FG Targets N762.5bn Earnings from $2.5bn Eurobond to Finance Treasury Bills To save N64bn annually from dollar-backed TBs Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The federal government yesterday in Abuja said its proposed $2.5 billion Eurobond already approved by the National Assembly would yield N762.5 billion proceeds for the refinancing
of treasury bills. According to the government, the deal would result in annual savings of N64 billion. The Minister of Finance,
Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who made this disclosure while briefing journalists at the end of yesterday's weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State
House, said the $2.5 billion Eurobond issuance was not a new borrowing but had already been approved by the National Assembly as part of the government's external
borrowing plan. She recalled how the $500 million bond issued in November 2017, yielded N162.50 billion, which she said was used to redeem
Obasanjo: I Have No Candidate For 2019… Page 6
treasury bills, which matured in December 2017 and led to a significant drop in the bid rates of both treasury bills and federal government bonds. Giving the impact of the $500 million bond, Adeosun Continued on page 6
Thursday 8 February, 2018 Vol 23. No 8330. Price: N250
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I am Tired of This Calamity, Says Shekau, Boko Haram Leader, in New Video… Page 53
In New Onslaught, Buratai Orders Troops Deployment in Benue, Taraba, 4 Other States To combat killer herdsmen, cattle rustlers, kidnappers DSS, Police to join in 'Operation Ayem Akpatuma' Paul Obi in Abuja In a major response to the incessant killing of farmers by armed herders as well as other violent crimes, including kidnapping and cattle rustling, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur
Buratai, yesterday ordered the deployment of troops in Benue State and five others, stretching across the North-west, North-east and North-central regions of the country. Continued on page 10
Sack IG Idris for Incompetence, House Tells Buhari As Senate summons defence minister over Cameroonian invasion Damilola Oyedele and James Emejo in Abuja In what could be considered a vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, the House
of Representatives yesterday passed a motion calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to replace him with a more professional police officer. Continued on page 6
DSS Invites Babangida’s Aide, Afegbua, FOR THE PRESIDENT’S EARS ONLY… Says Police Apologised to Him… Page 11 President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Council Chambers, State House Abuja… yesterday
state house
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Obasanjo: I Have No Candidate for 2019 Femi Ogbonnikan in Abeokuta Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday declared that he had no candidate for any political office in the 2019 general elections, saying he would remain an elder statesman with a passion for a greater Nigeria. Obasanjo, who shed more light on his Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) at his Abeokuta home, Ogun State capital, noted that the
group's mission is to galvanize the people to appreciate their interests and power. The former president, who spoke during a courtesy visit by a youth group from Delta State, led by a governorship aspirant, Mr. Frank Esanubi, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, said the transitions that had taken place in the country since independence neglected the people at the grassroots. According to Obasanjo, his statement on President
Muhammadu Buhari was not meant to disrespect the office of the president or embarrass him, but rather to articulate his (Obasanjo’s) views about the situation in the country and offer his candid advice. He added that his statement was thoroughly thought out and not frivolously issued, saying as a former president he could not hold the office of the president in contempt. Obasanjo, however, reiterated that CNM would remain a socio-political movement,
insisting that he would cease to be a member of the coalition the moment it derails and ventures into partisan politics. He said: "In the year 2015, I said I would no longer participate in partisan politics. And I still stand by my decision. Everybody, irrespective of his or her political affiliation is free to come here for advice. I will gladly do that. I have no candidate, whatsoever, for any political office. I just believe that things must be
done differently in Nigeria to get a different result. "If you study our transitions since the colonial era, they have all taken place without taking the people of the grassroots into consideration. So, CNM is about the people at the grassroots. It is a socioeconomic movement where youth and women, especially, will be given the opportunity to appreciate their interests and power. Unlike before, I believe we must put the horse before the cart.
"If the system and the platform sync, I believe Nigeria will get there. And like I said, the moment the coalition gets involved in candidate sponsoring or participates in partisan politics, I will opt out of it." Earlier, Esanubi said his group's visit to Obasanjo was to pay homage to him and intimate him of their resolve to heed his clarion call for Nigerians to come together under the CNM for a better Nigeria.
FG TARGETS N762.5BN EARNINGS FROM $2.5BN EUROBOND TO FINANCE TREASURY BILLS disclosed that in December 2017 and January 2018, treasury bills bid rates dropped from about 16 per cent to 13 per cent while government bond rates dropped from about 16-16.50 per cent to 13.50 per cent. "This translates to savings for government on new borrowing while also making the cost of borrowing for the real sector cheaper since the sovereign rate serves as a benchmark for other borrowers," she stated. Stating the potential
savings from the $2.5 billion refinancing, the minister said the estimated proceeds of the N762.5 billion expected from the bond would be used to redeem treasury bills in a way that "at the estimated current NTB rates of 15 per cent (following mop-up operations by the CBN), the savings from the refinancing of N762.5 billion of domestic debt using external capital raising is about N64 billion per annum." Furthermore, Adeosun
disclosed that FEC approved a memorandum she presented for the re-appointment of six transaction parties to manage Nigeria's Eurobond. She listed the institutions as City Group, Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered, Nicodalo, Whitened Case and African Practice. She explained: "I presented a memo to reappoint transaction parties that play active parts on our Eurobond. This is for the Eurobond issuance of $2.5
billion for refinancing. This is not new borrowing. This is for Nigerian government treasury bills that mature and we then refinance into dollars. "This $2.5 billion will ultimately be used to buy back treasury bills domestic debt. This will give us approximately N762.5 billion and we expect to save N64 per annum. This is all part of our borrowing plan that will leave us two to three years to pay back our debt." In his own briefing, Minister
of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, said the council approved a memorandum for the substitution of a member of the consortium that would provide transaction advisory services for the establishment of a national career. According to him, Messrs Lufthansa consulting would be substituted with AMG (Airline Management Group) and Avia Solutions GE, explaining that AMG would join the other members of the consortium
to provide advisory services at the same cost of N341, 200 million. Sirika added that Lufthansa was substituted for two reasons. He explained: "We substituted Lufthansa Consulting. Fundamentally, there are two reasons. One, that particular member of consortium, Lufthansa Consulting, in the wisdom of the council, we felt that consulting is an appendage
public display of corpses of victims, also fuelled further violence. He also accused the governor of arming a militia, under the guise of Civilian JTF/ Livestock Guards, "with prohibited firearms whose composition is lopsided and comprising majorly of persons of Tiv Ethnic Nationality." Idris recommended that the anti-grazing law is suspended. On his level of compliance with the Senate's resolution to arrest the attackers, Idris said 145 suspects had been arrested with 124 charged to court, while 21 others were still being investigated. The committee subsequently found that there was a serious defect in the intelligence gathering mechanism of the police due to inadequate funding, in addition to the massive proliferation of arms and ammunition in Benue State. "That inflammatory statements, utterances and actions of some politicians and opinion moulders have been found to be promoting hatred and inciting violence," the committee said. These findings were similar to submissions by the IGP. Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, reacting to the report, observed that the committee did not make any efforts to speak with Ortom, despite the allegations by Idris. "Because if in the circumstances, they did not interview the governor, and his name has been mentioned with respect to certain statements and actions, it would only be fair to him, to be invited by the committee and hear his own side of the story so that we have a balanced view of what transpired," Ekweremadu said. Senator George Akume (Benue APC), aligned himself with Ekweremadu’s position and noted that the report would have been balanced if the governor, who had "been so massively accused by the IG was also invited to make
input into it". He accused the IG, who he said spent only one day in Benue despite the directive of the president to relocate to the state, of being biased. "His comments have always been very jaundiced. They are not based on professional soundness and they do not show any detachment and impartiality. As far as this issue is concerned. I want to draw your attention to page 3 subsections 4 that based on claims by the Benue State governor, alleging that there exist armed militia camps in Tuva in Awe local government of Nasarawa state, waiting to be unleashed on Benue people," Akume said. Akume said the claims about local armed militia were untrue, as other security agencies had spoken about foreign mercenaries in the country. Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi APC), however, said it was heartening that some suspects had been apprehended and charged to Court. He said: "This is a very good beginning, unlike other crises where police and other security agencies would not be able to arrest any suspect. The committee has made a very good recommendation on the funding of the police force. There is no way the police would be able to work if they are not funded and security matter is a very serious matter. "So no amount is too much for us to devote and make us sustain security. So I will suggest that the committee’s report on the utilization of the excess crude oil be adopted by this Senate." Senate President Bukola Saraki said the report was incomplete as Ortom was not given the chance to make an input. He said: “First of all, Senator Abu Ibrahim’s report, as observed by the DSP (Deputy Senate President), there is no doubt about it, that it is incomplete because there are observations on the comments
of the governor; the Governor of Benue State was not given the opportunity to comment. The only reason why I allowed Senator Akume to speak was that I thought that would be the closest we could hear of the views of the Governor of Benue State. “Let Senator Abu Ibrahim go back and complete his exercise and present a complete report. That time, I would accept contributions from everybody. I think that is the way forward." The committee was given a week to revise and balance its report. The Senate yesterday also summoned the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Mansur Dan Ali (rtd), over the recent invasion of some border communities in Cross River State, by Cameroonian soldiers. It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief material to refugees affected by the invasion. The resolution followed a motion by Senators John Enoh, Rose Oko and Gershom Bassey, who said more than 80 Cameroonian soldiers crossed the international border of Danare-Daddi/Danare Bodom axis on January 25, 2018, and abducted five locals. Enoh said the soldiers entered Nigeria illegally several times in search of separatist agitators and attacked locals in the process. "This is a calculated assault/ offence from the Cameroonian military on Nigeria and an outright defiance of Nigeria territorial sovereignty, not minding the consequences of crossing the international border to carry out intimidation and harassment on the already alarmed citizens of Danare with further assault," he added. Enoh added that the current agitation for the independence of Southern Cameroon had caused an influx of refugees to some border communities in Cross River State, with over 6000 refugees.
Continued on page 10
SACK IG IDRIS FOR INCOMPETENCE, HOUSE TELLS BUHARI The resolution came as the Senate summoned the Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Mansur Ali (rtd), over the recent invasion of some border communities in Cross River State by Cameroonian soldiers. The House resolution arose from a motion sponsored by Hon. Danburam Nuhu (APC, Kano) on the need to curb thuggery in political activities in Kano State, in particular, and Nigeria, in general. But in the build-up to the resolution, the lower chamber had separately approved a motion instructing Idris to tender an unreserved apology to the Governor of Benue State, Mr. Samuel Ortom, over the derogatory statements by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Jimoh Moshood. The House asked the IG to relieve the PPRO of the position immediately. The motion further mandated its constituted committee on the recent killings and insecurity in the nation, to investigate the alleged statements made by the IG and the implications on his ability to superintend the resolution of the killings in Benue and other parts of the country if found to be true. The motion sponsored by Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah
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(APC, Benue), bothered on the derogatory statement by the police PRO against an executive governor of a state and the seeming unwillingness of the IG to recognise and enforce a constitutionally enacted law by the legislative arm of government. He said Idris, who had failed to apprehend the perpetrators of the killings in Benue, where 73 lives were lost, had before a Senate committee, blamed the killings on the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Law by the Benue State House of Assembly, calling for the suspension of the law. Also, the police PRO reportedly made derogatory statements about the Benue State governor when he appeared on a live television programme on Tuesday and not only deriding Ortom as "a drowning man" he also called for his resignation while responding to questions about the alleged statements by the IG and the clamour for his resignation and lack of confidence in his stewardship as expressed by the Benue State government. Nuhu, in his motion, condemned the development and sponsorship of thuggery in political rallies and called for an end to it. He said disgruntled politicians were often responsible for the growth of thuggery in the country, adding that the recent incident of thuggery in Kano was supported by a high ranking member of the lower chamber. He regretted that the police, that are sometimes present at scenes of thuggery incidents deliberately refuse to take appropriate actions against the perpetrators of the illegal acts. He said: "This ugly development has denigrated the Nigerian political system home and abroad." However, both motions enjoyed an overwhelming support of members. Contributing to the debates, the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu
Dogara, who also recanted his personal experiences of police inadequacies, said going by the Law of Agency, if the principal (IG) had not come to deny all allegations, it could be deduced that he is in support of the development. The lawmakers also condemned the increasing incidents of thuggery especially in Kano State, fuelled by the bitter rivalry between the governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, and the erstwhile governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso. The police were largely blamed for failing to promptly arrest the situation and making itself a willing tool for the incumbent governor to use and suppress the rights of the opposition.
Senate Rejects C'ttee Report, Summons Defence Minister Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday rejected the report of its Committee on Police Affairs, which met with the IG on the Benue killings for being one-sided. The report, which cited allegations levelled against the State Governor, Samuel Ortom by Idris, was rejected because the committee did not contact Ortom to get his response to the issues raised. The committee was charged with determining the IG's level of compliance with the ultimatum issued to him to apprehend the perpetrators of the killings in Guma and Logo local government areas of the state and hand them over to the state's Attorney General for prosecution. According to the report of the Senator Abu Ibrahim-led committee, the IG blamed the implementation of the anti-open grazing law for the crises, which left at least 73 persons dead. Idris, whose presentation to the committee was attached to the report, said inciting statements by Ortom and the
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Panic as Dana Air Aircraft Emergency Door Falls Off Chinedu Eze Passengers were aghast in fear on Wednesday when one of the emergency doors of the Dana Air aircraft conveying them fell off on landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Dana Air in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa, however, said the door could not have fallen off without a conscious effort by a passenger to open it, assuring that the airline was investigating the incident. He said: “We wish to state categorically that this could never have happened without a conscious effort by a passenger to open it. By design, the emergency exit door of our aircraft is plug-type backed by pressure, which ordinarily cannot fall off without tampering or conscious effort to open it by either a crew member or passenger. “When an aircraft is airborne, it is fully pressurised and there was no way the seat or door could have been 'shaking' as insinuated. A thorough inspection was, however, carried out on the said aircraft upon landing in Abuja, by our engineers and a team from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and no issue was reported. There was also no threat to safety at any point. “The flight was only delayed for eight minutes as we needed to demonstrate to the regulators that the safety and comfort of our guests (passengers) are at the centre of our operations. We wish to apologise to our guests for any
Usman inconvenience such report may have caused and for the slight delay on the return service to Lagos. A thorough investigation of the concerned passenger is ongoing.” THISDAY spoke to the Director General of NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, who said that the authority had commenced an investigation into the incident. “We have commenced an investigation into the incident. It is through investigation that we will know what actually happened and to prevent such from happening again in the future. We have sent four inspectors to the airline to investigate what happened,” Usman said. THISDAY also spoke to a seasoned pilot who explained that the door could open without anybody fiddling with it, saying this is known as a component failure but dismissed the possibility of
the emergency door falling off while the aircraft is airborne. According to him, the fall might have been caused by a hard landing. “What happened is likely to be a component failure due to a hard landing. It couldn’t have fallen off when the aircraft was airborne because the aircraft cabin is pressurised. It is very difficult for that to happen but it could fall off when the aircraft is on the ground,” the pilot said. The General Manager, Corporate Affairs of NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, told THISDAY that the aircraft had been cleared to return to service. "I want to confirm that the Authority’s inspectors have certified and cleared the DANA Airlines incident plane to return to service. This came about after due repairs were carried out and it was certified fit for further operations," he said.
Also briefing, the Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, said the council approved the execution of radio communication monitoring projects in different parts of the country including Ipaja, Lagos; Gusau in Zamfara State; Azare in Bauchi; and Ogoja in Cross River State. According to him, the projects, which he said are 63 per cent completed, when operational in March, this year, seek to prohibit illegal radio transmissions by airlines, rail stations,
telecommunications companies, among others. Shittu, who said there are no fewer than 600 million radio broadcasts taking place in the country, added that when the implementation begins, it will be impossible for anyone to broadcast in any part of Nigeria using illegal radio frequency. He also said another memorandum was approved for the initiation of another project meant to track illegal radio operations.
IN NEW ONSLAUGHT, BURATAI ORDERS TROOPS DEPLOYMENT IN BENUE, TARABA, 4 OTHER STATES Code-named Operation Ayem Akpatuma, the troops, according to Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army, Major General David Ahmadu, are under strict instructions to stamp out acts of criminality in Benue, Kogi, Niger, Kaduna, Taraba and some parts of Adamawa. "Exercise Ayem Akpatuma has become more expedient due to the upsurge in cases of armed banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in Kaduna and Niger States as well as other sundry crimes in Kogi State and herdsmen/farmers clashes and attacks on innocent members of our communities particularly in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States by armed militias,” Ahmadu told news reporters in Abuja yesterday. He said the Army had to intervene in the internal security operations because the civil security outfits had been overwhelmed. "These security challenges have continued unabatedly in these states despite the efforts by sister security agencies to curb them,” he said. Ahmadu explained that the exercise would be conducted in the 1 and 3 Divisions of the Army, including HQ CAR, Guards Brigade, and 707 SF Brigade Areas of Responsibility, covering Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger states from February 15 to March 31, 2018. According to him, the operation offers the Army to continue the training and exercising of its troops in its formations across the geographical zones of the country, saying it was in line with its constitutional role in
NEWS Adewole, Acting Head of NHIS
Summoned to Aso Rock The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, and acting Executive Secretary of the National Health u Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Attahiru Ibrahim, have been summoned to the PresidentialVilla in Abuja. Page 11
EDITORIAL Reinstatement Of the nhis BOss
FG TARGETS N762.5BN EARNINGS FROM $2.5BN EUROBOND TO FINANCE TREASURY BILLS of the airline group and that might bring a conflict of interests. "Because Lufthansa themselves may want to join, partner or help in the process during the procurement phase of this transaction, and of course, they are members of Star Alliance, members of One World and members of Sky team. "Others may feel short-changed. The person advising us to set up this airline, which is going to be private sector-driven, is a member of an alliance, which they are not part of."
Two-Minute Briefing
aid of civil authority. Ahmadu stated: "The need for troops to be exercised, refreshed and to imbibe the requisite skills to cope with these emerging security challenges within the 1 and 3Divisions including HQ CAR, Gds Bde and 707 SF Bde Areas of Responsibility in aid of civil authority calls for this exercise,” adding that it would help Buratai actualize his vision of having a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles. He said the exercise would be conducted in conjunction with other security agencies, including the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Explaining that the operation would afford the troops an opportunity to effectively checkmate the dreadful activities of the marauding criminal militias perpetrating illicit acts in the states and its environs. He said it would dovetail into real-time operations that would fulfil both training and operations objectives of sharpening the operational skills of personnel as well as providing an avenue to conduct operations against violent criminals when called upon. He explained further: "Exercise Ayem Akpatuma will also be unique as the ones before it with the establishment of Step-Up Brigade Headquarters in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger States. "Emphasis will be placed on raids, cordon and search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, roadblocks, checkpoints and show of force,
as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach. "It is pertinent to note that Exercise Ayem Akpatuma is set to be another remarkable exercise that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional roles of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security in troubled areas. "In this regard, members of the public especially the residents of Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger States are enjoined not to panic as the security, safety and well-being of innocent and law-abiding citizens have been deliberately factored in the planning of this exercise. "Furthermore, the troops taking part in the exercise would be guided by the Professional Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement and the respect for human rights. "Thus, the general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst our communities. "The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. "In order to ensure cordial civil-military relations, we shall make contact phone numbers of all Brigade Commanders public in addition to the Nigerian Army shortcode Information and Call Centre 193."
The reinstatement, by President Buhari, of Prof. UsmanYusuf, has raised several pertinent questions about propriety, due process and sensitivity to core governance issues. It has also put the beleaguered health sector under the spotlight… Page 15
POLITICS Mbadiwe: Our Leaders Must
Speak out Now Mbadiwe has called on past heads of state and leaders to follow former President Olusegun Obasanjo in telling President Buhari that he has not governed well. Page 18
FEATURES In Memory of His Mother
The Nigerian education sector got a boost last January when Mr. Makanjuola and his family led other dignitaries to Summit University in Kwara State, to unveil an ultramodern lecture theatre donated in memory of his late mother. Page 20
BUSINESS 17 Years After, NIPOST
Jettisons Courier Regulation The 17 years tussle between the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and courier operators over the regulation of courier industry has finally been put to rest, as NIPOST has decided to jettison the country’ y’s courier regulation. Page 23
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE At the Mercy of Lassa Fever
Since January this year, Lassa feverr has claimed at least 31 Nigerians, with another 77 confirmed cases and 405 unconfirmed cases, bringing to the fore the voracious spread of the current outbreak. Page 36
INTERNATIONAL South Africa’s Ramaphosa Vows ‘Speedy’ Decision on Zuma’s Fate South Africa’s deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa onWednesday vowed a“speedy resolution”to talks on the future of embattled leader Jacob Zuma, expected to… Page 47
SPORTS Argentina Coach Warns
Nigeria, Others about Messi’s ‘Killer Form' Sampaoli insisted yesterday that he expects Lionel Messi to be in ‘killer form’ for theWorld Cup as he would have been fully rested, which was not the case at Brazil 2014. Page 61
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NEWS
Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Davidson Iriekpen Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081
Adewole, Acting Head of NHIS Summoned to Aso Rock Reinstatement won’t stop his probe by EFCC, says FG PDP, labour union chide presidency
Omololu Ogunmade Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă”a and Solomon Elusoji in Lagos with agency report The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, and acting Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Attahiru Ibrahim, have been summoned to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Head of Media and Public Relations of the scheme, Ayo Osinlu, disclosed this to to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday. This could be in relation to the reinstatement of the suspended Executive Secretary of the organisation, Usman Yusuf, by President Muhammadu Buhari. Osinlu said Yusuf had not reported to the office since his reinstatement “NHIS Executive Secretary,
Yusuf, is yet to resume office after his reinstatement by the federal government on Tuesday, February 6,� the agency quoted him to have said. “The acting Executive Secretary, Ibrahim, and health minister, Adewole, were invited to the Presidential Villa and we are waiting for the outcome of the meeting.� In July, Adewole suspended Yusuf for three months over allegations of fraud. Adewole had set up a committee to probe the NHIS ES. The minister said the investigative committee found Yusuf culpable in the discharge of his responsibilities. At the end of the three months, the minister extended the suspension indefinitely. The minister said while the report of the committee had been forwarded to the president,
Yusuf’s suspension had been extended “pending the decision of the president.� The executive secretary had challenged the authority of Adewole, arguing that only Buhari could take such action against him. He had said the allegations referred to by the minister were also being investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which had not submitted its findings as of the time he was asked
to step aside. But Adewole said Yusuf’s response to the petition was unsatisfactory. His reinstatement sparked outrage across the country, with some saying Buhari recalled him because he is from the president’s state of Katsina. Insiders had told TheCable that since Yusuf was appointed on July 29, 2016, he had been violating every procurement law, dishing out contracts to cronies. TheCable learnt that the final
straw was the purchase of a Prado SUV by Yusuf for N58 million shortly before Ramadan, even though his approval limit was N2.5 million. A number of Prado SUVs were attached to his office, but he still went ahead to buy a new one, according to insiders. Yusuf had denied all the allegations, maintaining that he was victimised for fighting corruption in NHIS. Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, yesterday in Abuja
said he was not aware that the reinstated Executive Secretary of NHIS was being investigated by an anti-graft agency. Mohammed who made the remark while answering questions from State House correspondents, however, said if he is indeed being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his reinstatement won’t stop his probe. “I am not aware that the EFCC is investigating the recently
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2019: INEC, NIGCOMSAT Seal Deal on Deployment of Satellite Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reached an agreement with the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) on the use of satellite to enhance the transmission of election results from each polling pnit nationwide irrespective of location. The collaborative venture would also enable INEC to carry out voter education and sensitisation through electronic message display. Speaking during a meeting with the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Abimbola Alale and management staff of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), the chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the aim of the deal is to extend satellite coverage to areas currently not covered by 3G and 4G networks (the so-called “black spots). He said the commission was out to mobilise all national assets and institutions for the success of the elections and the consolidation of democracy. “It is for this reason that we wish to leverage on the capacity of NIGCOMSAT to provide a wide range of telecommunications services. In particular, your broadband service offers a tremendous flexible bandwidth capacity that can be deployed almost anywhere and in a short period of time, including hard-to-reach and temporary locations. “These are invaluable to the work of INEC. Working with you and in partnership with the NCC as well as the telecommunications operators,
we believe the challenges to the seamless transmission of results are not insurmountable.  “We are similarly aware that NIGCOMSAT has the capacity for Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasting, multimedia, video streaming, Hotspot event services and indoor and outdoor electronic message displays. These services are invaluable to our work on voter education, sensitisation and mobilisation for elections.  “Accordingly, as we prepare for the 2019 general election, INEC wishes to collaborate with NIGCOMSAT in the following areas: Extension of satellite coverage to areas currently not covered by 3G and 4G networks (the so-called “black spots�) so that INEC can transmit election results from each Polling Unit nationwide irrespective of location; and voter education and sensitisation through electronic message display,� he said.  Yakubu assured Nigerians of the determination to transmit the raw figures of election result, as well as the scanned images of the result sheets from polling units in the 2019 general election. He also said the commission would continue “to make available hard copies of results sheets to political party agents at each polling unit and collation centres against which the integrity of electronically-transmitted results can be compared, verified and authenticated.� According to the INEC boss, “In keeping with our current practice, a copy of the result for each election shall be pasted at the polling units immediately after the counting of ballots for public knowledge and accountability.
APC AFFAIRS
L-R: Governors, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; (Oyo); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa); and Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, during their visit to Ajimobi, in his office, in Ibadan...yesterday
DSS Invites Babangida’s Aide, Afegbua, Says Police Apologised to Him Paul Obi Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Kassim Afegbua, spokesman of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd). The invitation came via a telephone call from the secret police and it asked Afegbua to be at its headquarters no later than 11a.m. today, both Afegbua and his lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, told Premium Times last night. The invitation came hours after Afegbua turned himself in at the Force Headquarters in Abuja after the police declared him wanted for writing a disputed statement on behalf of Babangida, who led a military junta that ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993. Afegbua who arrived at the police headquarters at about 10:32a.m, yesterday in company of his lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, went straight to meet with police officials for interrogation on the
statement he issued out on behalf of Babangida. In the statement, Babangida had pointedly asked President Buhari not to run for a second term in office following public outcry against the poor performance of the administration. Despite Babangida confirming the earlier statement by Afegbua, a fake statement was issued by IBB allies attempting to counter the authentic one authorised by the former president himself. Amid the confusion, the police declared Afegbua wanted on allegation of defamation and incitement. Speaking with THISDAY after honouring the invitation, Afegbua said: “Incidentally, it became a very fair discussion. The police said there was a mixed up somewhere, to have warranted me being declared wanted, and they apologised. “They said the police are for the people, In a democracy, it is their responsibility to be there
for the people, not to intimidate or harass me. “That they didn’t intend to harass me, they didn’t intend to intimidate me. Of course, you know we have a case in court, my lawyers will advise what steps we are going to take.� He further explained that he had earlier withdrawn the case filed against the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Channels Television. Ajulo also informed THISDAY that once he communicates with Afegbua on the next line of issue, that will determine whether to go on with the case or withdraw it. Police authorities were not available to comment on the apologies Afegbua said they had offered him. Earlier, when he arrived at the premises of the police headquarters, Afegbua had told journalists that “it will even interest you to know that when I was on Channels TV and NTA, he was the one who
called me and said why are they declaring you wanted, are you a criminal. So we laughed over it, are you on the run and have they given you invitation. Who is complaining? “Talking about defamation of character, whose character have you deformed or defamed? So I’m very much in tune with him, I’m not doing anything out of the blues. “He is a man I’ve been with for the past 14 years as a spokesman even when I went to serve my state, Edo. I said it before that I’m part. I am only here personally because I was declared wanted, I’m not a fugitive to the law. “I was declared wanted, it was unwise on the part of the police to declare me wanted when I have not been invited “If the former president has spoken to THISDAY Newspaper and confirmed the first later, the other letter does not matter. To me, that purported rebuttal was unnecessary,â€? Afegbua submitted.Â
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Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
AFRICANA-AUSTRALIANS MISS MUGABE
President Mugabe’s abrasive wit matches the evil records and hypocrisies of the west, writes Okello Oculi
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he ‘SHIT-MOUTH’ diplomacy shooting out of America’s White House has missed razor-sharp rebuttals from President Robert Mugabe who recently went on a political sabbatical following a drama which African diplomats in southern Africa attribute to his writing its script. As a point of departure, President Donald Trump who is himself a descendant of immigrants suspected to have originated from Norway and settled in Scotland before reaching North America, has unwittingly opened gates for African diplomacy to open wide. Specifically, he has opened skies over the fate of Africans in their contact with European immigrants who landed in Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Peru and elsewhere in the Americas. European immigrants shipped to Australia were hauled from rat-infested, disease-wrecked slums and prisons of London and other British cities, and hit the over two million local Africans with strange European diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, chicken pox, smallpox and syphilis. They captured their past with the slogan of ‘’Coming From Down Under’’. Typical of the wretched of the earth, they threw at their African hosts in the Pacific Sea area the cruelties with which the British aristocracy and new business classes had bashed them – with millions of their kin perishing from plague and starvation in urban slums. Their leaders claimed that their Black hosts had migrated from the Philippines, and not Africa. They invented the term ‘’Aborigines’’ to avoid acknowledging their linkage to Africa. Like their kin in Kenya, Algeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola and Mozambique they set on what one Governor MacQuarrie in 1819 undertook as ‘’a war of extermination against them’’ in Western New South Wales. They also grabbed land from local owners. Between 1788 and 1933 the over two million Africans had been decimated by violence, foreign disease, and famine to a mere 74,000 people. The level of fear of black-skinned people regaining control of that vast Australia has remained so strong that as recently as 2013 a proposed referendum to amend the Australian constitution so that ‘’indigenous’’ peoples would be ‘’Recognised as Australians’’ was successfully blocked due to intensive white opposition. In 1999, Prime Minister John Howard refused to officially apologise for all the crimes committed against ‘Africana-Australians’. On February 13, 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ‘’issued a public apology’’ for brutal practices of kidnapping Black children; forcibly attaching them to white families and denying them awareness of their true identity, language and culture. That policy explains why in 2010 the first Africana-Australian to be elected to the Australian House of Representatives had the typically British names of Ken Wyatt. The same policy of ‘’assimilation’’ through kidnapping Black children was also practised in Canada.
THE REAL HATRED FOR MUGABE WAS IN HIS REPARATION POLICY OF VIOLENTLY CHASING BRITISH IMMIGRANTS FROM LAND THEY HAD SEIZED BY BLEEDING TO DEATH SHONA AND OTHER ETHNIC GROUPS ACROSS ZIMBABWE
Prime Minister John Howard had a special fondness for President Robert Mugabe; virtually advocating for a plan to seize him and lock him up inside vaults of the International Criminal Court at The Hague in Holland. On first glance, it seemed as if he wanted to cover for his 2007 policy of ‘’compulsory acquisition of Aborigines land’’; opening up their land for exploitation by companies mining bauxite, coal, red earth and others. The real hatred for Mugabe was in his reparation policy of violently chasing British immigrants from land they had seized by bleeding to death Shona and other ethnic groups across Zimbabwe. The echoes of his version of nationalism into Australia gave John Howard nightmares. On January 31, 2018, the Senate in Poland passed a law which made it a crime to blame the country for the holocaust against Jews during World War Two. The legislative act enraged Israel and Jews worldwide. Israel has invested enormous resources in tracking individuals who played official roles in sending Jews to ‘’concentration camps’’, and putting them on trial: preferably in Israel’s own courts. This diplomacy of harvesting hidden histories for the purpose of punishing violators of people’s rights to life and human dignity, has not received much visibility in Africa’s international affairs. President Mugabe’s abrasive wit was often quick to recall evil records and hypocrisies of his critics. When an American journalist asked why at over 80 years he should still be ruling over Zimbabwe, he shouted at her to direct that question to an older Queen Elizabeth Two. At the Commonwealth Conference held in Australia at which Zimbabwe’s membership was suspended, only President Obasanjo is reported to have publicly rebuked John Howard for championing the imposition of sanctions against Zimbabwe for violations of human rights of white farmers in Zimbabwe when his own country stunk of a long history of physical and socio-economic genocide against Africana-Australians. President Mugabe has an agenda waiting for his remaining years. The agenda of ‘’Liberation Pan-Africanism’’ has a vast canvass to cover: ranging from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, and Peru to Canada. Israel has valuable lessons to borrow for investigation and documentation of crimes against peoples of African descent. Her quarrel with the Vatican should animate Africa over records of Popes who blessed European Slave trade; colonial exploitation, genocide and South Africa’s ‘’crime against humanity’’. Pope Francis should be Africa’s supporter. There are local allies to work with. In Australia, university students in the 1960s, followed examples of their peers in the United States to mount ‘’Freedom Rides’’ in buses to educate Africana-Autralians about fighting for their rights. African intervention with scholarships and diplomatic noises at Commonwealth and United Nations meetings remain new frontiers.
IGP’S SHAMBOLIC RESPONSE TO IBB’S GAMBIT Sufuyan Ojeifo argues that the police statement on Kassim Afegbua is mischievous
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hen former President Olusegun Obasanjo released his state of the nation press statement of January 23, 2018, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to forget about 2019 presidency due to failure of his purported nepotistic leadership that has left the country more divided than he met it, among other failings, the responsibility of responding to him was given to a Yoruba man from Kwara state, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who is the Minister of Information, Culture and National Orientation. The minister did a fantastic job of it. His response was measured. He was not combative. He did not go haywire, using invectives on Obasanjo as did the minders of Goodluck Jonathan’s administration when a similar fate befell their boss in 2013. Mohammed simply listed the achievements of the government and politely pointed out the inherent mischief in Obasanjo’s charge of the below-the-average performance against Buhari in the light of all the verifiable achievements that he listed. Brilliant! I would have been disappointed if the minister had imprudently jumped into the fray. With that calculated outing, I had thought the Buhari administration had devised a foolproof strategy of dealing with tendentious issues around the 2019 presidency and the right of first refusal to the presidential ticket that is exclusively Buhari’s in his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), until the salacious press statement of Sunday, February 4, 2018 by former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), hit the already tentative polity like a grenade. In the statement, IBB called for a new breed of young leaders to step in the saddle of governance in 2019, most especially the presidency of Nigeria.
The crux of the press statement issued on his behalf by his spokesman, Kassim Afegbua, was very clear: even if Buhari decides to exercise his constitutional rights to contest in the 2019 presidential election, Nigerians should muster their voting rights or power to enthrone a more vibrant, progressive, cosmopolitan, knowledgedriven and technologically-inclined alternative from the corpus of young leaders with which Nigeria is blessed. The IBB intervention could not have come at a better time. It was evidently reinforcing the call for departure from the old order, coming on the heels of Obasanjo’s admonition. Although the statement came with unexpected drama: purported denial by IBB that he authorised the release of the statement, another statement of IBB’s purported real position and finally some follow-up confirmations that were personally made to the various media houses by Afegbua that the original statement he issued on behalf of his boss should be respected as his boss’ real position. The role Afegbua played in preserving the “res” was quite significant. With the support of his boss, he ensured that the gravitas around the historic intervention and the import of it was not degraded. Amid the confusion, THISDAY had taken a step further to speak to IBB himself and he confirmed the authenticity of the original statement issued on his behalf by Afegbua. I had thought that should have cleared once, and for all time, the controversy deliberately orchestrated to create credibility problem for the remarkable intervention by the former military president. Surprisingly, the response by the federal government, through the Inspector General of Police, this time round, has been anything but shambolic. The decision by the IGP, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris,
from Niger State, to declare Afegbua wanted in connection with the statement he issued on IBB’s behalf and which IBB had confirmed as coming from him, beggars belief and understanding. If it is part of the strategy to sustain the deliberate narrative that the statement was not sure-footedly articulated and issued, then it shows how puerile the police and their leadership have become. It also speaks to the IGP’s whimsical defence of his appointer’s political position without considering the full implications of the step he has taken for the polity, especially the human rights record of his boss’ administration. One only hopes that this is not another indication of the burgeoning intolerance by the administration to opposition. Only recently, the police deployed their power to force a former governor of Kano State and serving senator, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to cancel his January 30, 2018 scheduled home visit that would have enabled him to meet with his supporters, preparatory to his 2019 political engagements. The police succeeded in keeping Kwankwaso away from Kano only for the state governor, Ibrahim Ganduje, who orchestrated the perfidy, to organise a rally for the same day during which many APC youths displayed dangerous weapons while welcoming some defectors from other parties. The police are overreaching themselves, going beyond the points they should not get to. The police cannot defend their complicity, bias and incompetence in Kwanlwaso’s case. The IGP cannot also defend his gaffe in Afegbua’s matter. For crying out loud, the IGP studied law in addition to his first degree in agriculture. It is a howling aberration, therefore, for him to go after an agent of a disclosed principal even after the principal had confirmed the genuineness of the statement issued on his behalf by the agent. I
cannot really understand what the IGP is trying to do. Is it a case of abandoning leprosy and trying to treat ringworm? If he had wanted direct confirmation, he should have called IBB; except he wants me to run away with the impression that he could not muster the courage to put a call through to the “evil genius” at the hilltop mansion in Minna on the testy issue. I also do not want to believe that the IGP has not maintained a cordial relationship with the influential leaders of his state, including IBB and another former Head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, such that he could have casually discussed a matter like this with any of them; otherwise, he would not have engaged in this egregious blunder of playing to the gallery with the Afegbua matter and willy-nilly making a hero out of him. The IGP missed it and it is sad. Even, if he felt that Afegbua should be invited to interact with the police on the matter, he should have quietly done so and not by declaring him wanted like a common criminal. It is good that Afegbua actually visited the police headquarters on Wednesday, February 7, for an interaction with the law enforcement agency. The attention of the entire world is on the police to know exactly what demands they would place on him: whether to rebut the statement he issued on IBB’s behalf in its entirety or to rebut some aspects on the grounds that they were his own infusions or inclusions. If that is the way they want to go, I hope they would not be ridiculous to claim that Afegbua took advantage of IBB’s old age and trust to tinker with IBB’s original thoughts on the 2019 presidential contestation. Whatever happens to Afegbua, the police should rest assured that they will account to the public.
