Chief Marketing OďŹƒcer, Commercial, OVH Energy Marketing, Mr. Alastair Macnaughton; Overall Best Student, Mr. Owolabi Tunde Akinwunmi; Ag. Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, OVH Energy Marketing, Mrs. Olaposi Williams; CEO Automedics, Mr. Kunle Shonaike and Chairman, during the Season IV Graduation Ceremony of Oleum Academy in Lagos... recently KOLAWOLE ALL

Cooking Gas Marketers Allege Sabotage in Lagos Plant Fire Ejiofor Alike Marketers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), better known as cooking gas, have alleged that the recent fire that gutted a gas plant in the Magodo area of Lagos on January 15, 2018 was caused by an act of sabotage.

Speaking to journalists at the weekend after he led the governing council of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) on a visit to the affected plant, the President of NALPGAM, Mr. Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor alleged that unknown person had tampered with the valve of the LPG truck belonging to Second Coming Nigeria Limited, which had parked for over 48 hours, before it leaked and caught fire.

Ogieva-Okunbor further disclosed that when the incident occurred, the association set

up an investigative committee, which has submitted its preliminary report. According to him, the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which is the apex regulator of the oil and gas, have also commenced their independent investigations. “But so far, from the investigation carried out by our association, there is no doubt that what happened in the gas plant, which is one of the modern plants we have in the country, was purely sabotage,� he said.

He noted that those that are experienced in the LPG industry know that the equipment used in the industry are so robust that incidents like gas leakages from trucks are checked. “Moreover, this truck that caught fire in the plant was

parked in that plant for more than 48 hours. On Saturday, they (staff of Second Coming) worked in that plant. The plant was parked on Saturday and there was no leakage. On Sunday, they worked for some hours and there was no leakage, only for leakage to occur in early Monday morning at about 4am,� Ogieva-Okunbor explained.

He alleged that after the truck had parked for over 48 hours, an unknown person went and tampered with the valve to cause the leakage, adding that as at the time the truck was leaking, no operation was going on in the company as the staff were not yet on duty. “I said before that the materials used for LPG are very robust. We have internal valve in a truck and even in a tank. The internal shut-off valve is automatic. When there

is a shock, the internal valve automatically shut off. Secondly, in January 2015, it was made mandatory for trucks loading LPG out of the depots to install additional shut-off valve externally.

That is why you see that even LPG truck has an accident, the gas will hardly leak. All plant owners who are our members installed this additional safety gadget. This truck that caught fire also has it. That means, you have three safety valves there.

You have internal shut-off valve, external shut-off valve, and you have the valve itself. If you don’t tamper with these valves, no single drop of gas will come out,� he explained.

He also disclosed that the truck was loaded with 35,000 litres of LPG when it caught fire but only 2,000 litres leaked, while 33,000 litres were evacuated from the truck after the fire was put off.

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INSURANCE

Dangote Challenges Insurance Operators on Risk Management Stories by Ebere Nwoji President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote,has urged insurance operators in Nigeria to add value to the business of their major clients through the acquisition of technical knowledge of their clients’ business in order to be in position to educate them on basic safety knowledge.

Dangote, who frowned on the current trend among Nigerian insurers in which he said they are only talking about their premium collection from the very beginning of every insurance policy

contract, to the end, without thinking about how to reduce their clients’s risk exposure, noted that there is a big gap between Nigerian insurers and technical knowledge of their clients’ business.

He therefore challenged the insurers to aspire to get adequate knowledge of modern risks they underwrite such as cyber risks and the workings of credit insurance.

Dangote, who spoke at the First Interactive Session with major consumers of Insurance Products and Services organised by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in

Lagos, said because of lack of adequate knowledge of the risk they underwrite, the insurers are often exposed to unnecessary risks and that insurers delay in the payment of the resulting claims.

Dangote was represented at the occassion by the Chief Risk & Insurance Officer Dangote Industries Adenike Fajemirokun.

He noted that some insurance firms owe his company claims of over N400million since 2012 despite the fact that he paid his claims regularly.

Speaking on the issues facing his organistation as a consumer

in their insurance portfolio, he called on insurers to collaborate with the NAICOM for transformation.

He said insurance consumers expect NAICOM to increase regulation while insurers should engage themselves in self- regulation. “Insurers need to be more proactive in studying the operations of consumers and fashion out generic risk solution models. There should be stronger insurers with prompt claims paying abilities and consistent customer experience.�

He highlighted some ex-

pectations of the insurance consumers from the operators as deep/full understanding of the sectors they operate in full understanding of clients’ business, understanding emerging trends in the local and international insurance markets as well as emerging trends in the local, regional and global economy.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari, said NAICOM, being the regulatory agency is saddled with the responsibility of superintending over the insurance sector in Nigeria.

He said the commission has, as part of its primary mandate the protection of consumers (policyholders) – both corporate and individual. “Our gathering here today is indeed, one of the steps being taken by the Commission towards achieving that mandate. The timing for this session was carefully chosen and considered appropriate in view of current changes in the public sector environment especially with the Executive Order on Ease of Doing Business issued to all ministries, departments and agencies of government.

Insurance Industry Operators Urged to Be Professional Insurance firms that are insolvency or indulge in questionable business operations may this year fall by the way side as stakeholders in the sector, have resolved that such errant firms should be shown the way out.

They are insisting that every operating firm should have the technical and professional competences to save the industry’s image and restore public confidence in the sector.

The regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in particular, was challenged to strengthen its regulatory base and ensure that firms operating in the system are in all ramifications fit to operate.

At the 2018 media retreat organised by the Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC) with the theme ‘Role of the Media in Deepening Insurance Penetration’, the insurance industry operators were challenged to set their agenda right so that the media and other external actors in the business can have a stand to help them.

Speaking on the above topic, the Editorial Page Editor, The Nation Newspapers, Sanya Oni, noted that amidst clamour to deepen penetration in all nooks and crannies of Nigeria by the operators and the regulator, a lot of challenges currently besiege the industry.

He said the challenges have raised questions for the operators such as “do our practitioners truly understand our environment and its peculiarities? In an environment where risks are routinely prayed out and banished as ‘not my portion’, how do we get the prospective consumer of the insurance product to accept to dump the intangible of faith for an equally intangible product administered by human institutions?�

He said this is in the realm of public education and awareness, further adding that the media can in good measure help break down a number of cultural/

sociological abhorrent barriers impeding the business.

He however said before the media can play its role in this regard, the operators should examine themselves and address recurring questions in their business such as “is our product offering truly relevant? does it match the consumer’s perception of utility? Is the problem essentially one of communication or messaging? Considering the saying that insurance products are not bought but sold, what is the industry response to the marketing challenge? And, how much of current technologies are being used to market insurance products?�

He said as a survival strategy, insurers and the industry stake holders must acknowledge that things are not what they ought to be in the industry.

Early in her welcome address, the Chairman IICC and president of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Mrs. Funmi Babington-Ashaye, said that given some recent developments in the industry and negative public perception and comments about the industry, it is high time the regulator looked at activities of individual company, address them specifically fishing out the bad eggs and treating their cases individually.

She noted that the insurance industry is today in a precarious state, due to the various unfolding dynamics, calling for change of operation and strategies by operators.

She also said the media has a big role to play in this regard. “The industry would be able to stave these besetting odds and maintain an acceptable image in the eyes of the public, only if the media shows understanding and appreciation of the times that the industry is at the moment.

Our channels of response in the industry are open to you gentlemen of the media to clarify information before going to publish�, she stated.

YOU ARE WELCOME

L-R: The new Managing Director and Senior Vice President, Addax Petroleum Development (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Colin Klappa and Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Mordecai Ladan, during a courtesy visit by Colin to DPR headquarters in Lagos‌recently

KariTasks Insurers on BusinessTransformation, Customer Realignment The Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, has charged insurance operators to use opportunities and prevailing challenges thrown up by factors such as competitive environment, changes in the world economy as a result of globalisation, deregulation, privatisation, financial meltdown, and the modern advancement in technology to transform their businesses for efficient delivery of products and services.

Kari, also urged members of insuring public with genuine unsettled claims to channel their grievances through the public Complaint Bureau set up by the National Insurance Commission(NAICOM) Kari, who spoke at the maiden insurance consumers’ forum organised by the commission in Lagos, said that NAICOM was aware that the satisfaction of consumers of product and services play a vital role in the sustenance of any business. “The difference between great and poor customer service has always been clear, and businesses on the wrong end of this spectrum usually

pay a price. This is as true for insurance as it is for any other customer-facing business. Today, the consequences of subpar service are amplified by the speed and reach of social media.

One poorly handled claim, one mistake captured on a smart phone could escalate quickly into a brand-damaging crisis.

This is why we believe it has become imperative that insurance firms increased their focus on providing great customer experience,� he maintained.

He reminded insurance operators that providing a strong customer experience is not just about reducing the risk of customer service mishaps. “It is increasingly a way for companies in competitive markets to distinguish their brands, adding that delivering a superior customer experience takes more than developing a mobile application or adding a call centre staff�, he stressed.

According to him, in addition, it requires significant investments, relentless improvements, and collaboration across customer channels and business functions, from distribution and underwriting to claims handling.

He added: “Understanding what customers want is paramount in building a better customer experience. However, the Commission in recent time has noticed certain behaviours and actions of consumers that are not in psych with this belief which is detrimental and dangerous to the insurance industry in Nigeria. “We have seen situations where the insured (Consumer) in connivance with insurance Brokers allot proportion of risk to local underwriters without due cognisance of the insurers’ capacity; preferring to place risk abroad even when the local market is not saturated.

Some consumers also in alliance with intermediaries chose to exclude some underwriters from participation in underwriting certain risks without cogent tenable justification�.

He said the Commission, frowns on these practices and wants to inform such consumers to desist from the practices as they run counter to regulations. “Where we have noticed such practices, we have rejected applications from operators for

approval to cede such risks abroad. This action of the consumer/broker sometime leads to delays in placement of the risk even when the insured has paid its premium to the intermediary�, he said.

He explained that while the Commission is not averse to ceding of risk offshore, it must be done only when the local market has taken the much its capacity would allow.

He informed the insurance consumers at the forum that in a bid to ensure that the commission attends to the issue of unsettled genuine claims objectively, it has upgraded the CBU, which according to him, is now headed by a Deputy Director in the commission. “The Commission had signalled the issue of effective and efficient service delivery to consumers as a key priority with its establishment of Complaint Bureau Unit to deal with complains from members of the public against any insurance operator. This Unit had recently been upgraded and is headed by a Deputy Director to attend to aggrieved consumers�, He added.

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The Place of Local Operators in Oil and Gas Adebisi Odukoya writes on the contribution of indigenous operators in the oil and gas sector to sustainable development and the nation’s economic growth

Oil and Gas companies over the years have been accused of either evading taxes or shortchanging the government in paying the accurate taxes and levies. Though most of these accusations are not backed by empirical evidence indicting these companies, their case is not helped by the fact that the revenue from the oil and gas industry has not been able to meet the numerous needs of Nigeria as a country.

Quite unfortunately, the oil and gas companies now appear to be the scapegoats responsible for the nation’s economic woes. This perception has gradually gained currency and acceptance across the populace. But a critical look at the books of some of these companies, especially the indigenous operators, shows the opposite has been the case.

For example, Oriental Energy Resources, one of the most successful indigenous oil and gas companies, has over the years, not only shown commitment to its statutory obligations with strict compliance to government regulations, payment of taxes and levies, but has actively implemented sustainable initiatives in its host communities and area of operation.

It is interesting to note that from its Ebok asset, Oriental Energy has so far paid well over US$500 million in royalties, US$125 million in transaction taxes, US21 million to NDDC in compliance with the statutory provisions of the enabling law establishing NDDC and US15.6 million directly to capacity building and developing the host communities in the Niger Delta.

The foregoing is commendable and must be encouraged. The level of development of any nation depends on the amount of revenue it generates for public expenditure, the provision of infrastructure

and betterment of the citizenry. Any keen observer will see that companies like Oriental Energy are committed to development and growth of the Nigerian economy.

Even in the area of social investments, which by itself is voluntary, one cannot over emphasize the company’s dedication to social inclusion. According to the company, its approach is to grow alongside its communities in a socially responsible manner while operating in an environment that fosters value creation

It is interesting to note that from its Ebok asset, Oriental Energy has so far paid well over US$500 million in royalties, US$125 million in transaction taxes, US21 million to NDDC in compliance with the statutory provisions of the enabling law establishing NDDC and US15.6 million directly to capacity building and developing the host communities in the Niger Delta

and sustainable development.

Last year Oriental Energy launched a N700 million modern residential estate of 100 units in Enwang, headquarters of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state. The estate named Oriental Village Mbo when completed will have a solarpowered electrification system, a school, clinic, a shopping centre and will be given freely to beneficiaries. The project is being built and funded exclusively by Oriental Energy Resources Limited and the Muhammadu Indimi Foundation as a legacy project for Oriental Energy’s host communities. The company, since commencement of operation, has also created an annual scholarship fund which has seen over 470 scholarships awarded at post primary and tertiary levels to recipients in Akwa Ibom. They have also trained over 270 youth at seven Skill Acquisition Centres in Uyo, Oron, Eket and Ewang in Akwa Ibom state, all of whom received starter packs and start-up funds for their businesses.

In 2012, Oriental intervened and supported the University of Uyo to secure full re-accreditation of theDepartment of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from the Nigeran Universities Commission (and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering Practice in Nigeria, COREN). The company spent over N500 Million for the: renovation and equipping of Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering Department; update and stocking of the Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering Departmental Libraries, respectively; payment for a 5-year contract for the supply of contemporary academic journals and textbooks for the Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Departmental

libraries, respectively; payment for a 5-year contract for the supply of consumables in the Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering laboratories, respectively; supply of 60KVA generator to power the Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering Department; payment for 5-year maintenance contract for the generator. As part of its empowerment programme, over 500 women have been trained on business and financial literacy and while seed funds have been given to 200 community women to start up small scale businesses.

It doesn’t end there. Oriental Energy Resources continues to carry out periodic free medical outreaches with Doctors, Nurses and medical personnel to its host communities with over 20,000 persons have benefitted cumulatively. It has also empowered the local fishermen by providing five modern fishing boats, nets and other equipment to enhance their productivity and economic growth.

The company also made a $5million donation to the Special Victims Support Fund to help the rebuilding of states ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.

In an era where both stakeholders and the public are now more aware, discerning and only respect companies that are good corporate citizens, it is heartwarming to see one of the leading indigenous oil and gas companies demonstrate steadfast commitment to ethical, sustainable development, and social values.

Put bluntly, companies like Oriental Energy Resources should be encouraged and supported to do more. t"EFCJTJ 0EVLPZB B 1VCMJD "GGBJST $PNNFOUBUPS JT CBTFE JO "CVKB

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EDUCATION How Land Speculators Marred LASU’s Chance for Expansion (I) For years, successive governments had paid lip service to developing the Lagos University (LASU), Ojo to facilitate the institution’s expansion. Unfortunately most of the land that could have been used for this purpose had been encroached on illegally which had hindered its development. The institution is currently in talk with the illegal occupants with the aim of getting them to regularize their possession. Funmi Ogundare, who has been following the development reports

A house and a church building on LASU property at Igboelerin Community

In the sleepy community of Igboelerin, Alhaja Risikat Adeboye sat in her small shop forlorn and looking dejected having lost her husband to the cold hands of death just a few weeks ago. As a seamstress with four sewing machines and no one to assist her in her work at her Adekoya Street, Igboelerin, Iba Local Government Area where she resides, a place where economic activity is at its lowest ebb, she is doomed.

With four extra mouths to feed in her family, and wondering how she would cope with the demise of her husband, her fate and that of other property owners at Igboelerin, Great Challenge, Ojo Local Government Area, Jubril Community Development Area, Iba LCDA, Surulere, Isokan, Akinwale and other suburbs in the area, hang in the balance. They have been tagged illegal occupants by the Lagos State government and management of its institution, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, as they cannot boast of or lay claim to having a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the property they occupy and have been served notices on the need for them to regularize their properties.

Adeboye confirmed to THISDAY that when she moved to Igboelerin with her husband in 2000, they bought the land and built a house she and her children now occupy for N80,00 from ‘omo oniles’ from Okoko and also paid the same amount to another set of omo oniles from her Igboelerin community, without a certificate of Occupancy (C of O), adding that after paying the amount, they were charged varying amounts when they started building the house from foundation to the roofing stage.

Her neighbour, Mrs. Taibat Idris Bello, who has been living in Igboelerin since 1995 disclosed that she never knew that the property belongs to LASU until the visit of the institution’s familiarisation team which has been saddled with the task of educating the community on regularising their stay on LASU land earlier this year. She also confirmed to THISDAY that she paid N80,000 each to omo oniles from Okoko and Igboelerin to acquire the land on which she also built a house, and was given just a receipt.

A source who preferred anonymity said there was no government approval for the land which the owners of properties in these areas occupy; neither can they boast of a certificate of occupancy nor land survey documents. “The land was acquired from the Aworis, Ibas and Okoko community, what the illegal occupants have is family receipt,� he said.

Investigation by THISDAY reveals that the level of encroachment at the Ojo Campus of LASU

is approximately 75 per cent, a situation that is hindering the development of the 35-year-old institution conceived as a multi-campus, collegiate and non-residential university which caters for a population of over 35,000 students and offers courses leading to the award of diploma and degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

In December 14, 2017, the institution’s management, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Education held a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting on the regularisation plan of LASU land encroachment. The meeting, held at the institution, had in attendance some members of community development associations, key stakeholders in the community, management team of LASU including the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, some members of the Nigerian police force, among others.

Fagbohun, who expressed concern about the level of encroachment on the institution’s property said, “one of the critical things that has affected the university is the kind of problems we have had in the area of expansion and those are the issues we have been grappling with.

The regularization is to allow for some form of opportunity for the Lagos State government to turn the institution into that, that will be respected. “We want to take decisions that will take effect on everybody involved. We must engage with everybody in relation to LASU’s land that has been encroached upon. We hope that at the end of this exercise, all of us will key into this vision.�

Bank-Olemoh also corroborated the VC’s remarks, saying that the encroachment has restricted further expansion and development of new programmes in the university and impeded the goal of being a first class university of the founders’ dream. “Generally, over 80 per cent of LASU land measuring over 700 hectares had been acquired by settlers illegally leaving an estimated 160 hectares for LASU’s development which is grossly inadequate. That will be very difficult for the university to achieve what it wants to achieve. The goal the governor has given us for this university is to be among the top five in this country by 2020 and for us to do that, it is very critical to engage in issues of LASU land. “It is something we are committed to do. By the grace of God, we have started this process and we are going to complete it. It is critical that this regularisation process is done properly

within a time frame, we are totally committed to the process.�

He said the decision of the government to have them regularise their property was informed by its resolve to follow the path of peace with the community members, while appealing to them to cooperate with the state government to make the regularisation exercise realizable and the entire process seamless.

To become a bona-fide LASU tenant, BankOlemoh said an illegal occupant is expected to log in to llrp.lasu.edu.ng and enter their VBI number and passcode wherein they are expected to upload and update all personal information, as well as pay the registration fee of N100,000. “Fees can be paid online or in the alternative, one can print an invoice from the portal with a view to paying directly at the bank. It is important to stress that this registration fee of N100,000 will be deducted from the final registration fees upon the completion of the regularisation process. Again, under no circumstance should the fees be paid in cash to anybody.�

The special adviser said the regularisation exercise will be open between now and April 30, 2018, adding that failure to complete the exercise before the April 30 deadline will attract 25 per cent increase in the fees in the first instance covering between May 1 and June 30, 2018, while a 50 per cent increase in the regularisation fees will be visited on defaulters covering the final penalty phase of July 1 and September 30. “Any property that is not registered or regularised by the September 30, 2018 deadline will be repossessed by the state government,� he said, adding that upon the regularisation exercise, annual land use charges and rental fees would be payable to the government and LASU respectively.

Asked why it took so long for the state government to realise that people have encroached on LASU land, he confirmed to THISDAY that, “the encroachment has been an ongoing problem. Government is a continuum, and each government takes on the assets and liabilities of the previous administration. The important thing is that we are now engaging the issue decisively, and taking into consideration all relevant stakeholders.�

On what will happen if the owners of such properties cannot pay or are not ready to pay the required fees aside the registration fee online, Bank-Olemoh said, “there is a law that governs property ownership in Lagos. We are bound as government to fully implement the law. What

we are trying to do here is to give government a human face; to be as fair as possible and give people a chance to come within the boundaries of the law.�

Asked why a state government would allow the omo oniles to either sell/lease out a property belonging to LASU to people without a certificate of occupancy, he said “the mandate we have from the governor is to make this process as least disruptive as possible. People have obtained property outside of the legal route and the government is working to rectify the situation. This process is to empower the people there and give them economic liberation.�

The Director, Centre for Planning Studies, who is in charge of LASU land encroachment, Professor Ayo Omotayo disclosed that about 14,400 property have currently encroached on LASU land, adding that his team had to distribute leaflets to the illegal tenants and paste stickers on the houses to educate them on how they can regularise their possessions. “At the last meeting, we told them that if they don’t comply, LASU will repossess its property.

Hopefully, people should cooperate, they have been there illegally for as long as 25 years and we are only saying they should regularise their possession. We refused to grant them approval simply because it is for LASU, none of them can produce a certificate of occupancy, it is a gazetted land.�

THISDAY investigation revealed that the government has been meeting with the institution’s management where it was decided that another stakeholders’ meeting will be held and the amount to be paid by the illegal tenants would be decided, as Professor Omotayo confirmed that the government wants to give the exercise a human face.

The efforts of the familiarization team to educate members of the community on the need for the illegal tenants to regularize their stay on LASU land, didn’t however go down well with the Baale Elerin of Igboelerin, HRH Taofeeq Toriola Aina as he issued a death threat to the team and even this reporter when she visited him in his palace to ask him about him about his views on the issue.

He denied knowledge of any stakeholders meeting, saying that the vice-chancellor should be careful of his moves not to offend the members of the community. “The VC should go and ask his predecessors what happened to them,� he said, adding that the LASU management should have informed the baales of various communities before embarking on pasting the stickers on their possession.

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EDUCATION

Rivers Varsity Unveils Library in Honour of Late Alaere Alaibe Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The Faculty of Management Sciences, Rivers State University, has unveiled a 500-capacity library built in honour of Augustina Alaere Alaibe, the late wife of prominent Bayelsa State politician and former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe.

The facility located inside the newly built faculty building, was unveiled exactly on the ninth anniversary of the death Mrs. Alaibe, an alumnus of the faculty, who graduated from the Department of Banking and Finance.

The Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Donald Hamilton said the project was in recognition of the legacies of Mrs. Alaibe, demonstrated through “her selfless efforts to touch lives through her nongovernmental organisation, the Family Reorientation, Education and Empowerment (FREE) programme.�

In his remarks, Timi said he was humbled by the decision of the university to honour his late wife, adding that touching humanity and the society is what man was made for. “I believe that if we can all impact on our own part in minimal ways, the society will be better for it. The honour is something

we never expected for if this honour was bestowed on me or a politician or somebody in corporate service, people would have said, oh they bought it. But this is somebody who is late.

So when I got the letter, to be honest I was quite humbled and I pray that those who thought it wise to do this would also be celebrated at their own times.�

He said he and his late wife consider the university, particularly the Faculty of Management Sciences, a home of sorts, adding that it was the institution that brought both of them together. “I am eternally grateful to this university and particularly the faculty for letting my path and that of the phenomenal Alaere

Augustina Alaibe cross�, he stated adding that her brief stay on earth was eventful and truly unforgettable.

He said he, the children and thousands of other people, especially of the Niger Delta region whom she touched miss her sorely but are consoled by the fact that her legacy lives on. “I speak of a legacy that continues to inspire positive change in series of life-long pursuit especially helping women in the Niger Delta resolve some of the developmental dilemma through the double-edged weapon of literacy and empowerment.�

He thanked the management of the university and dean of the faculty for their kindness

and thoughtfulness in electing to name the library after her, describing it as a huge surprise and one for which he is deeply touched. “She deployed all her energies to drive her pet project and she truly became unstoppable in her quest to change the sordid narrative of the thoroughly deprived youths in the poverty stricken communities of Niger Delta. She might have gone physically, but her legacy lives on.�

He urged all Nigerians, especially the students of the university and particularly members of the faculty to try and impact their immediate environments positively. “I counsel that you imbibe the

spirit of selflessness as Alaere did. We must think beyond ourselves. What are we doing for others?�

He also called on some of his friends to support the university.