Ojeifo, editor-in-chief of The Congresswatch magazine, wrote via ojwonderngr@yahoo. com
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EDITORIAL REINSTATEMENT OF THE NHIS BOSS The reinstatement of Usman Yusuf raises more questions than answers
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he reinstatement, by President Muhammadu Buhari, of the suspended Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, has raised several pertinent questions about propriety, due process and sensitivity to core governance issues. It has also put the beleaguered health sector under the spotlight, for all the wrong reasons at a time the country is battling with another Lassa fever epidemic. It all started with a petition dated April 21, 2017, by a group named United Youth Alliance Against Corruption (UYAAC), which made damaging allegations against Yusuf. Aside accusing him of budgeting N860 million for a questionable training programme in the 2016 appropriation bill, the group went into details on how Yusuf allegedly violated laid-down procedure by splitting contracts and raising multiple payment vouchers. With supporting documents, the group also alleged that the NHIS boss was fond of spending money without any approval from the supervising ministry. Following the petition, Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole, suspended Yusuf. To the shock THE ENTIRE SAGA HAS, of everyone, the latter ONCE AGAIN, EXPOSED publicly declared that THE INDISCIPLINE IN he would disregard the OUR PUBLIC SERVICE minister’s directive. AND THE LACK OF EFFECTIVE COORDINATION In a defence of his questionable action, WITHIN THE BUHARI Yusuf stated that by ADMINISTRATION virtue of Section 47 of the NHIS Act, only empowers the minister to give directives of a general nature to the Governing Council of the scheme while, in the absence of the council, the Presidential mandate allows him to exercise its powers and functions. He added that “since the powers and functions of the council do not include the discipline, suspension or removal of the Executive Secretary of the Scheme from ofďŹ ceâ€? the action of the minister was ill-motivated and that he would not
obey it. This open confrontation cannot be right. Unfortunately, in a bid to outwit one another, the parties introduced into the dispute polarising ethno-religious slants, which have now trivialised the seriousness of the issues. For almost two weeks, the Nigerian public was subjected to the stench coming from the health sector in the form of allegations and counter-allegations between Yusuf and Adewole. For an administration that claims to be ďŹ ghting corruption, the revelations are very troubling. More disturbing was that as the matter played out in the public glare nobody deemed it ďŹ t to bring the parties under control, or at least prevail on them to act within the bounds of decency demanded by their respective ofďŹ ces.
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hile Yusuf, who initially resisted the attempt to suspend him eventually had to vacate ofďŹ ce to pave way for a proper investigation of the allegations of fraud, nepotism and abuse of ofďŹ ce levelled against him, the entire saga has, once again, exposed the indiscipline in our public service and the lack of effective coordination within the Buhari administration. To say that these reprehensible traits have come to characterise the current administration is to state the obvious. However, whatever may be the justiďŹ cation for the action of President Buhari to lift the suspension on Yusuf, it creates a very disturbing impression and puts Adewole in the worst possible situation any superior ofďŹ cial can ďŹ nd himself in an organisation. The minister’s authority has been severely undermined, discipline has been compromised and his directives would no longer carry much weight in a very important sector. If Yusuf is guilty as charged and the minister is being prevented from reprimanding him, then the president is encouraging indiscipline and insubordination in the public service. If, on the other hand, Yusuf is not indicted by the panel set up to probe him, then Adewole and his men in the ministry have serious questions to answer. Either way, this matter does not reect positively on the Buhari administration.
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THEYOUTH AND NIGERIA’S FUTURE
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was invited to a meeting of the Coalition for Nigeria by one of the “fathers� of the movement. Before the meeting, I had a chat with this patriotic Nigerian who told me: “Fred, our time is past; Nigeria should be in the hands of your generation. It is left for you (the youth) to take back the country, this is the mission of this coalition.� Honestly, I would have thought that these words were a tapestry of chicanery if they were from another source. I saw the candour and urgency in his voice, but I thought to myself, could I be used? What is in it for this person? After pensive ratiocination, I concluded that this was a 911 call to action. But I am yet to give a verdict on the movement. Nigeria needs a generational shift of power in 2019. Our fathers have lost vision, and they are chasing a will-o-the-wisp. The Nigeria young should be given space in the leadership cockpit. I know young citizens are suspicious of one another; I also know that there are fears that if the ark of leadership is on the shoulders of young people the country may wobble and sink into the abyss of anarchy. In fact, a friend expressed this fear on my Facebook wall. He said: “Nobody is going to give the youth a chance to rule this nation, but the youth have to come out and compete with the old folks. Moreover,
you never can tell how corrupt the minds of so many of them are. In fact, in this materialistic era, we are bound to experience greater corruption with the youth at the helm of affairs than we are seeing today. “Saraki was a governor in his youthful days. What value did he add to the land and people of Kwara state? Saminu Turaki, Ahmed Makarfi, Donald Duke and even Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. Please my brother let us do away with these youthful sentiments, and focus on how to use your pen to right the wrongs going on in our nation today. My experience working and socialising with my peers (the youth), had made me realise that 90 per cent of our young ones today in Nigeria don’t just want to lead or rule but they want to be billionaire statesmen.� My response to all young people who harbour this fear is: “I agree we have corrupt young men and women, and that we also have incompetent young men and women, but I believe we have a greater number of principled and competent young men and women than the obverse who can effect seismic progress in the country. Let the young at least try, if they fail, they will get back up and run. The Nigeria young should make a pledge - no to any candidate above 45 years.� FredrickNwabufo, fredricknwabufo@yahoo.com
THE OGUN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
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ecently at the premises of Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Abeokuta, the Ogun State Government in collaboration with Samsung Heavy Industries, Korea (SHIK), inaugurated the Ogun State Technical Institute. According to the project consultant, Mr Sina Fakeye, the partnership “is meant to enhance, renovate, improve, rebuild and equip the school (training centre) to a world-class status.� The cooperation was “to impart highly specialised skills to the trainees in marine welding, electrical/ electronics, spray painting, woodwork, machining and catering.� To this end, state-of-the-art equipment and furniture were supplied to the Institute. Top-notch instructors were provided by Samsung Heavy Industries to undertake the first batch of trainingthe-trainers programme. The Institute has the main block, sitting on about 1750m2 of land. It has welding, electrical/ electronic and spraying laboratories; there are standard classrooms, computer/IT room, a staff room, warehouse to store the consumables and attached conveniences. The woodwork shop is fully equipped with wood-processing machines such lathes, band saws and consumables to last one year. There is a new kitchen and a recently renovated
one, equipped with boilers, mixers, ovens, industrial cookers, freezers, coffee machines, fridges, amongst others. Also provided are boreholes with elevated tanks and industrial generators. According to the Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Modupe Mujota, students graduating from GSTC with NABTEB certificates (National Technical Certificate and National Business Certificate) ultimately, will have the opportunity to move to the Technical Institute and obtain a Diploma, through which they can proceed to universities and equivalent institutions. When I saw the facilities engendered by this partnership, I shook my head in wonder. I doubt if there are public institutions of learning in the country that have some of these machines. I saw a mini sawing machine, the student version of the typical sawing machine in saw mills. I was impressed! While some opposition elements waste precious time looking for what is not lost, the governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is busy implementing programmes and building partnerships that will leave the state better than he met it. You could see the new environment at GSTC provided by the state government in partnership with SHIK. This revolution in technical/vocational sector in the state is work-in-progress.
Soyombo Opeyemi, Abeokuta
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POLITICS
Group Politics Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.soniyi@thisdaylive.com 08033146139 SMS ONLY
PERSONALITY INTERVIEW
Mbadiwe: Our Leaders Must Speak out Now A member of the House of Representatives in the Seventh Assembly, Dr Eddie Mbadiwe, has called on past heads of state and leaders to follow former President Olusegun Obasanjo in telling President Muhammadu Buhari that he has not governed well. He spoke to Chineme Okafor who presents the excerpts: and then fall out with them along the way? No, you can support somebody but when he goes into power (he changes). Power is a very terrible thing, it is very dangerous and it gets intoxicating that many people don’t even want to see their friends anymore. So, you cannot blame him for supporting them, he thought they will do well, and I must praise him for telling them when they did not do well. He told Jonathan openly that he didn’t do well, and he has told Buhari that he has not done enough for re-election.
Your reaction to the amendments to the Electoral Act by the House Reps I want to commend the House of Reps for the amendments passed a few days ago. That amendment will strengthen democracy in this country. It is to have the elections of the National Assembly first, then governors and states’ houses come second, and the presidency comes last. This is a very important amendment that Nigerians should canvass for the Senate to pass it as soon as possible and the president assent to it so that INEC would not be hindered by whatever they are doing. What has happened in this country is that once you have a presidential election first and whoever becomes the president, there is a bandwagon effect, people just drift towards that person and so you don’t in fact know whether that is how voting should have gone because all the powers and wealth reside in Abuja and people want to align with Abuja, and that is why our democracy isn’t growing. Is this provable – the fact that conducting presidential election first creates a bandwagon effect? If you recognise that the current president was elected by just 12 per cent of registered voters in Nigeria, which is very low, and so you cannot say that democracy is thriving in Nigeria, it is not, we have to encourage people to come out more, and that is why I say that the amendment on the electoral law will change and move us faster along the road of democracy. Bandwagon in that because of the current structure whereby all the resources are concentrated in the presidency more or less, the president is like a godfather and whoever he likes, he can give or deny things, and the truth of the matter is that people don’t want to be in the opposition. So, whoever wins the presidency has the power to attract a lot more people to his party, and that is why we have not progressed. All our needs are peculiar, different people with different needs, and we have to address our peculiar needs according to the various zones of the country. I hope this amendment would be concluded quickly so that INEC would not be hindered in any way from doing their work. Will this in a way guarantee fairness in the elections? Fairness is a different thing, but I want a situation where people will actually express their views at the polls. In Nigeria, we don’t discuss issues that is why I think that what the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has done is good for discussion. Let us be truthful to ourselves and let more of our former leaders come out to speak the truth. If we tell ourselves the truth, we will be a better country. All our views are still coloured and nobody wants to speak the truth, but let former presidents like Babangida, Shehu Shagari, and others come out and tell us the way they see things, let us see if we can make progress because we are not as a nation. Do you see this amendment being opposed by governor especially from the ruling party who want to ride on the back of the president for re-election? It is not about who would support or oppose it, it is a matter of what is best for the country and that is the way I look at it. Individuals have their selfish ambitions and they must not be allowed to dictate our political discourse in this country. This is how to ensure that our democracy comes out the best. Remember laws are made by the parliament, if we can get the law through the parliament, it doesn’t matter who opposes it, whether the governors or anybody, if it is the law of the land,
Are you still a PDP member, if you are, why is your party so quiet after its national convention? I am still a member of the PDP, but you know we had just elected new executives, and they are taking time to stabilise and get going. But PDP must realise that it is a lot of hard work to get back to power because a lot of damage was done and they must not kid themselves. PDP must open its doors to people with bright ideas to sit down to formulate policies and sell the party with the work its current governors are doing, but is a lot of hard work.
Mbadiwe
INEC will work with it. INEC has the powers to fix the sequence of the election, that is the current law, but if this amendment is done, then the order will be reversed to the benefit of the whole country and not to individuals. Will this not affect INEC’s preparation for the election? No it will not. This can become law within one week, the House has passed it, and the Senate should pass it and let the president assent to it. If he doesn’t assent to it, then they will override him and make it law, that is the sequence. Do you think the INEC is prepared for the 2019 elections? This is a new INEC and its current chairman has promised to give his best, so let’s give him a chance. From my observation, they are trying to be fair so far, but the fairness does not arise now or stop at this stage. The fairness is at the point of election because everybody in this country knows that elections are massively rigged up to the point of using guns to re-write election results. But INEC is not a security agency but an election body, how would it secure votes? It is not INEC’s fault that people get guns pointed at them to change election results, but if everybody comes out to massively participate
This is a new INEC and its current chairman has promised to give his best, so let’s give him a chance
in elections at every stage, a lot more people will be involved in protecting their votes. The body language of President Buhari, indicates he could seek re-election, but does he deserve it? The government must be given some credit in some areas like security and foreign reserves, but generally, Nigerians are not happy. Their living standards have not improved and this is true and not about a dislike for the government or not. Government is elected to protect lives and property of its citizens, and then improve their standards of living, this has not happened. So, on that basis, the government has not done enough to deserve a re-election, and they know they have not, but it is for the people to decide who will rule them and that is why I am saying a lot more people should be involved. Now, INEC has registered up to 50 political parties and that to me is crazy. How can you have 50 political parties, but amongst these parties, about 25 could field presidential candidates and Nigerians would be entitled to choose from them. All over the world where people are educated, governments are judged on their performance – they will tell you, you have not done this, you have done this, and we will not vote for you. And they can tell you in advance that they won’t vote for you, and you will see opinion polls going, but here, it does not count. I’m sure you’ve read Obasanjo’s letter to Buhari, does the letter speak the truth about the country’s situation? No matter what anyone says, I believe Obasanjo believes in this country, and means well for the country. I want a lot more of those who have ruled to come out and speak the way he spoke. A lot of the things he said are true, there is no question about that. Appointments are on-sided and even a blind man can see that. But then, does this not call to question Obasanjo’s sense of judgement with regards to his previous supports for three former presidents
Isn’t it risky and late now that it is just about a year away from the General Elections? A year is not a long time, and that is why I am saying that the executives should be having town hall meetings, criticising the government, and all that. I thought that the PDP should have taken advantage of the ‘shithole’ comment made by President Trump to defend Nigeria and Africa. They should seize the moment and move with it because there are things we can do. How do you reconcile the PDP still losing its members to the opposition even after its convention? I think it is very disgraceful. One of the bills I proposed at the National Assembly was that people should not easily cross-carpet, and if you must, then you have to go back to your constituency for re-election, but the way Nigeria operates is that you just get up on the floor of the assembly and declare your switch to another party, this looks so childish. Amongst the people that have left your party in the south east are former senate president, Ken Nnamani, and former Enugu governor, Sullivan Chime, does this bother you? Of course, who wouldn’t be bothered because you can’t just dismiss them as being inconsequential. But if the party can get to the grassroots and don’t let a few people decide what happens, all that will be totally immaterial because if you set the programmes of the party and the electorate buys that programme, they will drive anybody who comes around with no worth. Does this in anyway suggest APC is making some good inroads into the south east which is not its forte? I don’t see any way the APC will make an inroad into the south east because it has done nothing for the south east. The Niger Bridge which is a major economic point has not being touched, as well as the roads. If they had come with developmental projects, then maybe, but right now, the people will rather they remain in their penury than go with APC. Does this mean, the region will stick with the PDP, a party it has neither had good returns from as well in over 16 years? The people of the south east should look at themselves and decide what is good for them. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
POLITICS
EFCC’s About-face on CCT Chairman After giving him a clean bill, the decision of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to file criminal charges against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar leaves observers wondering if he is not being punished for refusing to convict the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki at all cost, writes Tobi Soniyi
Ibrahim Magu
I
f anyone is in doubt whether or not something is wrong with the war against corruption under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the case of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar should clear that doubt. When the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki was charged before the tribunal for infraction of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers while he was governor of Kwara State, he objected to Umar presiding over the trial for the following reasons. First, he said that he was not likely to get a fair trial under Umar because he (Umar) had been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and found to have a case to answer. He also said that it was actually EFCC that investigated the allegation of nondeclaration of assets for which he was being prosecuted. Furthermore, as at the time the trial commenced Umar was on administrative bail from the EFCC. He therefore asked the tribunal chairman to recuse himself because he was not likely to get a fair trial under Umar. However, the CCT chairman dismissed the application. In the course of the trial, it became crystal clear that the Code of Conduct Bureau actually had no case against Saraki because it was the EFCC that investigated the case, the prosecution witness, Mr Michael Wetkas is an EFCC staff, the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, (SAN) is EFCC’s lawyer, even the Code of Conduct Bureau staff who testified in the case admitted that he did not know the location of the assets in question. CCB’s Head of Investigation, Mr Samuel Madojemu who testified during the trial said that his averments filed in support of the charges against Saraki were based on information supplied to him by a team of undisclosed investigators. In order to discredit Saraki’s application, EFCC mounted a fierce defence in support of the CCT chairman.
Bukola Saraki
EFCC issued a statement saying that it had cleared Umar of all allegation of fraud levelled against him by a retired customs officer. In a letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation dated 20 April, 2016 with Ref. No. EFCC/P/HRU/668/VV.30/99 and titled: ‘Re: Investigation Report, Re: N10m Bribery Allegation Against the Chairman Code of Conduct Tribunal, Abuja’, EFCC insisted that Umar had no case to answer. The letter reads: “Kindly recall our correspondence of 5 March, 2015 reference EFCC/ EC/SGF/03/56 with the above subject, please. “We would like to reiterate the commission’s position in regard to this matter as earlier communicated to you and state that the allegations levelled against Justice Umar were mere suspicions and consequently insufficient to successfully prosecute the offence. The foregoing is submitted for your information.” The letter was signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Emmanuel Adegboyega Aremo. The tribunal chairman was copied in the letter. But last week, the commission made a u-turn and filed a two-count charge against Umar. The only thing that has changed is that Umar had since dismissed the charges against Saraki for want of evidence. In the charge, EFCC alleged that Umar collected N10 million from Rasheed Taiwo, a former customs official who was facing
In the circumstance, it is becoming clearer that Saraki will not get a fair trial
Danladi Umar
false assets declaration charges before the CCT sometimes in 2012. The prosecution also accused Umar of receiving N1.8 million of the N10 million bribe sum through one of his personal assistants, Gambo Abdullahi. The two counts of fraud contradicted Section 12(1) (a) and (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003. The CCT chair could face up to seven years’ imprisonment if convicted of the charges. The truth, however is that, that charges were drafted several years ago and formed part of the records which the former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, SAN forwarded to the then president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan advising him to initiate moves to remove Umar as the chairman of the tribunal. In the recommendation, Adoke stated that Umar was no longer a fit and proper person to preside over the tribunal having admitted that he met with the customs officer who was already facing trial before him at his (Umar’s) office. Even though this damning report was in the custody of the incumbent Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN he also mounnted a strong defence in support of the CCT Umar and said that Umar had no case to answer. Even the judiciary that ought to see through this unholy scheme, chose not to. But the filing of these charges has finally vindicated Saraki. The legal maxim, ‘justice must not only be done but must be seen to have been done’ appears not to mean anything to those at the helms of affairs. Otherwise, why would EFCC make a turn of 180 degree from its earlier position that it had cleared Umar of allegation that he collected bribes from the retired customs officer who was facing trial before him? The filing of charges against Umar raises new posers for the Saraki trial in particular and the anti-corruption war in general. Will
the CCT Chairman continue to preside over the trial at CCT while he is on trial for corruption? What further proof is the AGF waiting for before writing to President Muhammadu Buhari to commence the process of relieving Umar of his job as CCT chair? Now that Umar is facing his own trial, is Saraki likely to get justice from him? Or will Umar resign his appointment? Will Saraki return to the regular courts for the determination of the issue? Answers to these and many more questions will certainly come in the nearest future. For now, the Code of Conduct Tribunal is in a quagmire. At present only two out of three members are sitting. One of the two, who is also the chairman has now been charged with corruption. There are even more problems. The Court of Appeal had in a recent judgment held that there were enough evidence to sustain a few of the charges against Saraki. The court therefore ordered that he should go back and face the trial for these charges. In regular courts, the appellate court would probably have ordered that a new judge should conduct the new trial. That is not possible in a trial before the CCT. It is the same judge who held that Saraki has no case to answer that will still have to conduct the new trial. That in itself is problematic. This is because, the order of the Court of Appeal, in effect, amounts to asking the trial judge to go against his conscience. Having found that there was no evidence to sustain the trial, how can he suddenly do a somersault and come to a conclusion that there is evidence to nail Saraki? This is why there is an urgent need to revisit the CCT as it is presently constituted. A judge can be bias and he should be able to excuse him from a trial. However, as the CCT is presently constituted, that is practically impossible. In the circumstance, it is becoming clearer that Saraki will not get a fair trial. The proper decision to take is to discontinue the trial, disband the CCT and appoint new members.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY
FEATURES
Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com
In Memory of His Mother The Nigerian education sector got a boost last January when the chairman of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Remi Makanjuola and his family led other dignitaries to Summit University in Offa, Kwara State, to unveil an ultra-modern lecture theatre donated in memory of his late mother. Funke Olaode writes
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or those who touched many lives, community, impacted humanity and also committed to their God till the end, their names indeed will remain in the sands of time. Dedicated, compassionate, hardworking and devoted - All these attributes without a doubt suit late Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola perfectly well. As a devout Muslim, late Alhaja Adiat profoundly believed in the efficacy of prayers, hence, she always looked up to Allah for constant guidance and her devotion to her maker was so strong that she always created space for prompt and timely observance of the five daily prayers regardless of any other engagements. She successfully combined this with her kind disposition. Her deep obsession for wiping off anguish from the faces of others was absolute and this, she did constantly without undue publicity. Her kind gesture no doubt reflected in her offspring who are successful in their endeavours. It was therefore a celebration of a life well spent with her commitment to God and humanity, when her son and one of the most successful business men of his generation, Mr. Remi Makanjuola and his family members moved the entire Lagos crowd to Offa, in Kwara State to immortalise his late mother. The magnificent edifice stands tall among many buildings scattered in the newly established institution with a bold inscription, Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola Lecture Theatre. That day, Friday January 26, 2018 was also significant because it marked the 11th anniversary of her demise. Her life ambition was to remain closely associated with Ansar-Ud-Deen Society and it was this conviction that motivated her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to support the faith-based University of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society with a Lecture Hall named after her in commemoration of her remembrance anniversary. Founded in 2017, the Summit University Offa, the University of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), is a product of many years of painstaking planning and harnessing of human and material resources. Indeed, the 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. The vision to establish a faith-based
L-R: Alhaji Femi Okunnu, Dr. Musliu Smith, Prof. Hussein Oloyede, Alhaja Harifat Makanjuola, Mr. Remi Makanjuola and wife, Yoyinsola, at the unveiling of an ultramodern lecture theatre donated by Mr. Makanjuola in memory of his late mother at Summit University in Offa, Kwara State
Award of recognition being presented to the Makanjuola's family by Dr. Musliu Smith, at the event
The donor and son of the deceased, Mr. Remi Makanjuola said the whole idea of erecting a lasting legacy started in March 2005 when his mother of blessed memory was conferred with a merit award by the Ansar-UdDeen Society of Nigeria for her outstanding contribution to the society
university with a world-class standard of teaching, research and community service began in February 2002, when the National Education Board of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria set up the Higher Education Committee with a view to actualising the dreams and yearnings of members. On April 3, 2004, the National Executive Committee of the Society resolved to locate the University at Offa, Kwara State. On June 2005, the society applied formally for an opening license as a private university from the National University 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 commitment and dedication of the conveners actually played out as the ap-
proval for the takeoff of the university was granted in February 2015 with the formal presentation of the provisional license to the society holding at a ceremony presided over by then Honourable Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau in March, 2015 at the National University Commission office in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the donor and son of the deceased, Mr. Remi Makanjuola said the whole idea of erecting a lasting legacy started in March 2005 when his mother of blessed memory was conferred with a merit award by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria for her outstanding contribution to the society. At the ceremony, the plan to build the Summit University was unveiled and she was one of the very first few who donated one million Naira towards the establishment of
the University. And 13 years down the lane, Makanjuola said he is happy that the vision has come into reality with its registration by the National University Commission which led to commencement of academic programmes last year. Talking glowingly about his late mother, Makanjuola said “Looking at women here today actually reminds me of my mother. She always dressed the way you dress, seriously going to the Mosque, Thursday, and Sunday you would not always find our mother at home. She was committed to her God and humanity because she must be at Asalatu and everything the children want to do, Ansar-Ud-Deen comes first. She told us that even in death she would be an Ansar-Ud-Deen. So our coming here today is not by chance it is because of what our mother had preached and what she
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˾ T H I S D AY THURSDAY˜ Ͷ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
FEATURES wanted,” he said Makanjuola enjoined other well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists to join the train in moving the newly established university to greater heights and also promised to make the Summit University a prestigious university not only in Nigeria but globally. In a chat with journalists, one of the founders of the institution and National President of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Femi Okunnu said what prompted the society to float the school was the past antecedents of the society in establishing schools across the country from primary to secondary and college of education. “The establishment of the university,” he said, “is the icing on the cake.” While the purpose of any tertiary institution is to develop human capital for national development, Okunnu said the university is on the same pedestal with the established ones as the intention is to get boys and girls, women and men to come and receive the very best education. He stressed that the aim is to contribute their own quota to national development and a new Nigeria. Proffering solution to how Nigerian educational system can recover its lost glory, the legal luminary said if the government puts its orders right and re-orders the educational system, the country is on the way back to the top just as Summit University ought to be a University for change for a new Nigeria and that is her role. Corroborating Alhaji Femi Okunnu, Chairman Board of Trustees of Summit University, Dr. Musliu Smith said the university is long overdue as the primary and secondary arms established close to a century ago had produced prominent people in the country. “It is better late than never. With all the facilities we are putting on ground, affordable tuition fee, the quality of teaching staff with the conducive environment, I am sure within the next few years you would see new things as our mantra is to provide excellent education for all.” Extolling the virtues of Makanjola as a generous giver, the Vice-chancellor of the institution, Prof. Hussein Oloyede thanked the family for the important edifice which has changed the landscape of the institution as a world class academic environment. “Mr. Remi Makanjuola is a person who is committed not only to his family, his mother but the society at large which we are one of the beneficiaries as an institution. His mother gave one million Naira when the idea was first conceived and today her son and the entire children have sustained her legacy, setting the pace for others. We are grateful to the Makanjuola family. God will continue to reward him. This is a one major project and I hope it will open more doors.” In his brief remarks, the representative of the Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Musa Dasuki, said the "government of Kwara State is highly delighted and identified with family of Makanjuola for this generous donation. This edifice no doubt will enhance teaching and learning of our great leaders of tomorrow." He enjoined other philanthropists in Offa and beyond to come to the aid of this Summit University so it
Mr. Remi Makanjuola is a person who is committed not only to his family, his mother but the society at large which we are one of the beneficiaries as an institution. His mother gave one million Naira when the idea was first conceived and today her son and the entire children have sustained her legacy, setting the pace for others
L-R: Mr. Bode Makanjuola and Mr. Segun Adeniyi
Mr. Remi Makanjuola, his wife, Yoyinsola and Lady Gbemi Smith
L-R: Mr. Muyiwa Bakare, Mr. Oba Otudeko and Chief Raymond Ihyembe
can achieve its goals and objectives. Shortly before the end of the well-attended ceremony, an award of recognition on behalf of the institution was presented to Mr. Remi Makanjuola. The event was rounded off by Dr. Wale Babalakin, who commended the management team of the university led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hussein for their prudence, accountability and uncommon commitment to high ideas. Among the dignitaries that attended the
groundbreaking ceremony were Dr. Hussein Taye Aladesawe, Sir Kehinde Smith, Mr. Tola Atekoja, Chairman, Thisday Editorial Board, Mr. Segun Adeniyi, wife of the donor, Mrs. Yoyinsola Makanjuola, Lady Gbeminiyi Smith, Prof. Suleiman Adeyemi , Dr. Musliu Smith, Mr. Akin Sanworiolu, Chief Yinka Adebiyi, Mr. Gbadebo Dallas, Alhaji Tunde Duale, Prof. Mosebolaji Oyawoye and Alhaji Abdulateef Ajeigbe, Prof. Suleiman Adeyemi, Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, Representative of Kwara State Governor, Dr.
Musa Dasuki, Dr. David Oguntunde, Dr. Abiodun Owolabi, Mrs. Adebisi Lasaki, Mrs. Bimbola Fowor, Mr. Muyiwa Bakare, Mr. Oba Otudeko, Chief Raymond Ihyembe, Alhaji Femi Okunnu (SAN), Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun and Vice-Chancellor, Summit University, Prof. Hussein Oloyede, Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaj, representatives of Oba of Lagos, Chief Tajudeen and Alhaji Waheed Ayen, Chief Missioner for Northern States, Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello and Chief Imam of Offa, Alhaji Muyideen Salman Hussain.
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IMAGES
L-R: Deputy Governor, Cross-River State, Prof. Ivara Esu; Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris and Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Mamman Ahmadu, during a retreat by public procurement for Federal Permanent Secretaries, in Calabar…recently
L-R Consultant to the Ogun State Governor on Energy, Chief Taiwo Fagbemi, Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olumide Ayeni, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with eight Independent Power Providers (IPPs) for the provision of electricity to residents of Ogun State in Abeokuta..recently
Governor of Edo State,Godwin Obaseki (middle) flanked from left to right by Okuomose Wisdom of Obazua Primary School; Awesome Zoe Igberase of Emotan Primary School; Faith Ereboro of Lumley Primary School;and Sunday Glory of Oba Ewuare Primary School during the flag-off ceremony of Edo Reading Culture Campaign organised by the state chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the state government, at Imaguero College Hall, in Benin City...recently
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Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (middle) flanked by the Vice President, Startime, Ms. Guo Zigi (right) and the Director of Culture and Tradition in the Chinese Ministry of Culture, Mr. Chen Huanan during a courtesy visit to the minister by a delegation of Television Production and Animation Companies from China in Abuja...recently
L-R (Front row): Kwara State Head of Service, Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole; State Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Mrs Abimbola Folorunsho; Her Excellency, Dcns Omolewa Ahmed, Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed; State Coordinator, NPHCDA, Mrs Oladipo Bolatito and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold during a courtesy visit by NPHCDA at Government House, Ilorin....recently
L-R: Sector Head FI & Distribution, Rand Merchant Bank, Louis Du Plessis; Marketing Executive, Indoroma Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Ltd, Rishi Raj Magariya; Treasury Manager, BUA Group, Ejike Nwolisa; Adeola Ukoha, Seyi Soetan & Tosin Olatunji of Rand Merchant Bank at the 2018 GTR West Africa Conference sponsored by Rand Merchant Bank in Lagos...recently
L-R: Head of Corporate Services Division, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Mr. Bola Adeeko; United States Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Ms. Darcy Zotter; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyeama; United States Consul General, F. John Bray; United States Consulate Political and Economic Section Chief, Mr. Tat Osman, and Head of Human Resources, NSE, Ms. Pai Gamde; during the United States Consul General participation in the Closing Gong Ceremony at the Stock Exchange House in Lagos...recently kunle ogunfuyi
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Quick Takes CcHub Unveils Incubation Programme Ù̋Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă&#x;ĂŒ Ě™ Ă? Ěš Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă–Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă? ÞÒËÞ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ĂžĂ?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ&#x;ĂšĂ? Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ–Ă?ĂŽĂ‘Ă? Ă™Ă˜ ÒÙå ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ăž ÞÙ ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜Ă&#x;ĂœĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă?ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ù××Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ë›
Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž Íľ ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă‘ĂœĂ™ĂĄĂžĂ’ Ă™Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ ÞÒËÞ Ă“Ă? ÚËĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă?ÙÖà Ă? Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹Ă– ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ— Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ? Ă“Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ă? ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă? ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ăž ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ&#x;ĂšĂ? åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂž ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă‘ĂœĂ™ĂĄ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă?×ÚÖÙã ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ÙÖà Ă? Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹Ă– ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă—Ă?Ë› Ă™ ĂŽĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ëœ Ùà Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă“Ă?Þã Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ&#x;ĂšĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă?Ă˜Ă”Ă™ĂŁĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă? Ă—Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂž Ă‹Ăž Ă Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?Ă–Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ? Ă“Ă?Ă?ĂŒĂ‹Ă˜Ă•Ëœ Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ‘ Ëœ Ă? ĂŁĂ?Ă–Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂœĂ&#x;ĂšĂšĂœËœ Ă‹Ă—Ă‹Ă–Ă?ÞÞĂ?Ëœ ĂžĂ&#x;ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă“ Ă‘Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă?âÚĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ Ă?ÓâĂ?ĂŽ ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÍŻÍ° Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă? ÙÚÚÙĂ?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ÍŻÍś Ě‹ ͰͲ Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă?Ë› Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă? Ëœ Ă‹ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă? ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂž Ă“Ăž Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ&#x;ĂšĂ? åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ&#x;ĂšĂ? ÞÙ Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÚÙĂ?ĂžĚ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë›
ATCON Plans AGM, Election
COURTESY VISIT
L-R: Executive Director, Operations, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Mr. Aminu Ismail; AMCON Managing Director/ Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Mr. Ahmed Kuru; Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, Hon. Jones Chukwudi Onyereri; AMCON Executive Director, Credits, Mr. Kola Ayeye and AMCON Executive Director, Assets, Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze, when the House Committee visited AMCON as part of its routine oversight function at AMCON Head OďŹƒce, Abuja‌ recently
17 Years After, NIPOST Jettisons Courier Regulation Stories by Emma Okonji The 17 years tussle between the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and courier operators over the regulation of courier industry has finally been put to rest, as NIPOST has decided to jettison the country’s courier regulation. The Postmaster General and Chief Executive of NIPOST, Adebisi Adegbuyi, who was in Lagos last week to launch 95 new motorcycles for last-mile delivery services for Lagos zone, told THISDAY that NIPOST has finally surrendered the struggle on courier regulation, to enable it focus on its core mandate of postal reforms and service
ICT delivery. “By virtue of the Postal Reform Bill that is before the National Assembly, NIPOST has surrendered the regulatory powers and we are no longer interested in regulating the courier industry. The global best practice is that NIPOST cannot be a regulator of courier operators and at the same time operating a courier business. We must not sacrifice the interest of Nigerians because the post belongs to Nigerians. Again we must render social services to Nigerians and the post is one avenue to render social services to Nigerians,� the Postmaster
General said. The tussle for an independent courier regulator dates back to 2001 when the First Nigerian Courier Summit was held to discuss the need for a courier regulatory body. At the end of the summit, a communique was issued and the Courier Regulatory Department (CRD), which is an arm of NIPOST, was established same year to regulate courier activities in the country. In 2004, the Second Nigerian Courier Summit was held and it was an avenue to assess the industry and the after-mart of the 2001 summit. At that second summit, the courier operators demanded for a neutral courier
regulatory body outside of NIPOST, as it is done worldwide. At the Third Nigerian Courier Summit, held in Lagos on October 28, 2016, the issue of an independent courier body resurfaced. The core courier operators under the aegis of the Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO) had continued to push for a courier commission that is outside of NIPOST. Their argument was that NIPOST would not be a fair umpire in the courier industry, where it also operates as a courier operator under EMS Nigeria, which is the courier arm of Continued on page 24
Google Ranks Nigeria among Top Three in Global Online Search Stories by Emma Okonji A recent research conducted by Google has showed a rapid increase in online search among Nigerians. The research study which ranked Nigeria among the top three countries of the world that spend quality time online in search of various goods and services, disclosed that Nigerians’ passion to go online is highest among Africa countries, surpassing South Africa and Kenya, and among top three countries globally. Country Manager for Google Kenya, Mr. Charles Murito, who made the disclosure in South Africa, while presenting a paper on the evolution of digital
IT advertising and the rise of online presence among African countries, said that South Africa has grown its online presence through mobile search from 61 per cent in 2014 to 67 per cent in 2017, Kenya grew its online presence through mobile search from 74 per cent in 2014 to 81 per cent in 2017, while Nigeria, which tops the African list for online presence through mobile search, grew from 76 per cent in 2014 to 86 per cent in 2017. He equally puts the growth of YouTube watch time in the past 12 months in Nigeria at 120 per cent, Kenya 110 per cent and South Africa 90 per cent.