One of them, the Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, who is also an alumnus of the faculty and classmate of Alaibe, immediately took up the challenge announcing that the bank would henceforth support the faculty.

He said the bank would provide the library with 500 computer sets, a 200 KVA diesel powered generator, all the shelves for the library, as well as make the library fully and adequately air conditioned.

FG to Assist Edo to Rehabilitate Deported Migrants Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The federal government has pledged to assist the Edo State government to rehabilitate the deported migrants and trafficked persons in the state to boost their educational status.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu expressed the government’s support, while exchanging views with Governor Godwin Obaseki in Abuja.

Adamu also promised to render help beyond the request of the governor in order to curtail the crisis by advancing the educational levels of all the victims.

In this regard, the minister advised Obaseki to make a formal request to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) for special

interventions in the proposed tertiary institutions to be used to actualized his plans.

Obaseki had earlier appealed to the minister to consider special help for the state to upgrade its three colleges of education and the polytechnics to be used to train such persons.

He explained that his government’s research reviewed that most of the deported migrants and trafficked persons have low academic levels, adding that equipping them with better education and skills will enhance their orientation and life styles. He assured the minister of the state government’s willingness to meet up with whatever criteria that would qualify the designated tertiary institutions to merit TETFund’s interventions.

Cowbellpedia: Schools Intensify Registration as Deadline Approaches With the February 11 deadline for registration fast approaching, secondary schools across the country are besieging the Cowbellpedia registration portal to enlist their students for the 2018 Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics Television Quiz Show.

The qualifying examination will hold on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at designated centres across the country.

According to the Marketing Manager of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk and sponsors of the competition, Abiodun Ayodeji, registration for this year’s competition is strictly online via the website: www.cowbellpedia.ng, and it is free.

He explained that each participating school is entitled to present five candidates who must be between 10 and 18 years old for each of the junior and senior categories. To encourage girl child education, mixed schools are expected to nominate a minimum of

two girls for each category to represent such school.

As an added value, he said the first 1,000 schools to complete their registration will be entitled to a free copy of the Cowbellpedia Compendium, a compilation of questions and answers of past editions of the competition. This is to improve proficiency of students in Mathematics and commemorate the 20th anniversary of Cowbell and Mathematics.

While urging schools and students to avail themselves of the opportunity ahead of the deadline for registration, Ayodeji advised that each school should nominate their best students to boost their chances all through to the final.

In registering their students, he said the schools should visit www.cowbellpedia.ng and click on the link ‘Register your School’ for new schools to fill and submit the form while for schools that have registered from previous editions they should click on the link ‘Log in’.

The Director, Centre for International and Advanced Professional Studies (CIAPS), Professor Anthony Kila (left back row) with the Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor onTrade and Investment, Mrs Hafsat Abiola-Castelo, and some graduands of the centre at the inauguration of CEO held in Lagos... recently

Godfrey Okoye Varsity Turns out Nine First Class, 324 Graduates Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu A total of 324 graduates, including nine first class graduands will take part in the fifth convocation ceremonies of the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, which will hold on Saturday, February 10.

Of the figure, 126 second class (upper division); 149 second class (lower division) and 40 third class will also be graduating on the same day.

Briefing journalists at the university’s Convocation Arena on Monday, the Vice-Chancellor, Rev Prof. Christian Anieke said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeamah would deliver the convocation lecture on Friday, February 9.

He said one of the unique features of the convocation is the famous GO University Town and Gown Assembly, the meeting of the university and the companies and service

agencies within the state and the nation.

According to him, more than 50 companies have registered so far for the event, which would offer students the opportunity to interface with them, ask questions and discover areas where they can direct their research interests and activities.

He said the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the Faculty of

Law of the university, even as he announced the readiness to move the university to its permanent site at Ugwuomu Nike in the next academic session in 2019.

Anieke said the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal has commenced the construction of an ultramodern auditorium at the permanent site, in addition to other structures completed or under construction at the site.

School Owner Canvasses Former Law School DG to ICT Inclusion in Education Deliver YCT Public Lecture Funmi Ogundare The founder of City of Knowledge Academy, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Mrs. Mosunmola Bello-Olusoga has stressed the need for schools to embrace ICT in their teaching and learning so that students can achieve their potential and become the best they can be in life.

Bello-Olusoga, who made this known recently at the first primary school ICT competition, which saw Supreme Education Foundation, Magodo, Lagos emerge first position, said schools must make available computers for students’ use and they must be aware of its positive and negative effects.

“They have to be sure that the sites their children visit are not where they don’t want them to access, so monitoring the site is very important. Our students have laptop computers and all the lessons and education facilitates are there but we are particular about some sites which they are not allowed to go to. Once you attempt going there, it buzzes and the students are reprimanded.�

She expressed delight about the outcome of the competition, saying, “it is the first and it is a learning process, but so far so good. I think next year, it is going to be a lot better and bigger. In terms of organisation.

The former Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Kole Abayomi, will tomorrow February 8, deliver the 2018 public lecture of the Yoruba Tennis Club (YCT) with the theme ‘Federalism: Myth or Reality.

The Nigerian Experience’.

The programme which will hold at the club’s Greetings Hall, will feature other discussants such as former Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olayiwola Ogunbambi, a former member Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, Mr. Dele Farotimi emphasising on key issues.

The General Secretary of the club, Mr. Tunde Osunsedo in a release lauded the past

contributions of the guest lecturer in the development and strengthening of legal education.

The special guest of honour is the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, while the Chairman, Board of Trustees and former Federal Commissioner, Works and Housing, Alhaji Femi Okunnu is expected to chair the occasion. “The club has had the privilege of playing host to many prominent Nigerians and non-Nigerians who have made their mark both locally and internationally and their lectures have always been a compass for progressive national development,� Osunsedo said.

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‘Our Mission is to Provide World Class Education’ Prof. Hussein Oyelola Oloyede is the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of a faith-based tertiary institution, Summit University founded

by Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria. In this interview with Funke Olaode at his office in Offa, Kwara State, he speaks about the mission and vision of the founders to make the oneyear-old institution a sought after one in Nigeria and beyond hall was donated by the CEO of Caverton Helicopters, Mr. Remi Makanjuola and his family. It is a beautiful edifice that has not only cut off and reduced some of our financial burden, it has also changed the face of the university. We look for donors, philanthropists, and the founders.

And of course, we are looking for grants outside the country.

Can we have an insight into who you are?

I am Prof. Hussein Oyelola Oloyede, the Vice-Chancellor of a newly established Summit University based in Offa, Kwara State. I had worked previously at University of Ilorin and also served as a pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University in Osogbo, Osun State before my present appointment.

When did the founder conceive the idea of this institution?

The institution is a product of many years of painstaking planning and harnessing of human and material resources. The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society remains one of the foremost religious organisations with impressive records in the provision of education for Nigerian students at primary, secondary and tertiary levels irrespective of their religious, ethnic, geographical and political affiliation. Summit University happens to be their first university in Nigeria. The process to establish a faith-based university with a world-class standard of teaching, research and community service began in February 2002, when the National Education Board of Ansar-UdDeen Society of Nigeria set up the Higher Education Committee with a view to actualising the dreams and yearning of members. On April 3, 2004, the National Executive Committee of the society resolved to locate the university at Offa, Kwara State. In June 2005, the society applied formally for opening license as a private university from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja.

And in July, 2013, the Special Committee on Private Universities of the NUC conducted the third verification visit of facilities on the campus of the proposed university. The takeoff of the university was granted in February 2015 with the formal presentation of the provisional license to the society, which held at a ceremony presided over by the then Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau in March, 2015 at the NUC office in Abuja. The university eventually commenced operation in 2017.

What makes it tick?

Well, it is an Islamic faithbased university that doesn’t discriminate because the admission is for both Muslims and Christians. What makes it tick is that if you look at universities in the country, the three key aspects of learning: knowledge, skills and morals are taught separately. But at the Summit University we blend the three together so that when we are giving knowledge to the students we are also emphasising the skills aspect and at the same time we are talking about the moral component.

Oloyede

Considering the fact that it is a new institution, how many of the courses have been accredited by the NUC? Well, talking about accreditation, it doesn’t happen until after two years of the commencement of the programme. We are just one year. But I can tell you that the various programmes we offer are marketable. In the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, we have Biochemistry, Microbiology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics etc. In the College of Management and Social Science, we have Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Political Science and Mass Communication.

Why informed the name ‘Summit University’?

It means peak, it means zenith, it means on top of the mountain. What we do is that immediately a student wants to enter the school and if he/she is someone who always thinks low of him/herself, as soon as he/she comes in the low esteem is boosted and that is the way to the top. So everything we are doing here must be excellent, standard with high quality education.

There is a problem with the public tertiary education in terms of falling standard.

How do you think the Nigerian education system can regain its lost glory?

I think the problem is that our priorities are wrong and because of this, we don’t really care for the children. And today, the thinking of our upcoming generation is different and that is what we want to change here in Summit University. Morality is the basis and once you have it, you have had it all. You may be knowledgeable but if you lack morality you will get it wrong. That is the aspect we try to emphasize to change the negative view of our students so by the time they finish from

here, they will occupy important positions in the country where they will be able to effect positive changes.

But there is this general impression that government policies sometimes hamper the progress of the education sector?

For me, it is two ways: government policies and the implementation. If you have the right people in right places how committed are they? Having an expert in a particular field doesn’t necessarily guarantee maximum delivery if the fellow is not committed. The experts are in the ministries, they are the ones that will tell the man that is there that this is the way and if the fellow is ready, he will listen to them and they will be able to move forward. The problem with Nigeria in most cases is implementation and commitment. No matter how many times you change the constitution of this country if you don’t have people who are committed, the people who are ready to work for this country we are just wasting our time.

How do you intend to bring your wealth of experience to take this university to higher height?

I thank God that even the one I pioneered in Osogbo some of my ex-students are doing well now. I always ask this question occupying a position is different but how committed are you. If you are committed the students also will be committed. In private universities, the fewer students you have the more attention they are going to get. We talk about staff student ratio. Here in Summit University the staff student ratio is one to four. Often time, people say why are private university students getting first class? It is simple. It is because of the staff student ratio. Don’t forget that most of the lecturers we are engaging are from the public universities.

There is also the general notion that private universities are not meant for the poor. What is your view?

I will use Summit University as an example. The cost here is affordable compared to other universities. Here, students pay N280,000 for science based programmes, while N275,000 for social science based programme.

And being an Islamic faith-based university, we don’t want education to be only at the prerogative of the rich. We want the poor too to have access to quality education. In addition, we assist them by offering rebates. We offer scholarships as well and this will continue to ensure that not only the rich will have access to quality education but the poor also.

What foreign afďŹ liation does Summit University have?

It is in the pipeline because any affiliation both locally will enable us to network in the areas of exchange of knowledge and idea. We have started at the local level with universities around us. For instance, University of Ilorin is the mentoring university for Summit University and from there we would extend our tentacles across the country and outside.

You left an indelible mark in Fountain University where you worked as a pioneer VC. Where do you see the school in the next ďŹ ve years?

I want the Summit University at the ‘summit’ and I want its graduates to be driven by the political and the economic affairs of this country and to show to the world that Summit University Offa, the university of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria is the best.

How do you get funding?

The founders, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society are huge and we are taking advantage of that in driving funding. But it is not enough. We also have philanthropists who are showing interest in us. Recently, a 500-seater ultra-modern lecture

By the time you quit the stage what would you like to be remembered for?

That a man has come to this world, gave his best so that this university that God has allowed him to pioneer will continue to be the best.

Listen Up Please ËŤ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂšĂ&#x;ÚÓÖĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ËŠĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ËŞ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ëœ Ă“Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă–Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ?ײˏ ËŤ Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ëœ Ă“Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă–Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ?ײˏ Ă™ Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă? ÓÞ˪Ă? ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂ?ÎËÑÙÑÓĂ? Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?Ă–Ëœ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă‹ĘĽĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ËŠĂ˜Ă&#x;ĂœĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–ĂŁËŞ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ăœ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ËŠĂ?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ËŞ Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ËŠĂ?Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă?ËŞË› Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? ËŞĂŽ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă?Ă? ÞåÙ ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ—Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă– ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ ÞÒÓĂ? ÚÙĂ?Þ˛ Ă?ÙÖÖĂ?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ëœ Ă‹ĂŁËœ ĂĄĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ă?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ‹ĂœĂœĂ‹Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–ĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÒÙå Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?ÓÑÒÞ̋ãĂ?Ă‹ĂœĚ‹Ă™Ă–ĂŽ ĂŽĂ‹Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ?ĂœËœ ĂŒĂ“Ëœ Ă’Ă‹ĂŽ Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă–ĂŁ ÞËÕĂ?Ă˜ Ùà Ă?Ăœ Ă’Ă?Ăœ ×ÙÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ–ĂŁ ĂœĂ™Ă–Ă? Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ù×Ă?Ă™ĂœĂžĂ?ĂœËœ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ě‹ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĘŽĂ“Ă?Þ̋ ĂœĂ?Ă?ÙÖà Ă?ĂœË› Ăž Ă?Ă™ ÒËÚÚĂ?Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă’Ă?ËŞĂŽ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă™Ă–Ă Ă?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽ ĂœĂ‹Ă‘Ă? Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă—Ă‹Ă–Ă? ĂŽĂœĂ“Ă Ă?Ăœ Ă’Ă‹ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă? ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă’Ă?Ăœ ÞÙ Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă? Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ™Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹ Ě‹Ă”Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă? ÙʼĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŽĂœĂ“Ă Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ę° ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ăš Ă?Ă&#x;ĘŠĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂŽ Ă—ĂŁ Ă?ÙÖÖĂ?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? ÞÙ Ă?ÖÙå ĂŽĂ™ĂĄĂ˜ ÞÙ Ă‹ Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂĄĂ– ĂŒĂ?Ă’Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă˜Ă‹Ă&#x;ÑÒÞã ĂŽĂœĂ“Ă Ă?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă—Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœË› Ă‹ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ Ă?Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă’ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă– Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ?ÖÖÙåĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă™ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? ÞÒËÞ ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂŁ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ ĂŽĂœĂ“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ–ĂŁË› ĂŒĂ“ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ëœ Ă?Ó×ÚÖã Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ăœ Ă‹Ă? Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ËÖÖÙå Ă’Ă?ĂœËœ Ă?Ă&#x;ÚÚĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹ĂŁËŞĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽĂ–ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽËœ ËŤ ÒËÞ˪Ă? ÙÕËã Ă—Ă&#x;Ă—Ëœ ÓÞ˪Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ùà Ă?Ăœ Ă˜Ă™ĂĄË›ËŹ Ă‹ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ËŠĂ’Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ËŞ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?ĘŽĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă˜ Ă’Ă?Ăœ ÖÓʾÖĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽËŞĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂŽĂ? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂœË› Ă™ ÞÒÓĂ? ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă‹ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă’Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ÞËÕĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂŽĂ‘Ă? Ùʼ Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ă?Ă? åÓÞÒ ˍÓÞ˪Ă? ÙÕËã Ă—Ă&#x;Ă—Ëœ ÓÞ˪Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ùà Ă?Ăœ Ă˜Ă™ĂĄË›ËŹ Ă™Ă–Ă–Ă™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂŽĂ“ĂŽ Ă‹ ÖÓʾÖĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă– ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă’ Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ăž Ă?Ù×Ă? ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă— Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ ËŠĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ËŞ ÞÒĂ?Ă— ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? ĂŒĂ?ĘľĂ?Ăœ ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ě‹ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ë› Ă?ÖÙå Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă—ĂŁ Ę¨Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă? ÞÒËÞ ËŞĂŽ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ? åÓÞÒ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ë? ÍŻĚš Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ËŞĂ? ÙÚĂ?Ă˜Ě‹Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂŽĂ˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă™Ă?ÓÞã Ě‹ Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂžĂ’ĂŁ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă—Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“Ă?Ă•Ă–ĂŁ ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ? ÎÙ˛ Ăž Ă“Ă? ÚÙĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ–Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă?Ě‹Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ĂĄĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂœĂŁ Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă?Ă™ Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂœĂŽĂ?ĂŽĂ–ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ“Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă‘ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;ĂšĂ?Ë› Í°Ěš Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“Ă?ÓÞÓà Ă? Ě‹ Ă’Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ ĂĄĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă‹ ĂœĂ™Ă™Ă—Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ËŞĂ–Ă– Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? ÒÙå ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ×Ùà Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ĂŒĂ&#x;ĘľĂ? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“Ă?Ă•Ă–ĂŁ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂŽĂ‘Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă˜ ÞÙ ÖÙÙÕ Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ù×Ă?ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ÚÖËã åÓÞÒ Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă?ÞÓÑËÞĂ?Ë› Ă‹Ă Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă–Ă™Ă?Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă’Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă?ÞÓÑËÞĂ?Ëœ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă™Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœËŁ Ă’ĂŁ Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă™ ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă–Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽËŁ ͹̚ Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă? Ě‹ Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă–Ă–Ëœ Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ—Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă Ă?Ë› ãÚÓĂ?Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁËœ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ ĂŽĂ‹Ă?Ă’ Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă˜Ă™Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ëž Ă?Ă•Ă“Ăš Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÒÙÚ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ĂĄĂ‹Ă–Ă• ÒÙ×Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă?Ă?ÒÙÙÖ˞ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ Ă?Ă‹Ăž Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă•Ă?Ă˜ Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ ÎÙÑ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă™Ăœ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă?Ă?ÒÙÙÖ˛ Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ËŞĂ? Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă‹Ă?ÞÓà Ă? Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă?Ù×Ă? ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ? ÞÙÖÎ Ă—Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ę¨Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ĂŽĂ—Ă“ĂœĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ë› Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă–Ăž Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă?ÞËã Ă‹Ă?ÞÓà Ă? ÞÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă™Ě‹Ă Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂœËœ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă?ËÖÞÒ˛ Ͳ̚ Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă‘Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ě‹ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ ĂŽĂ™Ă?Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă“Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ÞÙ Ă?Ă?Ă? ÒÙå Ă™ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă Ă“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă— ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă‹ ĂŒĂ‹ĂŽ Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă—Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž ĂŒĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă• Ă™Ă? Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë› Ă™Ă˜Ă?ÞÒĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁĂ™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;Ă? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ó×ÓÞËÞĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ–Ă“Ă•Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă‘Ă?Ë› Ă? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ĂšĂœĂ‹ĂŁĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă–ĂŁ ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ę¨Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ăœ Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă‹Ă“Ăœ Ă?ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ë› ͳ̚ Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ Ă?ÒÙå ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ÚÖËĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?˛˛˛ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? Ę¨Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ăœ ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ Ă‹ Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ ËÎËÚÞÓà Ă? Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;ÓÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“Ă?Ă•Ă–ĂŁ Ă?ÒÙå Ă“Ăž Ùʼ ÞÙ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;ÖÞ˛ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ÒÙå ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁËŞĂ Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜Ë› Ă“Ă Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă‹ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ Ă?Ù×Ă? ×Ù×Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? ÞÙ ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă– ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ÒÙå ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ËŞĂŽ Ę¨Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ě‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ę¨ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ě‹Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ă?Ă— ĂšĂ™ĂšĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂžĂ’ Ă?Ă™ĂšĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ě‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ę¨ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă“Ăš Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ě‹ĂŽĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă?ÚÞĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ù×Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ Ă‘ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă™Ă? ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁËŞĂ Ă? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–ĂŁ ÓÎÙÖÓäĂ?ĂŽË› Í´Ěš Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™Ă˜ËŞĂž Ă–Ă“Ă Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Ě‹ Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă? ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă?Ù×Ă?Ă? Ă&#x;Ăš Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ åÓÞÒ Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ëœ Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ–Ă?ĂŽĂ‘Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?Ë› ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž ÞÙÖÎ Ă—Ă? ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă‹ĂŽĂ—Ă“ĂœĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜Ë› Ă? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ĂŒĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă˜ ÞÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Ă‹ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă’ Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ ÞÙ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ? ×Ù×Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? ÞÒËÞ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă–Ă“Ă Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ë› Ă–Ă– Ă—Ă?Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? ×Ù×Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ™Ă&#x;Ă? ×Ù×Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ? ÑËÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁË› Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă&#x;Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? ÑÙÙÎ Ă™Ăœ ĂŒĂ‹ĂŽË› ;̚ Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà Ă? ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă“ĂžĂ? Ě‹ Ă? ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂĄĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ę¨Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ÞÙ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ÙÞÒĂ?ĂœËœ ˍ˛˛˛Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă–Ă?Þ˪Ă?˛˛˛ˏ ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‘ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă™Ăœ ÚÖËãÞÓ×Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă? ÞÙ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ÑÓäĂ?Ëœ Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă¤Ă?Ëœ ĂšĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ă?ĂžËœ Ó×ÚÖĂ?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă™ĂŒĂ?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă?ÞÓà ÓÞÓĂ?Ă?Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ËŞĂž Ă‹ĘĽĂ™ĂœĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă–Ă– Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ăœ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă–Ă– Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžËœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă‘Ă?Ăž Ă–Ă?Ę° ĂŒĂ?Ă’Ă“Ă˜ĂŽË› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă?ĘĽĂ™ĂœĂž ÞÙ ×Ùà Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂ™ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ë› ̚͜ Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™Ă˜ËŞĂž Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă”Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ăœ ĂŒĂ“Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě‹ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă”Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă Ă?ĂŽ Ă’Ă™Ă?ÞÓÖĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœËœ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă™ĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ ÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă’ĂžËœ ËʾÓÞĂ&#x;ĂŽĂ? Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă? ĂžĂ™ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? Ă?Ù×Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ù×Ă?ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› ĂšĂœĂ?Ă”Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă?Ă Ă?Ăœ ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ–Ă?ĂŽĂ‘Ă?Ëœ Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ăœ ÞÒÙĂ&#x;ÑÒÞ˛ ĂŒĂ“Ă‹Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹ ÞÙĂ&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă–Ă“Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ?ĂœË› Ăž ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ? ÞÙ Ă‹ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă‹Ă“Ăœ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă‹Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁ Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž Ă‹ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă‘ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă™Ăœ Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ë› Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă– ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ÚËĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă”Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ“Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă? ÞÙ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜Ëœ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÚÖËã åÓÞÒ Ă˜Ă™ Ă“Ă˜Ă’Ă“ĂŒĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë›

Ě‹ Omoru writes from the UK

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

Nwani: At Meadow Hall, We Champion Holistic Devt of Children Meadow Hall Group, founded by Mrs. Kehinde Nwani, is an educational group with six subsidiaries; Meadow Hall Education, Meadow Hall Consult, Spring Meadow Edutainment, Meadow Hall Branchise, Meadow Hall Resources and Meadow Hall Foundation. Meadow Hall Education is one of the renowned educational institutions in Nigeria that prides itself as “the place to excel� in academics and multiple intelligences, as evidenced by the quality of education they offer through the British and Nigerian curricula. The school was recently awarded COBIS Patron’s Accredited Member status. Nwani, tells THISDAY the vision, focus and some developmental initiatives of Meadow Hall to ensure a well-rounded education and holistic development of children and why continuous teacher training is key to achieving this doing at Meadow Hall to raise teaching standards?

We continue to raise the standards, not just for teachers in Meadow Hall but we have created an opportunity for all teachers in Nigeria through one of our subsidiaries, Meadow Hall Consult (MHC), the consulting arm of the group. The aim of the consult is to provide creative and innovative support to educational institutions and stakeholders.

Through Meadow Hall Consult, we raise the standard of teaching by providing consultancy services and conducting top-notch professional trainings and workshops to enhance skill levels, build human capacity and increase productivity.

We organise programmes such as the Finishing School for Teachers and EDUCAMP. We also run a Practical Academy and Leadership Academy for teachers. We have a very vibrant team of 21st century skilled facilitators and educational consultants to handle these courses.

What is your role at Meadow Hall Group?

I oversee the entire group and as the visionary, I continue to cast the vision, inspiring all members of staff to buy into it so that it becomes a shared vision and I also continue to monitor that we do not lose sight of the objectives for which Meadow Hall was set up. I am a social entrepreneur and I am passionate about the holistic development of children who are 100 per cent the future of our nation.

You were once a lawyer with extensive experience in the legal profession. What motivated you to go into the education sector?

Purpose and passion motivated me to go into the education sector. Yes, I practiced law for about 15 years but wasn’t fulfilled. I had studied law for the wrong reasons - it was a much more respected course and one I thought would guarantee me success, fame and glamour.

This caused me to change from Education (which was the course I entered university to study) to Law after my first year in the university. I soon realised practicing law wasn’t for me, but God in his mercy brought me back to the place he had ordained for me, and now I have found passion, fulfillment of purpose and relevance.

I am in God’s will and I am happy.

Tell us about the vision and objective of Meadow Hall. What are your contributions in improving the education system? What would you say are your major achievements?

The vision of Meadow Hall is to raise ‘change makers’ and our objective is to use education as a tool for societal transformation. Our contributions in improving the educational system include raising leaders, adopting the use of multiple intelligences, which allows children excel in their different areas of strength (which might not necessarily be in academics) thereby giving them tools that can help them succeed in future.

Other contributions include our teacher training programmes like the Graduate Teacher Trainee Programme (GTTP), Meadow Hall Finishing School for Teachers (MFST) and Free Teacher Professional Development for teachers in public schools and low cost private schools. Through our foundation, we organise the Inspirational Educator Awards (INSEA) and hold education conventions for teachers. For more information, visit http://meadowhallfoundation.org/ education-convention/ To nominate a teacher for INSEA, visit http:// www.inseawards.org.

I believe the birthing of Meadow Hall Group, a parent company with six subsidiaries, which takes care of every relevant aspect of education is a major achievement and an idea that is unique to us.

Meadow Hall is fully committed to raising excellent, Godly and well-rounded children especially engaging in sports and other co-curricular activities. Can you tell us more about your sports programme?

We are involved in sports because we believe in the holistic development of children and providing opportunities for their development not just through an academic curriculum, but through an active engagement in sports. It is important to give the children an opportunity to engage in sports at an early age. As with most things in life, starting early is key.

Last year, we had the second edition of the Meadow Hall Football Camp with Daniel Amokachi, and we are looking forward to hosting

Since the government cannot do it alone, in what areas can the government partner with private entrepreneurs to improve the quality of education in Nigeria?

Capacity development of teachers is an important area where there has to be more collaboration with the private sector. Teachers are often referred to as the fulcrum of the education system, hence the need to engage them in continuous professional development programmes.

Education is integral, therefore the government cannot be left to saddle this responsibility alone.

The private sector is needed in the adoption of low-budget public schools in need of educational resources and infrastructure.

Nwani

another one in July this year. We also partnered with the International Tennis Academy for the development of our tennis programme. Finally, through one of our subsidiary companies, Spring Meadow Edutainment (SME), we are able to create avenues where the children can have fun while still developing their God-given talents.

What makes Meadow Hall unique for learning?

Our unique selling point is the delicate blend of the British and Nigerian curricula with the focus on the spiritual development of the children. It is this intricate blend, all in the right proportion that makes us unique.

Also, the Individualised Learning derived from the child-centeredness of our curriculum. Our teachers teach children and not just subjects, thereby going beyond the delivery of the curriculum. Our teachers’ knowledge and proficiencies in the subjects they teach is also a strong factor. We also acknowledge the fact that not every child will excel in the academics, hence our celebration of multiple intelligences in our pupils; this has become intrinsic to our curriculum.

Also, our Assessment for Learning (AFL) practices focus on the concept of learning how to learn, whereby teachers as part of their assessment for learning practices promote self-learning.

This is very important as the curriculum can become out-dated and some of the things the students learnt will also become out-dated, but the skill of knowing how to learn makes them into lifelong learners.

Students of Meadow Hall usually excel, especially in external examinations like IGCSE. What is the secret?

Our pupils are expertly and thoroughly guided

on what subjects would take them through their destinations and beyond. This is because success is more likely if the level of interest is high in any endeavour.

Our teachers consistently demonstrate secure knowledge and proficiency to use our resources to achieve success in our pupils. We also include a lot of mentoring sessions to prepare our children psychologically before any exam (just as good football coaches do for instance before a match), psychological preparation is also important, as important as physical preparation.

Meadow Hall was recently awarded COBIS Patron’s Accredited Member status after receiving an excellent rating from COBIS Compliance and Accreditation team. How do you feel receiving such commendation?

I am elated and grateful to God. It was a lot of hard work and an extremely rigorous process of course but we ‘passed with flying colours’. The vision of Meadow Hall has always been hinged on excellence, right from the very beginning. Excellence drives standards and ensures continuous improvement. The COBIS accreditation process is simply an acknowledgement (external) of the quality of what we offer and one that we also needed to be sure we were doing the right things. The suggestions they also proffered are things that will certainly continue to place our institution over and above our competitors. It was very rigorous but our staff found it an exciting experience and to be honest, it is great to have moved from being just an associate member to becoming a fully accredited member of such a prestigious organisation as COBIS (Council of British International Schools).

There is no doubt we have a shortfall of qualiďŹ ed teachers in Nigeria. What are you

You established Meadow Hall Edutainment Centre at Lekki Phase 1 to inspire and nurture creativity in children; can you tell us more about this?

Meadow Hall Edutainment Centre is essentially tailored to meet the needs of working parents by offering a one-stop centre for developing children’s talents in various areas such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Bookarama (reading club), Afternoon Adventure, Learning Hub, Music Academy, Swimming, Babies’ room (crèche) and Language Parlour. In addition to these, we offer various programmes/events including fairs, camps, excursions and tours throughout the year. This is geared towards developing children’s multiple intelligences, expanding their learning experiences and widening their horizons.

You are the GMD/CEO of Meadow Hall Group with six subsidiaries. How are you able to handle all of these with your role as a wife, mother, social entrepreneur and a PhD student?

It is said that the safest place to be is in the will of God, because I am in His will, He gives me ability that is beyond me. People ask me all the time- how do you cope? It’s by God’s grace.

Also, I prioritize; I don’t try to be ‘superwoman’.

When I notice that things seem to be slipping in a particular area, I quickly adjust. Also, I have a very good support system. I call these people my destiny helpers.

Special thanks also goes to my husband, who has been my support and greatest cheer leader. His help and understanding has gone a long way in helping me cope with all the things I juggle.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

36

CITYSTRINGS

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

The UN Goes to School As the world marked the World Holocaust Day, the United Nations took the peace campaign to schools to catch them young. Peace Obi writes

A cross section of students at the Holocaust Day held at Government College, Agege...recently

P

eople do not only learn from their own mistakes but also from the mistakes of others.

Experiences from past mistakes, when positively applied do not only lead to the avoidance of the reoccurrence of unpleasant situations, it also paves way for informed and thought-through decisions, progress and quality life for both individuals as well as the society at large.

To spread the message of hope, peace and actions geared towards building a safer and happier society, the United Nations through its international days created special observances to promote international awareness and action on different issues.

The UN, founded in 1945 after the World War II when many nations were in ruins and the world in desperate need of peace has ever since remained committed to its founding charters. In its drive to live up to its mandate, the international organistion marks each international day with a theme.

The first on its calendar is the Holocaust Day, observed across the globe every 27th of January. On the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, the UN in different parts of the world organises campaigns, educating people on the lessons from Adolf Hitler's Nazi German force and its collaborators' dastardly acts that caused the death of over six million European Jews among others.

Described as the worst crime against humanity, the UN through its founding Charter has remained resolute in its pursuit for the prevention of such extreme escalation of hate in and around the world again.

In its 2018 Holocaust Day, the international organisation took its campaign train to

schools, catching and filling the minds of young people with values of tolerance, reasons to embrace peace, respect for individual human rights, to say no to hate and violence.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutterres in his message for the 2018 Holocaust Remembrance Day with a theme, ‘Holocaust Remembrance and Education: Our Shared Responsibility’, called on people

Today, we are calling on all of you to stand against hate, hate speech and violence against people because of their identity. Each of us has a role to play. Let us put an end to hate speech on social media. Let us learn tolerance of one another. We have lined up events to remind us of the tragic happenings of the holocaust. Our hope is that you - the young people will learn lessons that will enable us have a peaceful society

and countries to resist racism, normalisation of hate and violence. "Today, we remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who perished in the Holocaust.

Countless others also lost their lives as cruelty convulsed the world. Yet, decades since the Second World War, we see the persistence of anti-semitism and an increase in other forms of prejudice.

"Neo-Nazis and white supremacy groups are among the main purveyors of extreme hatred. And too often, vile views are moving from the margins to the mainstream of societies and politics. We must stand together against the normalisation of hate. “Whenever and wherever humanity's values are abandoned, we are all at risk. All of us have a responsibility to quickly, clearly and decisively resist racism and violence.

Through education and understanding, we can build a future of dignity, human rights and peaceful coexistence for all," Gutterres said.

Speaking in Lagos during this year's Holocaust Day at Government College, Agege, the Country Director, United Nations Information Centre, Ronald Kayanja said that his organisation is worried that more than 70 years after the Holocaust, "we still have cases of people killing others because of their tribe, race or religion. This should not be happening!"

According to him, the UN is deliberate in its effort in reaching out to the young people. He described the human mind as the seat of all human activities and centre of decisions and that it must be positively filled with right information for right behaviourial traits and actions.

In his remarks, UN Country Director said

that, "we decided today to bring together students from about 90 schools from District 1 in Lagos State Education Districts to create awareness about the dangers of the Holocaust, how it happened, why it happened so that it does happen again."

Kayanga noted that "the United Nations was formed as one of the solutions to this evil." And that UN wants to ensure that it doesn't happen ever again to humanity where people die because they are different, because of their religion or because of their race. "This is the awareness we want to create here. That is why we called the young people to inculcate into them the values of tolerance so that we have people that stand against hatred,� he said.

"Today, we are calling on all of you to stand against hate, hate speech and violence against people because of their identity.

Each of us has a role to play. Let us put an end to hate speech on social media.

Let us learn tolerance of one another. We have lined up events to remind us of the tragic happenings of the holocaust. Our hope is that you - the young people will learn lessons that will enable us have a peaceful society," Kayanja told the students.

Speaking further Kayanja told THISDAY that UN's partners, stakeholders and other organisations were equally organising similar event in schools around the country, especially about the issue of hatred. "You know, it started from hatred and it became a big thing where more than six million people were killed." He noted that the pockets of violence being recorded around the world should give everyone, especially governments cause for concern.

"That is the message of the UN Secretary-

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

37

CITYSTRINGS

General, that we are probably not seeing that magnitude but we are worried there is hate speech. People speak against each other because of their tribe or race and this is something we must stand up against.

Remember there was genocide in Rwanda where about one million people were killed, we even had many crimes against humanity in Europe in the 90s.

In his message to the government, Kayanja said, "it is very important what messages the government of Nigeria is giving to the people. Nigerian Government should come up with messages that indicate that all Nigerians are equal. By working together, this great country will be built," he said.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, District 1, Dr. Ayandele Abiose, encouraged every participant to take the lessons from the event home so as to jointly work to make the world a better place. "We are here to learn more about this event and live in peace with each other and with one another.

We are all one, created by one and the same God. No one is more important or superior to another; we are equal before God. So, we should treat ourselves as fellow human being."

The Tutor General who was represented by the HOD, School Administration Department, Mrs. Ann Akoo urged the students to learn from every segment of the programme which include film show and quiz. She encouraged them to take all they will learn from meeting to their friends back home and in school.

Commenting on the lessons he learnt from a film show titled, ‘The Path to Nazi Genocide’, Master Daniel David from Surulere Senior Secondary School said, "Watching the film, I saw the frightening height of human right abuse. I don't wish that such wickedness happens again. I am glad that Nigerian youths and students in particular are getting to learn about this grave cruelty against humanity. I am also convinced this will help youths to decide never, never to get involved in violence.

"I have learnt that we are equal before God and we should respect people's rights.

For me, I’m ready to take this message far.

I will share the message of tolerance and lessons I learnt from this meeting with my friends both in school and at home. I will also encourage them to spread it further because I think that way, we will be curbing the tendency in people to hate and to discriminate against people for whatever reasons so that we can live in peace and harmony in this country."

Sharing her views also, Miss Oyindamola Oyewusi of Ijejun Senior Comprehensive

I have learnt that we are equal before God and we should respect people's rights. For me, I’m ready to take this message far.

I will share the message of tolerance and lessons I learnt from this meeting with my friends both in school and at home. I will also encourage them to spread it further because I think that way, we will be curbing the tendency in people to hate and to discriminate against people for whatever reasons so that we can live in peace and harmony in this country

L-R: HOD, Co-Curriculum, Science and Technology Department, Mrs. Mary Oyetunde, students of Sasa Community Senior High School, Masters, Mosimiloluwa Adebisi, Chigozie Ndubuisi and the Country Director, United Nations Information Centre (Lagos), Mr. Rowland Kayanja, presenting UN's gifts to the winners of the quiz competition

The students during the poster exhibition led by United Nations National Information OďŹƒcer, Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun

High School, said that she felt emotional watching how the European Jews were robbed of their rights, separated from their fellow citizens as well as made it illegal for them to go school.

In her recommendation on how to forestall the reoccurrence of such evil in whatever magnitude, Oyewusi called for

more enlightenment for a larger number of Nigerian youths in every part of the country. "Our youth should be given education on the danger and consequences of fomenting violence and killing people indiscriminately.�

In her appeal to the government, Oyewusi urged governments at all levels to provide

job for unemployed people, provide good security, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the unnecessary waste of lives in the country. According to her, "because if not properly handled the current situation in the country may lead to something untoward for all us in this country," the student warned.

T H I S D AY ˞ , Ͱ˜ 2018

42

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Nova Merchant Bank Commences Operations Obinna Chima Nova Merchant Bank Limited, a newly licenced merchant bank with a focus on wholesale and investment banking as well as asset management, formally opened its doors to members of the public yesterday.

The unveiling of the financial institution whose corporate head office is situated at Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted top bankers, business leaders, and industrialists including Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

Speaking at the launch, the promoter of the bank and its Chairman, Mr. Phillips Oduoza expressed optimism that the bank would play a major role in providing financial solution in the country which has wide infrastructure deficit. “Banking is changing globally with the emergence of new entrants and the infusion of non-traditional business models leveraging advances in technology. We believe Nigeria should not be left behind.

Therefore, NOVA is here to bring a new experience in the banking industry. “Our mission is to create

superior value in markets where we operate. We also want to re-establish merchant banking as a key economic driver by providing long-term funding and advisory services.

In terms governance, at Nova, it ranks very high and we have adopted best practice,� he explained.

Speaking further, Oduoza reaffirmed his belief that the number of merchant banks in Nigeria is still very low, saying there is opportunity for more, considering the key role merchant banks play.

Dwelling on the strength of the new bank, Oduoza, who until recently was the Group Managing Director/CEO of the United Bank for Africa, noted that NOVA is equipped with talented people and cuttingedge technology, necessary to deliver its mandate as a merchant bank. “We have structured our products and designed our business model around merchant banking. We have carved a niche for ourselves and we believe strongly we will deliver in this area,� he promised the customers.

Declaring the bank open, Dangote, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended

the promoter of the bank who hedescribed as a thorough bred professional with a strong track record of achievements in the banking industry. He expressed his confidence in the quality of the board of directors of the Bank and the senior management team. “This is good news for the business community since funding or the lack of it is a major barrier to doing business in Nigeria. I am particularly elated that Nova is a merchant bank and the investment banking space is one that is craving for innovation. The past couple of years have been quite challenging for the Nigerian economy and this weighed down on assets quality. “Given the personalities on your board, under the leadership of Phillips Oduoza, I have no doubt that Nova Merchant Bank will not just survive, but would play a dominant role in the financial service landscape. I know what you (Oduoza) did at UBA and we don’t expect anything less from you. Phillips is a thorough bred professional who has had an exceptional and unblemished banking career,� Dangote added.

Report Predicts Positive Outlook for Nigeria’s Cement Sector Analysts at RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers (RMBNS) have forecast a positive outlook for the Nigerian cement sector, stating that 2018 could be the beginning of the next growth cycle for cement consumption in Nigeria. Specifically, RMBNS projected that Nigeria’s cement consumption would grow at about seven per cent yearon-year in 2018, compared with a 17 per cent decline it recorded in 2017, especially following the country’s exit from a challenging economic downturn in 2017.

Furthermore, RMBNS expects stronger consumption growth at 12 per cent compound annual growth rate (CGAR) between 2018 and 2023.

RMBNS stated this in a recent report on the Cement Industry obtained yesterday. The Head of Research at RMBNS, Gbenga Sholotan, foresaw supportive cement consumption drivers from the emergence of concrete roads and housing deficit which could unlock 53 metric tonnes and 24 metric tonnes

respectively by the end of 2020. “RMBNS sees improving government capex commitment and implementation as well as ongoing public-private partnership infrastructure financing initiatives as positives for cement demand,� it added.

The key risk for the Nigeria’s cement sector according to the report, in 2018, was the possibility of a price cut based on RMBNS in-house free cash flow (FCF) margin-cement price parity model. RMBNS reasons that cement prices could decline by about 12 per cent in 2018 after almost 60 per cent year-on-year increase in 2017. “The likelihood of BUA’s three metric tonnes per annum OBU II plant starting operations in 2018 further supports our view, given that historically, some price cuts have been implemented in the sector when smaller players announce new capacity,�the report added.

On a stock level, RMBNS recommended that “investors Overweight (OW) Dangote Ce-

ment, setting a 12-month target price of N271 per share and Underweight Lafarge Africa at N49 per share. RMBNS is of the view that Dangote Cement’s 2018 cement volume could come in higher at 11 per cent year-on-year (-c17% y/y; 2017e) to 24.5mt, with 2018 FCF growth robust at 55 per cent year-on-year (N296 billon), implying attractive FCF yield of seven per cent, on moderate capital expenditure needs. “RMBNS also sees Dangote Cement’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) margin resilient at 47 per cent going forward, with 2018 EBITDA growing 11 per cent year-on-year, helped by gains from the Pan-African operation. “On Lafarge Africa, RMBNS sees limited catalysts, negative excess return estimate of -8%, risks of potential operational plant downtime from ageing plants and continued unfavourable market dynamics in South Africa as supportive of its underweight rating.�

Fitch Affirms UBA’s Stable Outlook Fitch Ratings, one of the foremost global credit rating agencies has affirmed the long term issuer default rating of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) at “B�, with a stable outlook.

According to Fitch, the rating of UBA was driven by the standalone credit worthiness of thebank, as defined by its viability rating, which is constrained by Nigeria’s operating environment.

In its latest report, Fitch highlighted UBA’s systemic importance, its well established franchise and internationalisation across 19 African countries, all of which reinforce the rating strength of the Bank.

Furthermore, Fitch viewed UBA’s earnings and profitability positively, especially as it’s reported impaired loans/gross loans ratio (i.e non-performing loanratio) remained relatively low at around four per cent.

Fitch noted: “Corporate lending dominates the loan book, but much of it is collateralised.

UBA’s exposure to the oil & gas sector represents 20 per cent of total loans, lower than the 30 per cent sector average.�

This, it stated was a reflection of the diversified structure of UBA’s credit portfolio and an apparent evidence of the sound risk management of the Bank.

In addition, Fitch noted the

improved foreign currency liquidity of UBA, following the successful issuance of a$500 million Eurobond in 2017 and also affirmed the strength of the bank’s local currency funding profile.

According to the rating agency, UBA’s retail deposit is higher than the average of peers and local currency liquidity ratios are high. “We reckoned UBA maintained a liquidity ratio of 40% through the first nine months of 2017, a notable buffer over the regulatory requirement of 30%, despite the stressed liquidity in the Nigerian banking system within the period.�

Oduoza

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

Ě™

Ěš

AUGUST 2017 Broad Money (M2)

21,851,454.31

Ě‹Ě‹ Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ™ĂĄ Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ě™ ÍŻĚš

9,890,813.10

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,523,239.91

---- Demand Deposits

8,367,573.19

-- Quasi Money

11,960,641.22

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,732,990.89

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

12,118,463.42 26,821,446.81

Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ăž Ù×Ă?Ă?ÞÓĂ? ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž Ě™ Ěš Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž ÞÙ Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ě™ Ă?Þ̚

4,824,226.22

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ă—Ă™Ë? ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž ÞÙ Ùà Þ˛ Ě™ Ă?Þ̚ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?

7,834,536.74

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ă—Ă™Ë? Ă?ĂŽË› Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“ĂœĂœĂ™Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ě™ Ěš

-3,010,310.52

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž ÞÙ ĂœĂ“Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ě™ Ěš

21,997,220.59

--Other Assets Net

-14,702,983.39

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,486,804.65

Ě‹Ě‹ Ă&#x;ĂœĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜

1,868,735.07

Ě‹Ě‹ Ă‹Ă˜Ă•Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă?Ă?

3,268,266.17 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

MANAGED FUNDS Month

AUGUST 2017

Inter-Bank Call Rate

22.63

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.35

Savings Deposit Rate

4.08

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.86

3 Months Deposit Rate

10.14

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.51

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.40

Prime Lending rate

17.69

Maximum Lending Rate

31.20 Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WED, JAN 31, 2018 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $66.28 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $66.60 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations..

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY ˾ , FEBRUARY 2 , 2018

43

MARKET NEWS

Guinness Nigeria Returns to Profitability, Records N2.131bn in Six Months Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

indicated that the brewery recorded a revenue of N70.6 billion compared with N59.491 billion in 2016.

According to the company, the top-line growth was driven by both spirits and beer reflecting the expansion of the company’s portfolio, and improved operating margins with benefits from productivity initiatives despite sustained

Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced its half year results for the half year ended December 31, 2017, showing a profit after tax (PAT) of N2.131 billion, up from a loss of N4.667 billion in the corresponding period of 2016.

The unaudited results

cost pressures.

However, one factor that contributed to the positive performance was the rights issues raised by the company last year, which assisted to reduced finance costs from N4.578 billion to N3.106 billion in 2017.

Also, marketing spend increase by 17 per cent, demonstrating sustained

investment behind Guinness Nigeria’s brands, administrative and distribution expenses declined, driven by the company’s continuing focus on productivity.

Consequently, the profit before tax (PBT) stood at N3.544 billion as against a loss of N4.662 billion, while a PAT of N2/131 billion was recorded.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF

also against the backdrop of lapping inventory reduction from prior year.”

According to him, they believe in the continued execution of their strategy, allowing them to navigate a tough environment characterised by down trading of consumers as disposable income is subjected to additional pressure.

Commenting on the results, Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Peter Ndegwa, said: “In a difficult operating environment, notwithstanding recent signs of economic recovery, we delivered a strong performance with net sales growth of 19 per cent for the half year with growth in spirits and benefits of an expanding portfolio and

A S AT 3 0 / 0 1 / 2 0 1 8

Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N 1

29 PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

30

973,291.31

31.00

-0.16

434

15,571,720

31

434

15,571,720

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FBN HOLDINGS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm) 506,123.63

32

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

33

14.10

0.71

709

41,197,430

34

709

41,197,430

1,143

56,769,150

35 FOOD PRODUCTS

BANKING

BANKING S/N 2 OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N 3 BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL GOODS PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES AGRICULTURE S/N 4 5 6 CROP PRODUCTION S/N 7 FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING S/N 8 LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES AGRICULTURE CONGLOMERATES S/N 9 10 11 12 13 DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES CONGLOMERATES CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N 14 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION S/N 15 16 INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION S/N 17 REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT S/N 18 19 20 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONSUMER GOODS S/N 21 AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS S/N 22 23 24 25 26 BEVERAGES--BREWERS/ DISTILLERS S/N 27 BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC S/N 28

MARKET CAP(Nm) DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 4,600,937.00 BUILDING MATERIALS

S/N PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

270.00

0.75

37 37 37 1,180

204,887 204,887 204,887 56,974,037

36 37 FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED S/N 38

CROP PRODUCTION

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

S/N

1,012.00

0.46

-8.00

2

150,000

40

68,776.91 71,000.00

72.10 71.00

1.43

21 28 51

82,516 1,470,626 1,703,142

FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 511.20

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC.