He attributed the growth in online presence among African countries to the availability and affordability of mobile devices, occasioned by the fact that Africans are majorly mobile dependent people. However, he said that the number could grow faster than that if the cost of mobile broadband data is drastically reduced. He said South Africa still have the highest rate of mobile broadband data in Africa, which is put at $7.6 per gigabyte, followed by Kenya at $4.9 per gigabyte and Nigeria at $3.1 gigabyte. He said Tanzania and Ghana operate at $2.3 per gigabyte each, while Egypt has the lowest
rate of mobile broadband data at $1.2 per gigabyte. Aside the increase in online presence and the YouTube watch time growth, Murito added that internet usage among African countries has also increased tremendously. Giving the implication of the growth in online presence and internet usage among African countries on digital marketing, Murito said the entire digital marketing ecosystem must rise to develop the right contents and then channel such contents to the target audience at the right time. “The lack of local data and Continued on page 24
Ă™Ă–Ă–Ă™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ“ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂ?Ă˜Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă– Ě™ Ěš Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ě™ Ěš Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ĚŽ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍśËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ Ă“Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ ÒÙÖÎ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă˜Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ě™ ĚšËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? Ă’Ă?Ă–ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?ĂœĂ? ÞÒËÞ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă? Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ ÞåÙ ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂŒĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂšĂœĂ“Ă– Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă“ĂžĂ? âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁËœ ĂœË› Ă”Ă“ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă‹ Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ?Ëœ ËŤ Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒËÞ Ă&#x;ÚÒÙÖÎĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž ÞåĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂŁ Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă?Ăž ÞÙ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒËÞ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă– ÞÒËÞ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŽĂ“ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?âÞ ÞåÙ ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ?˛ˏ Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;ĂšĂ’Ă™Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă?ÓÚÖĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂžĂ’Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? ÚÙĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă– Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ ĂĄĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? ÚÖĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜Ă˜Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă‹Ă–Ă– ÞÒĂ? Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă?ĂŽ Ă—Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă? ÞÙ ÞËÕĂ? Ă‹Ă?ÞÓà Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ÞËÕĂ? ÚÖËĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ“Ă– Í°Í´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ëœ Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽË›
Singtel Boosts Bharti Airtel Stake Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂžĂ?Ă– Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă‹Ă˜Ă˜Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜Ă? ÞÙ Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă?Ăž ÍœÍ˛ÍŻÍą Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“ Ă“ĂœĂžĂ?Ă– ĂŒĂŁ ͎˛͡ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă‘Ă? ĂšĂ™Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ? ÞÙ ͹͡˛ͳ ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ Ă‹ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂšĂ™Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă‹Ă– ËÖÖÙÞ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂžĂ?Ă– Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ Ă“ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă™Ă–Ă–ĂŁĚ‹Ă™ĂĄĂ˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ?Ă“ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂžĂ?Ă– Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă?Þ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? ËÖÖÙÞÞĂ?ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ăš ÞÙ ÍśÍłËœÍ˛ÍłÍŽËœÍŽÍŽÍŽ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă? ĂšĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ͹͎ͯ ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂžĂ?Ă–ËŞĂ? Ă?ÞËÕĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× ĂŒĂŁ ͯ˛; ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă™Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă™Ă? Ă“ĂœĂžĂ?Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÒÙÖÎĂ? ͳ͎˛ͯ ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ËÚÓÞËÖ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ™ĂœË› Ă’Ă? ËÖÖÙÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ”Ă?Ă?Ăž ÞÙ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă‹Ă– ĂŒĂŁ Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù×˪Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ?ÒÙÖÎĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ åÓÞÒ Ă?Ù×ÚÖĂ?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?âÚĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă’Ë› Ă“ĂœĂžĂ?Ă– Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă—Ă™ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă? ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ åÓÞÒ Ă‹ ͰͲ ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ•Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÍŻÍ´ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÒ Ă?Ă“Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ăž ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă“ĂœĂžĂ?Ă– Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂžĂ?Ă– Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ëœ ĂœĂžĂ’Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽË? ËŤ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ÑÙÙÎ Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă&#x;Ă? ÞÙ ĂŽĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă˜ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ˜Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“Ăš åÓÞÒ Ă“ĂœĂžĂ?Ă–Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă–Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂĄĂ“Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă‹Ëœ ĂĄĂ? ÞËÕĂ? Ă‹ Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ě‹ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ— Ă Ă“Ă?ĂĄ Ă™Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă?Þ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă“ĂœĂžĂ?Ă–Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă‹ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ•Ă?Ăž Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă™Ă˜ åÓÞÒ ĂœĂ‹ĂšĂ“ĂŽĂ–ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂžĂšĂ’Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂšĂ?Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă™ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă? ÎËÞË Ă‹ĂŽĂ™ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë›ËŹ
“NCC shall ensure the determination of a mobile voice termination rates that truly relate the cause of deploying the interconnection of networks in Nigeria�
EVC of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta
24
T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś
17 YEARS AFTER, NIPOST JETTISONS COURIER REGULATION NIPOST. Their fear was that CRD would not be fair in its regulatory duties since the NIPOST EMS was competing with them in the same courier business. For this reason, the core courier operators continued to push for an independent regulatory body outside NIPOST, and CRD, which was in line with the struggle, was championing the course, with a view that CRD would be completely detached from NIPOST and made a courier commission, independent of NIPOST. The President of ANCO, Mr. Siyanbola Oladapo, had argued that “It is worrisome that CRD, which is an arm of NIPOST, is the regulator of courier industry where NIPOST operates as a player through EMS Nigeria. NIPOST cannot regulate itself in a very strict manner, hence the need for a neutral body that will regulate the courier industry with fairness.� The struggle for achieve a courier commission however suffered setbacks as a result of the non-passage of the country’s courier regulatory bill into law by past National Assembly members. GOOGLE RANKS NIGERIA AMONG TOP THREE IN GLOBAL ONLINE SEARCH the ignorance of commercialising local data owned by some individual and organisations, have always remained a major challenge for digital marketing in Africa,� Meulen said. Speaking on the Google advertising tools that will enhance digital marketing across Africa, Head of Ads PR, EMEA Google and YouTube, Jennifer Kaiser, said the Google Ad Network is available to further grow digital marketing across Africa. According to her, Google has put in place, the Google Ad Policies, designed to create transparency and growth in the entire digital marketing ecosystem. She said over 1.7 billion bad ads were detected and disapproved on the Google Ad Network in 2016 on a global scale, while 12 per cent of all online ads was approved and published on the Google Ad Network in 2016. She insisted that policy enforcement is needed to grow digital marketing in Africa.
Group Business Editor
Ă’Ă“Ă•Ă‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă¤Ă?Ě‹ ĂĄĂ‹Ă?Ă’Ă&#x;Ă•Ă&#x;
Border Security Agencies Tasked on Efficient Border Control, Management Nume Ekeghe The Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Ambassador Kayode Oguntuase has stated the need for the country’s border control agencies to be more proactive, diligent, effective, watchful, alert and professional in discharging their duties in the light of the present economic and security challenges facing Nigeria. Oguntuase gave the charge at a recent meeting with Southern/ Western Nigeria border control agencies along the Nigeria/ Benin Republic borders at the Nigerian house in Cotonou, Benin Republic. He said it has become expedient to have such a meeting so as to remove or greatly reduce some of the economic and security challenges Nigeria is presently facing partly due to the ineffectiveness. The gathering, which had about nine border agencies as: The Nigeria Customs Services, The Nigeria immigration Services, The Department of State Security, The Nigerian Border Police, The military Reece 243 and 193, The Port Health, NDLEA, NAFDAC and the Nigeria Police border patrol in attendance, was themed: ‘Enhancing Effective and Efficient Border Security and Management along the Nigeria/Benin Republic Borders.’ Among other things, the meeting was also aimed at facilitating the smooth movements of people, goods and services along the Nigeria/ Benin Republic borders without compromising Nigeria’s security and national interest.
In the words of the ambassador: “It is pertinent to note that there are lots of security threats and opportunities arising from international trade growth, globalisation, regional integration and global migration. Indeed, the Nigerian/Benin borders are not immune to these economic and security threats which have continued to manifest itself along these borders.� He added that reported cases of extortions at the borders are alarming and even that primary school pupils from
Nigeria going for excursion to Benin Republic made these complaints when the said they (border hoodlums) collected money from them even with their complete documents. The ambassador who was very sad at such a development said: “those who are condoning such, please for the interest of your jobs, stop because if you think people do not know, they do; sometimes, they even give us identity, it is as bad as that. What impression do you want to give those primary school pupils?� Other areas
of concern include too many illegal checkpoints mounted en route Nigeria/ Benin Republic, smuggling activities, proliferation of small arms and light weapons into Nigeria, human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, piracy, illegal bunkering and oil theft, illegal immigration and International terrorism, undue delay in clearing of documents, goods and people, lack of recognition and respect for embassy documents, non-enforcement of the government executive order and non- compliance with the ECOWAS protocol
on trade liberalisation scheme “Specifically on Mile 2 to Seme alone, there are about 37 illegal checkpoints, also between Seme and Badagry, there are about 5 illegal checkpoints and at each of these checkpoints illegal monies are collected. Sometimes I go in my official car, I don’t go through that but people, ordinary people are the ones who have called us on this kind of information, therefore, we want all the border agencies to restrict all their activities to government designated checkpoints please�.
CSCS UNVEILS NEW STRATEGY
L-R: Divisional Head, Sales and Business Development, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Joseph Mekiliuwa; Board Member, CSCS Plc, Eric Idiahi; Managing Director/CEO, CSCS Plc, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, and Head, Transaction Banking, Nigeria and West Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Syed Khrrum Zaeem, during the unveiling of CSCS’ three-year strategic plan in Lagos‌recently
‘New Interconnect Rate Will Address Industry Issues’ Stories by Emma Okonji Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry stakeholders have thrown their weight behind for the cost-based study on the determination of mobile voice termination rate embarked upon by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The outcome of the study is expected to usher in a new interconnect rate for voice calls in the telecoms sector, which is being planned to take effect from March 1. Pleased with NCC’s move, industry stakeholders are of the view that the new interconnect rate will address a whole lot of issues bedeviling the telecoms industry in recent times, especially issues with call masking and poor
service quality experienced by telecoms subscribers. Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, told THISDAY in Lagos that the implementation of a new interconnect mobile voice rate, would certainly address several industry issues that have been unattended to in recent times.In technical parlance, interconnect rate is the amount of money that operator ‘A’ pays to operator ‘B’ when voice calls generated from the network of operator ‘A’, are terminated on the network of operator ‘B’. Before now, the industry was operating at N24.40k per minute for international call termination rate and N4.30k per minute for local call termination rate, but some of the telecoms operators were
not comfortable with the rates, and have complained that they were incurring huge debts from unsettled voice termination calls, a situation that has impacted negatively on voice call quality. Some of the operators also said the unfavourable old rate forced some industry players to mask calls by routing international calls and terminating such calls as local calls on the networks of local operators, in order to pay local termination rate, instead of international termination rate, which is higher in cost. Addressing telecoms operators at the second stakeholders’ forum on the cost-based study for the determination of mobile voice termination rate, organised by NCC in Lagos last week, the Director, Policy Competition and Economic Analysis at
NCC, Ms. Josephine Amuwa, told stakeholders that essence of the forum was to present the report of the study for deliberations, review and amendments, before the implementation stage. She said NCC as a regulator, needed the right data that would produce the right result, hence it embarked on the study. The Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management at NCC, Mr. Sunday Dare, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta at the forum, said he expected quality contributions from the stakeholders that would shape industry perspective. According to the EVC’s speech that was read by Dare, as at 2015, the mobile network operators were seriously embroiled
in a N30 billion interconnect debts, with MTN claiming to be owed the highest, which was around N13 billion. Danbatta noted that interconnection is critical to the growth and development of the sector, and stressed that without it, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for subscribers on one network to call subscribers of other networks. The EVC noted that a key component of the commercial aspects of interconnection is the determination of interconnection rate among network service providers. He revealed that till date, there have been four interconnect cost determination regimes (2003, 2006 2009 and 2013 respectively). the continuous growth of the industry.�
Inlaks Deploys Solar Powered Solution for Unbanked Population
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ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă? Senior Correspondent
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Inlaks, a financial technology solutions provider in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa has introduced solar powered mobile branch solution to eliminate the constraints associated with brick and mortar bank branches, designed to empower over 46.9 million unbanked Nigerians. According to Director, Infrastructure Business at Inlaks, Tope Dare, the solution would enable financial institutions to overcome the challenges of growth, operational efficiency and responsibility to
deliver the highest quality. It would also promote self-service consumer experience and project the strongest brand image to minimise costs and complexity of maintaining and managing self-service channels. According to Dare, “This mobile solution has been designed to provide customers convenient access to cash at remote locations as well as busy areas without physical bank structures. The vehicle can be dispatched to specific locations to provide a second
or third ATM during events such as trade fairs, festivals, exhibitions, conferences amongst other events. “With our unique mobile branch solution, African banks will not be required to have physical branches before enrolling millions of their unbanked population, as the mobile banking platform will provide a cost effective method to service smaller or targeted markets.� Explaining how the company is working with the banks to
achieve the objective of reaching the unbanked, Dare said Inlaks would collaborate with financial institutions who plan to establish new branches to open ‘on-site’ with the solar powered mobile solution, while their permanent branch is still under construction. With the mobile bank solution, banks can solicit and open new accounts ‘on-site’, issue card, engage in BVN enrolments and linkages. The solution also allows banks to reinforce existing
relationships and educate customers on available digital banking services. Banks can also target major employers by enhancing banking relationships through the services provided by the Solar Powered Mobile Branch Solution, Dare said. The mobile bank branch solution is totally self-contained for power and security, as a mobile unit is an integral part of bank’s disaster recovery plan and an enhancement to a bank’s existing ISO 22301 (BCMS) certification, he added.
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E-BUSINESS
Sustaining ICT Industry through M&As The recent acquisition of Konga, an e-commerce company, by Zinox Group, will no doubt help in growing the ICT industry in Nigeria, writes Emma Okonji
Although mergers and acquisitions have been a global development in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, industry regulators in Nigeria have always advised small and big companies on the need for merger and acquisition, which in their views, would make companies stronger, commercially viable, more visible and competitive, to become relevant in the industry they operate. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator for instance, has always advised telecoms companies to consider merger and acquisition, especially those companies whose activities are beginning to wobble and dwindle. NCC had always insisted that there would be no bailout option for telecoms companies whose operations are going down and that the best option is to either merge or be subsumed into a bigger organisation through acquisition. In the same vein, the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), the umbrella body and regulator of all those practicing computational technology, has always advised member companies on merger and acquisition, as the best way forward. It is therefore not surprising why industry stakeholders are commending Zinox Group for the recent acquisition of Konga, one of the giants of e-commerce business in Nigeria. They believe that the acquisition is a major landmark industry deal that will not only sustain development in the e-commerce business, but will also revolutionise e-commerce in Nigeria, given the technology vision and focus of the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh. Merger and acquisition in telecoms In the Nigerian telecoms space, merger and acquisition has been ongoing since the inception of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) in 2001. It all started with Econet Wireless, the first GSM company to roll out its commercial services in August 2001. Few years down the line, it had issues with its principal owner and founder, Mr. Strive Masiyiwa, a Zimbabwean businessman. The problem, later degenerated into separation of ownership and acquisition of brand identity by several core investors, until Bharti Airtel of India finally acquired it, and the brand name was eventually changed to Bharti Airtel. Today Bharti Airtel has survived its past storms and challenges and it is doing pretty well, and competing very well with other telecoms operators in the country. In the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) aspect of telecoms business, where the likes of Mobitel, Independent Telephone Network (ITN), Bourdex, MTS First Wireless, Reltel, Intercellular, Cellcom, Starcomms and Visafone, featured prominently, the operators however faced stiff market competition from GSM operators and virtually all of them, except few, went under for lack the vision to embrace merger and acquisition. Visafone for instance, saw the challenges in the competitive market
early enough and quickly acquired ITN, Cellcom and Bourdex Telecoms, in order to expand its business and remain competitive. However, in 2015, Visafone entered into acquisition talk with MTN Nigeria, and in January 2016, MTN Nigeria finally acquired Visafone Merger and acquisition in IT Merger and acquisition in the Information Technology (IT) space has also been ongoing. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) went down for lack of vision to either merge or be acquired. Although some merged their operations, but could not sustain market competition for lack of right policy framework and business development plan. Some were pushed out of the market by the big GSM operators who at a point in time, started offering the same data service that the ISPs were offering, in addition to their core voice operation. Last year, Business ConneXion, an IT solution company operating in Nigeria, was acquired by BCX of South Africa and today the Nigerian company has become a global brand through the acquisition, which retained the Nigerian company as an arm of BCX, providing the same IT services in Nigeria with increased customer base and with several awards won within one year period of acquisition. The Zinox landmark industry deal Last week, Zinox Group, an integrated Information and Communications Technology solutions conglomerate and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), announced the acquisition of e-commerce giant, Konga in a move that is expected to raise the profile of e-commerce in the country. Zinox Group concluded the acquisition of the e-commerce powerhouse, after successfully rounding off months of long-drawn negotiations with major investors, Naspers and AB Kinnevik in a landmark development that will expectedly reposition Konga for a greater share of the e-commerce market in Nigeria and beyond. Based in South Africa, Naspers is a broad-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 unprecedented development is coming at a time when global e-commerce spend is expected to top previously unheralded levels. In 2017, retail e-commerce sales worldwide amounted to $2.829 trillion, while e-retail revenues are projected to grow to $4.48 trillion in 2021. Speaking on the decision to invest in Konga, Head of Corporate Communications, Zinox Group, Mr. Gideon Ayogu said it was an easy one for the organisation. “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 have gone a long way in ushering millions of Nigerians into the ease and convenience of online shopping while 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,” Ayogu said. Zinox’s motive When asked if the motive of acquiring Konga was to expand the Yudala e-commerce business that is founded by Zinox Group, Ayogu explained that the motive was not meant to use Konga to boost Yudala e-commerce business, but to use Konga to expand its operations in e-commerce, an industry it pioneered in Nigeria with the launch of BuyRight Africa. com which was challenged by the absence of credit card and e-payment infrastructure when it was launched over 12 years ago. According to him, Yudala as an e-commerce company, is doing well and will not be merged with the newly acquired Konga. He said the acquisition would create additional employment opportunities for over 5000 Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora within a short period. “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,” Ayogu disclosed. Economic value Optimistic that the acquisition of Konga by Zinox Group will bring a lot of economic value to the Nigeria e-commerce industry, which is an emerging industry, industry stakeholders said the acquisition would further strengthen technology convergence in the Nigerian ICT space. President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Olusola Teniola, who commended the courage of Ekeh and the Zinox Group, which he founded years back, said it would boost the rollout of broadband infrastructure by NCC’s licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), since so much contents would be generated from the Konga acquisition,
that will drive e-commerce in Nigeria. “The acquisition of Konga by Zinox Group is one good thing that has happened to the ICT industry this year, because it will help the e-commerce industry to become more vibrant, competitive and it will enhance service quality. It will bring about more deployment of broadband infrastructure by InfraCos for last-mile service delivery, since e-commerce business, which used to be an emerging market, is beginning to witness rapid growth and development. “The e-commerce business is becoming attractive, addressing several issues faced with physical market and offline market space. With the acquisition of Kongo, it simply means market expansion that will bring a lot of economic value such as affordability, accessibility and innovation,” Teniola said. Widely expected to place Konga on a sound footing for increased market share, the landmark acquisition by the Zinox Group is seen by industry watchers as one that could see e-commerce in Nigeria finally unlock the massive revenue potential in the global multibillion-dollar industry. About Konga Konga.com is a Nigerian electronic commerce company founded in July 2012 with headquarter in Lagos. It offers a third-party online marketplace, as well as first-party direct retail, spanning various categories including consumer. Founded by Mr. Sim Shagaya, Konga is said to have one of the best e-commerce technology platform in Nigeria that allows for easy online shopping and online delivery of goods from the e-commerce mall to any location in Nigeria. The best in technology tools displayed by Konga, is one of the things that attracted Zinox, a technology company, to Konga, according to a source close to Zinox Group. Before the acquisition, Konga was perceived as one of the strongest e-commerce brand in Nigeria and operated in various categories as Konga. com, Nigeria’s largest online mall; KongaPay, a 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. About Zinox Group The Zinox Group, is arguably Africa’s most integrated technology group, with strong interest in Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM). Under the group, it operates as Zinox technology, the first Nigerian OEM that assembles local computer, known as the Zinox computer with naira sign. It equally operates as Technology Distribution (TD), the number one IT distribution company of all kind of computers and its accessories in Africa. Now that Zinox Group has acquired Konga, stakeholders are expecting a new wave of revolution in the Nigerian e-commerce market.
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Adukia: After Sales Service Key to Business Devt The Director, Business to Consumer Sales and Marketing, Canon Central and North Africa, Mr. Somesh Adukia, spoke with Emma Okonji in Dubai on the relevance of after sales service for businesses and the company’s efforts to address issues associated with film production and consumption, broadcast, as well as security across the African region. Excerpts: Canon participated actively in the 2018 CABSAT exhibition and conference, which held in Dubai recently. How will you describe the experience as an organisation? The Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) was established in 2016 to have a dedicated market in Africa and we have been participating in the CABSAT exhibition since the creation of CCNA. Last year we experienced a lot of visitors from African countries at the CABSAT exhibition, and based on our learning last year, we decided to raise a team that will attract the visiting Africans to our stand, which was located at a prime area of the exhibition hall, and covered a large expanse of space that every participant took note of it at first sight. Through CABSAT we are showcasing to the entire world, our range of products that cut across broadcast, security, cinematography and film production cameras. We have made three workflow situations that are suitable for different verticals such as film makers, news agencies and security companies. We plan to meet the needs of the African market through our digital technology cameras. Our plan is to introduce Canon to the African market as the preferred brand, not only in cameras, but also in security, film production and broadcast. What were the specific solutions that Canon showcased at CABSAT 2018? Various ranges of modern and latest cameras from Canon were showcased at CABSAT 2018. The truth is that any camera can be used by different verticals. We have the M series of cameras which is specifically designed to meet the request of security companies. It comes with low light condition and best used in area where the light effect is low, when being used for investigative monitoring like terrorists attacks among others. News agencies, broadcasters and filmmakers use cameras for their operations, but in different capacities and we have different camera capacities for different verticals and purposes. We also have different software application solutions that run in the same camera to meet the needs of different verticals. Nigeria has issues with security. Does Canon have specialised cameras that could monitor and address insecurity issues in the country? Yes, we have specialised cameras designed to address insecurity in the country at any level. We are headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE) but we have underground team in Nigeria that are developing the Canon video business and so we are in touch with the Nigerian government and leading security companies in Nigeria. We recently made presentations to the federal government and we are waiting for the final approval from the Nigerian government. Our cameras can remotely capture a scene from a far distance without those being captured having the slightest knowledge that they are being captured. Our cameras can capture obnoxious activities even in the dark. So even with low light condition our security cameras can capture sharp images. Aside security cameras, Canon has taken a great initiative to inspire filmmakers in the African region. What is your interest in this initiative? Canon is a world-wide brand leader as far as imaging is concerned. And in the last four years, we have ventured into cinema range of cameras. So we use the CABSAT exhibition to inspire prospective filmmakers in the African region by giving them the opportunity to use our products for film production. We do not
Adukia restrict ourselves to only CABSAT exhibition because we also take further steps to go into the markets and also participate in other exhibitions across Africa. Our desire is to engage filmmakers in Nigeria and other African countries, with a view to offering them our products and services. So how will Canon help use technology to enhance film production among Nollywood actors and actresses? Nigeria is a good learning experience for the Canon team and we have been encouraging Nollywood by offering them the best of our technology products that will help them have better film production. For example, we have the C series of Canon camera like the C100, C200, C300, and the C700 that are specifically built for film production and have been very useful to Nollywood film producers. The Nolllywood industry in Nigeria is a very big industry and through our engagement with them, we have been able to introduce to them the best of digital technology cameras that will give them a lot of ease in film production. We have conducted workshops and trainings for them and have collaborated with them in several ways on how best they could migrate from the use of video cameras to cinema cameras, which brings a lot of ease to film production. We provide demo template for Nollywood and when they find it useful. They will place their final orders from Canon. The Canon range of cameras come with high standard technology. How can the techniques of the cameras be easily understood and used by filmmakers? Canon products are designed in such a way that professionals can easily handle it. We have tried to remove all complexities from our products and kept them simple to handle.
As far as competition is concerned, Canon products are the best products to handle with ease. But in order to make it easy for end-users who are handling our products for the first time, we provide some form of training for them on how best to handle and manage our digital cameras. We now have different Canon academy where we train people on how best to use our products. What is your consideration for after-sales service? After sales service is key to any business and Canon understands this perfectly and provides after-sales service for all our products. We have identified the right kind of after-sales service in different countries in Africa. In Nigeria, we have service centres that are managed by trained Canon certified engineers, and we have also partnered other technology companies to offer training services in the Nigerian market. The after-sales service support is key for us, because of the audience that we serve who are professionals that are into serious business of film production and security and cannot afford to have downtime in their operations. What is the lifespan of Canon range of digital cameras? The lifespan of a product differs from country to country. In some counties, it ranges between three to four years, and in other countries, the lifespan differs, the reason being that different countries have different culture and likes for latest products. Besides, most of the people in most counties like to switch to newer technology products as soon as they are released into the market. In Africa, for example, the lifespan and period of usage of digital products, is usually higher than developed countries of the world this is because their taste for new products varies.
The challenges of consumers of technology products differ from country to country. How is Canon able to address some of these challenges? CCNA was established in 2016 and since then we take our time to conduct surveys across various markets to find out what their challenges are, and that has helped us to understand the different challenges of consumers in different counties. We take such challenges to our office, where we analyse them and come up with the best of solutions that will address them and this strategy has been working well for CCNA. In Nigeria for instance, our survey made us to understand that our customers in that country lacks enough service centre facilities. When we first visited Nigeria in 2015, we actually discovered there was no service centre from Canon in Nigeria. We also discovered that Canon did not have the right kind of distributors in Nigeria and our products where entering the market from different parts of the globe. Based on our learning experience about the Nigerian market, we quickly established authorised distribution network, and as I speak, Canon has two authorised distribution network in the country that are taking Canon products from CCNA and distributing the products across the country. Aside that, we established Canon service centres in some cities in Nigeria like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Currently we have five service centres in Lagos, two in Abuja and one in Port Harcourt. What can you say about Canon warranty? We have established Canon local offices across Africa, in Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Algeria and Ivory Coast, and we have dedicated warranty for these markets.
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Adegboye: Tech Innovation Will Enhance Customer Satisfaction The Managing Director, BCX Nigeria, Mr. Ayo Adegboye, spoke with Emma Okonji about the sundry challenges of technology business in 2017, and the need to boost customer satisfaction with tech solutions. Excerpts: What are your views about the expected growth of technology business in 2018? Well I can say technology business is picking up gradually, more so that we just came out of recession last year, and for obvious reasons, 2018 will be an exciting year for technology business in Nigeria because it is a preparatory year for elections that are coming up next year, where there will be expectations and promises of new things to come. BCX as a technology company, is looking forward to a fruitful 2018, in terms of doing technology business. The expectations are high and we are looking up to 2018 for a prosperous business environment. So what are the expectations from BCX, as your company winds up the current financial year, in preparation for a new financial year? Our expectations are always high achievable and we have maintained that over the years. One of our expectations has always been that we attain a high level of customer satisfaction and we have been meeting that expectation consecutively, even as the level keeps growing yearly. We have repositioned our business to become trusted advisers to customers and that has kept us going and our business is looking good by the day. Part of our expectations is to maintain that level of preferred customer advisory body, which we have attained over the years. It is not an easy task to maintain a certain position in business because of opposition and market competition. So we want to remain at the top, providing the best of services to customers. Our dream is to maintain customer satisfaction level and remain the trusted advisors to all our customers, including new and intending customers. In going the extra mile, we have commissioned our customer satisfaction survey and index and we are beginning to have close interaction with customers, with a view to knowing them better, understand their business better, as well as their challenges and provide the necessary support for their business growth. We visit our customers from time to time to discuss their business prospects and challenges and make input on how best to grow their businesses and we want to maintain that customer relationship in 2018.
Adegboye
You are right that we had some partnerships with global technology companies last year, and I am pleased to inform the public that such collaborations were the best things that happened to BCX last year as a technology company. Dell EMC for instance has been a wonderful partner to BCX and the collaboration added to our bottomline business, contributing good percentage of out total revenue.
What motivated such partnerships in the first instance? Several factors led us into such partnerships and one of them is customers’ request. Again the partnership with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), boils down to our business relationship with the OEMs. The essence is to further drive professionalism in BCX, since the OEMs are business focussed, resilient and professionals in their kind of business. It was a good collaboration, because Would you say that your set goals for the the OEMs needed partners like BCX to further financial year that is gradually coming to drive their businesses. an end, have been full achieved? To a greater extent, yes, our goals have been Last year the technology industry witnessed achieved, but this applies to only those within a lot of merger and acquisition. What does our control. For those we could not achieve, this potend for the industry? we had to adjust to find a way around it. Merger and acquisition in any kind of But I must say that our financial year that business is the key to business growth and is winding up has been very exciting and sustainability, the reason being that there is strength in number. attractive to customers. Today we are in the era of convergence where Would you like to share some of your business software applications are running under one challenges and strategies to overcome them? platform and technology companies that have When we started this financial year, the biggest similar operations are coming together to form challenge we had was forex, which affected stronger synergy in the name of convergence. businesses, but that has improved in the last So I see more of such convergence between operators and systems this year, because that eight months. We had issues with the instability of foreign is what is actually trending and driving the exchange rate, which of course affected our industry globally, and Nigeria should not be kind of business, that has to do with purchase an exception. Both the software and hardware of foreign equipment and software solutions solutions are beginning to converge because to serve our customers better. But in all of the world today is all about technology conthat, I need to commend the National Office vergence because the future is about cloud for Technology Acquisition and Promotion and big data. (NOTAP), the government agency that is responsible the regulations of importation Last year, BCX won the Cisco Services Partner of software and hardware into the country. Award in Dallas, Texas. How did BCX win They did extremely well last year in ensuring such rear award, being the only Cisco partner that foreign software did not unduly compete from Nigeria that won it, and what value will the award add to BCX business? with locally developed software. It was actually a rear award but we were able Last year BCX entered into business partner- to win it and we were excited about it. For ships with global technology companies like me it is a function of being fully dedicated Dell EMC, among others. What value did to customer service, which we handle with such partnerships bring to the BCX business? all amount of passion in us as a technology
company. It is a result of hardwork, investment, commitment and dedication to customer that earned us the award as the best service partner for Cisco. Addressing the issue you raised on the value of the award, I can categorically tell you that the award will boost customer confidence in BCX, being a global award that portrays BCX as highly professional in customer service delivery. What customers want is a trusted solution provider that will help grow their business, and the award has proved us to be a trusted solution provider that customers could rely on. We have since dedicated the award to our customers who are the reason for our being in business. BCX is in a business where there are other competitors. How has market competition enhanced or marred the technology business? Competition is good in any business and BCX is not afraid of competition, neither do we focus on our competitors in order to do what we are supposed to do. For me as Managing Director of BCX, my competitors do not exist and that is the same philosophy that the entire staff members of BCX have because our focus is on our customers and not on our competitors. How has BCX been able to train its staff in line with its philosophy and ideologies? Our staff members are exposed to best training in line with the company’s philosophy that is built around customer satisfaction. We have put in lots of efforts about employee engagement, and we constantly engage our employees. Technology businesses are shrinking in recent times, owing to the harsh business environment, coupled with global technology evolution. How has BCX managed to remain afloat in business in spite of the challenges? Our business model is clear, which centres around change based on current situation. So our strategies have made us to remain in business all these while, despite the challenges in the technology business. We adapt easily to change and we are constantly innovating in our business. The telecoms industry is fraught with challenges that are affecting the industry. Could that be likened to the technology industry?
The challenges currently going in the telecoms sector could be attributed to the end of the era of telecoms boom. During the boom, telecoms operators were the only provider of telecoms services to customers and they controlled the service charges paid by subscribers. But today, the situation has changed with technology disruptions, based on the evolution of new technologies that enable different operators to offer free telecoms services like Over the Top Technology (OTT) that offers free WhatsApp, Skype calls and chats. As such, revenue is diving and the operators need to innovate and think of new revenue streams for their business. For us in the technology industry, we are innovating and also changing with technology trends. Technology is evolving and also adding value to business, but some operators are still slow to adapt to change because they felt that technology is expensive. What is the implication of this? I feel sorry for any operator or technology company that refuses to adapt to technology evolution because of fear high cost. Most organisations see technology solution as too extensive and will not want to invest in technology. I see such as taking huge risk because they will be left behind and the implication is that they will soon be out of business because they will not be able to sustain their business. So what are the new technologies that BCX is bringing to the table in 2018? For 2018, we will be leveraging on new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, big data and cloud computing and these are the new evolution of technology advancement and growth across globe. These technologies are expensive but we will ensure that we remove the high cost for customers and make business a lot easier for our customers. How is the BCX global brand identity influencing business growth in BCX Nigeria? Being a member of the BCX global brand identity, it gives us the opportunity to tap from the expertise of the global body and it also exposes BCX Nigeria to global best practices. We have access to the poll of professionals at the global level and this is a plus for the BCX Nigeria business in terms of offering best customer services to our local customers.
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Courierplus Partners Priority Express on Courier, Logistics Services in Ghana CourierPlus Services Limited, a wholly owned Nigerian company has entered into a strategic franchise partnership with Priority Express Services (PES) to deliver world class courier and logistics services to corporate organisations, government agencies and individuals in Ghana. Operating out of Accra, the country’s capital, both companies will collaborate to provide efficient services within one of Africa’s booming economies. Commenting on the new business relationship between CourierPlus and PES, Head, CourierPlus International, Mrs. Adetutu Sanni said the partnership is in line with the expansion drive across selected African countries and will enable the good people of Ghana enjoy the very best world class courier and logistics services, noting that “our ultimate goal is creating value in Africa for Africans�. Highlighting the global vision of CourierPlus, VicePresident /CEO Superflux Group, the parent company of CourierPlus Mr. Gabriel Okonkwo said the partnership is a clear indication that
CourierPlus wants to be a big player in Africa. “This is coming less than a year after the grand opening of a CourierPlus subsidiary in Kenya. There is an ever present need for African businesses to begin to partake actively in creating value within the continent that will grow our individual economies and reduce external reliance. Partnerships like this go a long way in bringing this vision to fruition,� Okonkwo said. Managing Director of CourierPlus, Mr. Wale Adisa, said Nigeria and Ghana are brothers with good relationship in business, politics, sports, etc noting that doing business therefore comes natural. He noted that “by partnering with Priority Express Services, CourierPlus will further able to better satisfy our customers in Nigeria doing significant business in Ghana and ensure the excellent courier and logistics services, which we are already known for in other markets, reach the Ghanaian business community, helping to provide more jobs, create more wealth and contribute to the growing economy.�
For Managing Director of Priority Express Services the relationship between his company and CourierPlus is that of like minds with shared dreams and aspirations. He expressed appreciation to the management of CourierPlus for sealing the partnership with started with a working arrangement in 2016. CourierPlus has since 2009 been providing cutting edge courier services, freight services, international deliveries, customs solutions and E-commerce delivery both local and international. brand. CourierPlus operates from over 60 locations across Nigeria. Priority Express Services (PES) is part of the ANSAHDYS GROUP of companies offering local and international courier, logistics and freight distribution services. The company also provides express, time-definite, customs-cleared, door-to-door service to Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and other countries in the world. The company is driven by a seasoned team of young professionals and operates from their headquarters in Accra, Ghana.
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 Northwest 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.
9mobile, Bango Boost Mobile Payment Solutions with 9pay Emma Okonji 9mobile, in partnership with Bango, the leading global mobile payments company, has launched a new operator-billed payments solution known as “9pay� for Google Play users. With 9pay, customers can pay for an array of media, games, apps and digital content on Google Play store. Customers can open and fund a 9pay account by dialing *500# or visiting 9pay.com. ng. All funds are securely warehoused and monitored by UBA Plc. Alternatively, they can complete this process while they are in the play store. 9pay customers will also be able to use their accounts to pay for an exciting array
of services online like lottery, collect change digitally and pay for web services. This great new step also ensures that local developers of apps and games will find it infinitely easier to monetise their offerings. Chief Product and Information Officer, 9mobile, Otuyemi Otule, noted that 9mobile was happy to expand its mobile payment solutions in Nigeria, which has a combination of a highly unbanked and highly mobile-first population. He added that 9mobile’s 9pay offers millions of consumers a means of making important financial transactions, including sending and receiving money, receiving change from merchants, topping up air-time and much more. “We are delighted to enable
customers place the charge for content and services from Google Play on their 9pay account. This launch is a significant addition to the value of mobile payments for our customers,� Otule said. According to the CEO of Bango, Ray Anderson, “It’s instructive to note that 76 per cent of all online traffic in Nigeria is from mobile devices. Smartphone adoption is growing rapidly, with Android accounting for over 60 per cent of the mobile operating systems market share in Nigeria as at 2016. 9mobile and Bango target a high impact in Nigeria, approximately 150 million subscribers, which will be more than any other African country,� Anderson said.
CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT OLODU KEONYEDI
Idea Generation- Key to New Product Development Ideas rule the world Ę°Ă?Ă˜Ëœ ĂĄĂ? Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă“Ă?ÞËÕĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒËÞ ÑÙÙÎ Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ÒËÚÚĂ?Ă˜Ë› Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă–Ă–Ëœ ĂĄĂ? Ă‘Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂœĂ‹Ăš ÞÒËÞ Ă?ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà ÓÞã Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ Ă?Ă?ĂĄ Ă?âĂ?Ă?ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ?Ëž ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă˜Ă™ĂžË› Ă’Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ě‹ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? ĚŽ ËŤ Ă‹Ă— Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă˜Ă™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ ÞÙ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă&#x;Ăš åÓÞÒ ÑÙÙÎ Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă?˛ˏ Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂœĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă–ĂŁ ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?Ë› Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁĂ™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă&#x;Ăš åÓÞÒ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă’Ëœ ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă– Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? ĚŽ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ˜ ÞÙ ÙÚĂ?Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă• ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁË› HOW TO GENERATE NEW IDEAS Challenge assumptions Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă•Ă?ĂŁ Ă‹Ă?Ě‹ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹ åÒÙÖĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă?ĂšĂ“Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ ÚÙĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă?Þ˪Ă? ÞËÕĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?âË×ÚÖĂ?Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂŁ Ă‹ Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ËŞĂžËœ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂŽĂ™Ă˜ËŞĂž Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă‹ ĂŽĂ™ĂĄĂ˜ ÚËã×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂŽĂ™Ă˜ËŞĂž Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ‹Ă˜Ă• ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽĂ˜ËŞĂž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă– Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ? ÞÙ ĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂŁËŁ Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂŽĂ“Ăš Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ“ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽËŁ Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ùà Ă?ĂœĂžĂ“Ă—Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Óâ Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă?ËŁ Ă&#x;ĂŽĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ ÞÒĂ? ÚÓĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂœĂ“Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ?ĂœË› Ă™ ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ÞÙ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă• ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽË› Engage in Observation Sessions ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ăž Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ™Ă˜ËŞĂž ÒËÚÚĂ?Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă™ĂĄĂ˜Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ù×Ă? ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ Ă™Ă? Ă‘Ă?ĘľĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ ÞÙ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă• Ă“Ă˜ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà Ă? ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ?Ë› Ù××ÓÞ ÞÓ×Ă? ÞÙ Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÓʨĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?ÞÓ×Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁË› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂŁ Ă™ĂŒĂ?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ?Ëœ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ăœ ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ó×ÚÖã ĂĄĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ Ă‹ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă?Ă˜Ă Ă“ĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ÞÙ Ă?âĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă?ÞÓà ÓÞã Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ?Ě‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă“Ă™Ăœ ÞÒËÞ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă• Ă‹Ă˜Ă?ĂĄË› Socialise Outside Your Normal Circles Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ÙÖÖĂ?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‘Ă?Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ&#x;Þ˛ Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă‘Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă– ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂšĂ’Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă?âĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă?ĂœĚ‹ Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë› Ă?ĂĄ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› Reword the problem ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă— ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ ÙʰĂ?Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ? ÞÙ ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ë› Ă™ ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă— Ă“Ă? ÞÙ ÖÙÙÕ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă?Ă?Ë› ËŤ Ă’ĂŁ ĂŽĂ™ ĂĄĂ? Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă?ÙÖà Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă—ËŁËŹËœ ËŤ ÒËÞ˪Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽĂŒĂ–Ă™Ă?Ă• Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ?ËŁËŹËœ ËŤ Ă’Ă‹Ăž ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ÒËÚÚĂ?Ă˜ Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ™Ă˜ËŞĂž Ă?ÙÖà Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă—ËŁËŹ Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă—Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă&#x;Ăš åÓÞÒ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? ÞÙ Ă?ÙÖà Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă—Ë› Ă?Þ˪Ă? ÞËÕĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?âË×ÚÖĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă‹ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‘ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?×ÚÖÙã×Ă?Ă˜ĂžËž Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĚ‹ Ă–Ă?Ă— Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă’Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă–Ă™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă?×ÚÖÙã Ă’Ă“Ă—Ë› Ă’Ă‹Ăž Ă“Ă? Ă’Ă? ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă— ÞÙ ÒÙå Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă’Ă? ĂŒĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ? ÞÙ Ă?×ÚÖÙã Ă’Ă“Ă—Ëž ÞÒÓĂ? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă— ÞÙ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă• ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁË›
Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“Ă?Ăž Ă?ÚËĂ?Ă?Ë› Ă?ÎÓÞË̋ ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă? ĂŽĂ‹Ă“Ă–ĂŁ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ě‹ Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă?Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“Ă?ÞÖã Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ë› Use Structured Exercises ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă?ĂŽĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà ÓÞã˛ Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ó×ÚÖĂ? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž Ă?ĘĽĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă? Ă?âĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÞÙ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? Ă“Ă? ÞÙ ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ— åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ăž Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă‹ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ˜Ă?ĂœËœ ÞËÕĂ? ĂžĂ?Ă˜ Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă? ̙ÞÓ×Ă?ĂŽĚš ÞÙ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă&#x;Ăš åÓÞÒ Í’Í‘ Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÓʨĂ? ÞÙÚÓĂ? Ă™Ăœ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă—Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă• Ă™Ă? ʨà Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž Ă˜Ă™ Ă—Ă‹ĘľĂ?ĂœË› Ă™Ă&#x;ËŞĂ–Ă– Ę¨Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ăž Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ăž ÞåÙ Ă™Ăœ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă?Þ˛ Ă–Ă– Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?ÞÒÙÎĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂœĂ? Ă‹ Ă?Ù××ÓÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÓ×Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‘ĂŁËœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž ÞÒËÞ˪Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă•Ă?ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ăž Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ÞÓ×Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ÚËĂ?Ă? ÞÙ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ë› Shift Perspective Ă Ă?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ? Ă‹Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ ÞãÚĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒÓĂ? ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă? ĂŁĂ“Ă?Ă–ĂŽĂ? Ă‹ Ă?Ă?ĂœĚ‹ ĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ ÞãÚĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ë› Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜Ăž ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ę° ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă?Ë› Ă™ ĂŽĂ™ Ă?Ă™Ë? Ă™Ă&#x; Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă‹Ă?Ă• ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŽĂ™ Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ™Ă‹Ă?Ă’ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă‹Ă‘Ă?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă•Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ëœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ÚÙĂ&#x;Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ú̋ ÚÖÓĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ăœ Ă?ÓÞÓäĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ù×Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă‹ ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĚ‹ Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ëž Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁĂ™Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă—Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁË› Employ Enablers of idea generation Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă?ÞÓà ÓÞÓĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă‹Ă?Ě‹ Ă?Ă“Ă?Ăž åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă?ĂŁ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă‹ ÚÙĂ?ÓÞÓà Ă? ËÞ×ÙĂ?ÚÒĂ?ĂœĂ?Ë› Ù×Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă?ĂœĂ? ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‘Ă?Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà Ă? Ă”Ă&#x;Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă? ĘŽĂ™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ë? Belief in yourself Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă Ă? ÞÒËÞ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà Ă?Ëœ ĂŒĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă?Ù×Ă? ÞÙ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ëž ÚÙĂ?ÓÞÓà Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă?Ě‹ Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă’Ă?Ă–ĂšĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ— ĂŒĂ?ĘľĂ?ĂœË› Creative time out Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă‹ Ă˜Ă‹ĂšËœ Ă‘Ă™ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ ĂĄĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ëœ Ă–Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?Ă˜ ÞÙ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă?Ëœ ÚÖËã åÓÞÒ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞËÕĂ? Ă‹ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă– Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ě‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ÙʰĂ?Ă˜ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă&#x;Ăš åÓÞÒ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂšĂœĂ?Ě‹ Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă–ĂŁ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă“Ăž Ă“Ă?Ă˜ËŞĂž ĂžĂœĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă—Ë› Change of environment Ù×Ă?ÞÓ×Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?ĘľĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă’Ăž ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă™ ÞÙ Ă‹ Ă˜Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂŒĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ě‹ ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ?Ă‹ĂŽ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂœĂ™Ă™Ă— Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ÙʊĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă™Ăœ ÒÙÖÎ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙÑĂ?ÞÒĂ?Ăœ ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹Ă– ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ•Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁ ÞÙ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ě‹ ÞÓËÖ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă–Ă– ÞÙÎËã˛ Ă™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂœĂ? ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă–ĂŁ ĂšĂœĂ‹Ă?ÞÓĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă“Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• ÙÖÎ ÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă’Ăž ÚËʾĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ăœ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă‹ĂœĂ? ÞÙ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă• ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁËž ÞËÕĂ? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂšĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ë›
Meditate
Þ˪Ă? Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂŽ ÞÙ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă&#x;Ăš åÓÞÒ Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ăž Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™ĂĄĂŽĂ?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ ÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ? Olodu keonyedi – is a trained engineer and by passion and personal development a public/motivational speaker, a business coach and human capacity developer, he has a B.Eng degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, he is a member of Nigeria Society of Engineer and a COREN registered Engineer. Email: olodukeonyedi@gmail.com Tel: 08037489704, www.instagram.com/sir_keon. www.facebook.com/olodu keonyedi_mentorship
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Smartphone Ownership Made Simple The recent partnership between Sterling Bank and two stakeholders in the telecommunications sector - 9Mobile and Solo Phones - will further deepen financial inclusion and online banking, Raheem Akingbolu reports Like other commercial banks that successfully navigated the consolidation era in the Nigerian financial sector, Sterling Bank had embarked on positioning drive few years ago with utmost concern. After the fully establishment of its Brand Essence in the market place, the bank had rolled out series of campaigns that were cleverly weaved to reflect its vision and various products. What appeared to be the peak of such engagement was the unveiling of One-Customer Bank campaign which was launched to celebrate Sterling Bank’s customers. The campaign didn’t only resonate with customers; it repositioned the bank as a creative power house. Among other beautiful attributes, brand analysts have consistently commended the bank for using the campaign to address individuals and give them sense of belonging. The fact that the campaign celebrates customers, not in numbers but individually makes it unique and relevant up till today. Driving digital and financial inclusion Two weeks ago, Sterling bank broke a new ground in an unusual manner by initiating device financing to make live easy for Nigerians. With the initiative, new and existing customers of the bank will be able to own smart phones with ease through an organised payment pattern. According to the management of the bank, the exercise was embarked upon to ensure that more Nigerians enjoy the benefits of a digital eco-system that is mobile centric. To drive the new initiative, Sterling Bank is currently partnering two telecommunications players -9Mobile and Solo Phones to introduce the contract smartphone pre-bundled with mobile plans. If succeeded, the bank would have helped Nigerians to address major challenges faced in the emerging markets, where smartphone penetration is hindered by lack of modern payment plan that would enable members of the public to own phone with ease. This is a sorry state compared to US and Western Europe, where 80% of all customers buy phones via device finance. In a country like Nigeria, findings have revealed that customers who buy with their hard earned money have much lower income and 90% of the phones are sold with no credit. Meanwhile, it has also been established that credit access is very limited due to lack of data and efficient recovery options. As a result of this, the decision of Sterling Bank to bridge the gap is already being applauded by Nigerians. Before now, the clamour for an efficient technology to manage credit risk and open up credit access to mass market has been on the increase. In a report shared by the promoters of Solo Phones in Nigeria, access to smartphone and other devises on modern payment pattern has been difficult for number of reasons. Among other reasons; there are no small loans available to buy phones, people lack credit history, no bank accounts and permanent jobs and fear of being defrauded on the part of financiers. To this end, it is believed that there is need to build trust between the consumer and the financier need. Importance Speaking at a Press conference to announce the partnership, Executive Director Retail and Consumer Marketing, Sterling Bank Plc, Grama Narasimhan said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering value to its customers. Narasimhan said the bank will continue to be in the business of making valuable partnerships with key stakeholders to deliver value to its customers as well as banked and under banked Nigerians. “At Sterling Bank, we will always put the customers first, as they are the reason why we continue to seek valuable partnerships that will translate into making the lives of our customers easier� he said. He disclosed that the contract package allows the customer enjoy a very attractive monthly mobile bundle plan (Voice +SMS+ Data plan + Social media+ Recharge bonuses) in addition
Executive Director Retail and Consumer Marketing, Sterling Bank, Grama Narasimhan CEO, 9mobile, Boye-Olusanya
to a SOLO Aspire 4 smart mobile phone and the minimum period for the contract is twelve months. The Chief Marketing of the Bank, Mr. Henry Bassey further noted that the bank will continue to be at the forefront of seeking valuable partnerships that will enrich the lives of customers. “At Sterling Bank, our customers will always come first, that is why we always design solutions that will translate into value for them�. Bassey further noted that this alliance with 9Mobile and Solo Phone is a testament of the bank’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian is availed the opportunity to own a smart phone with all its attendant benefits which include Insurance cover, 90 minutes of call time, SMS, Social plans & free 1.5GB data. Also speaking at the event, the Director of Enterprise Segment for 9Mobile, Mr. Plato Syrimis expressed the delight of his organisation to be part of a partnership that will increase smartphone penetration and its benefits to Nigerians who ordinarily cannot afford to pay the lump sum that is required to acquire these devices. “This partnership has made it possible and affordable for anyone to go into a Sterling Bank branch, pay a deposit of N10, 000 and walk out with the latest smartphone device. Furthermore, the customer will enjoy monthly voice minutes, data and freebies pre-bundled into the 9mobile SIM attached to these devices.� Syrimis, who was represented by Mr. Mojeed Aluko, further added that the increase in smartphone penetration is a stimulus for development as more people are able to access the vast knowledge stream available on the internet and mobile application developers can provide easy access to services such as education, health, logistics and transport via the smartphone. This is the beginning of a great journey for our customers as we continue to deliver the benefits of a digital environment either directly or through our partners. Speaking on the rationale for the package, & Chief Executive Officer of SOLO, Tayo Ogundipe, Founder said: “Driving digital and financial inclusion remains critical to economic growth especially in emerging market. Accelerating smartphone adoption is at the core of realising the growth potential.
Our Partnership with Sterling and 9 mobile is designed to change the game by bringing to Nigeria, the same mechanism that has propelled Smartphone adoption in developed markets. This will open the door to inclusion. “At a time of difficult economic conditions across Africa, making Smartphone affordable especially for the mass market requires fresh thinking and innovative ideas. That’s SOLO’s DNA and we are proud to be part of the team that’s delivering this unique solution in Nigeria.� This is not the first time Sterling bank is supporting initiative like this. Few years ago, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dana Motors Limited to flag off the Strategic Auto Finance Campaign Promo that allowed customers and non-customers of the Bank acquire KIA Brand of vehicles with ease. The auto finance campaign came with attractive interest rate and loan tenure that allows convenient and flexible repayment. The promo which will ran for 90 days also offered variety of benefits that included prepayment of insurance premium, free car registration, free fuel voucher, full tank at pick up of the vehicle, free services (inclusive of parts and labor), free tracker and a five year warranty. Other positioning campaigns After its One-Customer Bank Campaign, handlers of the Sterling Bank brand have rolled out various campaigns and intervention CSR programmes to impact the society. Recently, the bank intensified its environmental sustainability campaign with the formal unveil of Olamide Adedeji, popularly called Olamide Baddo, as STEM Ambassador. STEM, Sterling Environmental Makeover, is the bank’s corporate social responsibility initiative which seeks to promote practices that contribute to the quality of the environment on a long-term basis. Through Olamide, a top hip-hop artiste with large followership that cuts across socio-economic classes and age groups, the bank intend to inspire Nigerians, both young and old to alter their lifestyle and adopt sustainable living actions which impact on the environment and makes planet earth a clean and safe place. Olamide is expected to extend the reach and impact of Sterling
Bank Environmental Makeover programme. Launched eight years ago, STEM has promoted sanitation, hygiene and environmental sustainability in more than 14 states across Nigeria. In December 2016, Nollywood actor, Funke Akindele popularly known as Jenifa, joined the employees of Sterling Bank to clean the streets of Lagos. Speaking on the emergence of Olamide Adedeji as STEM Ambassador, Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Bank, Henry Bassey said: “As a bank, we are big on the environment and are clearly going to sustain that. One of the ways to sustain this initiative is to create excitement around it and we find Olamide a credible choice. Partnering with Olamide will consolidate on the success of the STEM Programme which covers provision of uniforms to street cleaners in 14 states, national cleaning exercise by Sterling Bank employees, and tree planting in Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau states to address the challenge of desertification. “We cannot live a healthy life, conduct business and create wealth amidst waste or in a toxic environment. Without clean air, water, land and energy, our collective humanity is endangered. This makes it necessary for us to keep our environment orderly and functional through sustainable living actions and regular cleaning. As a result, we have signed up Olamide as STEM ambassador to nurture this consciousness among young Nigerians and also lead our national cleaning exercises. Our goal is to lead the movement promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria�, Bassey explained. Again, the bank had sometimes ago brought succour to parents, guardians and teachers as it launched Sterling Bank “Back-To-School� Campaign. The campaign was aimed at providing succour for all stakeholders in the sector as schools resumed. The primary target for the campaign were the primary and secondary schools (administrators, owners and teachers) while the secondary audience were all primary and secondary school-students and their parents. Areas covered under the campaign included School financing, Asset Finance, Textbook and Educational Materials Finance for schools.
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Building a Sustainable CSR Strategy Raheem Akingbolu writes on how Airtel Touching Lives, initiated by the telecommunications company has deepened the brand’s market penetration as well as its acceptability
Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, (2nd left) handing over a two-bedroom apartment to the family of Mr Olusegun Aina, who lost their home to a ďŹ re incident in 2016 during the Airtel Touching Lives Season 3
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), one of the stems of sound corporate governance is increasingly attaining wider global and local adoption as its impacts in helping nations meet their sustainable development goals become more perceptible. Today, top executives across different industry want to demonstrate their corporate citizenship through altruistic, ethical and legal initiatives that presents their organisations as socially responsible. However, the big challenge for executives is how to develop an approach that can truly deliver on these lofty ambitions—and, as of yet, few have found the way. Some innovative companies have managed to overcome this hurdle, with smart partnering emerging as one way to create value for both the business and society simultaneously. Some others have also been able to create a sustainable CSR Strategy tailored towards their values. Airtel example A prime example of such organization is Airtel Nigeria. The telco, through its flagship CSR intervention dubbed Airtel Touching Lives has impacted thousands of lives since its initiation in 2015. Airtel has entrenched the CSR initiative into its sustenance plan – in line with its business values, shown commitment to uplifting the downtrodden and offering practical support to needy Nigerians across the country. Before the recent announcement of the season 4 of the project, the company through Touching Lives rekindled hope for the hopeless and gave voice to the voiceless through their selfless supports. Flashback One of the unforgettable episodes of the last season was the story of Olusegun Aina family, who recently gave birth to a set of twins (a boy and a girl) after losing three children to an inferno and became homeless through the incidence. Airtel Touching Lives built and donated a multi-million Naira, ultra-modern
2-bedroom apartment for the family and also paid for all outstanding medical bills incurred while undergoing treatment of injuries sustained in the fire. Other highlights of the last edition also include the donation of laptops, digital voice
However, the big challenge for executives is how to develop an approach that can truly deliver on these lofty ambitions—and, as of yet, few have found the way. Some innovative companies have managed to overcome this hurdle, with smart partnering emerging as one way to create value for both the business and society simultaneously. Some others have also been able to create a sustainable CSR Strategy tailored towards their values
recorder and other gadgets to Bethesda Home and School; procurement of prosthetic leg for Emmanuel Onyeka and Scholarship for his University education. A 9-year-old cancer patient, Pillar Egona also received N3m for her chemotherapy treatment. Echoes from season 2 During the Airtel Touching Lives Season 2, there were several emotional stories of courage and hope. The story of a young girl, Hannah Enakerakpor, who suffered from a life-threatening disease, was a touching story that Airtel intervene in. Through the Touching Lives programme, the company ensured that Hannah lived. Airtel Nigeria bankrolled her surgery in India and thankfully the surgery was very successful. Today she is living a healthy and happy life. Similar beneficiary was Blind Gbenga Adesida, a blind man who lost custody of his children because he was homeless. A new apartment was built for him by Airtel so he could reunite with his family, In season 1, Airtel empowered several individuals and communities. However, some stories stood out. For example, Essienkan Ebong, a former police officer lost his eyes to an armed robbery attack in 2013. All efforts to restore his sight proved abortive. Ebong, a graduate of computer science, with a PGD in Mathematics and MSc in Computer Science, didn’t give up hope and neither did Airtel give up on him. Through the Touching Lives programme, we came to his aid, providing him with a Braille Object Identification Scanner, a Braille Machine, Speech Software, an America skim guide and a brand new sophisticate, special laptop to help him actualise his dream despite his disability. Today, Ebong is empowered and he is helping to empower other people in his immediate community. Feedbacks “Since we launched the Airtel Touching Lives initiative three years ago, we have achieved remarkable successes having restored hope
of despaired individuals and families, saved many from the throes of death and empowered many underprivileged Nigeriansâ€?, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, said while speaking at the press launch of the new season. “While the Government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) cannot do it all, we have a responsibility to contribute our quota in making Nigeria a better place. As we commence the fourth edition, we are calling on Nigerians to nominate causes and persons who require help. The process is simple. Once you nominate an individual or cause, our team will review and assess the situation and determine if a follow-up visit will be requiredâ€?, Mr. Ogunsanya enthused. “You can nominate individuals or projects in your communities by dialling 367 or by sending an SMS to the Shortcode, 367. Also mail can be sent to touchinglives@ng.airtel. com. Together, we all can make our society a better place if we join hands and collaborate to uplift the downtrodden around usâ€?, he stated. The success of the project has since earned the company several international and local awards with the most recent being the 2017 Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS) - (Best Company in Stakeholder Engagement); Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) Award - (CSR Initiative of the Year) and Global Patriot Newspaper award - (Patriot Award for Excellence in CSR). Some of these key CSR initiatives include the Adopt-a-School programme, Employee Volunteer Scheme, Airtel Five Days of Love Christmas programme and other interventions on health and the environment.ÂŹ As businesses act responsively and boost their performance, devoting part of their income to giving back to the society by engaging in various life changing activities is no longer an option but a necessity.
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DEVELOPMENT
Reengineering Kwara’s Wellbeing via Projects Continuity In a bid to ensure continued good governance and development in Kwara State, the current administration under Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has made continuity agenda and completion of legacy projects top priorities. Hammed Shittu writes
V
Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) also received the support of the administration by making available buses at low interest rate to them. Women and youths empowerment issues were not left out as the various beneficiaries were given soft loans to start businesses and this has reduced social vices among the people of the state. The operation no-pot-holes in various major roads within the state capital of Ilorin was introduced by the administration while some youths were given employment under the scheme of Kwara state bridge empowerment scheme (KWABES) and after their one year service, some of them were given permanent employment in the state ministries. These were the situation of things during the first term in office of the administration. However, upon resumption in office for second term in office on May 29, 2015, the administration set the ball rolling with the commitment to add more values towards the socio economic growth of the state.
arious talk-shops and development analysts have stressed the need for every level of government; be it local, state and federal, to continue to evolve a strategy that would enhance the socioeconomic wellbeing of the governed at the rural and urban communities across the world. In doing this, the affected stakeholders in the development strategy agreed that the completion of any ongoing developmental project being embarked on by any of these levels of government should be completed before starting any other projects for the governed. This, they believe, would reengineer the social well-being of the populace and this would bring good governance to the society. Continuity Agenda This policy of ‘projects continuity’ if well articulated and implemented by any successive government as canvassed by these stakeholders in the development strategy, then the idea of abandoning laudable and developmental projects would be a thing of the past and this would accelerate the socio wellbeing of the society, and also avoid wastes in public finance. It is on this premise that the current administration in Kwara state, the State of Harmony, upon assumption of office in 2011 after the successive completion of the eight years of two terms of immediate past administration of former governor Bukola Saraki (now Senate President) put all machineries on ground to ensure the full completion of various developmental projects embarked on by the Saraki administration and which have now been successfully completed by the present administration under the leadership of governor Abdulfatah Ahmed. The various projects left behind by the Saraki administration and successfully completed by the present administration cut across roads, schools, water, health institutions, Ilorin Metropolitan square, Ilorin International Aviation College, and rural electrification. The commitment to ensure the completion of these legacy projects by the present administration, according to political pundits in the state, was that governor Ahmed was an integral part of the immediate past administration of former governor Bukola Saraki for almost eight years, during which time he held strategic positions throughout the period of the administration. He was a former commissioner for Finance for almost seven and half years before he was moved to the ministry of Economic development where various policies and programmes of the immediate past administration were designed for socio-economic benefits of the populace during the former administration. These two important offices during the period had afforded Governor Ahmed to have serious inputs and exposures in the art of governance
One of the continuity projects completed by the Ahmed administration which hitherto had prepared him for the huge task to work for the developmental progress of the state. In view of this, he was instrumental to all the programmes left behind by his predecessor in office, and this made him to ensure that all the uncompleted projects left behind by the immediate past administration of former governor Saraki are made to see the light of the day for the good people of the state. Legacy Projects Governor Ahmed’s works in the first term in office between 2011 and 2015 were mainly on the completion of all uncompleted projects left behind by former governor Saraki while new ones were also embarked upon in the determination to ensure that the dividends of democracy get to the doorsteps of the rural populace across the 16 local government councils of the state. Among such uncompleted legacies projects that were completed during the period cut across roads, education, health, such as Ajase-Ipo international vocational centre, completion of Ilorin Metropolitan Square located along Asa dam road, completion of Ibrahim Sulu Gambari-Post Office road, Offa garage- Micheal Imoudu dual road, and the Ilorin water reticulation project, among others. Also, the completion of these projects by the incumbent administration was based on the campaign platform upon which the administration
came into office through the slogan of ‘Legacy Continues’. The platform which was coined by the former administration has allowed the incoming administration then to see that all the ongoing projects are completed before new ones are initiated so as to add value to the socio wellbeing of the populace. The policy has also allowed the administration to bring government closer to the people of the grassroots as all the roads completed have improved the agricultural development of the rural populace as foods are now being transported to the hinterland for selling without any hindrance and thereby improving economic base of the populace. The administration of Governor Ahmed during his first term in office also awarded the renovation of five General hospitals located in Ilorin, Share, Offa, Omu-Aran and Kaima. The affected hospitals were equipped with modern day health facilities and with competent medical personnel so as to reduce infant mortality in the state. It should be added that, the administration also embarked on the construction of new roads across the three senatorial district of the state. In the education sector, Governor Ahmed constructed modern day school buildings while teachers’ welfare received major attention. The administration also lived up to expectation in the area of ensuring the protection of lives and property by purchasing security vehicles to the state police command, while transport owners like the National Union of Road Transport
Fulfilling Obligations During the inauguration for his second term in office on May 29, 2015, Governor Ahmed said, “By now, most of you know the challenges we face. Our national economy is on its knees. “Global oil prices, the mainstay of our economy, are dropping daily, limiting our ability to fulfil our obligations. These challenges are enormous but we refuse to give in to despair and I believe that this will be a defining moment in our history. “I, Abdulfatah Ahmed, will not rest until the prosperity that our state once enjoyed is restored. My administration’s priority remains the people’s welfare. We will build more schools, roads, hospitals, power projects and structures needed to get more of our youths working, businesses growing, food on more tables and greater prosperity for everyone who calls Kwara State home. “This administration will upscale development and boost entrepreneurship to get a greater number of our youths working. Starting from today, we will begin the work of transforming our state to the North Central’s economic hub. We will create a new frontier of prosperity where everyone has the opportunity to better their lives subject only to their willingness to apply themselves”. In a twinkle of an eye, the administration put in place a well articulated internally generated revenue outfit so as to harness a revenue base for the overall growth of the state and this has completed the dwindling federal allocations being coming to the state. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
RANDOM THOTS Intolerance Range The mood is swinging and things are no longer as they seem. Those days, when Nigerians were described as the happiest, warmest, most tolerant, and most docile people in West Africa and Africa, seem to have receded into the shadows. Instead, a new ugly mood is gradually taking root and the smiles are less frequent now; subsumed under a layer of mounting anger, disappointment and frustration at a system which appears awry, and at an administration that
promised so much but has given so little in return for being voted into power in a historic election. Tempers are quicker to flare nowadays and in the face of a widening gap between the rich and the poor, the average citizens are holding onto one basic precious possession, which is their right to vote. This was the same scenario three years ago when the people spoke with a major voice and decided to change the leadership after many years of misrule, disap-
pointment and corrupt enrichment by those at the helms of power. Now that mood has returned and with the prevailing hardship, higher cost of living, mounting poverty and unemployment, there is likely to be a backlash come the general elections next year. To many citizens, the government in power is only papering over the cracks in governance premised on false electoral promises. Citizens are more discerning and are aware that development is being
put on hold while those in power are formulating strategies on how to convince the electorate to retain them again. However, the current development and economic indices are too damning, and if this administration does not put its house in order to deliver on its erstwhile promises, the level of tolerance may swing the other way, with consequences...fair warning -Abimbola Akosile
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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś
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Exercising an electoral mandate
SOURCE: TECHPOINT.NG
Is the Citizen’s Mandate Still Effective? Many Nigerians appear fed up with the various governments, including the current administration, which have failed to live up to expectation in fulfilling their promises on national development. However, the issue of poor citizen participation in electoral processes leaves a vacuum usually hijacked and exploited by selfish politicians. As another general election year looms, do you think the citizen’s mandate to vote out non-performing leaders and vote in committed representatives is still effective? Abimbola Akosile * The citizen’s mandate has been and is still very effective. The problem is ignorance by Nigerians who constantly cry of being marginalised but refuse always to vote in the right leaders who will care for their needs. Those people who fail to register to vote are those who criticise everybody in government. We must exercise our mandate to vote out bad leadership. - Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna * The problem is that the citizens do not know their political, constitutional and fundamental human rights. - Mr. Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State * No it isn’t effective. Election is a collective responsibility of all and sundry, but compromises here and there makes a mockery of this issue. Poverty has forced electorates to collect Greek gifts from dubious contestants who deceive, use and turn against them once they clinch the mandate at all cost. Electorates repeatedly fall prey and the result is four or more years of agonising torture and misrule. We must choose selfless and sincere leaders that will lead us to the Promised Land now; otherwise the voters’ cards are meaningless as usual. - Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State * Ctizen mandate is still not effective as corruption is fighting back unabated, e.g., Queue lines of vehicles are back in search of petrol; yet our country is a producer of petroleum. What can we then say about it now? Are we always going to remain dependants on petrol import? - Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna State * No. Nigerians are deeply worried that both previous and even the present administrations have grossly failed to fulfil their embellished promises on national development so far. Citizens’ participation in electoral processes leave a vacuum usually hijacked and manipulated, with fresh elections just around the corner, INEC and the security apparatus leave much to be desired. Voters’ registration and or re-registration are bedeviled with myriad flaws. Youths, leaders, representatives etc must be involved in electing their choice leaders confidently. - Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos
THE FEEDBACK Yes, it is:
5
No, it is not:
4
Others:
6
Radical tip:
Drop bad leaders!
Total no of respondents:
15
Male:
13
Female
2
Highest location:
Lagos (4)
State * Yes, the electorate mandate still counts if those eligible to vote could do away with notions that their votes don’t count and above all, if the electorate could take the pains of waiting for their votes to be counted in different centers, the process of hijacking would be reduced. - Mr. Osuntuyi Kenny, Ogun State * Yes, the citizen’s mandate to vote out nonperforming leaders and vote in committed representatives is still effective any day. It’s the people that determine leadership in any democracy not the leaders. The people’s power is potent if they participate sincerely and selfishly; if they stop selling their votes for peanuts, if they have patriotic zeal and burning passion to vote in committed leaders who will serve their interest, if they see election as moments of the 3s: decision, destiny and delivery of good and great leaders that make good things happen to our dear country, Nigeria. God bless Nigeria. - Mr. Odey Ochicha, Leadership Specialist, Abuja * Yes, the citizen’s mandate is still effective; just vote out non-performing leaders. - Mr. Yusuf Muh’dBashir Omotayo, Nda-Aliu Kwara State * Governance is supposed to be a collective responsibility of Nigerian citizens. The multiple problems that Nigerians are currently facing involve wrong choice of leadership which resulted into poor performance. Most of the elections are not transparent and most people do not
even have voters’ cards. Thus, when another election comes, we see people crying foul for not having credible leaders and as soon as another leadership emerges the citizens keep mum with no monitoring activities. Nigerian citizens are losing the battles of voting out non-performing leaders because of the illegal means of selection of leaders. - Mr. Michael Adedotun Oke, Founder Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja * Nigerians have seen both sides of the coin and are wiser now. The onus is upon every true Nigerian to rise up and vote right, so our nation can become that egalitarian society our heroes past fought and died for. “The fortunes of Nigeria are in our hands to make or mar.� - Ms Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos State * The mandate that citizens have to vote out ill-performing governments and vote in outstanding public office holders is a sacred one. I believe this mandate is becoming viable. Were it not effective before today, it’ll be a year from now. The response by Nigerians to the on-going Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) is a pointer. People now know the importance of procuring the PVC to make voting smooth-sailing. - Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R., Apo, Abuja * It (citizen’s mandate) will still be effective if and only if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts free and fair election. - Dr. Itodo, Kakuri, Kaduna State * Unless we adopt Jerry Rawlings of Ghana’s style, our so-called politicians will continue to play with our intelligence over their selfish looting of the treasury. As we approach 20l9 general election, we must get it right by electing credible people in governance so we can move forward. Nigeria has become laughing stock globally because of corruption and selfish leaders. - Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State * Even with fresh faces, there is no guarantee that they would be any different. To know the type of leaders fresh candidates will be, some questions need to be answered. Do we give
bribes at filling stations to jump the queue? Do we bypass PHCN meters. Do you pay your tax? Do we consider our various tribes to be God’s gift to humanity? Most of us will likely do worse than those in power today if given the opportunity. A society is only as good as its followership because every leader today was at some point an ordinary citizen and you don’t become corrupt or nepotistic overnight. To change the system, a good number of the populace needs to change first. - Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State * To me, the citizen’s mandate is latent and will become very effective when we vote out non-performing representatives in the next general elections in 2019. But such voting power must be exercised with caution, and performance must be benchmarked to determine success or failure. - Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State
Next Week: Are Nigerians Truly Ready for Change? Ù×Ă? Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă–ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă˜Ă™Ăž ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂŽĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ?ĘľĂ?ĂœËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă™Ă–Ă Ă? ĂšĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă– ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?Ă– Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂœĂ“Ę¨Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‘Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă‘Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ Ù×Ă?Ă–Ă?Þ˛ Ă&#x;Ăž ÙÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă&#x;Ă? ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂœĂ“Ę¨Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?ÙÖÖĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă™ĂœĂ“ĂžĂŁ Ă?Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁ ĂŽĂ™Ă˜ËŞĂž Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă Ă“Ă?ĂĄ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂœĂ“Ę¨Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ&#x;Ă? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă™ Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ËŞĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă™ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ëœ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂŽĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă?ËŁ Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžËœ Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ó×ÚÖĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ÞËÞĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă– Ă˜Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ëœ ÞÓÞÖĂ?Ëœ Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ÞÙÎËã Ě™ Ă?ĂŒĂœĂ&#x;Ă‹ĂœĂŁ Í™ Ęś Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă?ĂŒĂœĂ&#x;Ă‹ĂœĂŁ Í’Í“Ěš ÞÙ abimbolayi@ yahoo.comËœ greatbimbo@gmail.comËœ abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive. comË› Ă?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂœĂž ĂžĂ?âÞ Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă? ÞÙ 08023117639 Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽËšĂ™Ăœ 08188361766 Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽËšĂ™Ăœ 08114495306Ë› ÙÖÖËÞĂ?ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? ĂšĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ Ă’Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă?ĂŒĂœĂ&#x;Ă‹ĂœĂŁ Í’Í–
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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͷ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
BUSINESSWORLD
DEVELOPMENT
Maintenance culture for alternative transport in Lagos State
ABIMBOLA AKOSILE
Fast-track Passage of Constitutional Amendments, Ex-Legislators Urge State Assemblies Senator Iroegbu in Abuja A citizens’ platform working for the betterment of Nigeria under the aegis of Friends of Democracy has called on states House of Assemblies to fast-track the passage of the Constitution amendment bill by the National Assembly. The body, led by Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, believes that the amendments, if passed into law, would address certain issues such as the devolution of more power to the federating units, and to a large extent resolve the restructuring question. Friends of Democracy admitted that Nigeria as a nation has some challenges, but was optimistic that the only way to solve them is to ensure these amendments through which certain institutions of government would be strengthened and the nascent democracy elongated. The body, which comprised former legislators, members of the civil society, the academics, labour movement and other stakeholders, wanted the state legislators to act fast so that the amendment bill could become effective before the expiration of the tenure of the 8th Assemblies at both the national and state levels. Presenting the development agenda of the group to the press at the end of its meeting in Abuja recently, Mamora said having spent a colossal amount of money and time on the process of constitutional amendment, the body has come to realise the need for strong advocacy to every Nigerian that has stake in the development of the country to ensure a
speedy passage of the bill. He expressed concern that the process, which started in 1999, is yet to be achieved 18 years after due to the unconcerned attitude of a certain section of the society who should be concerned with the process of re-engineering the nation’s socio-political order. He said the proposed amendments would help reform governance at all levels, strengthen some institutions of democracy, and improve the electoral process. He presented their position in form of appeal to legislators in the 36 states houses of assembly to give the passage of the bill uppermost attention, and particularly commended both Benue and Cross River states assemblies for passing the bill into law; while he urged other state assemblies to emulate them to ensure speedy passage. Mamora said: “There has been lack of proper advocacy for the different approaches on the issue of these constitutional amendments. There is the need to sensitise Nigerians on the need to achieve result with the 8th Assembly and most importantly before the next general election in 2019. “It is on this premise that we have decided to engage key stakeholders such as the civil society, the academia, labour movements and the media but most importantly our colleagues in the state houses of assemblies to see the need while there should be concerted efforts towards the passage of this bill.” He said the Friends of Democracy has looked at the 13 major amendments recommended by the National Assembly for the states’ legislative
houses to consider and have considered which of them will deepen and elongate the nation’s democracy, and which of the amendments will strengthen institutions of government. While urging state legislators not to allow any delay to frustrate the process, he said failure would amount to wastage of huge amount of money expended so far on constitution amendment processes in the past and that it may make faster development a mirage. Mamora recalled that during the amendment process debate in the National Assembly, lawmakers, in their wisdom, rejected certain proposed amendments such as the devolution of more power to the federating units, removal of the Land Use Act from the Constitution, and reservation of at least 35 per cent of appointive federal and state cabinet positions for women, among others, many key amendments were, however, approved for onward transmission to the State Houses of Assembly. Only proposed amendments that receive the approval of a simple majority of at least 24 State Assemblies will eventually be sent to the President for assent. Notable amendments that deserve commendation include those that seek to reform and improve governance at the grassroots by amending Section 7 of the Constitution to properly reposition the local governments as a third tier of government. If the State Assemblies and the President approve the amendments, the Joint State-Local Government Account, which many see as a drain on the resources for rural development, will be
abolished to enable the Councils receive their funds directly from the Federation Account. Also worthy of note is the approval of financial autonomy for the State Houses of Assembly. This will promote good governance in the States, as the lawmakers will be better strengthened to hold the executive accountable and carry out other roles expected of them without fear or favour. Furthermore, the National Assembly approved the reduction of the period within which the President or Governor can authorise expenditure based on the budget of the previous fiscal year from six months to three months. This will encourage early submission of the budget as well as probity and accountability. Again, the apex legislative body approved a 30-day maximum timeframe within which the President or governor must assent to a bill passed by the legislature or indicate refusal of assent, failing which the bill automatically becomes an Act of parliament. In the US, the President only has seven days grace. Others are a maximum 30-day timeframe for the President or Governor to submit ministerial and commissioner nominees, respectively, from the date of his or her inauguration. The National Assembly also commendably approved the proposals seeking to grant financial autonomy to the Auditor-General of the Federation as well as the establishment of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federal Government different from the Accountant-General of the Federation. This is to promote transparency and accountability and boost the war against graft.