39 HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

MARKET CAP(Nm) 3,360.00

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4.26

-

0

0

0

0

41 PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

42 43

1.12

4.67

54

2,204,268

44

54

2,204,268

105

3,907,410

45 46 47 48 49 50

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,588.37

0.60

-

5

21,462

194.58 2,111.93

0.50 3.25

-

5 0

45,305 0

99,994.06

2.46

9.33

693

160,989,028

33,711.17

17.55

-0.28

75 778 778

1,264,489 162,320,284 162,320,284

51 52 53 BANKING S/N 54 55

ARBICO PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 711.32

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 39,600.00 165.00

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

8,314.87

3.20

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC BEVERAGES--BREWERS/ DISTILLERS CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

FOOD PRODUCTS DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

56

4.79

-

0 0

0 0

57

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

58

30.00 6.60

-

21 0

229,771 0

59

21

229,771

TRADES

VOLUME

%CHANGE -5.00

60 61 62 63

39

2,787,868

39

2,787,868

65

64

MARKET CAP(Nm) 2,000.00

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

66

100.00

-

0

0

67

11,300.89

45.20

-

0

0

26,682.70

10.00

-

4

50,000

70

4

50,000

71

64

3,067,639

68 69

MARKET CAP(Nm) 2,386.33 MARKET CAP(Nm) 22,470.65

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.50

-

0

0

0

0

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

76

2.87

3.99

17

288,000

77

242.22

0.89

-

0

0

113.00

2.73

55

1,092,210

550,135.16

64.00

-

10

23,005

1,199,535.31

150.00

-0.60

133

11,553,782

215

12,956,997

TRADES

VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm) 82,000.00

74 75

247,513.26

MARKET CAP(Nm) 65,321.00

72 73

PRICE 101.97

%CHANGE -

78 79 INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES S/N 80

0

0

81

0

0

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

16.40

1.86

219

8,122,182

S/N 82 83

DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC UNION DICON SALT PLC.

252,600.00

21.05

0.48

77

80,957.72

30.85

-0.16

166

1,041,614 2,728,277

24,425.01

3.08

10.00

492

87,178,626

1,861.25

0.50

-

0

0

1,015.74

5.70

-

2

13,972

55,240.79

20.85

-

24

173,483

3,676.41

13.45

-

0 980

0 99,258,154

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 29,675.59 1,165,204.69

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

15.80 1,470.00

3.27 -2.00

79 59

661,472 113,411

138

774,883

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,767.74

23.25

-

0

0

3,418.97

3.28

4.79

66 66

3,408,479 3,408,479

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

93,504.73

23.55

-

23

137,524

253,929.24

44.20

-0.67

33

170,690

NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC. PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC.

BANKING

MARKET CAP(Nm) 373,170.83 73,881.64

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC

308,214 116,706,727

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

12.90 3.19

0.39 10.00

318 401

17,920,075 99,863,968

20.00

-2.25

73

767,503

3.80 48.95 1.12 1.54 2.20 8.20

-2.06 0.51 4.46 10.00 10.00 1.23

435 427 115 463 211 107

42,395,216 17,135,756 11,710,291 93,616,198 36,472,650 1,188,042

12.85

-1.15

318

19,602,216

1.44 1.34

9.09 9.84

45 330 3,243

2,933,269 47,385,963 390,991,147

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

9,880.80

0.48

-4.00

1

100,000

4,504.63

0.65

3.17

73

11,465,271

27,405.00

2.61

-

16

426,105

3,000.00

0.50

-

0

0

16,077.75

1.55

1.97

17

1,307,200

7,364.75

0.50

-

0

0

7,000.00 2,411.47

0.50 0.53

-

0 0

0 0

ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL 366,991.02 INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC 110,104.23 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 1,440,656.22 JAIZ BANK PLC 32,999.96 SKYE BANK PLC 21,375.66 STERLING BANK PLC. 63,338.92 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 238,790.17 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA 439,462.56 PLC UNITY BANK PLC 16,832.65 WEMA BANK PLC. 51,689.78 INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC UNIC DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

56 1,455

1,913.74

0.50

-

0

0

3,070.00

0.50

-

0

0

642.04

0.50

-

0

0

3,368.78

0.46

-4.17

2

148,000

4,124.48

0.96

-

2

21,000

5,520.00

0.69

-4.17

29

1,221,073

4,000.00

0.50

-

1

2,000

9,610.52

1.82

1.11

19

549,181

3,869.74

0.50

-

1

2,904

2,648.78

0.48

-

8

111,359

3,334.38

0.50

-

0

0

4,170.41

0.50

-

0

0

6,455.52

0.50

-

0

0

4,670.54

0.50

-

1

1,100

1,291.15

0.50

-

1

1,000

6,933.33

0.50

-

1

55,000

8,000.00

0.50

-

0

0

9,234.09

0.69

7.81

132

14,245,894

304

29,657,087

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

11,799.67

2.58

-

0

0

4,070.22

1.78

9.88

40

1,069,460

40

1,069,460

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1.30

-

0

0

0.50

-

0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm) 5,460.00 7,370.87

˾ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018

40

Nigeria Daily Stock Market Report: dŚŝƐ ĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ůŽƐĞƐ ϭ͘ϱй

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

dŚĞ dŚŝƐ ĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ůŽƐƚ ϭ͘ϱй LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϯϲϮ͘ϯϮ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ůĂƌŐĞůLJ ĂƩƌŝďƵƚĂďůĞ ƚŽ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ & E, ;Ͳϱ͘ϭйͿ͕ E/d, ;Ͳϰ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ 'h Z Edz ;ͲϬ͘ϳйͿ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϰϮ͘ϯй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘ dŚĞ dŚŝƐ ĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ŚĂƐ ƐŚĞĚ ϭϭ͘ϳй zd ͘

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

Ticker

ƋƵŝƟĞƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ ĞdžƚĞŶĚƐ >ŽƐƐĞƐ ƚŽ ^ĞĐŽŶĚ ŽŶƐĞĐƵƟǀĞ ^ĞƐƐŝŽŶ͙E^ ^/ ŽǁŶ ϴϳďƉƐ /Ŷ ůŝŶĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐŽƌƌĞĐƟŽŶ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ ďĞŝŶŐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƚŚĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ͕ ƚŚĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ; ^/Ϳ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐŽŶĚ ĐŽŶƐĞĐƵƟǀĞ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ĚŽǁŶ Ϭ͘ϵй ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϰϯ͕ϴϳϳ͘ϯϬ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ŵŽĚĞƌĂƚĞĚ ƚŽ ϭϰ͘ϳй͘ ĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐůLJ͕ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ůŽƐƚ Eϭϯϴ͘ϮďŶ ĂƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝnjĂƟŽŶ ƌĞĚƵĐĞĚ ƚŽ Eϭϱ͘ϳƚŶ͘ dŽĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝƐ ůĂƌŐĞůLJ ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ďƌŽĂĚ ďĂƐĞĚ ƐĞůůͲŽīƐ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͕ ĂůƚŚŽƵŐŚ ďĂŶŬŝŶŐ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ʹ E/d, ;Ͳϰ͘ϰйͿ & E, ;Ͳϱ͘ϮйͿ͕ h ;ͲϮ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ 'h Z Edz ;ͲϬ͘ϳйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŝŶ ĚƌĂŐƐ ŽŶ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƵƌŐĞĚ ϲϴ͘Ϭй ĂŶĚ ϳϳ͘ϱй ƚŽ ϳϭϳ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ Eϰ͘ϵďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘

ůů ^ĞĐƚŽƌƐ ůŽƐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ZĞĚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ Ăůů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚ͘ dŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ďŝŐŐĞƐƚ ůŽƐĞƌ͕ ƐŚĞĚĚŝŶŐ Ϯ͘ϭй ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďĞůůǁĞƚŚĞƌƐ Ͳ E/d, ;Ͳ ϰ͘ϰйͿ͕ h ;ͲϮ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ 'h Z Edz ;ͲϬ͘ϳйͿ͘ dŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĨŽůůŽǁĞĚ͕ ĨĂůůŝŶŐ ϭ͘Ϭй ŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŽ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ t W K ;Ͳ ϭ͘ϭйͿ ĂŶĚ EE ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ Ϭ͘ϱй ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƐĞůů ŽīƐ ŝŶ D E^ Z ;Ͳϯ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ h^dK / E ;Ͳ Ϯ͘ϭйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ƐůŝĚ Ϭ͘ϰй ĂƐ DK /> ;ͲϮ͘ϴйͿ ĂŶĚ &KZd ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ůŽǁĞƌ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ƐŚĞĚ Ϭ͘ϯй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŽĮƚ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ hE/> s Z ;Ͳϰ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ &>KhZD/>>^ ;Ͳϰ͘ϳйͿ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ŽŌĞŶƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ƐŽŌĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϰdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϲdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϭϴ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ϰϴ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ƚŽĚĂLJ ǁĞƌĞ WZ ^d/' ;нϳ͘ϳйͿ͕ s ZdKE ;нϲ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ &Z/E^hZ ;нϱ͘ϬйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ,D Z</E^ ;Ͳϵ͘ϭйͿ͕ ^<z ;Ͳϴ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ dZ E^ KZW ;Ͳϲ͘ϴйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞƌƐ͘ &ŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƐĞůů ŽīƐ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ŐůŽďĂů ĞƋƵŝƚLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ͕ ǁĞ ĂŶƟĐŝƉĂƚĞ Ă ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ŝŶ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ĂŚĞĂĚ͘ Ɛ Ă ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ ǁĞ ĞŶǀŝƐĂŐĞ ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ĂŚĞĂĚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨƵůů LJĞĂƌ ĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ͘

ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŝŶ &ŽĐƵƐ͗ dŽƚĂů EŝŐĞƌŝĂ WůĐ ;dKd >Ϳ dŽƚĂů EŝŐĞƌŝĂ WůĐ ;͞dKd >͟Ϳ Ă ƐƵďƐŝĚŝĂƌLJ ŽĨ dŽƚĂů WůĐ͕ ŝƐ Ă ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ Įƌŵ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĚŽǁŶƐƚƌĞĂŵ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ͘ tŝƚŚ Ă ƐŽůŝĚ ƉƌĞƐĞŶĐĞ ŽĨ ŽǀĞƌ ϱϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶ ĞdžƚĞŶƐŝǀĞ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ŽĨ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϱϬϬ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƐƚĂƟŽŶƐ͕ dŽƚĂů ƉƌŝĚĞƐ ŝƚƐĞůĨ ĂƐ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ďŝŐŐĞƐƚ ƉůĂLJĞƌƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ͘ >ĂƐƚ LJĞĂƌ͕ ƚŚĞ Įƌŵ ƉƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌŝŵ ĚŝǀŝĚĞŶĚ ƉĂLJŽƵƚ ŽĨ Eϭ͘ϬďŶ Ͳ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƚƌĂŶƐůĂƚĞĚ ƚŽ Eϯ͘ϬϬͬƐŚĂƌĞ Ͳ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƌĞůĞĂƐĞ ŽĨ ŝƚƐ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳ ƌĞƐƵůƚ͘ KŶ Ϯϲ KĐƚŽďĞƌ ϮϬϭϳ͕ dŽƚĂů ƌĞůĞĂƐĞĚ ŝƚƐ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳ ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ǁĂƐ ůĂƌŐĞůLJ ƵŶŝŵƉƌĞƐƐŝǀĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉĂĐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ďĂƐĞ ŽĨ ϮϬϭϲ ʹ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ŝŶ ĨƵĞů ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ʹ ƚŚŝŶŶĞĚ ŽƵƚ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ ŐƌŽƐƐ ƌĞǀĞŶƵĞ ŵĂƌŐŝŶĂůůLJ ƌŽƐĞ Ϭ͘ϰй zͲŽͲz ƚŽ EϮϮϮϭ͘ϮďŶ ĨƌŽŵ EϮϮϬ͘ϮďŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝŽƌ LJĞĂƌ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ĐŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƐĂůĞƐ ũƵŵƉĞĚ ϱ͘ϱй ƚŽ Eϭϵϴ͘ϲďŶ ŚĞŶĐĞ͕ ŐƌŽƐƐ ƉƌŽĮƚ ŵŽĚĞƌĂƚĞĚ Ϯϵ͘ϰй ƚŽ EϮϮ͘ϲďŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉĞƌŝŽĚ͘ dŚĞ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ĂŶ ĞdžƉĂŶƐŝŽŶ ŝŶ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƐƵƌŐĞĚ ϯϭϮ͘ϴй zͲŽͲz ƚŽ Eϯ͘ϰďŶ ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϴďŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϲ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬĚƌŽƉ ŽĨ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ĨŽƌĞŝŐŶ ĞdžĐŚĂŶŐĞ ŐĂŝŶƐ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉĂĐƚ ǁĂƐ ĐŽƵŶƚĞƌĞĚ ďLJ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŶŐ ĞdžƉĞŶƐĞƐ ǁŚŝĐŚ ǁĞŝŐŚĞĚ ŽŶ ƉƌŽĮƚĂďŝůŝƚLJ͘ ĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐůLJ͕ W d ĂŶĚ W d ƐŚƌĂŶŬ ϰϯ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ ϰϴ͘ϴй ƚŽ Eϵ͘ϳďŶ ĂŶĚ Eϲ͘ϬďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŝŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳ͘

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

Current Price

Previous Current Price Weighting Change

Price Change YTD

Price Change Index to Date

ROE

ROA

P/E

P/BV

Divinden Earnings d Yield Yield

1,362.32

-1.47%

-11.7%

36.2%

25.1%

7.9%

8.5x

1.2x

3.2%

1

Guaranty Trust Bank PLC

48.95

-0.7%

21.9%

20.1%

20.7%

26.0%

4.3%

10.2x

2.5x

4.2%

9.8%

2

Zenith Bank PLC

31.20

-4.4%

13.5%

21.7%

20.3%

21.7%

3.2%

6.2x

1.3x

6.5%

16.2%

3

Nigerian Brew eries PLC

144.90

-0.1%

8.3%

7.4%

7.3%

18.9%

8.6%

35.7x

6.5x

2.5%

2.8%

4

Nestle Nigeria PLC

1,445.00

0.0%

6.4%

-7.1%

-7.1%

78.4%

19.0%

37.7x

24.9x

1.7%

2.7%

5

Dangote Cement PLC

270.00

0.0%

6.2%

17.4%

17.4%

30.4%

15.7%

18.6x

5.3x

3.1%

5.4%

6

FBN Holdings Plc

12.90

-5.1%

6.9%

46.6%

46.8%

2.6%

0.3%

21.0x

0.7x

1.6%

4.8%

7

Access Bank PLC

12.65

-0.8%

4.6%

21.1%

19.3%

15.1%

2.0%

5.1x

0.7x

5.1%

19.5%

8

United Bank for Africa PLC

12.05

-2.4%

4.4%

17.0%

15.8%

17.2%

2.2%

5.3x

0.9x

6.2%

18.9%

9

Ecobank Transnational Inc

19.55

0.0%

3.2%

15.0%

20.2%

-14.6%

-1.3%

0.7x

3.1%

-17.7%

10

SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

685.10

0.0%

2.9%

9.4%

9.4%

-12.4%

-6.7%

11

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

47.00

2.2%

2.8%

13.3%

14.9%

28.7%

3.4%

10.8x

110.00

0.0%

2.3%

17.0%

17.0%

14.6%

5.6%

20.6x

2.9x

0.6%

4.8%

51.90

-2.1%

1.6%

15.6%

15.6%

47.1%

9.8%

4.6x

7.8x

1.9%

21.5%

4.0%

32.7%

0.9x 2.8x

9.9%

-15.2% 1.3%

9.2%

12

Guinness Nigeria PLC

13

Lafarge Africa PLC

14

Fidelity Bank PLC

3.50

-0.8%

1.5%

42.3%

35.7%

8.0%

1.1%

3.1x

0.5x

15

Oando PLC

5.99

0.0%

1.1%

0.0%

0.0%

40.7%

4.2%

2.7x

0.6x

16

Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

22.00

4.8%

1.1%

10.0%

8.1%

43.2%

19.8%

8.6x

3.3x

2.3%

11.7%

17

Okomu Oil Palm PLC

72.50

0.1%

1.0%

7.1%

7.1%

37.4%

25.9%

9.7x

3.1x

2.1%

10.3%

-4.4%

0.2%

3.6%

2.8%

14.8%

18

Unilever Nigeria PLC

45.35

1.0%

10.6%

12.8%

50.3%

8.4%

27.9x

10.6x

19

International Brew eries PLC

57.75

-0.3%

0.7%

6.0%

5.0%

24.6%

7.4%

60.5x

13.8x

20

Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

32.40

-4.7%

0.6%

11.7%

11.7%

13.1%

3.0%

6.8x

0.8x

21

Transnational Corp of Nigeria

2.18

-6.8%

0.7%

49.3%

47.3%

19.6%

4.1%

8.7x

1.5x

22

UAC of Nigeria PLC

17.05

0.3%

0.5%

0.9%

0.9%

6.3%

2.2%

10.9x

0.7x

23

Diamond Bank PLC

3.02

-4.7%

0.9%

101.3%

92.4%

2.5%

0.3%

12.2x

0.3x

24

Total Nigeria PLC

0.5%

25

FCMB Group Plc

26

11 PLC

231.00

0.0%

0.5%

2.88

-3.0%

0.8%

210.00

-2.8%

0.5%

-0.2%

0.4%

37.0%

1.7%

11.5% 5.8%

9.1% 8.2%

0.5%

37.3%

7.4%

8.6x

3.0x

2.6%

11.6%

82.3%

3.8%

0.6%

8.4x

0.3x

3.5%

12.0%

7.9%

7.9%

32.6%

12.0%

11.1x

3.1x

3.8%

9.0%

5.7%

9.4%

44.3%

3.7%

11.6x

5.1x 2.1%

4.4%

27

Forte Oil PLC

45.95

28

PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC

24.00

1.5%

0.4%

16.5%

13.5%

10.7%

5.0%

22.7x

2.3x

29

Cadbury Nigeria PLC

14.85

-4.2%

0.3%

-5.2%

-4.8%

4.5%

1.6%

42.4x

2.5x

-1.4%

8.6%

2.4%

30

Presco PLC

70.00

0.3%

2.2%

2.2%

42.9%

25.9%

3.4x

1.2x

2.1%

29.0%

31

NASCON Allied Industries PLC

21.00

0.0%

0.3%

13.5%

9.3%

53.4%

18.1%

11.8x

5.4x

3.3%

8.5%

32

UPDC Real Estate Investment Tr

10.00

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

0.8x

7.2%

33

Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

8.25

-3.5%

0.3%

5.8%

9.9%

5.6%

1.2%

34

Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

27.30

-4.7%

0.3%

-2.5%

-2.5%

-12.2%

-1.2%

35

Sterling Bank PLC

0.5%

107.4%

98.2%

6.1%

0.6%

10.5x

0.5x

9.5%

1.4x

-8.4%

0.7x

8.5%

2.24

-4.7% -3.0%

0.3%

32.5%

32.5%

61.6%

15.8%

5.2x

2.3x

0.0%

0.2%

-12.1%

-12.1%

61.2%

23.6%

3.9x

1.4x

11.8x

36

Dangote Flour Mills Plc

16.10

37

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Niger

19.00

38

Chemical and Allied Products P

38.85

0.0%

0.2%

14.3%

8.8%

84.3%

38.5%

17.0x

11.9x

5.8%

5.9%

Beta Glass PLC

65.45

0.0%

0.1%

27.6%

27.6%

18.4%

11.9%

9.2x

1.6x

1.5%

10.8%

7.20

0.0%

0.1%

-0.1%

-0.1%

4.7%

2.8%

21.4x

1.0x

5.6%

4.7%

39 40

Transcorp Hotels Plc

P rice

P rice Chg %

P REST IGE

0.56

7.7%

LA SA C O

182.8

0.0%

CA VER TON

2.78

6.9%

FCM B

90.5

-3.0%

A FRINSURE

0.42

5.0%

SKYEB A N K

80.0

-8.9%

TRA NSEXP

0.85

4.9%

T R A N SC OR

66.4

-6.8%

22.00

4.8%

FB NH

39.7

-5.2%

5.75

4.6%

A C C ESS

26.9

-0.8%

4.0%

UB A

25.8

-2.4%

3.5%

P R EST IGE

24.0

7.7%

DA NGSUGA R REST A REX FIDSON ET ERNA

25.4%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a ine rs Ticker

19.2% 1.6%

4.90 5.88

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

CONTINSURE

1.55

3.3%

Z EN IT H

17.8

-4.4%

LINKA SSURE

0.74

2.8%

ST ER LIN G

16.0

-4.7%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 Lo s e rs P rice

P rice Chg %

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

HM A RKINS

0.40

9.1%

GUA R A N T Y

786.0

-0.7%

KŶ Ă ƋƵĂƌƚĞƌ ŽŶ ƋƵĂƌƚĞƌ ďĂƐŝƐ͕ dŽƚĂů͛Ɛ ƌĞƐƵůƚ ǁĂƐ ĞƋƵĂůůLJ ƵŶŝŵƉƌĞƐƐŝǀĞ ĂƐ ŐƌŽƐƐ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ϱ͘ϵй YͲŽͲY ƚŽ Eϲϴ͘ϮďŶ ĨƌŽŵ EϳϮ͘ϱďŶ ŝŶ YϮ͗ϮϬϭϳ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƌŝƐĞ ŝŶ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŶŐ ĞdžƉĞŶƐĞƐ ;ƵƉ ϭϭ͘ϰй ƚŽ Eϱ͘ϴďŶ ĨƌŽŵ Eϱ͘ϮďŶ ŝŶ YϮ͗ϮϬϭϳͿ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ƉƌŽĮƚĂďŝůŝƚLJ͘ ,ĞŶĐĞ͕ W d ĂŶĚ W d ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ϮϮ͘ϴй ĂŶĚ ϯϬ͘ϯй ƚŽ EϮ͘ϰďŶ ĂŶĚ Eϭ͘ϰďŶ ŝŶ Yϯ͗ϮϬϭϳ͘

SKYEB A NK

1.23

8.9%

NB

714.3

-0.1%

6.8%

Z EN IT H

555.0

-4.4%

tĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞŝƌ &z͗ϮϬϭϳ ƌĞƐƵůƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞĚ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ĚĞůĂLJƐ ƚŽ ĚĞƌĞŐƵůĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ĚŽǁŶƐƚƌĞĂŵ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ͘

Afrinvest Securities Limited (RC 603 315) (A Dealing Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange)

Ticker

TRA NSCORP

2.18

FB NH

12.90

5.2%

FB NH

513.3

-5.2%

A GLEVENTIS

0.58

4.9%

A C C ESS

336.7

-0.8%

A IRSER VICE

4.85

4.9%

UB A

309.3

-2.4%

WEM A B A NK

1.36

4.9%

FCM B

258.6

-3.0%

CUTIX

2.37

4.8%

T R A N SC OR P

144.9

-6.8%

DIA M OND

3.02

4.7%

D A N GF LOUR

140.4

-3.0%

JB ERGER

27.30

4.7%

D A N GSUGA R

102.6

4.8%

Investment Research

Brokerage Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Bolaji Fajenyo | bfajenyo@afrinvest.com

Omotola Abimbola | oabimbola@afrinvest.com

Ë&#x153; ÍżË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜ Ëž T H I S D AY

41

MARKET NEWS

ISAN Boss Urges Regulators to Focus on Capital Market Devt Goddy Egene Regulators in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital market have been advised to focus more on development and growth of the market instead of concentrating more on revenue generation for themselves.

The National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi made the call at a forum organised by the association in Lagos recently.

According to him, the duties

and responsibilities of our regulators are enormous as they are vital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But what we have observed is that these government agencies are becoming more and more complacent and self-serving. Some are even competing with Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in revenue generation for self- interest purpose. It is worse that from their actions many officers could not even differentiate between the rules they make and the authority conferred on them by the

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sharesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the

principal Act establishing their agency. All this should stop for the progress and development of the capital market,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Apart from regulators in the market, Adebisi also tasked operators, who are the various service providers, saying they should be proactive and raise the level of integrity in the market.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our stockbrokers, registrars, and financial advisers should be more proactive and take their integrity more seriously. Cases

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 05Feb-2018, unless otherwise stated.

of frauds are becoming more worrisome and alarming.

Assurances of our financial advisers are becoming more unreliable. Interest of investors -small and big-should be borne in mind over and above the immediate interest of current revenue.â&#x20AC;?

The ISAN boss urged investors to take a longer view of their investment and increase their stakes in the market.

According to him, I want to advise us that we should have a bigger picture of the

capital market where we have our investments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A bigger picture will also entail having a long time view of our investments.

For example, we have a few thousands of shares now in a few companies. Let us play for when we shall have millions of units of shares in several companies to live a more comfortable life and also leave enviable legacy for our children and loved ones.

It would appear that many of us focus more on immediate gains our hundred units of

shares will give us by way of gifts at annual general meetings (AGMs) and other crumbs that may fall from the table of companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; chief executives. Also, long time view will entails working for the progress of our associations always rather than always looking for what we can gain from our associations,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Adebisi also said shareholders groups, should be prepared to watch over interests of investors and should be prepared to be the â&#x20AC;&#x153;regulators of the regulators.â&#x20AC;?

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.30% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 20.66 21.29 13.09% ARM Discovery Fund 428.85 441.78 10.23% ARM Ethical Fund 28.96 29.83 5.98% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.97% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.10% Paramount Equity Fund 12.99 13.34 5.15% Women's Investment Fund 101.00 103.59 0.37% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.95% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 N/A Coronation Balanced Fund 1.12 1.14 N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.07 1.10 N/A FBN QUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,174.70 1,175.87 2.34% FBN Heritage Fund 153.02 154.47 9.80% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.30% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $114.41 $114.95 1.33% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $114.38 $114.92 1.40% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 195.20 198.11 14.30% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.44 1.47 10.14% Legacy Debt Fund 2.92 2.92 1.45% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,211.75 3,260.40 7.83% Coral Income Fund 2,505.20 2,505.20 2.41% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.01% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.17 1.19 1.76% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,042.76 1,042.76 1.17% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 17.47 17.64 23.97% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 16.09% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.29 1.31 8.21% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.23 11.32 1.86% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.85% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 153.44 156.40 19.24% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,377.41 2,396.24 5.97% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 181.18 181.18 2.68% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.10 1.12 9.90% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 225.22 225.33 2.28% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 189.22 191.24 5.62% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.93% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,573.60 10,717.73 9.35% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.07 1.07 0.94% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.42 1.44 18.85% United Capital Bond Fund 1.59 1.59 16.71% United Capital Equity Fund 1.02 1.05 11.55% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 14.89% United Capital Eurobond Fund 103.54 103.54 8.26% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.12 1.13 21.59% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 13.63 13.84 8.77% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.94 14.10 5.89% Zenith Income Fund 19.34 19.34 2.26%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

10.00 N/A

-11.35% N/A

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.77 168.10 126.07

12.87 171.79 128.46

5.34% 17.73% 15.41%

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

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva GrifďŹ n 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

5.91 10.17 20.31 23.52 153.48

5.95 10.25 20.41 23.72 155.48

24.66% 6.27% 14.32% 19.48% 3.28%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and FMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

42

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵Ë&#x153; ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2018

43

44

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵Ë&#x153; ͰͮͯͶ

45

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

South Africa Suspends Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation Address South Africa’s parliament has taken the extraordinary step of postponing President Jacob Zuma’s state of the nation address on Thursday, as pressure grows on him to resign, BBC reported.

The opposition had threatened to disrupt the speech, saying Mr Zuma could no longer remain in office.

The governing ANC has called a meeting of the party’s top body for Wednesday to decide the president’s future.

Mr Zuma, 75, has resisted calls to quit over corruption allegations.

He was replaced as party leader by his deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, 65, in December. He is now the front runner to succeed

him as president.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Nelson Mandela Foundation urged Mr Zuma to step down.

South Africa had seen “systematic looting” under Mr Zuma’s rule, and he “must go sooner rather than later”, the foundation said in a statement.

In a statement, Baleka Mbete said that recent “calls for disruption” of the speech “caused us great concern”.

Therefore the decision had been taken, she said, to “create room for establishing a much more conducive political atmosphere in parliament”.

Ms Mbete said that “with this in mind”, Mr Zuma was approached about postponing

the address, but “when we met the president, we then learnt that he was already writing to parliament to ask for the postponement”.

Mr Zuma’s office later said in a statement that “the president has requested the postponement due to certain developments”.

On Monday, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said it would not allow Mr Zuma to address the nation and would, instead, push for a no-confidence debate.

The EFF and the other major opposition parties welcomed the postponement.

No new date has been set for the speech, the main political event of the year.

British Monarch Confers Commonwealth Point of Light Award on NigerianVolunteer Alex Enumah in Abuja Queen Elizabeth II yesterday recognised Itoro Eze-Anaba, a Nigerian as the fourth Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her support for victims of rape and sexual assault.

The award, according to a statement from the Press and Public Affairs Office of the British High Commission in Abuja, is in appreciation of inspirational volunteers across the 52 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.

The statement signed by Joseph Abuku disclosed that the appreciation is part of build up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London on April 19 to 20.

“By sharing these stories of service, the Heads of Government meeting will celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contributions to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.

“Itoro Eze-Anaba founded Nigeria’s first sexual assault referral centre in 2013 and since then, she has helped over 3,100 victims of rape. The Mirabel Centre has established itself as a key service provider for victims of sexual assault in Lagos State, with an increasing number of clients accessing the centre, indicating a growing awareness among members of the public of the existence of the centre and the crucial services it provides,” the statement read.

It added that each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalised certificate signed by the Queen.

The award for Itoro Eze-Anabe was presented yesterday at the British High Commissioner’s Residence by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright.

The UK High Commissioner said: “Eze-Anabe has shown impressive dedication to supporting victims of sexual assault and rape. She has provided a safe haven for over 2,800 survivors of this heinous crime and has encouraged thousands of others to break the silence on rape and

seek prosecution of perpetrators, therefore reducing their impunity.

“The Mirabel Centre is a project of Partnership for Justice where rape and sexual assault victims can access free forensic medical and counselling services.”

Responding, Eze-Anaba expressed delight over the award, noting that it further highlights the importance of tackling rape and sexual assault.

“On behalf of the dedicated, tireless and resolute team that is determined to give voice to the voiceless, strength to the weak and hope to the hopeless, I am sure that this award marks the beginning of a joint effort to uproot this evil that relentlessly battles our future.

“This award is a reiteration of our message of ‘No To Rape’!”

She said.

According to the statement, the Heads of Government meeting would bring together leaders from all the 52 member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people.

Body of ‘Hero’ Russian Pilot Killed in Syria Brought Home The body of a Russian pilot killed in fighting with Islamists in Syria has been brought back to his home country, AFP reported the defence ministry in Moscow as saying onTuesday.

“In cooperation with Turkish colleagues, Russian military intelligence brought back to Russia the body of an attack pilot, Major Roman Filipov, who died as a hero on February 3,” the defence ministry said.

In a separate statement, the Kremlin said that the Hero of Russia award, the country’s top honour, had been posthumously bestowed upon Filipov for his “heroism, courage and bravery”.

Filipov will be laid to rest on Thursday with military honours in line with his family’s wishes in the city of Voronezh, some 500 kilometres (310 miles) south of Moscow, the defence ministry said.

After Filipov’s warplane was shot

down over Syria’s Idlib province on Saturday he parachuted to the ground and was killed in a clash with Islamists as they tried to take him hostage.

Moscow said its Su-25 warplane had been shot down by a portable anti-aircraft missile system.

Armed with an automatic pistol, the badly wounded pilot opened fire on the rebels closing in on him and then blew himself up with a hand grenade to avoid capture.

Before taking his own life he shouted “This is for our guys!”, according to video footage released

by Islamists and broadcast by national television in Russia.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a powerful jihadist-dominated alliance, said the Russian warplane had been shot down in retaliation for a ferocious bombing campaign

by Russian warplanes over Idlib.

Moscow says Filipov’s plane was shot down during a mission to monitor a ceasefire in the so-called Idlib de-escalation zone set up by Russia, Turkey and Iran to reduce violence in the war-torn country.

Russia’s defence ministry also said it had asked Turkey for help in receiving the wreckage of the Su-25 warplane.

Russian experts want to identify the origin of the anti-aircraft missile system used to shoot down the plane. President Vladimir Putin announced on a visit to Syria in December that the task of Russian forces in Syria had been largely completed.

More than 40 Russian servicemen have reportedly been killed in Syria since Moscow’s intervention in the conflict on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in 2015.

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Buhari Directs Security Agencies to Arrest, Prosecute Persons with Illegal Arms Defend yourselves, Ortom urges Benue people Senate worried over killings, abductions in Kaduna Emmanuel Ukumba in Lafia, George Okoh inMakurdiand Damilola Oyedele in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has directed all security agencies in the country to arrest and prosecute any person found with illegal arms.

The directive came as Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, yesterday called on the people of the state to brace up to defend themselves against killer herdsmen.

Buhari who was in Lafia yesterday during his one-day working visit to Nasarawa State where he inagurated projects executed by the state Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, said attacks being carried out by suspected herdsmen in the country would not be tolerated even as he appealed to all Nigerians to refrain from reprisals.

“The attacks by suspected herdsmen and others will not be tolerated. I appeal to all Nigerians to refrain from reprisals.

The security agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute any person found with illegal arms,” Buhari said.

The president continued by assuring people of the Northcentral and indeed all Nigerians that the federal government was working day and night to ensure peace and stability in the country, saying: “We are putting additional resources to maintain law and order.”

Buhari extended his condolences to all those affected in the recent barbaric attacks in the country.

“I would like to once again extend my condolences to all the affected victims of those barbaric acts,” he said.

He added: “I want to assure Nigerians that we will intensify our commitments towards the realisation of the cardinal objectives of this administration which is centred on security of lives and property, curbing corruption and ensuring economic growth through diversification.”

Buhari also directed the Federal Ministry of Health to streamline with other states of the country to roll out the Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS) programme that has taken off at the just inaugurated Model Primary Healthcare Centre, Kwandare in Lafia to enable rural dwellers access health services.

In his welcome speech, AlMakura commended Buhari’s dogged spirit in fighting the security challenges bedeviling Nigeria, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency, curbing the spate of kidnapping and the ongoing efforts to solve the farmers/herders crises in the country.

He said: “We are very grateful for the recent deployment of six units of mobile policemen, air surveillance across Nasarawa State and its neighbours and also the deployment of army personnel to maintain peace in our belt.”

Al-Makura, who told Buhari that the state government had taken good care of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state, continued that “on our part, the most contribution is the setting up of a community-based conflict

resolution mechanism across the state to mediate in the activities of herders and farmers.”

He noted that his administration had put in place 50 new Hilux patrol trucks to be distributed to security agencies in the state to help in sustaining the peace that has already been realised.

“We have also put in place 50 Hilux patrol vans to be given to the Nigeria Police, Deparment of State Service (DSS) Nigeria Security and Civil Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Army among others to help in sustaining the peace that has already been realised in Nasarawa State.”

Projects inaugrated by Buhari included the Lafia Electronic Library, the state Fire Service facility, Lafia township road network, Lafia Comprehensive Special School, Kwandare Model Primary Healthcare Centre and Karu International Market.

Meanwhile, Governor Ortom who spoke on Radio Benue in Makurdi, said it was necessary for the for the people of Benue State to defend themselves in legitimate way so as not become easy prey to their killers.

The governor who also lifted the curfew declared in Gboko town where some bandit attacked and killed a group of travellers, noted that in spite of the presence of policemen in the state, the killings were still on going in the two local government areas.

He regretted the statements credited to the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, blaming the anti-open grazing law for the new year attacks has rather encouraged the herdsmen to continue with their attack on the state.

He also lamented the inability of the security operatives to stop the killings and arrest the killers as well as the perpetrators of the new year killings.

The governor explained that despite the presence of police, the killings in the state was yet to cease, expressing doubt of compromise among those who are supposed to provide security to the people of the state.

According to him, “It is because we are law abiding that is why we are being attacked daily. You need to listen and hear the opinion of the people of the state on the matter.

“I think the people should have the right to defend themselves

and not make themselves easy prey to be killed in their homes.

“So any lawful means you can adopt to defend yourself just go ahead in Benue State. We are not going to wait for the IG to do it.”

The governor commiserated with families of the police personnel who were killed in the course of carrying out their official duty in the state.

“It is unfortunate, the police are dying and the IG is playing politics with the issue.

“The man should resign because he has failed woefully.

He doesn’t have the capacity.

“There are many good police officers who can take over that job and perform creditably by turning around the security architecture of this country and make things work and protect lives and property. That man has no business being the IG,” Ortom lamented.

However, the Senate yesterday expressed worry over insecurity in Kaduna particularly on attacks in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area where about seven persons were recently killed and several others abducted.

This is as the security summit convened by the upper legislative chamber to proffer solutions to the state of insecurity, would hold tomorrow and next Monday, February 8 and 12, 2018.

Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna APC) raising a point of order at plenary, said Birnin Gwari, which borders Zamfara, Kebbi and Niger States, has been under the siege of armed herdsmen and bandits in the last three years.

“Of concern is the fact that killings and abduction have become a daily affair. It is one issue that not been able to get the national attention of the global spotlight. Just few days ago, about seven persons were killed, and continually the killings have been so on a daily basis,” he said.

Sani said the government is losing its grip, and would lose its essence when it cannot guarantee the safety of lives and properties of its citizens.

“Every day, this country is becoming a theatre of war, you see bodies of victims killed, dismembered and shared on social media,” Sani lamented adding that the killings are shrouded in the guise of ethnic, religious and sectional sentiments.

He further said most people

who should speak the truth to power, have chosen to be silent for political reasons.

A part of Nigeria is controlled by government, while another half is controlled by gunmen, Sani said, as widespread killings and violence continue in all parts of the country.

He called for the establishment of a military base in the local government.

Presiding, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said the upper legislative chamber would continue to harp on the need for security, even if it sounds like a broken record.

“As parliamentarians and representatives of the people, it is our responsibility to continuously call the attention of government to some of these things. The issue of the monopoly of force should be that of state but today, the non-state actors have now taken over the issue of violence, which is very regrettable,” Ekweremadu said.

He appealed to the government to live up to its responsibilities and protect citizens, as the state of insecurity affects Nigeria’s international image, discourages foreign direct investments, and erodes the confidence of Nigerians in the government.

The Senate yesterday also

called for the deployment of junior cadre policemen to their states and local governments to enhance community policing in Nigeria.

This, it said, would address the disconnect between the police and local communities with their different types of cultural values and orientation.

It therefore mandated its Committee on Police Affairs to invite the Inspector-General of Police, to discuss ways and means of actualising community policing.

This followed a motion sponsored by Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun PDP) who said such policy would improve community policing through the synergising with vigilante groups, and traditional rulers, to address the current state of insecurity in the country.

“There have been calls for the creation of state police in order to proffer a lasting solution to the perennial security challenges due to the ineffectiveness or outright bias of the Nigeria Police Force in carrying out their national assignment,” the senator said.

He further explained that the policy would fill the necessary vacuum, and avail the federal police the opportunity to concentrate on its primary

duties of detection, prevention and prosecution of crime at the national level.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Olusola Adeyeye (Osun APC) said Nigeria has to explore all means to enhance policing at the community level.

“All crimes are local and policing should also be local,” he said.

Ekweremadu however said while community policing under state police is more effective, it cannot work under Nigeria’s current structure.

“It will be difficult here, because of our unitary federal police system. Let us get the structure right first, before this,” he said.

Meanwhile, the security summit which was postponed on two occasions, would finally get underway on Thursday.

It is expected to be declared open by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Those expected in attendance include 36 state governors, security chiefs, representatives of religious groups, traditional rulers, leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and Farmers Association of Nigeria.

Recall that the summit was postponed last week due to the burial rites of the former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme.

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Udoma: ERGP to Focus on Mobilising Private Investment Projects to Meet $245bn Target Osinbajo inaugurates Labs Working Groups, charge members on commitment Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, disclosed yesterday that the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) will focus on mobilising private investment projects to meet its $245 billion investments and 15 million job creation targets by 2020.

Udoma’s disclosure came as the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo inaugurated the Core Working Groups of the ERGP Focus Labs with a charge to stakeholders to work collaboratively determined to get new investment commitments and assisting investors think through implementation.

Speaking at the inauguration,

which held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, Udoma explained that although significant work had been done on the ERGP Implementation, and in the right direction, he said the pace and more work needed to be intensified to achieve targets.

The minister pointed out that since it was not feasible to rely on government to fund required investments on its own due to current fiscal deficit, private investment was therefore key to catalysing growth.

“We have therefore chosen to conduct Focus Labs in three selected areas to deliver quick and fast results on investments and job creation,” he said.

According to Udoma, the

JAMB: Over 1.4m Candidates Registered for 2018 UTME Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has stated that over 1.4 million candidates have so far registered for the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across the country.

The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this yesterday while receiving the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

According to Oloyede, “A total of 1,451,691 candidates had registered for the 2018 UTME, while 39,663 candidates were for the Direct Entry.”

On the anti-corruption drive, the Registrar promised that the board would cooperate with the EFCC in fighting corruption in the form of examination malpractices.

He said: “We have in our custody some people who break into our Virtual Private Network. They

are creating very-small-aperture terminal in Osogbo and Ilesha, Osun State, and broadcasting across the country.

“These people are young boys and girls. They are only concerned about the money they get and not about the effects of their corrupt practices.”

On his part, Magu assured the Registra that the commission would not spare any vice-chancellor found culpable in the investigations into alleged N5.77million furniture allowance.

“We can cooperate with JAMB to fight corruption in many areas including the issue of examination malpractices.

This is part of the reasons for this visit.

“It is too early for me to comment on this issue (whether we are beaming our searchlight on past JAMB registrars). But we are working on it. On the vice-chancellors, we will not spare anybody,” he vowed.

labs are intended to achieve two main objectives, including new investments for critical projects and resolution of complex inter-agency problems that inhibit private sector investment.

The ERGP Focus Labs, he explained, are not meant to replace existing sectoral roadmaps and plans, but meant to identify entry projects to act as showcase to bring back investor confidence to Nigeria.

The ERGP, he added, will focus on mobilising private investment projects to meet the USD 245 billion investments and 15 million job creation targets by 2020.

Giving an insight into how the labs are configured, the minister noted that for specified sectors like agriculture and transportation the lab will seek to increase private sector investments in select crops and products (agro-business) while investment along the transport corridors will target rail, roads and ports. For manufacturing

and processing, the lab will look to increase private sector investments in selected manufacturing subsectors and products as well as the processing of selected solid minerals in Nigeria.

For the power and gas sector, the lab, Udoma stated, will look to increase private sector investments in the power sector such as electricity generation across its value chain and energy mix as well as the gas industries including expansion of domestic market.

Inaugurating the Core Working Groups of the ERGP Focus Labs, the Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, charged the stakeholders to work collaboratively as a unit focused on getting new investment commitments and assisting investors think through implementation.

He said the working group comprising senior public officers from the six pilot ministries and their agencies, has the rare privilege of contributing to the national

assignment by providing sector expertise and working with the ERGP Implementation Unit to successfully plan the three initial labs and address inter-agency bottlenecks investors might bring to the labs.

The ERGP focus labs, Osinbajo stated, are among the targeted initiatives of the present administration that drive the three pillars of its medium-term plan - restoring growth, building a competitive economy and investing in the people.

He applauded the implementation of the ERGP less than one year after its launch by President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that it has resulted in early wins, from the targeted exit from recession in the second quarter of 2017 to improved stability in the fiscal and monetary markets.

“As mentioned by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, most of our macro indices are trending upwards but a lot more needs to

be done, and this administration will definitely not relent until we bring these headline improvements to visibly impact the majority of our citizenry,” he stated.

Osinbajo said since the intent of the focus labs are primarily to drive new investments that create jobs for the people across the 36 states of the federation, all hands must be on deck to get the labs project right.

He explained that the Central Steering Committee comprising nine cabinet ministers in Agriculture, Transport, Solid Minerals; Industry Trade and investment; Power Works and Housing; Petroleum Resources, Finance, Justice and Budget and National Planning were tasked with steering the labs and ensuring active collaboration with the private sector to remove inhibitions that may have impeded some of the priority projects that they want to invest in, but which have remained on the drawing board for a long time.

Guide to Doing Business in Nigeria MAN OF THE PEOPLE Makes a Debut Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, arriving at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for his ongoing trial for asset declaration in Abuja...

The federal government’s drive to improve the ease for doing business has received a boost as investors and would-be-business owners now have a handbook on how to obtain licences and permits when doing business in selected sectors in the country.

Publishers of the handbook, A&E Law Partnership, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said it was part of their contribution to improving the environment for doing business in Nigeria.

The foreword to the handbook written by Peter Ntephe, said the Guide is “a one-stop-shop handbook on the rules for entry into various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Key processes and procedures are outlined in as much a succinct way as possible, along with the fees for obtaining licences and registrations.”

This handbook which is a product of the knowledge gained by the law firm over the years in “its core competences” is a praiseworthy compendium and guide to the rules and regulations for doing business in the ‘commanding heights’ of the Nigerian economy.”

According to the Managing

Partner of A&E Law Partnership, “The Doing Business Handbook adopts a sectoral approach, respectively explicating the requirements for operating in insurance, aviation, cabotage, banking, energy and power, solid minerals, telecommunications, entertainment, food and beverages, private security, oil and gas, among others. There is also coverage of matters that are applicable across sectors, such as immigration, environmental standards, intellectual property and capital markets.”

Beside these, there is a section devoted to foreign investors, providing an advisory on organisational forms available as well as other subjects of potential interests, such as repatriation of profits and tax exemptions.

He said the handbook is a “must have table-top business advisory for professionals, including lawyers, accountants and bankers as well as to investors, entrepreneurs and firms doing or seeking to do business in Nigeria. Students and academics whose disciplines require knowledge of matters within the remit of the guide will also find it a useful library reference.”

yesterday

BUA Group to Construct N7.5bn 220-bed Specialist Hospital Kano governor pays courtesy call on company’s HQ in Lagos BUA Group has announced plans to construct a N7.5billion ultra-modern specialist hospital in Kano State through its foundation, BUA Foundation.

This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman/CEO of BUA, Abdulsamad Rabiu, during a courtesy visit by the state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to BUA Group’s corporate headquarters in Lagos yesterday.

Speaking during the visit, Rabiu thanked the governor for the visit and commended him on his strides towards making Kano State a viable destination for businesses.

Rabiu also expressed contentment with the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) initiatives of the state government and assured the

governor that BUA Group was willing to collaborate with the state on various projects that are in line with BUA’s sustainable impact investment philosophy.

Speaking further on the ultramodern specialist hospital to be built by BUA Foundation, Rabiu thanked the governor for approving land for BUA Foundation in the heart of Kano city.

According to him, the proposed N7.5billion, 220-bed specialist hospital which BUA Foundation is building covers a built up area of 15,000sqm and would have the most modern imaging and diagnostic equipment that will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of Nigerians who need medical attention and reduce our dependence on foreign medical

tourism.

This, according to the BUA chairman, will further complement the state government’s stride in healthcare delivery for the people of the state such as the recently inaugurated Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital in Giginyu.

On his part, Ganduje, in the company of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, and other members of his cabinet, expressed delight over BUA’s multi-million dollar Rice Mill in the state which is the largest in Nigeria and Zero-Interest Rice Outgrowers Scheme which has achieved very positive results so far. He also said the people of Kano State are proud of BUA’s contribution to the Nigerian economy and commended BUA

Group for promoting the local production to reduce the over dependence on foreign made goods.