Rafsanjani Bags ‘2018 ICON of Community Development Award’ Abimbola Akosile The Arewa Student Forum (ASF) has bestowed on the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) the “2018 ICON of Community Development Award.” Presenting the award to the Executive Director on behalf of the Forum in Abuja recently, a delegation led by the Treasurer, ASF, Comrade Abdullahi Muhammad Saleh, said it (award) was in recogni-
tion of Rafsanjani’s “immense contribution towards societal development, human upliftment, youth development and service to the nation.” According to Saleh, the recipient was nominated after a thorough deliberation and scrutiny at a recent meeting held by the Forum in Jigawa State, where his outstanding leadership qualities in the service to humanity were acknowledged and commended, stating that the Forum had no hesitation to bestow on him the 2018
Rafsanjani
ICON of Community Devel-
opment Award. He said: “We acknowledge your principle, infallible moral background and community-driven development. We are not unaware that your strategic goals and ideas have helped in providing holistic recommendations in addressing challenges in both public and private sectors.” In his acceptance remarks, Rafsanjani commended the Forum on its continued effort in advancing courses towards the development of the country, especially in the
areas of education, child rights and community development, adding that the award was a collective effort of the Board, Advisory Council, Management and Staff of CISLAC. He charged the Forum to discourage dreadful activities like cultism, child abuse, examination malpractices, and ethno-religious dominance as divisive manipulating tools leveraged by unscrupulous elements in perpetrating crimes with resultant social vices and political instability.
In a vote of confidence over the pre-requisite that led to the selection of the Executive Director for the award, Member of the Board of CISLAC, Barr. Adesina Oke added that the award was well-deserved as the recipient’s contribution towards nation’s development is evident across social sector. He further advised the Forum on sustained spirit of patriotism and sincerity in advancing propoor courses for the nation’s socio-economic and political prosperity.
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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͷ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
BUSINESSWORLD
DEVELOPMENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Thisisthetimeforustoreinventthewillandtapintotheresourcefulnessoftheyounger generation,stimulatetheirentrepreneurialinitiativesandprovokeaconduceenvironment togrowthenationaleconomybothatthemicroandmacrolevels.Contemporaryleadership hastobeproactiveandnotreactive.Itmustfactorincitizens’participation.Itmustgiveroom forconfidencebuilding.Itmustbuildconsensusandformaggregateopinionsonanyissueto reflectthewishesofthepeopleacrossthecountry” - FORMER MILITARY PRESIDENT, GEN. IBRAHIM BABANGIDA (RTD.), SPEAKING IN A STATEMENT UN Advocates Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation Obaseki seeks partnership to end practice Abimbola Akosile
Edo Flags off Implementation of EU-NDSP Water, Sanitation Projects Abimbola Akosile The Edo State Government has commenced the implementation of the Construction Phase of the Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP) -3, to improve access to safe water supply and basic sanitation facilities in the state. Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, launched the programme at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State recently, noting that, “with the support of suitable technology, improved access to finances and strong commitment, the state government will provide access to safe water in all parts of the state.” The NDSP programme is initiated by the Federal Government and the European Union (EU) to improve access to safe water supply in the five Niger Delta states. The project is funded jointly by Edo State Government and the EU. The governor, who was represented at the flag-off event by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, commended the EU and its partners for supporting the state to improve access to safe water, adding, “The support of the EU will enable the state government drastically reduce challenges with safe water supply, which contributes to many water-borne diseases in rural areas.” Representative of the EU, Albert Achten, said the EU adopted a strategy to involve beneficiaries of water schemes in the programme design so that they can own the projects. He noted that, “There are hundreds of water schemes in the Niger Delta region that have been abandoned or not functioning effectively due to lack of maintenance culture. The sustainability of the project by the benefiting communities would attract more investments and funding from donor and international agencies.” Assistant Director, International Cooperation,
L-R: Assistant Director Ahonsi; Commissioner Idaiye; Deputy Governor Shaibu; Team Leader Achten; and the Desk Officer, NDSP-3, Olanrewaju James Opanubi during the flag-off of the construction phase of EU NDSP-3 Water and Sanitation projects at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State…recently Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Ileuma Ahonsi, said contractors for the project have been mobilised to site to commence the construction work. Ahonsi said, “The objective of the NDSP is to assist the state reduce poverty in rural areas and sub-urban communities and improve access to water supply.” He added that technical issues affecting the proposed Uromi Water Supply Reticulation Scheme had been resolved and the contract for the project will be signed before the end
of March. The Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Hon. Yekini Idaiye, said that 10 communities in Ovia South West and Estako West Local Government Areas of the state have benefitted from the NDSP project which started in 2014. Edo State has made provision of basic infrastructure and rural development priorities, as the governor seeks to deliver the dividends of democracy and desired development to the people of the State.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres has called for global efforts to end the scourge of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) wherever the practice is still taking place around the world. In a Message for the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, marked on February 6 annually, the UN called for speedier efforts to tackle the practice, saying “With the dignity, health and well-being of millions of girls at stake, there is no time to waste. Together, we can and must end this harmful practice.” According to the message, “Female genital mutilation is a gross violation of the human rights of women and girls. Over 200 million women and girls alive today have experienced female genital mutilation in 30 countries across three continents. “Without concerted, accelerated action, a further 68 million girls could be subjected to this harmful practice by 2030. With strong political engagement, we are seeing success in several countries. But this progress is not enough to keep up with population growth. Unless we act now, the number of cases will continue to rise”, he added. To Guterres, “Sustainable development cannot be achieved without full respect for the human rights of women and girls. Sustainable Development Goal 5, with a focus on gender equality, calls for the elimination of female genital mutilation by 2030. “Together with the European Union, the United Nations has launched the Spotlight Initiative, a global, multi-year undertaking that aims to create strong partnerships and align efforts to end all forms of violence against women and girls, including female genital mutilation”, the message added. In a related development, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for intercontinental partnership to eliminate female genital mutilation where it is still practiced. Obaseki made the call in Benin City on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation marked on Tuesday, February 6, each year. According to him, “the campaign to eliminate the age-old practice should be revitalised with inputs from the traditional and religious institutions, women groups, alternative medicine practitioners, members of the political class, the organised private sector and civil society organisations.” The governor advised that the reinvigoration of the campaign to end FGM should leverage on the power of education and the reach of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in changing mindsets, beliefs and convictions. The UN explains that female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises “all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.”
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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email: charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com
At the Mercy of Lassa Fever Since January this year, Lassa fever has claimed at least 31 Nigerians, with another 77 confirmed cases and 405 unconfirmed cases, bringing to the fore the voracious spread of the current outbreak. Martins Ifijeh writes that government and stakeholders must scale up their intervention to contain the disease
Rodents
W
hen it rains in Nigeria, it definitely pours. This best describes the country’s present situation since the beginning of 2018, as myriads of challenges have, all at once, sprang up, leading to avoidable deaths and hardship for the citizens. The killing of over a hundred persons in Benue and in other parts of the country. The increased cost of transportation due to persistent fuel scarcity, and the growing discord between different ethnic groups are just few among the issues the country has been battling since the past six weeks when this year started. Unfortunately, the list of the nation’s problems has continued to grow with the inclusion of Lassa fever outbreak that has now claimed at least 31 Nigerians across several states of the federation with almost 500 persons (77 suspected and 405 unsuspected cases) currently receiving treatment to prevent more deaths from the outbreak. On specifics, the outbreak has been recorded in Bauchi, Plateau, Taraba, Nassarawa, Benue, Kogi, Ebonyi, Rivers, Imo, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Osun and Lagos States, with 10 health workers affected in four states, including three in Ebonyi where two doctors died, one each in Nassarawa, Kogi and Benue. The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, earlier in the week said Edo and Ondo States so far have the worst cases of the disease, while cases from Ebonyi State were largely due to surgical operations done by health workers. Since the recent outbreak, healthcare practitioners have become increasingly at risk of contracting the fever, leading somewhat to blame games recently. While the minister called for increased precautionary measures by doctors and nurses handling cases of Lassa fever, some health workers believe inadequate facilities by the government have in no small measures added to the current doctors/nurses’ mortality due to the fever. Records show that since early 2015 through most of2017, Lassa fever outbreaks have been commonplace in the country. On December 20, 2016, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, confirmed a case of Lassa fever in a healthcare worker who had died at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
Between January and December 2017, a total of 733 suspected Lassa fever cases with 143 laboratory confirmed cases and 71 deaths were recorded in 97 LGAs and 29 states of the federation. Two deaths from Lassa fever were also recorded at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, with at least 150 suspected cases, mostly healthcare workers, placed under surveillance. It is in the light of this that THISDAY visited Nigeria’s most equipped Lassa fever centre in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, (ISTH) Edo State, where it was noticed that the centre was currently recording an over flow of patients with about 25 confirmed or suspected cases under treatment or observation. A makeshift tent has also been erected outside the ward to accommodate the growing number of suspected or confirmed cases. But one then wonders, if the well known Lassa fever laboratory facility in Irrua is overburdened just from 25 patients, and considering that there are only two or three centres in the entire country with the capacity to diagnose and treat Lassa
On specifics, the outbreak has been recorded in Bauchi, Plateau, Taraba, Nassarawa, Benue, Kogi, Ebonyi, Rivers, Imo, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Osun and Lagos States, with 10 health workers affected in four states, including three in Ebonyi where two doctors died
fever cases, what then happens when there is an increase in incidence level from the outbreak across the country such that the facilities in these two or three functional Lassa fever labs have been overburdened. While these concerns beggar responses, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu in an interview with THISDAY provides a guide. He said all tertiary hospitals, especially teaching hospitals and federal medical centres have the capacity to effectively manage Lassa fever patients, adding that NCDC have been providing all teaching hospitals and federal medical centres with the Personal Protective Equipments and medicines that they need. “We have also published clinical guidelines and lately we have set up a 24-hour call line to support hospitals that are struggling to do this. One of our key messages to all states is to ensure the identification of an isolation centre in at least the state capital. If we can accomplish this as well as ensure the availability of medical supplies for treatment, the burden on Irrua will be reduced. “In the meantime, we have supported the Irrua with beds and tents to create temporary isolation wards, and will continue to provide support to other states in ensuring proper case management,” he added. Asked why the virology centre in Abakaliki is not working optimally to address diagnosis and treatment of Lassa fever, he said Federal Ministry of Health has been working through the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA) to fully operationalise the Virology centre donated by the state government. “FETHA took over the centre in 2017 and the wards have been used for over a year to manage patients with Lassa fever and other infectious diseases. The process to establish a molecular diagnostic centre within the centre for a disease like Lassa fever, is a complex one and requires time, resources and critically expertise. “We must also ensure the right biosafety and biosecurity equipment and processes are in place to avoid further spread of the virus. This has taken a while but we are now on track to ensure the centre is fully operational.” Chikwe said the FMoH or Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) cannot directly
manage the laboratory in Abakiliki but could only support the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki in doing so. Adding that, one of the main priorities of the Minister of Health was to support the establishment of a testing centre for Lassa fever in all geo-political zones of the country. He, however noted that the process was complex, requiring trainings, provision of equipments and significant resources. When asked if apart from ISTH in Irrua and the Lassa fever centre in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) there were other health facilities competent enough to tackle Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, Ihekweazu said the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa, Abuja makes it three. “These three currently have the capacity to test for Lassa fever in Nigeria. We are working very hard to expand to other laboratories in the country, given the special diagnostic level required for this. We will continue working with states to ensure the identification and operationalisation of state public health Reference Laboratories. In terms of providing clinical care, every teaching hospital and federal medical centre should be able to do this,” he added. On his part, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, earlier in the week summoned a meeting to discuss the state of public health challenge in Nigeria with focus on how to tackle the challenges, especially on areas of Lassa fever, and other disease outbreaks in the country. Adewole noted that the country will eventually tackle issues of Lassa fever, adding that with the success made during the 2014 outbreak of Ebola virus, the country has the capacity to also tackle Lassa fever. To this end, he stressed the need for all stakeholders in the health sector to adopt a contextual multisectoral approach in sharing data on disease outbreak in the country. “We need to intensify our communication sector both at state and federal levels, and actively share data on disease surveillance,” he said. Adewole called on each state to have operational centre for public health intervention, not only for Lassa fever outbreak. He further stressed on the need to engage in preventive measures of eradicating Lassa fever outbreak than having emergency outbreak.
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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
NEWS
Nigeria’s Death Rate from Cancer to Rise to 75% by 2030, Says WHO Kuni Tyessi in Abuja Nigeria is predicted to expect a 75 per cent increase in cancer-induced death come the year 2030, as it happens to be a member of the LowMedium Income Countries which statistics has revealed will suffer from the effects of the virus. This was revealed by the World Health Organisation regional director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti in a statement to commemorate the 2018 World Cancer Day. She said this year marks the end of the three-year campaign “We can, I can” that urged individuals, societies and governments to take action and reduce the impact of cancer whose drive sensitised millions, challenged governments and individuals around the world
to take action, and provided a platform for cancer patients and their families to share their stories and be heard. She said notwithstanding the gains made during the “We can, I can” campaign, the battle to curb the impact of cancer is far from over as currently, an estimated 8.8 million people in the world die from cancer annually, representing almost one sixth of total deaths. She said: “The cancer death rate is expected to double by 2030. Seventy-five (75 per cent) per cent of cancer deaths in the world are recorded in lowand middle-income countries such as African member states, partly due to late diagnosis. Fewer than 30 per cent of low-income countries have access to cancer diagnosis and treatment services. “In 2015, approximately
35 per cent of low-income countries reported the availability of public sector pathology services, relative to over 95 per cent of highincome countries. On the other hand, cancer referral systems are often unavailable, resulting
in delayed access to care. “The cancer burden in Africa is projected to rise on account of the ageing population, chronic infections, unhealthy lifestyle choices and risk factors. About a third of cancer deaths are due to
preventable risk factors such as overweight, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Often, such choices are influenced by forces beyond the people’s control, such as the avail-
ability and more affordable cost of unhealthy foods, and the strategies employed to market tobacco and alcohol. When detected early, cancers are easier to treat with less expensive, invasive procedures and technologies.”
Kano Releases N344m as Counterpart Funding for Polio Immunisation Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Kano state government has released the sum of N344, 671, 368 million as part counterpart funding in fulfillment of the tripartite agreement with Dangote Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the 2018 routine immunization against poliomyelitis. Briefing Reporters on Tuesday at the outcome of the weekly executive meeting, the state Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba disclosed that Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje remain committed to ensure that children under the age of five are fully immunized against polio. According to him, “for the past three years, Kano has not recorded any outbreak of polio, and we want to continue to sustain this record. The state government is investing hugely on health. You are aware that the health sector is allocated over 13 per cent of the 2018 budget.” Garba also recalled that, “just recently, during a video teleconference for the 2017 health goals and objectives with Dangote Foundation and Bill and Melinda gates Foundation, the two partners commended the state government for the success recorded so far in the fight against diseases like polio, tuberculosis, eradication of HIV/AIDS, malaria, measles and other child killer diseases.” Garba also said that the Council approved the release of over N22 million to procure two million assorted seedlings to checkmate desertification. He said the Council also approved the sum of N417, 310, 519 to the Ministry of Works for the constructions of roads and drainages in Ganduje Township in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, adding that the sum of over N32 was approved to the same ministry for the construction of low-cost housing estates in Ganduje town. According to him, the sum of N126, 710, 400 million was approved to the office of Secretary
to the State Government (SSG) to offset the 2016/2017/2018 tuition fees and allowances of students of Kano state origin on scholarship at Mansoura University in Egypt. “I must emphasize that Governor Ganduje is passionate on the welfare of our students studying abroad. This is why he has never relented in ensuring that they have all the resources they need to concentrate on their studies. “I was in Sudan two weeks ago with the Executive Secretary of the State Scholarship Board to pay the 2018 tuition fees and allowances of our students studying in that country. By the grace of God, I will soon be in Egypt to conclude the payment of our students there,” he stated. . “The preventive mass campaign has targeted to vaccinate between 09 months to 45 years of age by 2026 will be conducted in phases based on the assessment conducted in 2017.” Braka described the planned campaigns scheduled to start as part of the preventive measures to halt the spread and also protect the people. “To ensure that all the population in Nigeria is protected and ultimately, all the states would have been vaccinated before 2026,” she added. She called on all the people in this bracket age group to come out in large numbers and be vaccinated and protected from this disease. Also speaking, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said that the global non availability of Yellow Fever vaccines resulted in the plan to phase the campaign for the next nine years. Shuaib however, stressed that this is based on availability of vaccines. “Plans for preventive campaign annually depending on global vaccine availability.” He noted that all the states will be vaccinated in phases and a tentative plan to that effect has been approved by development partners.
Commissioner for Health, Adamawa State, Dr. Fatimah Abubakar, presenting a contract document on the State’s Health Insurance Scheme to the Director, Advocacy & Communications, PharmAccess Nigeria, Dr. Olamide Okulaja, and flanked by management staff of the State’s Ministry of Health in Yola recently
Making Food Products More Nutritious Iquo Ukoh According to the 2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, a staggering 43.6 per cent of Nigerian children are stunted – not growing at the pace they should. Are you in manufactured food business? What is the nutritional value of your product? Will your product help nourish your customers and ensure they remain healthy enough to make repeat purchases? The fight against nutritional deficiencies can only be won with a multifaceted approach. It calls for individuals, food producers and the government joining hands together to ensure success. In the last few years, there has been some heightened level of nutrition awareness amongst some Nigerians. Primarily as a result of the volume of information that is readily available on the internet. Despite this, the level of nutrition knowledge amongst the larger percentage of the populace remains low. How do you explain a consumer that says that ‘boiled corn has less carbohydrate than roasted corn’? Or a young lady on a reducing diet feasting on fruits and saying ‘I have tried to lose weight but the reading on my scale is not moving downwards’. For this lady fruits are not carbohydrates and so should not affect her weight. For food producers or manufacturers on the other hand, there is a need to consciously ensure that foods meant for consumers provide the required nutrients. In addition they should provide sufficient nutritional information on their product packs, for consumers to make informed food choices. The mother that buys food for her young child is totally dependent on the producer to ensure that the content of the product she buys meet the
need of her child. We eat a pack of chin-chin or plantain chips and may not be aware of the amount of carbohydrate, fat or salt it contains. Does food producers know what to do? Whilst we cannot argue that every business is set out to be financially viable, however, the food producer should approach his/her enterprise from the mindset of a social entrepreneur. A shift in orientation is what is needed such that it is possible for the producer to achieve both objectives. The starting point therefore is for the food producer to have some nutrition knowledge or get the service of an expert in this area. This will be one way to ensure provision of nutritious products and communicate clearly the product nutritional benefit on labels.
diet, the producer should be positioned to provide information in simple understandable language to guide the consumer in making healthy food choices. It is a responsibility the food producer cannot leave to government food regulatory agencies alone. As a consumer, I want to know what a packet of plantain chips can contribute nutritionally to my daily food intake requirement. Indeed what does it do for me? It is not enough to list out ingredients in quantities I do not understand. I want to know if your product will help improve my eyesight, help my skin glow or increase my energy level to work. In the
A call for social Impact How does your product ensure that if consumed, can contribute to a greater workforce for tomorrow? Does your product offer good nutrition, or empty calories?’ As businesses you control the product, have the reach and can trigger the desires of the consumer, put your assets to good use, you are critical in this fight against malnutrition. Ukoh is Chief Executive Officer, Entod Marketing Ltd
Adamawa, Pharmaccess Partner to Implement Health Insurance Scheme Martins Ifijeh
Is there a consumer knowledge gap? For many Nigerians the daily contact with nutrition is mainly on food product labels. Nutrition as a subject only starts to be taught in secondary school and even at that it is not compulsory. Even for those that take the subject, it is Home Economics and Nutrition with the former been the greater subject content. No wonder the ability to make informed food choices in adulthood becomes a problem. Research has shown that a lot of the common foodrelated ailments like diabetes and obesity can be prevented or the incidences reduced if there is adequate nutrition knowledge. The educational system may have to consider introducing nutrition as a subject right from primary school. There is certainly a gap in knowledge. Making foods nutritious is possible Whilst the consumers struggle to understand basic balanced
case of children’s foods the mum wants to know if the food will promote growth, make the child have strong bones and teeth.
Adamawa has joined the league of states in Nigeria to commence the implementation of a State-wide Mandatory Health Insurance scheme in an effort to achieve universal health coverage and promote access to quality and affordable healthcare services. This followed an agreement signed in Yola by the State Ministry of Health and PharmAccess Foundation for PharmAccess to lead the technical development process for the state-wide health insurance scheme. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Fatima Abubakar presented the contract document to PharmAccess’ Director of Advocacy and Communications, Dr. Olamide Okulaja who represented the Foundation’s Country Director, Mrs. Njide Ndili. The commissioner said the partnership with PharmAccess is a demonstration of the state’s renewed commitment
to investing in the health sector in order to “reduce the financial burden on the people of Adamawa as they seek access to quality healthcare and pursue productive and healthy lives.” In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Garba Ahmed said “everyone knows how expensive it is for people to access health, so we have to think outside the box and see the extent to which we can support people, especially those less fortunate in our society so that they can be able to access good healthcare.” Ndili, who sent her goodwill message said, “PharmAccess is excited to support Adamawa State towards universal health coverage, and will deploy best practices from our experiences and lessons learnt in supporting other states to leapfrog and expedite the process. It is remarkable that the state government is taking ownership and eager to provide health coverage to their citizens.”
T H I S D AY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
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HEALTH
‘With Teaching Hospitals, 13,000 Fistulas Can Be Repaired Yearly’ Nigeria currently has about 200,000 backlogs of women suffering from fistula, with 12,000 new cases recorded yearly. The Country Director, Fistula Care Plus, Chief Efem Iyeme, in this interview with Martins Ifijeh, said if all teaching hospitals and federal medical centres join in free surgeries, as directed by the Minister of Health, not less than 13,000 fistulas will be repaired every year Are there plans to tackle the high number of fistula cases in Nigeria? In August last year, we had a meeting with the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, in his office where we discussed how to clear backlogs of 200,000 fistulas in Nigeria and the 12,000 new cases occurring every year. Considering that the total number of repairs we do yearly is 5,000, it means there is a deficit of 7,000 cases every year added to the backlog. And so the question was how do we ensure we clear backlogs and the deficit yearly. We realised the repairs we are currently doing with the number of facilities available may not be able to clear backlogs. Hence, we said the best thing is to expand number of repairs and facilities. Secondly, the facilities currently doing repairs at state level don’t have the manpower and skill set of teaching hospitals. So the idea was now to have teaching hospitals start fistula repairs. But then there was an issue of fee, since teaching hospitals are fee generating institutions. The minister then said it was best to wave the fee, and a memo was sent to that effect to the teaching hospitals. The fee include registration, bed cost, medication and all of that. So what Engender Health will support the teaching hospitals to do would be providing equipments and the consumables required to conduct repairs. In approaching this, we decided teaching hospitals need to set aside bed spaces for fistula repairs, put together core staff required for repairs. How many teaching hospitals have keyed into this since the release of the memo? University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) have keyed into this. First of all, we have started carrying these institutions along on how we organise our activities. That is why our pool effort right now in General Hospital, Ogoja, have a mix of health workers from teaching hospitals so they can experience the procedures, so that when they go back they will have background knowledge of how to repair fistula. The reason for this is because fistula repair is not a major component of health workers’ original training. We have met the Chief Medical Directors of UCTH and AKTH and their team, and we are working towards implementation. Already,
Iyeme
the University College Hospital, Ibadan, has long kicked off repairs even before the idea of free treatment for teaching hospitals was circulated as memo. There is also the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife. They have a centre in Ilesha where the minister himself led surgeries during one of our pool effort repairs. Since the memo, you said two hospitals have keyed into the idea. Did the memo say it was optional for other hospitals? Everybody don’t have to key in at the same time. It requires setting up certain facilities and a team. So, those that have set these up are the ones that have keyed in. Others have to come in when they feel they are ready. Remember it is the fistula Care Plus Project, through Engender Health that is supporting it. So we will try as much as possible to do it incrementally. Once we support in setting up one, we bring people to see how it’s done, and they can go back to their own teaching hospitals, get themselves ready and call us so we can assist them set up theirs. And gradually we are increasing number of hospitals involved.
What has the situation of fistula repairs been before now? Before now, there were not many fistula centres providing repairs. Only general hospitals and established fistula centres. Right now, we are supporting 13 fistula centres in the country, including the ones we helped the government establish. Before, state governments were the ones managing fistula repairs. The United State Government right now has the most structured process to address fistula internationally. In Nigeria they are supporting through funding to Engender Health for implementation. Medicins Sans Frontiers has just one facility where they do repairs. I think they do about 400 plus repairs yearly. United Nations Populations Fund occasionally organises repairs. So when you are talking of consistent approach to fistula interventions in Nigeria, you are talking about Fistula Care Plus Project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). With that kind of approach, it will take a while to completely tackle fistula. This is for several reasons, including in the general hospitals where these women are repaired, doctors are transferred every now and then. You train a doctor, the next minute he is gone. You cannot stop a state from transferring its staff. So the number of repairs happening there are not as many as would have been. This is a challenge. The Fistula Care Plus Project will not last forever. Assuming you are winding down soon, what do we do? Certainly the project won’t last forever. It’s ending this September. But we are hoping the minister’s approach will help in sustaining treatments, and hopefully USAID will see a reason to continue for another one year. However, our sustainability approach is that we have involved the teaching hospitals in a way that it is a voucher system, such that when these hospitals wave fee for treatment, they will submit the vouchers to the ministry and they will be reimbursed. That ensures that teaching hospitals don’t lose. People worry about brain drain, but I don’t.
What I worry about is brain shift. When our doctors and nurses move abroad to earn money, remember, they send that money back. Outside oil, the second highest money earner for Nigeria is brain drain because of the funds repatriated to Nigeria to help families and so on. The one I worry about is brain shift, where somebody leaves the hospital he is supposed to be providing services and goes to the office where he now carries files. That is brain shift. So I am hoping that the Minister of Health will look into suggestion I made before, which is that for every month a specialist with Ministry of Health works, two days at least should be used in the hospital to provide clinical services to patients. It doesn’t have to be in fistula alone. We have had many fistula surgeons who have moved to the ministry, they can be pulled out such that monthly, they spend two days in the hospital. What should people know about obstetric fistula? Obstetric fistula is an abnormal communication between various orifices; between either the urethra of the bladder and the vagina, or between the vagina and the rectum or sometimes in both cases occurring at the same time. When It’s between the bladder and the vagina, it is called vesico-vaginal fistula. When it is the rectum and the vagina it is called recto-vaginal fistula. It is caused due to prolonged obstructed labour. A lot of things could cause obstruction, maybe the ratio of the baby’s head is bigger than the pelvic area, and what happens is that the baby’s head grinds on the soft tissues of the pelvic area, and when that continues, blood will no longer be able to flow through those areas. Then the tissues there die off, and holes will then appear. If it is at the rectum, then fecal matters will come into the vagina uncontrollably. If it’s at the vesico-vaginal area, urine will go through the vagina uncontrollably. We also have situations where it is caused by the medical personnel. That is the iatrogenic fistula, possibly due to caesarian session or medical procedure that was not properly done. We are working with medical groups so that we will be able to educate them on how to stop iatrogenic fistula.
Lassa Fever: Edo Installs Two Dialysis, X-ray UNYouth Envoy Arrives Nigeria Today Machines,Ventilators, Others FGM, reproductive health, others to be her focus As FG lauds state’s response
Abimbola Akosile In a proactive response to the outbreak of Lassa fever in Edo State, the state government has commenced the installation of two dialysis machines, ventilators, x-ray machine, and has procured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), drugs and other consumables required for the treatment of Lassa fever patients. The installation of the equipment is ongoing at the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State, which is the only specialist facility for the treatment of the disease in the West Africa sub-region. The installed equipment
form part of the first phase of Edo State Governmentled revamp of the facility to provide adequate and prompt response to the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria. Recall that Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki ordered the immediate release of N100 million for the procurement of four dialysis machines and other equipment and consumables to treat Lassa fever patients in the state. In a separate development, the National Council on Health (NCH) in a meeting on Monday, February 5, 2018, commended Edo State Government’s pro-activeness in containing the disease, lauding the state for her “commitment to outbreaks preparedness and
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja response.” According to the Minister of State, Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, “The NCH hopes to achieve better cooperation and coordination with the Edo State Government in responding to disease outbreaks.” When the outbreak was reported, the state government reactivated its Rapid Response Team for contact tracing of confirmed cases. It also intensified Lassa fever awareness campaign in all nooks and crannies of the state, through Offices of the Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy to the Governor, Mr. Crusoe Osagie and the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Paul Ohonbamu.
The United Nations Youth Envoy, Ms Jayathma Wickramanayake is expected into the country today, with a focus on female genital mutilation (FGM), youth participation and empowerment, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), ending child marriage, gender-based violence (GBV) and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Wickramanayake who is 27 years and expected to tour five countries in Africa, will in addition have the opportunity to engage through bilateral meetings as well as high level events, with high level government officials, youth groups and youth leaders, bilateral and multilateral development partners, the UN
country teams and civil society through bilateral meetings and during a series of high level events hosted by UNFPA in conjunction with other UN entities and partners. In a statement released by UNFPA, it stated that Africa is the most youthful continent in world and to harness its demographic dividend, young people should be considered first in the scheme of things. It said by 2030, it is projected that the number of youths in Africa will have increased by 42 per cent. “We must promote leadership of adolescents and youths, particularly adolescent girls, to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health. “We must increase investment in young people to harness the demographic dividend. How well young
people navigate adolescence and youth will determine not only the course of their own lives, but that of the world. “What Africa will look like in 15 years will depend on what we do to ignite the power and potential of youths in the region. We must prioritise youths participation in the adoption and implementation of policies that protect their rights. “Putting young people first means giving them a platform and a voice to be a part of the conversation on issues affecting them and strengthening their ability to advance human rights and development issues such as health, education and employment. Young women are pivotal to the well-being of society, and to advancing human development and economic growth #PutYoungPeopleFirst.”
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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
HEALTH
Keeping the Promise on AIDS to Nigerians Steve Aborisade The last decade witnessed great uncertainty in Nigeria’s HIV treatment programme - a period of pseudo-scientists laying claims to cures and operating without checks. A time that help was assumed to be more in miracle centres than in hospitals. A phase of general and entrenched misconception of what HIV really is, its routes of transmission and of lived realities of being HIV positive. It was a time of unending stigma - at home and in healthcare settings, discernible with rejection by loved ones and by society at large. It was a period of recurrent drug stock-outs, of expired antiretroviral medications in circulation. It was cruel faith at those times to be HIV positive, while it took even greater courage and strong will to survive. I have lost some wonderful friends to AIDS, just like other Nigerians who also lost loved ones. The death of one of my friends was particularly painful, having shared of her struggles and passion to live. This friend was a fighter. She endured unimaginable rejection by almost everyone in her life. She first lost her marriage, driven away from her place of worship, rejected and ejected from her family home where she returned to seek refuge, and later lost her only daughter. She had to battle with a co-infection of TB-HIV at a time that it was simply enough to deal with HIV. Eventually she could no longer fight, she gave it all up. She was one courageous woman who lived in hope despite her many challenges. At the period I referred, very few survived the twin onslaught wrought, first by the virus itself, and, of societal rejection which tends to kill more than the virus. Her story is that of many Nigerians, which a lot of people can readily relate to. But today, we have a much improved environment, such that someone who is HIV positive but receiving recommended treatment is no longer able to transmit the disease to another person. Young ladies and men that I met then are now happy mothers and fathers, living with great vitality, with their children growing up without HIV. Some of them are today occupying various leadership positions they never assumed possible. There is no gainsaying the fact of what has been achieved. As a confirmation of the changed fortune, and according to UNAIDS, since 2010, new HIV infections in Nigeria have declined by 21 per cent and AIDS-related deaths by six per cent. Among people living with HIV, almost 24 per cent are reported to have attained suppressed viral loads, which means they cannot transfer the virus to others, while more people are becoming tolerant of the normalcy of living with HIV.
Put in context however, these remains modest gains compared to the impressive achievements of nations that prioritised health funding, especially where promises on AIDS are being kept. With AIDS in Nigeria, there are yet big challenges to be surmounted, while it is also imperative to not roll back on the modest gains made. Nigeria’s HIV situation is a peculiar one demanding a peculiar solution. For instance, majority of Nigerians who are HIV positive are unaware of their status, having not tested at all. Dr. Sanni Aliyu, the Director General (DG) of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) put the figure of Nigerians who have ever taken an HIV test once at 10 per cent of the population, for a country of 180 million people. Whereas, Nigeria’s HIV epidemic impacts all population groups and geographic areas of the country. It remains the second largest epidemic globally at 3.2 million, while only 30 per cent of those needing treatment can access it, according to UNAIDS. In 2016 according to UNAIDS, Nigeria recorded 220, 000 new HIV infections, one of the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Same year, she recorded 160, 000 AIDS-related deaths. Among pregnant women living with HIV, only 32 per cent are on treatment. The
fate of the remaining 68 per cent and their unborn babies is best imagined. No wonder, about 37, 000 children became newly infected with HIV in 2016 while only nine states of 36 have surpassed 50 per cent Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) coverage. To bring it home properly, let me illustrate the scope of the problem at hand with this programme of the government of Nigeria which my organisation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is an important partner. Called the Fast Track Initiative, and launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in December 2016. programme aims to fast track HIV treatment, including the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria by getting an extra 100, 000 HIV positive persons (children, adults and pregnant mothers) on treatment in Benue, Nasarawa, Cross River and FCT by the end of 2018. In Benue State, one of the states with the highest HIV prevalence in Nigeria, Fast Track estimated data pegs the number of children living with HIV at 17, 259, with only 6, 367 on antiretroviral treatment. A treatment gap of 10, 892 exists. 278, 225 adults are HIV positive, with 129, 092 on ART and a gap of 149, 133. Likewise, 20, 396 pregnant women are HIV positive, with 1, 540 on ART and a gap of 18, 856.
In Cross River, 6, 106 children are HIV positive, with 1, 434 on ART leaving a treatment gap of 4, 672. Whereas 77, 547 adults live with HIV, while 21, 219 of that figure are on ART with a gap of 56, 328. Cross River has 4, 815 pregnant women who are HIV positive, with 326 on ART and a gap of 4, 489. Nasarawa comes with 7, 545 HIV positive children, of which 1, 434 are on ART and a gap of 6, 420. Similarly, 111, 080 adults are HIV positive with 21, 986 on ART and a gap of 90, 003. For pregnant women, 7, 220 are HIV positive with only 148 on ART leaving a treatment gap of 7, 072. This situation is not limited to the states mentioned here. There are similar gaps in every state of Nigeria needing urgent attention if we are desirous of not returning to that phase in time described earlier. However, the chances that we will not return to that era of uncertainty is simply a function of the funding to AIDS programmes. Commentators have suggested that funding must be commensurate to the ‘challenges of our health system infrastructure, unmet need for commodities, data quality and human resource for health.’ Presently, inadequate funding for these constitutes key barriers to universal access to HIV/AIDS services in Nigeria. Dr. Aliyu, DG of NACA is of the view that Nigeria may require nothing less than N150 billion annually to achieve and maintain full ART coverage. Without doubt, this reality underscores the need for state governments and the organised private sector to join the federal government in its effort to rid Nigeria of AIDS. At the same time, it is crucial for nations who are funding AIDS to keep up their efforts, while nations like China who are yet to support the Global Fund, a fund which supports nations in tackling AIDS, TB and Malaria must contribute their quota. It is heart-warming to see renewed commitments on the part of government to treat more Nigerians, as it is encouraging to see the National Assembly resolved commitment to the implementation of the National Health Act provision of one per cent of the consolidated revenue fund for health from 2018 and state governors who are considering between 0.5 per cent to one per cent of their monthly federal allocations to sustain HIV funding. What we expect, which serves the Nigerian people right, is for these commitments to not end up as mere rhetoric. Keeping the promise made is the only way to guarantee and sustain the national HIV intervention and safeguard the health of Nigerians. Aborisade is Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria
Ex-Minister, Don,Task Stakeholders on Healthcare Delivery Martins Ifijeh Stakeholders in the Health sector have advised the ministries of health and education to collaborate in policy developments that will enable the country achieve primary healthcare and health for all. They urged the States to key into the present State primary health care development agencies (SPHCDAs) drive and establish best well-formed and properly manned ones, for their respective States. They noted that it was imperative that tackling healthcare delivery problems should not be business as usual, but should be brought under frequent scrutiny in order to find lasting solutions. The health experts in their different presentations at the 19th edition of Bassey Andah Memorial lecture, held recently, at the Senate Chambers of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, also urged the Federal Government to hand over primary healthcare to the States and Local Governments
authorities. Former Minister of Health, Professor Adenike Grange, in her keynote address, with the theme “The challenges of healthcare delivery for all ages in Nigeria”, revealed that health challenges occurring in children under five years are preventable, if the parents are educated and have access to primary healthcare clinics, where they can receive more specific knowledge tailored to the specific needs of the family. She advocated for the prevention of inadvertent early parenthood and sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents, through health screening to ensure a smooth transition into middle and old age, by preventing or treating diseases such as malaria, hypertension, cardiac disorders, obesity, anaemia and cancer. For Professor Michael Asuzu, of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, what the country needs to achieve PHC at the LGA level, with its full two-way referral system and the inter-sectoral integration
and collaboration for primary healthcare and health for all (PHC and HFA), is to integrate nursing and midwifery, as primary health profession(s). According to him, “It will therefore be very easy to realize that until we have looked for and attended to the fundamental need for primary and fully professional (health care or community) nursing and midwifery, we cannot be taken as being any serious in regard of getting health care to all Nigerians everywhere that they are”. Professor Bassey Andah Foundation is a non-governmental organization (NGO), duly registered in Nigeria for the primary objectives of executing the management and supervision of research into the published and unpublished works of Late Prof Andah, establishment of an Education Trust Fund for the education of needy children and orphans in Nigeria Colleges and tertiary institutions, organizing symposia, workshop and conferences in the field of
Archaeology and Anthropology and related disciplines. The Foundation seeks to establish linkages between
universities and similar organizations in Nigeria and the world, to develop a quantum of academic exchange for the
benefit of the people of Africa and in the spirit of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
Posche Secrets Provides Free Prosthetics for Breast Cancer Survivors As part of activities to mark the 2018 World Cancer Day, Posche Secrets, a nongovernmental organisation, has reiterated its commitment to supporting breast cancer survivors with free prosthesis. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally. While it appears to be more prevalent in developed countries, the incidence rates are also rising in developing countries where the situation is often worsened by late diagnosis. After undergoing mastectomy and other surgical procedures to the breast, survivors are faced with the need for prosthetics which are often very expensive and uncomfortable.
Posche Secrets, according to the Founder of the organisation, Mrs. Adefunke Akoni, has set out to bridge this gap by giving out crocheted knockers, special handmade prosthetics, which are comfortable, adjustable and easy to maintain. Commenting on the development, the founder of the organisation described it as an effort to encourage breast cancer survivors and make it easier for them to feel better about their body. “Beneficiaries have expressed delight at the comfort they experienced since they received our breast prosthetics,” she said. “The crocheted knockers are a lot more manageable than traditional prosthetics
and we’re offering them free of charge as a token of love from our volunteers and supporters.” The light weight and adjustable design of the knockers are a sharp contrast to the heaviness and discomfort associated with traditional breast prosthetics. The knockers can be placed in a normal bra and do not require special care. They can be washed softly in a bowl of warm water and washing up liquid after which they are rinsed and left to dry. Interested persons can make a request by filling out a form at bit.ly/psknockers or by reaching the organisation on phone call via 08021346050.
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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś
BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE
Delay in Granting NFIU Autonomy Worries BDCs Obinna Chima The Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has faulted the continuous delay in granting operational autonomy to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), saying the action would derail progress in Nigeria’s financial system. The ABCON President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, in a statement yesterday explained that his association, a self-regulatory body of over 3500 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-licenced Bureaux De Change (BDCs) registered to sell foreign exchange to end-users is worried over the delay and controversies surrounding NFIU’s autonomy. He said despite the looming threat of Nigeria’s expulsion from the Egmont Group, a 153-nation network of national financial intelligence units, the Senate and House Committees on AntiCorruption have disagreed over the domiciliation of the NFIU and need to grant the body full autonomy.
The Recommendation 29 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) permits the domiciliation of the Financial Intelligence Unit in any larger organisation as long as it has its operational and financial independence. The bill to grant financial and operational autonomy to the unit, which has been passed by both legislative chambers, is before the conference committee of the National Assembly, which is required to harmonise the discrepancies in both versions of the legislation. Gwadabe said the delay should be avoided as it portends dangers for the entire financial market and could lead to Nigeria’s suspension by the Egmont Group. According to Gwadabe, should such suspension occur, Visa, MasterCard and other credit cards issued by Nigerian financial institutions would be rejected by global financial institutions. He added that such suspension could also adversely affect Nigeria’s credit rating by global financial markets.
Another adverse implication, the ABCON boss said, was that it would derail the anti-corruption war as recovery of looted funds abroad and other follow up by anti-corruption agencies will be hindered, making cooperation by sister global corruption agencies difficult. He added that it could also affect the international ratings of Nigerian financial institutions, restricting their access to some big-ticket international transactions. Nigeria will also no longer be able to benefit from financial intelligence shared by the other member countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. He said ABCON’s has zero tolerance for poor Anti-Money Laundering/ Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance, and therefore wants the relevant parties to unite to save Nigeria’s financial institutions from an unintended vulnerabilities, threats, risks and losses that would follow suspension by Egmont Group.
Broad street
MARKET INDICATORS
FSDH Projects Single-digit Inflation in 2018 Obinna Chima The FSDH Merchant Bank Limited expects inflation rate to drop to a single digit by the second half of the year if there is no adjustment to the price of petrol and electricity tariff. The firm stated this in its Economic and Financial Markets Outlook (2018 – 2022) entitled: “Strong Growth Prospect with Downside Risks,� obtained yesterday. It pointed out that the base effect from previous year’s Consumer Price Indices and expected stability in the foreign exchange rate led to the consistent drop in the inflation rate in 2017. The inflation rate dropped to 15.37 per cent in December, from 18.72 per cent in January 2017. But the Head of Research, FSDH Merchant Bank, Ayodele Akinwunmi said the firm expects inflation rate to average 10.62 per cent in 2018, from an average of 16.55 per cent in 2017. He listed factors that would
influence inflation rate in 2018 to include the availability of foreign exchange to meet consumption and production purposes; expected lower interest rate environment in 2018 than in 2017; improved oil production and local substitution strategy; and increased local food production. However, Akinwunmi highlighted further disruption to food production in some food producing areas in Nigeria; moderate growth in global commodities price; possible increase in electricity tariff and petrol pump price, as factors that might jeopardise the single-digit inflation target. Commenting on the external sector, he explained: “The positive developments in the crude oil markets and the improved confidence in the outlook of the Nigerian economy have improved Nigeria’s external sector position. The latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) confirms this position.
“The data from the last seven quarters shows that Nigeria recorded the highest trade balance (exports higher than imports) and capital flows in third quarter 2017.� Nigeria’s trade balance had exceeded the N1 trillion mark for the first time since third quarter 2014 to stand at N1.22 trillion. FSDH Research expected the following factors to influence the foreign trade performance in the short-to-medium term: improved global economic condition and outlook; FGN efforts to improve the business environment; the import substitution strategy of the federal government via growing non-oil exports; and exports of refined petroleum products from the proposed Dangote Refinery. “The major risk to the growth in the trade balance is a possible drop in the price of crude oil and production which can lead to a drop-in oil exports. Oil export accounted for over 80 per cent of the total exports in third quarter 2017.�
MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Broad Money (M2)
21,851,454.31
-- Narrow Money (M1)
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
-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)
Nume Ekeghe åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂž The MTN Group plans to raise about $500 million from the sale of shares in its Nigerian business during the first half of the year, fulfilling the terms of a deal struck with the West African nation to settle a record fine, according to people familiar with the matter. Standard Bank Group Limited and Citigroup have been advising Africa’s largest mobile-phone company on the disposal of as much as 30 percent of the Lagos-based unit on the Nigerian Stock Exchange,Bloomberg quoted people who asked not to be identified as the details aren’t public. Most of the shares will be sold to local institutions and individuals, though foreign investors could be brought in to ensure the process is a success, one of the people said.
Discussions are on-going and a final decision hasn’t been made, they said. Spokespeople for MTN and Citigroup in Johannesburg didn’t immediately comment. Standard Bank didn’t immediately respond to calls seeking comment. MTN agreed to list the Nigerian unit as part of a June 2016 agreement to pay a $1 billion fine for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered subscribers amid a security crackdown. The penalty, originally set at $5.2 billion, led to the resignation of the Johannesburg-based company’s then chief executive officer and a slump in the share price that’s yet to be clawed back. The stock extended gains, and traded 4.5 percent higher at 128.83 rand as of the close in Johannesburg, giving a market value of 243 billion rand ($20 billion). If successful, the Lagos share sale will be the biggest on the
Nigerian Stock Exchange after Starcomms Plc, which raised $796 million when it listed in 2008, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. MTN, Nigeria’s biggest mobile-phone company with just over 50 million subscribers as of end September, slumped to a loss in 2016 as it absorbed the financial impact of the fine, though said last month it returned to profit the following year. Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African governments are trying to gain more from international mobile-phone operators taking advantage of rising smartphone use and faster data speeds. MTN has also agreed to sell shares in Ghana as one of the conditions of a deal to gain spectrum rights, while Vodacom Group Ltd., South Africa’s market leader, was ordered to list 25 percent of its Tanzanian business last year, raising $213 million
26,821,446.81
---- Credit to Government (Net)
4,824,226.22
---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA
7,834,536.74
---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)
--3,010,310.52
---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)
21,997,220.59
--Other Assets Net
--14,702,983.39
Reserve Money (Base Money)
5,486,804.65
--Currency in Circulation
1,868,735.07
--Banks Reserves
3,268,266.17 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹
Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month
August 2017
Inter-Bank Call Rate
MTN Plans $500m Share Sale in Nigeria
(MILLION NAIRA)
AUGUST 2017
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
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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY FEBRUAR 6, 2018
The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $64.83 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $65.70 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
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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͷ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
MARKET NEWS
NSE Market Cap Sheds N399bn in Three Days on Continuing Profit Taking Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie The persistent bear run in the stock market since Monday has depressed the equities capitalisation by N399 billion in three days. The market has remained in the control of the bears since the beginning of the week as profit takers sustained their activities. Consequently, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which stood
at 44,639.99 at the beginning of the week, has declined to 43,538.16 yesterday while market capitalisation fell from N16.019 trillion to N15.62 trillion. Specifically, the NSE ASI went down by 0.77 per cent, while market capitalisation shed N121.5 billion yesterday alone. However, the negative performance resulted partly from decline recorded in the share prices of Access Bank, Dangote Cement, FBN Holdings, Nigerian
P R I C E S MAIN BOARD
F O R DEALS
Breweries and International Breweries Plc. According to analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, the negative close “can be attributed to continued sell-offs witnessed on counters across all sectors. We expect this mood to be sustained through the remaining trading days this week, pushing the market to a negative close at the end of the week.” In all, 40 stocks depreciated while
S E C U R I T I E S
MARKET PRICE
QUANTITY TRADED
VALUE TRADED ( N )
added value. UNIC Insurance Plc led the price losers with 9.5 per cent, trailed by Skye Bank Plc with 8.9 per cent, while Wema Bank Plc shed 8.8 per cent. Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Double One Plc, ABC Transport Plc and Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc depreciated by 5.0 per cent apiece. Sterling Bank Plc and Learn Africa Plc closed 4.9 per cent and 4.7 per cent lower respectively.
T R A D E D MAIN BOARD
A S
However, the price gainers were led by Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc with 9.7 per cent, trailed by Linkage Assurance Plc with 6.7 per cent. LASACO Assurance Plc chalked up 5.8 per cent, just as Unilever Nigeria Plc and Red Star Express Plc appreciated by 4.9 per cent and 4.3 per cent in that order. NAHCO Plc, UACN Property Development Company Plc, Champion Breweries Plc
O F
and Honeywell Flour Mills Plc garnered 3.8 per cent, 3.0 per cent and 2.8 per cent respectively. Meanwhile, the volume and value of trading fell by 29.1 per cent and 6.9 per cent to 508.3 million shares worth N4.5 billion traded in 6,155 deals, down from 711.915 million shares valued at N4.909 billion exchanged in 6,720 deals the previous day. In terms of sectoral performance, four of the sectors declined compared to one that appreciated.
0 7 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 8 DEALS
MARKET PRICE
QUANTITY TRADED
VALUE TRADED ( N)
˜ ˜ ͺͶ ˾ T H I S D AY
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Nigeria Daily Stock Market Report: dŚŝƐ ĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ^ŚĞĚƐ ϭϱďƉƐ
THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX
dŚĞ dŚŝƐ ĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ƐŚĞĚ ϭϱďƉƐ LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϴϬϲ͘ϳϱ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ůĂƌŐĞůLJ ĂƩƌŝďƵƚĂďůĞ ƚŽ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ E' D ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ E/' Z/ E Z t Z/ ^ ;ͲϮ͘ϬйͿ͕ & E, ;Ͳϭ͘ϮйͿ ĂŶĚ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ Ϯϭ͘Ϭй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘ dŚĞ dŚŝƐ ĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ŚĂƐ ƌĞƚƵƌŶĞĚ ϭϳ͘ϭй͘
Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index
Ticker
WƌŽĮƚ dĂŬŝŶŐ ƌĂŐƐ >ŽĐĂů ŽƵƌƐĞ͙ E^ ^/ ŽǁŶ ϳϳďƉƐ dŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ƐŽƵƚŚǁĂƌĚƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƚŚŝƌĚ ĐŽŶƐĞĐƵƟǀĞ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĚĂLJ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ /ŶĚĞdž ; ^/Ϳ ƐŚĞĚ ϳϳďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϰϯ͕ϱϯϴ͘ϭϲ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ŵŽĚĞƌĂƚĞĚ ƚŽ ϭϯ͘ϴй͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝnjĂƟŽŶ ĨĞůů ďLJ EϭϮϭ͘ϱďŶ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ Eϭϱ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dŽĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ ĐůŽƐĞ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ůĂƌŐĞůLJ ĂƩƌŝďƵƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ďŽĂƌĚ ǁŝƚŚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďĞůůǁĞƚŚĞƌƐ ʹ E' D ;Ͳ Ϯ͘ϮйͿ͕ E/' Z/ E Z t Z/ ^ ;ͲϮ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ ^d E / ;Ͳϯ͘ϱйͿ ǁĞŝŐŚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ŽŶ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ͘ ůƐŽ͕ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ƐŽŌĞŶĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ Ϯϵ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ ϲ͘ϵй ƚŽ ϱϬϴ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ Eϰ͘ϱďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ /ŶĚĞdž ŵĞƌŐĞƐ >ŽŶĞ 'ĂŝŶĞƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁĂƐ ůĂƌŐĞůLJ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ Ăůů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚ ƐĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁŚŝĐŚ ƚƌĞŶĚĞĚ Ϭ͘ϲй ŶŽƌƚŚǁĂƌĚƐ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ E/d, ;нϮ͘ϲйͿ ĂŶĚ h ;нϭ͘ϮйͿ͘ dŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ĂƐ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ E' D ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ϭ͘ϭй ůŽǁĞƌ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ Ϭ͘ϴй ĂƉŝĞĐĞ͕ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ // K ;Ͳϰ͘ϱйͿ͕ E D ;Ͳϯ͘ϮйͿ͕ DK /> ;Ͳϱ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ dKd > ;ͲϬ͘ϰйͿ͘ ůƐŽ͕ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ƐůŝĚ Ϭ͘ϯй ĂƐ &>KhZD/>> ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ ĂŶĚ E'&>KhZ ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ĚĂLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚ͘ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ /ŵƉƌŽǀĞƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϱdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϰdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϭϴ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ϰϬ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ǁĞƌĞ s ZdKE ;нϵ͘ϳйͿ͕ >/E< ^^hZ ;нϲ͘ϴйͿ ĂŶĚ > ^ K ;нϱ͘ϵйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ hE/ ;Ͳϵ͘ϱйͿ͕ ^<z ;Ͳϴ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ t D ;Ͳϴ͘ϴйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞƌƐ͘ ŐĂŝŶƐƚ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬĚƌŽƉ ŽĨ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƉƌŽĮƚ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ƐŝŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƐƵďƐĞƋƵĞŶƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ŝŶ ůŝŐŚƚ ŽĨ ůŽǁĞƌ ƉƌŝĐŝŶŐ ŽŶ ĨƵŶĚĂŵĞŶƚĂůůLJ ƐŽƵŶĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ǁĞ ĂůƐŽ ĂŶƟĐŝƉĂƚĞ ŵŽƌĞ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ǁĞĞŬ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞĞŬ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ͘ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŝŶ &ŽĐƵƐ͗ hŶŝůĞǀĞƌ WůĐ ;͞hŶŝůĞǀĞƌ͟ Žƌ ͞ƚŚĞ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ͟Ϳ hŶŝůĞǀĞƌ ŝƐ Ă ƌŝƟƐŚͲ ƵƚĐŚ ŵƵůƟŶĂƟŽŶĂů ĐŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ ŐŽŽĚƐ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ǁŝƚŚ ŐŽŽĚƐ ƐŽůĚ ŝŶ ŽǀĞƌ ϭϵϬ ĐŽƵŶƚƌŝĞƐ͘ hŶŝůĞǀĞƌ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŶŐ ĨŽƌ ĂůŵŽƐƚ ϭϬϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ŚĂǀŝŶŐ ďĞĞŶ ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚ ŝŶ ϭϵϮϯ͕ dŚĞ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŚĂƐ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌŝŶŐ ƐŝƚĞƐ ŝŶ KƌĞŐƵŶ͕ >ĂŐŽƐ ^ƚĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ŐďĂƌĂ͕ KŐƵŶ ^ƚĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ĚĞƚĂŝůĞĚ ƉůĂŶƐ ŝŶ Yϯ͗ϮϬϭϳ ƚŽ ŽƉĞŶ Ă ŶĞǁ ƉůĂŶƚ͘ /Ŷ KĐƚŽďĞƌ͕ hŶŝůĞǀĞƌ ƵŶĚĞƌǁĞŶƚ Ă ƌŝŐŚƚ ŝƐƐƵĞ ŽĨ ϭϰ ŶĞǁ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJ Ϯϳ ŚĞůĚ ǁŚŝĐŚ ǁĂƐ ϮϬй ŽǀĞƌƐƵďƐĐƌŝďĞĚ͘ dŚĞ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŚĂƐ ƐĂŝĚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽĐĞĞĚƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƚŽ ƉĂLJ Žī ĂďŽƵƚ ΨϭϮϬŵ ŝŶ ůŽĂŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ďƵīĞƌƐ ĨŽƌ ƉŽƚĞŶƟĂů ĞdžĐŚĂŶŐĞ ƌĂƚĞ ŝŶƐƚĂďŝůŝƟĞƐ͘ /Ŷ hŶŝůĞǀĞƌ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ͛Ɛ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳ ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ ZĞǀĞŶƵĞ ƌŽƐĞ ϯϴ͘ϲй zͲŽͲz ĨƌŽŵ Eϰϵ͘ϵďŶ ƚŽ Eϲϵ͘ϭďŶ͘ dŚŝƐ ũƵŵƉ ŝŶ ƌĞǀĞŶƵĞ ǁĂƐ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ Ϯϯ͘ϰй ĂŶĚ ϱϱ͘ϰй zͲŽͲz ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚƐ ŝŶ &ŽŽĚ WƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ ĂŶĚ ,ŽŵĞ Θ WĞƌƐŽŶĂů ĂƌĞ WƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ ƐĞŐŵĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ EϯϮ͘ϯďŶ ĂŶĚ Eϯϲ͘ϵďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ 'ƌŽƐƐ DĂƌŐŝŶ ƐƵďƚůLJ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ŵŽĚĞƐƚ ĚŝƌĞĐƚ ĐŽƐƚ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ͖ ŚĞŶĐĞ͕ 'ƌŽƐƐ WƌŽĮƚ ƌŽƐĞ ϰϱ͘ϴй zͲŽͲz ƚŽ EϮϭ͘ϳďŶ͘ &ƵƌƚŚĞƌŵŽƌĞ͕ KƉĞƌĂƟŶŐ WƌŽĮƚ ƐƵƌŐĞĚ ϭϵϰ͘ϴй zͲŽͲz ƚŽ Eϵ͘ϮďŶ͕ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ůŽǁ ďĂƐĞ ĞīĞĐƚ ŽĨ ϮϬϭϲ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ KW y ƌĂƟŽ͕ ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ W d ŽĨ Eϲ͘ϴďŶ Ͳ ϯϱϭ͘ϲй ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ Eϭ͘ϱďŶ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϲ͘
THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 1
Afrinvest Securities Limited (RC 603 315) (A Dealing Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange)
Previous Current Price Weighting Change
Price Change YTD
Price Change Index to Date
ROE
ROA
P/E
P/BV
Divinden Earnings d Yield Yield
1,806.75
-0.15%
17.1%
80.7%
25.1%
7.9%
8.4x
1.2x
3.2%
9.9%
48.95
0.0%
22.0%
20.1%
20.7%
26.0%
4.3%
10.2x
2.5x
4.2%
9.8%
32.00
2.6%
13.9%
24.8%
23.4%
21.7%
3.2%
6.3x
1.3x
6.3%
15.8%
142.00
-2.0%
8.1%
5.3%
5.1%
18.9%
8.6%
35.0x
6.4x
2.5%
2.9%
1,445.00
0.0%
6.4%
-7.1%
-7.1%
78.4%
19.0%
37.7x
24.9x
1.8%
2.7%
264.00
-2.2%
6.1%
14.8%
14.8%
30.4%
15.7%
18.2x
5.2x
3.2%
5.5%
2
Zenith Bank PLC
3
Nigerian Brew eries PLC
4
Nestle Nigeria PLC
5
Dangote Cement PLC
6
FBN Holdings Plc
12.75
-1.2%
6.8%
44.9%
45.1%
2.6%
0.3%
20.8x
0.7x
1.6%
4.8%
7
Access Bank PLC
12.55
-0.8%
4.6%
20.1%
18.4%
15.1%
2.0%
5.1x
0.7x
5.2%
19.7%
8
United Bank for Africa PLC
12.20
1.2%
4.4%
18.4%
17.2%
17.2%
2.2%
5.4x
0.9x
6.1%
18.7%
9
Ecobank Transnational Inc
19.65
0.5%
3.3%
15.6%
20.8%
-14.6%
-1.3%
0.7x
3.1%
-17.6%
10
SEPLAT Petroleum Development C
685.10
0.0%
2.9%
9.4%
9.4%
-12.4%
-6.7%
0.9x
11
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC
45.35
-3.5%
2.7%
9.3%
10.9%
28.7%
3.4%
10.5x
2.7x
1.3%
12
Guinness Nigeria PLC
110.00
0.0%
2.3%
17.0%
17.0%
14.6%
5.6%
20.6x
2.9x
0.6%
4.8%
13
Lafarge Africa PLC
51.90
0.0%
1.6%
15.6%
15.6%
47.1%
9.8%
4.6x
7.8x
1.9%
21.5%
14
Fidelity Bank PLC
3.49
-0.3%
1.5%
41.9%
35.3%
8.0%
1.1%
3.0x
0.5x
4.0%
32.8%
5.99
0.0%
1.1%
0.0%
0.0%
40.7%
4.2%
2.7x
0.6x
22.00
0.0%
1.1%
10.0%
8.1%
43.2%
19.8%
8.6x
3.3x
2.3%
11.7%
-15.2% 9.6%
15
Oando PLC
16
Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC
17
Okomu Oil Palm PLC
72.50
0.0%
1.0%
7.1%
7.1%
37.4%
25.9%
9.7x
3.1x
2.1%
10.3%
18
Unilever Nigeria PLC
47.60
5.0%
1.1%
16.1%
18.4%
50.3%
8.4%
29.3x
11.2x
0.2%
3.4%
19
International Brew eries PLC
57.50
-0.4%
0.7%
5.5%
4.6%
24.6%
7.4%
60.2x
13.7x
20
Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC
32.20
-0.6%
0.6%
11.0%
11.0%
13.1%
3.0%
6.7x
0.8x
2.8%
14.9%
21
Transnational Corp of Nigeria
0.7%
49.3%
47.3%
19.6%
4.1%
8.7x
1.5x
2.18
0.0% 0.9%
37.0%
1.7%
11.5%
22
UAC of Nigeria PLC
17.20
0.5%
1.8%
1.8%
6.3%
2.2%
11.0x
0.7x
23
Diamond Bank PLC
2.90
-4.0%
0.9%
93.3%
84.7%
2.5%
0.3%
11.7x
0.3x
24
Total Nigeria PLC
230.00
-0.4%
0.5%
0.0%
0.0%
37.3%
7.4%
8.6x
3.0x
25
FCMB Group Plc
2.84
-1.4%
0.8%
79.7%
3.8%
0.6%
8.2x
26
11 PLC
199.50
-5.0%
0.4%
2.5%
2.5%
32.6%
12.0%
10.6x
27
Forte Oil PLC
45.95
0.0%
0.4%
5.7%
9.4%
44.3%
3.7%
11.6x
5.1x
28
PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC
24.00
0.0%
0.4%
16.5%
13.5%
10.7%
5.0%
22.7x
2.3x
29
Cadbury Nigeria PLC
14.85
0.0%
0.3%
-5.2%
-4.8%
4.5%
1.6%
42.4x
2.5x
30
Presco PLC
70.00
0.0%
0.3%
2.2%
2.2%
42.9%
25.9%
3.4x
31
NASCON Allied Industries PLC
21.00
0.0%
0.3%
13.5%
9.3%
53.4%
18.1%
11.8x
32
UPDC Real Estate Investment Tr
10.00
0.0%
0.3%
0.0%
0.0%
33
Union Bank of Nigeria PLC
8.45
2.4%
0.3%
8.3%
12.5%
5.6%
1.2%
34
Julius Berger Nigeria PLC
26.05
-4.6%
0.3%
-7.0%
-7.0%
-12.2%
-1.2%
35
Sterling Bank PLC
2.13
-4.9%
0.4%
97.2%
88.5%
6.1%
0.6%
11.2x
0.6x
8.9%
16.00
-0.6%
0.3%
31.7%
31.7%
61.6%
15.8%
5.2x
2.2x
19.3%
10.8x
5.7%
9.1%
2.6%
11.7%
0.3x
3.5%
12.1%
2.9x
4.0%
9.4%
8.5%
8.6% 2.1%
4.4%
1.2x
2.1%
29.0%
5.4x
3.3%
8.5%
0.8x
7.2%
2.4%
0.5x
9.3%
1.4x
-8.8%
36
Dangote Flour Mills Plc
37
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Niger
19.25
1.3%
0.2%
-10.9%
-10.9%
61.2%
23.6%
4.0x
1.4x
1.6%
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%
39
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%
40
Transcorp Hotels Plc
7.20
0.0%
0.1%
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4.7%
2.8%
21.4x
1.0x
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4.7%
T o p 10 G a i n e r s T ic k er
P ric e C hg %
C A VER T ON
3.05
9.7%
LA SA C O
57.2
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LIN KA SSUR E
0.79
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FB NH
55.9
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LA SA C O
T ic k er
Vo lum e
P ric e C hg %
0.36
5.9%
SKYEB A N K
43.1
-8.9%
47.60
5.0%
A C C ESS
31.4
-0.8%
R ED ST A R EX
6.00
4.3%
D A N GSUGA R
29.7
0.0%
NA HCO
4.07
3.8%
UN IT YB N K
27.6
-3.6%
UA C -P R OP
3.00
3.8%
F ID ELIT YB K
26.7
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C H A M P ION
3.09
3.0%
D IA M ON D B N K
24.7
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2.92
2.8%
FCM B
23.6
-1.4%
32.00
2.6%
Z EN IT H B A N K
22.7
2.6%
UN ILEVER
H ON YF LOUR Z EN IT H B A N K
25.1%
T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e
P ric e
T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e
T o p 10 L o s e r s P ric e
P ric e C hg %
Value
P ric e C hg %
0.38
-9.5%
Z EN IT H B A N K
718.5
2.6%
SKYEB A N K
1.12
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FB NH
707.3
-1.2%
WEM A B A N K
1.24
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D A N GSUGA R
689.0
0.0%
UN IC
T ic k er
0.38
-5.0%
GUA R A N T Y
556.3
0.0%
199.50
-5.0%
A C C ESS
396.0
-0.8%
M A YB A KER
2.85
-5.0%
UB A
250.9
1.2%
LA WUN ION
0.76
-5.0%
NB
147.8
-2.0%
A B CTRA NS
0.38
-5.0%
F ID ELIT YB K
91.9
-0.3%
ST ER LN B A N K
2.13
-4.9%
D IA M ON D B N K
72.2
-4.0%
LEA R N A F R C A
1.00
-4.8%
FCM B
67.5
-1.4%
H M A R KIN S
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Current Price
Guaranty Trust Bank PLC
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Thursday, February 8, 2018
M OB IL
Investment Research
Brokerage Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com
Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com
Bolaji Fajenyo | bfajenyo@afrinvest.com
Omotola Abimbola | oabimbola@afrinvest.com
43
˾ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
MARKET NEWS
CSCS Unveils New Strategy, to Leverage Technology for Process Optimisation The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, which is the financial market infrastructure for the Nigerian capital market, on Tuesday, unveiled its three-year (2018 to 2020) strategic plan aimed at leveraging technology for process optimisation and profitability. Based on its previous two-year strategic plan from 2016 to 2017, CSCS recorded some major milestones among which are the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Strate (South Africa) and Central Depository and Settlement Corporation Limited (CDSC
Kenya), achievement of Thomas Murray “A” rating (from “A-“), full dematerialisation of share certificates, the co-sponsoring of Centre Counter party (CCP) platform with other stakeholders and recently, the deployment of the state of the art new central securities depository clearing and settlement platform. Presenting the new strategy, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CSCS, Mr. Haruna JaloWaziri said it would help keep the company in focus and provide a clear direction of where it is headed. He said this transformative strategy was predicated upon
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
five strategic pillars: focused on technology; customer satisfaction; processes optimisation; partnership through strategic alliances; and revenue growth. “Based on our culture of continuous improvement, the technology pillar will focus on necessary technological improvements to ensure that the company delivers on its corporate goals and is proactive in embracing new and disruptive technologies, optimising the use of innovative technology, instituting Straight Through Processes (STP) across all touch points and establishing
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 06-Feb-2018, unless otherwise stated.
e-learning platforms,” he said. According to him, the company will leverage innovative technology in skilling and reskilling human resources for optimum service delivery. He explained that with the customer satisfaction pillar, CSCS will become truly customer-centric and boost commercial excellence by achieving a minimum of 80 per cent customer satisfaction with 20 per cent minimum of new and existing customer activities on all touch points, ensuring seamless relationship with all stakeholders and preventing dissatisfaction of
customers, as well as setting up Customer Call Centre to attend to the needs of CSCS’ teeming customers. For the strategic pillar of alliances across businesses and regions, CSCS will expand the capital market ecosystem by partnering policy makers and regulators. Speaking on the fifth pillar which is on revenue growth, Jalo-Waziri said CSCS is not only into clearing and settlement but has developed other products that will bring about more efficiency and a robust capital market. He said CSCS has developed electronic storage system that makes market participants to be more
efficient. According to him, other products developed by the company are the Electronic General Meeting (eGEM), Insurance Repository and Pension Contribution Management System amongst others. “The strategic plan is a straightforward and clear roadmap of where we will be in the next three years and achieving these strategic pillars clearly defines the quality of our team. However, this lofty plan needs the collaboration of all our stakeholders so as to work together and make the capital market more effective and efficient,” he stated.
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 0.86 0.87 4.25% ACAP Income Funds 0.62 0.62 3.38% 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 16.20% 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 20.65 21.27 13.01% ARM Discovery Fund 428.45 441.37 10.12% ARM Ethical Fund 28.82 29.69 5.50% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.98% 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 166.87 168.04 10.00% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.60% 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 101.54 104.14 0.90% 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 15.96% 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 N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A 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 1,171.12 1,172.29 2.03% FBN Heritage Fund 152.07 153.51 9.12% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.30% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $114.35 $114.88 1.27% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $114.32 $114.85 1.34% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 193.37 196.26 13.23% 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 1.42 1.45 8.74% Legacy Debt Fund 2.92 2.92 1.43% 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 3,209.24 3,257.80 7.74% Coral Income Fund 2,506.18 2,506.18 2.45% 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 N/A 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 14.82% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.23 2.26 5.95% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 17.92% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 116.71 117.01 1.45%
LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.17 1.19 1.86% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,042.79 1,042.79 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 17.08 17.25 21.23% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 16.08% 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 1.28 1.30 7.88% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.23 11.32 1.86% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.82% 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 1.51 1.51 1.66% 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 2,366.69 2,385.32 5.49% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 180.20 180.20 2.13% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.09 1.11 8.91% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 225.28 225.39 2.31% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 189.13 191.16 5.58% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.93% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,486.48 10,629.20 8.45% 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 13.55 13.76 8.66% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.93 14.09 5.74% Zenith Income Fund 19.35 19.35 2.30%
REITS NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
10.00 133.35
-11.35% 0.67%
Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
12.72 165.57 124.68
12.82 169.22 127.04
4.93% 15.96% 14.14%
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 Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund
funds@vetiva.com Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
5.79 10.14 20.09 23.29 152.17
5.83 10.22 20.19 23.49 154.17
22.03% 5.97% 13.06% 18.32% 2.40%
The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.
44
T H I S D AY ˾ Ͷ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
45
T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2018
Offer for Subscription
DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE NIGERIA
Pursuant to the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act 2003 and the Local Loans (Registered Stock and Securities) Act, CAP. L17, LFN 2004
DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE on behalf of the
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA Offers for Subscription and is authorized to receive applications for the
Federal Government of Nigeria Savings Bond at the following interest rates
2-Year FGN Savings Bond due February 14, 2020: 10.277% per annum 3-Year FGN Savings Bond due February 14, 2021: 11.277% per annum Opening Date: Closing Date: Settlement Date: Coupon Payment Dates:
February 5, 2018 February 9, 2018 February 14, 2018 May 14, August 14, November 14, February 14
SUMMARY OF THE OFFER
ISSUER: Federal Government of Nigeria (“FGN”)
STATUS: 1. 2.
UNITS OF SALE: N1,000 per unit subject to a minimum Subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum subscription of N50,000,000. INTEREST PAYMENT: Payable Quarterly REDEMPTION: Bullet repayment on the maturity date
3. 4.
Qualifies as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act. Qualifies as Government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act (“CITA”) and Personal Income Tax Act (“PITA”) for Tax Exemption for Pension Funds, amongst other investors. Listed on The Nigerian Stock Exchange. Qualifies as a liquid asset for liquidity ratio calculation for banks.
SECURITY: Backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government of Nigeria and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.
INTERESTED INVESTORS SHOULD CONTACT THE STOCKBROKING FIRMS APPOINTED AS DISTRIBUTION AGENTS BY THE DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE. PLEASE VISIT www.dmo.gov.ng FOR THE LIST OF DISTRIBUTION AGENTS.
46
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47
THURSDDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018˾ T H I S D AY
INTERNATIONAL
email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com
South Africa’s Ramaphosa Vows ‘Speedy’ Decision on Zuma’s Fate South Africa’s deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday vowed a “speedy resolution” to talks on the future of embattled leader Jacob Zuma, expected to step down after mounting political turmoil, |AFP reported. President Zuma is under growing pressure to quit in favour of Ramaphosa, his deputy and African National Congress (ANC) party leader, with local media suggesting an exit deal is being hammered out. Ramaphosa said that postponing a meeting on Wednesday of top ANC officials would “enable President Zuma and myself to conclude our discussions... in the coming days”. The presidency released
pictures of the two men sitting together and smiling at a cabinet committee meeting in Cape Town. “The discussions were constructive and lay the basis for a speedy resolution of the matter in the interests of the country and the people,” Ramaphosa said. The announcement that the ANC’s national executive, which has the power to recall Zuma, would not meet as scheduled on Wednesday followed the dramatic cancellation of a key parliament speech by the president. Zuma had been due to deliver the State of the Nation address on Thursday -- the centrepiece of the political calendar that
sets the government’s priorities for the year ahead. The president asked to postpone it, apparently fearing his continuing hold on the presidency would enrage some of his own ANC lawmakers as well as opposition parties. The delay heightened speculation that Zuma could finally yield to calls to step down. Many ANC members are pushing for Cyril Ramaphosa, the new head of the party since December, to replace Zuma, 75, as president immediately. But Zuma loyalists have said that the serving president should complete his second and final term in office, which would end when elections are held next year.
Germany’s Coalition Talks: Merkel’s Conservative and SPD Clinch Deal Angela Merkel’s conservatives (CDU/CSU) have finally hashed out a coalition deal with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) that could break months of political deadlock in Germany, according to BBC. Negotiators have agreed on the division of key ministries one of the last hurdles towards forming a government. It could end more than four months of wrangling since inconclusive elections in September. But the deal will still need to be approved by SPD members. Many in the party fear that re-entering a coalition with
CDU/CSU could damage it in the long term. In a joint news conference on Wednesday, Chancellor Merkel said the agreement gave the basis for a “good and stable government”. SPD leader Martin Schulz thanked the conservatives for making what he said were tough compromises. In a tweet, he said the deal “achieved a lot for people” and he would be recommending that his party members accept it. The SPD looks set to control six ministries, including finance and foreign affairs. German media say Mr
Schulz, a former president of the European Parliament, is hoping to get the job of foreign minister. But the whole agreement still needs the approval of the SPD’s 460,000 members, who will have the final say in a postal vote due in the coming weeks. Those opposed to any deal with Mrs Merkel include a new group within the SPD calling itself NoGroKo (no grand coalition). Mr Schulz at first ruled out going back into government with Mrs Merkel’s centre-right CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU.