Ganduje went on to describe BUA Group as one of the companies that has made the state a true land of commerce with its investments across key sectors of the economy.

BUA Group is a conglomerate with varied interests in foods, mining and infrastructure. Established in 1988 by billionaire industrialist, Rabiu, BUA Group’s investments in cement, sugar estates and refineries, rice, oil and gas, steel, port operations and logistics make it one of the largest employers of labour in Nigeria and one of the largest contributors to Nigeria’s GDP.

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Malabu Scandal: Eni’s Lawyer, Others Arrested for Allegedly Spying into Public Prosecutor’s Investigation A popular Italian lawyer working for oil giant, Eni, Piero Amara, was arrested alongside 14 other people yesterday

by Italian investigators over an intricate plan to spy and muddle a number of investigations undertaken including investigation into OPL 245, infamously known as the Malabu Oil scandal.

Last October, Italian prosecutors charged officials of Royal Dutch Shell, including Malcom Brinded, the second senior official of the oil firm in 2011 when the controversial $1.3 billion deal was struck.

Prosecutors were also looking at filing charges against former Nigerian petroleum minister, Dan Etete; but the trial is yet to take off.

Amara is one of Italy’s most influential lawyers who is said to be close to top magistrates.

He was arrested for allegedly setting up a fake investigation with the ploy of accessing and muddling confidential documents, in the office of Italy’s public prosecutor, relating to several investigations including that of OPL 245, The 48-year-old environmental lawyer, and his accomplices who included university professors, magistrates and consultants, were arrested by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate headed

by Maurizio de Lucia after magistrates in Rome and Messina issued orders of precautionary custody.

Also fingered in the scandal was Massimo Mantovani, Eni’s former chief counsel.

Italian newspaper, Repubblica, reported that Mr. Mantovani is alleged to be behind the meddling of the

OPL 245 cases.

According to the newspaper, his apartment was searched by investigators.

The Augusta-born lawyer has offices in Dubai and Rome.

Amara according to Premium Times, is reported to have boasted of having a 100 per cent success rate in court.

The OPL 245, one of Africa’s richest oil blocks, has been a subject of controversy since 1998 when then Nigerian petroleum minister, Etete, awarded it to a firm he jointly owned.

The scandal got worse when former President Goodluck Jonathan authorised the controversial transfer of the oil block to Shell and Eni for about $1.3 billion.

Most of the money ended up in private hands including those of persons close to Jonathan.

Jonathan, who authorised the deal in 2011, has also been identified as a person of interest in the deal, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealing that the former president might have received over $200 million in bribes to authorise the deal.

“We wish to make it clear that former President Jonathan was not accused, indicted or charged for corruptly collecting any monies as kickbacks or bribes from ENI by the Italian authorities or any other law enforcement body the world over,” the ex-president’s spokesperson said in a statement in January.

Despite originally indicating its desire to charge those implicated in the deal, the Nigeria government appears to have made a volte face.

The Attorney General of the

Buhari Declines Assent to Police Procurement Fund Bill,Two Others James Emejo in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has declined his assent to three bills which were recently passed by both the Senate and he House of Representatives on the grounds of “lack of clarity” on each of the legislations.

The president, in a letter to the National Assembly leadership, dated January 25, 2018, and titled: ‘Presidential Decision to Decline Assent to Three Bills Recently Passed by the National Assembly in December 2017”, highlighted the reasons for withholding his assent on the bills.

He said the Police Procurement Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2017 lacked clarity regarding the manner of disbursement of funds as well as constitutional powers of the National Assembly to appropriate funds allocated to the 36 state governments and 774 local governments- which according to him, conflict with Sections 80-82, and 120-122 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Equally rejected was the

Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment Bill), 2017 which Buhari said lacked clarity over the scope of the profession of “social work” that the bill prohibits all persons who are not members of the institute from practising.

In his letter which he personally signed, a copy which was addressed to the House Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and read during plenary, the president similarly refused to sign the Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria Bill, 2017 into law.

He explained that the legislation also lacked clarity over the scope of the profession of “public management” that the bill prohibits all persons who are not members of the institute from practising.

Having declined his assent to the bills, nonetheless, the Senate and House are still empowered constitutionally to override the president and pass the bills if they so desire by two-thirds majority votes in both chambers.

Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and the Minister of State for

Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, are believed to have presented a proposal before President

Muhammadu Buhari, which would effectively see Nigeria dropping all charges for a

production sharing contract of the oil well with Eni and Shell.

UNVEILING PREPARATIONS

L-R: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; National Commissioners, May AgbamucheMbu; Prof. Anthony Sinbine; and Mustapha Leki, at a press briefing on the release of the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2019 general election in Abuja... yesterday Julius Ato

House Urges AGF to Enable Metuh Get Medical Treatment Abroad James Emejo in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday passed a motion urging the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami, to use his position as chief prosecution officer to ensure that former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman, Olisa Metuh is allowed access to medical attention abroad until he is fit to continue with his trial.

The House also mandated its Committees on Justice and Human Rights to follow up on the resolution and report back within two weeks.

The resolve of the lower chamber was as a result of a motion brought under matters of urgent national importance by Hon. Chris Azubogu (PDP, Anambra) on the urgent need to save the life of Chief Olisa Metuh.

He said the life of Metuh, who is currently facing trial on charges of money laundering- which does not prescribe death as penalty if convicted- was under grave danger.

He expressed concern that the health of the former PDP spokesman had deteriorated while in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to his collapse in court recently before being rushed to the National Hospital.

He said Metuh had travelled to Nnewi to attend to some family issues only to be rushed to the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital on emergency due to complications on same spinal cord injury.

He regretted that while on

admission, the court refused the medical report wherein the hospital had requested adequate time to complete its investigation on him.

According to him, Metuh’s condition had prompted his transfer to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu before the National Hospital Abuja in an ambulance to enable him appear for trial on the order of the court.

Azubogu in his lead debate argue that Metuh is on trial but not yet convicted, adding that his condition had continued to deteriorate.

He said further denial for him to receive appropriate medical attention overseas could cost him his life or permanent paralysis since he’s been bed-ridden.

Quoting relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he said: “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in the execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”

He further expressed worry that the embattled PDP scribe has had to appear in court on Monday on a stretcher from the National Hospital on the order of the court against medical recommendation considering the grave danger he’s currently in.

The lawmaker argued that “It’s only the living that can answer to charges of criminal offence and Metuh, a lawyer I know will not become a fugitive because of the charges he is facing if granted a

leave to obtain treatment for a given period of time and come back to continue with his trial since he is already on bail and there is a surety.

However, the original prayer of the motion was to urge the AGF and the Federal High Court Abuja to grant Metuh access to medical care overseas pending his fitness to resume trial.

Even though Azubogu’s motion attracted sympathy from his colleagues, it only required the prompt intervention of the Chairman, Rules and Business, Hon. Emmanuel Oker-jev (APC, Benue) who threw a spanner in the works of the sponsor- leading to a divided opinion on whether to involve the courts and judiciary to a larger extent on the issue.

Oker-jev, who had raised a point of order immediately after Azubogu’s debate, drew attention to the fact that it was against the rules of the lower chamber to venture into the affairs of other tiers of government, particularly the judiciary, in the spirit of the principles of separation of powers.

He said even though the motion enjoyed his sympathy, it appeared to “question what the court is doing”, which ought not to be the concern of the House.

His point of order did reset the whole argument as House Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who agreed that constitutionally, the House was not supposed to intervene in judiciary affairs, nevertheless, sought expert advise from learned members to break the seeming deadlock.

Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Chukwuka Onyema, said the motion was purely on humanitarian grounds, adding that it was an eyesore to see Metuh brought to court on a stretcher.

He stressed that the House was not questioning the judiciary but only appealing that Metuh’s request be considered in order to get medical treatment abroad.

In his contribution however, Hon. Olabode Ayorinde (APC, Ondo) said in the absence of sentiments by member, there was nothing the lower chamber could ask the court to do in the current circumstance, given that Metuh had earlier been granted bail.

At this point, Dogara said the National Assembly was not in a position to tell the judiciary what to do.

He said bail application is at the discretion of the judge and since the lower chamber can’t dictate to the court, the former can only urge the court to consider the prayer of the motion.

Meanwhile, it took the counsel of Hon. Edward Pwajok (APC, Plateau)- himself, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to save the motion from being literally killed.

He advised that the prayer of the motion be amended to urge the AGF, not the court, to look at ways of ensuring that Metuh gets medical care overseas.

With this, Dogara said having resolved issues of prejudice, it was clear that the House cannot talk to the courts but rather to the AGF.

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Military Expresses Dismay over Shettima’s Performance Rating of Lafia Dole Commanders The Minister of Defence, BrigGeneral Mansur Dan-Ali, (rtd), and top senior security officers have expressed their dismay over the alleged claim by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State that Generals from the Southern parts of the country are responsible for the return of peace in Borno State.

Shettima made the outburst during a town hall meeting of military and security agencies in Maiduguri.

He said he was disappointed to observe that the previous commanders, who are from the

southern parts of Nigeria, did much better than the last occupants of the office who are from the North.

“Some of our greatest accomplishments in the current counter-insurgency efforts were recorded under army generals who are not from Borno and northern Nigeria. And what we have recorded in the last six weeks outweighs what was accomplished in the last three years.”

He singled out the Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, a non-Muslim of Igbo stock for exhibiting leadership and professionalism in the fight

Customs Raids Ikoyi Parkview Estate, Seizes Four Rolls Royce, Other Luxury Cars Eromosele Abiodun The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja has announced that it intercepted various contraband with a duty paid value of N1,618,177,661.50 from January 1 to 31, 2018.

The unit also said it recovered N91,366,436 in the month under review, thereby making a cumulative of N1,709,544,098.

Addressing journalists in Lagos yesterday, the Units Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Uba, stated that the seized items include 31 assorted vehicles, 8,400 bags of foreign parboiled rice (14 trailers), 1,652 cartoons of frozen poultry products, 835 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 10 sacks of Indian hemp, 2,208 pieces of used tyres, 159 bales of used clothing among others.

“Among the detained vehicles include four Rolls Royce, one Porsche Panamera, one Jaguar, one Bentley, two Lexus jeeps, two G-Wagon, one Toyota Land Cruiser, five Toyota Corolla, seven Mercedes Benz, among others, mostly 2017 model.

These 31 assorted vehicles alone have a duty paid value of N1,429,953,941.50 only.

“While some of this vehicles were intercepted along Ijebu-Ode expressway, others were evacuated in various raids in Parkview

Estate, Victoria Island, Banana Island, Alhaji Bankole Crescent in Ikeja, and Tola Adewunmi Street, Maryland.

“We urge the owners of these vehicles to come forward with valid customs clearance documents, otherwise they will be liable to seizure and subsequent forfeiture to the federal government in line with the laws of the land,” he said.

He said it recorded the success after intensifying its operational modalities to meet up with current smuggling tactics.

According to him, “For the avoidance of doubt, our action is in line with the provisions of Section 147 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), Cap 45, laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 which gives us power to search premises; and Section 158 of CEMA, Cap 45 laws of the Federation of Nigeria which grants us power to patrol freely.

“Let me seize this opportunity to warn all would be smugglers to desist from any act of illegal trade and invest their money in a legitimate business that will yield dividend on their investments. There is no amount of resistance from the smugglers and their mob accomplices that will deter us from performing our statutory responsibilities in all aspect especially in suppression of smuggling within southwest zone.”

against the Islamic extremists.

“Some of our greatest recent feats in the conflict were done by non-northerners and non-Muslims officers in the military. Most of the soldiers that sacrificed their lives are not of the Kanuri ethnic group,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Boko Haram insurgency regained momentum after 2016 because of the failure of command at the theatre of war.

In a swift reaction to the claim, Dan-Ali, who was visibly displeased

by Shettima’s claim, said other senior security personnel were worthy to be mentioned when talking about the successes recorded.

Dan-Ali said Major General Ibrahim Yusuf, the present General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the army as well as other senior officers from the Nigerian Air Force Component have also played significant role to the successes.

The defence minister said: “The recent changes in leadership of Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole and the serving brigade, don’t forget we have the brigade commander who is also an indigene of this zone so you should also mention him. General Yusuf is one of the active General Officers Commanding (GOC), in this operation worthy to be mentioned.

“Also the regular visit to the Theatre Command by the minister and the service chiefs have also given morale to the fighting troops hence recorded these successes. It is pertinent to state that the troops

of Operation Lafiya Dole’s in the ongoing Operation Deep Punch II have inflicted great damages to the insurgents and rooted them from their hideouts in Sambisa forest.”

Shettima’s comments have generated outrage among military officers and security personnel working in various outfits in the state.

A military intelligence officer who claims anonymity told PRNigeria that Shettima’s comment was quite unprofessional and belittles his personality as Chief Security Officer of the state to use such foul and unguided utterances against other officers who have risked their lives to protect people of the state from Boko Haram insurgency.

The officer said: “We are utterly dismay by the utterances of the governor against other officers from other part of the country. By claiming that the last six weeks outweighs what was accomplished in the last three years, the Governor is invariably attacking the Chief of Army Chief, General Buratai, the National Security Adviser, General Babagana Monguno who are also from Borno State of failure of their three years in the saddle and equally the Commander-in-Chief who put these people in the positions.

“We must recall that it was during the tenure of the last Theatre Commander, General Ibrahim Attahiru, though from the North but not from Borno State that

troops provided adequate security when the state hosted President Muhammadu Buhari to the Theatre during the occasion of Nigeria’s 57th Independence Anniversary and also the successful hosting of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during his visit to flag off the distribution of relief materials to displaced persons in the North-east.”

Another visibly disturbed security officer said “Instead of the governor to concentrate on the issues related to the town hall meeting, he decided to utilised his remarks by promoting sectional divide and bigotry amongst military men and soldiers fighting Boko Haram.

“We felt exasperated after hearing this insulting and provocative remarks from a number one citizen of a state who is also considered as one of the most active governors in this dispensation. He should note that the Nigerian military and security agencies have no religious sentiment, tribal and sectional affiliations.”

The immediate past Theatre Commander, Major Ibrahim Attahiru, had disclosed during his handover after seven months on the helms of affairs, that he carried out a quick evaluation of the operational situation resulting in the elimination of five high profile Boko Haram commanders and hundreds of terrorists after a crucial and swift clearance operations that neutralised identified immediate threats posed by terrorists taking refuge in some remote areas within the theatre.

General Attahiru also established

Fire Support Coordination Cell (FSCC) which were employed continuously to degrade the Boko Haram terrorists in their enclaves and staging areas. These FSCC carried out artillery and aerial bombardments in conjunction with the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole on isolated Boko Haram terrorists enclaves killing several Boko Haram terrorists and destroying their logistic base.

The creation of dugouts along Boko Haram terrorists crossing points also denied the group freedom of action and stem the conduct of their nefarious activities.

The inauguration of Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) reinforced the Mobile Brigade Concept (MBC), while he also set up a Special Forces In-theatre Training Team, for retraining and refreshing troops on the fundamental concepts and skills of marksmanship, convoy and anti-ambush drills among others.

The none kinetic operations conducted through coordinated media and information operations led to the surrender of over 100 Boko Haram terrorists, who were immediately inducted into Operation Safe Corridor.

The Theatre Command equally facilitated enhanced security on the Lake Chad through continuous clearance of water weeds and patrol of the waterways resulting in lifting of ban on fishing activities in the Lake and the gradual restoration of economic activities thereby providing a lifeline and bringing succour to the indigenes.

BUHARI APPOINTS TINUBU TO LEAD RECONCILIATION EFFORTS IN APC chooses to support Buhari’s second term. Buhari doesn’t have anything to offer anymore. He is gone.”

Gege Best said: “I think the lesson for the future is clear. It is not enough to build alliances to gain power. It is important to understand the characters with whom you have joined forces.

“Tinubu and co. claim to be political experts. Yet they didn’t see that Buhari would be a terrible president.”

There were yet those who were neutral in their opinions, among which was one Ofor Peter who said: “The choice is before Tinubu.

Choose to be played once and learn or choose to be played and replayed.”

Desi Derata said: “Tinubu is caught between a rock and a hard place. Keep the little federal power in the APC contraption or lose it completely if PDP got power back.

The choice speaks for itself. Well played Buhari.”

Ayobami Dondekojo said: “So, Tinubu’s new job is conflict resolution. We don’t talk about this enough (because we don’t want to seem like bigots, since we are revolutionary) but sometimes we have to discuss ethnicity in politics.”

Freke Idio added: “The president is a great player, he knows he has already lost election in Benue, Gombe, Taraba, Nasarawa States.

“With the South-south and South-east not APC friendly, the only hope is Tinubu in the South-west. 2019 will be a good ground to judge if the South-west truly loves Nigeria.”

Maxwell Ikechukwu said: “There are more serious significant issues but you dig out Tinubu’s new appointment and make it the focal point of your national discussion.

You are so lazy.”

DIPLOMATIC VISIT

L-R: French Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Dennys Gauer; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Relations, Hon. Nnenna Ijeoma Ukeje; Director for West Africa, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jeremy Robert; and Chairman, Nigeria -France Parliamentary Friendship Group, Hon. Garba Mohammed, during a courtesy visit to the Speaker by a delegation from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the National Assembly ....yesterday

Institute to Launch Project OSEESE February 1 The Opeyemi Agbaje Institute has announced the maiden edition of its pet project, Ogun State Economic Enablement and Social Emancipation (OSEESE), a six-month activity designed to produce a policy template for good governance, development and socio-economic transformation of the state.

In a statement sent to THISDAY and signed by its Founder and Chief Executive

Officer, Opeyemi Olukayode Agbaje, said the institute is driven by the conviction that it needs to focus national conversation not just on politics but policy and development.

The statement read in part: ”This institute was incorporated in 2014 with a vision to serve as a catalyst for transformation of policy, governance and development in Nigeria, Africa and the

Diaspora.

“This initiative is underpinned by our vision 2035 which envisages Ogun State as a developed, first world region with human capital, quality of life, infrastructure, economic development institutions and governance standards comparable to leading regions in developed countries.

“A citizen engagement and survey project which we

christen ‘Kilo J Ogun Logun’ is a critical component of project OSEESE and its purpose is to engage with, and obtain the input and buy-in of citizens and residents of Ogun State based on a philosophy of shared governance.”

The institute promised to share the outcome of the initiative with relevant stakeholders interested in the progress of the state.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Failure of FG to Disarm Herdsmen Worrisome, Says Okowa Rules out creation of cattle colonies in Delta Omon-Julius Onabu inAsaba Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has described as worrisome the apparent failure of the federal government to disarm the murderous bands of Fulani herdsmen ravaging various farming communities across the country in the guise of tending their animals.

Okowa also ruled out creation of “cattle colonies” in the state, saying Delta State has no land for the establishment of such colonies, which the Buhari administration has reportedly recommended as panacea for curbing the incessant

clashes between nomads and farmers in many parts of the country.

The governor made this declaration yesterday during the Delta State stakeholders meeting on peaceful coexistence among farmers, host communities held at the Government House Asaba.

He decried what he described as the inability of the federal government to disarm herdsmen with illegal possession of firearms and who are often responsible for crimes and other vices, including armed robbery, kidnapping and rape.

Okowa urged the federal

Anyaoku, Anambra Elders Call on FG for Reimbursement of N43bn Spent on Federal Roads David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and other members of the Anambra State Elders Council have joined the call for the repayment of monies spent on fixing federal roads in the state by the state government.

Governor Willie Obiano has been in the vanguard of calling for the reimbursement, saying that the monies spent on the federal projects to give the people succour were funds meant for the execution of other state projects.

Obiano had continually insisted that the money if repaid would help his government to execute other projects that would touch the lives of the people of the state positively.

The elders council who joined in the call after its meeting yesterday, asked the federal government to urgently refund the money, pegging it at over N43billion.

In a nine-point communiqué issued at the end of its meeting at the governor’s lodge, Amawbia and presented by the Chairman of the state Elders Advisory Council, Anyaoku, it stressed the need for the repayment of the money.

“Repayment of the money would help the state government to embark on more meaningful projects in the state,” the council noted.

It also called for concerted efforts among the major political and allied stakeholders in the South-east to intensify the call for restructuring of the present governance architecture to achieve true federalism and guarantee greater unity and political stability in Nigeria.

The communique added: “We express worry over the unwholesome activities of Fulani herdsmen in many parts of the country especially the recent killings in Benue State, the council canvass for commercial ranching as the best method for meat and dairy production.”

It called on the state government and other state governments of the federation to reject the idea of cattle colonies which it noted, has inevitable adverse security implications.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, traditional rulers, former governors of the state, heads of Christian denominations, representatives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state, among others.

Amuka, Vanguard Publisher Lauds Lagos CP Femi Ogbonnikan In appreciation of his rare feat in curtailing rising violent crimes in the state in recent times, the publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, has commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Edgal Imohimi, since his assumption of office six months ago.

Amuka, who was on a courtesy visit to the CP at the command headquarters in Ikeja yesterday, stated that Imohimi has demonstrated exceptional ability at bringing violent crimes to the barest minimum in the state.

“My visit here today is to show you my love, respect and recognition. Since your assumption of office late last year, every Lagosian can attest to your outstanding performance which has brought to bear a sharp decline in violent crimes

in the state.

“Your work speaks for you and Lagosians appreciate you. So, I am one of your admirers,” the Vanguard publisher said.

In his remarks, Imohimi expressed delight on the visit, and said he was highly honoured to receive the publisher of Vanguard Newspapers in his office, stressing that his constructive criticism, counsel and advice would be judiciously put to use in order to improve where necessary in policing Lagos.

“I am happy to say that you have good things to say about our activities in Lagos State in enthroningpeaceand sanity.And these efforts have made lives bearable for all of us in the state.

Thank you for acknowledging our efforts.

“We are open to criticisms, counsel and advice that are genuine, and we are ready to make use of them,” the CP said.

government to initiate a clear-cut policy direction on this burning issue in Nigeria, even as he called on security agencies to intensify efforts to mop up illegal arms in the country.

“The Nigerian Constitution does not allow anyone to graze on somebody else farm; the constitution does not permit you to forcefully take over someone’s house. We can co-exist as a people but, as we co-exist, there must be mutual respect for one another, whoever you are, when you engage in crime, the law takes its course.”

However, while calling for caution and peaceful co-existence among people of the state, the governor charged the police and

other security agencies to resist being compromised in ensuring justice for all, asserting that they should not allow the communities to lose confidence in their abilities to check crimes, especially those committed by herdsmen.

As part of interim measures to address the perennial clash among herdsmen, farmers and host communities, the governor tasked chairmen of local government councils to set up special task force on security comprising of necessary interest groups within one week.

The governor said: “In the next one week, we need to have an interventionist committee on security in all the local government

areas of the state while we await a definite policy direction from the federal government. Chairmen of the local government areas must ensure that names of members of the committee gets to the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) who is the Chairman of the Central Coordinating Committee and ensure that minutes of their inaugural meetings are also, sent to the SSG,” the governor said, noting that it was wrong for anybody to hide under the guise of herdsmen to perpetuate crime in the state.”

The governor expressed concern that herds of cattle were oftentimes being led by mere minors. “Some of those who are also looking after

the cows are so young that, most times, they are not able to take decisions concerning the cows as long as they carry arms and ammunition, there is a major security issue at stake.”

On the obvious dearth of farmland in the state, which he stressed could not accommodate cattle colonies being proposed by the federal government, Okowa noted that numerous Delta State citizens have been moving to neighboring Edo State to farm because of inadequate land in the state.

“Most of our land have been destroyed by oil exploration”, Okowa stressed, adding, “We don’t have land in Delta, and even some of our farmers go to Edo State to farm”.

THESPIANS

Winner of NLGN Prize for Literature, Ikeogu Oke; foremost actor, Sadiq Daba; film producer, Tayo Osasona; and Regional Manager, Southeast, Premium Pension Limited, Paddy Ezeala, at the private screening of the movie titled ‘Unbroken’ at Ezeala’s residence in Apo, Abuja... weekend.