Kenya Deports Miguna Miguna over Odinga ‘Swearing-in’ Kenya has deported opposition supporter and lawyer, Miguna Miguna, following his role in the unofficial swearing-in of opposition leader Raila Odinga as “the people’s president”, BBC reported on Wednesday. Mr Miguna has boarded a flight to take him to Canada, where he is a citizen. The government says Mr Miguna renounced his Kenyan nationality, which he denies. Ahead of the mock inauguration, the government took Kenyan TV channels off air so they couldn’t broadcast it.
Mr Odinga boycotted last year’s election re-run, saying it would be rigged in favour of President Uhuru Kenyatta. He and his supporters consider him the rightful leader of Kenya. In August, Mr Odinga ran for president against Mr Kenyatta. He lost, but the country’s Supreme Court said the election wasn’t transparent, prompting a re-run in October. Mr Odinga declined to enter this race, saying nothing had changed, and
Mr Kenyatta won 98% of the vote, with only 39% turnout. But after letting Mr Kenyatta govern for two months, he held his unofficial swearing-in ceremony at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on 30 January. During an oath signed and conducted by Mr Miguna, Mr Odinga declared himself “the people’s president”. President Kenyatta took three TV channels off air, with only two resuming broadcasting this week - and only on subscription services, not free-to-air.
Pence Says US to Unveil ‘Toughest’ Sanctions on N. Korea Vice President Mike Pence said the U.S. is preparing to announce the “toughest and most aggressive” economic sanctions against North Korea in the coming days, boosting pressure on the bellicose government during the Winter Olympics, according to AP. Pence, who is set to lead the U.S. delegation at the opening ceremonies Friday,
made the announcement in Japan on Wednesday, following meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. “The United States of America will soon unveil the toughest and most aggressive round of economic sanctions on North Korea ever — and we will continue to isolate North Korea until it abandons its nuclear and ballistic missile
programmes once and for all,” Pence said. U.S. officials declined to provide details of the expected sanctions beyond Pence’s comments, citing concerns that any additional information could be used by those trying to skirt the new measures. They are expected to be implemented before the conclusion of the games.
RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMPLEX P.M.B. 6166, MOSCOW ROAD, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING!
T
he Honourable Attorney- General & Commissioner of Justice, Rivers State; Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command; Director of State Security Service (SSS) Rivers State; Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen; Chairman & Members of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and other Traditional Rulers; Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Security experts , stakeholders and the Public are hereby invited to a public hearing for the following bills before the Rivers State House of Assembly. 1. THE RIVERS STATE KIDNAP (PROHIBITION) ( A M E N D M E N T NO.2 ) BILL, 2018 2. THE RIVERS STATE SECRET CULT AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES (PROHIBITION) (AMENDMENT NO. 3) BILL, 2018 3. RIVERS STATE NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFETY CORPS BILL, 2018 Date: Friday, 9th February, 2018 Venue: Assembly Auditorium Time: 10am Copies of the bills and memoranda can be collected and submitted respectively from the Committee Clerk at Room 057 , First Floor, Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, Moscow Road, PH . Tel: 08033129775. Announcer: Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule Chairman, Ad- Hoc Committee
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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͷ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2018
49
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NEWSXTRA
Cigarette, Alcohol Prices to Rise as Adeosun Proposes Tariff Review Says economy is attracting huge interest from foreign investors
Ndubuisi Francis ÓØ ÌßÔ˘ áÓÞÒ ËÑÏØÍã ÜÏÚÙÜÞ The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, is proposing increased tariff for cigarette and alcohol. Her proposal is in line with the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), one of the instruments of harmonising member states to strengthen its common market agreed upon on October 25, 2014. In a memo sent to President Muhammadu Buhari and seen by TheCable, Adeosun suggested that a two-part tariff be approved for tobacco products. A two-part imposes two types of import levies on the same item. Adeosun suggested a 20 per cent “ad valorem” tariff and a specific tariff of N1 per stick be placed on cigarettes and tobacco products. She also suggested that a specific tariff of 35 kobo per
CL be placed on beer and stout, N1.50k per CL on wines, and N2 on spirits and other alcoholic beverages. Ad valorem tariff is levied as a fixed percentage of the value of a commodity. According to the minister, this was a recommendation made by the Tariff Technical Committee (TTC), which is chaired by the ministry of finance with members from ministries of industry, agriculture, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Office of the Secretary to the Government and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). “Further to the request, the chief of staff to Mr President requested for my views on the matter. As a result of this, the TTC deliberated on the subject and recommended for an upward review of excise rate on tobacco and alcohol, taking into consideration their health implications and revenue potential,” she wrote.
I am Tired of This Calamity, Says Shekau, Boko Haram Leader in New Video The Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has said in a new video that he is tired of the calamity befalling his group. “I am tired of this calamity; it is better I die and go to rest in paradise,” he said at the end of the 10-minute video. In the video, delivered chiefly in Hausa, Shekau couldn’t hide his frustration on the continued hostility and loss of his supporters to government troops. With a broken voice that clearly betrayed his emotion, Shekau pleaded with his non-combatant members across Nigeria to pick up arms and help him fight till
“In addition, it also recommended the introduction of a specific rate of excise on alcohol including beers and a mixture of ad valorem and specific rate excise structure on tobacco products in ECOWAS member states. “In line with the recommendations of the TTC, I wrote and requested your excellency’s consideration and approval for the proposed revised rates of excise on alcohol and tobacco, vide letters: FMF/ OHMF/TA/1/2017, dated October 30, 2017 and FMF/ PHMF/ALCOHOL/1/2017, dated November 8, 2017.” In November, Adeosun told the ECOWAS financial council of ministers that the federal government was working on policies to increase taxes on tobacco and alcohol. In 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) called for increased taxes on tobacco products to discourage its use. Nigerians smoke about 20 billion sticks of cigarette yearly, according to Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health. Nigeria is also said to be
the highest alcohol-drinking country in the world. Meanwhile, Adeosun yesterday also declared that the Nigerian economy is increasingly attracting huge interest from foreign investors, noting that the momentum was occasioned by huge spending on infrastructure by the government. She noted that such interest would translate into massive investments, culminating in the creation of jobs and a reduction in the poverty level in the country. The minister spoke at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja while playing host to a delegation of about 20 investors drawn from various countries and continents who are in Nigeria to discuss investment opportunities She said the huge investment which the federal government is making on infrastructure projects across the country was attracting fresh investments into the country. The minister told the delegation led by a onetime finance minister. Dr
Shamsudeen Usman, that in 2017 alone, the sum of N1.2 trillion was released for capital projects. According to her, one of the cardinal focus of the current was to address the infrastructure deficit in the country through targeted spendings at projects that would unlock the economic potential of the country. The minister noted that it was an auspicious time for investors to be in the country. In her words, “It’s a great time for investors to be in Nigeria. For us, it’s a more better time now than last year because finally we think that we are beginning to address through deliberate policies, some of the most stubborn problems that have held back Nigeria’s growth. “We have gone through a very difficult adjustments but we are seeing that the macroeconomic fundamentals are much more positive and the outlook is that they will remain positive. “The goodness is that the narrative that we have been adopting around the reason
for our reliance on oil we have actually beginning to take steps in terms of reducing our benchmark price by keeping it low, allowing us to rebuild some of our buffers. “Our budget is predicated on lower oil price, and for me, we are discussing on revenue because we think that is the missing part of the Nigeria jig-saw. “We always want to increase our tax-to-GDP ratio from six per cent to an initial target of ten and the long term goal is to be around the 15 to 20 per cent range,” she said. The economy, she added has started seeing the impact of the expanded budget of the federal government with massive infrastructure investments in power, roads, and rails. “Our commitments in solving the infrastructure challenges in Nigeria is firm because we think that is what would unlock growth in agriculture, and solid minerals and make us move away from our over reliance on oil,” she stated.
he drops dead. The terror group’s leader, however, remained defiant. Flanked by two hooded armed men, Shekau, according to Premium Times, said the latest claim by the military that the group had been sent packing from Sambisa forest was false. He boasted that he is still in Sambisa forest and still controls the territory. The terrorists’ leader said his men would continue to fight regardless of the recent induction of Cameroonian soldiers into the Operation Lafiya Dole counter insurgency force.
Court Refuses Maryam Sanda’s Second Bail Application The Federal Capital Territory High Court has refused an application for bail brought by Maryam Sanda, the daughter-in-law of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Haliru Bello. Sanda is facing a two-count charge of homicide for the alleged murder of her husband, Bilyamin Bello. The deceased was the son of a former chairman of Haliru Bello. The court presided by Justice Yusuf Halilu refused the application because the defence counsel is preparing an appeal, intended to challenge the court’s initial denial of bail to Sanda in December. The counsel to Sanda, Joseph Daudu, defended his decision to file the new application for bail. According to Daudu, nothing concerning the appeal
at the higher court will affect the second request for bail. He also said the application at the appellate court was totally different from the new motion for bail and should not be considered the same or as an abuse of court process. Daudu according to Premium Times, also said his client had abandoned the appeal filed before the higher court. “The appeal is an abandoned lifeless appeal and therefore cannot constitute an abuse of process,” he said. The prosecution counsel, James Idachaba, however disagreed with the defence. Idachaba said the motion at the Appeal Court carries the same date as that on the new application for bail. He, therefore, asked the court to consider the filing of the separate applications, bothering on a single subject, as an abuse of court process.
CONDOLENCE VISIT
L-R: Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; and state Deputy Governor, Mr. Benson Abounu, during Wike’s condolence visit at the Peoples House, Makurdi....yesterday
Ajimobi, Amaechi, Ganduje, Abubakar in Private Meeting in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, is presently playing host to his counterparts from Jigawa and Kano State, Governor Badaru Abubakar and Governor Umar Ganduje respectively as well as the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni. Ajimobi and his visitors, as at the time of filling this report, are still in the Oyo State Government House, Ibadan where they were having a
private meeting. Although the issues being discussed were not made known to journalists, feelers have it that the private meeting had to do with the sundry issues within the party and the recent incursion of herdsmen across the country. Ajimobi was overheard while welcoming the visitors commending Ganduje on his initiative of addressing the cattle ranching issue that has been causing serious misunderstanding between farmers and herdsmen across
the country. None of the visitors addressed journalists nor answered any question when approached by journalists. The visitors who stormed the Agodi Governor’s Office at about6:40p.m, was initially received by the governor himself in his private office before leaving for the government house in their convoy of vehicles, where the private meeting is holding. Journalists who had stormed the governors private office
where visitors were usually hosted, expecting to be briefed and addressed on the mission of the visitors were jolted and disappointed when on the entry of the governor private office, were told to excuse the group, with Ajimobi emphasising that the visit is a private one. As at the time of filing the report, no report, has been released on the visit by the visitor who was also gathered that would be on their way to Lagos immediately after the private meeting.
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EFCC Insists on Power to Intervene in Innoson, GTBank Dispute Senate c’ttee summons bank’s CEO Damilola Oyedele Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) has maintained that it has the jurisdiction to wade into the dispute between Innoson Group of Companies and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), as there are components of the tussle bordering on financial crimes. The Director of Legal at the commission, Mr. Chile Okoroma, while speaking before the Senate Committee on Anti Corruption, yesterday, said it was a misconception that the tussle between both business entities is a civil one, or that the agency waded into the matter based on the dictates of the bank. This is as the committee summoned the Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, to appear before it at its next sitting. The Senator Chukwuka Utaziled committee is investigating the alleged gestapo styled arrest of the Chairman of Innoson Group, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, by EFCC officials and alleged manhandling of his wife in December 2017, and the role of the commission in a transactional dispute between a private entrepreneur and a commercial bank in a matter which is already before the Supreme Court. Okoroma said the EFCC can also wade into cases of duping between two persons, and can
prosecute or play the role of an arbitrator if the accused person agrees to pay a refund. “If someone goes to take loan from a bank and presents forged documents, are we saying it is a civil matter between them? It is a case of alleged forgery and obtaining money under false pretence. We have a responsibility to investigate, and from our investigations, we can prosecute,� he told the committee. He told the committee that Chukwuma has already instituted about three suits, with EFCC as party, in different courts over his arrest and alleged abuse. Okoroma added that the EFCC arrested Chukwuma from his Enugu home after the businessman, who he said was on administrative bail, failed to honour invitations extended to him by the commission. He further alleged that officials of the EFCC were assaulted by thugs when they tried to arrest the businessman. “We are not partisan, we do not have anything to do with their civil matter, but if there is anything that has to do with financial crimes, it is our duty to investigate it,� Okoroma added. But while being questioned by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi APC), Okoroma was unable to categorically state whether the commission had a warrant of arrest for Chukwuma before
NBS: Four Million Electricity Users Don’t Have Meters Ndubuisi Francis Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË
electricity users, Abuja disco 450,044 metered customers No fewer than 4.1 million of from 862,696 electricity users. about 7.5 million Nigerians Eko disco had 442,201 with access to electricity across electricity users with 268,558 the country are not meterd by metered customers, Enugu had the distribution companies, the 224,444 metered customers National Bureau of Statistics from 809,829 electricity users, (NBS) has said. Kano had 162,664 metered The NBS, in its ‘Power Sector customers from a total of Report: Energy Generated and 472,453 electricity users, Port Sent Out and Consumed and Harcourt had 237,188 metered Load Allocation,’ for the last customers from 488,600 quarter of 2017, noted that electricity users and Yola had only 46.16 per cent of the 69,282 metered customers from total electricity consumers 293,473 electricity users. were captured to have been According to the NBS, daily metered, with over half of energy generation attained, them remaining unmetered. a peak of 105,152mwh on According to the report, December 8, 2017 with thermal the Benin disco represented stations generating 84,026mwh the highest percentage of while the hydro stations metered customers with 69 generated 21, 126 megawatts per per cent of electricity users hour (mwh) and total average of in the state. 94,627mwh of energy generated Eko disco has 60.73 per daily by power stations during cent and Ikeja disco with the period. 55.95 per cent came second The lowest energy generated and third respectively while in the quarter was 73,246mwh Yola and Enugu discos as against the previous quarter posted the least percentage of 56,486mwh generated daily, of customers metered with s figure which was attained in 23.61 per cent and 27.72 per October 2017. cent respectively. In the reference period, The NBS’ report shows thermal stations generated that the Benin disco had 55,941mwh while the hydro a total number of 535,935 stations generated the metered customers from 771,226 17,305mwh.
invading his home. As the lawmaker insisted on a “Yes or No� response to the question, Okoroma said the operation was conducted by the Lagos office of the agency. “I would ask for permission to verify if there was a warrant of arrest and get back to you,� he said. Melaye also demanded that the agency produce copies of its invitation letters to Chukwuma, and pictorial or video evidence of the assault on its officials by about ‘1,000 miscreants� as claimed in the memorandum submitted by the EFCC. “We want it because it also falls within the purview of human rights abuses,� Melaye
said. The legal counsel to Chukwuma, Prof. McCarthy Mbadingha, in his submission said the EFCC had no jurisdiction in the transactional disputes between his client and the bank, as the disputes are already before the law courts. “Under the EFCC Act, in Section 46 which defines what financial crimes are, the issue between Innoson and GTB does not fall under financial crimes,� he argued. Instructed by the committee members to restrict his presentation to areas that border on human rights abuse in the course of Chukwuma’s arrest, as the transitional disputes are
already prejudicial matters, Mbadingha maintained that Mrs. Chukwuma was slapped by an EFCC official for demanding to see the warrant of arrest issued for her husband. He cited the degrading conditions under which his client was arrested and taken to Lagos, where he was detained until his release about 24 hours later. GTB’s lawyer, Mr. Adebowale Kamoru, also noted that since the matter was already in court, the bank would not be making any submissions. The Chairman, Utazi, said the Senate was interested in the matter because of the need to protect the business sector,
“A businessman’s wife of Innoson’s status, with all his connections, we have to look at the implications (of EFCC actions) on foreign investments. If you handle your own like this, how will you handle a foreigner. We must restore confidence in the local business environemnt,â€? he said. Ruling, Utazi insisted that the Chief Executive Officer of GTB, Agbaje must appear at the committee’s next sitting instead of sending his legal team, since Chukwuma had personally shown up before the committee at an earlier sitting. Invitations were extended to both men, Utazi disclosed.Â
HERE I AM
Spokesman to former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), Mr. Kassim Afegbua (second right), and his lawyer, Kayode Ajulor (right) reporting to the Force Headquarter in Abuja....yesterday
N264m Bribe: Two INEC OfďŹ cials Re-arrested from Court Premises Two officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Nwosu Christian, and Tijani Bashiru, were, yesterday, picked up and whisked away by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after proceedings at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. The two INEC officials were arrested after attending their trial over alleged N264 million received from former Petroleum Resources Minister, Mrs. Diezani
Alison-Madueke, during 2015 elections. They were barely out of the court premises when they were apprehended by the EFCC operatives and thrown into a waiting bus. No reason was given for their re-arrest. Meanwhile, at the trial of the two INEC officials over alleged N264 million fraud, an EFCC investigator, Mr. Usman Zakari, yesterday, told the court how the two accused received the sum through two banks.
Zakari, who was the EFCC’s second witness in the matter, narrated how N30 million was paid into Nwosu Christian’s account by one Abdul Adedeji. The investigator also told the court that the money was not part of the accused person’s emolument and that after the election, the first accused, Nwosu, debited INEC account with N60 million. He also informed the court that the second defendant filled a form directing the cashier of
the bank for N30 million. Upon the closing of the prosecution’s case, the accused lawyers told the court that the defence would be filing a no-case submission on behalf of their clients. Consequently, the presiding judge, Justice Idris adjourned the matter till April 7, for adoption of no-case submission of the accused persons and the EFCC response to the application.
Edo Govt Denies Herdsmen Attack on Buses The Edo State Government has advised residents in the state to be wary of the deluge of fake news of alleged herdsmen attacks trending on the internet and circulated by “people we know too well.� The Special Adviser to state governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said: “The false alarm originated with some
disgruntled individuals.� He explained that while the state government would not deny the skirmishes between herdsmen and farmers in parts of the state, the recent propagation of fake news on social media was part of a plot to create a general sense of insecurity in the state and an attempt to put the current administration in bad light. The aide said: “Our
investigation into the veracity of some audio messages about attacks on passengers in buses owned by God Is Good Motors and other vehicles, trending on the internet, showed that the story is not true as the management of the transport service debunked the claim, describing it as completely false. These are some of the shenanigans of these unholy group of people. “Also, the photograph of dead
people on the road allegedly killed by Fulani herdsmen has been trending on the internet since Tuesday. That photograph first hit the internet in 2010. It is pure mischief to circulate the 2010 photograph as an incident that happened yesterday. On the strength of the falsehood the promoters of the photograph set out to achieve, we have reasons to suspect similar internet content.
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FG Directs States to Establish Infection Prevention Committees, Isolation Centres Martins Ifijeh The federal government through the Emergency National Council on Health has called on all 36 states of the federation to ensure the establishment of functional Infection Prevention Committee (IPCs), isolation centres and Emergency Operational Centres in their various domains. It said all states should adopt a multi-sectoral approach to disease outbreaks including Lassa fever, while also prioritising public health challenges in their respective states. Stating this in a communique adopted by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the 36 state commissioners, and Secretary, Health and Human Service Secretariat, FCT, during its emergency meeting in Abuja yesterday, the NHC said all states should be able to manage Lassa fever patients in their respective states. “All states should ensure the strengthening of community response through enlightenment campaigns and community involvement. They should also implement the 60th council resolution on food safety to strengthen ongoing preventive measures,” the communique
reads. The council received updates from states on disease outbreaks including ongoing Lassa Fever outbreak; the status of their preparedness and responses to general diseases outbreaks. This was followed by a national update from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which reiterated the resources available from the organisation to assist the states in their response. Speaking at the meeting, which was convened to deliberate on the state of public health in Nigeria in view of the recurring disease outbreaks and specifically the recent Lassa fever outbreak Adewole commended the Edo State Government for the good example shown in the response to the Lassa fever outbreak. He called on other states to emulate the good example. He also cited the case of Sokoto State that provides free electricity to the federal teaching hospital and further urged states to table public health issues to their respective state executives on weekly basis, and to work in close collaboration with federal health institutions in their various states. “Also, we express federal government’s heartfelt
PDP Alleges Presidency’s Intrusion in Metuh’s Case Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the presidency of unwarranted and unjustified official intrusion in the on-going trial of its former National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh. The party said the hateful comment by the presidency, through its aide, Lauretta Onochie, mocking Metuh’s worsened health condition and his being brought to court from the hospital in obedience to order of court, as a “Nollywood” act, has further confirmed that the interest of the current administration in the matter is beyond the bounds of seeking justice in its prosecution. The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday said the presidency has been intruding in Metuh’s case since inception just to set up the former spokesperson before the judiciary. The party said: “It is repulsive that a presidential aide has once again intruded directly, with malicious suggestions, in a matter that is on judicial trial, thus further exposing that Metuh’s travails in the course of the trial may have been politically hatched and orchestrated. “It is instructive to state that Metuh, whose spinal cord ailment has badly deteriorated, was brought to court in his current medical state sequel
to the order of the trial judge. “It is public knowledge that Justice Abang on January 25, 2018, rejected medical reports from doctors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, where Metuh had been on admission, and ordered him to appear in court on February 5, 2018, or have his bail revoked. In fact, the judge ruled that he would henceforth not accept any other report issued by any medical doctor on the accused. “It is therefore irresponsible, wicked and an unpardonable act of inhumanity for the presidency or any of its agents to mock Metuh for obeying court order even in his current state of health.” Lamenting that there is a sinister design against Metuh, the PDP said it has information that government agents have been harassing medical aides and practitioners across the country for offering any form of treatment or assistance to him. The party said viewing such alongside negative and hostile disposition towards medical reports on Metuh, any responsible person can safely conclude that there is a grand conspiracy to persecute the accused. “While we are not opposed to the trial of any of our members for any matter whatsoever, we insist that the process must be fair, without external influences and in strict compliance with provisions of the law,” PDP stated.
condolences to the families of those who lost their lives due to the Lassa fever outbreak as well as other diseases outbreaks.” A total of 364 participants from the departments, agencies
and parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Health, state Ministries of Health and the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Others in attendance were development partners including WHO, EU, USAID, PLAN International, World Bank, BMGF; U.S. CDC, HERFON, and Society for Telemedicine.
There were also delegates from the professional health regulatory bodies, civil society organisations, the private sector as well as the military and para-military organisations.
COURTESY VISIT
L-R: Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development Lafarge Africa Plc, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; MD/ CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Michel Puchercos; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and Chairman Lafarge Africa Plc, Mobolaji Balogun; during a courtesy visit to the Vice President in Abuja....yesterday
Daniel Kanu Plans Another Two million-man March Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË
the 1996 National Constitutional Conference. The promoter of the Youth He said that one of biggest Earnestly Ask for Abacha mistake made by successive (YEAA), Daniel Kanu, yesterday administration in the country said he was again embarking on was their decision to abandon another venture with his New the report of the conference after Deal Organisation, to organise the death of former military a two-million-man-march in dictator, Abacha, adding that support for a new vision for such a mover has set Nigeria the country christened “Vision back by several years. 2030”. “Cast your minds back to Kanu who came into political the 1990s when the youth of limelight with the march to this country gathered together support the late former Head and felt that if the then Vision State, General Sani Abacha, 2010 was implemented that the said the current economic country would be better for it. and societal woes facing the “We felt that the man (Abacha) country can be traceable to that had the vision be allowed to the non-implementation of transmute into a civilian president well-envisioned development because we feared that if there was agenda, Vision 2010 put together a change of regime at that time, under the regime of late Abacha. the vision could be truncated. The Addressing a press conference contents of the Vision 2010 still in Abuja, Kanu regretted the remain valid till today,” he said. setting aside of the Vision Explaining the resolve of the 2010 development roadmap group to review the Visions 2010 which was a by-product of as well as 20:2020 and bring them
in conformity with current realities, Kanu said the group would during the two million man march next month launch the Vision 2030. “I have spoken to a lot of kids and teenagers who were not aware of what happened in 1998. They think that it is normal for the dollar to be N360. It is not normal. They do not know that it was once N22. We need to take Nigeria back to that period,” he added. Kanu blamed the policy somersault which led to the termination of the Vision 2010, and vision 2020 on ineptitude, corruption, policy somersault and nepotism, Nigeria has plunged into crises after crises and the people are unhappy. “The lack of a clear and concise vision, and hopelessness caused by neglect of disillusioned youths, have resulted in high poverty level, high inflation, high unemployment, kidnapping, elevated crime rates, militancy
in the South-south, terrorism in the North-east, and secession agitation in the South-east and South-south. “Based on the current trend of events, our prospects as a people and nation are grim with no hope in sight. With over 1,500 per cent increase in the prices of most basic goods and services since 1998, and crude oil becoming unreliable, our prediction is that 20 years from now, prices will be 5,000 per cent higher than today with elevated poverty, higher crime rate and disenchantment,” he lamented. On the clamour for the youths to take over the leadership of the country in 2019, Kanu said it was not just about age but about ideas and modern ways of doing things. He said the country don’t have to entirely discard the elderly ones because of their wisdom but that the youth should be prepared to lead the way.
Sokoto Shi’ite Leader, Rinintawaye Dies from Gunshot Injuries Mohammed Aminu ÓØ˿ ÙÕÙÞÙ The leader of the Shi’ite sect in Sokoto State, Malam Kasim Umar Rinintawaye, is dead. He died yesterday at an undisclosed hospital in Kano where he was said to be receiving treatment. Rinintawaye was reportedly shot by the police during one of their free spiritual leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, campaigns
in Abuja. El-Zakzaky has been in detention for about two years despite being ordered to granted bail by the courts. The Shiite leader who died at the age of 50, was said to be leading the procession when he was shot on the leg that eventually led to his death. His son, Muhammad Qassim Umar, first broke the news about the death of his father,
reaffirming their loyalty to El-Zakzaky. The remains of the deceased had already been buried in Sokoto yesterday. The funeral prayer was graced by leading Shiite clerics from Niger Republic, Ghana and Mali. The late Shiite leader is survived by one wife and four children. Speaking with journalists
in Sokoto yesterday, one of the leading member of the group in the state, Malam Sidi Mannir, appealed to their members to remain calm and continue to pray fo r t h e repose of the soul of the deceased. “Because he died as a martyr, we are thanking God for that and pray for the repose of his soul,” Mannir added.
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Wike: FG Has Failed to Manage Herdsmen Crises Applauds Ortom for asking Benue people to defend themselves George Okoh Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ“ The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has asked the federal government to live up to its responsibility by protecting every citizen of the country irrespective of tribes and religion. Wike asked the government to admit its failure for not being able to protect lives and property of people in Benue State. He made the call during his visit to the state to commemorate with the people of the state over the death of 73 victims of herdsmen attacks. Wike stated that his visit to the grave side of the dead was to console the people over the injuries herdsmen meted out on people of the state. He charged the people of the state to start defending themselves, stressing that he had noticed the problems of the ruling All Progressives Congress
LG Polls: Police in Kano Warn Candidates, Parties against Violence Ibrahim Shuaibu Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ Security operatives in Kano State yesterday warned candidates and political parties against violence ahead of the Saturday local government elections in the state. They also the electorate not to indulge in any act capable of causing mayhem during  or after the elections. Addressing candidates and party leaders, ahead of the polls, the state Commissioner of Police, Rabi’u Yusuf, said politics is not about violence or thuggery. Yusuf, who is the Chairman lnter security agencies forum, appealed to the candidates and party leaders to play the game according to the rules by avoiding campaigns that might breed any unpleasant consequences because politics is not a   do-or-die affair. “We the security agencies in the state do not belong to any political party. Ours is to provide security, and as such, I will like you,  contestants and party leaders, to talk to your electorate, about your products, and at the end, they can vote for the candidate of their choice. “I am sounding a note of warning to you, we will not tolerate violence or carrying dangerous weapons during the elections. Anyone caught will face the wrath of the law. “There will be restriction of movement on the election day. After casting your vote,  you are advised to immediately leave the area because we shall not condone loitering.â€?
(APC) which prompted him to be fighting all the injustices being meted out on his government. According to him, “We have decided to come to this state to identify with the people over what happeneds; our visit has nothing to do with politics,� adding that, “time has come to rise beyond party politics but to face problem that affect our people. “Even if you hate them, you ought to identify and commensurate with them. “For us as Christians, we cherish life, we know what it
takes to lose a person let alone 73 people who did not commit any offence before they were killed like animals. “I’m just coming from the graveside, it is so painful, your pains are our pains. God will fight for you but that does not mean we should fold our arms and watch. We should not misinterpret the bible. “I was shouting this but nobody believed me, now it is in Benue State. My brother identify with your people, they are your soldiers, your police; defend yourself but that does
not that mean you should take the law into your hands “What I am saying is that when a robber comes to your house and knock at your door, do not say God help me, you must help yourself first. “They have inflicted serious injury in Benue, many have been turned to orphans, others to widows. “This country must sit down and find solution to the menace. Let the leaders admit their failure. Defend yourself does not mean take laws into your hands. When you sleep by 2a.m.
and somebody knocks at your door and you say God help me, you must help yourself first. We will support you but that will not bring back the dead. We will not abandon you this time.� Wike who came with leaders and elders of his state, made a donation of N200 million to the state to help the displaced persons. He told his guest to brace up for attacks over his visit, saying:, “Our visit is another problem for you but I am sorry if I have brought problem. I do not bring problem but if they insist,
sorry, they will take the problem because everything is politicised in Nigeria.� Responding, Governor Samuel Ortom appreciated his visitors for the show of friendship displayed. He reinstated his call for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, for failing in his responsibilities to arrest those already identified as behind Benue State attacks. He called for the arrest of the Miyati Allah group whom he said is responsible for the killings in the state.
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NEWSXTRA
Over 100 Doctors from Kogi Besiege, Niger, Zamfara, Yobe States for Jobs Yekini Jimoh ÓØ ÙÕÙÔË˿ Over 100 doctors from Kogi State have besieged Zamfara, Niger and Yobe States, including
Saudi Arabia for employment as a result of the ongoing industrial strike embarked upon by the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).
N5.5bn Debt: Court Summons Oba Otudeko to Appear and Testify in Suit against Ecobank Davidson Iriekpen A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday reiterated its summons on the alter ego of Honeywell Group, Mr. Oba Otudeko, to appear in court and give evidence, in relation to an alleged N5.5billion debt allegedly owed Ecobank Nigeria Plc. Justice Mohammed Idris issued the orders while delivering a ruling in a suit by Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, and its sister companies - Anchorage Leisures Ltd and Siloam Global Ltd against Ecobank Nigeria Ltd, challenging the alleged indebtedness. Justice Idris adjourned the suit until February 8 for personal service of the subpoena/witness summons on Otudeko. Yesterday when the case was called, counsel representing Ecobank, Mr. O.A Divine from the law firm of Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN), informed the court that he had two applications dated January 26 and January 29 respectively, but urged the court to allow him move the application dated January 26, which is seeking for a stay of proceedings in the suit. In opposition, counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Bode Olanipekun, after confirming receipt of the said applications, urged that the latter application (January 29) be dismissed if the defendant was not inclined to moving same, adding that he was prepared to withdraw his objection if the defendant is prepared to move the applications. The court consequently, struck out the application dated January 29, and urged the defence to move the application dated January 26. In moving his application for stay of proceedings, defence counsel told the court that the application was supported by a 19 paragraphs affidavit, as well a written address filed on same date. According to Divine, the crux of the application, is that, on December 21, 2017, the court had delivered a ruling in which it refused its (Ecobank) motion for stay of proceedings, irrespective of the its notice of appeal. He said the applicant being aggrieved by that ruling, had filed a notice of appeal before the court, urging it to grant same, as it does not share similar jurisdiction with the court of appeal. He argued that if the application is not granted, it would render nugatory the outcome of the appeal it filed. In opposition with a
20-paragraph counter affidavit, Olanipekun argued that firstly, that the applicant’s affidavit in support of his motion, had no seal attached, adding that it is a requirement of rules 10 of the rules of professional conduct. Again, he argued that reliefs three of the applicant’s interlocutory application is for a stay of proceedings in the trial court, adding that the trial court cannot grant the final relief which the applicant is asking the appellate court to grant. He argued that the applicant had not also exhibited due diligence as they have not even transmitted their records of appeal, adding that the appeal predicating the instant one, was not even ripe for hearing. He urged the court to dismiss the application, and order the applicant to open his case and call his witness, so that the case could proceed. In his ruling, Justice Idris held that having taken a cursory look at the records before him, the court was of the view that the reliefs sought by the applicant are to be decided by the appellate court. The court accordingly, struck out the application. When asked to call his witness, the defence counsel told the court that it intended to call the arrow head of Honeywell Group, Otudeko, as its first witness. He told the court that a subpoena had been issued on the witness, who fully had knowledge of the summons, but had decided to ignore same. Divine then urged the court to grant an adjournment, to enable the witness appear in court and give evidence in the case, failing which he would be moving the court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest and production in court. In response, Olanipekun argued that the said subpoena could only probably have been served on the intended witness recently, rather earlier, and urged the court to look at its record. He submitted that this was a ploy to further frustrate the suit, since the defence had a second witness it could call instead of the first. After a perusal at the records, the court held that the subpoena was only served on February 6, on a third party, and not personally on Oba Otudeko. The court then ordered that: “In the light of the above, i will redirect that proper service of the subpoena be effected personally on the witness, to enable him attend court, and I urge counsel to cooperate in this light.” The court consequently adjourned the case until February 8 for continuation.
The state Chairman of the association, Dr. Godwin Tijani, made this known yesterday to journalists while speaking on the ongoing strike embarked upon by the association. He hinted that many people have died in the last 30 days as a result of the ongoing doctors’ strike in the state, stressing that many doctors from the state attended the Zamfara, Yobe and Niger States interviews seeking employment. “We cannot afford to lose more of our doctors to the higher bidders,” he said. Tijani noted that the strike was 30-day-old on February 7, and the state government was
yet to meet their demands. “Many people are suffering to access healthcare services in the state and many have also died of preventable diseases. “This is not good for our healthcare sector; we have fewer doctors and many of them are leaving for other states with better pay. Also, many doctors have got job and have left the state. “Many of our doctors attended the recent interviews conducted by Zamfara, Niger and Yobe State governments, while others just came back from Abuja where they attended interview conducted by Saudi Arabia.
“Those who attended Zamfara State interview were about 30 doctors while Yobe State had more than 20. We cannot afford to lose more of our doctors to the higher bidders. “We are appealing to the state government to do the needful to prevent further brain drain that has already started in the Kogi State health sector. The time to act is now,” Tijani said. He urged the state government to do the needful by meeting their demands to avoid brain drain. According to him, the demands of the association are: “The inability of the state government to pay the doctors’
full salaries by paying 60 per cent of September to December 2017 salaries; some doctors were even yet to be paid. “The doctors want government to give a definite time line for the full implementation of adjusted CONMESS (new salary structure) for doctors in the state civil service and the accrued arrears since January 2014. The doctors’ associations and union dues as well as members’ cooperative society contributions were not remitted in full whereas 100 per cent taxes were deducted from their salaries, among others.