ZINOX Group Acquires Konga in Bold Return to e-Commerce After months of strategic negotiations with foreign investors, Naspers and AB Kinnevik, Zinox Group, Nigeria’s foremost integrated information and communication technology (ICT) solutions conglomerate and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), is now the majority shareholder in e-commerce giant, Konga.

Naspers is a South Africa-based multinational internet and media group, offering services in more than 130 countries while AB Kinnevik, founded in 1936, is a Swedish investment company investing primarily in digital consumer brands.

The development signifies a remarkable return to e-commerce for the Zinox Group after it pioneered e-commerce in Nigeria with the launch of BuyRight Africa.com which struggled to cope with the absence of credit card and e-payment infrastructure over 12 years ago.

The acquisition is also understood to have passed all regulatory approvals by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Details of the mega deal indicate that the Zinox Group, arguably Africa’s most integrated technology group, would assume

ownership of the e-commerce group which includes Konga. com, Nigeria’s largest online mall; KongaPay, a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-licensed mobile money platform with over 100,000 subscribers and rated as one of the best mobile money channels in the country, as well as KOS-Express, a digitally-driven and world class logistics company with advanced delivery capabilities for Konga and other structured companies nationwide.

The landmark acquisition is seen by industry watchers as a major development that could see e-commerce in Nigeria finally unlock the massive revenue potential in the global multibillion-dollar industry.

In 2017, retail e-commerce sales worldwide amounted to 2.829 trillion US dollars while e-retail revenues are projected to grow to 4.48 trillion US dollars in 2021.

Coming at a time when global e-commerce spending is expected to top previously unheralded levels, the acquisition is widely expected to reposition Konga for a greater share of the e-commerce purse in Nigeria and beyond.

The acquisition is also expected to create employment opportunities for over 5,000

Nigerians, both at home and in the Diaspora.

Gideon Ayogu, Head of Corporate Communications at Zinox Group, who confirmed the development, disclosed that the organisation is keen to take e-commerce in Nigeria to hitherto-unprecedented heights.

“We have always had an interest in Konga and another big one you know very well but our priority was Konga first because of her integrated nature of four quality companies in one,” he disclosed. “Konga is a world-class, professionally-run company whose landmark strides in the sector has gone a long way in ushering millions of Nigerians into the ease and convenience of online shopping and boosting the conduct of e-commerce in the country. Konga’s integrity is their pride.

“Today, many Nigerians can attribute their first experience of e-commerce to Konga.com and we are excited to be a part of this remarkable story. Many shoppers can also attest to the speed and efficiency in delivery that characterizes Kos-Express, the company’s logistics arm, which is arguably the best in the sector at the moment.

“Our ambition is to up the tempo by revolutionising e-commerce on the African continent, with Konga at the fore-front of this initiative.

In addition to positioning the business on a path of profitability in the short term, our long term plans are focused around seeing Konga well established in other African capitals. Furthermore, we will be unveiling a lot of new initiatives soon and we advise shoppers and merchants alike to look out for these innovations which will radically reshape the average customer experience of e-commerce in Nigeria and on the continent and put more money in their pockets,” he noted.

Led by serial digital entrepreneur, Leo Stan Ekeh, the Zinox Group has grown from a position of strength to become one of the biggest names on the African technology scene.

With its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria and branches all over the country in addition to hubs in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East; the Zinox Group boasts a 360-degree spectrum orientation as an integrated ICT solutions group with advanced competencies in manufacturing, special ICT projects, integrated solutions, e-commerce, retail and after-sales support, among others.

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Corruption Charge: Former FCT Minister Begs for Out-of-Court Settlement A former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Jumoke Akinjide, who is standing trial over alleged N650 million money laundering charge, yesterday in Lagos sought out-of-court settlement.

Akinjide’s lawyer, Mr. Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), told a Federal High Court that they were “in the process of engaging in out-of-court settlement” with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the former minister and two others are facing charges bordering on a N650 million money laundering.

The EFCC had slammed a 24-count charge of money laundering on Akinjide, Senator Ayo Adeseun and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olarewaju Otti.

Also listed in the charge is a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is said to be “at large.”

Justice Sule Hassan granted an adjournment to enable both the defence and the prosecuting counsel explore out-of-court settlement.

Ayorinde said there was no point wasting the time and resources of the court since the sum contained

in the charge had already been refunded.

“My Lord, the charge before this court is essentially in relation to the PDP campaign funds for the 2015 elections in Oyo State.

“Before trial commenced, the defendants, who were chieftains of the PDP in Oyo at the time, acting on the collective decision of the party, decided to refund the monies mentioned in the charge.

“I have had talks with the lead counsel for the prosecution and we think it wise not to subject this matter to further adjudication so as not to waste the time and resources of the court.

“In that light, I have suggested that all counsel meet to look at the way forward on this charge, especially considering the fact that the monies complained of has already been refunded.

“My application, therefore, is that this court adjourns further hearing pending the outcome of discussion by both counsel,’’ Ayorinde told the court.

Responding, the prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, confirmed the position as suggested by Ayorinde.

According to Oyedepo, the allegations against the accused do not principally bother on

campaign funds, but on “dealings with proceeds of unlawful activity”.

The prosecutor also confirmed to the court that the EFCC had recovered the sum of N650 million, but added that the money was recovered from the first accused and not from chieftains or principal members of the PDP. Citing Sections 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Oyedepo submitted that its provisions allow for such “settlement discussions” by both parties.

He told the court that the prosecution was not opposed to “discussion” and urged the court to grant the adjournment.

Besides, Oyedepo urged the court to place on record the fact that his witness had been present in court since the last adjourned date in preparation for trial.

In his ruling, Justice Hassan held that in line with the provisions of Sections 270 of the ACJA which allows plea bargain and as parties are not adverse to it, he adjourned the case until February 22 for hearing.

“The earlier date of February 14 is vacated and the defendants are to continue with their bails.”

NPA Declares N300bn Revenue in 2017 Eromosele Abiodun The management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has declared the sum of N299.56 billion as revenue generated in the 2017 fiscal year.

Information released by the authority yesterday showed that the 2017 revenues exceeded the 2016 figure of N162.20 billion by 84.65 per cent, the highest generated by the NPA in the past five years.

The NPA had in 2013 generated the sum of N154.50 billion. This increased to N159.30 billion and N180.50 billion in 2014 and 2015

respectively. The authority’s revenue however dropped to N162.20 billion in 2016.

The NPA in a statement said the 2017 figure is made up of revenues from “traffic,” “harbours,” “administrative” and “others” sources in the sum of N136.04 billion, N66.80 billion, N86.06 billion and N10.75 billion respectively.

The Managing Director of the NPA Hadiza Bala Usman, in the statement assured relevant stakeholders in the maritime sub sector and beyond of the

determination of the management of the NPA at providing an enabling environment for investors to do business within the Ports across the country in order to tap the huge economic potentials available in the sector for the growth of the economy.

According to her, renewed efforts are being encouraged by way of partnership, collaboration and improved synergy amongst key players in the industry towards ensuring that the management thrusts are realised within the nearest possible time.

Obasanjo: Good Leadership and Governance Needed for Economic Progress in Nigeria, Africa Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday identified good leadership, governance and development as the elements for economic progress in Nigeria and Africa.

Obasanjo said this at the 15th Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) Annual Lecture and International Leadership Symposium in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the theme of the symposium was entitled: ‘Leadership and Performance in Africa – The Challenge of the Continent’s Economic Competitiveness.’

Obasanjo said the economic challenges facing the country were as a result of lack of continuity in government policies among other reasons. “Our leaders must prioritise adequate infrastructure as the basis for our development.

“We must embrace new technologies to tackle security challenges in the country, build strong institutions to uphold our core values.

“In Nigeria, there is the need to acknowledge and appreciate our diversity and not make it a liability.

“We are called the giant of Africa because of our huge human resources and diversity, meaning that it is an asset that we should appreciate and not make it a liability.

“Nigerian leaders should not think of the well-being of Nigerians alone, but the well-being of the African continent as a whole to promote a common prosperity,” he said.

Obasanjo said terrorism was thriving in the North-east due to the poor level of education in the region.

“The level of education in the South-west is 85 per cent, 83 per cent in the South-east and less than 30 per cent in the North-east. It is sad that we are having this statistics in the same country.

“Our leaders should invest in education because it is very important for human growth and development,“ he said.

According to him, Nigeria has transited from pre-colonial to colonial rule, one military regime to another and from one political party to another taking over government.

“But we need to transit to a popular movement where people

will feel the impact of quality governance,” he said.

In his keynote address, Kandeh Yumkella identified bad leadership and governance, sit-tight leaders, ethnicity, too much book sense rather than digitalisation as some barriers to the development of Africa.

Yumkella is a former Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and also a Presidential aspirant in this year’s election in Sierra Leone.

He urged African leaders to include business experts and intellectuals in their cabinets, to bring in knowledge that could trigger the era of hope and opportunity in Africa.

“African leaders must be able to manage demographic transition where young men and women will be properly mentored and empowered to prepare them for the future.

“African leaders should also begin to support and invest in industrialisation, energy and infrastructure, especially the rail project, to connect our people and our economy.

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Security of Lives, Business Environment in Nigeria Must Be Prioritised, Say LCCI, Military Sunday Okobi In order to quickly nip the herdsmen-farmers crises as well as other security threats facing the country in the bud before they snowball into a national tragedy, the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Nigerian security agencies have agreed that securing human lives and the business environment must be prioritised.

This was agreed at yesterday’s ‘Security Meets Business Dialogue’ session organised by the LCCI in Lagos.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Yusuf Burutai, stated that the dialogue series was a laudable and suitable platform to discuss security issues, challenges and their impacts on the economy as well as the way forward with a view to developing appropriate strategies to be employed by various instruments of national power.

Burutai, who was represented by the GOC of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General E. O Udo, added that the discourse was equally judicious when security and development of the country continue to be troubled by plethora of threats such as Boko Haram in the North-east, cattle rustling, armed robbery, piracy, kidnapping, militancy, herdsmen and farmers’ clashes cultism and cult-related violence among others,

maintaining that “additionally, owning to the porous nature of our borders and globalisation, our country has continued to grapple with immigration crimes, but all attention must be shifted to curbing all forms of threat to the nationhood of the country.”

According to him, “Before my appointment as the COAS, the Boko Haram terrorist group continued to unleash continual terrorism on the country to further their agenda in Nigeria and other surrounding countries, but accordingly, the Nigerian army has continued to turn the tide of the sect insurgency through effective collaborative efforts with our neighbouring countries, and we are winning the war.

“Indeed, acknowledging the fact that security and development are interdependent both in discourse and policy, this has given rise to what is called the security development nexus, and it was in consonance with this reality that former United Nations Secretary General, Koffi Anan, asserted that security and development are inextricably linked. It could as well be stated that this contemporary reality equally informed this important gathering.”

In his welcome remarks, the President of LCCI, Mr. Babatunde Paul Ruwase, hinted that no meaningful business can be done in an insecure environment because security of life and property is a

very critical factor in the investment environment as well as a major consideration in investment decision.

Ruwase, therefore, said: “This is a platform for discussion and exchange of ideas among the private sector, diplomatic corps and the security agencies on the security situation in the country.

The essence is to deliberate on how we can collaborate to make our environment more secure by prioritising security and giving it all the attention it deserves.

“In recent years, the country has been grappling with various serious security challenges, and the impact of these security challenges on business and investors’ confidence is phenomenal. Not much investment activities are taking place in the North-east region of the country.

The same is true, perhaps to a lesser degree, in some other parts of the country. Painfully, Nigeria’s position in the Transparency International Security Ranking has plunged to 149 out of 163.”

He added that the oil and

gas sector is not free from threat of attacks on oil installation, as attacks by herdsmen on farming communities across Nigeria are not abating, resulting in increasing loss of lives as well as agricultural activities being negatively impacted.

“Therefore, there is no better time to look at the business dimension of the security problems than now.

Let me acknowledge the efforts of the security agencies and the government addressing the problem of insecurity in the country.

Some progress has been made in

restoring peace and normalcy in the North-east region, but a great deal still needs to be done,” the LCCI president said.

Among other speakers who contributed to the discourse to safeguard the Nigerian business environment in order to grow the economy, were the Chief of Naval Staff, Real Admiral Ibok-Ele Ibas who was represented by Chief of Operation, Lagos, Real Admiral F. Bubai; representatives of Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Air Staff; diplomats among others.

Rivers, Imo on the Warpath over Okorocha’s Amnesty to Don Wanny’s Colleagues Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers and Imo States may be on the warpath as Governor Nyesom Wike of River State has declared that his state will not recognise the amnesty granted by his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha to suspected cultists who killed 23 persons in Omoku on January 1.

At the Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday while assenting to some bills, Wike said the amnesty declared by Okorocha, would have no impact in Rivers State and that the wanted cultists who are kingpins of the Don

Wanny gang would be brought to justice.

He declared that the N20 million placed on their heads still stands and that the security agencies would be empowered to bring the criminals to account for their crimes.

The Rivers State governor said the action of Okorocha was a proof of the intelligence available to the Rivers State Government that the All Progressives Congress (APC) planned to grant amnesty to wanted cultists for political reasons.

The governor berated the APC and her officials for politicising security to the disadvantage of

the rest of the country.

He said: “Just yesterday, the Governor of Imo State granted amnesty to the cultists we declared wanted. These are cultists of the Don Wanny gang who killed 23 persons on New Year day.

“These are cultists who have been killing security agents. That amnesty offered by Okorocha cannot cover Rivers State. These criminal cultists are still wanted for their crimes against Rivers State and her people.”

He stated that it was wrong to introduce politics into security affairs because nobody knows what the outcome will be in future.

“There is no need playing politics with the security of lives and property. Before Governor Okorocha granted amnesty to those who killed our people, he did not deem it fit to call me.

“They should always weigh the implications of these actions to the security of the region. Whether you are in PDP or APC, there is no need to politicise security,” Wike said.

The Rivers State governor said despite the obvious political sabotage against the security infrastructure of the state, the state government would continue to work towards improved security in the state.

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Chrisland School Supervisor in Court for Raping Two-year-old Pupil A supervisor at Chrisland School in Victoria Garden City in Lekki, Lagos raped a two-year-old pupil several times.

An ex-social worker, Miss Gloria Chinoyera, disclosed this yesterday in a testimony at the newly-inaugurated Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court.

The school supervisor, Adegboyega Adenekan, 47, is facing a charge of child defilement.

The prosecution alleged that Adenekan committed the offence sometime in November 2016 at Chrisland School, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Ajah, Lagos.

Chinoyera, a lawyer, who has also undergone specialist training in social work and issues relating to children, was led in evidence by Mrs. O. Akinsete, the prosecuting counsel.

She said: “At 9.15a.m. on November 24, 2016, the defendant was brought to the police station, the mother of child ‘X’ was asked to bring her daughter to the station.

“During the interaction with the child, she said Adenekan had used his wee-wee on her wee-wee and his mouth on her wee-wee, she also said that he comes to her classroom to sit and watch the television with her.

“The police made a video recording of our interaction with

child ‘X.’.

“Shortly after our interview, Adenekan was brought by the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) into the room we were in, the IPO did not realise that we were still in the room.

“When she (the IPO) realised we were still in the room, she pulled Adenekan back but Child `X’ had already seen him.

“She got very emotional and started crying that she wanted to see Adenekan that he is her friend, we tried to calm her down but she kept insisting that she wanted to see him.

“We had to take her to the office of the Divisional Police Officer to calm her down.

“After the interview and based on what Child ‘X’ had said, we (myself, the Officer in Charge of Human Rights, Child X and her mother) decided to visit the school at VGC, Ajah.”

Chinoyera, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN, added: “She was asked to show us her classroom which she did and the first classroom she showed us had no television in it.

“We were made to understand that that was her new classroom as the school had changed her classroom after the allegation

against Adenekan.

“We asked her to show us her former classroom which she did and right in that classroom there was a black television.

“We asked her to show us Adenekan’s office where she alleged he takes her to, she played for a while because she did not know the seriousness of what was happening.

“She took us upstairs, pointed to an office and an official confirmed that that was Adenekan’s office “She also showed us a room in the office which is to the right which was a toilet where she claimed he cleans her up after the act.

“The child at that time was two years and 11 months old and she is highly intelligent.

“I made a statement to the police on November 25, 2016 especially as the DPO wanted us

to write how the matter got to his station. That was the end of my involvement in the matter.”

Earlier during her evidence, Chinoyera told the court that she was a volunteer social worker from May 2016 to November 2016 at the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) when a petition about the alleged defilement was filed by Child X’s mother.

The ex-social worker claimed that efforts to get the school to interrogate Adenekan were futile on two occasions and that the school supervisor was transferred to the Ikeja branch of Chrisland School following the allegation.

She said it was on the third time on November 22, 2016 with the assistance of Area “F ” Police Command that access to Adenekan was granted.

The defence counsel, Mr Olatunde Adejuyigbe (SAN), while cross-examining Chinoyera,

queried how efficient her investigation into the alleged defilement was.

The ex-social worker revealed during the cross-examination that the matter was not initially reported to the police.

“The petitioner said when it was mentioned to the school, the school said it was not possible for Adenekan to do it as at November 16, 2016 when nothing was done about it, she filed a petition to the OPD. “According to the petitioner, she had initially thought about reporting to the police but she thought that the police could be `funny’ at times.

“She decided to go to the OPD which she felt will see to the end of the matter,” she said.

Chinoyera also revealed under cross-examination that while acting in her capacity as a social worker in the case, she never spoke to the defendant, the teachers and the

management of Chrisland School.

“I never spoke to the defendant, I had no cause to; my primary concern was for the child, her welfare and protection.

“I did not speak to teachers, the police did, I went to the Chrisland School just once and twice when I was attempting to invite Adenekan for interrogation.

“I did not really speak to the management of the school, the police did, I only spoke to them to confirm the office of Adenekan.

“It was not in my place to conduct an investigation, it was the duty of the police.

“I was there to ensure that justice was done in the matter, the child was okay and not traumatised,” she said.

Justice Sybil Nwaka adjourned the case until February 8 for continuation of trial.

Group: Looters Out to Blackmail Buhari to Regain Power The Forum of Non-Governmental Organisations in Nigeria (FONGON) yesterday said the campaign against a second term in office for President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 was being orchestrated by those who have looted the treasury.

The forum said it has uncovered a plot by some economic saboteurs to demonise Buhari and hoodwink unsuspecting Nigerians to vote against the president.

It however said the 200 NGOs in the forum would fight to the finish to ensure that Buhari continues in office.

FONGON made its position known in a letter date February 6 to Buhari which was read at a mass rally at the Unity Fountain in Abuja to kick-start a nationwide mobilisation support for the president.

The letter, which was read by the National Coordinator of FONGON, Wole Badmus, said the NGOs came together to “serve as a counter-voice to the nay sayers and looters who are increasingly dominating the polity.”

FONGON said: “Mr. President, we have chosen to come out this time because there seems to be an orchestrated and wellchoreographed campaign going on across the country at the moment to demonise Buhari administration and hoodwink unsuspecting Nigerians into believing that the administration has achieved nothing since assuming office.

“The looters, economic saboteurs and unpatriotic fellows are feeling the heat of Buhari administration’s fight against corruption.

“They are earnestly yearning for a return to the immediate unedifying past in which the national treasury became the piggy bank of a few.

“They also want to pave the way for the return of the same people who brought the country to where it was before you assumed office.

“Your excellency, the recent spate of letter and memo writing is not an accident. We believe it is aimed at discouraging you from running for a constitutionally-guaranteed second term which they are afraid will put Nigeria on irreversible path of probity, prudence and progress.

“We believe there will be more letters and more voices urging you not to run. And we urge you (Mr. President) not to heed such calls.

Those who are for you are more than those who are against you.

“That is why we have decided to come out. We are concerned that unless an urgent action is taken, the voices of these people, whom we believe are being sponsored by looters and their ilk, may become the dominant voices.”

In spite of the criticism of the President, FONGON insisted that Buhari had been doing well.

The forum added: “Mr. President, your administration is putting Nigeria on a solid footing. We believe you have what it takes to do it but that all Nigerians must give you their unalloyed support because it will not be an easy task. After all, it is easy to destroy than to build.

“We (members of the FONGON) will match the naysayers’ propaganda for propaganda, memo for memo, and rally for rally. We will go from door-to-door, house-to-house, city-to-city and state-to-state to let Nigerians know the good work that your administration is doing.

“As we say never again to the enemies of the nation, looters and criminals taking charge of our nation’s affairs, we pray that Allah would continue to strengthen, guide and protect you. We urge God to give you more wisdom and good health to pilot the affairs of this great nation.

It asked Buhari to ignore calls not to vie for second term in office.

TOWN HALL MEETING

L-R: Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd); Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; and Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), at a Special Town Hall meeting on security matters in Maiduguri....Monday.

EFCC Arraigns Petroleum Engineer, Nwawka, Others for Money Laundering David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Federal High Court in Awka has adjourned for February 15 the matter between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nnaemeka Nwawka, a petroleum engineer and former Managing Director of Orient Petroleum Resources Limited and three others over charges of fraud and money laundering.

Nwawka and three of his fellow defendants were yesterday docked for a 10-count charge of fraud and money laundering which was allegedly perpetuated between 2012 and 2013.

The matter which was instituted on behalf of the federal government by EFCC against Nwawka with charge number FHC/AWK/C/92/2017, came up before Hon Justice I Gafai, and also had Jude Cyril Aniekwe, Agbaim Nwachukwu and the registered trustees of Sage Nebeife Foundation as defendants.

The charge sheet obtained by THISDAY read in part: “That you, Jude Aniekwe Cyril on or about July 20, 2012, in Anambra State within the jurisdiction of this court did make cash payment to the tune of N15,100,000 which exceeded the stated threshold without passing through financial institution to Agbim Nwachukwu, and thereby committed an offence contrary to section16(1)(d) of the money laundering act 2011 as amended in 2012, and punishable under section 16(2)(a) of same act.

“That you, Nnaemeka Nwawka, the registered trustee of Sage Nebeife foundation, and Jude Aniekwe Cyril sometimes between April 23 and December 21, 2012, within the jurisdiction of this court directly or indirectly took control of the aggregate sum of N110,332,670 which was transferred from Velberg International Limited account domiciled in Standard Chartered Bank account no. 0000777216 into the account of Sage Nebeife

Foundation domiciled in First Bank with account no. 201745211 when you knew that the funds formed part of unlawful activities of Nwawka to wit, fraud and hereby committed an offence contrary to section15 (2)(d) of money laundering(prohibition) act 2011 as amended in 2012.”

The charges showed that within the period, Nwawka and his fellow defendants took control of the sums of N110million and N42million respectively, which were seen by the EFCC to be acts of money laundering.

When the matter was called up yesterday, counsel to the second and third defendants, AC Ogbuodudu, pleaded for time to study the matter, saying he recently took over from a previous counsel to the defendants.

Counsel to EFCC, Victor Ukagwu, however, kicked against the adjournment of the matter for a latter day, insisting that Ogbuodudu ought to have

been adequately briefed before assuming the matter, especially as the matter had taken some time.

He also stated that two of his witnesses, Chief Cletus Ibeto and Chidi Nweke, were in court ready to testify, and pleaded for the witnesses to be given time to testify, while cross examination could be deferred to a later date.

“I say this because one of my witnesses, Ibeto, is not a man that is so easy to track down. Since he is here today, we can hear his testimony before adjourning for cross examination to give my friend time to prepare. If we miss this opportunity, it may be hard for us to get it again,” Ukagwu pleaded.

Justice Gafai, after due consideration, called on all the counsel to reach a compromise and agree to a more convenient date for the commencement of trial, leading to the acceptance of February 15 as the next adjourned date.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018

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Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

A F T E R M AT H O F C H A N

Eagles, Others Lose Points, to Drop in FIFA Ranking Femi Solaja The controversies that have trailed the yardstick employed by world football body, FIFA, in its monthly ranking remain unabated as most of the countries that participated at the just ended African Nations Championship (CHAN) did not make progress in the February ratings to be released next Thursday.

Aside third placed Sudan, Namibia, Congo and Angola, all the other 12 countries including the winner of the competition, Morocco and Nigeria the runner up, all lost points.