SOCCER ADMINISTRATORS
Proprietor,Oramah Football Academy Ozo Pat. Ifeanyi Oramah (right), with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), President, M. Ahmad, at the Extra ordinary CAF General Assembly, in Casablanca, Morocco....recently
FG to Establish Commission to Regulate Mining Activities Determined to ensure predictability in its mining sector and boost local and international investments, the federal government has concluded arrangements to establish the Nigerian Mining Commission, to take charge of the regulatory role of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who disclosed this at the Nigeria Day event at the on going African Mining Indaba, in Cape Town, South Africa yesterday, said the law setting up the commission is already with the National Assembly. Fayemi spoke as Nigeria took the centre stage at the African Mining Indaba, with the formal presentation of its new Airborne Electromagnetic Survey Results amid endorsements for the country’s mining sector reforms by mining experts, operators and developmental agencies. The presentation of the new Airborne Electromagnetic Survey Results, a major high point of yesterday’s event at the week-long mining conference was witnessed by renowned stakeholders in global mining, including Deputy Minister of Mines and Minerals
of Venezuela, Franklin Ramirez Araque; Australian Ambassador to Nigeria, Paul Lehman, Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Ahmed Musa Ibeto and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. Others include representatives of top mining conglomerates, mining nations such as Canada, Zambia, Angola, South Africa and Senegal. The minister said government was determine to strengthen regulation in the sector as well as ensure the improvement of its geological data. He said the commission, which would be known as the Nigerian Mining Commission, would not only be the final authority on regulatory matters, it would also take charge of mining leases. Fayemi, in an interactive session with investors and the media after the presentation of the new Nigeria Electromagnetic Survey results, said the delivery of the geological data, was in line with government’s desire to ensure bankable geological data, that would be an incentives to investors. He stated further that the ministry would undertake more extensive electromagnetic
Airborne Geological Survey of some promising parts of the country this year, as well as the completion of the National Mineral Database. The minister said: “We want to ensure predictability, that is what we want to offer. We want to be a big mining designation. “To achieve this, we have to put certain things in place, including provable data, sound regulations, capacity building for Artisanal and Small Scale Miners as well as assess to funding. He explained that while mining circle is not the same as electoral circle, it was important for government to put in place sound policies and reforms as well as bankable geological data that would make the Nigerian mining jurisdiction a major attraction. The minister also hinted on government’s determination to enhance its collaboration with the state governments and the host communities, a development which he said was being worked out administratively and through the establishment of the National Council on Mining and Minerals Development Council, where the states are playing active roles. He was optimistic that the combination of the various
reforms being put in place, inputs by the National Council on Mining and Minerals Resources Development and the Chamber of Mining would help to reposition the sector for better result. Top speakers who spoke on various aspects of the New Electromagnectic Survey results include Gaig Annison, Director, Business Development, Compagnie Generale de Geophysique (CCG) Airborne Surveys PTY, Australia, who anchored the presentation. He described Nigeria as a nation taking very bold steps towards becoming a major mining destination. Other speakers included Tim Dobush, CEO Geosoft Inc, Thomas Weissmann of GSF AG, Germany, Hajia Fatima Umar Shinkafi of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF). Also speaking at the event, Venezuela’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Minerals, Franklin Ramirez Araque, said the oil and gas rich country was also diversifying to mining in a bid to shore up its economy as Nigeria is doing, adding that the country has a lot to learn from Nigeria in its economic diversification efforts.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018Ëž T H I S D AY
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NEWSXTRA
Catholic Church Raises Concern over Influx of Cameroonian Refugees into Nigeria Appeals for support Paul Obi Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Catholic Church yesterday raised concerns over the growing influx of Cameroonian refugees into border communities in Cross River State, Nigeria. Caritas Nigeria, an arm of the Catholic Secretariat
of Nigeria (CSN), said the influx of the refugees into Nigeria has compounded already impoverished Nigerian communities. The National Director of Caritas Nigeria, Rev. Fr Evaristus Bassey, said in a statement that “recently, there
has been increased agitation for self-actualisation in Cameroon, which has led to the destruction of life and destabilisation of the polity and eventual migration of the people of South-West Cameroun into Nigeria through the borders and has created a refugee situation in some states
Komnet Decries Insecurity, Killing, Fuel Scarcity in Nigerian Martins IďŹ jeh The Koinonia Ministerial Network, an international Christian body, has condemned the high level of insecurity, killing of innocent Nigerians, kidnapping and fuel scarcity in the country. It said the killings in Benue State where over 70 people were brutally killed by Fulani herdsmen, and in other parts of the country have called for concerns, noting that Christian leaders should mobilise their
followers to take active part in politics by joining political parties and registering as card carrying members of such parties. Stating this in a release made available to THISDAY yesterday, and signed by the International President of the fellowship, Tony Olukoyede, the group said majority of those killed were Christians and that the crime was perpetuated by Fulani herdsmen. “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives, and we pray that
the Holy Spirit will comfort them all. “We therefore call on all Christians in Nigeria to stop forth with the eating of cow meat (Beef) as protest of the fact that the Fulani herdsmen value the life of a cow than that of a human being which is the reason behind their killing when they lose one of their cows; This is also in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who were murdered in cold blood in several parts of Nigeria.�
ADEWOLE, ACTING HEAD OF NHIS SUMMONED TO ASO ROCK reinstated Executive Secretary of NHIS but if that is the case, I don’t think his reinstatement is a bar to any investigation. “I didn’t say I’m not aware of his investigation. I said by EFCC. I was precise. I said I am not aware that the EFCC is investigating him and that if it is true, that the fact that he has been reinstated does not mean a stop to it. “That is what I said. I am not saying I’m not aware that he was suspended or any investigation is going on. The fact that he has been reinstated does not mean that the EFCC will not continue with its investigation, that is what I said,� he stated. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chided the presidency for reinstating Yusuf. The PDP, in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, described the presidency’s action as shocking, scandalous and a mockery of justice. The party also mocked the All Progressives Congress (APC)controlled federal government for allegedly covering up a cabinet minister reported to have bought a property worth N280 million in Abuja from alleged corrupt enrichment. “The presidency stinks of corruption and has lost all claim of fighting graft, as
long as it continues to protect indicted officials of the APC administration,� the statement added. The PDP added that it was disgusting that the same presidency that is brandishing a medal of African Union AntiCorruption champion, would short-circuit the processes, arm-twist anti-graft agencies and pull out an indicted government official, while he was still a guest at the EFCC where he was being grilled for his alleged malfeasance. The statement said, “This is a government official probed and thoroughly indicted for abuse of office and fraud to the tune of N919 million by a committee set up by the minister of health, comprising senior officials of the Health ministry, Department of State Services (DSS), and the ICPC and which report was submitted to the president last
September Also, labour, under the umbrella of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), yesterday questioned the recall of Yusuf, by President Buhari. In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday, ASCSN Secretary-General, Alade Bashir Lawal, said the action of the president was capable of being interpreted to mean that the government’s anti-graft war was selective and designed to deal with specific targets. “How can a government official being investigated for a whopping sum of N919 million fraud by the EFCC)be reinstated by the Government that came to power promising to sanitise the system,� Lawal said. “This is very unfortunate. We, therefore, urge President Buhari to rescind his action and allow Yusuf to leave the system in peace.�
of Nigeria. “While Caritas Nigeria has carried out assessments in Cross River State where the refugees have the largest concentration, it is seeking for guidance on other areas where the refugees are located to make necessary assessments in Ikom, Etung, Obanliku, Boki, Akamkpa and Akpabuyo LGAs of Cross River State.� Bassey stated that “the group responsible for the rebellion in Cameroon is principally the Ambazonian group whose members are more or less an Advocacy group struggling for total restoration of statehood to the former British colonised part of Cameroun that is often referred to as English speaking. Their objective is the dissolution of the 1961 Union of Southern Cameroun with French Cameroun. “Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (Caritas Nigeria) through its Diocesan Caritas, known as the Justice Development and Peace/Caritas (JDPC) in the affected region, JDPC Calabar and JDPC Ogoja conducted rapid assessments across some of the affected
LGAs receiving large influx of refugees from Cameroun between  January 7, and 20, 2018. “The assessment revealed that the Cameroonian refugees in Cross Rivers State were mostly based in the communities within Nigeria that are sharing borders with Cameroun. “Most refugees’ lived within host communities with relatives or in abandoned government quarters or uncompleted buildings or any available open space. “They have been dependent on the generosity of their also impoverished host communities for food and clothing as most of them fled for their lives with only the clothes they had on.� He added that “a rapid assessment conducted by JDPC Ogoja in affected communities of Ogoja, Ikom, Boki and Obanliku local government areas in Northern Cross River State, from January 17, 2018 to  January 20, 2018, revealed that the refugees though dispersed within the host communities were somewhat organised in that they had leaders who kept records in a register at a central location
within each local government area where the refugees could be mustered for registration, information dissemination or distribution of relief materials. “Their leaders keep records of the arrivals and departure of the refugees in the various communities, thus making tracking a lot less cumbersome. “From the registration centers in Ikom, Etung, Boki and Obanliku Local Government Areas, we gathered that a total of 22,215 thousand refugees had been registered, as can be seen in the table below. “It should be noted however that there is still influx of at least 20 persons per day at each of the centres as of 20th January, 2018. There was a heavy influx of refugees in Akamkpa LGASouthern Senatorial District in the Oban Corridor of the Cross River National Park. Our investigation showed that statistics had not been taken of the asylum seekers in the area and no relief has reached them. He appealed “for support for the mitigation of the humanitarian situation that has arisen as a result of influx of Cameroonian Refugees in Nigeria.�
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CRIME&PUNISHMENT Four Chinese Expatriates, 16 Others Arrested for Alleged Illegal Mining in Ebonyi Benjamin Nworie ÓØ ÌËÕËÖÓÕÓ The Ebonyi State Government in collaboration with security agencies yesterday arrested four Chinese and 16 persons for an alleged illegal mining at Echara Unuphu, Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state. Addressing journalists at the mining site, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Dave Umahi on Internal Security, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala, expressed shock over the activities of the
miners which he said have created environmental problem to the state. The mining site, according to a source, has been operational for more than 10 years with about five contractors engaged for various stages of works. “The future of this state is at stake because of the activities of these illegal miners. I have the privileged of being in China, and Chinese don’t temper with their environment no matter what the problem may be. With the type
of problem created here in the name of mining, it is possible that this tunnel they created must have passed to underground to the Government House and other places in the state. “So, what do we expect? A total collapse! Another road might be on the ground in the name of mining, and there is no society or environment or state that this type of thing is seen. It is not as if they pay tax and what type of tax would even be
more important than the future of our children and the entire people of the state? We will make sure that we fish out all these people. As the SSA on internal security, this is the first time I have seen this. It is threat to our environment,” he said. On her part, Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Mineral Development, Mrs. Nwakaego Nworie, said she had visited the site with
geological experts, and that the miners only allowed them to see the premises and prevented them from going round the whole site. “I became very curious and insisted that I must see the whole site. I moved down inside the site. I got to a place where a soldier prevented me and threatened to shoot me if I move beyond him. It was that day that I saw the tunnel even though I was prevented
from going closer to it. One of the suspects, Nnamdi Peter, who hails from Enugu, said he has worked in the mining tunnel for three months. “In the first place, I didn’t know this is illegal. If I knew, I wouldn’t have been working here. The company should have carried out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with NESRA before embarking on this type of mining,” he said.
Killer Wife to Die by Hanging in Bayelsa Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÏØËÑÙË A Bayelsa State High Court presided over by Justice Nayai Aganaba has sentenced 30-year-old Victoria to death by hanging for the murder of her husband, Henry Gagariga on February 4, 2015. The judgement on the killing which took place at the deceased’s residence along Ebisam road in Akenfa, Yenagoa, comes exactly a year after the same judge sentenced Izibefien Tamuno and Izibekuma George, responsible for the death of Edi Kolu, while on government duty as a surveyor to death by the same method. Delivering his judgement, Justice Aganaba said he was convinced beyond all reasonable doubts that the deceased, a lawyer from Sagbama Local Government Area was killed by his wife. The convict, Victoria, hails from Brass Local Government Area and is an employee of the Bayelsa Arts and Culture and had been cohabiting for years before the couple decided to legalise their union in 2014. The union was yet to produce children before the incident. Victoria reportedly stabbed her husband on the neck on the day after a misunderstanding between herself and her deceased husband who was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital. Before the judgement, the judge disclosed that the prosecution called six witnesses and produced seven exhibits while the defence only had one witness who was
also the accused. He said the onus of proof that the accused committed the murder of her husband rested with the prosecution in line with the three ingredients to prove a murder case. According to him, the ingredients included that the deceased died, that the death of the deceased was caused by the accused and that the action of the accused which caused the death of the deceased was intentional with the knowledge that death or grievous bodily harm was its probable consequence. The judge described as overwhelming the evidence against the accused and averred that she was the only person with the deceased at the time of death and the only person to have the opportunity to have killed him. According to him Victoria committed a murder of passion which was a result of jealously as the couple were obsessed with each other. “It is unfortunate that I can only pronounce the sentence prescribed by law. I wish I had the discretion to do otherwise. However, that discretion rests with the Governor of Bayelsa State. “I am only left with the compulsion to pronounce the sentence prescribed by law. I hope that person with the discretion would look at the circumstance of this case and do the needful. My sentence upon you is that you shall hang on the neck until you die,” he ruled.
Activist Sues FG over Lopsided Appointments into Key Security Agencies A rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Francis Moneke of Human Rights and Empowerment Project Limited has dragged President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation before a Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the non-recourse to federal character principle in the appointment of key and strategic security, intelligence and law enforcement chiefs by the current administration. The matter is before Justice Mohammad. Moneke, through his counsel, Mr. Ikenna Okoli, is contending in the suit that “the pattern of appointments of key and strategic security, intelligence and law enforcement office holders,
clearly shows favouritism and nepotism on the part of the first respondent in favour of the people from the Northern part of the country where he comes from, against me and people from the Southern part of the country, especially the Southeast, where I come from.” The plaintiff is further contending that “it is obvious to me that as a citizen of this country, I am at a disadvantage position in getting any benefit or official appointment, especially a security or law enforcement appointment, in the federal government owing to this manifest inclination of the first respondent towards favouring people from the North in that regard.
GOC’S VISIT Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), flanked by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division,
Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Okon Udoh (left) and Commander, 9 Mechanised Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, Brigadier Elias Attu, during the GOC’s courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja....yesterday
Police Parade Nine Suspected Kidnappers in Ondo James Sowole ÓØ ÕßÜÏ The Nigeria Police, Ondo State Command yesterday paraded seven suspected kidnappers that were arrested at a location inside a vehicle in Owo. The command also paraded two men that were alleged to be involved in series of stolen property. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Femi Joseph, who spoke with journalists on the arrest of the suspects at the
police command headquarters located on Igbatoro Road, Akure. Joseph said the suspected kidnappers were arrested on January 28 by men of the command on patrol. He disclosed that the suspects, who were inside a vehicle, were arrested with many locally made guns, cutlasses, bow and arrow and charms. The PPRO said the police were not satisfied with the claim of the suspects who said they were hunters from North on hunting
expedition to the Southern part of the country. “The command had begun investigation to ascertain the claim of the claimants because the command was not convinced of their claims,” Joseph stated. The PPRO Sunday Fatoki and Adamu Mohammed were serial receivers of stolen property especially stolen vehicles. Joseph said luck however, ran against the suspects recently when they received a stole Toyota Camry.
He said while Sunday was arrested at Ibadan, Adamu was arrested in Kaduna. He said the police have arrested those who stole some of the vehicles linked with them. The PPRO also disclosed that the police have rescued three kidnap victims from a bush on the Ore-Benin Expressway. He said the police were on the trail of their abductors who fled when they noticed that the police were approaching the scene.
Petrol Scarcity: NNPC Arrests, Charges Marketers, Hawkers for Alleged Sabotage Chineme Okafor ÓØ ÌßÔË The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday said it had arrested and charged a number of petrol marketers and black market operators to court for allegedly sabotaging its efforts to bring to an end the scarcity of petrol in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. It said in a statement from its Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in Abuja, said two managers of an indigenous petrol station were arrested as well as some black market operators by its special task force set up to monitor the services of petrol stations within the period of the scarcity. According to it, the arrests and subsequent charge of the petrol hawkers to court were
part of its efforts to sanitise the fuel supply and distribution system. It added that this was also to eliminate the queues, and that it has stepped up the arrest and prosecution of erring marketers and fuel hawkers across the country. “The NNPC special task force on filling stations monitoring has made a series of arrests including two filling station managers who diverted 66,000 litres of petrol and six illegal hawkers of petrol in Abuja. “The two managers of Azman filling stations in Nyanya and Kuje, two suburbs of Abuja, were arrested after close monitoring by the team for diverting trucks of petrol meant for their stations to unknown destinations. They have been handed over to the Nigeria
Security and Civil Defence Corps for prosecution,” said the statement from Ughamadu. He further explained: “In addition to prosecution, the filling stations would pay a N250 fine for each litre of petrol diverted. The task force has also arrested six persons in the Central Business District, Abuja, for hawking petrol in jerry-cans. “Three of the arrested persons – Samila Umar, Atlahim Abdullahi and Bashir Sani – were charged and prosecuted at the Area Court, Gudu, where Justice Sidi Bello sentenced them to two-month imprisonment or a N2,000 fine which they promptly paid. The other three who were arrested yesterday are expected to be charged today.” Despite the corporation’s
reported efforts at clearing the elongated queues of vehicles at petrol service stations in the city, THISDAY however observed that the situation has not improved. Stations visited across the different districts of Abuja have either remained shut and not operating or, they have so much queue to deal with. In Maitama, the Forte Oil stations along the Herbert Macaulay Way, and opposite the Transcorp Hilton, were seen selling with long queues, while the Conoil and Total stations opposite the corporate headquarters of NNPC also had long queues. Along the Kubwa Expressway, the stations there, like the NNPC Retail, had products but with long queues as well.
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THURSDAYSPORTS
Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com
Argentina Coach Warns Nigeria, Others about Messi’s ‘Killer Form’ Nike unveils Eagles World Cup jerseys in London Argentina Coach, Jorge Sampaoli, insisted yesterday that he expects Lionel Messi to be in ‘killer form’ for the World Cup as he would have been fully rested, which was not the case at Brazil 2014. And if that happens, Sampaoli said Nigeria, Iceland and Croatia would have to be wary of the South American power-house at Russia 2018 this coming summer. “We talked about his current situation, and about the fact that he cannot arrive as exhausted at the World Cup as he was four years ago,” Sampaoli said at a press conference in the Argentine capital yesterday. “The plan is for him to make the most of the rest periods so as to be physically and mentally fit and in top shape (for the World Cup).” Messi was excused to return to his club by the coach from a November friendly against Nigeria, which the Eagles won 4-2 in Krosnada, Russia. A ‘tired’ Messi scored four goals including a brace against Nigeria as Argentina went all the way to the World Cup final against Germany in Brazil four years ago. Meanwhile, Nike has officially
launched the kits they have specially designed for the Super Eagles at the forthcoming World Cup. The home kit is a simple, darkish green design with matching socks and a line of lemon green on the stockings. The away kit is a sexier design with a clever play of strips and having some semblance with the designs the team wore at the World Cup debut in the USA in 1994. The public presentation was staged in London yesterday. The Eagles will launch the new kits at next month’s friendlies against Poland (March 23) and Serbia (March 27). Super Eagles stars like John Mikel Obi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho were among senior national team players that reviewed the new designs, which also included those made for Nigerian fans on the video issued by Nike. Iwobi as well as Lateef Omodiji and his sister Sophia, who are yet to feature for Nigeria at any age-grade level, were the Nigerian players at the ceremony who modeled in the new Super Eagles jerseys.
NFF Mourns as Austin Mgbolu Passes on Mikel… home jersey
Iwobi… away jersey
Home-based Eagles to Earn $400,000 as CHAN 2018 Runners-up Prize Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Mgbolu The Nigerian football family was again thrown into mourning yesterday after news spread of the death of one-time image-maker of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Austin Mgbolu. Mgbolu, who served as public relations officer of then NFA between 1993 and 2001, was a highly conscientious, energetic and dedicated professional and left giant marks for predecessors to follow. Reports indicates that Mgbolu had a major surgery last month and appeared to have regained good health, before complications early yesterday morning led to his being rushed to the hospital where he died. “This is very sad. I pray that God Almighty will protect the family and loved ones he has left behind and give them the
fortitude to bear this big loss. “He was a thorough professional who did his job to the best of his ability and even as an analyst on television, he was forthright and provided wise counsel for the advancement of the Nigeria game. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said. Nicknamed ‘Booster’ for his magnanimity and encouragement of younger professionals, Mgbolu served with the administrations of Samson Emeka Omeruah (of blessed memory), Abdulmumuni Aminu and Anthony Kojo Williams, and briefly with the board of Brigadier-General Dominic Oneya (rtd) who came into office when Williams was impeached in 2000.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the cash entitlements of all teams that participated at the 5th African Nations Championship in Morocco, with second-placed Nigeria to earn the sum of $400,000 and not $750,000 as widely touted. The figure is the same amount paid out to the runners-up of the last edition of the competition in Rwanda. It was initially expected that CAF was going to upgrade the
prize money of CHAN 2018 to reflect the new sponsor just the way the winner of AFCON 2017, Cameroon was upgraded to $4million instead of the previous $1.5million. NFF President Amaju Pinnick, who is also a member of both the CAF Executive Committee and the CAF Emergency Committee, made the clarifications yesterday barely 24 hours after the Home-based Eagles arrived the country from Morocco with the runners-up trophy. “Official figures have now shown that hosts and
champions Morocco will pocket the sum of $750,000, with silver medallists Nigeria to earn $400,000 and semi finalists Sudan (eventual bronze medallists) and Libya to pocket the sum of $250,000 each. “The four teams that crashed out at the quarter final stage, viz Namibia, Zambia, Angola and Congo will each be $175,000 richer, while the third placed teams in each of the four preliminary groups will get $125,000 each. “The fourth-placed teams in each of the four groups will smile
to the bank with $100,000. “CAF has spread the monies in such a way that each of the 16 participating teams at the finals would benefit. No team has received its share yet, but once the finance and audit people conclude their work in a number of weeks, the teams would be paid,” Pinnick told the NFF website. Super Eagles’ players and officials, who have been promised 30 per cent of the bonus by the NFF will be smiling to the bank in a few weeks’ time when they get the cash from CAF.
AFRICA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Nigeria Shines in Freestyle, North Africans Rule Greco Roman Ondo State athletes representing Nigeria have recorded good start in the Africa Wrestling Championship which started yesterday at the Alfred Diette Spiff Events Centre, Port Harcourt. The cadet events that started on Wednesday saw Ondo’s Esther Kolawole winning gold in the freestyle event while Christiana Ogunsanya and Mercy Adekuoroye have qualified for the semifinal stage of their respective events. Mercy, the younger sister of
Odunayo Adekuoroye, is tipped to also win gold in the AWC event. However, Sunmisola Balogun, another Ondo wrestler won two bouts to qualify for the final in her cadet event yesterday. She defeated her Moroccan opponent, Taibi C. 10-0 on technical superiority Ondo State Wrestling Coach, Purity Akuh, told journalists at the championship venue that he was impressed with the good start recorded by the state’s athletes and Nigeria at
the championship Akuh said: “This is a big stage, some of the wrestlers are young and jittery but somehow they have generally done well. “We expect the country will do well in the junior event and the senior level in the days ahead of this big championship.” The male cadet wrestlers are expected to be in action from today while the seniors will take to the mats on February 10 and 11 respectively. However, host country Nigeria has been dominated by
their North African counterparts especially in the Greco-Roman category. Peter Ukoro (55kg) is through to the semifinal while Damilola Gabriel (51kg) will be fighting for a bronze medal after losing in the semifinal to Ahmed Fouad Baghdouda 10-2. The ongoing AWC is being sponsored fully by the Rivers State Government with Governor Nyesom Wike footing the bills of the Nigerian contingent from the preparatory stage till date.
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THURSDAYSPORTS
Sanchez Accepts Jail Sentence for Tax Fraud in Spain Manchester United striker Alexis Sanchez has struck a deal with Spanish authorities to accept a 16-month suspended jail sentence for tax fraud in return for avoiding a trial. Sanchez, who joined United from Arsenal last month, faced being tried over the fraud of €983 000 linked to image rights during his time at Spanish giants Barcelona, according to details of the deal seen by AFP. Prosecutors said the 29-year-old Chilean forward had failed to declare any proceeds from the exploitation of his image rights in 2012 and 2013 and had also failed to declare that he was the owner of a company set up in Malta, Numidia Trading Limited, which owned the rights. Appearing by video link from London, Sanchez admitted he had “made an incorrect tax payment” and that he had settled the issue with tax authorities. He was sentenced to two eightmonth suspended jail sentences to run consecutively, although prosecutors have called for the sentence to be lifted after two years if he does not re-offend.
Sanchez scored 47 goals in 141 appearances for Barcelona before leaving in 2014 to join Arsenal. He is rumoured to be the highest paid player in the Premier League following his move to United, reportedly earning around £500 000 a week before tax. Sanchez is one of a number of high-profile players to have fallen foul of the tax authorities in Spain. In 2016, Barcelona midfielder Lionel Messi was sentenced to a 21-month jail sentence that was eventually reduced to a fine of 2.1 million euros. Last month, Real Madrid’s Croatian midfielder Luka Modric paid Spanish fiscal authorities close to one million euros to settle his own image rights tax case. The former Barcelona and Liverpool player Javier Mascherano has accepted a one-year suspended jail sentence over a 1.5-million-euro tax fraud. In potentially the largest case, Spanish authorities are currently investigating World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid for tax fraud amounting to €14.7 million.
La Liga to Punish Diving, Provocative Celebrations La Liga players could be punished retrospectively for overzealous goal celebrations and for diving to win fouls after the Spanish league’s authorities announced changes to its disciplinary system yesterday. The changes come four days after Barcelona defender Gerard Pique celebrated an equaliser in a derby game at Espanyol by holding his finger to his lips to shush the home supporters, which prompted criticism from the league’s president Javier Tebas. “La Liga promotes and fervently defends sporting values such as respect, cooperation, teamwork, fighting for equality, social responsibility... and will inform the Competition Committee of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) of any behaviour contrary to the dignity and decorum of sport...” said a statement from the league. “Especially (behaviour) which provokes the animosity of the crowd, therefore impeding football
from developing in harmony with sporting values.” La Liga has compiled weekly reports of offensive chanting heard in Spain’s top two divisions since December 2014, when a Deportivo La Coruna fan was killed by Atletico Madrid supporters before a game. Clubs whose supporters repeatedly offend are threatened with financial penalties. The latest report highlighted abusive chants by Espanyol fans aimed at Pique, although it stated that the chants were heard after the player’s goal and celebration. The new regulations, published in the same email to the media as the report on offensive chants, state that players who dive could also be retrospectively punished. “Clear simulations or offensive goal celebrations which are not reflected in the referee’s report, and could cause tension or are opposed to sporting conduct have always been rejected by this league.
Korean Centre Donates Taekwondo Equipment to FCT UPEB Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Korean Cultural Centre on Tuesday made a donation of sets of taekwondo equipment to the FCT UPEB for distribution to four elementary and junior secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Director of Korean Cultural Centre, Han Sungrae, made the equipment presentation to the Director FCT UPEB, Dr Adamu Jatau Noma, represented by Hassan Sule. The receiving schools where taekwondo is taught in Abuja include; Model Primary School, Maitama, LEA Primary School, Wuse 1, Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama and LEA Primary
School, Wuse Zone 3. The taekwondo equipment include kicking pads, mitts, uniforms, thermometer and First Aid boxes are meant for use in the schools where the sport is taught. Han said the centre has continued to support the project by also providing instructors for better learning. He said the collaboration will strengthen the bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Korea in addition to a wonderful opportunity to hatch young athletes with physical and mental fitness as well as groom future educated champions, who will win laurels in both national and international tournaments, including the Olympics.
Alexis Sanchez… jailed in Spain for tax fraud
Conte Paying for Emenalo’s ‘Transfer Sins’, Says Wilkins Chelsea Manager, Antonio Conte is said to be on the brink of the sack following back-to-back defeats against Bournemouth and Watford, with his side conceding seven goals over the two games. The Blues are missing a number of key players through injury but they were played off the field by the Hornets as they were beaten 4-1 at Vicarage Road on Monday night. Former Chelsea midfielder and Assistant Manager, Ray Wilkins, described their performance as ‘inept’ and ‘abysmal’ but he believes Conte’s troubles are not of his own making. Speculation over Conte’s future has continued ever since the summer, with reports claiming he was unhappy with the club’s transfer business and frustrated he was not consulted more about their new signings. Asked why the Italian hasn’t been given more control in the transfer market, Wilkins said: “I don’t know. If you’re paying a
man as much as Chelsea are paying Conte, his knowledge is far superior to someone like Michael Emenalo, who they brought in to do that job. “The manager’s knowledge is far superior. He knows the players he wants to bring in. “The squad is weaker this season than the one that won the league last year. No Diego Costa, no Nemanja Matic - it’s been a massive blow to Conte.” Costa and Matic were both key members of Conte’s Premier League title-winning team, and both allowed to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer. They were replaced by Spanish striker Alvaro Morata and French midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who has struggled to settle at the club and was sent off just 30 minutes into the defeat to Watford on Monday. Emenalo was supposedly the man behind
those deals in the summer, before he ended his ten-year association with the club by resigning as their technical director in November. Wilkins insisted 23-year-old Bakayoko, a £40million signing from Moanco, in particular is not ready for the Premier League and says many of Chelsea’s downfalls this season have been down to poor recruitment. Asked by Alan Brazil if Conte is now paying for Emenalo’s mistakes in the market, the former Blues skipper added: “I believe so, yeah. “I believe it was Michael who made the changes. “To actually swap Matic with Bakayoko? “They should have brought in Morata to play alongside Costa and they should have signed Bakayoko just to play every now and again. “He is 23 years of age and he came in from the French league, which is a bit of a doddle.”
Akwa Ibom State’s Stride in Sports Devt Rewarded with Three Awards Okon Bassey in Uyo For encouraging sports development in the country, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports has honoured Akwa Ibom State with three awards. Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh confirmed to THISDAY yesterday. He said the awards were in the category of sports infrastructural development, sports development and best supporting state for the Super Eagles. According to commissioner, the awards were in recognition of the role the state played in recent times in providing sports infrastructure, grassroots sports development and providing the platform for the qualification of
the Super Eagles for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. “The awards were for the part the state has played in recent times towards sports development in Nigeria. You will recall that the Super Eagles qualified for the World Cup with a game to spare all thanks to the logistics support from the state government and football fans in the state during the qualifying matches in Uyo. “You recall that for the first time match bonuses and other entitlements to the players and other logistics were not a problem for the team. The state government had a hand in that and that contributed to their seamless qualification. “In sports development, you also recall that two teams from the state qualified for the finals of the FA Cup (AITEO
Federation Cup) last year. Akwa United eventually won the male version while the female team lost on penalties to their Rivers State counterpart and this shows the level of inputs we have made in sports. “We also hosted a nouvelle competition, the state’s Youth Sports Festival which was used to discover budding talents from the grassroots and that is a plus for total sports development not just football. Akwa United is also representing the country in CAF Confederations Cup and that is courtesy of the level of funding of that club. “In the area of sports infrastructure the Godswill Akpabio Stadium has continued to enjoy superior maintenance
and provides the country with the best playing turf especially for the Super Eagles. “In addition, we are continuing with the building of ten sports centres in the ten federal constituencies of the state and work on a new stadium for Eket city has started. That stadium will have an artificial turf so that our football clubs can also be accustomed on such turfs since most of the pitches they use outside Akwa Ibom are artificial,” he stressed The commissioner commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for the investment he has continued to make in sports and which has yielded results going by the performance of the state teams and athletes in national and international events in recent times.
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MISSILE Mandela Foundation to Jacob Zuma “Hearings, investigations, enquiries and other forms of disclosure are providing overwhelming evidence that systematic looting by patronage networks linked to President Zuma have betrayed the country Nelson Mandela dreamed of as he took his first steps of freedom 28 years ago. President Zuma has abused the trust of South Africans. He must go, sooner rather than later” —Nelson Mandela Foundation in a statement on Tuesday, calling on the embattled South African President to quit office.
OLUSEGUNADENIYI Fe-Buhari and Love Gone Sour THE VERDICT
olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com
W
ith less than one week to Valentine’s Day, millions of young men and women all over the world are already plotting and planning what to do with (or more appropriately for) someone on that once-in-a-year day of orchestrated display of affection. The interesting thing about Valentine’s Day though is that as you grow older and look back, you realize the futility of it in the broken promises, the deceit, the incompatibility and all the other factors that trigger the end of most relationships the moment the day was gone. The same applies to the political arena. In the build-up to the last general election, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (as he then was) commanded such adoration and admiration across the country that for a greater majority of Nigerians, he could do no wrong. With the election initially slated for 14th February 2015, some smart guys quickly ‘Yoruba-nised’ the month of February to mean Fe-Buhari (love Buhari) and that became a campaign slogan. Today, times have changed so dramatically that his spokesman last week had to be joining issues with those who are already calling the president unprintable names while fellow former military leaders who endorsed him only three years ago are now urging him to simply complete one term and go home. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let us go back to the concept of love since we are in the season of Valentine. Of all the books about romance that I have read, only few compare with “The Art of Seduction” where Robert Greene interrogated the process of creating a romantic spell, breaking down resistance and ultimately compelling a target (of love) to surrender. The characters in this game of seduction include the Siren, the Rake, the Dandy, the Natural, the Coquette, the Charmer, the Charismatic etc. Relying heavily on the memoirs of great romantic men and women in history, including Casanova, Don Juan, Errol Flynn and Marilyn Monroe as well as biographies of others like Cleopatra, Josephine Bonaparte, Mark Anthony and John F. Kennedy, the author provided insights into how seducers gain mastery over their targets. It is a story of Kingdoms that have been won and lost; lives that have been ruined as well as political and professional careers that have been made and unmade, especially on the laps of women--from the mediaeval age to contemporary times. However, even when the book uses seduction and the power associated with it as a metaphor of sorts, it is very clear that Greene is thinking beyond The Other Room because, according to him, “creating love and enchantment becomes the model for all seductions-sexual, social, political. A person in love will surrender.” Easily the most fascinating chapter in the book is where the author identifies what he described as the ‘Seducer’s Victims’ with the most gullible (not his word) being the ‘Idol Worshippers’, those easily bamboozled to throw their energy into causes they hardly understand. The way to seduce these types, Greene argues, ”is to simply become their object of worship, to take the place of the cause or religion to which they are so dedicated. With this type you have
to hide your flaws or at least to give them a saintly sheen…mirror the qualities they aspire to have for themselves and they will slowly transfer their adoration to you.” No politician in the history of electioneering in Nigeria has successfully approximated that thesis to cultivate a winning national coalition as Buhari did effectively in 2015 against an incumbent president. Even when he spoke for less than 60 minutes, if we add together all his campaign speeches, his mere presence was enough to galvanise crowds into frenzy. By the time his young and beautiful wife came into the picture, the election was lost and won. But less than three years in office, the president is now being assailed by the same forces that helped to bring him to power; perhaps because, as Greene also warned, Idol Worshipers “make perfectly adequate victims in the short term, but their endless need to search will eventually lead them to look for something new to adore...” That many of the young people who idolized Buhari in 2015 have moved on is no longer in doubt, but what I find amusing in the defence by presidential handlers is that they cannot feel the public pulse. While they list what they argue are Buhari’s accomplishments, they fail to understand that in statecraft, especially in a diverse society like ours, small gestures are sometimes more important that grand achievements and it is in the former that their principal is failing spectacularly. For instance, I don’t know how many roads Buhari can build in the South-east with his Sukuk Bonds that will erase the memory of “five percent versus 97 percent” gaffe. The message from that, to borrow from this season of Valentine, is simple: affirming love and respect to a partner (or, as it is in the case, a people) is far more important than the act of offering expensive gifts. The greater lesson is that the pursuit of equity in the distribution of opportunities in a plural society is not only important; a deviation or even a perception of deviation could cause problems for any leader. And to the extent that there has been no effective counter-narrative to the popular one in town that Buhari is a
parochial and sectional leader, it is no surprise that the president has lost many of the ‘Idol Worshippers’ outside his traditional base who were rooting for him in 2015. As I have argued in the past, for any Nigerian leader to succeed, he must be able to distinguish between, and sensitive to, ethnicity which promotes harmony in diversity and ethnocentrism which hinders growth and development. It was the late Ken Saro Wiwa who made a clear distinction between the two in his 1989 lecture at the University of Ibadan entitled “Ethnicity and National Development”. In his words: “Ethnicity is the fact of the ethnic group. It poses no danger to the nation. Ethnocentrism is the danger; it is the misuse of the ethnic group, of ethnic sentiments against other ethnic groups in a sterile competition.” A leader who cannot appreciate that and be deliberative in words and deeds is a sure candidate for failure. President Buhari is a Fulani man and he owes nobody any apology for that; just as I consider it unfair that some people would assail him for any crime (real or imagined) associated with herdsmen. I also don’t understand why he should be held accountable for the stupid proposition of an attention-seeking professor in Kano that is making waves on WhatsApp. But then, the president has only himself to blame. For instance, following the recent tragedy in Benue State, his lack of empathy gave ammunition to his opponents who remember that on 14th July 2016, he travelled to Zamfara, dressed in army uniform, to launch “Operation Harbin Kunama”, a military offensive against cow rustlers who threaten the lives and livelihoods of the inhabitants of Fulani hamlets between Dansadau area and Maradun - Zurmi axes of the state. Although there is no sign that the situation in Zamfara State has improved (in fact, available evidence suggests it is actually getting worse, with several people being killed and communities being raided, almost on a daily basis), such a hands-on presidential response has been missing in dealing with other areas of conflicts. It may very well be his nature but staying aloof and
distant when the people, especially those that have always held him with suspicion, are hurting does not in any way help his cause. Nigerians expect their president to connect with them not only when our country is winning football matches (as Buhari’s handlers are ever quick to jump on with his small television) but more importantly in their moments of pain. To compound the problem, some northern governors—smart enough to recognize that without Buhari raising their hands they cannot win on their own records—are making it look as if they love the president more than he loves himself by their desperate campaign that he must seek a second term. While we cannot deny Buhari his Constitutional right to seek re-election, should things continue the way they are in the country and he contests and wins in 2019, of what benefit is a hollow victory that history may not remember with kindness? Is that the legacy they envisage for the president? Therefore, if these governors truly love Buhari, it should worry them that under his watch, aside other existential challenges, the diversity which offers our nation unique opportunities for growth and development is gradually becoming in danger of being squandered through violent hostilities in which the protagonists use religion and tongues as markers to highlight and magnify our differences. Besides, there can be no bigger indictment than the fact that the president would be writing a letter to the Senate, controlled by his party, to dispute a resolution that questions his leadership on the Benue killings. With his Defence Minister, Mansur Dan-Ali, making an irresponsible statement and his Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, behaving more like the head of the ruling APC security wing than the nation’s chief law enforcement officer, how does the president expect to be trusted by a broad section of the country if he cannot call such men to order? The impression being unwittingly created is that these reckless public officials are speaking for him. Meanwhile, I sympathise with Buhari because, given my experience in another world, things are not always what they seem and I am aware that presidents have access to the fuller picture on every issue. But to the extent that a crisis rooted in the politics of economic survival has been exploited to endanger inter-group relations in our country, he ought to have been more proactive in dealing with the challenge. He must understand that the moment a leader is perceived, rightly or wrongly, as being unable to rise above certain narrow and clannish interests, it is always very difficult to build the trust of all the critical stakeholders and without that trust, the society cannot advance. While I wish all lovers, including those who have graduated to The Other Room, as well as the aspiring ones, Happy Valentine’s Day in advance, let me also use this opportunity to urge President Buhari to avail himself of the potential benefits of this season of love and mend his ways. Nigerians want a more caring, and fair minded leader. This is not asking too much of the president of a diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation in the 21st Century.
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