Against earlier promise by CAF President, Ahmad, that CHAN 2018 would be used to evaluate countries in the monthly ranking, it was learnt yesterday that FIFA treated the competition as ‘mere friendlies’ and of no consequence in the rating.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco that won the competition dropped from 748 to 696 points just like second best team in the tournament, Nigeria, down to 582 from the previous 651 points. They are going to drop in the rankings to be released on February 15.

However, World Cup-bound Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, the Teranga Lions of Senegal and the Pharaohs of Egypt all retained their respective points

from January and are expected to move up.

Tunisia will maintain her 915 points just as Senegal will still be on 875 points while Egypt is on 814 points. Only Democratic Republic of Congo outside the World Cup bound teams enjoyed the same status of 715 points, Algeria (585) and Cape Verde (530) points.

Meanwhile, third placed Sudan improved on the ranking with seven more points from the previous 260. The same thing applies to Namibia from 300 to 305 points while Congo from 369 to 387 points and Angola from 200 to 214 points.

The FIFA ranking formula has always attracted criticism from most football analysts claiming that it is disproportional and does not often represent the relative strength of teams.

Because of this, alternative rankings by football statisticians, such as that of World Football Elo Ratings and the rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation rankings, have emerged.

According to an Associated Press (AP) report in June 2006 when the US team was ranked fourth in the world in April 2006, even their players were shocked and felt flattered! That was after they were beaten 4-1

by Germany.

The ranking started in December 1992 and had been

Home-based Eagles flew into Lagos early hours of yesterday from Morocco where they won the silver medal of the 2018 African Nations Champions…last Sunday subject of intense debate. On at least two instances, FIFA has had to adjust the yardsticks.

According to FIFA’s explanations, the basic logic

of the, “calculation is simple: any team that does well in world football wins points which enable it to climb the world ranking.

“ A team’s total number of points over a four-year period is determined by adding the average number of points gained from matches during

the past 12 months and the average number of points gained from matches older than 12 months (depreciates yearly).”

...Silver-winning Team Lulu Floors EFCC in Appeal Court, Acquitted Back from Morocco The Home-based Eagles delegation to the 5th African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco returned to the country in the early hours of Tuesday, proudly clutching their silver medals.

Players and officials arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 3am aboard a Royal Air Maroc aircraft, and were received by officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including former Nigeria international Abdulrafiu Yusuf (Assistant Director, Technical) and Mr. Sunday Okayi (Assistant Director, Competitions).

The delegation was then flown to the Federal Capital, Abuja by the first flight out of Lagos.

The team won four of its six matches at the continental championship, drawing one, before losing the Final match to a supercharged Moroccan team on Sunday.

The silver medal-winning outing remains Nigeria’s best in the history of the CHAN, a step better than the harvest by the Class of 2014, who returned with bronze medals from South Africa.

Meanwhile, some of the Nigerian stars who shown brightly at the Championship in Morocco are wanted by clubs in

Europe and Asia.

Sunday Faleye is wanted in Austria, while striker Okechukwu Gabriel, who netted the winner in both the quarterfinal and semifinal, is wanted

by Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca as well as clubs in Norway, Switzerland and Russia.

Midfielder Ifeanyi Ifeanyi has attracted interest in the Major Soccer League (MLS) in the US while even 37-year-old Rabiu Ali could play the final years of an illustrious career in Asia.

Besides grossing $750,000 prize-money as beaten finalists, Nigeria will enjoy a decent rise in the FIFA World Rankings after they won four, drew one and lost a game in Morocco.

Three weeks in the freezing winter in Morocco has most certainly been worth all the trouble.

Coach Salisu Yusuf

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

In a landmark judgment, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, yesterday, set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered on February 22nd, 2016 by Justice E. S. Chukwu which dismissed a ‘no-case-submission’ filed

by Sani Abdullahi Lulu, a former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in the corruption charge brought against him and three others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Ahmad Belgore in his judgment, said: “This appeal has merit and the judgment of the Federal High Court, delivered on February 22, 2016 is hereby set aside and the appellant, Sani Abdullahi Lulu, discharged acquitted.”

Justice Belgore said the case was an appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Maitama Division delivered by Justice E.S. Chukwu on February 22, 2016 wherein the Appellants suit of a ‘no-case-submission’ was dismissed on the ground that the defendants were bound

by the Public Procurement Act, PPA, and as such should defend themselves in the charges leveled against them by the EFCC. Lulu and three others, Amanze Uchegbulam, a former first vice president of NFF; Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, a former executive committee member and NFF former Secretary-General, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba were arraigned on September 6, 2010, for alleged misappropriation of funds without giving proper accounts of how the money was spent during the South

Africa 2010 World Cup. Lulu and his co-accused among other things were also accused of flouting due process in the purchase of two Marcopolo buses for the national teams.

While, the appeals of Amanze Uchegbulam and Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, Sani Lulu’s co accused are still pending at the Court Appeal, the fourth accused person, Bolaji Ojo-Oba, erstwhile general secretary of NFF, had earlier been discharged acquitted by the Court of Appeal

2018 FIBA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

D’Tigress Draw Turkey, Argentina, Australia in Group Stage Nigeria’s D’Tigress have been grouped alongside Turkey, Argentina and Australia for the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup taking place in Tenerife, Spain.

At a brief ceremony held yesterday at the Teatro Leal, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Spain, Nigeria was drawn in Group B for the biggest women basketball tournament coming up between September 22 and 30.

The team will be hoping to surpass their 2006 outing where they lost all their group games against China, Russia and United States of America before suffering another defeat in the classification game against Senegal to finish 16th.

Reacting to the draws,

Dallas Wings player and one of the most influential Nigerians in the WNBA, Evelyn Akhator said, “I think it will be a great outing for us being drawn alongside Australia, Turkey and Argentina.

“I have watched the Turkish national team play and I am confident that we will surmount them. On the other hand Australia and Argentina, we will give a good fight with all hopes of winning,” she noted.

A confident Akhator who powered the D’Tigress to their Afrobasket win in Mali believes that there is an endless world of possibilities if the team can have a good preparation coupled

with relentless effort and determination of the players as well as the management.

“A build-up on our previous success at the Afrobasket would surely bear fruitful result,” she concluded.

Head Coach of the side, Sam Vincent, revealed that the draws has officially kickstarted their preparation for the World Cup and their goal of securing a medal.

“I am excited and confident about our position in the pool drawing for Spain. It moves us one step closer to our goal of securing a medal in the 2018 FIBA World cup”.

The Vice-president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Babs Ogunade expressed optimism about

the team’s ability to make it out of the group which he described as ‘interesting.’

“We are sure to make it to the next round, then one game at a time. We are the dark horses here and it is a good place to be so as to spring surprises. We have our hearts and heads in a good place,” Ogunade stressed.

According to the organisers, the Group Phase will be held in Tenerife Sports Pavilion Santiago Martin in San Cristóbal de La Laguna and the Palacio Municipal de Deportes “Quico Cabrera” in Santa Cruz.

The Final Phase will take centre stage in the Tenerife Sports Pavilion Santiago Martin.

WEDNES Ë&#x153; ÍŻÍąË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

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Conte to Stay as Chelsea Manager Despite Defeat at Watford Antonio Conte will not be sacked as Chelsea manager in the wake of Monday nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4-1 defeat at Watford.

His position was not discussed after the match, since when he has given his players three days off.

Sources at Stamford Bridge point to the fact Chelsea remain in the top four, and are still in the Champions League and FA Cup, as reason not to make a change at the present time.

Chelsea Captain Gary Cahill has also backed the Italian.

He said players needed to â&#x20AC;&#x153;look in the mirrorâ&#x20AC;? following the defeat at Vicarage Road.

After the Bluesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; second straight three-goal defeat, Conte said â&#x20AC;&#x153;the club have to take another decisionâ&#x20AC;? if they think he is not doing a good enough job.

The defending champions are now fourth in the Premier League, 19 points behind leaders Manchester City. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever is decided, the players have to take responsibility,â&#x20AC;? Cahill said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The manager has done an absolutely unbelievable job.â&#x20AC;?

Although Chelsea is understandably disappointed at a run of just two wins in 10 games during 2018 so far, and in particular suffering successive three-goal defeats in the Premier League for the first time since 1995, it will not cost Conte his job.

didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recognise us or myself.

It was abysmal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just need to keep strong.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been here before at this club - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about staying calm.

It hurts a lot when you come off after a performance like that.â&#x20AC;?

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also gave support to the Italian boss, who has 18 months remaining on his contract. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe in him and we believe in our team,â&#x20AC;? he told the club website. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have two bad results and we just

try to get back, regroup and continue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We showed that we wanted to fight, even with 10 men, and that shows we have character, but when you lose twice like that it is not good and there are questions raised.â&#x20AC;?

When asked about his position at the club, Conte told BBC Radio 5 live: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the same. I stay here, try to work and put all of myself into the work. The pressure?

Which pressure? What is the pressure?â&#x20AC;?

Conte... embattled

The Blues Chelsea entertain West Brom in the Premier League next Monday and Championship side Hull City in the FA Cup fifth round on 16 February before a run of games that includes two European ties against Barcelona, a trip to Manchester United and a visit to league leaders Manchester City.

Conte guided Chelsea to the league title in his debut season but his future has repeatedly been questioned since losing to Burnley on the opening day of the current campaign.

Defender Cahill, who has won the league twice in six years with the Blues, said Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defeat was the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;lowest point of the seasonâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the worst Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve felt for quite a while,â&#x20AC;? he told BBC Sport. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Performance-wise, I

Mainbowl of the Alfred Diete SpiďŹ&#x20AC; Sports Complex, venue of the championshipâ&#x20AC;Ś ready for the continental wrestling event

Nigerian Champions Vow to Port Harcourt Agog for African Wrestling Championship Defend Access/Lagos City Marathon Titles The top Nigerian finishers at the 2017 edition of the Access Bank/Lagos City Marathon, Iliya Pam and Olude Fadekemi have both promised to do all within their reach to retain their number one positions in Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 race.

While Pam has been training hard for the 2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in Jos, Olude is in the national camp in Port Harcourt where she is simultaneously preparing for the Commonwealth Games and the Lagos Marathon.

Pam who finished ahead of all his compatriots with a time of 2hrs:23mins but ended in 17th position overall said he would raise the bar at the forthcoming event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been training hard for a long time and I am very happy with my shape, my goal for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marathon is not just to finish as the number one Nigerian but to at least make it into the Top 10 overall.â&#x20AC;? Pam declared. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know it will be tougher this year but I am ready for the challenge as I look forward to run a good time to qualify for the Commonwealth Games,â&#x20AC;?

Pam added.

On her part, Olude who shocked many to emerge as Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first female runner with a time of 2hrs:16mins said she was raring to go for the race.

According to her, the increased prize monies is

extra motivation for her not only repeat what she did last year but even do much more. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The N1m I won last year was quite helpful for me, now that it is N3m, I have been training even harder,â&#x20AC;? she revealed.

According to Olude, this edition of the competition would be tougher compared to last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race as many people who did not reckon with her now know what she can do. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, I expect the likes of Olamide, Deborah Pam to give me a tough fight but I know it will bring out the best in me,â&#x20AC;? she said.

As already announced, Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full marathon will start 6.30am at the National Stadium and end at Eko Atlantic City.

The 10Km road race will start at 8.30am at the Lekki end of Ikoyi-Lekki Bridge and also end at Eko Atlantic City

Fadakemi Olude

The African Wrestling Championship is scheduled to begin today with 25 African countries expected to battle for 90 gold medals at stake in the various categories of the competition.

The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, has promised that the country will do well in the competition especially with the quality preparation sponsored by the Rivers State Government.

Top wrestlers like Odunayo Adekuoroye and Blessing Oborodudu have also promised to go for gold in the continental competition.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the

competition tagged â&#x20AC;&#x153;Port Harcourt 2108,â&#x20AC;? Boma Iyaye, stressed that everything has been put in place for the opening ceremony of the event and commencement of competition.

Iyaye, who spoke at the Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Complex, the venue for the championship yesterday, stated that wrestlers, officials and heads of delegations would experience the best of hospitality in the Garden City.

The LOC chairman, who is also the Rivers commissioner for sports, commended the State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for providing every need for the championship,

Winter Olympics Live on KwesĂŠ TV Pay tv channel, KwesĂŠ TV, has promised to broadcast the Olympic Winter Games, PyeongChang 2018, live to its subscribers between February 9 and 25, 2018.

The Winter Olympics will see 90 teams participating in different games including; figure skating, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping, and bobsled, and KwesĂŠ TV subscribers will be able watch the Nigerian bobsled team - Seun Adigun, Akuoma Omeoga and Ngozi Onwumere and skeleton athlete, Simi Adeagbo as they make history at PyeongChang 2018.

KwesĂŠ TV signed a multiyear deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the broadcast of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the Olympic Winter

Games Beijing 2022 and the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

KwesĂŠ TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broadcast rights include exclusive free-to-air (FTA) rights for sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) as well as non-exclusive pay-TV rights for the same markets.

KwesĂŠ TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broadcast of the games will kick-off with the opening ceremony at the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium on February 9 on KwesĂŠ Free Sports.

KwesĂŠ will give African sports lovers a front row seat to cheer on our phenomenal winter sports athletes a KwesĂŠ exclusive Olympics pop-up channel which be available on channel 306. The channel will provide 24 hour coverage of the games and will be available on the go through KwesĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multiple device viewing options.

pointing out that the opening ceremony would be spectacular.

President of the United World Wrestling Africa, Fouad Meskout, who arrived Port Harcourt last Sunday, has expressed satisfaction with the facilities, rating it as world-class.

Meskout expressed delight with the level of preparation, quality of facilities and equipment put in place for the championship, describing it as world-class.

As at yesterday, 11 countries including Kenya, Namibia, Liberia, Burundi, South Africa, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Sudan were already in Port Harcourt,

while more countries were expected to arrive today.

Meanwhile, the President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Honour Sirawoo, has assured visiting journalists of a conducive working environment and the best of times in Port Harcourt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let me use this opportunity to welcome my colleagues within and outside Nigeria, especially the leadership of AIPS in Africa led by our own Mitchell Obi. Port Harcourt and indeed, Rivers people are proud to have Africa in our state; it is a glorious opportunity that will remain indelible in the minds of our people,â&#x20AC;? Sirawoo said.

NFF, Cadbury to Seal Partnership in Lagos The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Cadbury Nigeria Plc are set to exchange signed documents that have now conferred on the beverage companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s product, Tom Tom, the title of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Official Candy of the Super Eaglesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange since February 1976, Cadbury Nigeria Plc is Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading beverages and confectioneriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; manufacturing company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nigeria Football Federation is pleased to have finally signed this worthwhile agreement with Cadbury Nigeria Plc. We appreciate what Cadbury Nigeria Plc has done for Nigerian football over the years and that is why we embraced them immediately an approach was made. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Candies are for champions.

The Super Eagles remain a champion team and Cadbury

Nigeria Plc is also a champion establishment. I strongly believe the company will enjoy the new experience even better than its previous romance with Nigerian Football,â&#x20AC;? NFF President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, said in Lagos. Mr. Mike Itemuagbor, Chairman of Pamodzi Sports Marketing Limited, the sponsorship agency, offered: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The agreement is for a period of three years in the initial period, and renewable.

It makes Tom Tom the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Official Candy of the Super Eagles,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; but all other details will be made known at the contractsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exchange ceremony. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a Sponsorship Agency, we have the responsibility to ensure that both organisations derive fulfillment from the relationship, and we are fully committed to doing just that,â&#x20AC;?

Itemuagbor stressed.

Wednesday February 7, 2018

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Price: N250

MISSILE

PDP to Buhari

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We strongly condemn the unabated killings across the country. We call on Mr. President to come out clean on the herdsmen killings and address the nation on how to end the carnageâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Peoples Democratic Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) including its governors demanding that president Muhammadu Buhari takes responsibilities and more action rather than his mere setting up of committees to unravel those behind the spate of killings in Benue, Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna States.

DONALDDUKE GUEST COLUMNIST

The Urgency of Now E

xpectedly, the launch of the Coalition for Nigeria Movement, shortly after former President Olusegun Obasanjoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, has elicited diverse commentaries.

There is the excitement that something is, at last, happening in the polity that reverses the bore and replacing that with hope. There was also confusion and, of course, condemnation by a critical few. Good enough, still on another side of the divide, there are also those who proffer no ideas or solutions, but seemingly have the answers to all that should be right and wrong in our country.

I am, therefore, not writing this piece to convince anyone about the merits or otherwise of the coalition, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aims, objectives or its founders.

No, my onerous concern is about the urgency of NOW! One thing we all can agree on, regardless of our diverse backgrounds, privileges or circumstances, is that we could do a lot better than we currently are accomplishing. We need no soothsayer to tell us that our nonchalance, selfishness and greed are eclipsing our collective future and thereby threatening our very own survival to an extent we can hardly fathom.

There are pessimists in our midst who endlessly criticize, yet do nothing, perhaps condemning us collectively to the point of irredeemability; yet there are others who hold the optimism and hope that somewhere, somehow, someone would rise up to lift the despair and desperate situation that Nigeria is deeply in today. That hope and optimism are what is propelling a tiny few who are ready to pick up the gauntlet and literally take the bull by the horns knowing that there must be a resolution, either in favour of him or the bull.

First, a caveat. I am not here to either burnish or attest to anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character least of all that of Obasanjo. He is too well known and such a unique being that whatever one may say is perhaps a shade, indeed a slight shade of the man. There are those and there are many, including my humble self, that believe he ought to take a back seat in the polity and be the statesman that he rightly is; at least until things get awry, then we would appeal to his wisdom to marshal our collective complaints and speak on our behalf. Like many others, I also have personal axe too to grind. So for now, all this talk of Obasanjoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement is diversionary. The kernel of our discourse is our collective existence.

The discourse today centres around women and youth participation in our politics. After all, their demographics easily account for 70% of the population. Have we, the so-called ruling class earnestly considered handing over the baton of leadership in the near future? Let us consider the recent PDP primaries, the same old guards dominated the scene. The average age of the aspirants was not less than 60 years going on to 70. Have we considered that a child born at the return to civil democratic rule in 1999 is a voter today and the one that was ten years old then is likely a parent and now saddled with concerns of the future of his or her offspring?

The answer is an emphatic No, we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. At its last convention, the PDP lost an incredible opportunity to redefine itself. The party could have headhunted a breed of younger, urbane

Obasanjo

and forward-looking and aspiring leaders of both genders at a parity and accordingly rebranded itself as the new PDP. If it did that, it would have borrowed a leaf from the United Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Labour Party of the 90s that was out of power for about 15years. What it did was that it rebranded itself as the new Labour, with a centrist manifesto and showcased new breed politicians by positioning the then dashing duo of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. The optics was great. But for the PDP, no way. The dinosaurs, which are unable to breed, and also refusing to quit, extinguish the entire land. The APC fares no better. Hardly has it showed nor displayed any room nor scope of throwing up a fresh breathe of fresh air by injecting new blood to replace the gerontocrats.

Before we get carried away with women

My message to young Nigerians is this: political power is never handed over as an inheritance. You plot and seek it as an entitlementâ&#x20AC;Ś Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a moral obligation to handover power or step aside, you have to go for it or aggressively seek it

and the youths, let me proudly proclaim that I too was once branded a youth and seen as a member of the vanguard of a new generation.

At 30, I was already a state commissioner, at 34, a member of the National Economic Intelligence Committee and concurrently a member of the National Economic Council and at 37, state governor. At 45, I was done and pensionable.

The point is, there is nothing unique here, except that I was fortunate to be mentored; whereas, the bulk of our current young people are not consciously being politically mentored, thereby creating a huge lacuna in the leadership structure going forward. Without digressing too far, let me remind us that unmentored youth could be a lethal weapon. The bulk of the folks who orchestrated the 1966 pogrom were in their mid to late twenties. At that age, you are full of unbridled zeal and idealism, yet bereft of any institutional breeding or knowledge of history. The result was a fatal civil war.

Catastrophically, we still deny ourselves the knowledge of history, so we seemingly are on the verge of repeating it.

Over the past couple of months, I have met with and spoken to dozens of young people about the importance of their participation in politics. The level of apathy and disenchantment is frightening. For every hundred urban youth, not more than 20% possess a voterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s card coupled with their alarming indifference that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter. Whereas European societies with older population are witnessing a surge in youth participation who go on to elect younger persons to office. But in Nigeria, the reverse is the case and indeed all of Africa harbouring a younger population. Until the recent forceful retirement of Mugabe, the average leadership age on the continent was about 75; it may have dropped to 65 with his departure and the coming on stage of Gambiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adama Barrow and Liberiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s George Weah. But then, are we not depriving ourselves of virility?

Muhammadu Buhari himself has admitted that age is a constraint to his performance in office, I neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say more.

But my message to young Nigerians is this: political power is never handed over as an inheritance. You plot and seek it as an entitlement.

Our forebears in the First Republic did it to secure our freedom from the British. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a moral obligation to handover and or step aside, you have to go for it or aggressively seek it. Between 1996 and 1999 when we assumed authority in Cross River State, we plotted with like minds to overthrow the status quo and they fought back; but with our numbers, careful and strategic calculations, we prevailed. Above all, we sought office for the right reasons. The society like many other things is dynamic and moves with the times. Today we can rightly distinguish one from the other simply by acknowledging which one is analogue and the other digital. The ways our fathers operated certainly cannot be the way we should, that would be stagnation and retrogression.

Every four years or so, there is so much vibes made of youth participation in politics, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an attractive sound bite; the difference this time, however, is that there is no longer time on our hands. Young people urgently need to get a grasp of the issues and appreciate that it

is their future that is at stake. Participation from the ward to the federal levels is imperative.

A young 27-year-old man has impressed me in this regard. His name is Bukunyi Olateru Olagbegi. Olagbegi is certainly not accepting the status quo of his peer group, so he goes about setting up a political party called the Modern Democratic Party (MDP) to create political space for himself and his cohorts. That is consciousness and activism and should be encouraged. We need more of his type in the political sphere to an extent that they can no longer be ignored.

Back to the Coalition for Nigeria Movement, if all it achieves is to rekindle and galvanize the entire strata of the population to becoming politically active, it would, in my opinion, be a huge success. In that quest, all hands ought to be on deck, the good and not so good, for the weight is great. I would be glad to see Presidents Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan, Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar and as far back to Yakubu Gowon join the movement. Let Obasanjo alone not enjoy the limelight of assuming the position of an all-knowing individual. More than anything else, their experiences ought to be brought to bear.

It is apathy that encourages the governing class to govern with contempt, with the belief that the electorate is too docile and disenchanted to scrutinize or have oversight of their performance.

And this is largely true. That it takes someone who is over 80 years old to awaken us to the foibles of governance, perhaps through the experience of his own shortcomings, for me, regardless of his personal reasons, clearly shows that there is a vacuum somewhere that he wittingly fills. Should we on account of that begrudge him the role he is playing? For me, that is a firm NO. Rather, let us fill the gap that he recurringly exploits so expertly and adroitly by ensuring that the leadership no longer takes governance for granted, knowing there is an intolerant electorate out there. Then attention will be paid to job creation and not foreign exchange affordability, neither will herdsmen and farmers clash nor retaliating communities dare ransack land, maim, kill, and destroy property with reckless abandon without fear of repercussion from authorities. Empathy and compassion will be the yardstick for governance and not crass display of insensitivity, hard-heartedness and high handedness. In the same vein, appointments to offices will reflect the diversity of the nation and IDP camps would not be the new horror chamber. Budgets will be presented and passed on time and there would be consequences for failure to perform in government.

We crave a new lease of life in a country where we will cease to live in fear of our personal safety and rather look out for the wellbeing of each other. There is no doubt that ours is a broken society and this is no time to sit back and criticize, no matter how self-satisfying and alluring it may be. Let us save that energy for things that are more vital and urgent.

Obasanjo is transient; Nigeria is certainly here for the long haul.

There is clearly an urgency of NOW! t.S %VLF XBT HPWFSOPS PG $SPTT 3JWFS 4UBUF

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